SANTACRUZ PATRIKA

Alice releases book on her performance

2011-07-12T02:02:00.000-07:00

Alice Johnson Therattil, corporator Ward No84 has during the past more than four years carried out various works in her constituency which have benefitted the people of the ward and she still continues her good services for the welfare of her ward. Alice has carried out various programmes for the rich and poor irrespective of cast, creed and religion. Having taken an oath to make Kalina a beautiful place to live, Alice has almost met her tasks and fulfilled her commitments towards the ward.

With improved foothpaths, cleaned wider drainage systems, construction of good roads, available sufficient drinking water, development of multi-storied Municipal market, conversion of Municipiality dispensary to mini hospital, micro-tunnelling sewerage system, widening bridge on Mithi river, conversion of Kalina Taloa of 7.5 acre land towards playground, landslide garden, community centre with meditation pavilion, reading rooms were some of the major projects taken up and some implemented during her tenure.

To put forward her works in the constituency, Alice Therattil released a booklet at St.Mary’s, Kalina in the presence of Kripashankar Singh, MPCC President and MLA; Janet D’Souza and host of Congress workers. Kripashankar Singh inaugurated the book and complimented Alice for the good work she has done in her ward. In her concluding speech Alice Therattil thanked her workers and supporters for their support and guidance. She said that her journey from a simple housewife to the services of the people has been a fruitful path and has assured to serve the people in times of their need.

Baliram Ghag organizes free Medical camp

2011-07-10T23:15:00.000-07:00

Manisha Mahaiskar, Addnl Municipal Commissioner (Western Region) along with Vinayak Raut, Sec. Shiv Sena and Baliram Ghag, Corporator Ward No 82 & Chairman, Prabhag Samiti (H/E& H/W Ward)

Manisha Mhaiskar in a discussion with Vinayak Raut at Rameshwar Vidyamandir School

Baliram Ghag being presented a bouquet during the Medical Camp programme

A group photo of the doctors who gave a helping hand at the Free Medical Camp

Vinayak Raut, Ex MLA and Shiv Sena Secretary along with Baliram Ghag, Corporator Ward 82 and Chairman, Prabhag Samiti H/E&H/W ward organized a free Medical camp at Rameshwar Vidyamandir School, Dattamandir, Vakola last week. Doctors from Nair Hospital, Sion Hospital, K.E.M.Hospital rendered free check-up and consultation to about 900 patients who availed of the facilities.

During the monsoons with diseases like Malaria, Typhoid, Dengue, Lapto, Gastro, Jaundice etc on the rise, Baliram Ghag stated that it was the appropriate moment to hold this medical camp for the benefit of patients of his ward. Ghag concluded by stating that he never expected such a large response. He added had it not been for the downpour the crowds would have been even larger.

Medha Patkar opposes SRA, Slum Dwellers oppose Medha Patkar

2011-06-01T04:12:00.000-07:00

Spread across 140 acres, Jawahar Nagar in Khar (West) is one of the biggest areas open for redevelopment under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority’s (SRA) jurisdiction Jawahar Nagar has close to 1,554 slums, divided into many colonies. In 2000, Madhu Constructions was appointed as private developer by Ganeshkrupa Housing Colony. But residents allege a tripartite agreement was signed by some residents with the developer, without taking the mandatory 70% consent. In March 2008, by way of another agreement, the project was handed over to Shivalik Ventures, another developer by Madhu Constructions. Refuting allegations, Ramakant Jadhav, director of Shivalik Ventures claimed that his company had the consent of close to 90% residents. “We have been following all the legal proceedings in the project since the time we got the Letter Of Intent (LoI) in 2006. However, there have been a number of instances of residents first giving us consents and then going back on their word. Medha Patkar’s NGO (Ghar Bachao Andolan) has tried to malign our companies image,” said Jadhav. However, the other dispute is about rehabilitation which states that as per SRA norms, a transit camp has to be provided within 300 metres of the area. But the developer has offered the residents a transit camp at Golibar Road, which is in a mess. The real fight is about the right over land of the poor who make this city what it is. Today the land is being given or grabbed by the builders and influential people like Mukesh Ambani who has built his 27-storey building on the land of the Wakf Board. About 33,000 acres of land, which was either encroached or is free, is now available after the Land Ceiling Act was revoked.” "Why doesn't Medha Patkar or other activists stage a fast outside Mukesh Ambani's building and protect the Warf Board land," echoed an angry resident.
Medha Patkar, leader of the National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM), finally ended her nine-day fast at Mumbai's Golibar colony after the government handed her two resolutions incorporating the demands of the agitators.“It is a victory for the lakhs of people fighting for their right to live in the financial capital of India with dignity,” Medha Patkar said. As her fast entered the sixth day, Patkar said builder Shivalik Ventures is 'cheating' 26,000 families at the 140-actre Golibar slum (the second largest in Mumbai) in the name of redevelopment. She demanded immediate cancellation of the Golibar project and also similar ones under Clause 3K of the Maharashtra Slum Areas Act.
However, after Medha Patkar ended her fast over 4,000 families from 46 cooperative housing societies protested against social activist Medha Patkar's interference in a slum redevelopment scheme at Golibar in Santa Cruz. The slum dwellers have been demanding that the government must expedite the redevelopment project and restrain social activists opposing it. Slum dwellers at Golibar in Jawahar Nagar came out in support of the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) project and the private developer. They said Patkar's support for 100 families staying in tenements, some of whom are ineligible, has delayed the SRA project in the area. Families came out in large numbers with banners and placards, to say "Medhatai you are in the wrong direction. Work for the welfare of the slum dwellers and not against them." "We don't want Medha Patkar's interference in this matter. Just to support 100 families tenements Patkar is not allowing rehabilitation of 4,000 families, which is unjust. She did not hear us. She called us the builder's agents, which is false," said Sheikh Kalimuddin, a slum dweller from Ashta Vinayak Cooperative Housing Society. They said the developer had rehabilitated some families in 2008. "Around 540 families already took possession of their flats," said Abdul Rehman, a resident of Shastri Colony Housing Society. He added, "My house was demolished. For three years, I have been staying in a transit camp. I should have been rehabilitated a year ago. But due to Patkar's resistance, I'm still here." J Y Kazi, member of Pragati Cooperative Housing Society shifted to his 225 sq feet flat in 2008. "I faced no problems from the builder and I have got what we demanded. Why is there opposition when 70% residents have agreed on the SRA scheme, which is mandatory," said Prakash Dhuri, Ganesh Kripa Cooperative Housing Society.
But, Simpreet Singh, member of Patkar's NGO Ghar Bachao Ghar Banao Andolan, said, "Medha Patkar isn't opposing the project. Some slum dwellers approached her. The SRA scheme lacks the mandatory 70% consent of residents. We have proof of it." It doesn't stop here. He added, "The HC ordered registration of an FIR against the builder and committee members for forgery and fraud. We are also concerned for the families which have shifted. Since if the HC passes an order that the land on which they are being rehabilitated, belongs to the defence establishment, then these tenements will have to be demolished."
Golibar residents marched to the suburban collector’s office again the next day demanding the Ganeshkripa Society demolitions continue, two days after the state government acceded to activist Medha Patkar’s demands to suspend demolitions. One of Patkar’s demands was that demolitions be halted until inquiries were conducted into allegations of signature forgery in the consent letters of Golibar residents. The government assured Patkar no demolitions would take place till the inquiry ended. Residents of the Golibar area who consented to Shivalik Ventures as their developer carried out a protest rally against Patkar alleging her intervention in the case had slowed down their rehabilitation. They have asked the government to continue the enquiry without halting the demolition. “There is too much delay in our rehabilitation. Although the high court ordered the demolition in September, and the supreme court concurred with its decision, a few people in the society have been stopping it every time,” said Shubhangini Shinde, chief promoter of Ganeshkripa society. “Nearly 7,500 people have left their houses consenting to the developer hoping for free rehabilitation. We demand the state government to consider them,” said Kalimuddin Shaikh, a resident who has stayed on rent paid by the developer for the past year.
Medha Patkar and her anti-development plank seems to be getting more and more focal in Mumbai. If this trend continues God knows if Dharavi, the largest slum pocket of Asia will ever get redeveloped. It is an accepted fact that some people are born with a curse to spoil good and progress for the society, it;s a mutated gene, and we must do a research to identify and exterminate this mutation. Already we are seeing manifestation of this mutated gene as Anna Hazare, Baba Ramdev, Medha Patkar and Arundhati Roy. Stop it before it spreads.

Accused who thrashed a senior citizen finally arrested

2011-05-13T12:01:00.000-07:00

We were the first in our issue dated 20th March, to report on the brutal attack on 70-year-old retired businessman Chetandas Khushlani who was beaten up in Vakola by hawkers against whom he had lodged a complaint. After we published the report the main accused in the FIR Surendra Mane went underground. The Vakola police were on a frantic effort to trace Mane. In the investigation, it is learnt that most of the 32 shopkeepers were summoned to Vakola police station for interrogation. Many of them complained that they were harassed by the police to summon Surendra Mane, though many of them admitted that they were not aware of his whereabouts and were only confined to their business. In the FIR along with Surendra Mane, two unknown persons were also lodged in the complaint. Two rental shopkeepers, one who runs a Xerox and Stationery and the other who runs a Hairdressing Salon business were arrested and confined to lock-up for couple of days. They both were later released on bail. Both the shopkeepers admitted their innocence and spoke to Santacruz Patrika saying," Since we are running our business on rental basis in shops owned by accused Surendra Mane, we were unnecessarily arrested by Vakola Police and forced to spend days in lockup for no fault of ours." The disgusted Xerox shopkeeper added, "As I have been running my business for several years, on what basis I was arrested as an unknown person is a surprise to me". "Till date what have the Vakola Police done in arresting or tracing the two unknown culprits," questions the shopkeeper.

After, almost a month cops have finally arrested Surendra Mane who is alleged to have plotted the attack. The Vakola police last week arrested Surinder Mane from the premises of Sessions Court after his application for anticipatory bail was rejected. They also slapped charges of attempt to murder against him after his daughter took up the matter with Sr PI Pardhesi and other authorities. Earlier, Mane was charged with assault and criminal intimidation. Chetandas Khushlani, 70, was thrashed by hawkers after he filed a complaint against them with the BMC. Khushlani had filed a number of complaints against illegal hawkers with the BMC. In the first week of March, the civic authority issued orders for the demolition of illegal stalls in Vakola after he met BMC Commissioner Subodh Kumar. It is alleged that Mane then threatened Khushlani with dire consequences if he didn't withdraw his latest complaint. On March 18, the day of the demolition, Khushlani was thrashed by hawkers when he was on his morning walk. He suffered 10 fractures, and had to go through two operations at Hinduja Hospital.

Inspector Suryakant Talekar said that Mane had set up four food shops opposite Emerald Apts where Khushlani resides. “We have interrogated Mane, and he has now been sent to judicial custody. Khushlani’s son, Lakhmichand, is not satisfied with the investigation and feels that the investigations are being carried out at slow pace and lethargically. They have not been able to identify the BMC official who disclosed my father’s name to hawkers,” he said. Being angered that his father had to pay a heavy price for complaints against illegal encroachment, he fails to understand how come illegal stalls have once again come up in the area. However, Khushlani has filed an RTI application to know why the BMC has allowed illegal hawkers to do business opposite his residence again. He also wants to know why hawkers’ goods and articles were not confiscated and whether the civic body has created any system to check if an illegal stall, once demolished, has been set up again. “More than the police, it is the BMC that should be blamed. Hawkers cannot do business without BMC officials’ tacit consent. What is the point of filing a complaint if roadside vendors are allowed to set up their stalls again an hour after a demolition drive?” Lakhmichand asked.

However, the argument amongst the shopkeepers is - Why are we being made a scapegoat and penalised for carrying on business? Their argument is that more that 70% of shops in Mumbai are illegal and many of them are operating their business on gutters. Why are these illegal shops not demolished? Why are only we been regularly harassed and our shops demolished? It was way back in 1980 a few shop owners set up their shops opposite Emerald Apts. A few of them have been operating their business for more than 30 years. It was first in 1986 when the shops were demolished. After that the shops were demolished about 4 times and the shopkeepers had set up their shops again and continued doing business. It is understood that in 1991 a city survey was conducted and in 2000 the shops were granted gumasta licences. Also in 1997 the shops were granted electric meters and installation. Four years ago when the shops were demolished it is learnt that Sanjay Potnis, Corporator set up a gutter and later asked the shop owners to move away from the roads and allowed them to construct structures above the gutter and carry out business. Further, since after setting up shops above the gutter BMC has not been renewing the gumasta licence of the shopkeepers. Because of frequent threats of demolition it is alleged that in 2009 the shop owners each contributed around 7,000 and paid about 2 lakhs

Bottle of petrol flung on Newspaper distributor at Santacruz

2011-05-13T11:54:00.000-07:00

Mahesh Surve who resides at Nallasapora has been distributing newspapers outside Santacruz (E) station for the past ten years. He is the main distributor of 'Times of India' newspapers for Santacruz. It was a few days ago as usual he left his home around 3.15am to catch the first train from Nallasapora to reach Santacruz by 5am in the morning. After reaching Santacruz he began segregating the newspapers for distribution. In the meanwhile, one Santosh Bane who has his newspaper stall at Dattamandir junction threw a bottle of petrol on the newspapers and then lit the newspapers on fire. In the melee, Mahesh Surve who was taken unaware sustained burn wounds on his hand and leg. He was rushed to V.N Desai Hospital for treatment and later shifted to R.K.Hospital, Santacruz. He is recuperating from his burn injuries. Santosh Bane, the accused who threw the bottle of petrol rushed to the Vakola police station and admitted his guilt. He was arrested by the Vakola Police. While visiting Mahesh Surve at R.K.Hospital he spoke to Santacruz Patrika and said,"Santosh Bane used to frequently collect daily newspaper from me and I fail to understand the motive behind the attack. I was very lucky not to have sustained grievous burn injuries as I immediately removed my shirt and flung it away. Otherwise I would have received burn wounds on my chest which could prove fatal." It was also due to the help of some commuters who helped in drowsing the fire from turning fatal.," admitted Mahesh. Mahesh's wife too who was at his bedside in the hospital was shocked of the incident.

Lady snatched of chain at Vakola finally dies of injury

2011-04-13T07:21:00.000-07:00

It was on Republic Day when Lasmi Nautiyal, aged 40 years and residing at Aasra Apts, Vakola was returning home after attending Republic Day function at Public High School. Lasmi was a teacher at Public High School. While on her way to home she noticed three men following her. After having reached the gate of Aasra Apartments building, St Anthony’s Road, Vakola, Lasmi stood for a moment and wanted the men to go ahead. After the men went into the building Lasmi took courage and entered the building. She then pressed for the lift but to her disappointment the lift was not working. Lasmi then decided to walk the stairs. While reaching the first floor she was stopped by one of the men who inquired with her as to where do a youth named Vilas resides. As Lasmi informed the man that nobody by the name of Vilas resides in the building, the man attacked her and grabbed her gold chain. While she shouted for help she was was banged against the wall.
In this incident the Vakola police arrested three persons on charges of attempt to murder and theft. The police had registered an attempt-to-murder, a case after Nautiyal's neighbour Narayan Dastehkar helped nab one of the chain-snatchers accused. Dastehkar also sustained injuries after being attacked with a chopper by one of the accomplices of the accused.
The extent of Nautiyal's injury was known only a couple of days after the incident. She had been shifted from the intensive cardiac care unit (ICCU to high dependency unit (HDU), where she was being treated for temporary contusion intracerebral hemotoma. A type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that causes bruising of the brain tissue, a hematoma involves heavy bleeding into or around the brain area. The severity of TBI can range from mild concussion to the extremes of coma or even death.
Her brother who flew down from Australia after he received the news stated that his sister fell down the staircase and probably suffered internal injuries. The following day, she had an appointment with her cardiologist but skipped the meeting with the doctor as she went to Sion Hospital to enquire about Dastehkar's health who was also seriously injured in the incident. Dastehkar suffered an injury below his eye, but was fortunate to recover soon after being admitted to Sion Hospital.
Unfortunately, Lasmi had undergone a heart operation a few years ago. Now, after the incident a cardiologist found that she was giving incoherent replies and therefore advised her to take a CT scan. The CT scan report confirmed that she had suffered internal bleeding. As soon as she fell unconscious, Lasmi was admitted to the hospital. Suddenly, a few days ago Lasmi had trouble eating and drinking. Also her blood pressure began to fluctuate. She was taken to a Nursing Home and since her condition deteriorated she was shifted to KEM Hospital where she breathed her last. Her funeral was taken on Gudi Padva day. She is survived by a 15-year-old daughter studying in St Charles High School who recently gave her Xth examination.

Major fire engulfed a six-storey building in Kalina

2011-04-13T07:18:00.000-07:00

A major fire broke out in a six-storey commercial building in Kalina area of Santacruz on Friday afternoon. No casualties or injuries were reported. The incident occurred around 1:30 pm at the Diamond Square near Kalina University. The fire started from the left wing of the building and destroyed the left facade of the building. It later spread across the upper floors, said officials. “It seems that the fire might have been caused by a short circuit from the electrical installations on the first and second floor,” said Chief Fire Officer Uday Tatkare. “The building did not have any fire fighting system,” say officials. “There was no fire detection equipment in the building.” “According to the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act 2006, new buildings that are above 15-meter should have a well-equipped fire safety system based on the height of the building, occupancy of the building and the fire hazards. This building is around 22 metre tall,” said a fire official. The new law does not specify that how should the old buildings equip themselves with fire-fighting system, he said.
“Employees working in the building were able to evacuate safely. The building has two staircases on either sides,” said Tatkare. “Many employees were outside the building as it was lunch hour. As soon as we saw the fire from outside, we alerted all the people inside,” said Sudhir Panchal, an employee of an office in the building. Panic spread in the adjacent Golden Square residential complex minutes after the fire broke out. However, quick thinking saved the rapidly-spreading fire from reaching the neighbouring premises. "Some youngsters from our building ran out the minute they saw the fire and took cars out of the Diamond Square complex. Some glass structures had to be broken to take the cars out. Had the cars not been taken out of the complex, they would have caught fire and the flames would have spread to our building as well," said a resident.

India on top of the World

2011-04-08T13:40:00.000-07:00

As soon as Mahendra Singh Dhoni brought up India’s victory in the final of the 2011 cricket World Cup with a huge six, the entire nation erupted into wild celebrations with people pouring out on the streets, bursting fire crackers, shouting slogans and waving the tri-colour. It was the biggest party on earth to mark the triumph that had eluded the nation for the past 28 years. The win was even sweeter as it came after most had lost hope of a victory after the crucial wickets of Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar fell early. The victory target of 275 set by Sri Lanka was not easy either, especially considering the pressure cooker scenario of a World Cup final. Only two sides had won the coveted trophy batting second before last night’s epic battle and a home team had never won the title before. But, the 33,000-strong crowd at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai would have settled for nothing less than a win.
Tendulkar had scored centuries against England and South Africa to take his tally of international centuries to 99 and all Mumbai had been praying for him to score the 100th in his native town. However, Malinga had other ideas and after an assured start by Tendulkar, who at the age of 37 is unlikely to play in another World Cup, had him caught behind the stumps. But Tendulkar, the ultimate team man, was just happy to be part of a winning outfit at his sixth World Cup and he was carried on the shoulders of his team mates around the ground after the best final since Pakistan beat England in 1992. "He`s carried the burden of the nation for 21 years so it`s time we carried him on our shoulders," said Virat Kohli, summing up the feelings of a billion of his compatriots. In a reminder, if it were needed, that no individual is bigger than the team, Tendulkar`s early exit gave an opportunity to Gautam Gambhir and captain Dhoni to take their side to victory.
Dhoni, who joins Kapil Dev as the only two Indian captains to lift the World Cup, said the team had set their sights on the World Cup 18 months to two years ago. "Whatever we were doing on the field we had a long-term goal," he said. "Just by having a target in mind doesn`t mean you will win the World Cup.” "We prepared well for the World Cup, we tried to keep each and every individual fit. We tried to keep the best XI in the best form.” "We peaked at the right time, we wanted to win it for each other." "We played like champions and we deserve to win", player of the tournament Yuvraj Singh declared. "We batted like champions and we saved a lot of runs on the field," Yuvraj said after he was handed Player of the Tournament award by ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat. Yuvraj, who had said that he was playing the World Cup for a "special person", dedicated his award to the team, his two gurus and parents.
"This (winning the 50-over format World Cup) is unbelievable. Under-19 World Cup, then Twenty20 World Cup but this is the most special," he said. "(This is) for Sachin, for everyone else in the team. I want to dedicate this to my Guru Ram Singh and Guru Ajit Singh and my parents and friends," he said. An emotional Sachin Tendulkar admitted that Saturday was the "proudest day of my life". "Couldn`t have asked for more. This is ultimate. It is the proudest moment of my life," said Tendulkar in an emotionally choked voice. "I thank the team for putting up a fabulous performance and playing consistent cricket," the maestro added. Tendulkar who did a lap of honour on shoulder of his teammates said that there was tears in his eyes once Dhoni hit that six. "Yes, they were happy tears. So I don`t mind. We have stuck together through ups and down," stated the smiling legend. And as the match ended the party had just begun.

Wild celebrations erupted every time a Sri Lankan wicket fell and then with each boundary hit by India`s batsmen. Cheers became louder after Dhoni completed 6000 runs in one day cricket and then reaching his half century, sending esctatic fans into a frenzy. "This night will never to be forgotten", said a neighbourhood of Dhoni. It was Diwali once more on the streets of Mumbai, the venue of the final, as fireworks lit up the night sky and the playing of musical instruments like drums reverberated throughout the city as the "biggest party on the planet" began.

‘Investigate sources of funds’of Kripashankar Singh

2011-04-08T13:33:00.000-07:00

Almost a year after giving clean chit to Congress MLA from Kalina Kripashankar Singh, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has decided to renew its probe and investigate if some interest-free loans received by the Congress leader had any link with money laundering. The additional solicitor general, Darius Khambata, on Thursday assured the Bombay high court that the agency will investigate if any offence had taken place in transfer of the interest-free loans and if it was a scheduled offence under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
The assurance came after the division bench of chief justice Mohit Shah and justice DG Karnik questioned him: “What about the so-called interest-free loans?” The income tax (I-T) department, which has completed its probe into the assets held by the Congress leader and his family members, had stumbled upon the interest-free loans during the course of its investigation. It is, however, not clear as to how much amount had been transferred to Singh’s account by way of the interest-free loans, as Khambata submitted the I-T investigation report to the court in a sealed cover.
The judges also suggested that the ED should also probe if the funds were connected with any of the accused involved in offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. To this, Khambata said that though the source of the interest-free loans had been identified, the ED will further probe the matter to ascertain if the funds were proceeds of any crime. During course of hearing on a Public Interest Litigation filed by city-resident Sanjay Tiwari, the judges also asked why the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) had not so far registered any offence against Singh. Advocate general Ravi Kadam answered the query stating the ACB had prima facie found a case of disproportionate assets against Singh and his wife. He clarified that an opportunity is given to the public servant to explain the assets allegedly disproportionate to his known sources of income before registering an FIR. The couple would be given an opportunity to explain their allegedly excess assets of about Rs1.81 crore, Kadam added.
Tiwari had sought setting up of a special investigating team to probe alleged accumulation of unaccounted wealth by Singh and his family members. He had listed numerous immovable properties purchased by the Congress leader and his family members, and cash transactions running into crores of rupees reflected in their bank accounts. Replying to the PIL, the ED had in March last year informed the high court that it had found no direct evidence linking Singh to the Madhu Koda money laundering scam. The division bench directed the three agencies — ED, ACB and I-T department — to share their reports, conduct further probe, and submit another report by April 28.

Bridge work on Kalina-Kurla Road finally begins in full swing

2011-04-08T13:21:00.001-07:00

The muhurat of the bridge work had taken place in early 2009 in the presence of corporator Alice Johnson Therattil; Naseem Khan - Suburbs Gurdian Minister along with MRCC President and MLA Kripashankar Singh. Since the work in progress got delayed, recently a meeting was called in the chamber of Director Ashok Shintre along with all senior officers and the following ponts were discussed:
1. The bridge work should be speeded up and completed by end of April 2011.
2. The bridge started partially collapsing on the sides as the traffic load is very heavy and it is too old.
3. The condition of the bridge is turning bad to worse day by day and the Corporator was asked to contact Sr. Inspector Traffic Vakola to seriously look into the matter as he was not diverting the full traffic through CST road instead of Kalina Kurla Road even though Jt. Commissioner Traffic Mumbai has given his consent.
4. Director ordered all concerned Sr. Officials to personally go to the site and take stock of the situation in speeding of the work.
5. Although work order duration is 21 months for completion of bridge work from 1st November 2008, it seems a major portion of the work is yet to be completed. It was also seriously discussed that in case of any serious collapse of the bridge it would be at the risk and cost of all concerned officials.
Subsequently the work started in full swing by the third week of March after closing the traffic at Kalina Kurla road by diverting to CST road.

India became the team that refused to be beaten

2011-04-08T13:20:00.000-07:00

India plotted a new era of cricket domination the day after its stunning World Cup success confirmed its status as the sport's superpower. The comfortable six-wicket win over Sri Lanka in Mumbai, India's first world title since 1983, was also being viewed as a reflection of the country's growing commercial and political muscle. In the last three to four years India has done well in shooting, badminton, tennis, hockey and football. We are growing as a sporting nation. But cricket is special because of the infrastructure. It all started with the 1983 win. Then two big players, Anil Kumble and Sachin Tendulkar, came on the scene, followed by Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid.
Dhoni, the son of a steel factory worker, is a multi-millionaire thanks to a career which has seen him become the first man to captain a World Cup and World Twenty20 winning side. His team are also top of the Test world rankings. Throughout the six-week tournament, he was a regular on match-day TV commercials, endorsing everything from ceiling fans to mobile phones to high-end property.
Significantly, even before the last celebratory firework exploded in the Mumbai night sky on Saturday, the team's paymasters were keeping them sweet with rewards of $225,000 per player for capturing the trophy. Indian newspapers revelled Sunday in victory, hailing Dhoni's men as heroes for a new generation. "The World At Our Feet" crowed the front page headline in the Times of India. "The wait has ended and a new legend has been born," the Times said, putting Dhoni's squad on the same pedestal as the 1983 side. "Windia!" was the banner headline in the Indian Express.
Saturday's victory for India also sparked tributes to Sachin Tendulkar, the record-breaking batsman, who finally won a world title at his sixth attempt and just three weeks short of his 38th birthday. "Tendulkar has carried the burden of the nation for 21 years. It was time we carried him," young team-mate Virat Kohli said.
On both counts, the Indians came off at the Wankhede Stadium like the fireworks that lit up the Mumbai night seconds after Dhoni's bold signature six sealed their triumph. The final was the time when all the incomplete notes of India's World Cup performance fell into sync. Gautam Gambhir, who had three fifties in the Cup yet had not seized a game by its throat personally, produced his most convincing performance to lift India from the shock of losing their openers. He was central to two partnerships that took India from 32 for 2 to a six-wicket victory. There they were. Not a familiar India dependant on its batting, but a more secure, self-assured India, batting as if chases in finals were like having a net, except with a crowd cheering them on. This was India in its most accomplished situational batting performance of the event, chasing down 274 with 99 singles, 24 twos and even a three. In every knock out game, India has, through sheer consistency of method, exposed the weakness of its opposition. It made the most of Australia's uneven bowling attack, defended against Pakistan by pressing hard in the field and forcing its batsmen to fumble, and stunned Sri Lanka by letting the weight and experience of its batting bear down by taking the barest minimum of risks, but making sure to always keep the score moving.
India's danger signs for the opposition in this World Cup came not with its attacking openers or any flood of fours, but with what its weakest links were able to do. When Indian fielders start diving, its batsmen start taking threes or sprinting surprising singles, or its most medium of pacers begin to repeatedly beat the edges and hurry batsmen, it is time for the opposition to worry. Or as the old says goes, to be afraid. In a World Cup knockout, that should have read very afraid. After the game at the Wankhede, Dhoni said that the World Cup win had ended a chapter in Indian cricket that had opened with the World Twenty20 win of 2007, where, not only was he captain but also top scorer in the final. "Right now we can close the chapter. We need to build a team again. Because of the amount of cricket we play, we need quite a few reserves players to come in and bowl. We need spinners and batsmen to be at their best because if we want to do well at the international level, we will have to try out quite a few players and not think about the result."
Two weeks ago, the audience would have guffawed. Now, it must nod in agreement. Today, it is perhaps wiser to give Dhoni and India's theories the time to be tried out. After all, over the course of six weeks, with their victory, they have busted a few old ones and proved several of their own right. That fielding can be lifted, no matter what dotage the players may belong to. All through the tournament, Dhoni had constantly reminded outsiders that the Indians were not really good fielders yet in the knockouts, they stepped up a level with every single game. No matter how clumsy or non-polished their techniques, the oldest and creakiest of the Indians were diving to stop boundaries. Where India were most astonishingly impressive during the knockouts was in cricket's most 'unselfish' art - in the field. All through the tournament, Dhoni who specialises in automobile analogies, had compared the Indian fielding to an old car engine trying to adjust to working with hybrid fuel. After the semi-final, he had said, that all he hoped for now was one more game. "After that, even if some of the cars fall down, it is okay."
Then there is this last one: about India not really hacking it in ICC tournaments. Partly true. Not in the World Twenty20, not in the Champions Trophy. But in this one, the ICC's biggest tournament, the Indians more than hacked it. When it came down to the rounds where both ability and nerve came into play, India became the team that refused to be beaten.

Income Tax department conducts raids at Kripashankar’s residence

2011-03-28T18:37:00.000-07:00

During the past 18-months Santacruz Patrika has been regularly reporting on the alleged Kripashankar scandals and disproportionate assets in his wife and sons names. Some of the earlier articles reported by this publication are - 'Will Kripashankar tide over alleged involvement of Rs 4,000 crore scam' dated 18-24th July, 2010; 'Will Kripa be relinquished of Mumbai Chief post dated 8-14th August,2010'; 'Kripashankar suffers a further setback in scam probe' dated 19-25th December,2010; 'HC asks for speedy inquiry into Kripashankar's alleged disproportionate assets' dated 6-12th March,2011.
Mumbai’s chief of Congress and Kalina’s MLA Kripashankar Singh, for the past two years has been entangled into a heap of controversies. In a latest development in the 2G scam money trail, it has come to light that DB Realty promoter Shahid Balwa had paid Rs 4 crore to the son of a prominent Congress leader. Reports today said referring to documents in possession of RTI activist Sanjay Tiwari that the telecom and real estate company paid Rs 4 crore to Mumbai Regional Congress Committee chief Kripashankar Singh's son, Narendramohan Singh. The money is reported to have paid the money in three instalments in 2009. "The money received from DB Realty was part of a business transaction but was returned in March 2010 as the deal did not materialise. All the transactions are reflected in books of accounts and income tax returns," said Narendramohan. Dynamix Realty has issued a statement in this regard. "Dynamix Realty had given a loan to Mr. Narendra Mohan Singh which has been repaid to the company on 12th March 2010." Income Tax department also conducted raids at Kripashankar’s residence today. Tiwari had on March 18 filed a PIL in the Bombay High Court in connection with the case. The HC has ordered the Enforcement Directorate, the Income Tax Department and the Anti-Corruption Bureau to probe Kripashankar Singh and submit a report within 4 weeks.
Last year raids were conducted by the Income-Tax department and the Enforcement Directorate into Kripashankar’s alleged involvement of the Rs 2,000-crore Madhu Koda scam. Investigators are examining, among his other assets, savings bank accounts of his family that show disproportionately large transactions between 2006-07 and 2008-09, and several discrepancies in documents that suggest forgery.
Eight savings bank accounts of his family members and close associates are under the scanner. Three of these accounts show cash deposits and transfers of nearly Rs 65 crore in two years by Kripashankar’s wife Maltidevi Singh and son Narendra Mohan Singh. These transactions unearth at a time when Kripashankar was All-India Congress Committee (AICC) observer for Jharkhand, exactly when Koda, an independent MLA then, was sworn in CM with Congress support. Further, at that time his son, Narendra Mohan married Ankita, daughter of Jharkhand politician Kamlesh Singh, in April ’08. Ankita’s dad Kamlesh Singh was then water resources minister in the Koda government and is a key accused in the scam.
Both Koda and Kamlesh Singh were arrested; the Jharkhand vigilance bureau filed preliminary charge sheets against them for holding assets disproportionate to known sources of income. Kamlesh Singh’s assets were estimated at nearly 130 per cent more than his sources of income. However, it is alleged that a considerable sum of scam money may have been diverted through his daughter, son-in-law and the latter’s father. Also, on investigations it is revealed that the Koda diary, incidentally, mentions a “Kripashankar a/c” with several entries against it. Kripashankar has denied it was him, but investigators have placed him and his family under scrutiny.
Kripashankar’s family owns properties in projects executed by one of the real estate companies which deposited huge amounts into his son’s account; the company also has infrastructure projects in Jharkhand. Also, there was a sudden rise in the wealth and property acquisitions of the Kripashankar family in Mumbai during the years Koda held sway in Jharkhand (first as mines minister in the Arjun Munda-led BJP regime, and later as CM). This includes a large duplex apartment near Mumbai airport, a bungalow on Bandra’s Carter Road, known as one of the costliest property prices of real estate in Mumbai, office spaces and shops at key locations in projects by either of the two real estate companies associated with the family, and land in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.
The PIL, filed early this year by social worker and RTI activist Sanjay Tiwari, had linked Singh with the Madhu Koda scandal and raised questions about his assets. The petitioner was represented by senior counsel Mahesh Jethmalani and Mihir Desai. The petitioner contended that in 2006 when Singh was an AICC observer for Jharkhand, he was instrumental in installing the Madhu Koda government. Koda was arrested along with his then ministerial colleague Kamlesh Singh. Incidentally, Kamlesh Singh's daughter Ankita is married to Kripashankar's son Narendra alias Sanjay Singh.
He also pointed out that Singh used chartered flights often and it was "obvious that large sums of money were paid for this purpose and this needs to be investigated". The petitioner further alleged that he has not declared his wife's property details when he stood for elections in 2009. The petition alleged that Singh's daughter Sunita has two ration cards and her husband Vijay Kumar Singh was a resident of UP and a government employee there till April 1997. Yet, Vijay Kumar was allotted a house in Maharashtra in joint name from CM's discretionary quota on the basis of fake documents.

Kalina-Kurla Bridge partially collapses

2011-03-28T18:34:00.000-07:00

About a fortnight ago we had carried a lead story on 'Widening of bridge over Mithi river moving at snail pace'.Despite, the local corporator Alice Therattil regularly following up with BMC on the lethargic behaviour in the speedy work of widening of the Kalina-Kurla Bridge, the work has hardly progressed. Also, MP Priya Dutt and MLA Kripashankar intervened in the matter but the work has not progressed an inch. Despite, a tender being floated in 2006 and a contractor alloted the job it is astonishing to note that he has hardly done any work of widening the bridge during the past five years. Also, as per the tender the work had to be completed by September, 2010 and the term of the tender too has expired. It was last week a minor mishap took place on the bridge and blocks of the bridge began cracking. However, while speaking to Johnson Therattil he clarified with Santacruz Patrika and said, " It was last week along with corporator Alice Therattil we had a meeting with Mahanagar Palika officials which included Dy. Chief Engineer Bridges A.P.Pawar, Exec. Engineer R.B.Tare. In the meeting it was discussed about the completion of work by April 2011 since the bridge started partially collapsing on the sides as the traffic load is very heavy and the bridge is very old.
"Further, Therattil emphasised," As the condition of the bridge is worsening day by day we had taken up the matter with Jt. Commissioner (Traffic) to divert the traffic through CST Road instead of Kalina Kurla Road so that the widening work could be completed speedily." However, it is strange to note that Sr Inspector (Traffic) has not been permitting the diversion of traffic through CST Road despite consent received from Jt Commissioner of Police (Traffic)," clarifies Therattil. Finally, after the bridge having collapsed partially the vehicular traffic has been diverted to CST Road and the widening of the bridge has begun.
However, ex-coroprator of the ward Mohamed Rafiq Sheikh while speaking to Santacruz Patrika had another version and clarified,"It was in 2006 I had raised the matter of widening of the bridge in Ward Committee meeting and got a tender passed and work sanctioned to a contractor. This is the only bridge of BMC wherein two vehicles cannot pass at a time. Later it was in 2009 before the Assembly elections another inauguration ceremony was performed for the commencement of work in the prersent of distinguished guests. Despite, the work of the widening of the bridge has not progressed and till date not a single concrete beam has been installed." Further Rafiq added, "Even during the Budget session of BMC I had delivered a speech in the House regarding the widening of the bridge and the likelihood of mishaps. But, no progress has taken place," clarified Rafiq. Finally, if the work is not completed we will stage an 'Andolan' in the interest of public cause stated Rafiq. "Further, I have demanded action against the contractor and asked the BMC to blacklist such contractors. It is because of rampant orruption in the BMC that Engineers hinder the smooth functioning of projects and the public are the ones to suffer," emphasised the disgusted Rafiq.
Finally, with almost five years passed since the sanction of tender it is surprising that the contractor has not been able to construct a single pilar. With time running out and the bridge getting weaker by the day it would not be far away when the bridge collapses. Now, with the work having started, lets hope there are no further bottlenecks to the smooth progress of the work.

'Kolovery Village finally gets adequate water supply'- Rafiq Sheikh

2011-03-28T18:31:00.000-07:00

The residents of Kolovery Village, Kalina have been suffering for want of adequate water supply for the past 15 years. Finally, unable to face the hardships, a group of prominent residents like Angelo Galbano, Jerome D'Souza, Philo Merchant, Mogi, Rita Galbano, Sanjay Mendonca, Boney Rodrigues, Seema Jainto besides Ram Narayan Pandey, Mohammed Bashir Shah and others visited corporator Mohammed Rafiq Sheikh and took out an agitation against BMC for supply of water. Further, they demanded from BMC that they be provided with a separate line and no builder be allowed to take connections through this line. Taking heed to their demands and the persuasion of Rafiq Sheikh a 9-inch water connection got passed and installed. Asst Engineer (Water Dept) Satpal; Jr. Engineer Amrut and Sub Engineer Rao were instrumental in getting the work done. Also, Patil, Asst Engineer, Maint (H/E ward); Parulekar, Sub Engg, Maint and Komani, Jr. Engg Maintenance played a role in the implementation of the pipeline.
Finally, most of the taps which were running dry sine the past 10-15 years have got the oppurtunity to see water drops from their taps. The residents of Kolovery Village have appreciated the work of the local corporator. Similarly, the corporator Rafiq Sheikh has appreciated the persuassion of this publication which has on several ocassions raised the issue of water shortage in the village.

Senior citizen brutally attacked for fighting illegal encroachmets

2011-03-22T05:48:00.000-07:00

In our last issue we had carried an article on 'BJP worker from Kalina 'dalal' of BMC. In that article we had exposed the nexus between BMC officials and these dalals and the rampant under deals. We had also highlighted the modus operandi of the racket of corruption and bribe that is being taking place in these underarm deals. The same pertains to the illegal shops that have been demolished by BMC opposite Emerald Apts, Vakola a few days ago. The story goes back to more than 20 years ago when these illegal shops took root. It is reported that initially a few shops sprang up with four bamboos. Later they were constructed into full fledged shops. While speaking to Santacruz Patrika, one of the shopkeepers said, "I have been carrying on my business since 1984. It was during the time of Municipal Commissioner G.Khairnar that a mass scale demolition took place. Afterwards, we have been served several notices for demolition" Adding further he said, "We have got gumasta licence from BMC. Many of us have electricity bills. Despite, we have been facing the problem of frequent demolitions."
Another shopkeeper emphasised, "It was only about three years ago the local corporator Sanjay Potnis took up the job of construction of a gutter. At that time our shops were demolished and we were off business for almost a week." After constructing the gutter we were allowed to set up our shops above the gutter. And our gumusta licence which had expired has not been renewed as yet despite the assurances received from the corporator," alleged one of the shopkeepers. It is understood that these shopkeepers have been making franatic trips to BMC for renewal of their liccence but in vain.
It was about a week ago BMC had issued notices to the shopkeepers for demolition against a complaint lodged by Charandas Khushlani, residing at Emerald Apartments. As the period of the notice expired it is learnt that about 15 shopkeepers visited Sanjay Potnis and requested for help in the matter. One of the shopkeeper who visited Sanjay Potnis told Santacruz Patrika, "During the meeting Sanjay Potnis assured us that he would speak to BMC and hold the demolition for a week and in the meantime he asked us to immediately get a stay order from the Court." While, we left the meeting with the corporator, we found to our surprise that within 15 minutes the BMC demolition squad along with police came at the site and started demolishing our shops. Almost all the shops were demolished to ground level."

But on the day of the demolition it is learnt that the complainant Chetandas Kushalani was brutally attacked by some miscreants early morning while he had left for his routine morning walk. While Santaruz Patrika made attempts to contact Kushalani it is learnt that he is admitted in the ICU of Hinduja Hospital and is in a serious condition. However his daughter a corporate lawyer while speaking to Santacruz Patrika elaborated the incident and said," My dad is a 68-year-old diabetic patient who has been fighting against illegal activities. And for his good deeds he has to pay such a heavy price." Adding further she said, " My dad was a dog fan and everyday while going for his routine morning walk used to feed biscuits for the stray dogs. On the day of the attack, my dad as usual left for his routine. Suddenly, my relative who heard screams witnessed my dad being attacked by two miscreants who had covered their face. We were immediately informed and my brother rushed down to the help of dad. He was beaten very badly and sustained multiple fractures and was also bleeding profously."
"My brother immediately put him in an autorickshaw and one of the miscreants started pulling my dad to push him into a taxi. But my brother managed to push the miscreant and take daddy to Vakola Police Station and hospital. Had not it been for the presence of mind of my brother, my dad would have been driven into the taxi and nobody would have known his fate,"narrated his daughter while in tears.
Further, while verifying the attack on Kushalani, a shopkeeper added, "I have heard of the attack. But unsure about the miscreants." He further added by saying,"It was about two years ago Kushalani had lodged a complaint with BMC and we were served demolition notice." But when we approached BMC we were given a compromise package alleged the shopkeeper. He further added that to fulfill the compromise package all the shopkeepers made a contribution of Rs 6,000 each amounting to Rs 2 lakhs and we handed over this amount to a BMC official alleged this shopkeeper. Similarly, now too we were asked to pay a huge amount he alleged.
While clarifying with Kushalani's daughter she said that she was not aware of any compromise. Similarly, Kushalani's son too denied any compromise and said that his dad has been fighting for many years to put an end to the illegal encroachments. His son said that his father was instrumental in removing a panwallah who used to sit near the gate of Emerald Apts." This panwallah after being removed from the spot vented his anger and smashed the wide screen of my car,"said his son. Further, while speaking to Santacruz Patrika his son clarified, "These miscreants had badly attacked my dad who has been fighting for the rights of the people. These shopkeepers have left no foothpath for the taxpayers to walk and BMC officials by accepting bribe have turned a Nelson eye to these illegal activities. But, now I am determined to take up these issues in a systematic and professional manner and ensure that we citizens are not deprived of our legal rights instead of these illegal encroachers enjoying all the luxuries at taxpayers cost."
It is also learnt that most of the shops have ben encroached by political workers who have rented them out at around Rs 6,000-8,000 pm. A case has ben registered by the Vakola Police Station u/s 326 on Surendra Mane and two unidentified persons. When we spoke to Vakola Police if any arrests have taken place they replied that the culprits will be arrested immediately and will not be allowed to go scot free. Further, clarifying if Surendra Mane was involved in the attack, Kushalani daughter replied,"Since the miscreants attaked my dad from behind he could not identify the attackers. But, since Surendra Mane threatened my dad about 15 days ago to mend his ways or face the consequences, a complaint was lodged against Surendra Mane."It is learnt that Surendra Mane owns two of the demolished shops which have been leased on rent.

Who is responsible for Maoist rebellion?

2011-03-20T17:20:00.000-07:00

Seeing the condition in some areas it persuades me to think whether the rise of Maoist rebellion is really unjustified. If some body is deprived the very basic needs like food , water and shelter in a democratic system for as long as long as six decades, even a sensible man would lose its faith in democracy system. The same has happened with simple, peace loving tribal people of Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Orissa and some parts of Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat. Why are we not seeing the root cause of rebellion? In state like Chhattisgarh which is rich in good quality raw mineral, is being leached out by mining industries, resulting in the annihilation of the tribal people and depriving them the natural resources. Maoist rebellion is result of fear of annihilation among the tribals. It’s totally imperative that growth of India is necessary and mandatory but the bigger question is at what cost. Do not the tribals in India have the same rights as people like us who consider our selves as educated, enlightened and responsible citizens? Aren’t they the citizens of India? When will our system recognize the very root cause of this issue? Will it take some more Dantewada events for the system to understand the ground reality? The 76 CRPF solders who died in the massacre are martyrs, but they were slayed not by some foreign terrorist organizations, but by our own citizens of this country. If a mother has more than one kid and if she cares and adores one of them most of the times, the other siblings are bound to get rebellion as they are not getting fair share of caring and affection which is their right.The governments forcibly possess fertile agriculture lands for diversion to SEZs, mining and industries thereby caring more for the industrialists than tribals….which retaliates into rebellion acts...

Kolovery Cross receives notice for demolition

2011-03-20T17:09:00.000-07:00

In accordance to a Supreme Court order, BMC has served notice for the demolition of the Kolovery Cross located near Pride of Kalina, Kalina. While speaking to Santacruz Patrika a local resident of the area who knows the history of the cross said, “The cross is more than 50-years-old and was initially located at Pride of Kalina. But, after Gold Coin Builders took the development of the area he constructed Pride of Kalina building and re-located the cross in the garden. It was only two years ago the cross was fully renovated with the support of residents of Kalina and many well wishers.” “But, now the BMC has served a notice for the demolition of the cross stating that it is obstructing the plans of a 40 feet road that has to be constructed,”emphasised this resident.
As per development plans it is learnt that a 40 feet road is planned from Banquet Plaza, CST Road to Pride of Kalina. Hence, many argue that if the development work is planned from CST Road, Why have demolition notices not been served to the stream of illegal and encroached structures on the way leading from CST Road to the Cross? Why only a demolition notice has been served on the cross and the illegal structures left un-touched?”Further, there are many SC orders like removal of illegal hawkers, vendors. However, nothing has been done about them and then why are religious structures demolition on the BMC agenda”, echoed any angry resident. Also, a large number of residents pay visit daily to the cross to offer prayers.
It is learnt through residents that MLA Kripashankar Singh has intervened in the matter and has stopped the demolition of the cross. Further, it is also learnt that he has assured the safety of the cross and for that he is ready to go on an andolan and bhook hartal.
Brihan Mumbai Corporation's (BMC) decision to demolish churches crosses across the city has angered the Christians. The BMC sticking demolition notices on these revered symbols, not just in this suburb, but across the entire city, has left the community fuming. The BMC quotes a 2009 Supreme Court order directing that illegal religious structures obstructing vehicular traffic be removed. Residents say not only are the crosses legal, but that the apex court order had asked states to first formulate a policy on religious structures before ordering demolitions. While the Catholic community is upset with the highhandedness and insensitivity of actually attaching the circular onto these crosses, most of which are historic and legal, the questions many are asking is: why hasn't the civic body attached these same notices onto temples and mosques that are also on the list of structures they have deemed as illegal? Members of the community say they are being targeted.
BMC rder provides for the destruction of religious shrines built after 1964. Local Catholic groups already submitted their papers in 2003 proving the dates of construction of the crosses, all previous to 1964. The municipal authorities deny seeing documents. The demolition is part of a program to improve facilities and infrastructure, which provides for the elimination of places of worship built after 1964 and considered "illegal" because in the way of road widening, road improvements, or constructed on land destined for public services.
Many of these crosses are part of the history and cultural and religious heritage. Previously, they were within the boundaries of Catholic property. When BMC was founded, many areas were reclaimed by the civic body for the construction of roads or other infrastructure, and so the crosses were saved by placing them along the streets

Maharashtra Samarth Kamgar Sanghatana to inaugurate office in Vakola

2011-03-20T17:07:00.000-07:00

Nitesh Rane, President of the Swabhiman Sanghatana deeply engrossed while reading a copy of 'Santacruz Patrika' newspaper at his Anand Nagar office, Vakola

Maharashtra is witnessing a new trade union war, with the Maharashtra Samarth Kamgar Sanghatana (MSKS) - backed by Maharashtra’s Industries Minister Narayan Rane - wanting to "take over" Bhartiya Kamgar Sena (BKS) units in a majority of the cities prominent hotels and business establishments. Congress Minister Narayan Rane aiming to strike at the very support base of the Shiv Sena, his former party, is doing his best to take over trade unions controlled by the Sena-affiliated Bharatiya Kamgar Sena (BKS). The Sena has enjoyed a stranglehold over workers' unions in all these hotels since the 1970s. There is a severe lack of leadership in the Sena. They are not able to interact and solve the workers' problems. Sena's strength among the unions is waning. "The new unions are filling the gap. They are using the same strategies that were used by the Sena in its heydays.
Further, to hot up the war, If Raj’s confidantes are to be believed, the young leader is planning a militant union wing. If Raj succeeds, this will be another debilitating blow for the Shiv Sena. Not long ago, the Bhartiya Kamgar Sena, the Sena’s trade union wing, was breached by Narayan Rane, who walked away with a sizeable number of workers to form Maharashtra Samarth Kamgar Sanghatana.
Not content, Rane has since been relentlessly trying to gain a toe-hold in hotels, airport, hospitals and private limited companies where a Sena union is already in place. Raj’s efforts will, expectedly, hasten the Sena union’s disintegration.
Now, with Nitesh Rane, President of the Swabhiman Sanghatana and Narayan Rane’s son, handling the functioning of Maharashtra Samarth Kamgar Sanghatana various workers and officers from hotels, hospitals, airways, public and private limited companies have been flocking at the newly set up office at Anand Nagar, Vakola to meet Nitesh Rane. During his hectic schedule Nitesh Rane was generous enough to interact with the Editor of Santacruz Patrika and discuss his plans for Maharashtra Samarth Kamgar Sangathana. He also told Santacruz Patrika that the newly formed office at Vakola will be inaugurated sometime in the first week of March.
Earlier, with Shrikant Salmalkar and Jaywant Parab, close confidants of Narayan Rane looking after the union activities, have shown their discontent and expressed their mistake of joining Congress. Shrikant Sarmalkar has also expressed his willingness to go back to the Shiv Sena. Hence, Nitesh has taken it as a challenge and is determined to take Maharashtra Samarth Kamgar Sangathana, a trade militant force to be reckoned in Maharashtra.

Illegal gate to adulterated grease godown finally pulled down

2011-03-20T17:05:00.001-07:00

It was a month ago we had carried a lead story on ‘Illegal and adulterated chemical being processed in godowns at Chunnabatti, Kalina’. Our Asst Editor, Sunita D’Silva along with our team around midnight visited Chunnabati at Vakola-Kurla after we received a tip-off regarding manufacturing and storing of adulterated and illegal chemicals in various godowns. At that time a barrel of adulterated acid blasted and the highly dangerous fumes engulfed the entire area. Further, while surveying the area it was also noticed that the gutter on Mithi River has been illegally encroached and illegal activities are being carried out in the area. To hide their illegal adulterated activities an illegal gate had also been fixed whereby prohibiting entry so that their illegal activities can flourish. Inside this area it was learnt that illegal and adulterated grease godown is located which had been locked while our team visited the spot. The illegal adulterated grease carried out in the area was also reported to the local corporator. The local corporator had been following up with BMC for a long time regarding these illegal encroachments and adulterated chemical godowns. But, no action had been taken by BMC. Further, it was also learnt that with the widening of Mithi River, the illegal adulterated chemical activities which were being carried out at that site have now moved to Chunabatti. Many residents of the area complained and told Santacruz Patrika that these illegal godownds storing adulterated chemicals are highly hazardous and dangerous to the inhabitants of the area.
Then, with the burning of Sonawane by the oil mafia the Maharashtra government have begun raids on illegal and adulterated godowns. The Mumbai crime branch raided a godown in Kalina and seized more than 80,000 litres of adulterated diesel, commonly referred to as black oil.
However, along with the local corporator Alice Therattil we persuaded the matter to ensure that all illegal activities in the area are stopped and the illegal gate being constructed at Ram Pyare Compound is demolished. It was a few days ago the illegal gate at the compound was finally demolished.
While speaking to Alice Therattil she said, “I have been persuading with BMC for a long time but they have been delaying the matter. Also, the police have been delaying the demolition with petty excuses that police force is not available for deployment. Finally, after taking up the matter with Municipal Commissioner and Addnl Commissioner of Police, West, the demolition of the illegal gate was finally carried out.”
Further, while speaking to Omprakash Ram Pyare, son of Ram Pyare he told Santacruz Patrika, “My father who has expired has been living in Ram Pyare Compound for the past 50 years and hence being our property the gate to our compound was installed which is legal.” However, the corporator disputes his claims and clarifies that the plot belongs to the Wadia Trust and BMC had constructed a culvert over the gutter of Mithi River. This plot of land was illegally encroached and with the construction of the gate we have been finding it difficult to clean the gutters as the gate is locked. This in fact leads to choking up of the gutters and heavy flooding in Kalina.
When Santacruz Patrika asked Omprakash Ram Pyare to show the documents to authenticate his claims that the property belongs to his father he was reluctant to show any documents and on the contrary admitted that he would first have to consult a BJP worker of the area before furnishing any documents. The question that arises is – Who is the BJP worker to be consulted for authenticity of proof? Is the BJP worker in hand and glove in helping illegal encroachments and adulterated chemical activities in the area? It has been noticed that many gutters in the area have been choked with adulterated chemicals and grease. The BMC has been extremely lethargic in implementing action in the flourishing of illegal activities at Shastri Nagar and Chunnabatti. Earlier too, a political worker from the area had been trying to encroach a public toilet area for installing an electric cabin which was stalled.

Widening of bridge over Mithi river moving at Snail pace

2011-03-20T17:03:00.001-07:00

The proposed widening of the bridge over Mithi river along Kurla-kalina Marg situated in the Kalpana Air India Colony portion was initiated by the local corporator. Because of the narrow bridge abnormal traffic jams have been witnessed by the residents. For the widening of the bridge a contract was awarded in October, 2008 to commence the work from November, 2008. Despite the local corporator pressurizing BMC for the speeding up of the work, it has been almost more than two years there has hardly been any progress. The execution of work was to be done by widening of river to the extent of 100 mtr demolition of existing bridge. During the construction period traffic was to be diverted to CST road and there will be total closure of Kurla-Kalina Road in Kalpana Air Iindia Colony portion.While speaking to Alice Therattil, she told Santacruz Patrika, “I have been regularly corresponding with the Municipal Commissioner, BMC and Deputy Chief Engineer (Bridges). Also when a Jansampark Karyalaya programme was organized in Kalina which was attended by MP Priya Dutt and MLA Kripashankar Singh, the BMC authorities did not respond positively to the various queries raised by the residents of Kalina in regards to the completion of the widening of the bridge.” “With the slow progress of work being carried on the widening of the bridge, I hope the bridge should get completed by the year end.” As per tender the work was to be completed by September, 2010 by has been progressing at a snail pace.

HC asks for speedy inquiry into Kripashankar’s alleged disproportionate assets

2011-03-20T17:01:00.000-07:00

The Enforcement Directorate and the Income Tax Department and the Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau have been directed by the Bombay High Court to complete the inquiry against Mumbai Congress chief and MLA Kripashankar Singh in an alleged disproportionate assets case of within four weeks. Justices Mohit Shah and SJ Vajifdar, comprising a division bench, also directed the agencies to share information with each other. The directives were passed during the hearing of a PIL filed by one Sanjay Tiwari on allegations that Singh had amassed wealth disproportionate to his known sources of income. "The inquiry is going on since June last year. They can share information with each other. ACB has limited powers and in such a case, ED and I-T department can help out," chief justice Shah remarked. The PIL which was filed last year also alleges that Singh was close to Madhu Koda, former chief minister of Jharkhand, who is in jail currently over his alleged involvement in a multi-crore hawala scam. There have been several money transactions between the two, the PIL alleges. However, additional solicitor general (ASG) Darius Khambata, counsel for the ED, said that no link between Singh and Koda had been found. "It is not necessary that he (Singh) should have committed all criminal activities along with Koda,'' chief justice Shah remarked. Senior counsel Mahesh Jethmalani, representing Tiwari, argued that between March to November 2009, a total amount of Rs 60 crore had been deposited in the bank accounts of Singh's wife and son. Singh's counsel Janak Dwarkadas, refuted the allegations. Jethmalani argued that, ''Even if there is no Koda angle to the case, the I-T and ED should still look into the amount. The deposit of this amount has been revealed in diaries seized from Koda's residence,'' Jethmalani said. :”Singh's wife owns a 258-acre agricultural land in Ratnagiri worth Rs25 crore, along with the 'the land was purchased when Singh was state home minister and had granted 104 arms licenses to the security firm as a kickback,'' the affidavit further states. The PIL goes on to state that Singh's son, Sanjay, is married to Ankita, the daughter of Kamlesh Singh. Kamlesh Singh was a minister in the Koda cabinet. The PIL alleges that Ankita had received Rs1.75 crore in her account from Kamlesh owner of a private security firm,'' an affidavit filed by Tiwari stated.

BJP worker from Kalina a 'Dalal' of BMC

2011-03-16T04:57:00.000-07:00

A huge banner for all seasons. Conveying all messages of no relevance. Airport Authority Zopadpatti Bachao. Best wishes for Diwali, Eid, Christmas & New Year.

It is a no denying that Corruption in India is at its rampant best.There is not one section of the society that is spared from it. Corruption in the form of bribery takes the cake and given that it begins at the grass root level makes it even more difficult to monitor and control. The striking though well known findings of a detailed report points out that close to half the bribes are requested by the Government officials both at the state and national level.The same government personnel who are entrusted with the development of the nation are filling their own pockets.No wonder then the nation’s politicians are the most corrupt lot. The cost of corruption to the country might as well exceed Rs. 250,000 crores. The general perception on corruption is that only rich in India get their work done by way of corruption. However, recent study shows that the poorest (Below poverty line – BPL) Janta too pay bribes in big numbers. A TII-CMS India Corruption Study shows that below poverty line households paid more than 883,00,00,000 (883 crore rupees) to avail basic services like Public Distribution systems, hospitals, school education, electricity and water supply.
The BJP has gone on a mass campaign to fight against corruption. But it is a shame that they do not practise what they preach. It is aleged that their District Secretary Anil Upadhyay is involved in mass scale corrupt activities. From an ordinary rickshaw driver this BJP secretary today roams in swanky car. It is alleged that he has been instrumental in the construction of illegal 1+1 slums in Kalina. While speaking to Santacruz Patrika, Kripa Pandey, Congress Block President 49 clarified, "His modus operandi is simple. He regularly visits the BMC H/E office and is found most of the day sitting with BMC officials. He collects money from parties and bribes the BMC officials and manages to construct illegal structures." He further adds, " His is a multi strategy wherein the officials are bribed and illegal structures are protected. Later he lodges a complaint for demolition and again bribes the officials to stop the demolition." "Many genuine parties are deprived of meeting the BMC officials because Upadhyay as a 'Dalal' of BMC is most of the time engaged with the officials who have no time to attend genuine complaints. Also, it is noticed that these BMC officials are in the office till late night entertaining Upadhyay," admits Pandey. In this regard Pandey says that he has lodged various complaints to BMC wherein no work in the constituency is taking place as the BMC officials are busy involved in underhand deals. Finally, because of no action being taken by BMC H/E ward I took up the matter with MLA Kripashankar Singh. Immediately, Kripashankar had a meeting with the DMC in the presence of AMC and other officials and immediate action was initiated against Upadhyay.
Further, Civic chief Subodh Kumar asked all additional municipal commissioners to personally ensure illegal hoardings are pulled down without any delay. Kumar held a BMC top brass meeting and later told media, "We will remove all illegal hoardings immediately. Even those which have been issued permission will be scrutinised. We will check whether hoardings have been placed at a place allotted to them." A civic official said, "It was decided that permissible hoardings will be allotted specific locations after traffic police are consulted. The civic commissioner insisted zero tolerance towards illegal hoardings." Supervisors from BMC's Licence Department will visit their allotted areas daily to ensure hoardings don't come back. It will be ward officers' responsibility to see to it that civic chief's diktat is carried out said Kumar.
"Also, in this regard we had written letters to BMC H/E and requested them to remove all illegal hoardings, banners and cutouts. But somehow the oficials have been lenient to the huge 40'x40' hoardings of which Anil Upadhyay is associated.. Finally, with the intervention of MLA Kripashankar, all illegal hoardings were pulled down."emphasised Pandey. "This angered him and he took out a morcha to BMC with false allegations that illegal activities in the area are a hand-work of Kripashankar. We immediately protested the false allegations of Upadhyay and took out a huge morcha of about 750 workers. Later, we approached the Vakola Police station and lodged a complaint against him. We were assured by the Sr PI that after interrogations action will be taken against him", confirmed Pandey.
It is learnt that hardly 15-20 people participated in the morcha taken out by Upadhyay. When confirming with a senior leader of BJP, he clarified with Santacruz Patrika and said,"The morcha call by Upadhyay was not a call by the BJP Party. It was an individual problem of his and the BJP party was not responsible. Secondly, since it was not a party issue no BJP party worker participated in the morcha. Further, since he is not following the decorum of the party, senior party workers boycott his programmes."
Also, while clarifying with the Alice Therattil, corporator of the area in regards to rampant illegal constructions in Kalina she spoke to Santacruz Patrika and clarified, "We have on several ocassions reported these matters to BMC but they have not been taking any action. As far as possible I have prevented many illegal constructions in my ward. Also, the 1+2 structure of Anil Upadhyay at Shastri Nagar is illegal and I have reported this to BMC. The BMC squad had come to demolish the illegal structure but after knowing that it is of Anil Upadyay they went back without demolishing." Such is the lethargic response from BMC", complained Alice.
With the bone of contention being illegal hoardings, we have at least now, politicians will wake up and realise they should not take the city for granted. A Bombay High Court judgment stated that citizens could invoke and "certainly claim their fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 21 (right to life) to a clean environment free of any defacement". Garbage, sewage problems, bad roads, debris in streets, sick and homeless people... let politicians focus on these issues. Banners serve nothing except inflate ego of some people. But that's not an achievement, we have elected them to work for us. Also, we are not interested in knowing their birthdays which their chamchas want to announce and celebrate. Why can't political parties donate clothes and food to the needy to celebrate their leaders' birthday? At last, Mumbai will be rid of illegal hoardings. These netas thought the city is their property. Illegal hoardings are a nuisance. Merely paying hoarding charges cannot make something legal. And there should be a NOC from the RTO certifying that the hoarding is not a hindrance to citizens. Rules should be framed for to ensure that the BMC does issue arbitrary permits, legitimizing hoardings. The BMC seems to be either a part of the game or scared of politicians. We want action now! We must question the concerned BMC officials why no proper action is being taken. It gets very annoying to see banners of random people in your lane. If some chamchas are happy about their neta's birthday, they can go celebrate amongst themselves. It's strange how the BMC turns a blind eye to this. Party workers take permission for 50 hoardings and put up 500.
With the BMC H/E ward become a den for "Dalals" and hardly any public work performed, Kripa Pandey has sent out a 20-point programme for immediate implementation to BMC and local MLA Kripashankar Singh. The following is the memorandum:
1. Cleaning of nallah from Chirekhan Nagar to Niron Hospital and passing through Police ground
2. Cleaning of Gutter from P&T Colony through Asghar Ali Compound, Khandwala Society, BMC Dispensary, Om Chamunda Society to Dhobighat
3. Cleaning of gutter and garbage from Yeshwant Nagar, Srikrishna Nagar to Hans Bhugra Marg
4. Cleaning of gutter from Gaondevi Ganesh Nagar, D'Mello Compound, Nanjivan Society to Airport wall. Also removal of garbage piled near the wall of Airport.
5. Cleaning of gutter of Valmiki Nagar and removal of garbage near BMC ground.
6. Cleaning of gutters at Yeshwant Nagar and Kolovery Village.
7. Cleaning of sewerage line from P&T Colony to Vakola Bridge.
8. The work on the boundaries of both sides of Vakola Nalah lying incomplete for long.
9. Cleanliness of undergroung subway at Vakola signal and Mahakali Mandir.
10. Regular removal of illegal hoardings, banners, cutouts irrespective of any political party or Sanstha in H/E Ward. Also., removal of illegal Vachnalay's installed at various places in H/E ward.
11. Removal of hawkers and re-locating them from Santacruz Railway overbridge and outside Railway station. The Hawkers near Radhakrishna Sweet Mart, near BEST bus Depot has been creating hardships to free movement of passengers..
12. Cleanliness of Bastis is negligble and should be done regularly for hygienic purposes.
13. The work on Mithi river bridge is going on at extremely slow pace. Santacruz Patrika in its last issue had raised this lethargy.
14. The potholes near Airport Gate No 8 be filled.
15. Most of the public toilets in the slums are not cleant and maintained regularly which stinks. Also, many of the doors of these toilets are broken and not replaced.
16. Repair work of damaged road from Vakola Bridge to Dattamandir, Glass Factory to Hanuman Mandir, Nehru Road. Also Old CST Road, near Hotel Geeta Vihar till Shivnagar.
17. In many slum areas because of illegal water conections through joints, the water leaks causing overflow in the gutters and inconvenience to the slumdwellers. Instead of the old thin pipes it is suggested to replace them with either a 3-inch or 6-inch pipe which will ensure free flow water to slums and eliminate the many pipe joints. These are required in areas like Shastrinagar, Chirekhan Nagar, Valmiki Basti, P.K.Tiwari Chawl, Viena Bakery, Nagdevi Nagar, Jamblipada, Netaji Nagar and Gaondevi.
18. Installing a public toilet between Geeta Vihar and Air India Colony.
19. Rajiv Gandhi Jal Kendra near Vakola Police Station was illegaly used as a Chinese Dhaba. A water supply for public use to be re-installed.
20. Encroached footpaths with shops to be removed and the gutter underneath made accessible for cleanliness.

Lady snatched of chain suffers partial loss of memory

2011-02-25T12:39:00.000-08:00

It was on Republic Day when Lasmi Nautiyal, aged 40 years and residing at Aasra Apts, Vakola was returning home after attending Republic Day function at Public High School. Lasmi is a teacher at Public High School. While on her way to home she noticed three men following her. After having reached the gate of Aasra Apartments building, St Anthony’s Road, Vakola, It was on Republic Day when Lasmi Nautiyal, aged 40 years and residing at Aasra Apts, Vakola was returning home after attending Republic Day function at Public High School. Lasmi is a teacher at Public High School. While on her way to home she noticed three men following her. After having reached the gate of Aasra Apartments building, St Anthony’s Road, Vakola, In this incident the Vakola police arrested three persons on charges of attempt to murder and theft. The police had registered an attempt-to-murder a case after Nautiyal's neighbour Narayan Dastehkar helped nab one of the chain-snatchers accused. Dastehkar also sustained injuries after being attacked with a chopper by one of the accomplices of the accused.
The extent of Nautiyal's injury was known only a couple of days after the incident. She has now been shifted from the intensive cardiac care unit (ICCU to high dependency unit (HDU), where she is being treated for temporary contusion intracerebral hemotoma. A type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that causes bruising of the brain tissue, a hematoma involves heavy bleeding into or around the brain area. The severity of TBI can range from mild concussion to the extremes of coma or even death.
Neurosurgeon Dr Ashutosh Shetty said, "Lasmi was brought in an unconscious state at the hospital. She remained in coma for almost four days as there was bleeding inside her brain. She has now regained consciousness, but it is difficult to predict when she will regain her total memory."
Her brother who flew down from Australia after he received the news stated that his sister fell down the staircase and probably suffered internal injuries. The following day, she had an appointment with her cardiologist but skipped the meeting with the doctor as she went to Sion Hospital to enquire about Dastehkar's health who was also seriously injured in the incident. Dastehkar suffered an injury below his eye, but was fortunate to recover soon after being admitted to the hospital.
Narayan Govind Dastehkar, aged 32 years was attacked because the robbers took revenge since Lasmi shouted “Raju, Raju” for help while her chain was being snatched. Hence the men took revenge on Dastehkar and attacked him the following day.

But, while clarifying with Laxmi after the incident, she confirmed with Santacruz Patrika and said, “Since I was attacked on the first floor and Dastehkar alias Raju resides in the opposite flat I screamed ‘Raju’ for help. But, however I insisted with Dastehkar that I have never been to a police station and requested him to forget the incident.” Adding further she said, “But Narayan insisted to register a complaint with the police” “I never realized that this incident will take a heavy toll on Dastehkar and he would be brutually attacked for revenge, “confessed Lasmi.
Unfortunately, Lasmi had undergone a heart operation a few years ago. Now, after the incident a cardiologist found that she was giving incoherent replies and therefore advised her to take a CT scan. The CT scan report confirmed that she had suffered internal bleeding. As soon as she fell unconscious, Lasmi was admitted to the hospital.

‘I will will run the School with five students but not succumb to pressure’-Ritu Bhugra

2011-02-20T07:20:00.000-08:00

The alleged rape at Kalina Education Society (KES) pre-primary school has sparked off a controversy and has become a much discussed topic. Is the alleged rape a reality or hype? Many are pondering over this question and wanting to know the reality. Santacruz Patrika reputed for its investigative journalism met a wide range of people to bring out the facts.

It was on 3rd February when Pinky (name changed) a 4-year-old girl attended school as usual. While leaving the school her mother came to pick her up. Her mother as a daily routine took her home. But after reaching home she happened to notice a change in the character of her daughter. While speaking to Santacruz Patrika, the child’s mother narrated the incident and said, “After I brought my daughter home she wanted to pass stools and went to the toilet. Then she asked me to wash her up. While washing, I noticed a sticky fluid and suspected something fishy.”Adding further her mother said, “Afterwards I immediately took her to the Vakola Police Station to register a complaint. At the Vakola Police station a lady constable checked up the girl and informed that the girl is fine and can be taken home. However I insisted with the police that I suspect that she has been raped and would like to have a medical checkup.” “The police accordingly informed me that I can go ahead and do a medical checkup. I then called up one of my acquaintances who advised me to take her to a doctor at Kurla. I then took her to Dr Anju Meswani who directed me to go to Sion Hospital.” stated her mother. The girl was then taken to Sion Hospital and after the report received from Sion Hospital the Vakola Police registered a FIR and thereafter arrested the peon Thelam Singh, class teacher Alison Miranda and ayah Shaila Mohite. A case u/s 376, 323, 506.34 was registered.

Further in the FIR lodged by her mother it states that the girl informed that on 3rd February, the date of incident her class teacher Miranda had slapped the girl; the ayah Shaila pinched her and the peon Thelam Singh threw a worm. Later, on 5th February while her mother took her to the toilet and noticed that she had difficulty while urinating the girl complained that Thelam removed her panty and placed a worm on her private part. But, while Sunita D’Silva of Santacruz Patrika spoke to the little girl who was hale and hearty replied to most of the questions posed by this author. She answered all the questions by only nodding her head but was interrupted by her mother and niece to keep saying ‘YES’. The only answer that came out from the girl was - who was the teacher…to which she replied MIRANDA. Which is quite likely that every student remembers their class teacher name?

To cross verify Santacruz Patrika spoke to the headmistress Ritu Vinod Bhugra, Head of Pre-Primary Section, Secretary Vijay Bhugra and Vinod Bhugra of the school management. The management stated that it was only last month that the school celebrated its golden jubilee in glory which did not go well with many. It is basically a conspiracy hatched by some mischief mongers to tarnish the image of the school. Rita Bhugra, the headmistress said, “At first, it was said that the rape took place inside the activity room, but later the cops said it occurred in the toilet on the third floor.:” Also, while speaking to this publication, the child’s niece also admitted that the incident took place in the activity room and Ritu Bhugra clarified that the activity room had been closed on that day.Further Ritu Bhugra while speaking to Santacruz Patrika said, “The girl’s mother had earlier too lodged a complaint against her daughter stating that on 6th December, 2010 of a similar incident. But unfortunately on that day our school was closed due to Dr.Ambedkar’s death anniversary. Now too, the allegations made against the three arrested are totally baseless. On 3rd February, the day of the incident Thelam Singh was busy in the other school distributing examination papers to std IX students and was with me the entire day. On that day he was not present in the pre-primary school building” “Also, her husband when he came to meet me the next day had apologized and claimed that his wife is mentally instable and might have made baseless allegations, “clarified Ritu.

However, when Santacruz Patrika went to clarify with her husband at their residence, they refused to speak to this publication and instructed the author to meet them in the evening at Suman Fernandes, a Human Rights activist office at Jamblipada. Further, in the evening when we went to Suman’s office her husband did not turn up. It was also astonishing to note the child’s mother stating that without the consent of Suman they were instructed not to interact with anyone.

Further, Vijay Bhugra of the management also clarified and said,” For the entire day of the incident Thelam was helping us in the other school building and came over to the pre-primary school building only late in the night. When questioned about Thelam Singh whereabouts in the pre-primary building when he is a peon in the other school building, Vijay Bhugra clarified, “Thelam is a peon of the Secondary section and Punikant Yadav is the watchman of the pre-primary school Building. But since Thelam has been associated with us since the last 35 years we have allowed him to sleep on the terrace of the building. So Thelam is only available in the building in the night. Hence the allegations are fabricated and baseless.” Adding further Bhugra said, “Thelam is a 56-year-old high diabetic, blood pressure and vital organ failure patient. So how can one expect such a person to commit such an offence?” Secondly, during the past 35-years of service with the school, Thelam has a clean record. He has on several occasions accompanied the teachers on their annual picnics and camps. We have never received any complaints against him, “clarified Bhugra.Ritu Bhugra further added, “When the girl’s mother along with some activists visited my office they attacked me and snatched my chain. And on the contrary lodged a false complains against me. The mother along with some activists and political parties are creating disturbances in the smooth running of the school.” “A few days ago Sada Parab of Shiv Sena gave us a dictate to close the school. But we will not succumb to any pressure and even if five students attend classes I will run the school,” emphasized the disgusted Ritu.

Several locals along with Shiv Sainiks, headed by Sada Parab, protested outside the school demanding the suspension of three staffers-Singh, class teacher Alison Miranda and helper Shaila Mohite. The management said they were an aided school and so the government would look into Singh's suspension. Also, several parents opposed the protestors saying the closure of the school would adversely affect the education of other children.Ritu Bhugra, the primary school chief said, "We don't know if Singh is guilty. We are more worried for our teacher Miranda and ayah Shaila as they are innocent." We are shocked that the police without applying their minds have booked them too in the rape case when duo are females and are no way connected to Singh. Sources said that taking advantage of this some miscreants are even sending messages to the management demanding a sum of Rs 10 lakhs to settle the issue.
Also Rajendra Govindsinha Pardesi clarified and said "Investigation is on and we cannot reveal any further details. We are awaiting Thelam Singh’s DNA Report.”However, there is a lot of contradiction to various statements on the incident. Firstly, the girl’s mother admitted that her daughter had narrated to her about the incident while on way home. Later she admitted that only after the girl went to pass stools her mother noticed something sticky and doubted foul play. In that case why was the incident not immediately reported to the Principal of the school instead of bringing the child home? Also, why was the child taken to Sion Hospital for a checkup after three days and not immediately? In the intervening three days any mischief could be planted. Further, there are contradictory statements on the place of the incident- once claimed in the toilet and on the other hand claimed to be in the activity room. Further, there are many statements which require a detailed enquiry to seek the truth and genuinely of the allegations. However, time will tell and truth will prevail.

Dead body of missing girl finally found in a gutter

2011-02-10T20:52:00.000-08:00

It was about a fortnight ago we had carried a story about a three-year-old girl Anjali Gupta who had gone missing and was not traceable. But, after frantic search for the missing girl the Vakola police finally managed to remove her dead body from one of the gutters at Kapur Basti, Vakola.

While speaking to Santacruz Patrika her father narrated the incident and said, “ Since Anjali went missing on 19^th January, we searched all the surrounding gutters nearby but did not trace her. Now that since after 12 days her body has been found in a gutter nearby has taken us by shock. We suspect some foul play.” Further, while speaking to her neighbours they too said that the gutter where the body was found was covered with a iron lid and it is surprising to note how her body was traced in the gutter. Secondly, another resident from the area said that the body was removed by the police not in a decomposed state. Many questioned that if the girl had fallen in the gutter and removed after 12 days the body would have been in a highly decomposed state. Since it was not in a highly decomposed state there are likelihood of a foul play.

However, another resident from the area contradicted the claims and told Santacruz Patrika, “ The girl might have fallen in the gutter and with the gushing of water her body was driven a few feet away. It was the night before that some drug addicts had stolen the lid of the gutter. The next morning some boys from the area were playing top and it happened to have fallen in the gutter. When they went to search for their top they happened to find a body lying in the gutter. One of the boys immediately informed his neighbours and the police too were immediately summoned. The police arrived at the spot and removed the body.”

When Santacruz Patrika took a survey of the area and the surroundings it was noticed that the gutters hardly had any water but was filled with muck at the bottom. Further, while gauging the depth of water it was noticed that water was hardly to an extent of a feet. Also, some residents said that a dog and a child too had fallen in the gutter some days ago and they were removed safely from the gutter.

Also, while speaking to Baligram Ghag, Corporator of the ward he told Santacruz Patrika, “I have ensured that all the gutters in my ward are closed and none are left open. It could be a possibility that the cover of this gutter where the missing girl’s body was recovered might have been stolen by some urchins, drug peddlars or vagabonds.

Anyway, the death of the girl is reported to be an accidental death. But the mystery behind Anjali’s death is still in doubts.