Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News: Compassion can be found in all the strange places from total strangers at all the right time. What happened in Government Medical College and Hospital was a testimony to exactly that. Usually the Private Ambulance Drivers parked inside the campus of GMCH are alleged to drive patients away from there and take them to private hospitals where they get a commission for bringing patients. They are known to fleece patients to ferry them home or in bringing them to the hospital.

But what a group of Ambulance drivers did on November 25 moved many onlookers to tears. It all started when 8 days ago, a couple came from Yerla village in Yavatmal to GMCH for treatment of the wife. The husband named Jitru Baburao Anjikar and the wife named Suman Jitru Anjikar. Suman is alleged to have a cancerous growth in her stomach. She was admitted in Ward No 22 and undergoing treatment.

On November 24, 2013, at 07:30 pm the doctors declared her dead. The husband Jitru Baburao Anjikar who was with her round the clock taking care of her for the past 8 days was shattered. Jitru just could not digest the fact that his life partner had passed away. Jitru could not think what to do and what not to do. Eyewitnesses said that he was behaving like a madman not in his senses. Jitru laughed and cried alternately.

The ambulance drivers who assemble everyday are keen observers. They somehow know who is a local and who is an outsider. They had observed that this man used to take food and tea every day morning and evening to the ward. When they saw him behaving in this manner, they confronted him and asked him what happened. He was not even in a position to say anything. These ambulance drivers went to the ward and inquired there and found that his wife had been declared dead.

These ambulance drivers then asked him if he wanted to take the dead body of his wife to his home town. Jitru vehemently said that why should he take her there. Jitru added that both of them do not have anyone else in their family. Both had each other only as relatives. That justified why the man was shattered. The only person whom he could call his own and one who loved him and one whom he loved had passed away.

Compassion dawned on the otherwise ruffians and rude looking ambulance drivers. They spoke among themselves and even with the cops in the newly opened police post. The police personnel, ambulance drivers, and other benevolent people collected around Rs 3000:00. They then brought the dead body of the wife out of the mortuary. Got her packed neatly. They then asked him to accompany them in an ambulance. They took him to Gangabai Ghat and accorded a decent funeral to Suman. Their good deed did not end there. They took him to the main stand. They purchased a bus ticket for Yerda village in Yavatmal for Jitru made sure that he is seated comfortably. They gave the remaining money (the balance after spending money on funeral arrangements) to him. They took some money from it and gave it to the conductor as requested him to feed the bereaved husband with food and tea wherever the bus stops for refreshments.

The otherwise lively ambulance drivers had a very somber look and everybody left for their residence earlier than usual.

The benevolent ambulance drivers include, Sudhir Shyamkuwar, Nehmad Khureshi, Vijay Nagdive, Akash Khumbalkar, Vicky Gaikwad, Deepak Baisware, Golu and Hemant.

Poor man’s wife accorded decent burial: Courtesy of benevolent ambulance drivers

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

File Photo

Nagpur News : Two persons were killed and one was injured in two separate accidents on Tuesday and early Wednesday under the jurisdiction of Kalamna and Gittikhadan police stations.

The first accident took place on Tuesday, at 10.30 pm near New Pardi Naka. Sources informed, a speeding and uncontrolled truck dashed into the motorcycle of a youth, seriously injuring him and killing the pillion rider. The deceased has been identified as Vishnu Chhannu Bhaskhande (22), a resident of Plot No 11, Navin Nagar, Annapurna Housing Society, Kalamna while the injured has been identified as Bharat Yashwant Waghade (23), a resident of the same locality.

On Tuesday at around 10.30 pm, Bharat and Vishnu were coming back from their work on their Discover bike (MH 49 A 1725). Vishnu was riding pillion with Bharat. A speeding and uncontrolled truck came from rear and dashed their motorcycle at corner of the road near Suruchi Company at the New Pardi Naka to Bhandara road. Vishnu was killed on the spot while Bharat sustained serious injuries.

Kalamna police reached the spot after getting information and sent the body for autopsy. On the complaint of Bharat, cops have registered an offence under Sections 279, 304 (a) read with sub sections 134 and 177 of MPA.

In the second case, which took place in the wee hours of Wednesday, a man sleeping on the footpath was run over by a car when the driver put the car in reverse gear. According to information, the accused driver was taking his car (MH 31 CQ 8433) in reverse gear near Gorewada Road, in front of Samrutwar Katiya Bhandar. An unknown 70-year-old man, who was sleeping on the footpath, was crushed under the car, thus, resulting in his death.

On the complaint of Ramesh Bhaurao Samrutwar (40), a resident of Gorewada Road, Samrutwar Katiya Bhandar, Gittikhadan police registered a case against the unidentified car driver under Sections 379, 304 (a) of the IPC.
Investigations in both the cases has commenced.

Two persons, including an elderly man, killed in separate mishaps

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur: Two persons were booked under molestation charges by Lakadganj and Jaripatka Police stations.
In the first case, an unidentified autorickshaw driver was booked by Lakadganj police for molesting a 14-year-old girl.

The incidence took place on Tuesday at around 4 pm, the police said. According to police information, the autorickshaw driver (MH 31 5936) stopped the 14-year-old girl Jain Mandir, Power House Square, Wardhaman Nagar by holding her hand and passed indecent gestures to establish physical relation with him.

The frightened girl ran away from there and narrated the whole incidence to her parents. They reached Lakadganj police station and lodged a complaint against the unknown autorikshaw driver. Cops have registered an offence under Sections 354 (a) (i) (1) read with sub sections 11 (1), 12 of Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012.

In another case, Jaripatka police booked a youth for molesting a young girl and threatening to kill the girl and her family. The accused is Pranay Devidas Wanjari (25), a resident of Plot No. 217, Yashodeep Colony, Mahendra Nagar. According to information, the accused regularly followed the victim and claimed to fallen in love with her. He insisted her to marry him. After repeated rejections from the girl, the accused threatened to kill her and her family if she refuses to marry him. Also, the accused called father of the accused and pretended to be her teacher and pointed fingers at the girl’s character. The accused also sent indecent messages to the girl.

Frustrated over the event, the victim finally lodged a complaint with Jaripatka police on Tuesday. Cops booked the youth and slapped charges under Sections 354 (d), and 506 (b) of the IPC.

Two, including a minor girl, molested in separate cases

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

Renowned Neurologist of Nagpur Dr Chandrashekhar Meshram has been designated as the President of Indian Academy of Neurology during its Annual Conference held recently at Indore. He is the first private practitioner in Neurology and first “Maharashtrian” to assume office of the President of this prestigious national organization.

His tenure as National President will be for one year and under his chairmanship the Annual Conference of Indian Academy of Neurology will be held at Chandigarh from 6 th to 9 th Nov 2014, where he will deliver the Presidential Orartion. Several well known international speakers  including President, World Federation of Neurology have accepted the invitation to come as faculty for this conference. During the year he plans to do nationwide patient education programs and CMEs  for  Physicians which will help in better patient care.

Through Nagpur Neuro Society he plans to do the epidemiological study of Neurological problems in and around Nagpur so that measures can be suggested for prevention of these disorders. Dr. Meshram has expressed his gratitude towards members of Nagpur Neuro Society and medical fraternity in central India for the support and involvement in various academic activities.

Dr Meshram is Member of Constitution Committee of World federation of Neurology, the highest academic body in the field of Neurology. He is the first neurologist in the country who represented India, four  times as national delegate for Council of Delegates Meeting of The World Federation of Neurology at Bangkok, Marrakesh, Stockholm and Vienna. He is Honorary Neurologist to the Governor of Maharashtra.

He is Principal Investigator for many international research projects and his centre is number one in the world in four clinical trials. Recently USFDA selected his centre as  the only one  in the country in field of Neurology for inspection and they highly appreciated the research work done by him.

Dr Meshram has served as Secretary of Indian Academy of Neurology for  three years and has been conducting CME program in collaboration with World Federation of Neurology for last eight years. He is Past President of Maharashtra Association of Neurology and Academy of Medical Sciences. He was also invited as faculty   in Vietnam, Korea and Austria . He is trustee of  Maharogi Sewa Samiti, Anandwan and is  involved in various social activities and patient education programs.

Dr Chandrashekhar Meshram elevated as President of Indian Academy of Neurology

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

Trouble seems to be spelling wide against Wasankar Wealth Management in Nagpur given the recent Supreme Court’s directive to bust unauthorized and illegal deposit schemes operating to lure gullible investors. The Supreme Court has recently issued notice to the Centre, RBI and market regulator to clamp down on the operatives of these masterminds behind collective investment schemes and also prosecute such violators.

The Apex Court issued the notice in connection with the public-interest litigation seeking directions for the recovery of the money mobilised by unauthorised and illegal schemes so that the same could be returned to the investors.

Given the court’s ruling, demands are pouring in from local investors to check on Wasankar who has been mired into controversy for defaulting on paying up to its investors.

The notice was also issued to the ministry of corporate affairs, Serious Fraud Investigation Office and the Directorate of Enforcement.

The court’s notice came on the PIL petition by NGO Humanity which said: “The menace of Ponzi schemes has shaken the very foundation of rural and semi urban economy in India.

“The problem of innocent poor people being robbed of their last savings by greedy, well-organised outfits has remained a fact of life in other parts of country as well.”

Seeking making access to banking facilities a “legal right”, the PIL that was addressed to the court by counsel Prashant Bhushan said: “Recently big frauds like Sahara scam, Saradha scam etc. have come to light, but they are only the tip of the iceberg.

“The problem of unscrupulous companies collecting deposits from crores of poor people, in violation of guidelines issued by the RBI and the SEBI, has reached menacing proportions and no effective action is being taken.”

The PIL urged the court to direct the Reserve Bank of India that banking services are available to people in rural and semi-rural areas by “opening more rural branches, increasing the use of technology to access the less affluent depositors, by lowering the ‘know your customer’ (KYC) norms, having lower minimum deposit thresholds, mobile vans and other such measures”.

Seeking setting up of an independent expert body with requisite powers of investigation, prosecution and recovery of money and that would also look into complaints on financial frauds, the PIL sought an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the large-scale financial fraud, including the Saradha scandal.

The PIL said that all these companies, unauthorisedly collecting savings of small depositors, are in breach of the Company Deposit Rules 1975 which prohibits their operations which are unsecured.

::  Rajeev Khushwaha

More trouble ahead for Wasankar as SC directs to check on illegal deposit schemes

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

Two shocking and unexpected fatal mishaps within 45 minutes within the distance of around 5 kilometres on Wardha Road had baffled Sonegaon police on Wednesday afternoon. Before police could shift the deceased of the first accident for autopsy at hospital and rushed the injured to hospital, other major accident shocked them which claimed a life of a 19-year-old student at a short distance away.

First accident took place at around 12.15 pm near Dwarka Hotel on Wardha Road while the other took place exactly 45 minutes later, at a distance of around 5 kilometres away in front of Hotel Legend Inn. First mishap claimed life of a 30-year-old driver Bablu Vaikrao and injured three people. The traffic on Wardha Road was choked up for nearly two hours. Police were busy shifting injured and removing the stuck up vehicles that knocked each other on Wardha Road.

Vaikrao was a resident of Chunabhatti in Ajni while Rajat Bobade, an engineering student, was a resident of Chinchbhavan. Vaikrao was driving a four-wheeler (Mahindra MH31-DS5659) with two people riding pillion in it. Police said that Vaikrao was coming from Wardha to Nagpur when suddenly an unidentified person crossed the road and Vaikrao applied brakes to save him. However, while he suddenly applied brakes, another four-wheeler (Mahindra MH31 CS6785) hit Vaikrao’s vehicle. Two other four-wheelers coming from behind came to halt hitting each other. This resulted in death of Vaikrao as his head banged on the steering before he fell on the road. He succumbed to his head injuries while two other travelling with him-Manohar Sonkuwar, 40, and

File Pic

Vinayak Patil, 48, both residents of Rajiv Nagar were seriously injured. Another man driving a maruti car that was stuck between also suffered minor injuries. Sonkuwar and Patil were rushed for immediate treatment at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). Third injured, who is still unidentified, got discharge after a preliminary treatment. While police were still busy clearing the traffic jam, another major mishap left them stunned. Rajat was heading to Chinchbhavan on his bike when suddenly his bike skid and he fell on the road. Police told that he went on rolling and came in front of a ST bus coming from Sonegaon. However, the ST bus driver applied brakes on time and stopped few feet away where Rajat was lying. But Before Rajat could get up, another private travel bus coming from Wardha hit the ST bus which due to sudden collision, rolled over Rajat causing his death.

The mishap shocked everybody including the ST bus driver who had tried his best to save him. Rajat was declared brought dead by the doctors at GMCH. Police has arrested the private travel bus driver Sudhakar CHitriv , 48, a resident of Raghuji Nagar, for allegedly responsible for the accident. Police said that despite of noticing that a ST bus has applied the brakes, Chitriv, who was a distance away, came driving with the same speed instead of slowing down and hit the bus causing a teenager’s death.

Student, Man killed in separate mishaps within 45 minutes on Wardha Road

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

The Centre could be of immense help in tackling bio-terrorism and also effectively killing diseases transmitted from animals to human beings and from human beings to animals.

Nagpur News.

With terror outfits going hi-tech with every passing day and fanatic minds going deadlier, the most-feared danger of bio-terrorism is emerging as the biggest threat to the nation. In this potential situation of grave hazard, a proposal to set up Zoonosis Centre in Nagpur’s Veterinary College had been sanctioned but due to lack of grant of funds the all-important Centre is being found in limbo and is awaiting necessary funds to begin its functioning. The Centre could be of immense help in tackling bio-terrorism and also effectively killing diseases transmitted from animals to human beings and from human beings to animals.

190 BACTERIA, VIRUSES, GERMS IN BIO-TERRORISM:

According to reports, bio-terrorism hosts about 190 types of bacteria, viruses, germs, fungus in the natural environment. And these consist of deadly Anthrax, Salmonella species, Tularemia, Glanders, Bubonic plague, Botulism. Some of these are in powder form which could be easily released in the air and water or even in someone’s food. All these bacteria, viruses, germs could kill human beings or animals within 24 hours.

FUND CRISIS:

According to experts, the bio-terrorism could only be tackled by only veterinary doctors. The Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) had jointly sent a proposal to Central Government for setting up of the Zoonosis Centre. The Central Government sanctioned the establishment of the Zoonosis Centre but the Centre is facing the financial problems. The Central Government in 2009 proposed the setting up of the Centre in Nagpur’s Veterinary College. The Centre was supposed to do research on the diseases transmitted from animals to human beings and vice versa and research on vaccines for effectively curbing the diseases.

WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION’S CENTRE:

It may be recalled, the World Health Organization (WHO) has established Commission for Zoonosis under which Zoonosis Diseases Control Board and Control of Vector Borne Diseases Centre has been functioning. However, India, it appears, is not serious in setting up the Zoonosis Centre even after dozens of terror attacks.

ZOONOSIS DISEASES:

The 70 per cent of zoonosis diseases are transmitted by the wild animals to domestic animals and then to human beings. The International Veterinary Students’ Association (IVSA) and Wildlife Conservation and Agro Rural Conservation had asked the Maharashtra Forest Department and Maharashtra Animal and Fishery University to set up Wildlife Research Centre and Forensic Research Centre as soon as possible after considering five National Parks and five Tiger Reserves in the vicinity of Nagpur.

It may be recalled, there are 14 Veterinary Universities and 40 Veterinary Colleges in the country. There are Wildlife Research Centres and Forensic Research Centres in Karnataka’s Bidar, Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur, Tamilnadu’s Chennai, Kerala’s Trichur and other Veterinariy Universities. But Maharashtra lacks it. Five Veterinary Colleges come under Nagpur’s Veterinary College.

CENTRES NEED TO FIGHT BIO-TERRORISM:

The Government must set up Wildlife Health Centre, Forensic Centre, and Zoonosis Centre in order to fight the potential danger of bio-terrorism. These centres must be provided the necessary boost research on effective vaccines and new drugs which could prove useful in eliminating the terror, asserted Dr Mangesh Nakade, Veterinary Physician and Surgeon.

The Associate Dean of Nagpur Veterinary College C R Jangde said, the Zoonosis Centre has been sanctioned but the work on it has not been started yet.

BIO-TERRORISM ATTACK:

A bio-terrorism attack is the deliberate release of viruses, bacteria, or other germs to cause illness or death. These germs are often found in nature. But they can sometimes be made more harmful by increasing their ability to cause disease, spread, or resist medical treatment.

Biological agents spread through the air, water, or in food. Some can also spread from person to person. They can be very hard to detect. They don’t cause illness for several hours or days. Bio-defense uses medical measures to protect people against bio-terrorism. This includes medicines and vaccinations. It also includes medical research and preparations to defend against bio-terrorist attacks.

Bio-terrorism is an attractive weapon because biological agents are relatively easy and inexpensive to obtain, can be easily disseminated, and can cause widespread fear and panic beyond the actual physical damage they can cause.

Bio-terrorism emerging biggest threat, funds crunch stalling setting up of Zoonosis Centre

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News: The roadblock on carrying out road development works, repairs and maintenance by the undeclared boycott on the tenders by the NMC contractors got removed when a contractor agreed to do the works at the estimated cost of Rs 8 crore. The Standing Committee heaved a sigh of relief as the contractors had stopped tendering demanding hike rate card for road works.

The Nagpur image of shining and excellent road network was dented by the roads riddled with big potholes, roughed up patches of big magnitude and spurt in accidents following widespread destruction by the heavy to very heavy rains that battered the city in the four months of monsoon. The poor condition of roads forced some citizens to file a criminal petition in the Sessions Court against the NMC and the Commissioner himself was made the party to the petition. The Ruling Party in NMC, the BJP, got a hit over the bad roads thus forcing the Standing Committee to provide priority to road development and repairs. The Committee sanctioned works for main roads and internal roads with the grant of Rs 60 crore.

However, the contractors created roadblocks and boycotted the tendering process. The first two rounds of the process saw no contractors submitting tenders. But the Standing Committee, not bowing to pressure tactics of the contractors, decided to carry out the work on six-kilometer stretch of Central Avenue with the help of NIT’s Hot Mix Plant and also gave Rs 50 lakh as an advance. The Standing Committee Chairman Avinash Thakre put the adamant contractors on notice by warning them that the remaining works would also be carried out through the NIT. The warning did its job perfectly and one of the contractors participated in the online tender process and agreed to do the road works at an estimated cost of Rs 8 crore.  The Standing Committee chief Thakre hoped that since the major roadblock has been removed the road development works and repairs would get the necessary momentum and the city’s roads would be again shining and in excellent condition.

Roadblock removed as NMC contractors agree to resume road development and repair works

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

Alcohol can destroy life of the one consuming it and their love ones. In a similar case, mother of a young woman who got married only a few months ago, lodged a complaint with Jaripatka police and alleged that her drunkard son-in-law set her daughter ablaze.

On November 20, Snehal Roshan Beg (23) was set ablaze in residence near Dhammakuti Buddha Vihar, Takshashila Nagar. On the complaint of her mother Kamal Suresh Rahate (50), Jaripatka police registered a case of accidental and had started the investigations.

Kamal informed the police that Snehal had tied the nuptial knot with Roshan Beg Mustafa Beg at Koradi Mandir three months ago. They rented a house after marriage. Kamal alleged that Roshan was a regular drinker. On November 20, Roshan was present with Snehal when the fire broke.

However, Roshan was not injured in the fire while Snehal sustained serious burn injuries and later succumbed. Kamal alleged that Roshan poured kerosene on Snehal and set her ablaze.
With investigations turning to different angel, Jaripatka police immediately booked Roshan and registered an offence under Section 302 of the IPC.

File Pic

Hubby booked for setting wife ablaze

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News : A motorcyclist was killed while pillion rider was seriously injured in a freak accident that took place on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday.

According to information, Dinesh Chapate (23), and Hrishikesh Narendra Gagne (23) were going back home after having their dinner on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday on their Honda Shine bike (MH 40 M 6163). At around 12.30 am, Dinesh lost control on his bike fell in the roadside pothole on the Shankarpur-Gotalpanjari Road. Dinesh was killed in the accident while Hrishikesh sustained serious injuries.

Hudkeshwar police rushed to the spot after being informed. On the complaint of Hrishikesh’s friend Tanmay Tulsidas Shendre (23), cops have registered an offence under Sections 279, 338, 304 (a) of the IPC.

File Photo of similar accident in which two engineering students of St. Vincent Palloti College of Engineering lost their lives

Careless driving proves fatal to friends; one killed another injured

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

Development at a very heavy price! The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) which carries out tree plantation drives in a big way is now on tree cutting spree. And the trees to be “killed” are age old and very big for the development purpose in Nagpur.

The NMC Administration has recently sanctioned cutting of 154 big trees. Moreover, another 375 trees would be eliminated during the period from January 31 to April 30 next year. A total of 529 trees are to be sacrificed for various development projects.  Most shockingly, the trees that would be cut mercilessly have been standing tall in the greenest West Nagpur.

The Public Works Department (PWD) is constructing a building for Hotel Management and Catering Technology in Sadar area and the number of trees to be cut stands at 82. Another 19 trees would be demolished for VIP Guest House in Mata Kacheri premises near Vasant Nagar. The trees which would fall for erecting these buildings include Mango, Ashoka, Subabhul, Pipal and other species. 30 more trees would be cut for the construction of 250-bed hospital and students’ hostel in Mayo Hospital premises and the trees include Mango, Ashoka, Subabhul, Pipal, Rain Forest and other species. More than 19 trees for a project of South Central Railway’s Motibagh Workshop premises, 9 trees including 6 “sagwan” for a private township on Umred Road would be made breathless.

However, the only positive aspect of this “Operation Cutting Trees” is that the concerned authorities constructing the buildings would have to first plant trees in tenfold proportion then only the permission for cutting of trees would be given, according to Trees Authority Committee of the NMC. The trees to be planted should be ten-foot tall, is the condition before falling the big trees for various development projects.

Hundreds of big trees to be ‘killed’ in city for various development projects of State Govt

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Pahlaj Nihalani is the producer known for his hard-hitting comments and blazing statements that expose the murky business beneath Bollywood. Being in the industry for over three decades Nihalani is one of those yesteryear producers who delivered many matinee hits like Ilzaam, Aag hi Aag, Shola Aur Shabnam and Aankhen at the box-office. He remained the President of Association of Motion Pictures & TV Programs Producers for good 23 years and resigned in 2009 as he was rued over the politics in the association.

During his visit to Nagpur to attend the wedding ceremony of city’s renowned real estate businessman Prafulla Gadge’s daughter, Nihalani had the free-wheeling chat with Nagpur Today in which he openly expressed his views about the changed scenario in film-making,  talked about his upcoming movie Avtaar and his dissatisfaction towards the factions in the industry.

The Excerpts…

Nagpur Today : Reigning the tide in Bollywood for so many years as the producer, how do you see the transformation of industry all through these years?

Pahlaj Nihalani : Earlier the producer played the key role in movie making and hold the command of the movie but now actors are dominating the movie. Producers have become like courier service. Earlier everyone from the crew was concerned till the release of the picture. Now everyone is bothered just for finishing their tasks. In the digital era, before signing any movie the actor is eager to know the corporate behind the movie. So the corporates have replaced the producers. Earlier the cinema halls were chosen to release the movie. The theatres were picked up according to the genre of the movies. Now it is released in all the cinema hall and multiplexes. The actors or makers do not own the practical responsibility towards any movie because the corporate had already bought the movie.

Nagpur Today : But how can one knew about which cinema halls to pick for the release of movie belonging to particular genre.

Pahlaj Nihalani : There were clearly designated cinema halls. For example Rajshri Productions looked for specific category of cinema halls. Right from the time of Gurudutt the trend was started and continued till recent past. Family movies were released in specific theatres while the movies for special class were exhibited in the suitable theatres. Now the process of movie viewing has entirely changed. People go to multiplex for shopping and end up watching movie. Or they watch movie and do the shopping alongside. Now the things have changed. Previously, there was healthy chain of producers, distributors and exhibitors. The risk to producer was transferred to distributor who passed it on to the exhibitor. Now the ball is in the court of exhibitors, particularly the multiplex owners who enjoy the liberty to pick the film for release at their discretion.

Nagpur Today : Now a days the films are getting much hype before its release. Don’t you feel the content is lacking in this part?

Pahlaj Nihalani  : Now the film business is just practiced like fashion. Movies are finding appeal in particular regions. While a movie does well in one region, it fails to garner enough audience in the other region. Films are smartly tagged as super hit, even if there appears not more than 50-60 audience in a cinema hall. Housefull is the concept that has completely gone out of fashion. Even a Yash Chopra movie is not able to pull the desired crowd. Now the film actors look for suitable days to release their movie. “Aaj kalakaaron ko baisakhi ki zaroorat hoti hai. (Actors need crutches to ensure their movies get considerable audience). Eid, Diwali and Christmas along with extended weekends have become more important than any other days of the calendar. If the actors really have substance and the movie has convincing content then there is no need for any such occasion for releasing the movies.

Nagpur Today : Recently trend of 100 crore and 200 crore club has caught up the industry. What are your views?

Pahlaj Nihalani : Now the audience are intelligent enough to understand the equation behind these inflated figures. The collection is shown in gross which includes many things. Out of 250-300 films released every year, 85% films are flop. This is certainly indicating towards bigger loss.

Nagpur Today : Do you have any plans to produce next movie?

Pahlaj Nihalani : Yes. I am producing and directing a film titled Avtaar starring Govinda, Sunny Deol and a new girl Raika. 50 % shooting has been completed and we are expecting to release it sometime in April next year.

Nagpur Today : What’s the story of Avtaar?

Pahlaj Nihalani : It is movie about drugs and mafia. It focuses on how college students are caught in drugs net. It is based on youngsters.

Nagpur Today : There were talks of you making a launch movie for Govinda’s daughter Narmada?

Pahlaj Nihalani : Ya it’s true. I am looking for a subject to have Narmada in my movie.

Nagpur Today : Which of the latest movies you appreciate?

Pahlaj Nihalani : I liked the music and story of Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. The songs were perfectly placed according to the situation. After a long time I have heard the real Hindustani music. I believe that music is the progress of moments in any movie. Music is the hero of the film but ironically music directors are not getting their proper due.

Nagpur Today : At present the movie reviews do not match the actual performance of the movie.

Pahlaj Nihalani : Now everything is based on media network. The ratings are decided even before the release of the movie. Every journalist is handed out the ‘packet’. The bigger the amount, more the stars. Actual audiences are truly missing. They are inclined more towards television. Stars are openly accessible to public. They wander from shows to shows on television to promote their movies. The product is endorsed alongside the promotion of the movie. This barter system has hampered the value of the star.

Nagpur Today : A breed of parallel cinema has been developed now a days with audience developing likes for the movies like Paan Singh Tomar, Gangs of Wasseypur, Ishkiya. How convinced you are with this genre of movies?

Pahlaj Nihalani : These directors have their limitations. They are just running in the limited race of 1000 to 1600 meters but cannot go beyond that. So far Paan Singh Tomar is concerned, I like the content of the movie but talking about other movies, foul language is being freely used in the name of cinematic liberty. If you remove gaalis from these movies you will find nothing exciting about such movies. Lately I have gone to watch Grand Masti in the theatre but I could not stand it till the end. I think such movies are simply frustration of film-makers. Old people might have enjoyed the movie, seeing the display of sex but not the youngsters.

Nagpur Today : When was the last time you encountered the best story in any movie?

Pahlaj Nihalani : Kahaani was good in plot. 3 idiots has wonderful story. Even I liked the presentation of Singham.

-       As told to Rahul

Brief Profile

Nihalani produced his first film Haathkadi in 1982, starring Sanjeev Kumar, Shatrughan Sinha and Reena Roy. The movie did quite well. But Nihalani took a break before producing his next film.

Aandhi – Toofan (1985) was Nihalani’s second film. His next film Ilzaam (1986), starring Govinda and Neelam Kothari, marked the launch of Govinda in the film industry. He also has to his credit launching the then heart throb Chunky Pandey in Aag Hi Aag (1987), starring Dharmendra and Chunky Pandey, was Nihalani’s big hit. He also made Gunahon Ka Faisla (1988), Paap Ki Duniya (1988), Mitti Aur Sona, starring Chunky Pandey and Neelam Kothari. The movie gained considerable success.

Nihalani’s film Shola Aur Shabnam (1992), starring Govinda and Divya Bharati, was a big hit. Nihalani then produced the all-time blockbuster film Aankhen (1993), starring Govinda and Chunky Pandey.

Though Pahlaj Nihalani’s latest venture, Khushboo which featured debutantes Avantika and Rishi Rehan did not fetch well at the box office, the music by Adnan Sami was appreciated. Nihalani recently made a special appearance in the film Halla Bol (2008).

Bigger the ‘packet’, more the rating, comments Pahlaj Nihalani on today’s film reviews

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

The devotees of  Hazrat Syed Mohammed Baba Tajuddin Aulia, hoisted  (Dwajarohan) to mark the beginning of the 91^st Urs. On December 1, 2013 there will be a massive cavalcade and a procession called Sandal with many horses, camels, bands etc. Sources say that Sandals from neighbouring places also come to the city to participate in the grand procession (Julus).

Chaddars have been placed at various places in the city. Alms are also being collected at these places. These alms and Chaddar will be taken along with the Juloos on December 1, 2013 and placed on top of the Mazhar.

Dwajarohan marks the onset of 91st Urs of Baba Tajjuddin

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

Wasankar Wealth Management which has hit the rough patch due to financial crunch is facing the heat of investors at its office. Everyday hordes of investors are dropping in at Wasankar’s office to get their money back after the word of it being operating in violation of norms spread across city and connecting areas. Wasankar has invited huge investment under promise of hefty returns only to back off from it later.

According to the norms, companies should not accept or renew deposits which are repayable after less than six months and more than 36 months. Also they cannot offer interest that is more than the approved rate, which may change from time to time (it is 12.5 per cent at present). But Wasankar has promised to almost double the deposits in short span of time.

Also the rules say that companies which have defaulted on payment of principal or interest in earlier schemes cannot accept/renew deposits. Going by the norms, now Wasankar should cease from operating any further as it has already defaulted on the payments starting from Rs 10 lakhs to a much as 1.75 crores.

Sources informed that a person who had invested Rs 3.5 crore in the luring proposition of Wasankar has almost lost all his money. Had he not alerted in the nick of time and applied pressure on Wasankar to return his money, he would have to part with the payment. Sources said that this person got the properties of Wasankar registered in his name, as Wasankar was reeling under acute financial crisis because of lacklustre delivery of market equities into which the company had parked investors’ money.

Another person who invested  around 1.5cr  with Wasankar is scheduled for maturity of his amount next month. It is learnt that Prashant Wasankar has offered  only  to pay 25% of the invested sum while the rest of the amount he has assured through post dated cheques.

Then there is age old man whose Rs 10 lakh is at stake in Wasankar. He was spotted in his office late nite on Monday,when asked about the chances of getting his money back he with tears is his eye’s informed that though Wasankar has promised to return but the conditions seem to be quite unfavorable.

Sources said despite seeing many such dubious schemes crashing in the past, the retail investors still invest in the such Ponzi schemes. The retail investors, scared of equity market volatility but not satisfied with returns from bank fixed deposits, mostly fell prey to dubious schemes that promise them the moon.

The greed to make ‘easy’ money is so intense it sometimes overpowers their financial wisdom. They get attracted to flashy schemes, promises of impossible returns and weird business models of little-known companies.

Norms for inviting deposits

According to the norms any company desirous of engaging in any business must register itself under the Companies Act, 1956. The Reserve Bank of India, or RBI, regulates non-banking finance companies, or NBFCs. These include loan companies, investment companies, asset finance companies and residuary non-banking companies. The Securities and Exchange Board of India, or Sebi, regulates listed companies, mutual funds and collective investment schemes (CIS). A CIS invests money pooled from investors in plantation and real estate ventures.

An NBFC must be registered with the RBI and have specific authorisation to accept deposits from the public. NBFCs which accept deposits should have at least an investment grade credit rating from an approved rating agency. NBFCs cannot offer an interest rate that is more than that approved by the RBI from time to time (which is 12 per cent at present). NBFCs cannot accept deposit for a period less than 12 months and more than 60 months.

What is a Ponzi Scheme?

It’s a scheme in which investors are paid from money collected from new investors instead of the scheme’s earnings. It works as long as new investors keep coming in.

Ponzi schemes are named after Charles Ponzi, an Italian who conned investors in the US and Canada. He promised clients a 50 per cent profit in 45 days by buying discounted postal reply coupons in other countries and redeeming them at face value in the US as a form of arbitrage.

Postal reply coupons were used by people in one country to send to a correspondent in another country, who could use them to pay for the postage for reply. These were priced at the cost of postage in the country of purchase but could be exchanged for stamps to cover the cost of postage in the country where redeemed; if these values were different, there was a profit to be made.

Ponzi claimed a net profit of 400 per cent could be made. In reality, however, the cost of transactions was higher than the profit to be made. Ponzi, though, continued to pay the promised returns to investors through money collected from new investors. His scheme caused investors a loss of $20 million in 1920.

Wasankar flouts many norms to lure investors into its trap; Panic grows larger

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur Today: A young man Lomesh Nanaji Shende, aged 29 years and a resident of vehicle two-wheeler Hero Honda got stolen on November 2, 2013 from Sathgaon Hingna area. He had searched for the vehicle everywhere; finally he lodged the complaint with Buti Bori police station.

After 8 days, the cops found the Hero Honda abandoned in Nandanwan area. The cops of Nandanwan Police Station took the Hero Honda under their charge. The vehicle owner Lomesh Shende also came to know that his vehicle was found and that it is with Nandanwan Police Station. He immediately rushed to Nandanwan Police Station to take back his vehicle.

When he reached there, Constable Anil Dashrat Undirwade, aged 40 years Buckle No 40 who was of Hingna Sathgaon Beat and the in-charge of investigating the case of lost vehicle, demanded a bribe of Rs 1000 for returning his vehicle. Angered by this unjustified demand, Lomesh Shende went to the Anti Corruption Department and lodged a complaint with them about this alleged demand of bribe.

The officials of the Anti-Corruption Department, after lodging his complaint, laid a trap and arrested the Constable Anil Undirwade when he received Rs 1000 from the complainant Lomesh Nanaji Shende.

After arresting the Constable Anil Undirwade from the spot, he was brought to ACB head quarters for formalities and inquiries.  DCP Nishit Mishra, DYSP Reddiwar, DYSP Purandare, PI Sakharkar and their team had laid this trap and succeeded in catching Constable Undirwade red-handed.

Cop in ACB dragnet for demanding bribe for releasing stolen vehicle

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News: Son of former guardian minister and senior Congress leader Satish Chaturvedi, Dushyant has landed in trouble after the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority accused him of submitting a false affidavit for purchasing a house.

According investigating officer of MHADA Dushyant claimed in the affidavit that he did not own any other house and it was on basis of this claim that a house was allotted to him. Moreover, Mhada has also issued a notice for him to vacate the flat within a week warning him to comply with the order or legal action would be initiated against him.

Dushyant Chaturvedi had purchased a flat in residential complex constructed by MHADA on the Amrawati road. As per norms Dushyant submitted an affidavit that clearly stated that he did not own any property within city limits. On the basis of this affidavit he was allotted a flat in the complex on July 17, 2004.

MLA Krishna Khopde brought the matter to light in 2009. In his complaint Khopde informed MHADA that Dushyant also owned property in Kotwal Nagar and Karorpati gali in the city. After the complaint a probe was initiated against Dushyant and during course of investigations the complaint was found to be valid. Soon after Dushyant was issued the notice of eviction.

Register fraud case against Dushyant

MLA Krishna Khopde has demanded that a case of fraud under section 420 of the IPC should be registered against Dushyant Chaturvedi. He said that the property has been purchased from MHADA. This clearly is a fraud case, claimed Khopde. Khopde further accused that Dushyant had also purchased a flat from MHADA near the RTO office as well.
Meanwhile, speaking over the issue, Dushyant claimed that the complaint filed by Khopde is false.

Representational picture

Former guardian minister Son bought MHADA flat on bogus affidavit

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Trees planted by Mayor, school students dry-up at Transport Plaza

Nagpur News:  The Transport Plaza erected near Pili Nadi on Nagpur-Kamptee Road stands without any activity for the last 4 years. Recently NMC undertook the work of tree plantation in the campus of Transport Plaza which lies idle for the past 4 years.

Mayor Anil Sole had inaugurated the tree plantation 4 years ago, while students from many schools participated in the tree plantation programme. All the trees planted by the Mayor and the school students have dried up because of lack of watering and caring for them. This campus is sometimes used for parking of the Star Buses.

The project was originally conceptualized, keeping in mind the MIHAN project which if operational would have handled the logistics of the transport in the city.

This sprawling campus is lying idled without any use by the administration.

Transport Plaza deserted for 4 years

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

The efforts from various corners to preserve and maintain Nag river has been blatantly marred by the newly cropped by Central Mall on North Ambazari road. The mall authorities have brazenly violated its expansion limits and encroached upon the edges of Nag river, overlooking the concerns of Nagpur Municipal Corporation, State and Central Government along with the hordes of citizens towards the ignored river.

The Divisional Commissioner, taking a serious note of the encroachment by the Central Mall and at many other places of the river, had set up a probe committee but its report, it appears, has been lying in cold storage. The encroachments water down the very purpose of keeping the Nag Nadi clean as pollution of the river comes automatically with the encroachments.

The Central Mall has been constructed on the NIT land on North Ambazari Road on PPP basis. However, construction of some parts of the mall has been done at the place meant for footpath right over the Nag Nadi. Interestingly, the illegal construction is in front of NIT Chairman’s official residence.

Central Mall Nagpur

NIT tries to protect offender?

The NIT has served a notice to Central Mall under Section 51(1) of MRTP Act directing it to demolish the encroached structure. Moreover, no occupancy certificate was sought from the concerned authorities before starting the Mall. Fire Brigade has also not issued compliance certificate following no possession certificate taken by the Mall. While the construction of Central Mall was undergoing, the beautification of footpath in front it was done illegally. Similarly, some structures were erected upon the shores of Nag Nadi. The NMC Commissioner had noticed the encroachment during the “Mission Nad Nadi Cleaning” and subsequently he had ordered issuance of notice to the Mall. But since the project was under the NIT, no notice was served by the NMC.

Officials’ role suspicious

The Nag Nadi has been notified. The river is glory of the city and the name Nagpur has been named after the Nag Nadi. Today the River is polluted and the NMC, State Government and Central Government have been making efforts to bring back its glory. The NMC has sent a Rs 1,339 crore proposal to Central Government for cleaning the river which is likely to be sanctioned soon. However, the Central Mall did not care the efforts of cleaning the river and encroached upon some part of it by erecting structures on it. Most disturbing is the fact that NIT did not object to the encroachment during the construction of the Central Mall thus raising questions over role of the NIT officials.

Central Mall gulps edge of Nag river; probe report biting dust without action

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

The city roads are not safe anymore, whether it’s for ruthlessly driven vehicles or rushing street crimes. Of late the incidents of chain snatching have reached an all time high in Nagpur. The women and young girls are wary of flaunting their favorite neck jewels while stepping out.

During the past 10 months, maximum cases of chain snatching were reported at various police stations in the city. Mangalsutras and lockets worth staggering Rs 1,25,00,000 (Rs 1.25 crore) were taken away by the criminals speeding on the bikes.

The trend is not only worrying for crime charts but also caused concern to the safety of women on streets. The trauma post the incident is another serious issue to add to the woes. Going by the quantum of crime the number of arrests made in this connection is too miniscule which is enough to prove police failure in containing the crime.

Media fed up of reporting

More than 200 cases of chain snatching were reported during the past 10 months in different police stations of the city. Unreported cases could take the tally further. The criminals, riding on motorcycles, make maximum hits during marriage season, Ganesh festivity, Navratra, Dassehra, Diwali apart from other celebrations like birthday parties and other celebrations in the past 10-odd months. So intense is the frequency of crime that it becomes a routine event and often finds no interest in the media reports.

Crime goes beyond figures

The chain-snatching incidents from January 2013 to November 21, 2013 stood tall with more than 200 women and young girls losing their much cherished treasure, purchased cheerfully, gifted by loved ones, and most happily offered by husbands. The Orange City is witnessing 18-20 chain-snatching incidents (reported to police) every month. The month of January saw 15 incidents, 18 in February, 13 in March, 15 in April, 31 in May (Highest), 18 in June, 16 in July, 18 in August, 28 in September, 18 in October, and 10 in November (till 21st). It means approximately 200 cases of chain-snatching were recorded in the past 10-odd months. The unreported incidents would tell a different tale.

Police pay no heed

The Nagpur Police, particularly the Crime Branch, clearly lacked in their efforts in curbing the street crimes in the city. Insiders say that some hardcore criminals have been involved in the crime which marked the sudden spurt in the chain-snatching cases during the recent months. Some youths with no crime record are also involved in this crime.

Eye on jewellers

The criminals who rob women and girls of their “mangalsutras” and gold chains cannot fulfill their wishes by keeping the robbed jewelleries with them as they need hard currency. And for exchange of the gold with currency the criminals find any jewellery shop to dispose off the booty. And Sarafa Bazaar in Itwari is the favourite place for the criminals to sell-off the robbed booty. However, some jewellers themselves found in police net while purchasing the stolen jewellery from the criminals. This phenomenon forced the Sarafa Association go alert and now the jewellers demand Xerox of photo identity from suspicious sellers of jewellery, receipts of purchase, cheque payment instead of cash.

Nagpur Today View – Display posters of criminals at public place

Since many youths having no crime record in police files indulge in chain-snatchings, police found themselves helpless in alerting the citizens, specifically the women and girls. However, police could put up posters of arrested criminals at every major square in the city which could alert the citizens and also deter the criminals from indulging in the crime. The police should also print their phone numbers on the posters, it will send a positive message among citizens and would also help citizens in informing police about any incident of chain-snatching immediately after the crime.

Chain snatching reaches all time high in Nagpur; 200 cases in 10 months!

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

The overall picture of medical treatment today could be described in the simplest words ever: Thousands of poor patients, suffering from major diseases, have been dying, not by the diseases but dying due to no treatment at all. Today, medical treatment has gone out of reach, leave alone for poor, even for lower middle class people.

The instant case could help clear the picture, albeit, in an unfortunate way.

A youth is sitting right in the premises of Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Nagpur. He is giving a cry for medical treatment and his words are: “I am poor. Helpless. I lost a leg in a train accident. Struggling (Not running) from pillar to post in the GMCH for treatment since the past three months. I am now damn tired. No pleading is making the doctors show mercy to me. Neither I am being admitted to the hospital nor being given treatment. Saheb, please get me admitted to the hospital. Otherwise, I will die.”

This is pathetic tale of Shriram Hodkar, a resident of Nargaon in Jalgaon District. Shriram said, “I was working in Malkapur. I used to up and down from Bedod Railway Station to Malkapur. On May 31, when I reached Railway Station, the train had started moving. I started running to catch the train in order to reach Malkapur on time. However, I stumbled and fell down on the tracks and lost my right leg which came under the moving train. My relatives anyhow got me admitted to Akola’s Government Hospital.

“However, two months later, doctors there referred me to Nagpur’s GMCH giving reasons for proper surgery. I came to GMCH on August 8 and met the doctors. However, the GMCH doctors, instead of admitting me, advised me to go back to Akola,” the frustrated Shriram Hodkar said. Why the GMCH doctors advised Shriram to go back to Akola is surprising as the GMCH is well-equipped and has a separate department for surgeries!! Moreover, the specialized doctors are also in the service of GMCH.

There are at least 5 surgeons, apart from two specialized surgeon, available in GMCH for surgeries. Even then Shriram Hodkar was not admitted in the GMCH is beyond imagination of any sane person.

INFECTION LOOMS LARGE:

Shriram Hodkar is sitting in the GMCH premises since past three months with his wounded right leg covered by a dirty piece of cloth. The wound is not healing thus a serious infection looms large which may even lead to his death if not taken care of immediately. In that case, the blame would squarely lie on GMCH doctors for negligence.

When the Medical Superintendent of GMCH Dr Apoorva Pawde was contacted for his comments, he said, “I am not aware of the case. If there is such patient, he will be admitted immediately and given treatment.”

“Please admit me, treat my leg cut by train” is cry of youth sitting outside GMCH for months