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.

Installation of Reliance Infra electric cabin at Shastri Nagar stalled

In our last week issue, we had carried a front page story 'Shastri Nagar residents protest against illegal electric cabin'. The residents protest have been fulfilled as Reliance Infrastructure have heeded to their demand and have assured that they will not set up a transformer Cabin at the illegal and disputed site. With the efforts of Santacruz Patrika and local corporator Alice Therattil, Reliance Infrastructure Deputy General Manager has assured that they will reinstate the dugged premises and constructed garbage bin to the original level without any delay. They further assured that if the area needs genuinely a substation a proper location may be suggested or Reliance Infrastructure would locate a suitable place which will not create any hindrances or inconvenience to the residents of the area. Further, they have assured that they would carry out work only after complying with all the legal requirements.

During the past few months it is alleged that a political party worker has been on a signature campaign from residents of Shastri Nagar chawls towards construction of unauthorized proposed electric cabin work behind Mohammadi Masjid, Shastri Nagar, Kalina. The construction of a proposed unauthorized electric cabin is alleged to take place after demolishing garbage dustbin constructed by Mahanagar Palika's Fund at Shastrinagar.  There are three public toilets having no .164, 165, 166 on the surrounding and their entrance has been blocked.  There is no vehicle entry passage near this proposed electric cabin and serious complaints have been received from the nearby public residents.

Further, the construction of illegal electric cabin is extremely hazardous as if any fire or explosion takes place the entire toilets will be blown up and a  serious  fear has came into the minds of  surrounding residents. To stop the unauthorized work Alice Therattil had informed N.W. Lalwaney, Asst. Municipal Commissioner, H/E Ward who expressed his unawareness of the permission for the above mentioned work.  Thereafter, Alice informed Mr. J.S. Gheagadmal, A/E Maintenance and Mr. Anirao, Sub Engineer Maintenance and learned that they too were not aware of this illegal work. Further, she had also corresponded with Sudhir Naik, DMC Zone III and Krishna Shenoy, Gen. Manager, Reliance Infrastructure Ltd who have finally initiated action against the construction of illegal transformer cabin.

But while surveying the site and speaking to a cross section of residents they told Santacruz Patrika, “There is already an electric transformer a few metres away and we do not understand the need of installing another electric transformer in front of the toilets.” Another resident in disgust admitted, “It was sometime ago BJP workers of our area made us participate in a protest rally against Reliance Infrastructure inflated electric bills. But to our dismay so far nothing has materialized and on the contrary after the BJP protests the electric bills instead of reducing is on the increase. We innocent have been fooled.”

Finally, all voiced their anger and said, “When we innocent are taken by BJP workers to vent our protest against inflated electric bills, why install another gigantic transformer near our toilets and put us in danger and inconvenience.” Lastly, with the efforts of Santacruz Patrika, Corporator Alice Therattil and co-operation of Reliance Infrastructure and BMC the work of installing an unauthorized Transformer cabin has been finally stalled.

 

KCA's star studded evening at St.Mary's Kalina

The Kerala Catholic Association (KCA), Kalina unit is the first unit of KCA. Last week the Kerala Catholic Association celebrated its 51st Christmas and New Year celebrations at St. Mary's Junior College Hall, Kalina, Santacruz in a grand manner. It was a star-studded evening where a host of personalities attended the celebrations and programme. The evening began with a cultural and dance programme. The Cultural programme was performed by Pallavi Orchestra and dance by Natya Mandalam. Also at the programme the Chief guest Varsha Gaikwad, Hon'ble Minister for Woman & Child Welfare; Government of Maharashtra launched the blessed golden coin of Sister Saint Alphonsa.

The chief Guest Varsha Gaikwad while addressing the gathering kept the audience spell bound with her speech. She emphasized the progress made by Kerala and Keralites in the development of the country. She also acknowledged the high literacy of Keralites in the country and the progress made by Kerala in regard to tourism and culture.

Guest of Honour Kripashankar Singh, MLA Kalina and President MRCC also entertained the gathering with his witty speech in English and welcome words in Malayalam. Rev. Fr. Francis Elavuthingal, Chancellor, Kalyan Diocese also graced the occasion.

Other distinguished guests who graced the occasion were Maltidevi Kripashankar Singh; Rev. Fr. George Vattamattam, Vicar, St. Thomas Catholic Church, Kalina; Alice Therattil, Corporator ward No 84; P.J.Mathew, President KCA Mumbai; Johnson Theratttil, Former KCA President, Mumbai and Chairman Fund Raising Committee; P.O.Thomas, General Convenor, KCA; M.O.Johnson, President, KCA Kalina Unit; Dr Abraham Pattani, Former KCA President, Mumbai; Savio Puthur, VP, KCA Mumbai; M.M.Xavier, Sec KCA, Kalina Unit; Joy Payappilly, Treasurer, KCA Kalina and Lincy George.

In her welcome speech Alice Therattil welcomed the guests and spoke, “On behalf of KCA we are inspired and our hearts are filled with gratitude for the many blessings we received in our lives - we honour the services and sacrifices and pay our humble tributes to our founding fathers and ask god to bless them and their families.”

Besides, the evening was made very entertaining by Preethi Warrier, Idea Star Singer Season 4 contestant and runner up in the competition. This promising artist from Palakkad District and settled in Andheri, Mumbai was also a first runner up of Raagalaya on Amrita TV. She has also won prizes in various other singing competitions. The programme concluded with awards being presented to outstanding students and vote of thanks.

Life, fortunes and mishaps are unpredictable

Beautiful letter written by a father to his son! This applies to daughters too. Use this in your teachings to your children.   

Following is a letter to his son from a renowned Hong Kong TV broadcaster cum Child Psychologist. The words are actually applicable to all of us, young or old, children or parents.   
I am writing this to you because of three reasons 
1.Life, fortune and mishaps are unpredictable, nobody knows how long he lives. Some words are better said early.

2. I am your father, and if I don't tell you these, no one else will. 

3. What are written are my own personal bitter experiences that perhaps could save you a lot of unnecessary heartaches? 

Remember the following as you go through life 
1. Do not bear grudge towards those who are not good to you. No one has the responsibility of treating you well, except your mother and me. To those who are good to you, you have to treasure it and be thankful, and also you have to be cautious, because, everyone has a motive for every move. When a person is good to you, it does not mean he really likes you. You have to be careful; don't hastily regard him as a real friend.   
2.  No one is indispensable, nothing in the world that you must possess.  Once you understand this idea, it would be easier for you to go through life when people around you don't want you anymore, or when you lose what/whom you love most.   
3. Life is short. When you waste your life today, tomorrow you would find that life is leaving you. The earlier you treasure your life, the better you enjoy life.   
4. Love is but a transient feeling, and this feeling would fade with time and with one's mood. If your so called loved one leaves you, be patient, time will wash away your aches and sadness. Don't over exaggerate the beauty and sweetness of love, and don't over exaggerate the sadness of falling out of love.   
5. A lot of successful people did not receive a good education that does not mean that you can be successful by not studying hard! Whatever knowledge you gain is your weapon in life. One can go from rags to riches, but one has to start from some rags!   
6. I do not expect you to financially support me when I am old, either would I financially support your whole life. My responsibility as a supporter ends when you are grown up. After that, you decide whether you want to travel in a public transport or in your limousine, whether rich or poor.   
7. You honour your words, but don't expect others to be so. You can be good to people, but don't expect people to be good to you. If you don't understand this, you would end up with unnecessary troubles.   
8. I have bought lotteries for umpteen years, but I never strike any prize. That shows if you want to be rich, you have to work hard! There is no free lunch!   
9. No matter how much time I have with you, let's treasure the time we have together. We do not know if we would meet again in our next life.   

You’re ever loving Dad.