Mumbai
Mumbai Police arrest Saif Ali Khan’s attacker using facial recognition technology
In a swift and efficient operation, the Mumbai Police have arrested Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, a 30-year-old Bangladeshi national, for the shocking attack on Bollywood superstar Saif Ali Khan.
The incident took place on Thursday, January 16, at Khan’s residence in Bandra, Mumbai.
The arrest was made possible through a combination of advanced technology, including facial recognition and CCTV analysis.
According to police sources, the attack occurred during an alleged burglary attempt at the actor's home. Shehzad, armed with a knife, entered the residence but was confronted by security personnel, resulting in a violent altercation.
Although Khan was unharmed, the incident left the local community in shock and raised concerns over safety.
Mumbai Police quickly deployed a team of investigators to track down the suspect. Using face recognition technology, a key tool in modern-day criminal investigations, the police initiated a thorough search through CCTV footage from locations across the city.
Read: Saif Ali Khan stabbing: Mumbai police detain suspect
The breakthrough came when investigators reviewed footage from Bandra railway station dated January 9, which captured Shehzad disembarking from a motorcycle.
The authorities meticulously noted the registration number of the motorcycle and cross-referenced it with available records.
This led them directly to Shehzad, who had reportedly entered Mumbai from another part of the city a few days prior to the attack. Once identified, the police arrested him without further incident.
The use of cutting-edge technology such as facial recognition and license plate tracking has been increasingly employed by law enforcement agencies in India to tackle serious crimes. It highlights a growing reliance on digital tools for crime detection and prevention.
Further investigations revealed that Shehzad had been involved in several other criminal activities in the region, although his motives for targeting Khan remain unclear. Shehzad is currently under police custody and will face charges of attempted murder, assault, and burglary.
Saif Ali Khan, known for his roles in hit films like Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior and Dil Chahta Hai, has expressed relief that the situation was resolved quickly and that no major harm came to him or his family.
Read more: Actor Saif Ali Khan stabbed in attempted burglary, undergoes surgery
His spokesperson declined to comment on the matter, citing privacy concerns.
The arrest is seen as a major victory for the Mumbai Police, who have faced growing pressure to improve security and tackle rising criminal activity in the city. Authorities have also assured the public that they will continue to adopt technological advancements to ensure public safety.
As the investigation continues, police are working to uncover more details about Shehzad’s background and any potential accomplices.
They have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help maintain safety across the metropolis.
This high-profile case serves as a reminder of the effectiveness of technology in modern policing and its role in protecting public figures and ensuring justice.
1 month ago
This Indian city will enforce police action against giving money to beggars
In a surprising move to eliminate begging, authorities in an Indian city will begin registering police cases against individuals who give money to beggars, starting January 1, 2025, according to media reports.
The initiative aims to make Indore the first city in India to be declared “beggar-free.”
The district administration has announced that an awareness campaign will continue until the end of December. However, from January, legal action will be taken against those found giving alms, marking the enforcement of a city-wide ban on begging in Indore.
This effort is part of a central government pilot project targeting the rehabilitation of beggars across ten cities, including Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. The initiative aims to reshape the lives of those who depend on begging while maintaining Indore’s reputation as a model urban center.
India listed as 'uncooperative' country by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
The campaign is being supported by Madhya Pradesh’s Social Welfare Department and local organizations. According to officials, a local organization will provide six months of shelter to beggars while helping them secure employment opportunities.
Indore authorities believe this dual approach—combining enforcement with rehabilitation—will not only eliminate begging but also create pathways for vulnerable individuals to reintegrate into society.
2 months ago
Preview of MI vs KKR: 51st Match in the IPL 2024
IPL will see the last third of the season go underway as Mumbai Indians will face Kolkata Knight Riders on 3rd May at the Wankhede stadium. Kolkata is sitting at the 2nd position while Mumbai is struggling at no. 9 with very slim chances of qualifying for the playoffs. The match will start at 8:00 PM BST.
Schedule of MI vs KKR Match in IPL 2024
Table: Schedule of MI vs KKR
Match
Date
Time
Venue
51
Friday, May 3, 2024
8:00 P.M BST
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Preview of Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024 (51st Match)
Historically this fixture is dominated by Mumbai Indians. But this time Kolkata Knight Riders will step on the ground as favorites. They have been a well-functioning side since the beginning of the campaign. The opening pair of Phil Salt and Sunil Narine have been performing great. Their destructive opening partnerships along with quick-fire innings from the likes of Andre Russell, Shryeash Iyer, Angkrish Raghuvangshi, and Rinku Singh have helped KKR score 200+ five times already. Wankhede is known for high-scoring encounters and this core of batters will fancy their chances here as well.
Read more: Tigers set for New York: T20 World Cup pitches arrive at Nassau County Stadium
Mumbai Indians on the other hand has been struggling with only three wins from 10 games this season. Their bowling has been disappointing beyond expectations and has been failing the batters all season. They conceded 200+ four times and 250+ two times this season. Although the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Gerald Coetzee have been doing their part being the highest and 4th highest wicket-takers of this season respectively. Yet it is proving to be nowhere near enough. Their key players like Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, etc. have been performing below their usual level.
MI vs KKR H2H Records So Far
Table: Head-to-head records between Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders
Total Matches
MI Win
KKR Win
Tie/NR
32
23
9
0
MI vs KKR H2H at Wankhede So Far
Table: Head-to-head records between Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders at Wankhede
Total Matches
MI Win
KKR Win
Tie/NR
10
9
1
0
Read more: Bangladesh vs India Women’s 3rd T20I 2024: Match Preview
Mumbai Indians Squad
Table: List of players of the Mumbai Indians Team
Players
Role
Hardik Pandya ©
Allrounder
Dewald Brevis
Batting Allrounder
Jasprit Bumrah
Bowler
Piyush Chawla
Bowling Allrounder
Gerald Coetzee
Bowler
Tim David
Middle Order Batter
Harvik Desai
Wicketkeeper Batter
Shreyas Gopal
Allrounder
Ishan Kishan
Wicketkeeper Batter
Anshul Kamboj
Allrounder
Kumar Kartikeya
Bowler
Akash Madhwal
Bowler
Kwena Maphaka
Bowler
Mohammad Nabi
Allrounder
Shams Mulani
Allrounder
Naman Dhir
Top Order Batter
Shivalik Sharma
Batter
Rohit Sharma
Top Order Batter
Romario Shepherd
Bowling Allrounder
Arjun Tendulkar
Bowler
Nuwan Thushara
Bowler
Tilak Verma
Batting Allrounder
Nehal Wadhera
Top Order Batter
Luke Wood
Bowler
Suryakumar Yadav
Batter
Read more: India Women secure lead with rain-affected win over Bangladesh
Kolkata Knight Riders Squad
Table: Players list of Kolkata Knight Riders Team
Players
Role
Shreyas Iyer ©
Top Order Batter
Vaibhav Arora
Bowler
Srikar Bharat
Wicketkeeper Batter
Dushmantha Chameera
Bowler
AM Ghazanfar
Bowler
Harshit Rana
Bowler
Venkatesh Iyer
Allrounder
Sunil Narine
Bowling Allrounder
Manish Pandey
Top Order Batter
Angkrish Raghuvanshi
Top Order Batter
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Wicketkeeper Batter
Ramandeep Singh
Middle Order Batter
Nitish Rana
Middle Order Batter
Anukul Roy
Allrounder
Andre Russell
Allrounder
Sherfane Rutherford
Middle Order Batter
Chetan Sakariya
Bowler
Sakib Hussain
Bowler
Phil Salt
Wicketkeeper Batter
Rinku Singh
Middle Order Batter
Mitchell Starc
Bowler
Suyash Sharma
Bowler
Varun Chakravarthy
Bowler
Read more: BCB announces ticket sales for Bangladesh vs. Zimbabwe T20I Series
Key Players to Watch in the MI Squad
Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah has been one of the only constants of Mumbai Indians this year. He is the highest wicket-taker with 14 wickets currently. 9 of them came from the three matches MI won with an economy of 5.33 only. It is evident how much Bumrah needs to shine for MI to win.
Tilak Varma
Tilak Varma has been arguably the best batter of MI this season. He is the highest run-scorer for Mumbai with 343 runs from 10 games averaging 42.87 and striking at 153.81. He also played 3 50+ innings and is the only entrant from Mumbai in the top 10 run-scorer list.
Read more: Preview of Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe 1st T20I Match of 2024
Key Players to watch in the KKR Squad
Sunil Narine
Sunil Narine has rediscovered himself in this IPL. The legend of this tournament has found a new life with the bat in hand. He is the 2nd highest run-scorer of KKR with 372 runs striking at a mammoth rate of 181. He also has a century as well. He also picked up 11 wickets with the bowl making him the most impactful player of this KKR side.
Phil Salt
Phil Salt is KKR’s other destructive opener who scored 392 runs and kept a strike rate of 180.64. He has four fifties which is joint most this season. His opening partnership with Narine has decided many games for KKR this season and it shouldn’t be anything different this time as well.
Read more: Analyzing Bangladesh Preliminary Squad in the Upcoming BAN vs ZIM T20I Series 2024
Final Words
According to statistics Mumbai Indians dominate over Kolkata Knight Riders. However, the situation is different in IPL 2024 where KKR and MI are holding rank 2 and 9 respectively so far.
MI cannot afford to lose any game now if they wish to qualify for the playoffs. On the other hand, KKR will look to strengthen their position at the top of the table with a win in this game.
Therefore, it can be said that it will be challenging for Mumbai Indians to win against a well-polished opponent like Kolkata Knight Riders in the 51st match of the IPL 2024 tournament.
Read more: What lies ahead for Bangladesh spinners under Mushtaq Ahmed's guidance
10 months ago
Mumbai Travel Guide: Must-visit Places and Fun Activities
Formerly known as Bombay, Mumbai is a city packed with history and heritage on the west coast of India. The city is often dubbed the financial capital of India, owing to its business settlements and port. The iconic Hindi film industry, better known as Bollywood, is at the centre of Mumbai's popular culture.
This year, the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai will host six games of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, including a home game and a semi-final. With the greatest cricket event on the horizon, let’s look at 10 of the best places to explore in Mumbai.
Top Places to Explore in Mumbai
Gateway of India
The Gateway of India is probably one of the most iconic landmarks in India. From paintings to notes to stamps, the Gateway of India is truly representative of India and its hospitality.
Getting to the Gateway of India is fairly easy. Either take a bus or taxi from anywhere in Mumbai and head over to Colaba, South Mumbai. On the far end of the edge of the Arabian Sea, the iconic monument stands tall.
Explore the surrounding areas on the rocky coast. There are numerous vendors selling delectable street food like vada pav, pav bhaji, and bhel puri. Visitors can also take boat rides to the nearby Elephanta Caves.
Read more: How to get an Indian Tourist Visa from Bangladesh - UNB
Marine Drive
Marine Drive connects the Gateway of India with downtown Mumbai with a 3.6 km long stretch along the boulevard on the south coast of Mumbai.
At night, the road lights up, which, when seen from above, looks like a string of pearls across the Mumbai coast.
The road also leads to the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, the crown jewel of the Taj Hotels and an iconic Indo-Saracenic architectural heritage of the city.
1 year ago
UN names Pakistani linked to Mumbai attacks as terrorist
The United Nations has designated an anti-India militant being held in Pakistan as a global terrorist, the world body’s second such designation stemming from the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai that killed 166 people.
The announcement regarding Pakistani citizen Abdul Rehan Makki was hailed by neighboring India on Tuesday, a day after the decision.
Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said the Islamic nation is itself a victim of terrorism and Pakistan supports counter-terrorism efforts at the international level, including at the United Nations.
Makki, 68, is a senior figure in the outlawed Lashkar-e-Taiba group, which is mainly active in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir. He was arrested in Pakistan's Punjab province in 2019 and convicted in November and December 2020 in two separate cases on charges of terror financing.
Makki was sentenced to one year in prison but officials say he is still in custody without providing an explanation. He is being held in Punjab pending his appeals, according to several government officials who are familiar with the case.
The U.N. Security Council committee overseeing sanctions against al-Qaida and Islamic State extremists and their associates put Makki on the sanctions blacklist after approval by the council’s 15 members.
Under the U.N. measure, Makki's assets can be frozen and he will also face a travel ban.
Makki is a close relative of Hafiz Saeed, a militant leader accused of orchestrating the Mumbai attacks. Saeed, 72, is serving a 31-year prison sentence and was designated a terrorist by the United States and the U.N. Security Council after the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Saeed, like Makki, was never charged in connection with the Mumbai attacks that strained relations between Pakistan and India. He is the founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba, which was blamed by India for the attacks in India.
Read more: Savage Truth Behind Mumbai Carnage
Monday's U.N. Security Council decision came after China lifted a hold on adding Makki, who has been under U.S. sanctions since November 2010.
The spokesperson at India's Ministry of External Affairs in the capital New Delhi, Shri Arindam Bagchi, on Tuesday welcomed Makki's designation as a terrorist.
“India remains committed to pursuing a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and will continue to press the international community to take credible, verifiable and irreversible action against terrorism," he said.
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the spokesperson at Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, said: “Pakistan is a victim of terrorism and supports counter-terrorism efforts at the international level including at the United Nations and other multilateral fora."
Baloch said in a statement that “Pakistan has always called for strict compliance with the Security Council’s listing rules, procedures and established processes to maintain the integrity of the UN counter-terrorism regime."
Since gaining independence from Britain in 1947, Pakistan and India, which have a history of bitter relations, have fought two of their three wars over Kashmir, which is split between them and claimed by both in its entirety.
Read more: 13th anniversary of Mumbai terror attacks observed in Bangladesh
2 years ago
Flight carrying over 200 Indians from Ukraine lands in Mumbai
An Air India flight from Romania carrying over 200 Indian nationals evacuated from war-torn Ukraine landed at Mumbai airport on Saturday night, officials said.
Since the Ukrainian airspace has been closed for civilian flights in the wake of the Russian invasion, some 209 stranded Indians, including students, were evacuated to Romanian capital Bucharest.
"The evacuated Indians boarded the Air India flight from Bucharest. The flight landed at 8pm (local time)," a senior aviation official told the media.
Also read: Ukraine: Curfew extended as Russian troops press on capital
Earlier in the day, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar took to Twitter to share pictures of the evacuees on the flight. "I am personally monitoring. The first flight to Mumbai with 219 Indian nationals has taken off from Romania,” he wrote.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to immediately halt military action against Ukraine, underscoring the need for a diplomatic solution to the standoff.
On Thursday, Ukraine's envoy in Delhi sought Modi's intervention in ending the Russian offensive.
"Modi ji is one of the most powerful, respected world leaders. You have a privileged, strategic relation with Russia. If Modiji speaks to Putin we are hopeful he'll respond," Ukraine's Ambassador Igor Polikha had told the local media.
Also read: Ukraine minister:198 killed, 1000 wounded
"India should be much more actively engaged, given the privileged relation India has with Russia. Not just for our safety, but of your own citizen's safety too, we need intervention of India."
An estimated 15,000 Indians are said to be currently in Ukraine.
3 years ago
Bollywood bids tearful adieu to Bappi Lahiri
Bollywood on Thursday bade a tearful adieu to legendary singer-composer Bappi Lahiri who passed away in the western Indian city of Mumbai on Tuesday.
Lahiri was cremated as per Hindu traditions at the Vile Parle crematorium after his son Bappa rushed back from the US for the final rites of the 'Disco King of Bollywood'.
The 69-year-old, who introduced synthesised disco beats to Bollywood, died at a hospital in Mumbai around midnight on Tuesday. Hospital doctors had attributed Lahiri's death to obstructive sleep apnea.
Also read: Bappi Lahiri, the disco king of Bollywood, departs
Originally from Bengal, Lahiri shot to fame in Bollywood in the 1980s and 1990s for his music in blockbusters like 'Wardat', 'Disco Dancer', 'Namak Halaal' and 'Sharaabi'. He last movie song was for 'Baaghi 3' in 2020.
Lahiri's last public appearance though was on reality TV show 'Big Boss 15', where he had appeared with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan to promote his grandson Swasti's new song Baccha Party.
In 2014, Lahiri joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and was made its candidate from Srerampur parliamentary constituency in Bengal. He, however, failed to make it to the Indian Parliament.
Also read: Runa Laila remembers friend, collaborator Bappi Lahiri
3 years ago
25 die as heavy rains batter India's Mumbai
As many as 25 people have been killed in house collapses triggered by heavy monsoon rains in India's financial capital Mumbai in the past 24 hours, officials said on Sunday.
Mumbai received 177 mm rainfall between 8pm Saturday and 8am Sunday, according to the Indian Meteorological Department.
"While 20 people lost their lives after getting trapped under the debris of their houses in the hilly Chembur area, a Mumbai suburb, five more died in the neighbouring Vikhroli area," a civic body official told the media.
Also read: Indonesia landslides death toll rises to 126, dozens missing
In Vikhroli, a two-storey building collapsed like a pack of cards unable to withstand the heavy overnight showers, the official added.
So far, 15 people have been pulled out alive by rescuers from under the debris in these two areas. "These injured survivors have been admitted to nearby hospitals. The victims include women and kids," he said.
Local TV channels beamed footage of live rescue operations in these areas.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted to offer his condolences and also announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased. "Rs 50,000 would be given to those injured."
Also read: Typhoon, landslides leave 35 dead, 59 missing in Vietnam
A probe has been ordered into the building collapses, the civic body official added.
Building collapses are common in India, particularly during the monsoon months of June, July and August. Poor construction quality is often blamed for such collapses.
3 years ago
Building collapse kills 11 after monsoon flooding in Mumbai
A dilapidated building collapsed following heavy rains in the western Indian city of Mumbai, killing at least 11 people and injuring seven others, police said Thursday.
Heavy monsoon rains during the day Wednesday had flooded several parts of the city that is India’s financial and entertainment capital.
Read: India reports record high of 6,148 COVID-19 deaths in 24 hours
The three-story building collapsed late Wednesday night, and police officer Ravindra Kadam said dozens of rescuers were clearing the debris to find any residents possibly still trapped.
The New Delhi Television channel said the building collapsed onto another structure in a slum in the Malad West area of Mumbai.
Read: 17 killed in India road crash
Residents joined the fire and police officers in rescuing people and they took the seven injured to a hospital in the suburban Kandivali area.
Mumbai recorded 222 millimeters (8 inches) of rain in 12 hours Wednesday. Tidal waves that reached up to 4. 6 meters (13 feet) prevented the rainfall from being drained, and roads, rail tracks and neighborhoods were left waterlogged.
Read:18 die in India chemical factory fire
Building collapses are common in India during the June-September monsoon season when heavy rains weaken the foundations of structures that are poorly built.
In 2019, a three-story building collapsed in a hilly area in the northern Indian town of Solan following heavy rains, killing 14 people. A four-story building collapsed in Mumbai the same year and killed 10 people.
3 years ago
Indian navy searches for 78 missing from barge sunk by storm
Indian navy ships and helicopters searched in extreme weather and rough seas Wednesday for 78 people still missing from a barge that sank off Mumbai as a deadly cyclone blew ashore this week.
Navy Cdr. Alok Anand said 183 people were rescued within 24 hours by the three ships and helicopters engaged in the operation.
A survivor told the New Delhi Television news channel that he jumped into the sea with his life jacket and was later picked up by the navy.
In another operation, a navy helicopter rescued 35 crew members of another barge, GAL Constructor, which ran aground north of Mumbai, a government statement said.
Read:India scours sea after barge sinks, 2nd adrift after cyclone
Both barges were working for Oil and Natural Gas Corp., the largest crude oil and natural gas company in India.
The company said the barges were carrying personnel deployed for offshore drilling and their anchors gave away during the storm.
Cyclone Tauktae, the most powerful storm to hit the region in more than two decades, packed sustained winds of up to 210 kilometers (130 miles) per hour when it came ashore in Gujarat state late Monday. The storm left at least 25 dead in Gujarat and Maharashtra states.
The Hindu newspaper Wednesday tallied more than 16,000 houses damaged in Gujarat state and trees and power poles uprooted.
The cyclone has weakened into a depression centered over the south of Rajasthan state and adjoining Gujarat region, a statement by the Indian Meteorological Department said on Wednesday.
In Nepal, authorities on Tuesday asked mountaineers to descend from high altitudes because the storm system may bring severe weather.
Hundreds of climbers, guides and staff are on various mountains in Nepal, trying to climb the peaks this month when weather is usually most favorable in the high altitudes. Nepal has eight of the world’s 14 highest peaks, including Mount Everest.
Read:Powerful cyclone hits land in India amid deadly virus surge
The Department of Tourism in a statement Tuesday asked climbers and outfitting agencies to monitor the weather and stay safe.
In 2014, snowstorms and avalanches triggered by a cyclone in India killed 43 people in Nepal’s mountains in the worst hiking disaster in the Himalayan nation.
The snowstorms were believed to be whipped by the tail end of a cyclone that hit the Indian coast a few days earlier.
The blizzards swept through the popular Annapurna trekking route and hikers were caught off-guard when the weather changed quickly.
3 years ago