Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

The Toyota car dealer Cosmic Grace Auto adopts a new modus operandi to commit fraud on “trusted” customers

Nagpur News.

The Toyota car dealer, Cosmic Grace Auto, now-a-days a “Disgrace” following a series of fraudulent dealings, has now adopted a new modus operandi to cheat the “valued” customers. And the nefarious dealing got exposed, too.

The Toyota dealer has shattered the trust of a 20-year old customer of Toyota,  Premkumar Taori and his company K K Builders by cheating him. Premkumar Taori is genuine customer of Toyota and has been using Toyota cars for the last 20 years. He has purchased around 10 cars in the company’s name “KK Builders” and individually. The trust that they had on Toyota dealer was crushed when Premkumar

Taori purchased a “Fortuner Auto SUV” from Cosmic Grace Auto Showroom, Nagpur. Taori had made a final payment on October 14, 2013 of Rs. 26,10,000 by RTGS/Cheque. He had also paid Rs 50,000 for VIP registration number and the balance of Rs 20,000 were to be paid later. (Extra money towards the special registration number MH40 AC-111). Accordingly, on October 20, 2013 they got the delivery of the car.

However, after a few days, a salesman from Cosmic Grace Auto visited Premkumar Taori and took away the car to get the registration number plate of choice that he had opted for and the salesman bought his car back with the special number plate MH40 AC-111.

But the real game of cheating was played on December 6, 2013. Some people from Grace Toyota arrived to Taori’s office and informed him that his car is not yet registered. It was also learnt that the registration number that was given to Taori was in fact issued to another customer of Grace Toyota. (For an Innova car probably for extra charges). They asked Premkumar Taori to remove the existing specia registration number plate and told him that they will proceed with the registration process on December 6, 2013.

At the time when Premkumar Taori purchased the car (Oct 14, 2013), charges for special registration number levied by RTO were Rs 70,000 and now the choice number (111) that he wanted and for which he had paid money is not available in the series. In order to get the special number in the upcoming series, charges are increased to Rs 2,10,000, a net 300 per cent more.

This way the fraud was committed by Cosmic Grace Auto. Without legal registration number, Taori was using the car for almost 2 months, totally unaware about the fact that he is being cheated. What would have been repercussions for any police action or accident if at all it had occurred with the vehicle?

Premkumar Taori claimed that he was having blind faith on Toyota dealer and as a genuine customer he had expected justice from them on this matter.

What is more painful is that it is alleged that when Premkumar Taori and his staff went to complain to the owner of the showroom, he was told categorically that they are the only dealers in the entire Vidarbha, and if Premkumar Taori complains, they will get the registration done but will not get after sales services. It is also alleged that the owner Chhabra is also involved in the entire scam.

Disgraceful: Did Grace Toyota cheat “valued” customer in the name of VIP number plate ?

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

A total of 20 bribery cases were registered with the ACB against Revenue Department and 25 accused were trapped for demanding and accepting bribe money. Similarly, 17 complaints were lodged in the ACB against Police Department and 24 policemen were netted by the ACB for demanding and accepting the bribe bounty.

File photo of Rautwar (circled in red) during his arrest at Sonegaon Police Station

Nagpur News: The Revenue Department topped the list as most corrupt followed by the Police Department in the Nagpur Range of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). A total of 20 bribery cases were registered with the ACB against Revenue Department and 25 accused were trapped for demanding and accepting bribe money. Similarly, 17 complaints were lodged in the ACB against Police Department and 24 policemen were netted by the ACB for demanding and accepting the bribe bounty. The accused, who got trapped in the ACB dragnet for corruption, include 8 Class-I officials, 7 Class-II officers and 65 Class-III employees, 1 Class-IV employee, 1 other and 5 private persons. The number of total personnel trapped for bribery stands at 87 in the Nagpur Range. The figures are from January 1, 2013 to December 25, 2013.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau, Nagpur Range received 73 complaints against 18 Government and Semi-Government Departments including 1 private establishment during the period. The 8 Class-I officials who fell into the ACB net include 1 official of Revenue Department, 3 of Police Department, 1 Forest, 1 MSEDCL, 1 Public Health, and 1 Finance Department.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau, Nagpur Range is headed by Superintendent of Police Nishit Mishra, IPS.

However, the figures released by ACB appear to be an iceberg or tip of a mountain. The unregistered complaints could make mockery of the official figures.

The disastrous effects of corruption on public life are clearly evident as hundreds of citizens run from one corner to another to get their works done but ultimately fall victim to greedy Government employees. While there are adequate laws to punish the corrupt and agencies to investigate and prosecute the culprits, what is lacking is the will to come forward and fight corruption at all levels. Corruption has become an accepted part of life today. However, it is one of the main factors standing in the way of a higher standard of life for the common man.

Click Here to see Trap Cases – Nagpur Range with Name of Officers from 01-01-2013 to 25-13-2013

::: Anil Rotkar and Ravikant Kamble ( mail to : news@nagpurtoday.in )

Revenue, Police Departments top corrupt list, 8 Class-I officials among 87 fall in ACB net

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News: Riding high on its success in the recent Delhi assembly elections, the Aam Aadmi Party is gearing up for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. In what possibly could be a game-changer, the party is directly inviting interested individuals to apply to be an AAP candidate in the elections.

The 12-page form is fairly exhaustive in seeking details about potential candidates and their immediate family members.
Among other things such as sources of income, criminal record, educational details, affiliation to other political parties and organisations, it also asks applicants whether they have read the Swaraj book and also seeks their opinion on it.

Each form also needs to include a list of 100 proposing voters from the constituency the applicant wishes to contest from along with an affidavit on a Rs 10 stamp paper affirming that he/she on being elected would, among other things, not use a read beacon car, not take any unnecessary security and also not “take any big bungalow.”

Form can be downloaded from : www.aamaadmiparty.org/Loksabha-nomination-form

Want to contest 2014 Lok Sabha polls for AAP? Fill this form

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

Setting the rumor mills working at high pace, Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of one of the India’s largest corporate Reliance Industries Limited, reportedly made a surprise visit to Nagpur few days back where he held a closed door meeting with former BJP President Nitin Gadkari at the latter’s residence. The meeting has stirred a hornet’s nest in the political circles which have been churning several equations out of the under-the-wraps parley between the industrial conglomerate and the BJP’s bigwig.

Sources close to Gadkariwada informed that some days back Ambani landed in Nagpur and headed directly towards Gadkari’s residence from the airport. Both had the private discussion and after a brief meeting Ambani flew back to Mumbai.

Speculations are rife that the meeting has much to do with the forthcoming general elections for which BJP has projected Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi as its prime ministerial candidate. The decision has however upset a faction of senior party leaders and few of its allies, particularly Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar who broke his party JD (U)’s alliance with the BJP following the decision.

Given the political turmoil in which the BJP is currently caught over Modi’s projection as the prime ministerial candidate, the meeting holds much water in the context of Gadkari’s ambitions to lead the key position at the Centre in the aftermath of Lok Sabha polls.

Some time back, on being asked about the probable alternative to Modi in the event of allies’ reluctance to form unanimous opinion on Modi’s name, in case the BJP stood chance to form the government, a top functionary of RSS had commented that “Dark horse is always there.” This aired clear views of RSS to support some other candidate if the need arises. And Gadkari stands tall among the RSS favorable.

Sources believe that in the recent times, Ambani has emerged as the most powerful industrial conglomerate that has some say in the political decisions. Many of the poll analysts believe that it was Ambani behind the decision of making Vijay Bahuguna as Uttarakhand’s chief minister post the 2012 state assembly elections there. He had held closed parleys with the Congress key leaders then also.

Back to current situation in saffron brigade, poll pundits strongly feel that BJP clearly has the possibility of being blocked from winning majority in the upcoming general elections. Under such a scheme of things, the party would require support from allies, most of whom are wary of supporting Modi as PM candidate. JD (U) has already made its stand clear. Mamta Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress and Naveen Patnaik’s Biju Janata Dal (BJD) have already made their views clear over Modi. The party would have to consider other prospective candidate in that likelihood.

Sources said that if such a situation arises the party would pick up the candidate having strong pitch from RSS. And Gadkari fairly stands a chance to be in the second lead.

Another section of speculators were of the view that senior BJP leader LK Advani could also be considered for the post in the situation adverse to Modi, given his long nourished dream to serve the top post. Even in that case, Gadkari would be kept as second in command, sources added.

File Pic

Mukesh Ambani’s visit to Gadkariwada sets poll speculations scorching in Nagpur

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

While the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) Commissioner Shyam Wardhane has been crying over the funds deficit in the civic body exchequer, he has bluntly overlooked a major goof up in the funds approved for developing a smart phone based technology for grievance redressal system. The proposal to issue work order to a company for the concerned task for a consideration of Rs 45 lakh per year was duly approved by NMC Standing Committee in its recently held meeting. The total cost of the project was put up at Rs 79 lakh which experts say stand far beyond than what is really incurred. The software and server experts suggested the expense for the task, even if kept on the higher side, should not exceed Rs 5 lakh.

When the scam in the making was brought to the knowledge of ruling party leader in NMC Pravin Datke, he told that he was obliged to have this sound piece of information and would immediately call upon the concerned officials involved in the process to inquire about the facts. Datke promised immediate action to check the undue pilferage of funds.

Similarly Leader of Opposition in NMC Vikas Thakre insisted upon checking the whereabouts of the company and cost of the project. “I would fetch the concerned document and raise necessary objections to the alleged goof up”, he told Nagpur Today.

NMC Standing Committee Chief Avinash Thakre however defended the project and justified the cost stating that it would be an independent complaint cell which would receive online complaints, related pictures and pass it on to the concerned department. He said, “It’s far more than just a mobile application. It will have a dedicated server and work on satellite technology with location identifier and SMS generation set up. We had even plan to go for IVRS system but it was going too costly. Even setting up dedicated call center would have charged us somewhere around Rs 55 lakh. So this was the most cost effective mode for going ahead with our plan.”

Thakre said that the total cost to be paid to the company is Rs 79 lakh and since the Standing Committee has the powers of approving Rs 45 lakh only in an year, rest of the amount would be approved next year.

However when Nagpur Today checked upon the top IT companies who manage web based dedicated servers, they stated in contrast to Avinash Thakre’s claim. Arun Singh, Managing Director of Nagpur based mobile application company SRS Infosystems Pvt Ltd said even if such an application has to be developed upon dedicated server along with all the required services like SMS generation, satellite projection, location identifier etc., the cost at the most will not go higher than just Rs 4-5 lakhs. “Even if we keep the things on much higher side then also the cost stand somewhere around Rs 5 lakh with a very nominal yearly maintenance fee. So Rs 79 lakhs is clearly very high cost”, Singh countered.

Meanwhile sources confirmed that mobile application for many hi-end online shopping websites like Flipkart, OLX which handle nationwide online traffic, were designed for not more than Rs 50,000.

Another expert from IT field informed that adding dedicated server for complaint redressal is not just required. It could work upon already existing NMC site. Secondly, SMS generation and location identifier all comes by default in such a system and so anyone listing such services to justify the cost does not have proper knowledge in this area.

This pointed to serious scam cooking up in NMC that indicates siphoning of tax payers’ money. It also exposed the tall claims made by NMC Commissioner Wardhane who often doles out austerity measures by cutting the development costs.

When Nagpur Today contacted Shyam Wardhane, he appeared reluctant to give a sincere ear to the goof up. “Please name the company who can provide the concerned system at reasonable cost”, he asked and hanged up. Later all attempts to call Wardhane failed as he never responded to any of the calls. This has raised serious concerns about his intentions.

Whims and fancies ruled

Wardhane had recently issued a circular directing heads of all the departments and assistant commissioners of all 10 zones to cut expenditure on development works. However, standing committee headed by Avinash Thakre saw this as a big setback for developmental works. But the whopping expense of Rs 79 lakh on the smart phone based complaint redressing system has exposed the real motives of both of them.

The standing committee has also approved the proposal seeking extension to project management consultant DRA Consultancy in Pench IV water supply project. The extension has been granted up to March 2014. At the same time the standing committee also increased the consultancy charges by around Rs4 crore, taking the amount to Rs13.85 crore.

Nagpur Today View

Skeletons are tumbling out of the NMC corridors where Standing Committee Chief and NMC Commissioner appeared hand in glove over the major blunder amounting to siphoning off citizens’ hard earned money. NMC already has fully fledged website in place where complaints section is also provided. The civic body could have tried to improvise that section instead of splurging unnecessary and unjustified amount over establishing such a system. The choice of company for awarding the contract also exposes the real intention of the leaders and officers. This shows how serious the authorities are, when it comes to making proper use of public money, particularly at a time when NMC is starving of revenue crisis. A detailed inquiry should be sought to expose the scam. Public representatives should come out and check the series of irregularities being committed in mutual connivance. Let’s act before it’s too late.

Standing Committee approves Rs 45 lakh for Rs 5 lakh smartphone complaint system; NMC chief mum

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

The Non-Indian Resident, with an intention to jump into aviation sector, started Continental Air Service in 1997 with much fanfare. He took Boeing 720-25 aircraft on lease by paying 40 lakh dollars to begin Delhi-Nagpur-Mumbai service. However, the aircraft went dead on the very first day after landing in Nagpur from Delhi. One of engines gave away but Sam Verma did not care to repair the engine and since then the aircraft has been grounded in Nagpur.

File Pic

Nagpur News: The Non-Resident Indian of Madhya Pradesh, Sam Verma, who was in the headlines across the country for his crazy act of landing his plane directly on the National Highway near Betul, has Nagpur connection, too. Sam Verma is a habitual air space violator and plays games with air safety.

The Orange City has also been experiencing Sam Verma’s tantrums since past 13 years. One of Sam Verma’s planes has been grounded at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport since 1997. The grounded aircraft, too, has been creating problems for other pilots. The stranded plane misleads pilots of other planes while landing as they feel that the grounded plane is moving towards the runway.

Sam Verma is crazy of aircraft. He himself was license-holder of private planes and had purchased a small aircraft. His license expired in 2001. Even then Sam Verma flies his four-seater Cessna 172 without permission. However, alerted by Verma’s whimsical act of flying in restricted air space, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) notified the Nagpur and Bhopal ATCs to keep hawk eye on his illegal acts in the skies. The same aircraft had landed on the National Highway near Betul instead airstrip four days ago. The airstrip is also unauthorized. Sam Verma’s such whimsical acts started in Nagpur.

The Non-Indian Resident, with an intention to jump into aviation sector, started Continental Air Service in 1997 with much fanfare. He took Boeing 720-25 aircraft on lease by paying 40 lakh dollars to begin Delhi-Nagpur-Mumbai service. However, the aircraft went dead on the very first after landing in Nagpur from Delhi. One of engines gave away but Sam Verma did not care to repair the engine and since then the aircraft has been grounded. Initially, the snag-hit plane was lying on the parking slot. However, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) itself towed the plane and placed it near runway. The aircraft was not a hurdle till 2007-2008. But thereafter, the flights increased by leaps and bounds. And also increased the difficulties of pilots. The grounded aircraft, from the air looks like moving towards runway. The pilots many times tell ATC that a plane is moving towards the runway. Should they abort landing? However, every time the ATC had to convey message of clearance to the pilots of approaching planes. Now, the demands are being voiced to remove the plane to another place.

Rs 5.5 CRORE DUES PENDING:

The Airports Authority of India has moved the High Court for issuance of directives to Sam Verma to either take away the plane or pay parking charges. If both the options are not possible then the AAI be given permission to take plane for scraps. Sam Verma owes Rs 5.5 crore to AAI as parking charges. Sam Verma has built an airstrip at Betul for self-interest. But the DGCA has declared the airstrip illegal because no permission was taken from it. Moreover, the airstrip is very near to National Highway.

Sam Verma, who landed on NH 69, is owner of grounded aircraft in Nagpur since 1997

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

The Aam Aadmi Party wave is slightly making inroads into many aam aadmi’s political aspirations these days. In Nagpur too, the party is receiving open armed welcome to the call given by AAP. A couple of professionals and like-minded people have joined hands to stand united against the corruption and support the party. With the party inviting candidates for the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls through its unique application format, many renowned citizens having no political background appeared enthusiastic about the proposal. The latest in the list is city’s renowned child specialist and International President of Commonwealth Association of Health and Disability, Dr Uday Bodhankar who is looking forward to contest LS polls from AAP ticket.

When Nagpur Today contacted Dr Bodhankar, he replied in affirmation saying that it’s high time sensible and educated people should join politics and act as crusader against corruption menace.

“I quite liked the working of AAP as it is both people and community friendly. Looking at the poll results in New Delhi, it is evident that the people have now become conscious towards exercising their voting rights. The people have lost faith in the current functioning of existing parties and their political approach. For the last many years the good leaders and educated lot like doctors and engineers were kept away from playing active role in politics. Money and alcohol ruled over the choice of voting. But this time the things appeared changed. So this time I am looking forward to contest LS polls if given a chance. Else, I am a usual contented lot with my practice and social work,” he told Nagpur Today.

However Dr Bodhankar has some reservations over contesting LS polls from AAP ticket. “If contesting this election will be proving too costly and demand money then obviously I will have to back off as I have made up my mind only after seeing the Delhi results which proved that money is not primarily required for contesting elections with clean intentions.”

Quiz him about what resolution he would like to bring in on priority and pat comes the reply, “I think people should grow up and learn to respect elders at public places. If any young person finds adult standing in a bus or train, then he or she should lend their seat to them. There should be display boards at all public places where queues are routine sight that priority should be given to elderly person and women with children. This will encourage more people to develop a sensible approach towards their duty.”

When asked whether he would like to contest assembly or general elections, he said, “I always aim at higher side to serve my people in an effective manner. So obviously my choice would be to contest for MP rather than MLA.”

Dr Bodhankar said, “Some party men from AAP approached me and suggested to express my wish to contest LS polls. I said why not. I have been observing politics from the time of Indira Gandhi and have pretty good idea about what clean politics is about.”

Loss for BJP, if AAP fields Bodhankar

As Dr. Uday Bodhankar expressed his wish to take the Congress and BJP leaders head on in LS polls with AAP ticket, it will be BJP at the suffering end. Going by the poll equations, analysts believe that the poll winds will favour AAP with large number of votes from elite and educated section who are looking for a healthy change in local polity. Nitin Gadkari, former BJP national president, who appears the prominent choice as BJP candidate on Nagpur Lok Sabha seat is likely to see the hole in its vote bank if Bodhankar joins the poll fray from AAP. As for Congress, analysts were of the view that the Congress voters will not drift towards AAP and are likely to repose their loyalty in Vilas Muttemwar, the present Nagpur MP.

With Dr. Uday Bodhankar expressing his wish to contest from AAP, Nagpur Today calls upon its readers to have their say…

Do you think Dr Bodhankar should contest forthcoming Lok Sabha elections from Nagpur on Aam Aadmi Party ticket?

Post your comments

“Given a chance, I will contest LS elections for corruption free politics” : Dr. Uday Bodhankar

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

The city of Nagpur consisting of cosmopolitan denizens have a large number of hero-worshipers and are ready to do anything to just look and adore the celebrities.

Taking full advantage of this fact, many unscrupulous Event Management Groups or Entertainment Groups are in the look-out for occasions when a Celebrity could be arranged and to mint money. They do not follow the requisite procedures, laid down by the law. They first arrange for sponsors and talk big media groups (Radio, Electronic Media and popular Print Media Groups) into becoming their media partners. Unmindful of the scruples of the Event Managers or Organizers, the media groups too only envisage the advertisement and the popularity such an event will draw. The net result is that many required permissions from local civic bodies, police and others are never sought. The very name of popular and local media giant makes authorities avoid penalizing the organizers for their omissions and commissions.

Nagpur has witnessed many incidents when,

1. The Celebrity never arrived
2. The Celebrity making a scene for not receiving the fee amount as promised
3. The Celebrity not performing what the audience have been promised
4. The Organizers not getting prior permission from Police
5. The Celebrity invited involved in controversy causing cancellation of the programme etc.

You name it and the incident has occurred in the city.

The recent Sonu Nigam Nite was not any different from others. Off course, the crooner par excellence did deliver what was expected from him, but the some of the omissions (getting permissions from civic and other bodies) by the organizer has brought ill repute to his fame. The local Media Giant too did not investigate facts before lending its name for such an event. Trusting on an organizer with previous bad record has without doubts caused ill repute to its name too.

Hats off to DCP Zone II and Sadar police for taking action, now we can expect them to bring this matter to the Honourable Courts and the guilty punished or penalized.
In the past too, similar incidents have occurred. The same event company was in controversy for Honey Singh Nite when HC forced to cancel show and sources allege that till date the company has not refunded the cost of tickets and donations and other money collected from people for the show. The Pankaj Udhas Nite is another example which was organised by the organizer Fiable Entertainment group.

In Sonu Nigam Nite, the local authorities should also check if the Police permission was sought or not. How did they sell the tickets, since permissions are required from the local revenue department, from the collector’s office or from the Charity Commissioner to collect donations, sell tickets etc. A part of the money collected is supposed to be paid as entertainment tax too. A No-Objection Certificate is required from the Special Police Branch, from the Traffic Department and from the nearest Police Station.

How long would the denizens of the city be party to such ill-repute? Remaining silent to such brazen law breaking by some Event Managers is becoming party to the crime. A befitting punishment to such unscrupulous Event Managers would act as a deterrent for others. If ignored, soon a time may come when celebrities from the Tinstel town or Bollywood would refuse to come to the city because our city will earn a reputation of a city that has cheating Event Managers.

Sonu Nigam Nite: Yet another event embroiled in controversy

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

The shortfall in property tax collection has been pinching Nagpur Municipal Corporation really harsh, for quite some years. The tall claims made by NMC officials in pacing up tax collection stood null and void, thanks to the hurdle created at the upper level after second line officers complete their assessment. This has made too difficult for the civic body to rise above its poor financial situation. However, the NMC officials appeared to have woken up to the current storm triggered by the sudden drought in its exchequer. The civic authorities have started eyeing the bigger defaulters and catching them up to cough up the right amount of property tax.

Attempting as the last resort to increase revenue through property taxes, the officials have decided to revise the demands for those taxpayers who have been relishing the benefits of paying petty tax instead of the amount actually incurred on them.

Last month, NMC’s property tax department assessed the outstanding on 28 semi-permanent eating joints constructed opposite Ambazari Lake (Futala Talao). Sources informed that the NMC has prepared to send NIT and the concerned contractor a demand of Rs 2.5 crore as outstanding property tax for 5 years between 2009 and 2014. It was informed that if the tax is not deposited within 30 days of receiving the demand, the 2 percent interest will be levied every month.

In line up to this revision, the seven eateries running on the land of Nagpur University which used to get Rs 15,000 as annual tax demand has now received the whopping tax demand of Rs 10,65,000. Similarly, a dining house located in Civil Lines has been assessed for tax and a demand of Rs 1.25 lakh has been served to them. The last news that came from this dining house was that the owners were trying to get the nagarsewaks and officials in order to reduce the tax through ‘mutual’ adjustments.

Sources informed that a famous commercial building  located in Civil Lines owes Rs 6.28 lakh to NMC in the form of unpaid property tax.

Sources revealed that the said contractor might direct the demand to the shop owners. In that case the contractor will have to present the documents proving that he had rented out the place. Sources said if such a situation arises then the amount of property tax could increase further.

Experts in the department were of the view that if the property tax is revaluated then a certain increase of 25% to 40% can be achieved in property tax. Sources alleged that the ward officers and officials of zonal property tax offices have indulged in unfair means to settle the issues, causing a big hole in NMC exchequer.

All the zone officers have been directed to resolve all disputes related to property tax by January 15.

NMC lags in tax collection from NIT properties

It has been noticed that the NMC has been quite slow in recovering property tax from the establishments run on NIT land.

No tax on NMC buildings?

Moreover, the NMC administration even spares its own building from evaluation of property tax. The officials concerned failed to explain whether NMC buildings are kept out of property tax purview.

Nagpur Today View

Every time the demand notes are sent to the defaulters and also to those whose property tax assessment was never done, a mechanism of ‘mutual setting’ and temporary solution to the crisis is immediately forced into place. The junior officers though make an honest effort in assessing the actual property tax on any business establishment, the blockade appears from the higher authorities who sit on the file of major defaulters. Under such scheme of things the recovery according to the revised demand notes is still under suspicion. It’s high time the higher authorities should rise above the disparity and mutual self and work towards healthy practice in civic body. It is certain that cash-starved NMC will get new lease of life once the property tax is properly recovered as per the assessed value. Instead of playing savior to the defaulters the higher officials should enforce some strict measures to bring in some liquidity in the form of concrete property tax.

NMC wakes up to property tax deficit; Eateries at Futala lake served Rs 2.5 cr demand

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

This is Nagpur. The developing city with dreams of recognition. But, does these pictures portray an image of a developing city. The answer is clear like crystal. The traffic at the busy Khamla market was disrupted for past 4-5 days since civic body has started the water pipe line work in the area. The work is ‘still’ in progress. These pipe lines may take just two days in normal circumstances but for past 4-5 days the work is under progress and yet there seems no indication that it would get completed any sooner.

Roads have been dug to lay the pipes but the pipes are seen lying near the dug areas and it seems that the work has come to a ‘standstill’. In few parts, this work has occupied quarter road space while at places this work has occupied almost whole of the road space.

Thus, commuters are finding it difficult to travel through this area. Women who visit the market are scared for their kids due to this ongoing work. The flow of traffic was badly disrupted and yet administration seems ‘not bothered’ to care for the convenience of their own people. This surely blurs the image of a developing city. Well, this is Nagpur.

Reality of a developing city

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

As the time for announcement of upcoming Lok Sabha elections inches closer, the heat for the seat has soared poll temperature among various political parties who have kicked off their procedure.

While the names of Nitin Gadkari and Vilas Muttemwar as prospective candidates from BJP and Congress, respectively, have emerged out of the closet, a new entrant has also been the topic of discussion these days. Ex corporator and former Standing Committee Chairman Abdul Ghani Khan also appeared to be in the poll race as probable BSP candidate. Though Congress and BJP are foremost in this political race, but people are also rooting for BSP and AAP, which would make the forthcoming elections a close contest.

Cong, BJP power packed

Congress and BJP’s prospective candidates Nitin Gadkari and Vilas Muttemwar are capable enough in terms of money and power, the BSP and AAP remarkably lack in both. Both the parties need a face for public and strong leadership to lead the elections. Though BSP has a strong number of party men it lacks on monetary front whereas AAP falls short of numbers of party workers. AAP has already cleared its agenda that candidates aspiring to work for the betterment of society will be given priority than those who have strong financial status.

BSP eyeing Muslim, dalit votes

BSP has always followed the strategy to focus on dalit and Muslim voters. Sources informed that BSP has approached Abdul Ghani Khan and discussed the issue. There are 3 lakh dalit voters and around 4.5 lakh Muslim voters in the city and if BSP picks up a Muslim candidate for Lok Sabha elections, then it is likely to pocket those community specific votes. Khan however is in a fix to decide whether to invest Rs 2-2.5 crore in the elections as BSP candidate or extend formal or informal to support to Congress, BJP or AAP. Political experts say that numbers will play a vital role in the upcoming elections and political scenario will change if Ghani Khan manages to secure even 50% of the votes.

Many in fray for AAP ticket

As regards AAP, a survey team SL Group has been reviewing the authentic AAP candidates and has come up with a list of capable candidates. Many names are going around in Nagpur which includes prominent doctors, businessman, social activists etc.  The authenticity of this survey is under scanner though. However, it is interesting to learn that AAP activists have not come forward in open. They have failed to register their existence among the masses which could go against them in the forthcoming elections. But, the partymen have cleared that their candidate could be financial weak but people with clean image would get priority in the party.

Poll heat raises temperature in city; AAP, BSP see a tough road ahead; Cong, BJP at ease

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News:

As Aam Aadmi Party’s popularity surges ahead of Lok Sabha elections, some senior party leaders tipped to contest elections have decided to concentrate on the party’s strategies rather than plunging into electoral battle.

Party leaders Yogendra Yadav and Anjali Damania said they would prefer to work for the party rather than contest elections.

The party’s Maharashtra unit convener Anjali Damania, who was tipped to contest elections against former BJP president Nitin Gadkari from Nagpur, has declined to enter the fray on the ground that she wants to concentrate on party activities.

“There was an opinion in the party that Arvind (Kejriwal) contested against Sheila (Dixit), Kumar Vishwas will contest against Rahul (Gandhi), so even I should contest against (Nitin) Gadkari.

“But if I contest elections, then it will be difficult to concentrate on party affairs. So, I have decided not to contest elections,” Damania, who had alleged irregularities in the affairs of Gadkari’s Purti Group, told PTI.

Senior party leader and member of AAP national executive committee, Yogendra Yadav, seems to be keeping his option open. Sources in the party said he could contest from Haryana.

“I would like to contest elections but then I am a member of the committee that looks into the elections.

“Since ours is a new party, everything related to the general election has to be done by the committee. If my contesting election is going to hamper the work, then I might not contest elections,” Yadav said.

However, no formal announcements have been made but Vishwas is likely to contest against Rahul Gandhi in Amethi.

In Mumbai, another leader from Maharashtra Mayank Gandhi is likely to contest from Northwest Mumbai, a Lok Sabha seat currently represented by former union minister and AICC General Secretary Gurudas Kamat.

Anjali Damania not to fight election aganist Nitin Gadkari from Nagpur

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

The ambitious highway project on the road stretching from Pagalkhana square in Nagpur towards Betul-Obaidullahganj national highway (NH), assigned to the contractor Oriental Structural Engineers Private Limited, has been going on for the last one year. The works though have picked up pace, it has brought its own set of ordeal for those residing around this highway, thanks to the apathy of Oriental Structural Engineers Private Limited which is working on the project. The company’s site engineer Sharma has been alleged of functioning on his own whims without bothering much about the discomfort and inconvenience being caused to the citizens.

Sharma’s latest act has raised many eyebrows against his style of functioning. Oriental, under the guidance of site engineer Sharma has blocked the nullah located beside Hotel Heavens on Koradi road from both the sides, choking its flow and leading to the accumulation of sewage water above the line of danger. As a result, all the gutters and sewerage lines approaching this nullah have been fully choked posing serious health threat to the residents. The stink surrounds the area all the time making the life hell for those living nearby. The roads were dug out and the chunks of lands have been filled into nullah which is likely to face frequent choking in rains. The problem has been brought to the knowledge of Sharma on repeated occasions but all fallen on his deaf ears.

When the residents complained the matter to Nagpur Today, it informed the contractor’s apathy to the senior NMC health department officers and also to the NMC Health Committee President Ramesh Shingare. However, no action has been initiated yet. Surprisingly, Shingare was not even aware of the zone in which the area in trouble falls. He randomly assigned the investigation to the health officer of Mangalwari zone Tirke who never visited the site in question.

Investigation goes wrong

When Nagpur Today contacted Tirke, he instead talked about some other nullah near railway crossing and did not mention any word on the choked nullah. Later it came that Tirke got the investigation done at some other nullah by an official named Nandwar rather than reaching the actual site.

Clean up ordered four times in the past

It is learnt that on four occasions the order to clean up this nullah beside Hotel Heavens on Koradi road was issued to the health officers at NMC headquarters. While on two occasions, Mayor Anil Sole instructed for the clean-up, the other times order was given by Shingare, but the officials did not even bother to take the orders seriously. The residents have been crying foul indicating the connivance of Oriental Structural Engineers with senior NMC health officials who have put the serious concerns aside.

:: Rajeev Khushwaha 

Oriental Structural Engineers chokes nullah by NH with soil; residents face health threat

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Road users could get cut by Manja

Nagpur Today: With Makar Sankranti fast approaching, Kite flying enthusiasts have already begun their favorite sport. While the kite flyers enjoy their sport in severing the kite string (Manja) of the rival or opponent, the broken kite which floats off causes various risks

1. The broken kite which has a significant length of string attached with it floats away anywhere.
2. The street urchins, boys of poor families run to catch the kite (to enjoy free kite) without bothering to see where they are running (road or anywhere else). All that they have the eyes on is the kite floating from the sky. Many accidents have occurred on the road, many kids have fallen from the roof, into the well etc.
3. What is more alarming is the innocent road user, who is busy riding his two-wheeler to college or office, unmindful of the danger of a Manja which is laying in wait for him or her. The Manja gets entangled in the body, many a time, it defaces or mars the face, severs neck veins etc since the string or Manja is practically invisible.

The children of poor people or the slum dwellers are often seen flying the kite right on the road (from the foot path of any one side). Breaking away of the kite causes the string or Manja to directly fall on the road. No one dares shout at the small kids (especially slum children). If at all they do, the parents may give a good thrashing to the innocent guy or gal who got injured too because of the Manja.

Who will complaint to the cops for this? Will the cops react to this complaint?

The new threat that is looming over the city this year is the Nylon Manja which is replacing the traditional cotton one (which is coated with glue and glass powder to make it sharp) which has hit the market. The new Nylon Manja does not break away easily and can or causes more damage to human body parts. The Nylon Manja is said to be imported from China which is cheaper and can get more profit for the buyer as well as the seller.

On January 10, 2014, a broken kite floated down and three small boys ran to the road to collect the kite. The string which was still caught on some tree on one side of the road had almost caught a girl unaware. She would have got her neck severed had she not been wrapped her face and neck with a scarf. (A blessing in disguise for all girls wrapping their face and neck with scarves for protection from sun). The girl caught the string and then proceeded on.

This was one accident that did not cause any injury to any one or rather everyone on the road escaped unhurt. The same cannot be said in the days to come. Driving with a helmet and a scarf tied around the neck makes sense on these days till the kite flying enthusiasts cease flying kites. This could be somewhere in the month of February only. Till then every road user is at the mercy of the Almighty.

By Samuel Gunasekharan. Pics by Amol Gajbiye 

Beware: Kite flying begins

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

File Pics

Nagpur News.

Fumed over the report published across a local newspaper claiming that Union Minister Kamalnath has demanded Rs 5 crore from WCL’s Chairman and  Managing Director Dinesh Chandra Garg for serving favours to the latter, senior WCL officials termed the report as bogus and baseless. The officials are now contemplating legal action against the concerned publication, informed a highly placed WCL source.

The report in the local Marathi daily carried on Friday alleged that Union Urban Minister Kamalnath has asked for Rs 5 crore from Garg through the letter sent by his Officer on Special Duty  R K Miglani. Miglani in his letter to Garg has mentioned Kamalnath’s name and asked Garg to arrange for Rs 5 crore as per his commitment.

The newspaper claimed that the letter reads, “Mr KN has asked me to request you as committed for Rs 5 crores.”  It also alleged that Kamalnath has asked for this amount as the kickback against Garg’s elevation as WCL’s CMD in Nagpur and also for providing two years extension to Garg whose term  was expiring in 2012.

However a senior WCL official refuted the claims saying that the letter mentioned in the report was actually pertaining to funds for activities under Corporate Social Responsibilty  (CSR). “The publication has smartly erased the term ‘CSR’ from the letter and kept the figure of Rs 5 crore intact. This is an attempt to forge the document,” the official told Nagpur Today.

When asked whether WCL would be initiating any action against publication of such dubious report, the official said, “Naturally, we will explore legal actions. If the media carries report which holds some amount of truth then it is okay but we would certainly look forward to initiate legal action on such bogus report.”

“The concerned reporter got the letter photocopied by hiding ‘CSR’ in order to create unnecessary nuisance with this baseless report,” the official added.

WCL refutes claim about ‘Rs 5 cr demand’ by Kamalnath from its CMD; explores legal action

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

As the recent report of the Sample Registration Survey (SRS) initiated by Census office brought the fact that women in India are getting married at the later age and having babies later, back in Nagpur the scenario certainly supports these findings. The women in the city too have grown up to the changing times and put their marriage plans on hold to initiate positive moves in their career. However, the city also adds to one more glaring chapter to this report – women in Nagpur are remarkably taking up the responsibility of their families and confidently taking up the tasks which were once male forte.

From driving auto rickshaw to joining police force and breaking down on criminals and toiling at the construction site to become their families’ supporting pillars, women are working in almost every sphere visible in Nagpur. Not the least, even the chirpy females are zooming ahead when it comes to having fun, riding bikes and flaunting devil-may-care-attitude like their male counterparts.

Nagpur Today caught the women across various strata of society across varied profession in action.

Dedicated to serve…

Eliminating the notion that certain jobs were meant to be better carried by men’s brigade, city women are increasingly inclined toward khaki, and not just for the heck of it. This woman feels that she carries the larger responsibility on her shoulders than just flaunting the uniform. She has the tasks to finish until few more comes her way and keep serving for the betterment of society whenever the need arises, be it day or night.

Concrete Determination…

Deterring the hardships that the job at the construction site brings with it, this woman is determined to carry the things forward with high degree of dedication. So whatever the destiny brings to her and howsoever tough her path is, she appears spirited to take on every situation with the firmed hands and concrete efforts…so that she can build the happiness of her family.

Change is ‘Auto’matic

Ferrying her ambitions ahead, this woman is going places as she shed her inhibitions and braved to run auto rickshaw to ‘handle’ her family. This woman must have caught the attention of many who happens to see her testing the tough ride of life on the restless streets of Nagpur. Taking the situation and circumstances heads on, she dared to drive the change without any hitch.

Time to Check own’s Identity …

Gradually more women are coming to terms with the male’s niche while excellently performing in their territory. At the Nagpur airport, this woman performs a check on passengers and visitors and plays a reliable safe guard to keep the airport free from any unscrupulous element.

Riding ahead times…

Seeing the lady in pink, who landed from foreign society, our city mulgis too braved to ride high matching the guts and wits of their friends from foreign land. As the guy watches in awe, the ladies watching these gals absorbed a degree of inspiration from these overseas gals.

Women in Action: It’s ladies’ day out in Nagpur

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News: There was a reason for almost all communities to celebrate. From Makar Sankranti, Bhogali Bihu, Lohri, Pongal to Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, a string of festivals was lined up on Tuesday which made it a day of celebration of sorts for the city.

Each of the festivals – largely celebrated to mark the harvest season in different parts of India – was observed by different communities in traditional ways. And Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi will be celebrated to mark the birthday of Prophet Mohammed.

Makar Sankranti, which is celebrated in Maharashtra and the northern parts of India, sees families distributing chikki (a sweet delicacy made out of jaggery and sesame seeds).

Girls all out at Itwari

Makar Sankranti is also attributed due to astral changes. It is said that the Sun enters the Makara (Capricorn) zodiac sign. Kite flying is often witnessed on this day in various parts of the city, particularly where Gujarati communities dominate the area.

“Since kite-flying has become less of a craze in the city, we fly kites only if there are a lot of people.

We normally prepare delicacies and meet our relatives and friends,” said Ritu Walia, a resident of Itwari.

Lohri is celebrated by Punjabis and Bhogali Bihu by the Assamese. In both the festivals, a bonfire is lit.

lori-ramdashpeth-nagpur

“Sikhs who live in larger numbers in places like Sadar, Bahramji Town etc  have them lit in their colonies in the night. They sing and dance around it,” said Ravleen Singh Khurana of a Catering Committee member of Ramdashpeth Gurudwara 

Pongal is celebrated in southern India. Families prepare rice delicacies in pots. “A lot of people come to the temple in the mornings before starting the celebrations. Rice delicacies are prepared at home,” said

Pongal been celebrated at Choani Nagpur

The Muslim brethren of Nagpur city celebrated Eid-e-Milad with religious fervor and zeal. They organized various programmes in the city. One of the main programmes that are taken up on this day is taking out of the Juloos (parade). There is a Sirat-un-Nabi Committee which organizes this Juloos.

This Juloos starts from Gandhibagh-Fawara Square. Juloos from various other areas from the east, west, north and south of Nagpur join this main Juloos and pass through the entire city.

Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Lohri and Eid make it a festive Tuesday

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

As the membership drive for newly emerged ‘corruption crusader’ political outfit Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)  picked up in Nagpur, the senior party men here are much focused upon bringing on board the members with clean image and no criminal background. The party’s efforts appear to be bearing fruits as more and more people from educated and non-corrupt class have stepped forward to strengthen the party. However, there is an undertone activity from the party that has created dent in its political sanctity and integrity as the party of non-tainted members. The most glaring example of this fact surfaced when the Aam Aadmi Party’s local body in Nagpur issued media invite for the party’s press conference organized on Wednesday at its office in Dhantoli here. The media invite on the party’s official letter head included the name of Nivedita Pendharkar who recently has the criminal case registered against her. The case is still subjudice.

Pendharkar is the director at Shells Advertising, an agency owned by Sanjay Arora who recently came under the clouds after a recent police raid at his office in connection with the software piracy and also seizure of objectionable CDs. During the raid police detected the software theft and also other objectionable material in digital format. The case has been registered against Pendharkar and Arora in this connection.

When Nagpur Today quizzed AAP’s District Executive Member and party’s official spokesperson Prajakta Atul in this regard, she clarified that she did not know whether Pendharkar is AAP’s member or not, but the invite has been sent through Shells Advertising which may have committed the glitch. “Actually we cannot scrutinize every member for having police record or not but if someone complains of this, we certainly gets into the matter.”

Surprisingly, the party’s letter head bears the name of Nivedita Pendharkar and the spokesperson has no idea whether she is the member of AAP or not.

“We will take care to avoid such a glitch and try that such incidents do not occur in future”, Prajakta told Nagpur Today.

Rajesh Pugalia, another prominent AAP leader here said, “We only got Arora (owner of Shells Advertising) to send the media invite across various publications but little did we know that the tainted director will send the invite in her name. I will see that such things never recur anytime in future.”

Pugalia added, “Even we were not aware of any criminal case pending against Pendharkar who circulated the media invites for the press conference. Actually the invite should go under the name of the party’s official media team and not by any other person.”

Nagpur Today View

As the word is going strong in favour of Aam Aadmi Party, it certainly has the brighter prospects in upcoming general elections. But at this moment AAP has to measure every word they speak and mind every step they take, be it on national or local level. Committing such a major glitch only proves the party’s blatant ignorance towards handling things related to media which is going to be vital as far as propagating party’s poll strategy is concerned. With the people frustrated from national parties and having rested hopes on AAP, it becomes dual responsibility of the party to be very careful in membership drive and also keep a check on people with tarnished public image. Even there should not be any professional connection with such organization or agency, especially when the party is looking for the positive change.

AAP media invite sent by Shells Advertising director having criminal case; Party leaders to rectify glitch

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

Former BJP president Nitin Gadkari has recently reprimanded the corporators and NMC, NIT officials for the shoddy work done on part of the administration. A fitting example of this ignorance came to light when the officials turned a blind eye towards the irresponsible functioning of the private contractor engaged in the Nagpur-Bhopal National Highway project. The contractor has incorporated shortcuts to dispose the dugout soil and carelessly dumped it into the nullah on Koradi road, thereby choking it fully. This has stagnated the entire filth and water posing grave health hazards before those people residing near the area.

In a recently concluded All India Mayors Conference, Gadkari has lamented the corporators saying that Nagpurians are paying for the inefficiency of officials. “Officials are busy in making others happy and have been neglecting the work that requires immediate attention,” he said. Gadkari even pointed out that officials shun inspection of the affected areas and prefer to concentrate on money-making matters rather than paying heed to citizens’ woes.

The construction of Betul-Obaidullaganj stretch on National Highway has been speeding up since the last one year. However, the residents have been suffering as the construction company Oriental Structural Engineers Private Limited has dumped the debris near a sewage line near Hotel Heavens which could cause to various health issues.

Sources informed that the gutter lines and sewerage line of the nullah has started to choke. Residents have complained to site engineer Sharma regularly but he turned a blind eye towards the complaints. The residents have complained this with Health Department officers and Heath Department chief Ramesh Shingare but no stern action has been taken in this regard. Shingare ordered Mangalwari Zone chief to take care of the issue, though he was unaware that the area came under Ashi Nagar Nagar zone. After realizing this, he issued orders to Ashi Nagar zone chief to resolve the issue. The party coporator Sanjay Bonde advised Shingare to take a stock of the situation, however, he neglected the issue altogether.

If sources are to be believed, Ramesh Shingare was in habit of neglecting common people’s issues. The concerned health official was directed by Mayor and Standing Committee chief twice but their orders were not taken into consideration.

Health issues are flaring up in the city and concerns are being thrown over unhygienic conditions in various parts of the city. And if the conditions fail to improve then the sewage lines would choke in the Mangalwari area and filth will an open invitation to various diseases.

NMC ignores Gadkari’s words on negligent officials; No action on erring NH contractor

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

CBI team on Thursday afternoon raided the premises of Dhorwasa Open Cast Mines run by Western Coalfieds Limited (WCL) in Bhadravati near Nagpur. About a dozen CBI sleuths arrived at the raiding venue in four vehicles at around 2 pm and conducted extensive search. Apart from cracking down on the employees, CBI also detained mines incharge Manish Mishra. Unconfirmed reports say Mishra was arrested, however the information was yet to be confirmed till the time of going to post.

When Nagpur Today contacted Satish Sinha, Manager at Dhorwasa open cast mines, he claimed ignorance over such a raid. “I am out for some work and will inquire about what happened.” Sinha even assured to call back with updated information.

However, by the time we tried to call Sinha again, he switched his cell off.

Sources said the massive corruption in connivance with the contractors has been reported for quite some time at Dhorwasa mines. Mishra has been at the helm of the entire shady activities. It is learnt that the coal transporters were fed up of Mishra’s demand for money which he reportedly passed on to his superiors. When Mishra’s demands grew too big, the transporters reportedly decided to approach CBI and get Mishra trapped.

Sources informed that Thursday’s raid could be the fallout of transporters’ move against Mishra.

Insiders also told Nagpur Today that some of the people also acted as the collection agents for the corrupt officials at Dhorwasa mines. Explaining the line of corruption, a source close to the mines’ activities informed that these people collect money from the contractor and pass shares to the corresponding officials including manager, sub area manager, the amount depending on their ranks and position.

The raid is understood to have unearthed a big money game involved in the entire mine functioning. Meanwhile, as the news of the raid spreads, the atmosphere at WCL offices at Chandrapur and also at Civil Lines here has grown tense. Sources said some of the officials even fear their names could be dragged into the malpractice at these mines.

Further investigation is likely to bring forth some prominent names from WCL involved in this dubious money game.

…Rajeev Kushwaha (rajeev.nagpurtoday@gmail.com)

CBI raids WCL’s Dhorwasa mines at Bhadravati near Nagpur; incharge detained for corruption