
Maoist carrying Rs 5 lakh bounty killed in gunfight in Jharkhand's Latehar
On Saturday, two Maoists, including JJMP supremo Pappu Lohra, who was carrying a bounty of Rs 10 lakh, were killed in a gunfight with security forces in the same district.
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Time of India
15 minutes ago
- Time of India
Hawala network busted in Goa as Rs 50 lakh drug cash found in washing machine; Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau nabs key operator; cartel money trail to Nigeria exposed
The Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau (TGANB) busted an inter-state hawala racket linked to drug cartels HYDERABAD: The Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau (TGANB) has uncovered an inter-state hawala racket linked to drug cartels, seizing Rs 50 lakh in cash concealed inside a washing machine at a Goa apartment. The cash was recovered following a month-long surveillance operation carried out by TGANB, with assistance from the Goa Police. The operation led to the arrest of Uttam Singh, a hawala operator who runs a mobile shop in Mapusa, Goa. TGANB officials allege that Singh laundered Rs 2.10 crore of drug proceeds in just one week. The money was allegedly received from individuals, including foreign nationals, and routed to Mumbai before being transferred to Nigeria. 'Hard cash earned through drug sales was being handed over to Uttam Singh at his mobile shop. He would then send the money to Mumbai, and from there, it was transferred to Nigeria,' said TGANB Director Sandeep Shandilya. Officials say the Rs 50 lakh seized from the apartment was a two-day collection and was minutes away from being moved abroad. 'Had we delayed by an hour, the cash would have left the country,'Shandilya added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Fastest Selling Plots of Mysore from 40L | 40+ Amenities PurpleBrick Learn More Undo The bureau tracked 58 hawala transactions between May 26 and June 1, during which Rs 2.10 crore was paid to Singh. The hawala network was uncovered during an investigation into Emmanuel Bediako, alias Maxwell, a Nigerian national recently arrested by the bureau. Police believe that Singh is one of several hawala operators working with drug syndicates to transfer proceeds to cartel leaders based overseas. As part of the broader crackdown, four Nigerian nationals have been arrested in Goa over the past month. Drugs worth Rs 1.64 crore, including ecstasy and cocaine, have also been seized.


Time of India
15 minutes ago
- Time of India
Verify pest control agencies before hiring: Agri dept
Thane: The Konkan divisional agriculture department has urged residents from Thane, Mumbai, and Navi Mumbai to verify the credentials of pest control agencies before hiring them. They warned that unlicensed operators offering services at cheap rates could pose serious health risks and potentially cause irreparable damage to properties. The issue of illegal operators working in the region was raised during a workshop of chemical and pesticide dealers from Thane and Mumbai, held in Thane recently. Following this, an appeal has been issued by the divisional agriculture department to residents to stay alert and report illegal services to the administration. "The demand for pest control is usually more ahead of the monsoon. Presently, there are just 414 licensed agencies in Mumbai, 257 in Thane, and 135 in Raigad, which is much less compared to the demand in the region, leaving scope for many unlicensed operatives to function," said Balaji Tate, divisional superintendent of agriculture, Thane. "Of late, we received reports of unauthorized individuals conducting pest control in homes and small businesses without proper training or licenses. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Keep Your Home Efficient with This Plug-In elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Learn More Undo These operators lack formal training and operate from hidden locations, relying on word-of-mouth publicity and offering cheaper services," said Tate. "Such operators often cut corners, use dangerous substances, and can potentially even harm lives and damage property. " Officials recommend residents must always check the licence issued to pest control agencies before hiring them. "Licensed firms and operators hold a degree in chemistry or agriculture, complete a 15-day certified course from institutes in Hyderabad or Mysore, and start operating after paying an annual licence fee of Rs 7,500, which is renewable. These operators also possess chemical purchase certificates," explained officials. Offenders will face action under the Pesticides Act of 1968 and 1971, Tate said.


Time of India
15 minutes ago
- Time of India
Airline to refund ‘unaccompanied fee' to minors
1 2 Kolkata: Akasa Air offered a full refund of the Rs 5,000 they took from two sisters, aged 9 and 17, in cash as an "unaccompanied minor fee" at Kolkata airport on Wednesday. This followed a TOI report highlighting the trauma the kids and their mother experienced. While stressing that the staff followed all regulatory and internal standards, the airline stated they would review their "communication and handling protocols" to ensure such situations are managed better in the future. TOI reported on Saturday how a June 4 Kolkata-Ahmedabad flight QP 1926 turned into a nightmare for the sisters, Mahira (9) and Manyata (17), after airline ground staff asked them to pay Rs 5,000 in cash for the 'unaccompanied minor fees' for the nine-year-old girl or risk missing the flight. The airline staff demanded the money in cash, claiming the counter was closed and that no QR code could be generated. The kids finally managed to pool funds from their cousins travelling to separate destinations and pay up, after which they were allowed to board. "We would like to clarify that as per Indian aviation regulations, any passenger under the age of 12, travelling without an adult, is classified as an unaccompanied minor. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 3BHK Transformation Possible for ₹4.5 Lakh? HomeLane Get Quote Undo This is a safety requirement designed to ensure their well-being throughout the travel journey. The process involves mandatory assistance, documentation, and an unaccompanied minor fee, which is standard across the industry," an Akasa Air spokesperson said in a statement on Saturday. "While our staff followed all regulatory and internal standards, we will review our communication and handling protocols to ensure that we can manage such situations better in the future." Speaking to TOI, the sisters' aunt said on Saturday, an Akasa representative reached out to them and sent a detailed mail offering a refund. However, she urged the airline to understand the gravity of the emotional damage done and respond with the "seriousness and empathy it deserves." "Having lost their father just over a year ago, both children have been battling emotional instability and grief. Their recent journey—undertaken without their mother due to unavoidable circumstances—was a brave and necessary step. However, the insensitive and mishandled treatment by the staff left them shaken and emotionally scarred," said Pearl Choradia, the girls' aunt. "Since returning, Mahira has been unable to sleep for two nights, experiencing panic and fear. Manyata, already under emotional strain, now carries the added trauma of seeing her younger sister suffer and feeling helpless in the situation. What should have been a manageable flight has left them anxious, fearful of travel, and deeply unsettled. This was not just poor service—it was a failure in basic human sensitivity. " In the letter sent to the aunt, the airline extended apologies for the distress and confusion at the check-in counter while explaining that the fee was charged as per aviation industry practices. The Akasa representative, however, added that as a "gesture of goodwill," the airline would process a full refund of the Unaccompanied Minor service fee that was paid and requested the account details of the kids' mother, Shalini Dugar.