National

India Repatriates 266 Nationals Lured by Cybercrime Operations in Southeast Asia

Published

1 year ago

March 12, 2025

The Government of India has successfully repatriated 266 Indian nationals recently freed from cybercrime centres in Southeast Asia, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday. An aircraft from the Indian Air Force (IAF) was instrumental in facilitating their safe return.

Taking to social media platform X, the MEA shared, “The Government of India arranged for the safe repatriation of 266 Indians yesterday via an IAF aircraft, who were released from cybercrime centres in Southeast Asia.”

The ministry underscored the dedicated efforts of Indian embassies, which worked in close collaboration with the governments of Myanmar and Thailand to ensure that the affected individuals returned home safely.

This repatriation follows a similar operation conducted on Monday, where 283 Indians were brought back from Myanmar. These individuals had been lured to Southeast Asian countries through fraudulent job offers, only to be forced into cybercrime and other illegal activities at scam centres along the Myanmar-Thailand border.

A press release from the MEA praised the relentless efforts of its embassies in Myanmar and Thailand, which coordinated with local authorities to facilitate the release of those trapped. The special IAF aircraft that operated on Monday successfully transported 283 nationals from Mae Sot, Thailand, marking another significant advancement in India’s ongoing fight against human trafficking and cybercrime in the region.

The MEA reiterated its advisories, urging Indian citizens to exercise caution regarding fraudulent job offers. The ministry highlighted the necessity of verifying the credentials of foreign employers through Indian missions abroad, as well as thoroughly assessing recruiting agents and companies before accepting overseas employment.

The Indian government has consistently warned its citizens about the risks posed by unsolicited job offers from unfamiliar sources, as many of these scams have led to exploitation and forced participation in illegal activities.

The recent repatriation was made possible through a collaborative effort between Indian authorities, Myanmar’s Union authorities, and local groups operating in the Myawaddy area of Myanmar, where several victims had been detained. The Indian Embassy in Myanmar celebrated the success of the operation on X, stating, “In coordination with Myanmar’s Union authorities and local groups, 283 Indian nationals at scam compounds in Myawaddy were released and repatriated yesterday through Mae Sot in Thailand. We strongly reiterate our advice against such job offers.”

Earlier, on February 11, eight additional Indian nationals were deported from Myawaddy scam centres to Mae Sot, bringing the total to a larger group of 19 foreigners. At that time, the Indian Embassy in Myanmar confirmed the release of 133 Indian nationals, reiterating its warning against job offers in that area.

With these recent operations, the Indian government continues to take proactive measures against human trafficking and to safeguard its citizens from fraudulent overseas job schemes.

National

11 Hospitalised After Dead Lizard Found in Birthday Cake

Published

2 days ago

August 16, 2026

Namma Kudla

Maharashtra : Eleven people were hospitalised after eating a birthday cake that allegedly contained a dead lizard in Nalasopara, Maharashtra.

The incident took place during a birthday celebration. The affected group included seven children and four women.

According to reports, they complained of sudden stomach and chest pain shortly after eating the cake.

They were immediately taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Doctors said that all 11 patients are in stable condition.

The incident has raised serious concerns about food safety and hygiene standards in bakeries.

The case comes amid growing concerns over food safety in Maharashtra. Earlier, a rat was allegedly seen inside an ice cream freezer at a Blinkit store in Thane’s Godrej Hill area in Kalyan.

In another incident, food safety officials suspended the FSSAI licence of a Blinkit-linked facility in Malad West after finding several violations.

The recent incidents have increased calls for stricter checks on food storage, hygiene and safety standards across the state.

National

Dead Russell’s Viper Found on Vande Bharat Express

Published

2 days ago

August 16, 2026

Namma Kudla

Ernakulam: A dead Russell’s viper was found on a passenger seat inside a Vande Bharat Express in Ernakulam, causing panic among passengers.

The incident took place on Friday, August 14, at around 2.30 pm. The train was scheduled to leave Ernakulam Junction for Bengaluru.

The incident came to light before the train began its journey. Vinu Varghese, who works for an insurance company in Ernakulam, had booked a ticket to travel to Coimbatore with his two-year-old child.

When he returned to his seat after visiting the restroom, he noticed the dead snake lying on the seat. He was shocked and immediately informed the Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) and railway staff.

The railway staff quickly responded to the situation. With the help of passengers, they removed the dead snake from the coach.

After the snake was removed, the passengers felt relieved. Vinu Varghese later filed an official complaint through the railway portal.

In his complaint, he questioned the safety and cleanliness standards on the train. He said passengers pay a significant amount for travelling on Vande Bharat trains and expected better safety measures.

Varghese said the railway staff later apologised for the incident.

The incident has also raised questions about how a snake entered the passenger compartment. Vande Bharat trains are air-conditioned and have sealed gangways and automatic doors that open only at designated stations.

The incident has raised concerns about pest control and safety protocols on the train. Railway authorities have ordered a detailed investigation into the matter.

This is not the first reported incident involving a snake on a Vande Bharat train. In December 2025, a passenger was allegedly accused of deliberately placing a snake inside the Mumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat Express.

National

West Bengal Man Detained in Bengaluru over Alleged Terror Links

Published

3 days ago

August 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bengaluru: Bengaluru police have detained a 25-year-old man from West Bengal over his alleged links with a terror group.

The accused has been identified as Asafool Mallik. He is a native of Naopara village in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district.

Police detained Mallik in the Jigani area after receiving information about his alleged suspicious online activities.

According to the police, Mallik had allegedly established contact with a person identified as Imran Haider through Facebook. Haider, who is from Afghanistan, is suspected to have links with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Police said Mallik allegedly wanted to travel to Afghanistan and join the group. He also allegedly discussed retaliatory attacks against the Pakistan Army and possible attacks in India.

Mallik had reportedly applied for a visa to travel to Afghanistan. However, he later dropped the plan due to financial difficulties and family responsibilities, police said.

Mallik was living near APC Circle in Jigani. He had been working as a security guard at Tata Advanced Limited in the Jigani Industrial Area since December 2025.

Police said they received information about his activities while conducting patrols in the Bommasandra Industrial Area.

During questioning, Mallik allegedly said he was angry over what he believed were attacks on Muslims in Pakistan. He also reportedly expressed anger over Pakistan’s position on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Police further said Mallik was allegedly being encouraged to retaliate if Muslims faced difficulties in India.

Police later examined Mallik’s mobile phone. They allegedly found chats, voice calls and audio conversations between Mallik and Haider.

The police are now examining the chats, recordings and other material recovered from the phone.

The investigation is underway to determine the extent of Mallik’s alleged links with the terror network.