Latest news with #LohitMatani
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
2,000 social media accounts scrutinised, 50 objectionable posts deleted
Nagpur: In a robust response to escalating tensions along the India-Pakistan border, the Nagpur Police Cyber Cell , led by deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Lohit Matani, ensured strict round-the-clock surveillance, targeting misinformation and objectionable content on social media Pakistan-based posts containing rumours and misleading information still circulating, Matani warned against sharing or forwarding such vigilance act, aligned with heightened internal security measures, involved the scrutiny of approximately 2,000 social media accounts to curb the spread of inflammatory and misleading posts. DCP Matani revealed that around 50 objectionable posts were either blocked or deleted during the operation. "We also forwarded posts and their details to different states after finding them objectionable but not concerned with Maharashtra," he Cyber Cell's actions aimed to prevent content that could incite unrest or disrupt communal harmony, especially in the wake of recent border tensions. Although Operation Sindoor and the related exchange of aggression were suspended, DCP Matani emphasised that surveillance of social media for objectionable content will continue due to ongoing internal security concerns. "There are certain fake posts with misinformation circulating, but one should refrain from sharing or forwarding them or showing any type of support or adoration for them," Matani urged, appealing to citizens to exercise caution and responsibility online.
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Time of India
Ganja seized at Nagpur airport hydroponic weed?
Nagpur: The 10 kg high-standard marijuana (ganja) consignment intercepted at the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur on Saturday could be the first top-quality 'hydroponic' variety, sources said. It was grown in a controlled environment with water and nutrient surplus conditions, which the cops are now keen to ascertain from the experts. Zonal DCP Lohit Matani said the samples would be sent to the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL) to ascertain its quality. "We would seek reports from the narcotics experts of the forensic laboratory to know if the intercepted ganja was hydroponic weed," he said. While the cost of the intercepted variety was calculated at Rs20,000 per kg, the worth of the seizure would skyrocket to Rs8-10 crores if it turns out to be hydroponic weed. Across several airports in India this year, substantial amounts of the hydroponic variety of marijuana were intercepted from foreign nationals. Sources stated the regular quality of marijuana would unlikely be sent through air parcels spending high amounts. "The air routes are generally used when the cost of the consignment is high, or else sending the regular variety through air cargo is impractical financially," said a source.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Petrol pump owners threaten to stop digital payments over bank account blocks
Nagpur: Petrol pump owners in Nagpur have threatened to stop accepting all forms of digital payments—including UPI and card transactions—from May 10. With nearly 60% of fuel payments now made online, the boycott is expected to cause significant inconvenience to the public. The Vidarbha Petroleum Dealers Association (VPDA) stated that petrol pump owners have been facing financial hardship due to a rise in cyber fraud cases. The decision follows recent incidents in which the bank accounts of several petrol pump owners were either blocked or placed under lien. "These days, fraudsters often hack card or net banking credentials and use them to shop or buy fuel. When a complaint is filed, the police respond by blocking transactions. As a result, a lien has been marked on the bank accounts of nearly 30 petrol stations, and in two cases, the accounts were completely blocked," said Amit Gupta, president of the Federation of All Maharashtra Petroleum Dealers Association (FAMPEDA). Gupta emphasised that petrol pump owners suffer financial losses despite having no involvement in the fraud. "Fraudsters also use stolen credentials to shop on e-commerce platforms. Yet, no liens are ever placed on the accounts of those companies," he pointed out. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Highest Earning College Majors—2025 Edition Best Paying Degrees | Search Ads Learn More Undo The dealers are demanding fair and equal treatment. Memorandums have been submitted to the district collector and DCP Lohit Matani, who heads the cyber cell. A communication has also been sent to the Union ministry of home affairs through the Chamber of Associations of Maharashtra Industry and Trade (CAMIT), he said. Petrol pump owners are now awaiting a response from the government. Gupta added that digital transactions at fuel outlets will only resume if the government provides adequate assurance regarding protection against such cyber frauds. "As per protocol, all related bank accounts are frozen once a probe into cyber fraud cases begins. If an individual believes they are not directly involved in the fraud, they can either challenge the action in court or submit a letter to the cyber cell," DCP Lohit Matani said.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Time of India
Maha edu scam: 900 more educators to be named accused for misusing Shalarth IDs
Nagpur: The Maharashtra education scam is getting murkier with another 900 beneficiaries, including headmasters holding fake Shalarth IDs or unique web-based teacher identification numbers likely to be named accused in the case, which is being probed by the cyber cell. Bank accounts of maximum beneficiaries have been frozen to ensure fake ID holders cannot siphon off money from govt coffers, said DCP Lohit Matani. Deputy director of education, Ulhas Narad, along with other senior officials, have already been arrested on charges of malpractices, including creation of 540 fake Shalarth IDs, which enabled headmasters, teachers and other department employees eligible for govt salaries and benefits. The probe is heading towards the possibility of several key institution heads, management committee members, headmasters, and teachers becoming accused. Sources stated the cyber cell has already issued summons to 170 school management bodies and headmasters. "We issued notices to schools and headmasters who allowed 540 fake Shalarth ID beneficiaries to get govt aid and other monetary benefits along with salaries," said a senior cyber cop. "These school managements deposited money in accounts of beneficiaries, which they need to disclose now. We will later contact banks and get details of the accounts," said the official. Cyber cops are still trying to track down two accused, Laxman Mogam and Sunil Dhole, whose IP addresses were found to have created the fake Shalarth IDs. Sources in cyber police stated the school management and headmasters colluded with education department officials to allow disbursement of salaries and other monetary benefits to teachers whose credentials were questionable. "Shool managements also turned a blind eye to recruitment of teachers with fake experience certificates and bogus documents. Their questionable proposals and approvals were all cleared by zilla parishad officials and the office of deputy director of education," said an official. "We are likely to register offences against at least two officials from each institution, including the seniormost in the hierarchy and headmasters who recruited teachers with fake Shalarth IDs," said the investigating official.
