Mankhurd Tempo Driver Arrested With 400 Fake Mineral Transport Permits

The Mumbai Police Crime Branch has arrested a 36-year-old tempo driver in Mankhurd for allegedly possessing and distributing fake minor mineral transport permits used to evade government royalties and cause revenue losses to the state exchequer.

The accused, identified as Nizamuddin Tahruddin Sheikh, alias Najju, was apprehended by Unit 3 of the Crime Branch following a targeted operation based on intelligence provided by a confidential informant.

According to the police, investigators had received specific information that counterfeit "Royalty TP" minor mineral transport permits were being manufactured and circulated across the region to facilitate the illegal transportation of minerals without paying mandatory state fees.

Acting on the tip-off, a police team led by Police Inspector Nilesh More initiated a surveillance operation near Ramalingam Lunch Home and Bar at New Mandala in Mankhurd. The team laid a trap in the vicinity to intercept the suspect.

At approximately 11:05 pm, the informant identified Sheikh in the area. The Crime Branch team moved in and intercepted the tempo driver before he could leave the spot.

During a subsequent search, officers inspected a black plastic bag in Sheikh's possession. The search led to the recovery of four books containing counterfeit minor mineral transport permit receipts that were purportedly issued by the Raigad District Mining Office.

Police officials revealed that the four seized books contained a total of 400 fake permit receipts. The forged documents were complete with serial numbers, barcodes, official-looking seals, and specific details designed to closely resemble authentic transport permits issued by the state Revenue and Forest Department.