Widening of bridge over Mithi river moving at Snail pace

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

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

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

BJP worker from Kalina a 'Dalal' of BMC

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

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

Lady snatched of chain suffers partial loss of memory

It was on Republic Day when Lasmi Nautiyal, aged 40 years and residing at Aasra Apts, Vakola was returning home after attending Republic Day function at Public High School. Lasmi is a teacher at Public High School. While on her way to home she noticed three men following her.  After having reached the gate of Aasra Apartments building, St Anthony’s Road, Vakola, Lasmi stood for a moment and wanted the men to go ahead. After the men went into the building Lasmi took courage and entered the building. She then pressed for the lift but to her disappointment the lift was not working. Lasmi then decided to walk the stairs. While reaching the first floor she was stopped by one of the men who inquired with her as to where do a youth named Vilas reside. As Lasmi informed the man that nobody by the name of Vilas resides in the building, the man attacked her and grabbed her gold chain. While she shouted for help she was was banged against the wall.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dead body of missing girl finally found in a gutter

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

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

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

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

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

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

Illegal godowns at Shastri Nagar raided

Adulterated oil barrels being mixed at a godown in Chunnnabatti. Exclusive photos shot by Sunita D'Silva

It was a fortnight ago Sunita D’Silva, Asst Editor, Santacruz Patrika along with our team around midnight visited Chunnabati at Vakola-Kurla after we received a tip-off  regarding manufacturing and storing of adulterated and illegal chemicals in various godowns. At that time a barrel of adulterated acid blasted and the highly dangerous fumes engulfed the entire area. With the fumes highly dangerous and intoxicating our Asst Editor daringly barged into the godown and clicked photographs of the illegal adulterated chemical activities being carried out at Chunabatti. Further, the next day while surveying the area it was also noticed that the gutter on Mithi River has been illegally encroached and illegal activities are being carried out in the area. To hide their illegal adulterated activities an illegal gate had also been fixed whereby prohibiting entry so that their illegal activities can flourish. Inside this area it was learnt that illegal and adulterated grease godown is located which had been locked while our team visited the spot.The illegal adulterated grease carried out in the area was also reported to the local corporator.  The local corporator had been following up with BMC for a long time regarding these illegal encroachments and adulterated chemical godowns. But, no action had been taken by BMC. Further, it was also learnt that with the widening of Mithi River, the illegal adulterated chemical activities which were being carried out at that site have now moved to Chunabatti. Many residents of the area complained and told Santacruz Patrika that these illegal godownds storing adulterated chemicals are highly hazardous and dangerous to the inhabitants of the area.

Now, with the burning of Sonawane by the oil mafia the Maharashtra government have begun raids on illegal and adulterated godowns. The Mumbai crime branch on Friday raided a godown in Kalina and seized more than 80,000 litres of adulterated diesel, commonly referred to as black oil. On Thursday night too, raids on two godowns, located a kilometre away from the godown raided on Friday, resulted in the seizure of more than 1.2 lakh litres of adulterated diesel. Thetotal seizure in the last two days has gone up to 2.5 lakh litres. The Vakola police independently conducted a raid at Abdul Yusuf Anwarlal Compound on Friday and seized 423 barrels of oil while the Kurla police raided 11 godowns and seized 450 barrels of black oil.
Joint commissioner of police (crime) Himanshu Roy said on Friday, the crime branch control (CB Control) received information about a godown at Shastri Nagar, near Air India Colony at Kalina. A team rushed to the spot and found 80,000 litres of black oil with solvent, grease, and mixing equipment. Roy said the main accused in the case, identified as Amin, who ran the godown, is absconding.
The night before theCB control had raided two godowns in Panama Compound at Kalina and recovered 1.2 lakh litres of black oil. The police arrested Abdul Gaffar Mohammad Hassan Sheikh, 58, but his associates, identified as Jeetubhai and Sohrab, are absconding. Roy said the gang is suspected to have smuggled the oil from large industrial units and ships and processed it in the godown. “We suspect the oil was supplied to small scale industries and petrol pumps in rural areas,” Roy said, adding that efforts are on to identify the buyers and suppliers of black oil, which is not supposed to be sold in the open market. Themain accused in the adulteration racket at Vakola, Saheb Shaikh, and his employees are absconding, Senior inspector RG Pardesi said. Roy said the police are exploring the possibilities of invoking the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act or initiate externment proceedings against offenders. 

Giving details about the Vakola raid, a source in the crime branch said that they got specific information about oil adulteration happening at at Panama Compound, Kalina Road, in Vakola. At least 15 officers raided three godowns, the source said. The raid started at 9pm and went on till four in the morning on Friday. The godown belongs to Abdul Gafoor Hasan Shaikh, a resident of Saki Naka. “Gafoor and eight other people have been booked under various sections of the Essential Commodities Act and the Indian Penal Code. “We have sealed the godowns and policemen have been posted,” an officer said. “The accused used to buy used oil from big companies,” the officer said. “They would then recycle it by mixing colour and selling it at cheaper rates to those who could not buy original oil.”