Raipur Police have arrested seven alleged members of a fraud syndicate accused of cheating people by promising to double their money and convert bundles of black paper into genuine currency using chemicals. The arrests were made at a resort in Pune during an investigation into a ₹1.13 crore cheating case involving a businessman from Balod, Chhattisgarh.

According to police, two women were arrested earlier in connection with the Balod case. Their interrogation reportedly provided digital leads, including mobile chats, contact numbers and social media accounts, which helped investigators trace the alleged masterminds to Pune. Police then kept the suspects under surveillance for nearly a week before raiding a resort in Khandala. The accused were allegedly attempting to convince another person from Varanasi to hand over money as part of the same fraud.

Police identified the arrested suspects as Gyan Prakash Srivastava alias Yogi, Praveen Kumar Srivastava alias Captain, Shetty and Reddy, Manoj Kumar Srivastava alias Bade Sir, Vivek Singh, Shubham Pandey, Yogendra Chauhan and Balmukund Dixit. The investigation has also indicated that the alleged syndicate had been operating since around 2005 and may have targeted more than 100 people across different cities. Police said some members of the network are still absconding.

The alleged fraud was based on what is commonly known as a “wash-wash” or black currency scam. Investigators said the suspects used black paper cut to the size of currency notes along with chemicals and staged demonstrations to convince potential victims that blackened notes could be converted into genuine currency. In some cases, genuine currency was reportedly used during demonstrations to establish credibility.

The suspects allegedly approached prospective victims at clubs, parties, yoga centres and high-profile gatherings, where they built contacts with financially well-off people. They reportedly presented themselves as members of influential business networks and claimed links with the Reserve Bank of India, senior officials and other powerful individuals. Police said the accused also used photographs with politicians and film personalities and sometimes appeared with private security personnel to create an impression of influence.

Meetings were allegedly arranged at expensive hotels, villas and resorts in cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Rajasthan and Gujarat. During these meetings, victims were reportedly promised access to foreign investment, influential contacts or schemes that could multiply their money. Once trust was established, the accused allegedly demanded money in instalments under different pretexts, including chemicals, testing, security clearances and fund-release procedures.

Police said the gang had a specific method for gaining the confidence of victims. In the initial stage, victims were allegedly given genuine currency and shown a demonstration involving chemical treatment. After the victim became convinced, the accused would allegedly replace genuine notes with bundles of black paper made to resemble currency. The victim was then persuaded to invest a much larger amount, after which the suspects would disappear or demand additional money.

More than ₹4 crore in cash, 17 mobile phones, black paper cut into currency-note sizes, glass plates and other materials were reportedly seized during the investigation. Police said the accused have admitted to similar offences in Chhattisgarh, Noida, Pune, Vadodara, Udaipur and Delhi. Praveen Kumar Srivastava and Manoj Kumar Srivastava have also reportedly faced previous cheating cases in Mumbai and Varanasi.

The investigation has revealed another unusual aspect of the alleged operation. Police said some of the accused had themselves fallen victim to a similar scam before 2005. After losing money, they allegedly learned the method and subsequently built their own network to target others.

The case came to light after Balod businessman Umesh Kumar Sinha allegedly lost ₹1.13 crore after being promised ₹45 crore in investment for expansion of his company. The investigation into that complaint eventually led police to the wider alleged syndicate. Further investigation is underway to identify additional victims, trace the money trail and locate other suspects.

The Regional Passport Office (RPO), Pune, has organised a Special Passport Drive on Saturday, July 11, to facilitate quicker passport appointments for applicants in Normal and Tatkaal categories. The initiative is part of the Ministry of External Affairs' ongoing efforts to improve passport service delivery and reduce appointment waiting periods for citizens with urgent travel requirements.

The special drive is being conducted at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) Pune and Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) Solapur. While both Normal and Tatkaal applications are being accepted at the Pune centre, the Solapur centre is processing Normal category applications only. The drive covers both fresh passport applications and re-issue requests.

The passport centres will remain open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and applicants have been advised to report 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment time mentioned on the application receipt.

Faster appointments for applicants

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the special drive aims to make passport appointments available at an earlier date while ensuring timely processing for individuals with urgent travel plans.

Applicants are required to complete the online application process, pay the prescribed fee, and schedule an appointment through the Passport India Portal or the mPassport Seva App before visiting the Passport Seva Kendra.

Documents must be complete

The Regional Passport Office has advised applicants under the Normal category to carefully verify that all required documents are complete and comply with the provisions of the Passport Rules before visiting the centre.

Officials cautioned that applications with incomplete or incorrect documentation may not be accepted on the day of the appointment, leading to delays in passport processing.

Tatkaal applicants advised to check eligibility

Applicants seeking passports under the Tatkaal Scheme have been urged to carefully read the Tatkaal Advisory and Tatkaal Undertaking before booking appointments.

The Ministry noted that Tatkaal applications are subject to stricter eligibility conditions and require additional supporting documents. Many applicants fail to meet these requirements, resulting in rejection or non-acceptance of their applications.

Authorities have also advised applicants to verify whether they fall under any Tatkaal ineligible category before applying.

Passport Authority may seek additional verification

The Ministry reminded applicants that under Section 5 of the Passports Act, 1967, read with Rule 5 of the Passports Rules, 1980, the Passport Authority has the legal authority to seek additional documents or conduct further verification whenever necessary for processing an application.

How to book an appointment

Applicants can book appointments by completing the online passport application through the Passport India website or the mPassport Seva App, making the online payment, and selecting the preferred location while scheduling the appointment.

For this special drive:

• PSK Pune: Normal and Tatkaal (Fresh & Re-issue)

• PSK Solapur: Normal category (Fresh & Re-issue)

The Ministry has encouraged eligible applicants to make use of the special drive to obtain earlier appointment slots and ensure hassle-free passport services.

 Heavy monsoon rains continued to wreak havoc across several parts of India on Monday, claiming lives, triggering landslides, disrupting transport networks and prompting authorities to issue weather alerts in multiple states. Maharashtra remained the worst-affected, with at least 13 people reported dead over the past three to four days due to rain-related incidents.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed Mumbai and surrounding regions under a Red Alert, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall accompanied by wind speeds of up to 80–90 kmph. Authorities have advised residents to leave their homes only if absolutely necessary, while private offices have been asked to implement work-from-home arrangements.

The Maharashtra Assembly was adjourned for the day because of the severe weather conditions. Speaker Rahul Narwekar said the decision was taken in view of the widespread disruption caused by heavy rainfall across Mumbai and other parts of the state.

Mumbai, Pune Hit by Landslides and Flooding

Continuous rainfall over the past three days triggered two landslides in the Bhor Ghat section between Karjat and Lonavala on the Mumbai–Pune railway route, disrupting operations on all three railway lines and leading to the cancellation of around 20 trains.

Heavy rain also caused a landslide and waterlogging along the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, temporarily affecting traffic before the route was later reopened after clearance operations.

In Pune district, a landslide in Patan village of Maval tehsil buried several houses. Officials confirmed that one person was killed, while 23 people were rescued. Search and rescue teams continued operations to locate two individuals reported missing beneath the debris.

In another incident in Pune, the boundary wall of a residential society collapsed onto a parking shed, damaging around 14 vehicles.

Mumbai Airport Operations Affected

Persistent rainfall also disrupted air travel. According to airport officials, 17 flights were cancelled and 217 flights delayed at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport by Monday afternoon, causing inconvenience to passengers.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) declared a holiday for schools and colleges and deployed nearly 15,000 officials and emergency personnel to manage rain-related emergencies.

Landslide in Jammu and Kashmir

Heavy rainfall also triggered a landslide in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, where debris buried six to seven vehicles on the Kishtwar–Doda Highway (NH-244). Road clearance operations are underway, while authorities continue to assess the damage.

Flood Situation Worsens Elsewhere

In Gujarat, continuous rainfall caused the Khodiyar Dam in Amreli district to overflow, forcing officials to open two gates and issue a high alert for more than 35 low-lying villages.

Floodwaters also disrupted connectivity in several villages of Una, while National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed for rescue and relief operations across affected areas.

In Madhya Pradesh's Dindori district, rising water levels submerged a bridge over the Turad River, while heavy rainfall caused widespread waterlogging in parts of Haryana, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal.

IMD Issues Multi-State Rain Alerts

The IMD has warned that the active monsoon system will continue to bring widespread rainfall over the next two days.

A depression currently centred over south Jharkhand and adjoining north Odisha is expected to move northwestward, bringing heavy rainfall to Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Odisha. Red alerts remain in place for several districts of Odisha and West Bengal, while heavy rain warnings have also been issued for parts of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa and Karnataka.

Authorities across affected states have urged residents to remain alert, avoid waterlogged and landslide-prone areas, and follow official advisories as emergency teams continue rescue, relief and restoration efforts.

In a significant development in the Ketan Agrawal murder investigation, prime accused Siya Goyal and Chetan Choudhary have flatly refused to undergo a narco-analysis (polygraph) test. The refusal comes despite earlier indications from Siya’s legal counsel suggesting consent. Following the defense team’s strong opposition on Friday, the judge clarified that a polygraph test cannot be legally administered without the explicit consent of the accused. Consequently, the test will not take place, forcing investigators to rely primarily on available technical and circumstantial evidence.

Court Proceedings and Judicial Custody

Upon the expiration of their police remand, the Wadgaon Police presented both suspects before First Class Judicial Magistrate A.M. Vibhute on Friday.

• Police Demand Denied: The Wadgaon Police actively sought an extension of police custody to further interrogate the duo, but the court turned down the request.

• Remand: Magistrate Vibhute remanded both Siya Goyal and Chetan Choudhary to 14 days of judicial custody. They have been sent to Yerwada Central Jail.

Suspicion of a Third Accomplice and Code Words Uncovered

Assistant Police Inspector Pawar informed the court that the investigation has made substantial progress, revealing highly calculated steps taken by the accused:

Key Investigation Findings:
├── Encrypted Talk   : Deleted data recovered from mobile devices reveals the use of 'code words' to plot the murder.
├── Expert Assistance: Cryptographic specialists are being brought in to decode the symbolic language used.
├── Hidden Hardware  : Police recovered an additional hidden mobile phone during a raid at Siya's residence.
└── Third-Party Risk : Recovered chat patterns heavily point to the involvement of a third accomplice.

Furthermore, the police have successfully verified the timeline of events with Chetan Choudhary, seizing the trousers he wore on the day of the crime. Investigators have also drawn up an official crime scene memorandum (panchnama) at the spot where Siya Goyal allegedly discarded her passport to evade tracking.

Special judge calls it 'rarest of rare' case; accused sexually assaulted 3.5-year-old, stuffed pants 21 cm into her mouth to suffocate her

The Pune District and Sessions Court on Monday sentenced 65-year-old Bhimrao Kamble to death for the rape and murder of a three-and-a-half-year-old toddler in Nasrapur, Bhor taluka of Pune district. Special Judge S.R. Salunkhe delivered the verdict, making it one of Maharashtra's fastest-concluded capital punishment cases, with the judgment pronounced just 60 days after the crime.

On June 25, the court had found Kamble guilty but reserved its decision on sentencing. While pronouncing the death sentence on Monday, the judge made a series of strong observations on the brutality of the crime, describing it as a "rarest of rare" case warranting the maximum punishment.

'Even hanging is insufficient for such a demon'

While reading out the verdict, Special Judge S.R. Salunkhe severely criticized the cruelty of the accused in harsh words.

"The accused left no option for the little girl to survive. He subjected her to inhuman torture, and not only that, but even after the murder he sexually assaulted her dead body. Even the death penalty is insufficient for such a demon."

"There were as many as 18 wounds on the girl's body. To suffocate her, her pants were stuffed 21 centimeters into her mouth. The helpless girl endured unbearable pain."

The judge noted that the accused had "crossed the level of reform long ago." Looking at his past history—previously at the age of 53, he had attempted to assault a girl in the family and an elderly person as well—he has no remorse whatsoever. "This incident falls into the 'rarest of rare' category."

Supreme Court precedents cited

Special Public Prosecutor Ajay Misar cited 12 judgments of the Supreme Court to argue for the death penalty. All these judgments had similarities with the Nasrapur incident.

While delivering the final verdict, the judges cited the 'Nirbhaya case', 'Bashar Ali case', 'Shankar Khade case' and 'Bachan Singh versus State of Punjab' cases.

"A murder committed with a calm mind after conspiracy, the cruelty in the crime and the shock to society caused by this incident—all these factors qualify for the death penalty. This act committed with a helpless girl child to satisfy one's own lust is inhuman," the court clarified.

Police investigation praised

During the verdict, the court profusely praised the work of the police and investigation agencies.

"Within just 16 days of the crime occurring, the police filed a strong charge sheet. Even during the summer vacation, the court gave full time to this case. 55 witnesses were examined. The doctor, cyber experts, and forensic team did commendable work. The police deserve congratulations for conducting an excellent investigation."

"Getting such speedy justice is a dream, which is not possible in all cases. However, the teamwork in this case and the follow-up by the special government lawyers is an ideal example for everyone," said the judge.

Age plea rejected

During the hearing, the issue of the accused's advancing age was raised on his behalf. The defense requested that a lenient sentence be given instead of death penalty considering his age. However, the court did not accept this argument.

Shocking medical report

According to the medical report presented by the prosecution, the accused sexually assaulted the toddler with extreme brutality. Not only that, but the prosecution made a serious claim that the assault continued even after her death. The findings in this report had triggered a wave of outrage across the entire state.

Crime timeline

On May 1, in Nasrapur, the accused allegedly assaulted and murdered the toddler over a period of approximately 39 minutes. After this incident, anger was expressed throughout the state including Pune. Protests took place at various locations and demands were made for strict punishment.

Fast-track trial

The state government took serious cognizance of this case and decided to conduct the trial in a Fast Track Court. The Pune Rural Police filed the chargesheet in just 16 days. Testimonies of more than 55 witnesses were recorded and various technical evidence including CCTV footage was also presented.

What happened during the previous hearing?

During the previous hearing, Special Judge S.R. Salunkhe found Kamble guilty. After the crime was proven, the judge made the accused stand directly in the dock and asked him point-blank, "Remember that incident and tell me yourself what punishment should be given to you?" In response, the accused tried to defend himself and attempted to fabricate a false story of an accident.

Society's reaction

This incident had extremely serious and far-reaching effects on society. An enraged crowd, in a sentiment of lost faith in the law, blocked the Mumbai-Bangalore highway demanding that the accused be handed over to them. With this verdict, there is a feeling that the accused has received the highest punishment for his cruel act under charges of kidnapping, assault and murder as well as POCSO laws.

Heavy police deployment was stationed outside the Pune District and Sessions Court. A large crowd of citizens also gathered in the court premises.

New CCTV and call‑record evidence has deepened the probe into the Lohagad Fort death of 26‑year‑old Ketan Agrawal, police said on Thursday, after accused fiancée Siya Goyal told investigators she had wanted to end the engagement but Ketan refused. Officers say Siya met alleged accomplice Chetan Chaudhary at a café on June 17 — a day before Ketan was pushed from a dangerous spot at the fort on June 18.

What investigators say

• Pune Rural Police told a magistrate that CCTV recovered from Lohagad shows a third person trailing the couple on June 18; that man — hooded in summer heat — later matched images of Chetan, officials said.

• Call detail records examined by police show roughly 2,004 calls between Siya and Chetan from January through the morning of June 18, amounting to about 338 hours of talk time. Authorities say the frequency and duration of calls indicate a sustained relationship.

• During custodial questioning, Siya reportedly admitted she wanted to call off the marriage and had repeatedly told Ketan so; police are treating this as one possible motive under investigation.

Alleged pattern of attempts
Police say the killing followed earlier incidents that point to premeditation:

• On May 31, both visited Lohagad and, according to investigators, Siya is believed to have conceived the idea of pushing Ketan from the fort’s edge.

• On June 14, officers allege Siya attempted to push Ketan at the fort but he survived by grabbing a bush; Siya later told him she’d pushed him because she had seen a snake. Ketan reportedly accepted that explanation at the time.

• Investigators say a pre‑planned backup — a staged road accident after June 20 — was part of their contingency if Ketan survived a first attempt.

Café meeting and planning
Police sources said CCTV and witness statements place Siya and Chetan together at a café on June 17, where they allegedly discussed the plan and identified the precise spot on the fort from which Ketan would be pushed. Chetan — who has been held in custody — told investigators Siya did not want to elope because she feared dishonour to her family, according to police summaries of questioning.

Custody and further questioning
Both Siya (20) and Chetan (22) have been remanded to seven days’ police custody and were questioned face‑to‑face late Wednesday night, officials said. Pune police also detained Neeraj, an employee at Chetan’s shop, because investigators believe Chetan carried Neeraj’s phone to the fort on June 18; that device is being examined for call logs and location data.

What tipped investigators
Police highlight three linked clues that shifted the case from accidental‑fall to homicide investigation:

1. Behavioural cue: Ketan’s sister said Siya’s answers about the fall were evasive when questioned, increasing suspicion.

2. CCTV anomaly: A hooded male in summer attire trailing the couple on fort stairs drew attention.

3. Call logs: Intensive call activity between Siya and Chetan (about two hours daily on average) showed an unusually close connection.

Family and background
Ketan came from a prominent Pune real‑estate family; his father Vishal Agrawal is a director at Success Group. The couple had been engaged in February and a November wedding was being planned — police said a lavish venue and travel arrangements had already been booked. Siya is the daughter of a dry‑fruits businessman, officers added.

What police are still establishing
Investigators said they are reconstructing timelines using CCTV, phone‑tower pings and forensic checks at the fort. Forensics teams are analysing injury patterns and any trace evidence; exact forensic results and a formal motive are still pending. Police emphasised that the probe is ongoing and they would reveal more as evidence is verified.

Why it matters
The case contrasts a public social‑media narrative of romance and wedding preparations with alleged clandestine plotting and a calculated attack. It shows how digital footprints — calls, CCTV and social posts — have become central to criminal probes. The accused remain in custody as Pune police prepare a charge sheet.

Further details awaited
Authorities said they will share the next updates after custodial interrogation concludes and forensic reports come in. The court has directed that both accused remain in police custody until June 29.

Romantic social‑media posts and a puzzling hoodie in 33°C heat helped Pune police piece together the murder of 26‑year‑old Ketan Agrawal, investigators said, after they arrested his fiancée, 20‑year‑old Siya Goyal, and her alleged accomplice, 22‑year‑old Chetan Chaudhary.

Police said CCTV from Lohagad Fort showed Ketan and Siya entering together on June 18, followed at a distance by a young man wearing shorts, a hoodie pulled low and a headset. The hoodie — worn despite daytime temperatures around 33°C — and evasive behaviour on camera drew investigators’ attention and later matched images of Chetan, officials said.

The couple had announced their engagement in February and were due to marry in November. Siya’s public Instagram feed carried multiple affectionate posts with Ketan: proposal pictures, cake posts marking the month since engagement, moments of dancing and flower exchanges. Family members told police the pair had been preparing for a wedding; Siya’s 20th birthday fell on June 19, the day after the incident.

How the case unfolded

• Initial narrative: After Ketan went missing at Lohagad, Siya told relatives he had slipped while trekking. Police first treated the matter as an accidental fall.

• New leads: Ketan’s uncle informed officers that Siya had earlier suggested postponing the wedding and had repeatedly pressed to visit Lohagad. That prompted investigators to review CCTV and digital evidence more closely.

• Suspicious CCTV: Footage showed a hooded man trailing the couple. Siya glanced back in one clip; the hooded man then altered posture, investigators said. That behaviour, plus the hoodie in hot weather, made him a person of interest.

• Identification and arrests: Comparing images from social accounts and CCTV, police identified the hooded man as Chetan Chaudhary. Call detail records and phone metadata showed thousands of calls and long conversations between Siya and Chetan, suggesting a sustained relationship beyond acquaintance. Both were arrested and booked for murder and criminal conspiracy; the probe is continuing.

Alleged earlier attempt and other claims
Police allege that Siya had earlier tried to push Ketan into a gorge during a Lohagad visit on June 14; officers say Ketan grabbed a bush and survived. Family members also told police Siya may have deliberately hidden Ketan’s passport, cancelling a planned pre‑wedding shoot in Bali — an action investigators say could indicate premeditation.

Forensic and investigative steps
Pune police said they examined CCTV, call logs, social‑media interactions and matched photos to strengthen identification. Officers are continuing to collect digital footprints, witness statements and forensic evidence from the fort and surrounding trails. No further charges or additional suspects were named as of the latest update.

Why this is drawing attention
The case has drawn local media and public interest because of the contrast between the couple’s public romance and the violent outcome. The apparent pretense of wedding preparations, social‑media documentation of affection, and the unusual hoodie detail have together formed the core of police leads — highlighting how online content and mundane choices captured on camera can become crucial evidence.

What police say next
Investigators told reporters the probe is ongoing and that more details would be released as forensic reports and phone‑data analysis conclude. Officials did not provide the suspected motive publicly beyond noting an alleged extramarital relationship between Siya and Chetan and claims of coercion and conspiracy being examined.

Further legal steps
Siya and Chetan remain in custody pending charges. The police said they will produce the suspects before court as required and continue forensic tests and trail‑site examinations. Family members of the deceased have been cooperating with investigators and requested privacy.