Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

It appears Sahara Group is declining on all fronts. First the group’s financial firm defaulted on the returns of lakhs of aggrieved customers, and now it is embroiled into another trouble with its real estate wing falling short of keeping its promises.

The Sahara City Homes Project, Nagpur was launched way back in July 2007 whereas bookings were being taken from 2004 onwards. It’s been almost 7 years of launching of project but the project is yet to be completed. The construction work at site is standstill since last 3 -4 years. Those who have booked flats in Sahara City is feeling cheated now. The project site is becoming like jungle again. The booking was taken at exorbitant rates and by promising lots of amenities and facilities along with residential accommodation but nothing has been given to the costumers. Till date no amenities are seen at site except one departmental store and cafeteria to cater the needs of few residents. Now the situation is that when prospective customers visit site for cancellation, they are threatened for deduction of amount. Fed with all the false promises and commitments  customers have formed forum called Sahara City Homes Aggrieved Customers Forum, Nagpur and 109 customers collectively approached site for the first time and submitted Charter of Demands which was duly accepted by senior officials of the company but further no assistance was there. There is nobody to entertain the costumers.

A press conference was organized in Tilak Patrakar Bhawan on Saturday by Sahara City Homes Aggrieved Customers Forum. Talking to the media personal Convener of the Sahara City Homes Aggrieved Customers Forum Dinesh Chhabra , said that the site initially provided green picture about the project but later on the actual things came to be known. Today everything is in doldrums. The customers were lured towards the booking considering the location of the project and company profile but now the customer’s hard money is at stake as Sahara officials had squandered the entire customer’s money for their personal benefits.

Dinesh Chhabra told media personal that the customers had been fighting for their genuine and promised rights since 2008 but to no avail. All the requests fell in deaf ears. There has been absolutely no response from company According to Sahara City Homes Aggrieved Customers Forum. Chhabra said that The Company’s policy was not transparent right from the day one. Now there is zero correspondence from the company. The company does not correspond to any calls, letters, and mails. Chhabra also told that when we people went to NIT to enquire about the project development there also we got a shock when we came to know that nothing has been done since 2010. This information was collected through Right to Information Act from NIT. Even senior officials are blatantly lying said Chhabra. According to Chhabra the authority is gives false commitments and goes away saying that this is not in our domain. We all are wondering how the project will be completed without a project ahead? The company says 5% will be given as interest and will be adjusted at the time of possession. But the question is when building is not going to be built up how the possession will be given. The company has given written commitment that for non constructed cancelled units 100% amount will be refunded within 60 days but till date 12 cancellations has been forwarded and no refund has been issued so far to any despite more than 90 days have passed. When approached for refund of the amount Mr. Anuj Dwivedi Sales In charge at site replies that if you want refund 10% of the cost will be deducted. Chhabra  said that the company used all means and resources to extract money i.e. by sending payment reminders for non constructed buildings, cancelled bookings on account of non payment for non constructed buildings, charged interest @15% for non constructed / partly constructed buildings, deducted 10% of the cost of residential unit despite no construction at site. There are number of court cases pending over the company in consumer court but it hardly matters for the company because they have huge money and customer is running from pillar to post. The Sahara company senior officials say they are very comfortable with court cases and police complaints rather

Those who were present during the press conference were Dinesh Chabra, Shailesh Dhoble, Adv. Nalin Majithia, Prakash Goyal, Sanjay Trivedi and Vikas Goyal.

Sahara City defaults on promise; aggrieved customers form forum against company

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

After the resounding victory in Lok Sabha election for Nitin Gadkari from Nagpur seat, the Graduates Constituency poll is now the target for BJP. The poll for Graduates Constituency, till today the pet constituency for party stalwart (Gadkari) who continued to romp home for many terms together, has come under radar of aspiring candidates. But the fight for bagging the nomination is fierce among the three candidates the party is probably thinking of fielding. However, the possibility of a new face at the last moment in the changed scenario could not be ruled out. BJP may announce the candidate for this elite poll only after Narendra Modi takes oath as Prime Minister of India within 3-4 days. The election for Nagpur Graduates Constituency is scheduled to be held on July 19, 2014.

The upbeat BJP, in fact, was going to announce the candidate for Graduates Constituency just after Lok Sabha elections. But all the top guns of party are busy in Delhi for a grand oath taking ceremony of Modi post-landslide win for BJP-led NDA. The newly elected Member of Parliament Nitin Gadkari and State BJP President Devendra Fadnavis are camping in National Capital. Though Fadnavis has been given a free hand in choosing the candidate for this high-profile election, he would prefer extensive discussion with Gadkari, presently MLC of Graduates Constituency, before announcing the name. And the meeting between Fadnavis and Gadkari is likely to be held after their return to Nagpur.

At present, three names are taking round for Nagpur Graduates Constituency poll. The Mayor Anil Sole, former Chairman of Standing Committee Sandip Joshi and party’s office-bearer in NMC Sanjay Bhende are vying with each other to bag nomination. Gadkari has won the election consecutively for four times. But after Gadkari’s unprecedented victory in Lok Sabha election, the vacant seat has emerged another challenge for BJP and a heady problem too as far as fielding a suitable candidate is concerned. All the aspiring candidates are being considered very close to Gadkari and Fadnavis. And here lies the problem for top leaders.

Now, BJP targets Graduates Constituency poll in Nagpur; Sole, Joshi, Bhende vying for ticket

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

A Marathi rock show named “Jallosh Marathi Cha” starring Marathi and Hindi Rock Bands organized by Rajendra Mulak Loksewa Pratishtan rocked the youth at Futala Lake on May 29, 2014.

The programme showcased Rock Bands of B-Boys who are said to be winners of “Garv Maharashtra Cha” and the local “Aithvic Band”. The programme also had brought a Fire Dancer named Vishal Desai from Goa.

One of organizers said that this is the second programme organized by the Rajendra Mulak Loksewa Pratishtan, the first one was said to be organized at Sakkardara Lake Garden on April 24, 2014.The organizers said that they wanted to do something for the youth during the summer vacations. They had organized it successfully at East Nagpur and are now organizing it in West Nagpur at Futala.

Anchors Priyanka and Nick tried to infuse enthusiasm among the crowd.

The programme started with a dance number by winner of Dance Superstar named Arjun Nair, who danced to the popular Hindi number “Dewa Shri Ganesha…”

The B’Boyz group performed a spectacular fast dance Hip Hop dance with exhilarating moves and still. The synchronized dance performance won the hearts of the audience. The group had danced to a mix-music from all English and Hindi numbers making the audience wanting more.

Minister of State for Finance & Planning, Energy, Water Resources, Parliamentary Affairs and State Excise Rajendra Bhausaheb Mulak arrived to be accorded a warm welcome.

Nagpur Today spoke to some of the youngsters and wanted to know about such shows held at Futala Lake premises.

Puja Shirodkar, a student said that she is here with her friends and that she had come after a long time to Futala to enjoy the evening life at Futala Lake. She said this Rock show is a boon to her. “Baithey Baithey Free Mey Rock Show Dekhney Ko Milega Toh Kisko Acha Nahi Lagega”.

Amit, Ramesh, Ashok Waghmare, Ravi Wanjari and a group of young guys who managed to get seats on the Parapet (with an advantage of a good view of the show) said that they thank the organizers for organizing such Rock-show for free at the Lake premises. At any other place, they would have to pay a lot of money to enjoy such a show.

Ajay and Yogesh Makhe who were with their families for an evening at Futala, said that they and their children really enjoyed this show. They said that such programmes should be organized on a regular basis at Futala. However, they added that the local authorities should ensure that some orderliness and decorum is maintained by the youth. They said that a place visited by children and families should not have youth behaving in gay abandon and engaging in erotic actions.

Marathi Rock Band rocks youth at Futala Lake

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

In a bizarre development, some villainous characters enacted a diabolical drama to grab house of three helpless women and displace them in a well-planned conspiracy. And the villainous characters including a top political leader, his cronies, land mafia, criminals and some businessmen, all eying the high-end property, succeeded in demolishing the house and displaced the helpless family of three women. The house belonged to Shobha Vijay Vishwakarma (56) who stays with her daughter Dolly Bhardwaj (36) and grand-daughter Vaishnavi Bhardwaj. Shobha underwent cataract surgery just three days and was finding it difficult to speak. Dolly’s husband passed away a few years ago and Vaishnavi is student of Class 12.

The high-voltage emotional but equally awful drama first started when a Demolition Squad of NMC descended near Kamal Chowk and started demolishing the house. However, the development triggered strong protest from the family of three women and some residents. Tension ran high and police too arrived at the spot. The NMC men said that they had received information about a house standing in precarious condition near Kamal Chowk that could collapse in rainy season. Hence the Demolition Squad reached the spot with a bulldozer and started demolishing the house. But they had to leave midway due to chaos at the spot.

However, the simple-looking demolition operation later turned out to be a well-planned conspiracy hatched by a leader of a big political party. The nexus between the political leader, land mafia, NMC, police, businessmen and their nefarious design got exposed when Dolly approached some social workers and sought their help in the matter. One of the social activists Dolly moved, Balasaheb Meshram, happens to be Central President of Bahujan Human Rights Organisation. Dolly and Meshram immediately called media and narrated the sequence of demolition of their house.

Prabhakar Yewale

Dolly said, “My mother Shobha is residing in the house since past 40 years. I myself and my daughter Vaishnavi were born in this house. The political leader Prabhakar Yewale, belonging to a big party, resides adjacent to our house. Yewale was eying their high-end house since long and with the help of his cronies, land mafia, criminals and some businessmen frequently threatened us and put pressure on my mother to vacate and hand over the house to him. Yewale even spread a lie that he has purchased our house six years ago. But it is a blatant lie. If Yewale has really purchased our house, then why he has not occupied the house since the past six years. He should produce the documents which he has failed to do so. But now, after failing to grab our house by threats and coercion, Yewale is hatching conspiracies in order to lay his hands on our house,” Dolly told media with anger writ large on her face.
Dolly further said, “Yewale, with his influence, forced NMC to demolish our house on the pretext of precarious condition. The NMC men also, without any notice, started demolishing our house and eventually displaced us. We can’t stay in the damaged house but will not hand over it to Yewale at any cost. Yewale even had lodged a false complaint with Pachpaoli Police Station against me. The police too harassed me. They used to take me to police station in the morning and forced me to sit there till late evening without any reason. This happened for three days. Yewale and his henchmen threaten to kidnap my daughter if we did not hand over our house to him. Police are also helping him. Where should we go? Tell us,” asked Dolly with tears in her eyes.

Dolly’s mother Shobha said, “Yewale is spreading a lie about purchase of our house. If he has any documents, then they are duplicate documents. We never sold our house to Yewale. I underwent cataract surgery at Sachet Netra Rugnalaya of Dr Gedam just three days. I am totally helpless in moving anywhere. In this situation, the NMC men have demolished our house at the behest of Yewale. Now where should we go? Yewale has brought us on streets,” said the mother of Dolly.
Vaishnavi said, “I am terrified. They threaten to kidnap me. I am student. These people are harassing us and trying to snatch our house from us.”

Meanwhile, Yewale and his cronies held a meeting and offered Rs 3 lakh to Dolly. But she refused to accept the amount. Instead she demanded construction of her house.
When Nagpur Today Crime Reporter Ravikant Kamble talked to Prabhakar Yewale, he said, “All the charges leveled against me by the three women are baseless. I did not send NMC men nor lodged complaint with police. I have Registry documents of the house. I will go to court and take action according to law,” Yewale said.

Villainous characters enact diabolical drama to capture house of three helpless women

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News: Molestation of a 13 year old girl and another woman has been reported in city on Friday.

According to police, in the first incident, a 30-year old woman told police that the accused Rahul Deshmukh, resident of Suraj Nagar, entered into bathroom of her house when her 13-year old daughter was taking a bath. Rahul resorted to vulgar actions and thereby molested the minor girl. The accused even threatened the girl of dire consequences if she narrated the incident to anybody. However, the girl told her mother about the actions of Rahul. Nandanvan police have registered an offence under Sections 354 read with sub section 8 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012 and booked the accused.

In the second case, a 24-year-old girl was molested in front of her house. According to police,  the accused Sanjay Mataprasad Shukla (30), resident of Godhni Road, Zingabai Takli, was using public water tap when the victim, standing in front of her house, suggested him not to waste water. The girl’s words enraged Sanjay and he took hold of the girl’s hands and hurled abuses with choicest words.

On the basis of the complaint lodged by the victim, Gittikhadan police have registered an offence under sections 354, 504 and 506 of the IPC against Sanjay. Further investigations are under way.

Man enters bathroom, molests 13-yr old girl

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur: Body of a 35-year old man was found near railway crossing in Nandanvan area on Friday night. Police suspect murder as the body bore deep wounds on neck and throat apparently caused by a sharp-edged weapon.

According to police, Bidgaon resident Maniram Roopchand Nageshwar (35) was found dead late Friday night between 9.15 pm and 11.40 pm. Residents of Nageshwar Nagar, Govardhan layout discovered the body near railway crossing and informed Nandanvan police station immediately. Cops reached the spot and after initial investigation identified the victim as Maniram Nageshwar.

Nandanvan cops have registered an offence under Section 302 against unidentified accused.

Body of man found in Nandanvan area

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News:

A major fire broke out at the current ticket counters situated on the western end of main railway station here Saturday morning. The fire, probably caused by short circuit, soon engulfed all the booking counters, reducing the inventories to ashes. However, the booking clerks were evacuated to safety, averting any casualty.

At 10:35am a Traffic Head Constable Manoj M Gupta attached to Main Railway Station was making a Challan of an errant driver when he noticed smoke billowing out of the grill where the wires were coming out. Sensing danger, Manoj ran to the Electric Office of the Railway Station, who in turn rushed to the spot and switched off the electric supply. But by then the fire had spread out and all the 8 counters at Main Railway station which is used for selling current tickets to various destinations were burnt to ashes.

All the eight railway personnel who were manning the counters showed presence of mind and removed all the cash and valuable tickets and rushed out. However, the computers were reduced to a melted mangled heap.

In an exclusive talk with Nagpur Today, Additional Divisional Railway Manager Dr Jaideep Gupta said that an Officer Grade Fact- Finding-Committee has been formed with Assistant Commercial Manager, Assistant Electrical Engineer, Station Manager and Assistant Commandant Railway Police Force as members. He said that this committee will scrutinize and undertake a detailed investigation and submit report over the cause of the fire and what steps should be taken for preventing such fires from recurring.

ADRM Gupta asked Nagpur Today to inform the readers that the Current Ticket Booking counter has been shifted to Santra Market and at the new Booking Counters on Platform No.1 (Wardha End).

Assistant Commandant of Railway Police Force A K Swami told Nagpur Today that there were fire extinguishers at the Booking Office and that the officials did try to extinguish the fire. However, the intensity of the fire and their efforts to protect the cash and tickets prevented them from engaging in fire-fighting exercise further. He added that within half an hour the fire was brought under control.

Major fire at Railway Station; Current Booking counters destroyed

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur Today.

While creating a strong impact on the youth of Nagpur city, a mega camp named Dr Nitin Raut’s Career Vision -2014 was organized at Mahatma Gandhi School, Jaripatka to help the students to select their career in the competitive world.

The camp was inaugurated by the Minister for Employment Guarantee Scheme Dr Nitin Raut along with other dignitaries which included Chief Advisor of Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences University Dr Vedprakash Mishra and Principal of Dr Ambedkar College, Dikshabhoomi Dr K M Reddy, Dr Yugal Rayalu, Director of Mahatma Gandhi High School Deepak Bajaj and Professor Prashant Kadu.

EGS Minister Dr Nitin Raut while speaking at the inauguration of two-day career-fair on May 31, 2104, said that “Today, the world’s eyes are focused on India. India’s supreme manpower is talked all over the world. Many young scientists from the country constitute majority of taskforce of NASA. India is rapidly emerging as power center of education.”

“In America, every 4th civilian is Indian. This venture is being organized for all students and their parents with the sole goal of providing them the options to choose careers/courses for their bright future. I come from poor family. I studied in NMC School till Class 4. But I found no one to guide me for my further studies, career. My mother requested a teacher who then got me admitted in New English High School. That was then I decided to work for benefit of students. Today, North Nagpur has progressed in all the fields. I wish many students from the city qualify for UPSC examinations and become IAS, IPS and other high-ranking officials.

The camp is being held from May 31, 2014 and will last till June 1, 2014. Minister  for Employment Guarantee Scheme (EGS) Dr Nitin Raut is the guiding force in organizing this much needed career camp. City students will certainly get an opportunity to get acquainted with the opinions of professionals and experts that may help them select a career that best suits them in various fields.

Since the examinations of class X and XII are over and students are waiting eagerly for their results. Most of the students will get to select the career and the courses based on the percentage they have acquired in the Xth class. Capt. Deeksha Raut has organized this career camp to provide door-step facilities to these youths for selecting their future course and career. About 6,000 candidates are said to have already registered for the career guidance camp. The organizers said that there were many spot registrations too on May 31 at 3 pm.

Dr Prashant Kadu of Priyadarshani Engineering College delivered a lecture in Tech ADDA under informal talk show at 5 pm. Career Counsellor Anand Mapuskar and Dr Anand Shedge of Mumbai gave details of Engineering and Medical entrance exams and courses. Dr Anand Mapuskar and Dr Suresh Jadhav shared information about banking, Staff Selection Commission and Railway examinations with the students. Col. Ranade and Col. Thakre gave information about various careers in Defence services.

On Sunday June 1, Prof Choudhary is slated to deliver a lecture on Mental preparation for competitive exams at 3 pm. Dr. Surendra Gole will brief about self analysis and career planning at 3.30 pm. Shilpa Shedge, CA and Dr Bharat Meghe, Dean of Commerce Department, RTMNU will give details of courses in Arts, Commerce and Management at 4 pm. Girish Tilak, Career Counsellor, Mumbai, and Dr Rozina Rana on preparatory aspects to get better job at 5 pm. Pravin Chavhan, Dr Suresh Jadhav, Director of Pass Administrative Academy will brief about preparation of MPSC and UPSC at 6 pm. Dr Javed Sheikh on career challenges to minority youths at 8.30 pm.

Dr Nitin Raut’s Career Vision -2014 gets underway with about 6000 registrations on the first day

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

The vexed Local Body Tax (LBT), since its enforcement from April 1, 2013, continues to be a revenue killer for NMC in one way or the other. From day one, the LBT is denting NMC’s coffers. It is taxing the revenue recovery rather a hefty turnover. However, for employees of the civic body, the LBT is proving a game to hunt bounty by finding loopholes. And now, police too have joined the game to have their share. Both hunters are taking the bounty in the name of renewal of license of registered arms holders. The dubious fact came to the fore through an RTI query.

It may be recalled, the earlier system practiced by Nagpur police for renewal of license of registered arms holders was based on Octroi Duty remittance receipt purportedly submitted by the arms holders. But after the enforcement of LBT (in place of Octroi Duty), police embarked on renewing the arms licenses in large scale without the Octroi Duty receipt. Factually, LBT is replacement of Octroi Duty and the Nagpur police were expected to ask LBT receipt from registered arms holders before renewing their licenses. But, it appears, police thought it otherwise obviously for their convenience. Moreover, the studied silence by NMC over the issue is more perplexing than simplifying. One aspect is certain: Both police and NMC are indulging in illegal acts.

The reputed RTI activist Sandeep Agrawal had on 18.10.2011 shot a letter to Municipal Commissioner and subsequently had drawn his attention toward Octroi Duty evasion in massive proportions by way of renewal of arms licenses. Agrawal had even submitted a list of city’s 2461 registered arms holders, their names, addresses, license numbers and other important information. The Municipal Commissioner, after receiving Agrawal’s letter, had directed the then Deputy Commissioner of Octroi to take action against the guilty. In turn, the Octroi Department issued notices to 1896 registered arms holders and recovered 10 fold Octroi Duty, amounting to Rs 8-9 lakh from 260 privileged persons.

Agrawal had suggested NMC Commissioner to include police department in the drive that would help proper recovery with penalty. Thereafter, the NMC Commissioner had on 17.9.2012 written a letter to Police Commissioner and thereby requested the police department not to renew licenses of registered arms holders without checking Octroi Duty receipts. Proper checking of receipts will help in recovery of Octroi Duty, the letter said.

The Office of Police Commissioner, subsequently on 26.2.2013 replied to the NMC Commissioner’s letter and stated that police, 2013 onwards, are renewing licenses of registered arms holders only after checking Octroi Duty receipts.

However, Agrawal said, since enforcement of LBT from April 1, 2013 in Nagpur, neither Octroi Department nor Police Department is showing any interest in recovering penalties from the said arms holders who continue to evade Octroi Duty at the time of renewal of licenses. This lackadaisical attitude is invariably creating holes in NMC as well as State revenue, said Agrawal.

However, renewal of licenses of registered arms holders is going on without Octroi Duty receipts, obviously with underhand deals. The question the RTI activist has raised: Is Administration, by exempting Octroi Duty to registered arms holders after LBT enforcement, not hitting the NMC revenue hard?

File Pic

Cops renewing licenses of arms holders sans Octroi receipts, denting NMC coffers big way

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

In a major reshuffle, 63 Police Sub-Inspectors (PSIs) attached to various police stations in Nagpur have been promoted to the rank of Assistant Police Inspectors (APIs). Some of the promoted APIs are likely to be transferred to outer areas. Similarly, 13 APIs are coming to city from outside. The large scale promotions among PSIs this year has brought a wave of happiness as they have been given the higher posts within three years. On the other hand, senior APIs are seen long faced. Some of them, on the condition not to reveal their names, said they were promoted after 5-7 years of duty in police stations.
Apart from promotions to 63 PSIs, five Assistant Police Inspectors of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) have been promoted as Police Inspectors (PIs). ACB’s API Ashok Sakharkar has been made Police Inspector and has been sent to Chandrapur. Similarly, Prataprao Ingle will go to Ahmednagar and Raju Bahadure will take charge in Chandrapur. Mohan Gade of Nagpur Railway Police has been sent to Jalgaon as Police Inspector.
Those PSIs who have been promoted to the posts of APIs include Ajni Police Station’s PSI Ravi Rajulwar, Jitendra Bobde (Kotwali), Dnyaneshwar Bhadodkar (Lakadganj), Ganesh Gurav (MIDC), Ghanshyam Sonavane (Nandanvan), Pawan Desle (Sitabuldi), Jagadish Pardeshi (Pachpaoli), Mukund Kawade (Imambada), Shankar Singh Rajput (Pachpaoli), Vikrant Sagane (Lakadganj), Sandip Borse (Sonegaon), Pramod Sanap (Ambazari), Rahul Suryatal (Sonegaon), Praful Geete (Sitabuldi), Sonutai Zamre (MIDC), and Sangita Mandhre (Nandanvan).

63 PSIs in city promoted to rank of APIs

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

A 3-year old boy and a 12-year old girl lost their lives in a tragic way when both accidentally fell into a well at about 1900 hours on Saturday (May 31).

According to police, the victims Karan Ramesh Sahu (3) and Anjali Jaiprakash Sahu, both residents of Plot No. 40, New Bidipeth, tenants of Raju Chavan, were playing in front of their house. While playing, Karan inched towards a nearby well unknowingly and fell into it. Shocked by the sudden development, Anjali too went near the well but slipped and she too fell into the well. Both Karan and Anjali got drowned in well water and died before any help. Sakkardara police were informed about the tragic incident by Sohanram Puttu Sahu (55). PSI Shete and his team reached the spot and after preliminary investigation, registered a case of accidental death. Further probe is underway.

However, whether bodies of Karan and Anjali were pulled out or not could not be ascertained till the filing of this report.

File Pic

2 kids drowned to death after falling in a well in Sakkardara

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

City based  Sir Gangadharrao Chitnavis Trust discovers that a waste soft drink PET bottle filled with a litter of water can be a substitute for electric bulb which gives a ray of hope to many poor people in city who are living without electricity.

Mohan Shahu’s residence

Nagpur News.

There are slums in the city where cramped and low-set dwellings do not  receive natural light in day time. The people living in such homes are bound to live in darkness even in the day hours or they have to pay hefty electricity bills for a single line connection. Apart from the developed stretch of Nagpur where power prevails along with development, there are handful of poor in slums who still spend their lives in dark, their children studying without light and suffering all without light. But there’s a light of hope for them flashed by a city based trust.

Trust members

Sir Gangadharrao Chitnavis Trust of Nagpur is working continuously to fill the house of such poor people with the “light of hope”. The trust is actively working in the field of social welfare, public health and medical research. Trustee Neeta Kale brought a bright idea to the city and Deepali Kale took efforts to make this project available for the people of the city. Neeta initiated  this project called “Jal Jyoti” in the city which is a social venture started by students of St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai which aims at lighting underprivileged households specially urban slums, using the simple and effective “Bottled Lights” Or ‘’Solar Water Bulbs’’.  With a simple scientific experiment these bottles disperse light equivalent to that of 55 watt bulbs that keep working for around 5 years. Deepali Kale, Ms. Rupali Kale and Ms. Avinash Kacharu put in efforts to successfully installing Jal Jyoti with the support of Dr. Chandure and Mr. Amitabh Sinha. Project manager Nisha Thakur and Volunteer Anu Chabrani is also supporting the cause.

Trustee of Sir Chitnavis Trust Neeta Kale

Neeta Kale told Nagpur Today that she came to know about this idea during her Mumbai visit. The very moment she came to know about these bottle lights, she decided to use this concept for those poor and underprivileged people of Nagpur who cannot afford hefty electricity bills. “After coming to Nagpur we organized a workshop in which we invited city NGOs to join hand for this project but, no positive response was received from any of the NGOs. This was the very sad part,” says Neeta Kale. However she is still hopeful and confident that with continuous effort they will definitely succeed in their motive.

Deepali Kale

Sharing her experience on this project, Deepali Kale told Nagpur Today that the cost for the installation of one bottle bulb is around Rs 150-200. She added that although it is very cheap and we are doing this only to serve to underprivileged people but still we take nominal charge for the installation. Explaining the reason behind charging an amount Deepali Kale said when someone pay for something, even it’s one rupee that person will value the product or the service . “However we do not take any compulsory amount, one can give any amount according to their financial condition,” she defended.

Chitnivis Trust Cordinator Nisha Thakur

“We see ourselves primarily as incubators, hence apart from installing bottles we are also taking workshops in order to create awareness and interest for using these Bottle Lights,” says Chitnavis Trust Coordinator Nisha Thakur. However we have not yet got a proper response from the common people or any NGO. We are still working towards our goal said Nisha Thakur. She also added that this idea is not only helpful for these poor but this will help save a lot of energy which will help reduce global warming.

Volunteer for the Jal Jyoti Project Anu Chabrani

Anu Chabrani who is also connected with this project of   Chitnavis Trust says, “We are trying to find ways to benefit more and more people. We are regularly visiting slums of the city and trying to explain benefits of these Bottle Lights. According to Anu Chabrani now slowly they are getting results and got response from Kaushalya Nagar, Sudam Nagri and Chandramani Nagar areas. Anu Chabrani told that recently they installed 50 bottle bulbs in Kaushalya Nagar and have demand of more units. “Recently we contacted the local corporators and with their help we are trying to reach more and more people. We do not want the project to crash when we leave; a local base is really important to establish a grass-roots movement” says Anu Chabrani.

The first Jal Jyoti has been successfully installed at Mohan Shahu’s residence of Vasantrao Naik slum. While talking to Nagpur Today Mohan Shahu said that initially they were not able to believe and understand the whole change in their house but were really happy later.

How it works

Bottle Bulbs

Ten years after the light was first thrown on the idea of the bottle bulb, the first batch of these bulbs was installed in Mumbai’s slums. Students from the University of St Gallen, Switzerland , and St Xavier’s College, Mumbai, came together to plant the first seeds of bright hope in power-starved slums of India. One of the most cost-efficient and green ways to light up a space, the bottle bulb requires a one-liter plastic bottle full of water, bleach to keep the water from growing green and an adhesive of good quality. The bleach prevents any kind of decay of the water and thus the bottle can be used up to five years. The bottle full of water should be stuck into the roof in a manner such that the top half of the bottle is exposed to the sun and the bottom half is in the room underneath. When the water in the bottle above catches the sun, it lights up the room underneath like a 55-watt bulb. Four college students in Mumbai came to know about these bottle bulbs and used this idea to fill slums of India with light.

…..Puja Singh

Bottle bulbs lend hope to poor and ‘powerless’ as ‘Jal Jyoti’ looks to brighten their lives!

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

In another extravagant grand finale of Indian Premier League, Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders are set to sizzle TV screens today at 8 pm, bringing down the TRPs of ‘saas-bahu’ and ‘luv-shuv relationship’ channels to new low. The excitement has just soared like Nagpur temperature among the cricket buffs here. The game frenzy has caught up with the bookies and game lovers alike, betting big moolah on their favorite teams.

You would wonder what Veer and Zara have to do with all this!! Well before you run amok, you need to slightly rewind your memory feed and relive director Yash Chopra’s love saga ‘Veer-Zara’ in which Shahrukh Khan and Preity Zinta, owners of KKR and Kings XI Punjab, played Veer and Zara, respectively. Now, the onscreen passionate lovers Veer and Zara have turned towards a real fierce cricket battle in IPL7 final. While Kolkata Knight Riders has bright chances of winning, Kings XI Punjab too cannot be far behind when it comes to snatching away the trophy, given its power performance in the semi-final. Both KKR and KXIP have separately won IPL final in the year 2012 and 2008, respectively.

This time bookies have preferred Zara as the safe bet, as higher odds are placed on Kings XI Punjab.

Nagpur Today zeroed in on few of the cricket lovers and bookies to know their team orientation. Most of the people preferred Zara ala Preity Zinta to grab the trophy this season.

A cricket maniac, apparently a college student who wished not be named said he had placed odds on both the teams in order to play safe. “If Zara wins I will rejoice but Veer’s victory will put me in little loss. However, it will be a win-win situation either way for me…If not for me someone from my group will throw the party for all of us. We’re gonna have blast tonight,” he quipped.

Says a cricket bookie, “This season’s final appears quite uncertain as both the previous winners are at loggerheads and both command equal likelihood of victory. However, we are offering higher odds for Preity Zinta’s Kings XI Punjab, given the exemplary performance of her players in the semi finals. Shahrukh’s KKR players too have perfected their game with every season and it showed up when the team emerged winner in IPL 2012. So all we can say is to just wait for the game to reach the conclusion.”

Sheila Kotecha, a housewife and diehard cricket fan, is optimistic about KXIP winning the trophy, while her husband Sheetal has special affinity towards KKR.

Says Amol Landge, “Whoever wins this night, but the match is for sure going to bring bundle of surprises for hordes of cricket fans here.”

So all you guys…Just soak in to cricket frenzy tonight!!

IPL-7 Mania: ‘Veer-Zara’ to clash on field in sizzling final tonight, City cheers for Zara

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

The situation has come to such a pass that the womenfolk shudder to venture out with their beloved “Mangalsutra” or gold chain they fondly purchased or gifted by someone loved. The jewel of beauty is increasingly turning out to be a noose around their necks rather a proud possession.

Nagpur News.

Be hold! Nagpur City is entering the books of record in its own style. A terror called chain-snatching has taken the Second Capital City of Nagpur in its vice like grip. The phenomenon has become a daylight nightmare for young girls, women of all ages. The crime daringly refuses to decline and also exposes helplessness of Nagpur Police in accepting the challenge thrown by the criminals. The situation has come to such a pass that the womenfolk shudder to venture out with their beloved “Mangalsutra” or gold chain they fondly purchased or gifted by someone loved. The jewel of beauty is increasingly turning out to be a noose around their necks rather a proud possession. The crime is fast running into record books. The record books of which nobody would love to turn the pages. Every page is written by chain-snatching incidents reported in 24 hours of a sunny and dark day as well. The unreported incidents would tell a different tale and another sort of record.

The chain-snatching incidents from January 2013 till May 25, 2014 stood tall with more than 400 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 20-25 chain-snatching incidents (reported to police) every month. The unreported cases would certainly outshine the registered. 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 and their cronies 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 making it the most favourite pastime for a lavish life at the expense of womenfolk.

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 of the booty. And Sarafa Bazaar in Itwari among others is the favourite place for the criminals to sell-off the robbed booty.

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. The commando force, special squads, sharp-eyed patrolling and other measures are turning big flops as there is no let-up in the crime. So intense is the frequency of crime that it becomes a routine event and often finds no space in the media reports.

One question the Nagpur citizens are hotly debating is: Should the Army be called to specifically deal with the “expert” chain-snatchers, who, it appears, have been “licensed’ to commit the crime with impunity and freely whenever they want?

Nagpur Today, in an effort to highlight the outrageous crime, is reporting some cases that can be considered a tip of an iceberg or tip of a mountain. The headlines, flashed regularly, are enough to send the message:

• Two women relieved of gold chains in Kalamna and Jaripatka:

• Chain-snatchers strike city at three places:

• Chain snatchers have a field day, three snatchings reported:

• 3 masked goons enter house, rob girl of her gold chain, inflict bloody injuries with blade:

• 2 more women lose ‘Mangalsutra’, gold chain:

• Chain snatching cases continue unabated in the city:

•  Women participating in Ram Navami shobhayatra relieved of mangalsutra:

• Motorcycle-borne thieves lay hands of gold mangalsutra, booked:

• Two women relieved of gold chains in Ambazari and Lakadganj areas:

• Chain snatching cases continue unabated in the city:

• Elderly woman gave tough fight to thieves but suffered loss of part of gold chain:

• Three more chain- snatching cases in city:

• Nagpur in a grip of chain-snatching terror, women in trauma, police turning pygmies:

• Chain snatchers rob five women in a day:

• Criminals on chain snatching spree:

• Thieves snatch away gold chains worth 1.5 lakh in separate incidents:

• Chain snatchers on moped rob woman:

• “Wait” for husband proves costly for woman as she is relieved of Rani Haar worth Rs 1.40 lakh:

• 7 persons thrash couple, succeed in snatching “Mangalsutra” near Futala Lake:

• Woman robbed of “Mangalsutra”:

• Thieve relieves woman of “Mangalsutra”:

• Child’s play of chain-snatching makes three women poorer by Rs 2,13,000:

• Goons “licensed” to snatch gold chains as the crime volcano refuses to calm down:

• Chain snatching incidents increase manifold as commando forces totally fail to curb the crime:

• Two chain-snatching cases in separate incidents:

• Chain-snatching terror: A woman loses gold chain worth Rs 1,20,000, other of Rs 25,000:

• Time has come to declare war on chain-snatching terror:

• Two criminals slap 62-year old woman, snatch “Mangalsutra” worth Rs 80,000:

• Nightmare continues in daylight as two more women lose ‘Mangalsutra’ worth Rs 1.05 lakh

The reports are endless and would continue in coming minutes, hours, and days, too. The criminals have not spared a single area of Nagpur city. Every area has victims of chain-snatching. Only an Army hand could smash the “terror” hands as Nagpur police have been proving dismal in curbing the crime. The Army men “don’t take bribes from goons.”

Chain-snatching headlines push Nagpur into record books inked by evil hands in daylight

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

It’s my space…

Nagpur News.

Parking crisis in city has multiplied to enormity, not only for the lack of space but for the private encroachments on space facing many big and small commercial establishments here. While some places vertical cones to demark their area, many other shopkeepers in various areas have kept steel grills right in front of entrance of their shops so that no one can park their vehicles there.

The Sitabuldi Bazaar road from Variety Square to Loha Pul (Railway Bridge) follows a system of two-wheeler parking. Every alternate day the two wheelers are parked on either side of the road. On Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday, the two-wheelers are parked on the left side of the road, while on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday, the two-wheelers are parked on the right side.

Now, what is interesting is that these shopkeepers put a steel grill right in front of their entrance so that their customers can enter their shop unhindered. This also ensures that no one parks their two-wheeler in front of their shop. Where they park their two-wheelers is no concern of theirs. Even if they block the entrance of some other shops, they are not bothered. Where should the two-wheeler owners park their vehicles?

Now is it valid, is it okay for them to engage in such practices?

DCP Tangde said that this is a practice that should be discouraged and he will take action against such shop-owners.

Barrier for smooth entry…

City shops ‘iron handedly’ block parking space!

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

Excess liquor and scorching summer heat proved fatal for two men who were found dead in two different areas of city on Saturday.

According to police, the first victim Sachin Shyamrao Sakhre (32), resident of Savitribai Fuley Nagar, Lane No. 1, Ajni, Nagpur ventured out to have a glass or two of country liquor. But the pegs of liquor in excess quantity and the blazing summer heat proved a deadly cocktail and subsequently claimed life of Sachin Sakhre. He was found dead on footpath near Tukdoji Statue Square at about 1630 hours of Saturday. Sakkardara police were informed about the incident. Cops immediately reached the spot and after completing paper formalities, sent body of Sachin to GMCH for post-mortem. Police suspect sun stroke to be the cause of Sachin’s death. PSI Shete, on the basis of complaint lodged by Nandabai Shyamrao Sakhre (60), has registered a case of accidental death and probing the matter further.

The second victim, Raju Naresh Zade (40), resident of Chhota Tajbagh, Nagpur, was found dead at about 1500 hours ofSaturday on footpath near a country liquor shop Bollywood Center Point under Sakkardara Police Station jurisdiction. Police, who reached the spot, suspect death of Raju Zade due to excessive consumption of liquor and sun stroke. PSI Shete, on the basis of a complaint lodged by Sunil Naresh Zade (35), resident of Ayurvedic Layout, near Registrar Office, has registered a case of accidental death and investigating the matter further.

File Pic

Excess liquor, summer heat claim two lives

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

A country liquor trader was defrauded to the tune of Rs 25 lakh by his own employee during the period from March 2014 till today. The employee cheated the trader on many counts.
According to police, the complainant Ramesh Dhiru Jaswani, resident of 618, Pushpa Apartment, Indora Square, Nagpur owns liquor shop L T D situated at Parmanand Apartment, near Indora Square. The accused Rajan Dharamdas Jaswani, resident of EWS Housing Board Colony, Nagpur works in Ramesh’s shop. The accused Rajan was handling orders, supply of goods, recovery of money and LBT matter. However, the accused breached the trust his employer by utilizing about Rs 25 lakh, recovered from March till today, for self use instead of depositing the money in the shop. The owner of the shop Ramesh Jaswani subsequently lodged a complaint with Pachpaoli Police Station against the accused Rajan Dharamdas Jaswani. PSI Kachore has booked the accused under Sections 408, 468, 420 of the IPC and probing the matter further.

Representational Pic

Employee cheats liquor trader with Rs 25 lakh

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

The results of Class 12 Examinations 2014 conducted by Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education have been declared on Monday (June 2). The Class 12 written exams had commenced on February 20 across Maharashtra and lasted till March 29. Girls outsmarted the boys this year too.

Nagpur District recorded the best ever pass percentage in recent years with the figure standing at 90.77. A total 56183 students had appeared for the Class 12 exam out of which 51000 students made it. Earlier, the pass percentage was 74.16 in 2010, 67.13 in 2011, 68.93 in 2012, and 73.10 in 2013.

In Nagpur Division, comprising Nagpur District, Bhandara, Chandrapur, Wardha, Gadchiroli, and Gondia District, a total of 142084 Regular (Revised Course) students appeared for the exam out of which 126553 students passed. The pass percentage stands at 89.07. Similarly, 21445 private students (Old Course) appeared out of which 5466 students passed. The pass percentage is 25.49.

The Science Stream saw a total of 53720 students appearing for Class 12 exam and 50214 students clearing it (93.47 percent). In Arts Stream, 61439 students appeared out of which 52265 passed (85.07 percent). Similarly, 19171 students appeared in Commerce Stream with 17194 students passing it (89.69 percent) and in MCVC, 7754 students appeared and 6880 made it (88.73 percent). The average percentage recorded is 89.07 percent.

In Nagpur District, out of 56183 students who appeared for Class 12 exam, the number of regular students comprised of 55279, private students 868, isolated 35 and 1 CIS. Similarly, a total of 27375 male students and 28808 female students appeared for the exam out of which 24044 male students and 26956 female students passed the percentage being 87.83 and 93.57 respectively. The average pass percentage figures out to be 90.77, the best ever in recent times. A total of 4054 students passed with Distinction, 15930 in First Grade, 27967 in Second Grade and 3049 in Pass Grade.

The students can see their results on the website of State Board which has also set up Helpline Number for resolving any problem faced by the students. Students can scan www.mahresult.nic.in, www.maharashtraeducation.com, www.hscresult.mkcl.org, and www.rediff.com/exams for knowing their results. Similarly, BSNL consumers can know the results by typing MHHSC<Seat No.>and sending SMS to 57766. The Helpline Number for Nagpur is 8275039252 and official designated is Vishal Goswami for sorting out problems of students. The students can also call on 0712-2565403, 2553360, 2553401 for keeping their anxieties cool.

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Nagpur records best ever pass percentage with 90.77 in Class 12 exam, girls outshine boys

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

A 40-year old woman and 19-year old girl were molested in their own houses by two middle aged persons on Sunday.
According to police, the first molestation occurred in Gittikhadan area. The victim 40-year-old woman was alone at her house on Sunday evening when the accused Lekhnath Rahangdale (55) barged into her house and demanded the reason for lodging a police complaint against him. Even before the woman could gauge the situation and come to her senses, Lekhnath indulged in vulgar actions and hurled abuses at her. He also issued life threats to the woman.
On the basis of the complaint filed by the woman, Gittikhadan police have registered a case under Sections 452, 354, 504, and 506 of the IPC against Lekhnath and probing the matter further.
In the second incident, the 19-year-old girl was molested in her house when she was watching television on Sunday afternoon.
The accused Bhikubhai Amarsingh Rathod (40) entered the girl’s house and menacingly touched her head. However, later he outraged her modesty by resorting to indecent actions. Scared by the sudden development, the girl tried to leave the room. Angered by this, Bhikubhai then passed foul words against the girl and left her house. The victim later narrated the incident to her parents who lodged a complaint with Kalamna police.
Cops have arrested the accused under Sections 354 and 294 of the IPC and investigating the matter further.

40-year old woman, 19-year old girl molested in their own houses by two lewd men; 1 held

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News : Union transportation and shipping minister, Nitin Gadkari, after taking charge of the portfolio, for the first time met media persons. On this occasion, he inaugurated the website of Deendayal Upadhyay Institute of Medical Science Research and Human Resources.

Speaking about the institute Gadkari informed that the institute has so far conducted 553 health camps and has reached out medical assistance and medicines to nearly 2.5 lakh people. It is intended to extend medical assistance to all the needy people through this website. Similarly, the people will get information about their health problems through this website.

It may be mentioned that, the health camps conducted by the institute include, blood donation camps, eye testing camps, sicklecell awareness programme, cataract camp etc. The sole purpose of the website is to do self less social service and discharge social responsibility in a right way.

Nitin Gadkari inaugurates website of Deendayal Upadhyay Medical Science Institute