Tuesday, 31 January 2012
After extortion, Sena man accused of molestation
Praffulla Mhatre and his men allegedly tried to extort cash and seize a flat from a Vashi-based developer; now they have been accused of molesting the victim's receptionist On October 11, 2011, MiD DAY reported how police registered a complaint against Shiv Sena leader Prafulla Mhatre and seven other party men for trying to extort cash and grab a free-of-cost flat from a Vashi-based developer ('Cops book 8 Sainiks for extorting builder'). Three months later, the neta has been accused of molesting a receptionist in the same office. In trouble, again: In October
School bus owners to go on strike from Feb 6
School Bus Owners' Association irked with Transport department for not waiving some of the rules in school bus safety norm and pulling up buses for not implementing them School bus woes are back to haunt the city's parents again. Upset with the government for not clarifying matters on the contentious school bus safety policy, the School Bus Owners' Association (SBOA) of Maharashtra has decided to go on an indefinite strike from February 6. No meeting point: School bus owners are unhappy with the
Chaos reigns at Kurla LTT
Although pathway for vehicles is completed it remains closed, causing inconvenience to passengers; taxi drivers block prepaid counters For weary commuters alighting from long-distance trains at Kurla Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), disgust at the state of affairs can only be expressed privately.Passengers find themselves tackling menacing taxi and auto rickshaw drivers as soon as they step off the train. Disarray: Taxi and auto drivers haphazardly park their vehicles outside the LTT making it troublesome for passengersRampant fleecing and overcharging are the norm. Both the taxis and auto
Lower Parel's killer pillars claim 53 in 5 yrs
Victims accidentally crashed into one of the 12 poles, erected close to the tracks, to support bridge joining east to west The next time you are travelling on the footboard of a fast train, be extra careful while passing Lower Parel. Barely 500 m from the station, there exist 12 killer iron poles that have claimed 53 lives in the last five years, after the unsuspecting commuters were accidentally hit by one of the poles. Located between fast tracks 3 and 4, these
Monday, 30 January 2012
Pleasure trip to Lonavla turns fatal for two friends
Executive editor of Marathi weekly magazine drowns in Bhushi dam while trying to save female software engineerA pleasure trip to Lonavla turned into a tragedy when two city youths drowned in the Bhushi dam last afternoon.Tragic tale: Deepak Potdar and Bhagyashree Undale The deceased were identified as Deepak Maruti Potdar (31), the executive editor of Marathi weekly magazine Krantitej, and Bhagyashree Undale (26), an engineer with a leading software company. The spot where the two drowned yesterdayPotdar was from Parvati Gaon, while Undale was from
This killer stretch under bridge gives the Expressway a bad name
Serious design flaw in system of lanes segregating heavy and light vehicles under Amrutanjan Bridge makes it most dangerous spot on the ExpresswayThe Mumbai-Pune Expressway seems to have earned the sobriquet 'killer road' because of a particular spot that has seen the most number of accidents ever since the highway was constructed. It's a daily headache: Traffic congestion near the Amrutanjan Bridge during morning peak hours;The turn below the Amrutanjan Bridge, which is near Lonavla, has a serious design flaw
Car bursts into flames on FC Rd; owner rescued
Passers-by pull out 40-year-old trapped in vehicle after breaking windows and loosening his seat belt; short circuit blamed for blazeA car caught fire near Vaishali restaurant on Fergusson College road yesterday morning. The 40-year-old car owner, Kailash Suresh Gupta, had a narrow escape as passers-by pulled him out of the car after a struggle.Gupta got locked inside his Volkswagen Vento and was saved by other commuters, who pulled him out after breaking the windows of the car. Fireball: The car on fire on Fergusson College Road clicked by a citizen journalist yesterday. Kailash Suresh
Are short stay homes hand in glove with adoption centres?
Activists smell 'baby booking' racket as authorities seek explanation from SOFOSH and short stay home Chaitanya Mahila Mandal upon finding pregnant 15-yr-old under care of adoption centre worker at Sassoon General HospitalThe Women and Child Development department has sought an explanation from the Society of Friends of Sassoon Hospital (SOFOSH), an adoption centre, and the Chaitanya Mahila Mandal, a short stay home, after it found a 15-year-old physically challenged pregnant girl was being looked after by a caretaker from SOFOSH during her hospitalisation at Sassoon. In eye of
'This dishonesty is despicable'
Deepa Mehta speaks to Subhash K Jha on the aftermath of the Salman Rushdie fiasco at the Jaipur Literary FestivalYour friend and creative collaborator Salman Rushdie was not allowed to attend the Jaipur literary festival. What do you have to say about the issue? That isn't true. Mr Rushdie was not disallowed from attending the Jaipur Literary Festival. He was lied to and misinformed by the police and local politicians. He was actively discouraged from attending the festival and told his presence would
Stand-in skipper Sehwag calls for fans' support
Stand-in captain for Adelaide Test wants fans to support team; reminds them of 2011 World Cup winFor Virender Sehwag, Indian cricket is going through a bad time, and that's his excuse for the collective failure of the batsmen in the just-concluded four-Test series against Australia. "Everybody was practising hard at home, and then we came here (to Australia) and practised really hard. We make our own plans and it didn't click. It happens with every team, with
Bar association boycott doctor
On Saturday, the Bandra Bar Association resolved that no advocate from their group will represent the 58 year-old doctor who slapped and blackened the face of advocate Mahesh Shukla in Bandra labour court on Friday. At 11.35 am on Friday, Shukla was attending a session at the labour court in Bandra when the accused Dr Vivek Umesh Koppikar barged in, slapped Shukla and blackened his face and threatened him in front of the magistrate. Lawyers Manoj Singh, BD Birajdar and Rajeev Ved, who were present at the scene, handed him over
Sena-BJP vandals have a field day
On Saturday afternoon, supporters of Shiv Sena Member of Parliament Anandrao Adsul vandalised the office of a popular Marathi newspaper in South Mumbai. They were protesting against a report published in the Marathi language daily on Saturday allegedly speculating that party MP from Amravati, Adsul, was planning to defect to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Around 100 people carrying saffron flags burnt copies of the daily and barged into the building, destroying the doorframe, metal detectors and computers at the reception. "We have detained few people and are
Post midday, the city shimmers
The fourth Queer Azadi March took place on Saturday with close to 3,000 men and women matching step, singing songs and dancing to drums in the carnival that was the Pride. Not only were they marching for queer pride, but for the pride of all their other identities -- profession, gender and community affiliation There's a reason why the Queer Azadi March, the gay parade in Mumbai which resumed in 2008, is called the Pride. It signals the pride of
Saturday, 28 January 2012
Coastal road may go to greater lengths
Technical committee report suggests extending it to under-construction Eastern Freeway in the south and Vasai-Virar in the northIf things happen as planned, this might go a long way in bridging Mumbai's north-south divide, at least in terms of transit. The coastal road report prepared by an 11-member joint technical committee has suggested linking the proposed stretch with the under-construction Eastern Freeway in south Mumbai and extending it to Vasai and Virar in the north. The panel has also kept the option
'In-laws have taken away my children'
29-yr-old teacher files FIR against late husband's family, alleges they forced her to give up custody of her kids A 29-year-old teacher says she has spent the last eight months without having seen her children and is now fighting to get them back. The woman, Dimple Sharma, has now registered a case against her in-laws with the Santacruz police.An old photo of Dimple Sharma with her daughtersDimple's trauma began on July 22, 2008, the day her husband, 31-year-old Kiran, lost his battle with cancer while
Post-adoption birth pangs
Two Andheri couples tell MiD DAY they have been caught up in red tape for months trying to get birth certificates for their adopted daughters If you thought adopting a child in India is a cumbersome process, try getting a birth certificate for him/her. Meet the Shiralis from Andheri who have been running from pillar to post for three weeks now. Usually getting a birth certificate is a weeklong affair.Anand and Priti Shirali with their adopted daughterAnand Shirali got the custody of his daughter on
State has to spend Rs 48 cr on EVMs to appease netas
Political leaders ask EC not to count results of Feb 7 Zilla Parishad and Panchayat elections ahead of Feb 16 civic polls, as it may influence how people vote. This means buying new EVMs, as the 44,250 machines used in local body polls cannot be reused In a sudden frenzy of acquisition, the government has approved a staggering sum of Rs 47.5 crore for the purchase of new electronic voting machines (EVMs).Dharmesh RathodThe urgency of the purchase is indicated by the fact that Rs 5 crore has been extracted from the
Friday, 27 January 2012
India 166/6 at stumps
India were 166 for six in the second innings, chasing a target of 500, at stumps on the fourth day of the fourth and final cricket Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval here Friday. Wriddhiman Saha was batting on 0 while Ishant Sharma was on 2 at the close of play. The scoreboard at stumps on day four: Australia first innings: 604/7 declared India first innings: 272 Australia second innings (50/3 overnight):David Warner c & b Ashwin 28Ed Cowan lbw b Ashwin 10 Shaun Marsh lbw b Khan 0 Ricky Ponting not out 60Michael Clarke c Saha b
Kohli blasts Australia for sledging
Young middle-order batsman Virat Kohli, who struck his maiden Test century Thursday, blasted the Australian team for their over-indulgence in sledging and also the local fans for disrespecting the Indian cricketers. Kohli said Australians were frustrated at not getting a wicket for long after they had reduced India to 111 for five. Kohli (116) and Wriddhiman Saha (35) resurrected the innings with their 114-run stand before India's first innings folded up for 272. "They (players) sledge when they
Lunch Scoreboard: India vs. Australia, Day Four, Fourth Test
The scoreboard at lunch on day four of the fourth and final cricket Test between India and Australia at the Adelaide Oval here Friday.Australia first innings: 604/7 declaredIndia first innings: 272Australia second innings (50/3 overnight):David Warner c & b Ashwin 28Ed Cowan lbw b Ashwin 10 Shaun Marsh lbw b Khan 0 Ricky Ponting batting 57Michael Clarke c Saha b Yadav 37Mike Hussey lbw b SharmaBrad Haddin batting 1 Extras: (lb ) 6 Total: (5 wickets; 43overs) 154 Fall of wickets : 1-39 (Warner, 9.6 overs), 2-40 (Marsh, 10.6), 3-40 (Cowan, 11.4), 4-111 (Clarke, 28.2), 5-147 (Hussey, 38.5)Bowling: Zaheer Khan 13-1-38-1 Ravichandran Ashwin 18-2-62-2Umesh Yadav 5-0-23-1Ishant Sharma 7-0-25-1Umpires: Aleem Dar (Pakistan) and Kumara Dharmasena (Sri Lanka)TV umpire: Simon
Australia lead by 486 runs at lunch
Australia were 154 for five in their second innings and had taken a 486-run lead at lunch on day four of the fourth Test against India here Friday. Ricky Ponting and Brad Haddin were batting on 57 and
Thursday, 26 January 2012
Kerala governor Farook dies in Chennai hospital
Kerala Governor M.O.H. Farook Thursday died in a private hospital in Chennai due to multiple myeloma - a cancer of plasma cells - at the age of 75, officials said. A seven-day state mourning has been declared in Kerala. Farook was recently granted leave to go for medical treatment to Chennai. "He was admitted for multiple myeloma at Apollo Hospital in Teynampet (cancer speciality hospital). The end came today (Thursday) at 9.20 p.m.," an Apollo official told IANS. Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who was on an official trip to Thrissur, cancelled his programme and
Two women help homeless blind man see again
Seeing the dispossessed and sightless man being assaulted by beggars, two youngsters took him to a medical centre, where a doctor agreed to operate on his eyes free of cost To say that bleak, dark times had befallen Chandrakant Daji over the past eight years would be an understatement. In a series of catastrophic incidents, the 55-year-old -- who was once the patriarchof a large family -- was deserted by his two children and three siblings, and then rendered homeless whenhis house burnt down. Finally, his dim, grey life
BJP-Sena-RPI begins march towards BMC
The Sena-BJP alliance flagged off its election campaign at a meet in Vikhroli yesterday, where gathered leaders took potshots at a slew of opponents, including Kripashankar Singh, Sharad Pawar and Sanjay Nirupam The bandwagon for the BMC election campaign has finally rolled out. It was flagged off by the saffron alliance at Vikhroli yesterday, which is, significantly, an MNS stronghold. The rally witnessed the enthusiastic participation of all the bigwigs from the saffron alliance, as well as 10,000 loyalists. United we stand: Ramdas Athawale, Uddhav Thackeray and
Much-engaged crook lands in police net after a 'century'
Following MiD DAY's report about 40-year-old who would ensnare wealthy spinsters aged 35-40 to get their money, Juhu police catch up with him; say he may have duped over 100 women The Juhu police have arrested a 40-year-old Bengaluru-based businessman who allegedly duped his fianc �e to the tune of Rs two lakh last year. Matri-money: Vicky Nambiar alias Byju VC (40), who'd promise marriage to women to dupe them of cash later, was arrested from Bengaluru on Monday and brought to the city on Tuesday MiD DAY had reported
Wednesday, 25 January 2012
30 nurses unpaid as hospital struggles with software
The electronic system Sevarth was installed at St George Hospital in October last year, after which employees of the accounts department failed to electronically transfer salaries to the accounts of the caregivers For the last two months, over 35 nurses working for St George hospital have been walking around with empty pockets, and ironically, they have to thank the employees of the hospital's accounts department for their situation. Technologically
Sewri TB hospital staff wear single-use masks for a week
Despite the growing scare of multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis, the hospital management has been putting cost-cutting over protection of staff Even as the central and the state governments are busy containing the spiralling TB situation in the state, staffers at the city's only TB hospital in Sewri - perhaps the most vulnerable to tubercle bacilli - are being made to wear single-use disposable masks for days altogether. They were initially asked to don the masks for a whole fortnight, and
CST-Panvel line may run fully AC trains
The exceptionally low temperatures in northern India have led to the mercury closing in on single digits in the city in recent days. But the scorching, sweltering summers aren't far away and no one appreciates the malady more than a suburban rail commuter. Which is why an air-conditioned local train is the dream of most of the 69 lakh daily passengers on Western and Central Railways in Mumbai. And it seems they might soon get their wish.Along the line: Passengers waiting for a train on
Raped 6-yr-old rescued from Mahim railway tracks
In yet another case of child abuse, a six-year-old girl was rescued on Monday night from near the railway tracks at Mahim station where she was dumped after being raped. However, moments before the child fell unconscious, she whispered the identity of her tormentor into her mother's ear.According to the police, the victim, a resident of Jai Bajrang Nagar in Mahim (East), was discovered by her relatives, who had launched a search operation after she went missing.
Tuesday, 24 January 2012
7-yr-old raped after being kidnapped
The victim went missing from the vicinity of her house in the night, was spotted entering the area in the morning in a horrific condition; cops have registered a case of kidnapping and rape The Govandi police have launched a manhunt for an unknown person accused of kidnapping and raping a minor. The girl (7), a resident of Baiganwadi in Shivaji Nagar, had accompanied her grandmother to fetch water, when the unidentified person abducted her from the locale on Sunday night. Yesterday at
13/7 blasts investigation: 12,373 witnesses, 18 states, 2 arrests
ATS arrests 2 from Darbhanga, Bihar, for Mumbai triple blasts, a third accused is already in their custody for a fake currency case, Yasin Bhatkal still wanted Six months after the triple bomb blasts shook Mumbai in July last year, the Maharashtra ATS claims to have cracked the case with the arrest of two persons from Darbhanga district in Bihar. Another one of their associates, who allegedly helped them route the funds for the blasts, is already in the custody of
Faulty PCs behind lag in Navi Mumbai Census
Phase III of the NMMC Census is six months behind schedule as 239 of the 700 tablet PCs are not functional After successfully concluding the first two phases of the ongoing Census on time, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) is yet to start the third phase of the socio-economic and caste based Census. The six-month lag has been attributed to the delay in the procurement of sufficient tablet PCs, and the recruitment of manpower to operate them. Further, a number of the tablets
Widow cheated of husband's life insurance money
After waiting for several months following her husband's death, Neha Tahiliani realised the Rs 12 lakh had been withdrawn by crooks using fake identity; four arrested For more than three months, a Dahisar-based widow waited for her late husband's life insurance money, before she learnt that the cheque of Rs 12 lakh had been encashed in her name and she had been duped. Dahisar police have arrested four people including a clerk at Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) for the scam. One accused remains
Monday, 23 January 2012
56% cabbies shun hiv+ colleagues
Survey conducted by Sion Hospital reveals that over half of taxi drivers are uneasy working with an HIV positive colleague; some felt seat belts are unnecessary If the recent survey conducted by doctors from Sion Hospital's Preventive and Social Medicine (PSM) department is anything to go by, then almost 40 per cent of the total taxi drivers that were interviewed are unaware that HIV/AIDS is not transmitted by mosquito bite, use of common toilets, hugging and kissing. Still a taboo: Of the 118 drivers
Frail Vajpayee's 'name dropping' upsets leaders
Despite being aware of his poor health, a few leaders criticise the party for dropping the three-time PM's name from list of campaigners for BMC polls If you sneak a peek at the Bharatiya Janata Party's list of star campaigners for BMC polls and elections in other councils in Maharashtra, there's a glaring omission. For the first time ever, the party has decided to shed the name of three-time prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Then and now: During the last
Copper-T effect: 3 kids and a bladder stone
The intra-uterine device got dislodged and fixed itself on her bladder, resulting in a stone to form; she conceived thrice in spite of the contraceptive When Zarina Ansari, now 35, opted for a copper-T insertion 12 years back, it was because doctors told her it was a sure-fire and safest method of contraception. Little did she know that the device would push itself through her uterine walls, lodge itself in her urinary bladder, which in turn would
24-year-old stages his own abduction for pocket money
400 cops launch manhunt to find the youth but discover four hours later that it was all a deceitful plan to wrest more money from his parents, after his father had reduced his allowance to Rs 20 A massive search involving 400 cops for an abducted youth turned out to be a waste of time. The Dahisar police who conducted the search were left amazed and annoyed when they realised that the 'abductee' himself had staged the drama. THE CULPRIT: Arvind ManeArvind Mane (24), resident of
Sunday, 22 January 2012
Did leopard fall prey to human anger?
The beast's decomposed body was recovered by officials from the Shivansai village yesterday; officials certain that it was killed by humans, possibly to avenge the many leopard attacks that have taken place in the area recently In an incident that is sure to raise the hackles of animal lovers and wildlife conservationists, the decomposed body of a violently slain leopard was recovered by forest department officials in the Shivansai village adjoining the Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary (TWS) at Vasai-Virar
Congress biggies to hit Mumbai
Besides Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, who may address rallies in the city, Maharashtra CM Prithviraj Chavan will be the face of the Congress campaignJust a day after announcing that a seat-sharing pact with the NCP for the upcoming municipal elections has been sealed, the Congress party is now going all out to capture the BMC. Apart from requests to party chief Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi to address at least one rally each, dates of other Congress heavyweights
'I complicate the picture a bit'
As an out lesbian priest of the St Mark's Church in-the-Bowery in New York, Winnie Varghese -- a Keralite by descent, and American by birth -- encountered many reactions on a visit to India, from both, English and Indian clergy. Looking the other way while a social injustice is being done isn't up this queer activist-priest's alley, thoughWinnie Varghese is the 39 year-old priest in charge of the St Mark's Church in-the-Bowery, an Episcopal church that is the oldest site of continuous religious practice in New York. It
Rumble strips for road safety
Navi Mumbai municipal and traffic authorities install rumble strips on roads to slow speeding vehicles, after spate of accidents on Palm Beach roadAfter a series of fatal accidents on Palm Beach road, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) and Navi Mumbai Traffic Police have identified the accident-prone junctions and turning points on the road, and have started to install rumble strips to restrain speeding vehicles.The construction of rumble strips has started near Karave junction in Nerul. They will be lined with thermoplastic paint so that drivers can spot them. pic/ Saurabh
Saturday, 21 January 2012
'Why did they let Lyvita Gomes die?'
Three weeks after Mumbai-born Lyvita Gomes died from starvation, after going on a hunger strike to protest her arrest, her brother asks authorities why he wasn't contactedThe shocking and tragic story of Mumbai-born Lyvita Gomes, 52, who died in the US, after reportedly going on a hunger strike to protest her arrest, has left her brother in much grief and anger. While Gomes' funeral will take place in the first week of February in Illinois,
A honeymoon that almost killed them
A newly-married Mumbai-based couple that alighted the ill-fated Costa Concordia just weeks before it sank on January 13, share their experiences aboard the cruiseThey were meant to have the time of their lives, on a cruise, in the middle of the ocean, celebrating their wedding. Yet, for the newly married couple Meghna and Subodh Mishra, the journey turned out to be one that could have killed them. Subodh and Meghna Mishra heading for a party aboard
Woo luck like you woo a woman
As Mumbai's racing season cranks into high gear with the Indian Oaks tomorrow and the Indian Derby only a few days away, here are a few tips...At the racecourse in Pune, during the season there can be seen on most racing days an elderly punter in an off-white cricket cap. Rare is the day when he is not lucky with his bets --and richer by a few thousand rupees. How do people like him do it? Can lady luck be tamed? Napoleon certainly seems to
Rushdie pulls out of Literary Fest
The author of Midnight's Children says intelligence sources have told him that assassins from the Mumbai underworld were out to eliminate himDay One of the country's largest literary festival was met with the announcement that author Salman Rushdie had pulled out of the DSC Jaipur Literature Festival. A statement released by the author read, "I have now been informed by intelligence sources in Maharashtra and Rajasthan that paid assassins from the Mumbai underworld may be on their way
Friday, 20 January 2012
Brothers to return home after hell on high seas
While Brian escaped easily, Brenjoy Lopes was rescued hours after he fell into the icy waters; they return home today The Lopes family from Vasai can heave a huge sigh of relief as their two sons Brian and Brenjoy, who were on board the wrecked Costa Concordia ship that hit the rocks off the Tuscan coast, will finally return home today. However, the brothers have a harrowing tale to recount, as their rescue from the capsized ship was not smooth sailing. Brian (30),
They were living on a prayer
Family members of those stuck on Costa Concordia, eagerly waiting to greet their loved ones, tell MiD DAY how they suffered in the past 6 days, as tears and prayers flowed free on sleepless nights On a warm, breezy Thursday afternoon, a handful of people were spotted offering prayers at a local church in Vasai Gaon at regular intervals, requesting the Lord for a safe landing of their loved ones who were rescued from the ill-fated cruise ship Costa Concordia. The cruise liner had run aground off Italy's coast last Saturday.God's grace: Oscar's parents
Happy homecoming for Costa crewmembers
Among their families' exclamations of relief and gratitude was the distinct note of anger with the captain who abandoned his ship and crew; many shaken crewmembers decided to reconsider sailing altogether Last evening, scenes of joyful reunions caught the eye at the Mumbai international airport, as batches of the 200 Indian crewmembers aboard the wrecked Italian luxury liner, Costa Concordia, returned home safely. More will arrive today. Together again: (Above) Sapna Singh, assistant waiter on the ship, was overjoyed to see her husband and one-year-old baby at
'Save us from rogue autos'
NGO will submit a list of offenders caught during MiD DAY's Meter Down Campaign to CM Prithviraj Chavan; also contemplating on moving High Court Mumbai Grahak Panchayat (MGP), a non-profit making organisation that fights for the rights of consumers has now decided to take up the issue of refusals suffered by Mumbaikars at the hands of errant auto and taxi drivers, and approach Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan for a permanent solution."We will submit a list to the government comprising the total number of offenders caught
Thursday, 19 January 2012
Did this happen to you?
Should you go to consumer court? A new book on consumer rights attempts to de-mystify the filing-a-consumer-complaint process The January air had a slight nip to it, made sharper by the sea breeze at the Madhuli lawns in Worli behind Poonam Chambers. It was an occasion when Mumbai's glitterati could bring out their pricey shawls and put on designer three-piece suits. The launch of writer Rajyalakshmi Rao, former member & judge, National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission) and Nabankur Gupta's book, Consumer Rights and You was a glittering affair, leading a panellist
Sena to serve old wine in new bottle
Almost all the assurances made by the party in its soon-to-be-released manifesto can be found in the 2007 version With the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls less than a month away, Shiv Sena is ready with its list of promises. The party that is currently at the helm of the civic agency with allies BJP and RPI, has put up hoardings all over the city proclaiming 'Karun dakhavle' (We did it). But sources say, Shiv Sena's soon-to-be-released manifesto for BMC elections will repeat
I know how it feels to be refused by autos: John
Auto driver refuses to ply actor John Abraham from his home to a nearby hotel It doesn't matter whether you are a star or a commoner; one cannot escape refusals from the city's autorickshaw drivers. And their latest victim was Bollywood actor John Abraham. He was refused a fare from his residence at Bandstand to Taj Lands End.When John asked the reason for refusal, auto driver A Sharma said that it was an extremely short distance fare and could be easily covered on foot. "I prefer plying a short distance fare only when I
Napping on gun proves fatal for guard
A security guard taking a snooze, while on duty, accidentally triggered his licensed gun and shot himself yesterday evening. According to the cops, the 50-year-old security guard was manning a private company in J Towers at Bandra-Kurla Complex when the incident occurred. Manaji Kadam had rested his chin on the rifle's muzzle, the cops said, when he mistakenly pushed the trigger. "The bullet pierced his chin and got lodged in his head. He was immediately rushed to Asian Heart Hospital, where he was declared dead before admission," said an officer from BKC police
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
Robbers held for luring victims with 'roles on TV'
Carrying cameras and fake IDs, the two would accost good-looking men, conduct 'auditions', call them back for further tests, spike their drinks, and then loot them In a city where thousands struggle to make it big on the small screen, it's a good idea to do a background check if a stranger appears out of nowhere and offers you a chance to act in a TV show. A police squad led by the additional commissioner of police (western region) has arrested two
Banned ambassador?
Despite being felicitated by the CM, actor Jackie Shroff was missing from most events of the Road Safety Fortnight, allegedly due to mismanagement Whether the recently concluded Road Safety Fortnight organised by regional transport offices (RTOs) and Western India Automobile Association (WIAA) has made the city's streets any safer will be gauged in the days to come, but the one aspect that has raised eyebrows is the missing brand ambassador. MiD DAY had reported on January 3 (He came, he saw, he became brand ambassador)
'Why just eateries? grade canteens too'
After Yuva Sena president Aditya Thackeray set out on a drive to improve sanitation in college and school canteens, Shiv Sena includes it in manifesto for Feb 16 civic poll After 'purging' the syllabus of Mumbai University, Shiv Sena scion Aditya Thackeray has focused his attention on sanitising the canteens in colleges and schools in the city. Neat job: The Sena has included a proposal for constant hygiene checks in the kitchens of educational institutes in its civic election manifesto. File pic A senior Sena corporator told MiD DAY that the Yuva Sena chief undertook the 'Better Campus' campaign to
4,146 trees to face the axe
Three municipal bodies -- BMC, PMC and NMMC -- are in the process of sanctioning a proposal to chop trees along the Sion-Panvel highway; only NMMC has made arrangements for their replacement so far The biggest casualties falling along the paved roads to development are trees. In a development that is sure to shock and outrage tree huggers, the felling of over 4,000 trees has been sanctioned to make way for a wider Sion-Panvel highway. However, plans for
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
'Patil is exerting pressure on witnesses'
CBI files affidavit that MP Padmasinh Patil is wielding pressure on the prosecution witnesses, so far six have turned hostile; also seeks cancellation of bail granted by sessions court in 2009 An affidavit filed in the Bombay High Court claims that NCP MP Padmasinh Patil, who is charged with the murder of Congress leader Pawanraje Nimbalkar, is using his political clout and influencing witnesses involved in the case. Deadly aspirations: According to CBI, NCP MP Padmasinh Patil had hatched a conspiracy to murder Congress leader Pawanraje Nimbalkar, as he viewed the latter's rise in political
'Patil is exerting pressure on witnesses'
CBI files affidavit that MP Padmasinh Patil is wielding pressure on the prosecution witnesses, so far six have turned hostile; also seeks cancellation of bail granted by sessions court in 2009 An affidavit filed in the Bombay High Court claims that NCP MP Padmasinh Patil, who is charged with the murder of Congress leader Pawanraje Nimbalkar, is using his political clout and influencing witnesses involved in the case. Deadly aspirations: According to CBI, NCP MP Padmasinh Patil had hatched a conspiracy to murder Congress leader Pawanraje Nimbalkar, as he viewed the latter's rise in political
'How dare you book me for refusal?'
On day 82 of MiD DAY's Meter Down campaign, rogue auto driver went about their business of refusing short distance fares; justified their act by giving lame excusesPlace: Borivli Station (East)Time: 10.50 am-12 pmOffenders caught: 4Commuters speakHarish Bapat said, "I do not understand why rickshaw drivers keep refusing short distance fares. The amount of money they will earn by plying a long distance fare in a given time is almost the same that they will make by plying multiple short distance passengers. It's time
'How dare you book me for refusal?'
On day 82 of MiD DAY's Meter Down campaign, rogue auto driver went about their business of refusing short distance fares; justified their act by giving lame excusesPlace: Borivli Station (East)Time: 10.50 am-12 pmOffenders caught: 4Commuters speakHarish Bapat said, "I do not understand why rickshaw drivers keep refusing short distance fares. The amount of money they will earn by plying a long distance fare in a given time is almost the same that they will make by plying multiple short distance passengers. It's time
'I do not want to lose my son'
Parents of 33-yr-old Russel Rebello have been doing all they can to get some definite answers about the whereabouts of their son, who was aboard an Italian liner when it sank off the Tuscan coast, but authorities haven't given them any On Sunday morning, when Gladys and Frank Rebello flipped opened the papers at their Naigaon residence, they weren't expecting to read any piece of news that would concern them personally. But
'I do not want to lose my son'
Parents of 33-yr-old Russel Rebello have been doing all they can to get some definite answers about the whereabouts of their son, who was aboard an Italian liner when it sank off the Tuscan coast, but authorities haven't given them any On Sunday morning, when Gladys and Frank Rebello flipped opened the papers at their Naigaon residence, they weren't expecting to read any piece of news that would concern them personally. But
Is this the end of cable mafia?
Cable TV Networks Bill proposes to digitise the Rs 270-billion industry through set-top boxes; cable operators won't be able to hide their undeclared connections anymore Since the cable TV industry's stunningly chaotic beginning in India in the mid-90s, those in this vast and unregulated trade have had a free run. In the absence of government regulation and its accessory, red-tape -- the Indian cable industry has managed to climb to number three position in the world. But the coming summer, things are in
Is this the end of cable mafia?
Cable TV Networks Bill proposes to digitise the Rs 270-billion industry through set-top boxes; cable operators won't be able to hide their undeclared connections anymore Since the cable TV industry's stunningly chaotic beginning in India in the mid-90s, those in this vast and unregulated trade have had a free run. In the absence of government regulation and its accessory, red-tape -- the Indian cable industry has managed to climb to number three position in the world. But the coming summer, things are in
Monday, 16 January 2012
Those who fell along the way
3,500 participants developed health problems in course of the run, requiring medical assistance; 5 of them were rushed to hospital While many participants had a dream run last morning, the exacting marathon left others high and dry. Five runners had to be rushed to the hospital for treatment, after they started showing signs of severe exhaustion. Retired hurt: Around 3,500 participants complained of dehydration, giddiness, disorientation, and sought treatment at the medical camps that had been arranged at intervals
CST bears the brunt of city's long run
Ever since 2004, when Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) was conferred the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site, authorities have remained careful while carrying out any physical work on the structure. So much so that they are even considering giving up the heritage tag so that they can develop CST into a world-class railway station. Hitting the nail on the head: A worker seen driving a nail into a pillar of CST on Saturday, while trying to support a blue-coloured cloth
Faster than the master faster!
Sporting his Superman costume (complete with the cape) and an Anna cap, 44-year-old Atul Khatri stood out. That's because the fan of the 'Man of Steel' is impressed by the steely resolve of the activist in fighting corruption. So, Khatri, who has been participating in the marathon for the last four years, this time, chose to promote Hazare's cause.This looks like a job for Superman! Atul Khatri, dressed in a Superman costume with a Anna hat, seeks inspiration to run the marathon from former English
Senior citizen runs Marathon barefoot
Running barefoot at the Mumbai Marathon for nine years in a row, Goa resident asserts that he has no intention of taking his foot off the gas and will continue to run till health permits One step ahead: Soulful marathoner Yelappa Virje believes running with shoes is a new fad. Pic/Sunil TiwariIf running 42 km seems intimidating, imagine doing it barefoot. A 67-year-old retired government worker from Goa, Yelappa Virje, ran the full-length Mumbai Marathon barefoot for the ninth consecutive year.Virje, who began running in 2004, was presented with an award yesterday,
Sunday, 15 January 2012
Four month-old dies in Palm Beach accident
Just a month after a gruesome accident where four youths died, Palm Beach Road accounts for another life; this time of a four month-old infant In a case that raises concerns about authorities not being able to keep a check on speeding vehicles on Navi Mumbai's Palm Beach Road, a car accident on Saturday on the much-famed road lead to the death of a four month-old infant and injuries to his parents.According to the police, Vikrant Nimkar, an employee of a pharmaceutical company, was driving his Chevrolet car from
'Activist' disrupts Pride fundraiser party
A man claiming to belong to a UP-based political party walks into gay party with cops in tow, threatens, humiliates attendees as cops remain silent spectators In yet another incident of the disruption of a party organised by queer groups, a fundraiser for the January 28 Queer Azadi Pride March held in a suburban lounge was interrupted on account of a baseless complaint. Haji Ahmed Sahab entered the Gossip fundraising party being held at a lounge in Oshiwara on Friday, and began to threaten the venue manager and the 270 attendees. Four policemen in uniform,
Air India grounded again
The national carrier in trouble again, as 40 pilots refuse to fly due to non-payment of allowance; Mumbai sector unaffected As many as 18 Air India flights from Delhi and Mumbai were cancelled on Saturday, as 40 pilots from New Delhi refused to fly the airplanes, Air India officials said. Of them 22 reported sick, while the rest stated that they were under stress due to financial problems. The pilots are protesting against the non-payment of their salaries and allowances.Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh said, "They have not sent a notice,
A black day for Ramdev
Batla House petitioner throws ink at yoga guru; assaulted by followers Batla House encounter case petitioner Kamran Siddiqui threw a potful of ink at Baba Ramdev's face during a press meet in New Delhi on Saturday. Ramdev was seated along with Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy at the conference.Siddiqui runs an NGO Real Cause. Before the incident, Siddiqui sought Ramdev's opinion on the 2008 Batla House encounter. He threw ink on Ramdev after his question was ignored.According to the Delhi police, the attack on Baba Ramdev was premeditated and a result of frustration that stemmed from
Saturday, 14 January 2012
Bottles hurled at crusader on hunger strike
Bikers rain soda bottles on Kalyan resident protesting against undue secrecy in road works; even cop meant to prevent untoward incidents not spared Four unidentified bikers attacked a man sitting on a hunger strike before the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) and the policeman provided for his security with soda bottles in the wee hours yesterday.Dakshban Vishnoi had sought the details under the RTI Act as hefelt the laying of a road near Khadakpada in Kalyan (West) hadbeen a shoddy jobDakshban Vishnoi (32), the man who was attacked, had launched a hunger strike nine days ago to protest against KDMC authorities'
HC admits blind man's petition for govt house
Phone booth operator Raju Dhanavate has been fighting to gain possession of a room allotted to him in 2007 In a glimmer of hope for a visually impaired telephone booth operator, who has been fighting to gain possession of a room in BDD chawl at Parel that was allotted to him by the Housing department on humanitarian grounds, the Bombay High Court (HC) recently admitted his petition.Visually impaired telephone booth operator Raju DhanavateAppearing on behalf of Raju Dhanavate, advocate Uday Warunjikar submitted an affidavit before a bench comprising Justices Mohit Shah and Roshan Dalvi that the room
Digest this! Supermarket charges Rs 700 for Rs 25 soda
Next time you visit Food Bazaar, it would be a good idea to check your bill, otherwise you may suffer the same plight that Kaushal Purohit went through recentlyFor most inflation-hit Mumbaikars, weekly trips to local supermarkets are usually made with the intention of making the most of the discounts no matter how paltry offered on retail prices of groceries and food items. The cash register shows Rs 700 when the salesman scans the barcode
All gutka packets to need FDA approval
Products will be subjected to stringent quality tests; manufacturers must acquire licence from FDA under Food Safety and Standards ActAs per the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) latest norm, gutka manufacturers will now have to acquire licences from the administration under the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA) before they either manufacture or sell their products. It is also learnt that as a part of quality control measures, the FDA will now be testing gutka for its added colour
Friday, 13 January 2012
Sena gets 135, BJP 63, RPI sulks with 29
The Sena-BJP-RPI alliance declared its seat-sharing ratio at a press conference yesterday, amid whispers that newcomer RPI was unhappy at being denied several of the seats it had coveted Close on the heels of the announcement that the Congress and NCP have joined forces to form a mighty alliance for the February BMC polls, the Sena-BJP-RPI combine inked its poll pact yesterday, announcing that Shiv Sena, BJP and RPI will be contesting for 135, 63 and 29 seats respectively. It is believed that the
3-yr jail term for Alistair Pereira
Over five years after Alistair Pereira, driving under the influence of alcohol, ran over 15 labourers sleeping on a Carter Road pavement killing seven of them, the Supreme Court yesterday upheld a Bombay High Court verdict awarding him a three-year jail sentence.The apex court bench of Justice RM Lodha and Justice JS Khehar cancelled the bail bond of Pereira (25), son of a businessman, and directed him to surrender.Having upheld Pereira's conviction and sentence, Justice Lodha said, "Seven precious human lives were lost by the act of the accused. For an offence like this which has been
75-yr-old runs the extra mile
Marathon veteran and spinal neuro-surgeon Dr P S Ramani has inspired many patients to run with him; also organises marathons at the local level to promote physical fitness For many years, spinal neuro-surgeon Dr P S Ramani has doling out a strange and unusual prescription to most patients who pass through his chamber, complaining of sundry aches and pains. "Run in marathons," he exhorts, the enthusiasm palpable in his voice. It comes as small wonder, then, that the 75-year-old is a seasoned marathon runner, having sprinted long
RTOs to teach driving instructors a lesson
Certificate courses could be made mandatory for them after authorities discover many of these trainers lack basic qualifications Those who can't do, teach. Regional transport offices (RTOs) in the city are treating this adage pretty seriously these days. The focus is on the hundreds of driving instructors in Mumbai, many of whom allegedly are not qualified enough to teach and don't have any documents to support their eligibility. Now, authorities
Thursday, 12 January 2012
School kids roped in to spread awareness
In its bid to spread awareness about the importance of road safety among school children, starting tomorrow, the Deputy Regional Transport Office in Navi Mumbai has decided to distribute pamphlets containing road safety measures across local school. Besides, students will be asked to discuss road safety issues with their family members, and seek their suggestions, comments on the same. To ensure that kids discuss safety measures with their respective families, they will be asked to return the pamphlets with signatures of
RTO puts schools in charge of private vans as well
The recently launched road safety rulebook released by the RTO says that schools -- even those that don't offer bus services to their students -- must ensure that the private vehicles are following road safety rules According to the rulebook on road safety recently launched by the Regional Transport Office (RTO), city schools will bear the sole responsibility of ensuring their pupils' safety while commuting to and from the school premises. While the news is sure to be music to the ears
'Teach these autos a lesson'
On day 77 of MiD DAY's Meter Down campaign, commuters stated that they want RTO and traffic department to clamp down on errant auto drivers who are giving them a hard time by refusing to ply Place: Borivli Station (East and West)Time: 9.45 am-11.15 am and 6.15 pm-7.15 pm Offenders caught: 8Commuters speakJyotsana Pathak said, "If the auto drivers demand fare hike from time to time, then it's their duty to ensure that they do not discriminate between short distance and long distance
'Free political prisoners'
In his first public appearance after getting bail, Arun Ferreira, alleged Naxalite, spoke about the plight of political prisoners in India, at an event held by the Committee For Release of Political Prisoners in Mumbai yesterday 'Free Sudhir Dhawale': Arun Ferreira at Press Club in Mumbai. Pic/Bipin Kokate Amidst a jam-packed hall swarming with journalists and activists, Mumbai-based Arun Ferreira, alleged Naxalite, made his first public appearance after he was released on bail from Nagpur jail recently. Ferreira, after returning to Mumbai, had refused to speak
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
How did cost of this road go up by Rs 139 crore?
MMRDA requests its executive committee member to unearth reasons behind delay and escalation of cost in the project that was supposed to be ready in 2008 Taking a serious note of the concerns raised by city-based activists and transport experts after an RTI query filed last December revealed that the delay has resulted in cost escalation of the Santacruz- Chembur Link Road (SCLR) project by a whopping Rs 139 crore, the Mumbai Metropo-litan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) that is funding the project, has now requested its executive committee member M V Mirani
Cut licence fee, we're suffering: Bar owners
Months before licence renewal, permit rooms in city appeal to excise ministry to reduce licence fee by 20% as soaring liquor prices are endangering hospitality sector While the coffers of the state excise department are abounding owing to the steep rise in liquor prices, permit room owners are drained to the last drop trying to make liquor as cheap as they can. Since liquor prices in Maharashtra have risen by almost 50% over the last year, patronage to bars is slowly eroding, proprietors complain. Just a few months before bar licences
No public hospital has donated cadaver in a year
Reluctant relatives and lax hospital staff have led to a sharp decline in the number of bodies donated by public hospitals in the last three years Cadaver donations have been steadily declining in the city. Ironically, the institution of medicine -- most equipped to make a difference to the numbers -- has fared most poorly. Not a single public hospital in the city has donated a cadaver in the past one year, in spite of the fact that these
'Notice to move 670 BMC auditors is unconstitutional'
Standing committee decries move as a constitutional breach, civic auditors say it defies their dignity, forces them to accept posts they are unsuited for A circular by the additional municipal commissioner has thrust the fate of 670 employees of the BMC into a vortex of uncertainty. All municipal auditors, these civic workers will be dislodged from the municipal audit department and forcefully shifted to others that are not their forte, they claim. Further, the circular was issued without the
Tuesday, 10 January 2012
India break quicker than anyone when going gets tough: Haddin
Australian wicket-keeper batsman feels India "break quicker than any other team in the world" when things are not going their way. Haddin's remark comes in the wake of his side's convincing win over a fragile India in the first two Tests of the four-match series. "We spoke about a bit of that when we were batting. The longer we could keep them out on the field the bigger chance
Four-strong pace attack could cause over-rate issues: Stuart Clark
Former fast bowler Stuart Clark feels Australia should not go with four pacers in the third Test against India at the dreaded WACA here as the team could find itself in trouble on the issue of over-rates in the absence of a spinner."I always felt that with four quicks there was an extra bowler for no apparent reason," Clark told 'Herald Sun' yesterday."I don't think the attack is balanced without a spinner or another option. I'm sure if
Bresnan ruled out of Pakistan series
England will be without paceman Tim Bresnan for their forthcoming Test series against Pakistan because of injury, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed yesterday.Tim BresnanThe 26-year-old paceman, who still has soreness in the elbow which was operated on in November, had already missed England's opening three-day tour match against an ICC Combined XI which they won by three wickets in the United Arab Emirates yesterday.An ECB statement said Bresnan's right elbow had "flared up" during his recent return to bowling following surgery
Aus should play quartet of quicks in Perth: Graeme Wood
Former Australia opener Graeme Wood has said that four quicks would be the way to go for Michael Clarke's side in the third Test match against India starting here on Friday.Pacer Mitchell Starc, who will replace the injured James Pattinson for the Third Test. Pic/Getty Images Wood, who struck a century against India at Adelaide in 1980-81, was also a member of Kim Hughes' side that toured India in 1979-80. He played in six Tests at the Western Australia Cricket Association Ground (WACA) -- and knows a thing or
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