Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Friday participated in the Two Crore Tree Plantation Drive of State Government. Sarsanghachalak Mohan Bhagwat planted sapling of a Neem tree at Mahal-based Headquarters of RSS in the presence of senior functionaries of the organization.

Talking to media on the sidelines of the function, Sahsarkaryavah Dattatray Hosbale said that RSS is totally involved in the tree plantation drive. “Due to lack of awareness, such kinds of work do not take place. The massive tree plantation initiative of Maharashtra Government is necessary for society. Next year, the RSS will run the show from all its branches,” Hosbale said.

It may be recalled that the State Government has drawn a three-year master-plan for conservation of environment. As part of the master-plan, the State Government with a slogan “Ekach Lakshya, Don Koti Vriksha,” undertaking a ‘Two Crore Tree Plantation Drive” across the State. The drive is being participated by NGOs, social organizations, Government departments, citizens, students in large numbers.

RSS chief Bhagwat plants a Neem tree at Mahal-based HQ

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur: Good news is here for morning walkers and cycle trekkers. Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Friday announced that four walking and cycle tracks each would be created in Maharajbagh along the VIP Road. Moreover, trees would be planted along the tracks (Usually planted by VIPs to mark their visits and in memory of renowned personalities). A Trust will be formed for the purpose, the Minister stated.

Bawankule was speaking after planting a sapling at a ground in front of Hingna Police Station to mark 2 Crore Tree Plantation Drive undertaken by Forest Department of State Government across Maharashtra on July 1 as part of Van Mahotsav (Forest Festival).

Present on the occasion were MLC Prof Anil Sole, MLC Prakash Gajbhiye, Divisional Commissioner Anoop Kumar, Principal Chief Conservators of Forest A S K Sinha, Shree Bhagwan, NIT Chairman Dr Deepak Mhaisekar, Municipal Commissioner Shravan Hardikar, Corporators Parinay Fuke, Pragati Patil andf others.

“Mother Nature has blessed humans enormously in various kinds. Now is the time to pay back the gratitude. The best way to repay the debt is to plant a tree and boost the environment with greenery,” Bawankule asserted.

He further said that the Forest Department would be making available the saplings to the citizens who are tax-payers. The concept is that everybody should plant two trees in front of their residences.

Divisional Commissioner:
The Divisional Commissioner Anoop Kumar said that the Nagpur Division has geared itself implement the two crore tree plantation drive. The voluntary organizations should come forward in this endeavour. The Division is blessed with a wide range of forests. The aim should to increase the forest cover. It is also to be ensured that the trees planted should be nurtured with care. The massive tree plantation drive will certainly be a grand success, the Divisional Commissioner assured.

A total of 49 organisations participated in the tree plantation drive in city including different schools, large number of students and citizens.

District Collector:
The District Collector Sachin Kurve planted a sapling at his bungalow in the presence of Additional Municipal Commissioner Ravindra Kumbhare, Resident Deputy Collector (RDC) Prakash Patil, Additional District Collector Anita Meshram, Deputy Collector Manisha Joybhoy, Manohar raut and other officials.

Walking & cycle tracks to be created along VIP Road in Maharajbagh: Bawankule

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Representational Pic

Nagpur: The District and Sessions Court awarded seven years of rigorous imprisonment to a young man after finding him guilty of charges of rape of a 12-year old girl. The Additional Sessions Judge Mohd Siddiqui sentenced the accused Ajay Santosh Telgote (23), resident of Vayusena Nagar, to jail under Sections 376, 506(B) of IPC.

According to details, the accused Ajay Telgote, resident of 92/2, Vayusena Nagar, taking advantage of the 12-year old being alone in her house, also in Vayusena Nagar, raped her between 7 and 8.30 pm on 12.12.2012. The rape caused bleeding in the private parts of the victimized girl and stains of semen were also found on the cloths. When the girl cried and shouted, the accused Ajay doled out life threats to her and later fled the spot. When the mother of the girl returned home, she found her daughter in a dazed condition. She also noticed the girl bleeding and upon enquiry, the girl narrated the heinous incident.
Stunned by the incident, the mother of the girl lodged a complaint with Gittikhadan police.

The investigations were carried out by Woman PSI D S Bhende. On the basis of semen sample report and medical report, cops arrested the accused Ajay Telgote under Sections 376, 506(B) of IPC and later filed a charge-sheet in the Court of Additional Sessions Judge Mohd Siddiqui. The Judge, on the basis of statements of complainant mother of the victimized girl, witnesses and the medical reports, found the accused Ajay Telgote guilty of the rape charge. The court sentenced the rape convict to undergo seven years of rigorous imprisonment and also slapped a fine of Rs 1000 under Section 376. If the fine is not paid, six months of additional jail was pronounced. The rape convict was also sentenced to 1-year RI under Section 506(B) and a fine of Rs 500. If the fine is not paid, additional sentence of 3 months.

APP Usha Gujar represented the prosecution.

Young man gets 7-year jail for rape of a minor girl

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

The Sa Re Ga Ma Pa contestant visits the city to invite his fans to the Grand Finale in Goa this year

Nagpur: Zee TV’s ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’, the first and most iconic singing talent hunt show on Indian television, has been instrumental in introducing the country to some of its demigods of music – Shreya Ghoshal, Kunal Ganjawala, Shekhar Ravjiani, Bela Shende, Sanjivani and Kamal Khan in the last two decades and the current season of the show only seems to be upping the anté and setting even higher benchmarks for singing talent.

Be it the show’s very own mentors – Mika, Pritam Da and Sajid-Wajid, the 30 jury members or actors like Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Asha Bhosale and Akshay Kumar who’ve visited the sets recently, everyone’s praising the talent pool. Thephenomenally talented Jugpreet Bajwa is making the entire nation proud on this prestigious platform. Clearly amongst the hottest contenders for the finale, Jugpreet is in Nagpur today to share his experience of being a part of India’s biggest singing reality show and share a vote appeal to his fans and well-wishers to win the show.

To vote for your favorite contestant Jugpreet, fans can send an SMS ‘SRGMP (Space)Jug’ to 57575 or visit www.ozee.com/vote. This year, the culmination of the successful season of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa will be in Goa. It will be a vibrant celebration of music and rocking performances!

While addressing media personnel, Jugpreet Bajwa greeted in Marathi and said Nagpur is like a home town for him. He said that his mother, maternal grandmother and uncles all hail from Nagpur. He said that he still reminices his visits to Telankhedi Lake, Seminary Hills etc. He claimed that Nagpur is an amazing place. He claimed that his passion for music started right at the age of 6 years. He said that his mother was his inspiration. He added that it is only because of love and support of fellow Indians that he has reached thus far.

Trained in western and Indian classical music, 21-year-old Jugpreet hails from Canada. A passionate singer and a motivational speaker, Jagpreet lost his vision to eye cancer when he was barely 6 months old. However, his impaired vision never posed a hindrance in his path of success. An inspiration for many with his journey of tiding over visual impairment and scaling unimaginable heights, Jugpreet Bajwa is already a winner in many ways. A confident singer, he has impressed superstars like Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. He owns the stage when he steps up to perform. His simplicity haas endeared him to countless fans and made him a well-recognized singer on television.

Jugpreet said that he is very excited to be in Nagpur today. He added that he is extremely fortunate to have landed a spot in Sa Re Ga Ma Pa – a competition that showcases only superlative talent and sets higher and higher benchmarks of excellence in singing each season. It’s been a golden opportunity to learn under the guidance of our mentors and a panel of 30 eminent industry experts. The knowledge and exposure he is gaining with his stint in the show is priceless. With each passing day, the competition is getting tougher and all of them are working really hard to win the show. Their mentors Sajid- Wajid are grooming them to emerge as the best performers and versatile singers. With the blessings of his family he has reached here, he wants to make them really proud by winning the show. He requests all his fans to vote generously for him and ensure that he wins the competition”

This weekend on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, watch a tribute to monsoon that will show contestants singing and dancing to popular rain songs of Bollywood. On Saturday, July 2, 206 at 9:30 PM, get drenched in a cloudburst of melodious music as the talented singers evoke a Barish Walla Maahol with their musical notes on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa!

To catch all the masti and some extraordinary performances, stay tuned to Amul Sa Re Ga Ma Pa powered by Flipkart & driven by Hyundai every Saturday, at 9:30 PM andSunday, at 9:00 PM only on Zee TV.

Jugpreet Bajwa urges Nagpur’s citizens to vote and make him ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’ winner

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Additional Municipal Commissioner of NMC Ravindra Kumbhare (File Pic)

Nagpur: The newly appointed Additional Municipal Commissioner of NMC Ravindra Kumbhare on Friday reviewed the working of different departments and sought feedback of heads of departments.

Kumbhare, who is on a second stint in the local body, took rounds of almost all the departments and interacted with employees and officials on the working. He also held discussions with office-bearers including Deputy Mayor Satish Holay. Kumbhare, who has been assigned all the responsibilities that were being looked after by former Additional Municipal Commissioner Nayana Gunde, was accompanied by Chief Fire Officer Rajendra Uchke and Property Tax HoD Milind Meshram during the rounds of departments. After reviewing the working of all departments, Kumbhare issued necessary directives to fine tune the working and leave no chance to action.

On June 28, Ravindra Kumbhare, earlier the Resident Deputy Collector, was transferred to Nagpur Municipal Corporation as Additional Municipal Commissioner. It is the second stint of Kumbhare in NMC. A “friend” of media, Ravindra Kumbhare is said to be a close relative of NMC’s Satranjipura Zone Chairman Praveen Bhisikar.

The move to shift Kumbhare to NMC on the part of ruling party assumes importance as the next elections of NMC are round the corner. In what way the official would be helpful to the ruling dispensation is subject of political debate.

Kumbhare reviews working of NMC departments, puts HoDs on notice

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur: In an audacious act, a gang of goons including a history-sheeter, attempted to assault Congress Corporator of Prabhag No 49 Guddu alias Yogesh Tiwari on July 1, 2016.

According to sources, the gang of goons including the history sheeter Ashish alias Robert went to Saptagiri Convent in Chandan Nagar and waived the swords in the air. These goons then reached the office of Congress Corporator Prabhag No 49 Guddu alias Yogesh Tiwari at around 1:30 pm on July 1, 2016. They tried to ransack the premises. They hurled abuses at Yogesh Tiwari too. These goons had allegedly enquired from those present in the office, the residential address of Yogesh Tiwari.

The goons then reached the residence of Yogesh Tiwari which is said to be close to his office. According to Yogesh Tiwari, he and his family were present in the first floor when the gang of goons barged into the house. The goon Ashish alias Robert first threatened the elder brother of Yogesh Tiwari, Shailesh Tiwari and said that he has already committed many murders and murdering Yogesh Tiwari would not make any difference. This would also ensure that my name will get reputed.

One of the goons accompanying the history sheeter Ashish @ Robert had allegedly slammed the swords on the floor causing it to bend in an act aimed at threatening and frightening the residents. Another goon had allegedly taken out the pistols from their possession and waived it in the air.

Hearing the screams and shouts, the people of the locality gathered in front of the house. Some of the goons were also present outside the house of Yogesh Tiwari. Just then an auto-rickshaw ferrying school children, passed from the spot. One of the goons slammed the sword on the windscreen of the auto-rickshaw in an attempt to instill fear and panic in the crowd. The windscreen of the auto-rickshaw broke into pieces. However, the driver of the auto-rickshaw sped from the spot with the school children.
Seeing the crowd increasing, the goons then left the place in motorcycles waiving their swords in the air, while the crowd was mute spectator of the entire incident.

Immediately after the goons left the spot, Congress Corporator of Prabhag No 49 Guddu alias Yogesh Tiwari rushed to Imamwada Police Station. There more than 200-300 supporters of Yogesh Tiwari and Congress activists too reached the Imambada Police Station.

While speaking to Nagpur Today, Corporator Yogesh Tiwari said that recently around one month back Imamwada Police Station had apprehended hard-core goon Ashish with swords and country made pistol in his possession. He was charged under Arms Act. However, he was released soon. This hard-core goon Ashish was also allegedly involved in the murder of owner of Galaxy Bar Pradeep Bhoyar. Many cases of body offences are registered against him. The other goons who were accompanying the accused Ashish alias Robert include Maruti, Dudmogare, Bhanja etc.

Sources claimed that these goons had fired in the air, but In-Charge of Imambada Police Station Police Inspector Tawde denied this as rumour and said that this never occurred. Further investigations are underway.

Many senior police officials and personnel from Crime Branch reached the Police Station to assist in the investigation.

Armed goons go on rampage in Imambada, try to assault Congress Corporator Yogesh Tiwari

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur: State Energy Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Friday inaugurated the newly erected 10 MVA power transformer of SNDL at Seminary Hills (opposite TV Tower) Sub-station. West Nagpur MLA Sudhakar Deshmukh also graced the function among other dignitaries.

This upgrade in SNDL’s infrastructure would help tackle the rapid load growth encountered by the network of prime locations of West Nagpur such as Seminary Hills, Katol Road, Gittikhadan, Friends’ Colony, Telangkhedi, CPWD, Gorkhede and nearby areas up to Gorewada. Till now the Seminary Hills was a switching station and was receiving supply from only two sources i.e. Mankapur (11 KV supply) and Bijli Nagar (11 KV supply) sub-stations. With this new sub-station the Seminary Hills has now become a full-fledged power availability with an added supply of 33 KV from Mankapur. The major benefit to these areas would be that there would now be minimum breakdowns. The capacity to distribute a qualitative supply has also increased with the commissioning of 10 MVA transformer where upon interruption in one of the 11 KV incomer supply, it was nearly impossible to feed the entire area from the other 11 KV supply.

Manish Wath, SE, Nagpur Urban, MSEDCL and Gautam Seth, Business Head of SNDL were also seated on dais. In his welcome speech, Seth said that the commissioning of this sub-station is an important landmark in the history of the distribution franchisee as it would help in meeting the power load requirements of West Nagpur and associated areas. Deshmukh recalled the importance of uninterrupted power supply especially during summers and also the expectations from a distribution franchisee. Further he also highlighted that consumers of his constituency i.e. West Nagpur had been facing irregular supply during summers and right until the rains. He however expressed hope that the augmentation of Seminary Hills substation & associated infrastructure would provide great relief to the consumers of this zone.

Adressing the function, the Energy Minister said that he is happy with this new development at West Nagpur constituency. He has also advised the teams to remain alert during the rains to ensure that the issues raised in the past are never repeated.

Bawankule dedicates SNDL’s new sub-station at Seminary Hills

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur: The July 1, 2016 will go down the history of Second Capital City of Nagpur as Green Day. The Orange City virtually went Greener. A cross section of people including top functionaries of State, Central Government, social organizations, educational institutions, common citizens, students and others in massive numbers participated in the Maharashtra-wide tree plantation drive and planted saplings across the city. The drive is aimed at ensuring that the State gets more green cover. Maharashtra currently has green cover across only 20 percent of the state, as compared to the 33.5 percent required. The depleting green cover is one of the major causes of climate change and it is affecting the monsoon. Over 2 crore saplings will be planted within a day. While 1.50 crore saplings will be planted by the Forest Department, various government institutions will plant the rest. Friday’s event launch saw Bhagwat planting a Neem sapling near the Headquarters of the RSS in Mahal, while Bawankule and 10,000 children planted saplings in the catchment area of the Ambajhari Lake

Nagpur Municipal Corporation:
The Mayor Pravin Datke took the lead in city and inaugurated the tree plantation drive at a ground near Bholasingh High School, Hiwrinagar Layout. Other dignitaries present on the occasion include East Nagpur MLA Krishna Khopde, Municipal Commissioner Shravan Hardikar, Health Committee Chairman Devendra Meher, Women and Children Welfare Committee Chairperson Rashmi Fadnavis, a host of Corporators, officials and citizens in large number.

The Mayor called upon the citizens, NGOs, voluntary organizations to take part in the tree plantation drive and make the city greener, free of pollution and beautiful.

Hardikar said the citizens should first start planting trees from residences. The planted saplings must be nurtured with care so that they grow and turn the city greener.

Similarly, a host of office-bearers and officials of NMC planted saplings of a variety of trees at different places across the city.

Divisional Commissioner:
The Divisional Commissioner Anoop Kumar, along with wife Leena and son, planted saplings of Saptaparni, Aaola, Jambhul, Aadalsar, Naru and other trees at his official residence. A host of officials including Additional Divisional Commissioner Arun Unhale, Deputy Commissioners Appasaheb Dhulaj, Kamalkishore Futane and others were present.

Nagpur Metro Rail Corporation:
Nagpur Metro Railway Corporation (NMRC) Managing Director Brajesh Dixit led other NMRC officials in planting trees on Amravati road, which falls along the route of the Metro Rail that is set to come up in the city. The NMRC is expected to plant at least 5,000 trees in the city this monsoon.

Police HQ:
The men and women in khaki went environmentalists as Headquarters of Nagpur City Police and Rural Police planted saplings of an array of 157 species and created an “Anandvatika”. The Superintendent of Police (Rural) Anant Rokde led the tree plantation drive by planting a sapling in the presence of Additional SP N T Sherkhane, Probationary Deputy SP Vikram Kadam, HQ Police Inspector Satish Ringne and other officials and personnel.

Central Prison:
Inmates and officials of Open Jail of Nagpur Central Prison planted an array of saplings as part of the state-wide tree plantation drive. Jail Superintendent Yogesh Desai and other officials and inmates enthusiastically took part in the tree plantation drive. Over 2000 saplings of various species were planted. Others who took part in the drive include Deputy Jail Superintendent Kirti Chintamani, Chief Medical Officer Dr Sanjay Nikam and a large number other officials and personnel.

The state-wide programme is expected to be conducted at a massive scale and in a comprehensive manner. In every office premises, 20 saplings need to planted, 10 in each cooperative organisation office premises, 100 in each cooperative sugar mill campuses, 20 in each cotton mill premises and five in each cooperative housing society premises. Besides these locations, plantations can be done at various private firm premises under the corporate social responsibility (CSR) fund.

Police stations:
Police stations across the city witnessed a flurry of tree plantation activities. Police Inspectors of the police stations participated in the drive enthusiastically. Higher officials of city police too planted saplings at their offices.

Mahagenco:
Participating in the State-wide tree plantation drive, Mahagenco officials and employees planted 10,000 saplings in the premises of Koradi Thermal Power Station. A variety of species of saplings including Saptaparni, Aaola, Jambhul, Aadalsar, Gulmohar, Neem, Karanji etc were planted. Interestingly, as soon as the tree plantation function was over, Rain God blessed the saplings with heavy showers.

The chief guest was Mahagenco Director (Project) Chandrakant Thotve. MPCB Regional Officer Nagesh Lohalkar, Chief Engineers Umakant Nikhare, Prabhakar Nikhare, Arun Sonkusale, Anil Deotare, Madhukar Kundalwar, and other officials planted the saplings.

Tree rush: Orange City turns Greener with saplings planted in lakhs

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur: A private company named Super Hygienic Disposal Company undertakes the works of collection and disposal of Bio-medical Waste Management and Handling from all hospitals (private and government run) on a Private Public Partnership (PPP) model in the city. NMC has contracted this collection and disposal of bio-waste to this company operating since the past last 4-5 years. The disposal is said to be carried out at Bhandewadi Dumping Yard.

Super Hygienic Disposal Company has established a plant where bio-medical waste is crushed, compressed and destroyed at Bhandewadi Railway Station.

This company undertakes the work of collection of Bio-medical Waste Management and Handling from various hospitals (private and government run). The company charges a particular amount from the hospitals.

The company carries out disposal of Bio-Medical Waste and sells some of the waste and earns some money. The company then pays a royalty (on annual basis) to Nagpur Municipal Corporation. This royalty is said to run in lakhs.

Deputy Mayor Satish Holay received information that some unscrupulous people buy some of the bio-medical waste and after cleaning and processing them and sell these products back into the market.

Around 15 days ago, the Deputy Mayor had visited the spot and inspected the works there. While he was on the spot, he saw many vehicles carrying out bio-medical wastes from the company’s office at the Bhandewadi. However, he never stopped any vehicle nor took any action. He was keeping a watch for the last 15 days on all the happenings at the company’s office in Bhandewadi.

On July 1, 2016, suddenly Deputy Mayor Satish Holay took Deputy Commissioner Jayant Dandegaonkar and a team of media personnel to the spot without disclosing the motive. There the team checked all the vehicles standing at the spot. However, they did not find anything there.

The crushing machine is said to be under-repair and appeared as if it was not operational for a long time. The incinerator too was also not operational during their visit. The stock-room of bio-medical waste was dark and filled to the brim. Another hall that was situated beside the stock-room had big plastic packets where goods were sorted and washed. These goods include: Gloves, syringes and Saline-bottles.

However, the very purpose of the sudden raid was defeated since no vehicle was found taking away the bio-medical wastes.

Deputy Mayor Satish Holay then addressed the media personnel and said that this private company undertakes the work of collection of bio-medical Waste Management and Handling from various hospitals (private and government run). They are supposed to wash and crush these bio-medical waste products to prevent their re-use in any way. However, no-crushing activity is observed here in this plant. Goods like Gloves, syringes and Saline-bottles are sorted out and kept in separate bags. After cleaning them they are coming back into the market. No action has been initiated against this Private Company.

He added that the authorities of Nagpur Municipal Corporation should monitor and undertake the work of supervision of their day to day functioning. He claimed that he will have to go through the contract and only then can some suitable action be taken against them. However, he did agree that he did not find any trucks carrying out bio-medical waste products outside the premises during their sudden inspection.

Additional Deputy Municipal (II) Jayanth Dandegaonkar while addressing media personnel said that he was part of the squad that undertook the sudden inspection on the urging of Deputy Mayor Satish Holay. They paid a surprise visit to the Super Hygienic Disposal Company at Bhandewadi. He said that these bio-medical wastes should be scientifically disposed. He added that there are various goods like gloves, syringes, plastic saline/glucose bottles, plastic syringe etc which should be crushed. While answering to a query, He claimed that some goods have to be washed before disposing, while others have to go directly to the incinerator.

Jayanth Dandegaonkar said that they will undertake a detailed study and if they find that there is any evasion of law or commission of any folly, they will certainly take penal action against the owners of the company.

The employees of the company said that the proprietor of this company is in the friend circle of the opposition party in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation. The leader of the opposition party and Deputy Mayor Satish Holay has a long standing enmity among them. This act of sudden raid is a result of taking vendetta.

Information about this raid or surprise inspection was kept hidden even from the Municipal Commissioner and Mayor. They knew of the raid but were not told the spot. The Zonal Health Officer or the related zone said that, three years ago, a vehicle carrying bio-medical waste was caught red-handed. Then then Zonal Officer was Ravi Gaikwad. A complaint was also lodged with the police. Someone also claimed that the information of this surprise raid was leaked which prevented the unscrupulous elements from getting caught red-handed.

‘Dirty acts’ of NMC-contracted Super Hygienic Disposal Company get exposed

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Representational Pic

Nagpur: A former Deputy General Manager with Union Bank of India who served in Nagpur, and a former General Manager of the bank serving in Pune along with two more directors of private company in Nagpur have been booked by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for Rs 38 crore fraud caused to the bank. CBI has registered the case u/s 120 B of IPC r/w Section 409 and 420 of IPC and Section 13(2) r/w Section 13(1)(d) of P.C. Act, 1988 on the allegations of defrauding Union Bank of India to the tune of Rs 38 crore during the period 2007 to 2012.

It was further alleged that the cash credit limit and terms loan were sanctioned by the bank officers to private company and the said company diverted the funds to its sister concern. The company also did not submit bills of suppliers to the bank and mortgaged the property which was already acquired by the government.

The collateral security was also not adequate. An alleged loss to the tune of `38 crore was caused to bank. Searches were conducted at the premises of accused at Pune, Mysore and Nagpur which led to recovery of certain documents.

Union Bank’s ex-GM, DGM, 2 directors of Nagpur based company booked for Rs 38 cr fraud

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Representational pic

Nagpur: The Chief Officer of Kamptee Municipal Council bore the brunt of his messy affairs and not clearing the bill of a person for his work. The enraged person threw a blue-coloured poisonous liquid on the face of the Chief Officer causing burn injuries to him. Interestingly, the incident occurred during tree plantation drive on Friday and that too in the presence of a host of dignitaries including Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Ramtek MP Krupal Tumane, former Minister Adv Sulekha Kumbhare and other prominent personalities. The Chief Officer is Shashi Mohan Nanda (53) and the accused is identified as Zia-ul-Haq (42), resident of Kamptee, near Jama Masjid.

The dignitaries including the Chief Officer Shashi Mohan Nanda had gathered at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Cultural Centre, Dragon Palace in the town on Friday around 12.30 pm. After the dignitaries planted saplings, the Chief Officer was also planting a sapling. Suddenly, the accused Zia-ul-Haq appeared from nowhere and threw the blue-coloured arsenic stuff on the face of Nanda and also other employees of the Kamptee Municipal Council to protest non-clearance of his bill for the work he had done for the civic body. The poisonous liquid caused burn injuries to Nanda and also felt uneasy as some portion of the liquid entered his mouth.

On the basis of a complaint lodged by the Chief Officer, Police Inspector Mulak has booked the accused Zia-ul-Haq under Sections 328, 326, 353, 333, 506 of IPC and launched investigations into the matter.

According to another report, the incident was fallout of the stray pig menace in some localities of Kamptee and the inaction by the Municipal Council in getting rid of it. The accused reportedly protested the failure on the part of the civic body authorities in dealing with the pig menace.

Kamptee CO faces arsenic attack for non-clearance of a man’s bill

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur: In an interesting as well as disturbing incident a Trutiya Panthi, also called transgender, was arrested for possessing a pistol and six live cartridges illegally. The arrest was made at Lakdipul in Kotwali area here on Friday. The transgender has been identified as Uttam alias Baba Sapan Senapati (35), resident of Bapu Kuti Nagar, Pachpaoli.

Kotwali police on Friday around 3.45 received information that the Trutiya Panthi Uttam alias Baba was roaming in Lakdipul area with a pistol tugged under belt and was also in possession of six live cartridges. Upon receiving the tip-off, a squad of policemen led by PSI Borkute reached the spot and frisked the transgender. The frisking resulted in recovery of the illegal pistol and six live cartridges worth Rs 33,000.

Kotwali police have booked Uttam alias Baba Sapan Senapati under Section 3+25 of Arms Act read with Sub-Section 135 of Mumbai Police Act.

Transgender arrested with a gun, six live cartridges in Kotwali

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur: In another incident of man-animal conflict, a bear killed a man in Katvan village 6 kilometers from Mul.

According to sources, the victim identified as Suresh Gangaram Kanake aged 35 years and a resident of Katvan village 6 kilometers from Mul had gone to the forest area. However, he did not return home even late in the night. The residents of the village had undertaken a search operation and found that he was killed in a scuffle with a bear on July 1, 2016.

The information was soon relayed to the Forest Department officials who visited the spot and called the police too. The cops sent the body to Government Hospital in Chandrapur where the post-mortem was conducted at 1 pm.

The body has since been handed over to the family.

Man killed in bear-attack

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur: Nagpur has witnessed the worst crime situation in the past 6 years ever experienced in the known history of the city. The crime situation went haywire during the period from 2011 till May 31 this year. During this period, the second capital lost Rs 212.84 crore which includes in cash, jewelleries and ornaments, other valuables in 22208 cases of house-breaking, thefts, chain-snatching, road robberies. looting and dacoities. Similarly, during the same period, a total of 525 murders rocked the city.

The cases registered across various police stations during the said period in Nagpur include 5135 cases of house-breaking, 14649 cases of other thefts, 2339 incidents of chain-snatching, road robberies, looting and 85 cases of dacoities.

This was revealed after an RTI query was filed by an RTI activist Abhay Kolarkar. The reply provided by Public Information Officer and Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Nilesh Raut has sent alarming signals of deteriorating crime situation in Nagpur.

In the period from 2011 to 2016 (till May 31), in 5135 cases of house-breaking, the burglars got richer by 54.16 crore in the form of cash, ornaments, and other valuables. At the same time, 2581 miscreants involved in the crime were arrested.

As far as all types of thefts are concerned, 14649 cases were reported and the citizens were put to loss at Rs 92.31 crore by way of a wholesome booty. For a sort of solace, 6212 ruffians were nabbed in this crime.

The chain-snatching, road robberies and looting incidents, that are emerging as nightmares, occurred 2339 times and the victims were left poorer by over Rs 33 crore. On the finer point, 2347 offenders were put behind the bars.

The dacoity figures are 85 cases and Rs 33.36 crore is the worth of booty taken away. Interestingly, in 2013 alone, the citizens were relieved of their loved valuables valued at over Rs 31.54 crore in 15 cases of dacoities. 85 dacoits were caught during the period from 2011 to 2016 (till May 31).

Murders:
A total of 525 murders rocked the city over the period from 2011 to 2016 (Till May 31). In 2011, 112 murders took place. Similarly, 88 murders in 2012, 103 each in 2013 & 2014, 79 in 2015 and 40 murders in 2016 grabbed the headlines.

The RTI reply did not specify the figures of arrests in the dreadful crime.

Crime Alert: Rs 212.84 cr booty stolen, 525 murders rocked Nagpur in 6 yrs

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur: The Mayor Pravin Datke on Saturday inspected the cleanliness of all the rivers and nallahs of the city as a follow up of a month-long drive. The efforts poured in by the NMC Administration this year have yielded good results and they are visible, too. But a mess is also being witnessed, at the same time. The silt, filth taken out from the rivers and dumped near the banks at many places could water down the cleanliness drive. Possibility of the silt and filth going back the “cleaned rivers” and also posing hazards to citizens could not be ruled out with the onset of rainy season. A heavy downpour for 5-6 hour could turn the situation horrible and out of control. The Mayor was accompanied by Municipal Commissioner Shravan Hardikar, Chairman of Standing Committee Sudhir Raut and other top officials.

The cleanliness drive was undertaken after a gap of one year. The drive was aimed at spreading awareness about conservation of water bodies. All three rivers, Nag Nadi, Pili Nadi and Pora River flow through the city. Pora and Pili rivers merge with the Nag River on city’s outskirts. NMC sanitary workers actually executed cleaning works of rivers along with machinery made available from various sources. The motive of cleanliness drive is to save all three rivers, which have turned into nullahs. NMC removed silt and widened, deepened riverbeds, and created awareness among people to prevent further pollution. The rivers can be rejuvenated only if sewage water flowing in it is treated.

Nara Ghat:
The inspection began from Nara Ghat. The local people confronted the NMC officials and said that the people residing nearby the Pili River dump garbage, filth and dirty water into the river. The cleanliness drive is just a show for a few days. Because of the inspection visit, the employees of Health Department had “polished” the spot. The husband of Prabhag Corporator Sushma Chaudhary, Sanjay Chaudhary complained to the Mayor that the NIT has never taken up the cleanliness of the river.

Kalamna:
The Kalamna area is part of the Pili Nadi. This area passes to from Wanjara Culvert to Kalamna Ghat. A Poclain and a JCB machine drew out garbage, silt from the area for 23 days. Total 4212 cubic meter waste was taken out. But the entire dirty stuff was dumped at one side of the corner in heaps. A heavy downpour would submerge the nearby low-lying area with rain water coupled with the filth.

Nag Nadi, Pili River Sangam:
This part of the river was widened with the help of NIT. Two Poclain machines were deployed for 24 and 11 days to clean the river. The cleaned mud was taken away by the residents for domestic use and they looked satisfied with the cleanliness work.

Pavangaon:
This spot is known as Pavangaon. The team of inspecting NMC officials looked satisfied with the cleanliness work

Saint Xavier:
The Municipal Commissioner Hardikar said that a earthen embankment was created at this spot for cleanliness of the river and machines were used for the purpose. A total of 1000-truck garbage was pulled out during the drive but was dumped at nearby vacant grounds.

Narsala:
The task here was done under the leadership of Executive Engineer of NMC’s S R Department Gaidhane. The riverbed was deepened and widened by 8 meters.

Hudkeshwar:
This area is convergence point of Pora River and a big nallah. A private school management had built a bridge for its use. The school was directed to demolish the bridge on its own. To remove the garbage from this spot, a Poclain machine and a JCB machine were used for 13 days and 7 days respectively. The dirty stuff was disposed off near the river bank.

Ashok Square:
The Ward Officer Ashok Patil led the cleanliness drive here. 1161 trips of truck were undertaken for excavating earth from the river at a stretch of 2 km. 410 hours of work was done.

After the inspection visit, the Mayor said that the cleanliness drive was participated by the citizens wholeheartedly. At the moment the drive has been halted but will resume soon. The NMC has so far spent Rs 3040 lakh. The task will be undertaken from January to June next year. Later, the river rejuvenation project will be implemented in October or November next year with the assistance of Central Government. The Centre has agreed to provide Rs 1298 crore for the rejuvenation of all rivers. During the drive, NMC’s Health Officer Dr Dasarwar and Rajesh Hathibed contributed their resources immensely, the Mayor stated.

NMC’s river cleanliness drive yields good results but with a mess

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Lord Ganesha, also called the Lord of Wisdom, Vighnaharta, Sukh Karta, Dukh Harta and many more holy names, is Himself seems to be in sort of a trouble at one of His abodes – the Tekdi Mandir. The structural age of the world renowned Tekdi Ganesh Mandir is at its completion end. Or one can say it is at alarming stage. Most parts of the temple structure are in dilapidated condition, and beyond repairs, too. With this poor state, one year could be more than enough to see the mandir structure standing tall. If not demolished in between the temple structure is sure to grab the headlines screaming “Tekdi Ganesh Mandir caves in.” This is dreadful possibility one cannot avoid if……

Nagpur: The structural audit of the famous Tekdi Ganesh Mandir, a place of faith for millions and millions of devotees, done last year has come out with the mind-numbing fact. The fact is that the temple has completed its stipulated age and now is in dilapidated condition. And evidences of this disturbing fact are also coming to the fore. One of the portions of the temple has given up. The roof is counting days over a supporting tower. But the more distressing fact is that no move is visible to correct the wrong despite the alarm bells ringing, loud and clear.

In a sort of damage control exercise, the entire roof of the temple was given lease of life with the support of a tower soon after receiving the structural audit report. In fact, the iron towers have been erected right below the beams situated at the four corners of the temple. The reason is that the age-old beams of the age-old temple have rusted and hollowed. But according to the engineers, who carried out the structural audit, the ‘dilapidated’ roof is burdening the supporting tower itself, slowly and steadily. A dreadful situation in the offing, truly speaking.

The main portion of the Tekdi Ganesh Temple is depicting ‘everything is all right.’ However, the cement plaster of its surrounding walls and balcony or gallery is getting roughed up and the pieces shower the devotees. Recently, to force the authorities to spend sleepless nights, a portion of balcony at entry gate came down crashing with a thud. Luckily no one was injured. Even though the management of the temple, as a precautionary measure, do demolished some portions of the structure to prevent a tragedy but everything is not fine.

Temple structure constructed in 1975:
According to an office-bearer of Tekdi Ganesh Mandir Samiti, the construction of the structure was done in 1975. One of the political leaders at that time had donated 200 bags of cement. But since cement was not being used rampantly at that time, a material called ‘Sagol’ was mixed in the construction material. The mixing of the ‘Sagol’ stuff did not give the required strength to the structure. Hence, during rainy days, the damage to the structure or collapse is always a possibility, the office-bearer stated with worry writ large on his face.

Audit report:
A reputed structural engineer, on the specific demand of the Temple Committee, had carried out the structural audit of Tekdi Ganesh Mandir in July last year. During the audit period, engineering scanning of the entire temple was done. The vibration level, solidness, building age and other parameters were inspected. The subsequent audit report revealed that the age of the structure is coming to an end. With the battering by rains, over 60 percent structure has been rusted. The penetration of carbonation of concrete has also come to the notice. The porches behind the temple have got decayed and degraded to the extent that they may collapse anytime. According to the audit report, the structure of the temple has reached an alarming stage and needs to be demolished within a period of one year. Moreover, there is also no scope for repairing exercise. The only choice left is to bring down the structure and erect the new one.

Ganapati Bappa Morya!!

Dilapidated Tekdi Ganesh Mandir tottering

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur: Some people seem to be either above the law or exempted from the law. When the Encroachment Removal Squad of Nagpur Municipal Corporation, removed the encroachments of two restaurants running in a flat in Civil Lines, did they ignore the massive encroachment in Jagat Plaza premises in Law College Square?

The premises slated to be parking space for Jagat Plaza hit next to Petrol Pump in Law College Square is being used as an eatery. What started as a small restaurant opened after evening hours when all the other business establishments are closed has now been extended right till the main road?

The relatively new eatery called Mughal’s Express is being opened and operational for the last few months. This premise is said to be owned by  Jichkar who has rented the place to some person who is running the Mughal’s Express.

Can someone occupy an entire side of the parking lot for commercial purposes? If No, how much money should they pay to get exempted from penal action?

The owners of other business establishment while speaking to Nagpur Today said that the hooliganism that gets on when these rowdy elements start arriving right from 3-4 pm every day, are preventing female patrons from visiting their business establishments.

Can the NMC Commissioner wake up now and take punitive action?

… Samule Gunashekran .. Pics by Shubham Kamble

Are some encroachments exempted from rules and regulations?

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur: The expose report on the worn out Tekdi Ganesh Mandir has put the Nagpur Municipal Corporation authorities on alert mode and a flurry of activities aimed at controlling the damage were initiated. Engineers and Fire Brigade officials reached the temple and inspected the structure. On the other hand, the top NMC boss and the Mayor immediately called for sharing the structural audit report of temple with NMC. Taking a serious note of the situation, the authorities convened a meeting between Temple Committee and Defence officials and asked them to take a decision regarding structure of Tekdi Ganesh Mandir, soon. However, the moot question is: How such a worn out structure at the famous temple, visited by thousands daily, missed the eyes of concerned authorities? Were they dozing?

The land imbroglio:
Forget the demolition and reconstruction of the dilapidated structure of Tekdi Ganesh Mandir, the authorities of Defence, NMC and Temple Committee will have to first hammer out the land imbroglio. The temple is situated on Defence land but managed by the Committee. In fact, the Temple Committee, a few years ago, had secured permission from Defence authorities for reconstructuion of the mandir. However, some of the office-bearers lamented that the Defence authorities are now insisting on the Committee to seek permission afresh. With this new development, the Committee has applied for the necessary permission from Defence. But why the reconstruction was not started then and there only when the Defence authorities had first permitted the Committee earlier?

Read: Dilapidated Tekdi Ganesh Mandir tottering 

NMC set ups team to inspect all temples:
After being brought to their senses, the Municipal Commissioner has reportedly formed a team to carry out inspections of all the temples in city that have completed 30 years of age. Based on the report of the team, demolition or reconstruction would be ordered if any of the structures is found in poor state.

Temple Committee to be blamed:
That the things have come to such a pass is a grave issue considering the Tekdi Ganesh Temple is visited by thousands of devotees. And the Temple Committee must take the blame for the folly. The structural audit report was handed over to Temple Committee in July last year. Surprisingly, the Committee did not share the report with NMC for initiating further course of action. When confronted, an office-bearer of the Temple Committee said that after receiving the audit report and on the advice of the engineer, they initiated the damage control exercise at their level. Supporting towers were erected, rusted and worn out portions were demolished, he said adding the Temple Committee could do nothing more without the permission of Defence authorities.

Dozing NMC comes to terms after Tekdi Ganesh Mandir reality bites

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur: In a development that many would term as “Carry forward UPA Government’s decision,” the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that a Regional Centre of National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD) will be started in Nagpur soon. “The Central Government has approved a fund of Rs 50 crore for the Centre. The State Government is also formulating a policy for divyang persons,” Fadnavis stated adding the NIEPMD Centre in city will be under the direct control of Chennai Centre.

It is pertinent to recall that Nagpur Today scribe Rajiv Ranjan Kushwaha, who as a member of General Council of National Institute for Mentally Handicapped (NIMH), had taken painstaking efforts and pursued the matter with UPA Government to set up a Regional Centre of NIEPMD in Nagpur for the benefit of thousands of mentally and physically handicapped persons of the Orange City, Vidarbha and neighbouring States. Kushwaha’s efforts of five years had bore fruits and the National Institute for Mentally Handicapped (NIMH) had decided to open the Regional Centre of National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD) in Nagpur.

The Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in a sort of “carry forward” exercise and an attempt to hog credit, has announced starting of the NIEPMD Regional Centre in Nagpur soon.

In a meeting held at city’s Hyderabad House, Fadnavis said the Centre will be country’s 8th Centre. The The Regional Centre of NIEPMD will strive for making the poor divyang persons self-sufficient by providing them artificial limbs.

The Nodal Officer of the Centre, K Amarnath, elaborated the activities of NIEPMD. Present on the occasion include Secretary Surendrakumar Bagde, Commissioner Nitin Dhage, Deputy Commissioner Madhav Zod and other officials.

Notably, in the month of March, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Thawarchand Gehlot, attending a function held at Reshimbagh Ground, had announced setting up of the the Centre. The Regional Centre of NIEPMD will need five acres of land. A proposal to allot four and half acres of land of TB Ward, coming under GMCH, was sent to the concerned authorities. The land was approved on temporary basis. The Government is committed to making sure that every physically disabled person is equipped with devices and aids as per their requirement, the Minister had said.

It may be mentioned here that Nagpur Today had carried a report titled ‘Nagpur Today scribe Kushwaha’s efforts bear fruits as NIEPMD Regional Centre to be in city’ wherein it was reported that in a significant development that will prove a blessing for thousands of mentally and physically handicapped persons of the Orange City, Vidarbha and neighbouring States, the National Institute for Mentally Handicapped (NIMH) has decided to open the Regional Centre of National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD) in Nagpur. This information was provided by the Chief of NIEPMD and the President/Chairman of NIMH General Council and Secretary (Disabilities Division) Stuti Kacker. The tireless efforts of Nagpur Today journalist Rajiv Ranjan Kushwaha, who is also the Member of General Council of National Institute for Mentally Handicapped (NIMH), and his sustained pursuit of demand since five years for opening the Regional Centre of NIMH in Nagpur, have bore fruits.

The Nagpur resident Kushwaha had sent letters to President of India Pranab Mukherjee, Lok Sabha Speaker Meera Kumar, Central Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Kumari Selja, and the then Central Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Mukul Wasnik and now Congress General Secretary for soliciting their support to his demand for opening the NIMH Regional Centre in Nagpur.

Read: Nagpur Today scribe Kushwaha’s efforts bear fruits as NIEPMD Regional Centre to be in city

CM’s ‘carry forward’ move, NIEPMD Centre to start in city soon

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Representational Pic

Nagpur: The Secretary of Jawaharlal Darda Education Society Kishore Darda was arrested late in the wee hours of July 4, 2016. The police officials of City Kotwali Police from Yavatmal had arrived to the city and had arrested Kishore Darda from a Rest House in Sonegaon Road at around 3:30 am of July 4, 2016.

Immediately after the arrest, police officials of Yavatmal City Kotwali Police took him to Yavatmal. Sources claim that Kishore Darda is detained in City Kotwali Police Station.

Secretary of Jawaharlal Darda Education Society Kishore Darda was arrested under Section 21 of Indian Penal Code which deals with sexual exploitation of minors.  It is alleged that in spite of receiving complaints about the sexual exploitation of minor girls in his educational institution, he chose to remain silent and turn a blind eye to this issue.

After the sexual exploitation of minor girls by some teachers in Darda Public School run by Jawaharlal Darda Education Society came to fore, Yavatmal is now gripped in tension. Many other complaints by others too have come to fore. After the children complaint to their parents, many parents hit the streets and had taken a very violent agitation rally.

Taking serious cognizance of the hot and pressing issue, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured of an impartial investigation.

After this assurance, in the wee hours of July 4, 2016, Kishore Darda was arrested from Nagpur. In spite of the arrest of the Secretary of the Institution, the parents of students studying in high-profile school are still livid with anger.

Kishore Darda arrested from Nagpur