The Crime Branch recently arrested six Bangladeshi women from the Hanuman Tekdi area of Bhiwandi for residing in India without any valid documentation. Acting on information suggesting that some women involved in prostitution were also illegal immigrants, the police formed a special team in coordination with the local Crime Branch Unit-2 to investigate further.

On Monday at approximately 1:45 pm, the team conducted a raid at Bombay Chawl, Lane Nos. 1 and 2, in Hanuman Tekdi, Bhiwandi, under the jurisdiction of the Thane Police Commissionerate. During the raid, six women were apprehended after failing to provide any valid identification or travel documents. Preliminary investigations revealed that these women had crossed the India-Bangladesh border illegally and were residing in rented accommodations in Bhiwandi.

A case has been registered against the women under various sections of the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, and the Foreigners Act, 1946. The investigation is ongoing to uncover further links and details regarding their activities and possible networks aiding their illegal stay.

In addition to the arrests, the landlord who rented out the property to these women has also been booked under Section 7 of the Foreigners Act, 1946, for knowingly providing accommodation to illegal immigrants. The authorities are emphasizing stricter enforcement of laws to prevent such violations and maintain national security.

Photo source: File Photo

A significant security breach at the office of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has sparked a political storm, raising questions about both security measures and potential political maneuvering. On Thursday evening, a mentally disturbed woman vandalized the nameplate outside Fadnavis’s office at the Mantralaya in South Mumbai, triggering security concerns. At the time of the incident, the Deputy CM, who also oversees the home portfolio, was not present.

The woman, previously involved in similar acts of vandalism—including an incident at the state BJP office—managed to access the high-security building without an entry pass. This has led to an investigation into security lapses at the Mantralaya, with officials reviewing protocols to understand how the breach occurred.

The incident quickly escalated into a political issue, with opposition leaders seizing the opportunity to criticize the state government for the apparent breakdown in security under Fadnavis’s watch. They argued that the breach not only reflects poorly on security at a key government facility but also symbolizes larger failures in governance.

Adding fuel to the controversy, some BJP leaders have insinuated that the woman may have been manipulated by political opponents to carry out the act, hinting at the possibility of opposition involvement in orchestrating the incident. They suggested that her actions could have been politically motivated, serving as an attempt to embarrass the government and create a narrative of failure ahead of upcoming elections.

Despite these claims, no formal complaint has been filed against the woman, and authorities are focused on determining both her motives and how she gained unauthorized access to the office. The incident has deepened the political divide in the state, with both sides using the breach to fuel their narratives, highlighting the intersection of security and politics in Maharashtra’s volatile political landscape.

 Credlix, a leading global provider of supply chain financing, has announced its expansion into the USA and Mexico, backed by $50 million in funding from Moglix — Asia’s largest B2B e-commerce platform. This move aims to empower SMEs by providing fast, collateral-free financing solutions, addressing critical working capital challenges, and fostering business growth. This expansion aligns with Credlix’s broader vision of empowering SMEs in emerging markets to participate in global trade opportunities, reflecting India’s emphasis on boosting exports and enhancing global trade partnerships.

SMEs in India and Mexico face similar challenges such as limited access to affordable financing, operational inefficiencies, and extended payment cycles. Credlix’s expansion into US and Mexico aims to address these challenges by offering fast, collateral-free financing solutions that improve cash flow, reduce financial burdens, and enable SMEs to scale operations — challenges that are well recognized in India’s own economic landscape.

Credlix’s expansion is set to boost trade between developing markets in this region, providing businesses in the US and Mexico with a stable supply chain, diversified sourcing options, and quicker access to quality goods. The growing nearshoring trend, which strengthens supply chain resilience, is further supported by Credlix’s presence in the region.

Rahul Garg, Founder & CEO of Moglix, emphasized the importance of this expansion: “Our investment in Credlix demonstrates our commitment to empowering global supply chains. Just as we’ve supported manufacturing and infrastructure businesses in India, Credlix’s expansion into Mexico will enable SMEs to overcome financial challenges and capitalize on opportunities in a dynamic global trading environment.”

Credlix’s expansion focuses on the manufacturing sector, including key industries such as automotive, textiles and apparel, aerospace components, industrial and consumer chemicals, agriproducts, and electronics. By offering collateral-free financing covering up to 90% of invoice value upon shipment, Credlix aims to immediately improve SMEs’ access to working capital. This move aligns with India’s broader efforts to strengthen manufacturing capabilities and foster stronger trade ties with emerging markets.