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.”                                                                                                                                                 

Man brutually attacked after nabbing chain snatcher

It was on Republic Day when Laxmi Nautiyal, aged 40 years and residing at Aasra Apts, Vakola was returning home after attending Republic Day function at Public High School. Laxmi 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 the building Laxmi stood for a moment and wanted the men to go ahead. After the men went into the building Laxmi took courage and entered the building. She then pressed for the lift but to her disappointment the lift was not working. Laxmi then decided to walk the stairs. While reaching the first floor Laxmi was stopped by one of the men who inquired with Laxmi as to where do Vilas reside. As Laxmi informed that nobody by the name of Vilas resides in the building, the man attacked her and grabbed her gold chain. Laxmi then shouted for help and was banged against the wall. Immediately hearing her shouts for help one Narayan Govind Dastehkar, aged 32 years who resides in flat No 101 immediately came to the rescue of Laxmi. In the melee Narayan happed to nab one of the men while the two other fled. While speaking to Santacruz Patrika, Laxmi said, “Having nabbed one of the men Narayan forced me to lodge a complaint at Vakola Police station. In the meanwhile I spoke to the management of Public High school who assured me of assistance.” “Finally, Narayan and I went to the Vakola Police Station and handed over one of the nabbed men.” A case was registered u/s 379, 34 (Theft) by Vakola Police Station.  On the next day, Narayan had gone down to fetch some errands when the men took revenge and attacked him. It is learnt that three men attacked him with sharp instruments and Narayan was porously bleeding. Thereafter, some of his colleagues finding him in a pool of blood immediately rushed him to V.N.Desai Hospital. Since he was in a critical condition he was advised to be taken to Sion Hospital where he has presently gained consciousness and is recuperating.

While speaking to Santacruz Patrika, Narayan’s sister who was in tears said, “Had Laxmi not called out  “Raju, Raju” for help my brother would have not been battling for life and death.” Incidentally Narayan is popularly called ‘Raju’. But, while clarifying with Laxmi, she confirmed with Santacruz Patrika and said, “Since I was attacked on the first floor and Narayan alias Raju resides in the opposite flat I screamed ‘Raju’ for help. But, however I insisted with Narayan 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 Narayan and his family. I am deeply shocked of the attack on Narayan who had come to my rescue, “confessed Laxmi. A case u/s 307 has been registered against Vishal Mahamunkar, Isaci Parmeshwar Pandian and Shailesh. Vishal Mahamunkar who resides at Kadamwadi, Vakola and Pandian has been arrested while Shailesh of Jogeshwari has been absconding. While speaking to Inspector Bhaskar Kokre he added that the group had become friends only a few days ago. The case of attempt to murder is being investigated by Inspector Sagwekar. Incidentally, Narayan Dastehkar had been working in the Gulf as an Air condition & Refrigration mechanic for some time. He returned from Gulf about a year ago and was awaiting a Visa to go back concluded his sister.

Man robbed of chain and attacked near St Charles Convent

During the past few months chain snatching cases in Vakola and Kalina have been on the rise. Practically, every week an incident of chain snatching is reported, though many go un-reported at Vakola Police station. On 24^th evening around 4.30 pm Prabhakar Yeshwant Ghag, 45 years and residing at Krishna Nagar, Vakola was returning home. He was trapped near St. Charles Convent by three unidentified youth and robbed of his 750 gms gold chain which had a diamond stone. While speaking to Santacruz Patrika he admitted, “On my way home I took a short cut in a narrow lane near St Charles Convent when a youth patted me on my shoulder and told that his friend would like to meet me. When I approached him, “he threatened me and accused me of eve teasing his sister. When I insisted that I am an aged man he suddenly grabbed my chain and fled. “Adding further Prabhakar said, “Thereafter I chased the youth and in the meanwhile another youth chased me and attacked me with a sharp instrument on my head.” When Prabhakar noticed that he was bleeding he rushed to hospital and sustained seven stitches on his head. A case has been registered at the Vakola Police station.

NCP office inaugurated at Kherwadi

NCP office inaugurated at Kherwadi

A NCP office was inaugurated on the eve of Republic Day at Kherwadi, ward No 90 by Javed Deolkar, Mumbai President. The office was set up for hearing public grievances. The inauguration was attended by party workers. Among the party workers present during the inauguration ceremony were Sanjay Mahale, Dist President; Sameer Roy, Anti Corruption Intelligence Committee; Julekha Khan, Sec Mahila Pradesh North Central; John D’Souza, Gen Sec labour Cell; Shakila Banu; Salim Sayed; Prafulchand Dubey; Anand Hirwale and Shanu Diama. Sudarshan  Kamble, Sec Labour Cell for North East is the founder and head of NCP ward No 90. Under his able guidance local people will get the benefits of his assistance. Also, with the blessings of Sharad Pawar, NCP supremo and Sharad Rao, a dynamic labour leader, the problems of the people of the ward will get taken care of.