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mid-day editorial: Can't let Sapna continue being a social menace

It is a Christmas filled with trepidation for the nuns at St Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity Home in Vile Parle West. A front-page report in this paper yesterday stated how a woman named Sapna Pereira, who is notorious in Mumbai for hooliganism, violence, threats and intimidation, has been targeting this ashram for a few years now. The incidents though have escalated of late.

The woman, who is a criminal, has been rampaging the ashram. She has pilfered the ration storehouse, stoned the institution hurling the missiles from outside and even hit the sisters. She has thrown stones on a sister who is suffering from cancer. The sisters have approached the police for help. Shamefully, two local police stations always pass the buck on each other.

There is also token help for the sisters. The ashram’s nuns seem petrified of this woman, who is more than a nuisance or menace. She is a downright danger to life and limb.

Though the police says she has been produced in court and warned and got out on bail, there has to be a concerted effort to see that this woman does not threaten the Ashram in any way again. The nuns have lived in fear for far too long as the miscreant arrives unannounced. They should now be allowed to live in peace and carry on their work.

We think NGOs can help the nuns and give them a sense of security, working along with the authorities. Lawyers may have to step in to see how this woman can be nailed and actually stay behind bars, as she seems to get away on bail on several other charges. There has to be a way to make the charges stick.

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We’ve known of several prisoner rehabilitation programmes, but this one takes the cake. Inmates of Thane Central Jail are busy cooking up a storm — even working double shifts — to meet their target orders of cakes and other confectionery for Christmas. Since 2012, the inmates have been running a bakery — under a rehabilitation initiative launched by Maharashtra Additional Director General of Police (Prisons) Bhushankumar Upadhyay — all year through. But come Christmas, and the demand soars. In 2015, 11,880 pieces of cupcakes were sold; this year, it’s 14,091 and counting.

Around 15 inmates prepare 500 kg of confectionery daily, which doubles during Christmas. They work under the watchful eye of a bakery instructor, whipping up plum cakes, sponge cakes, cupcakes, vanilla and pineapple cakes, among others.

*Wide clientele*
Their clientele ranges from other prisoners from Arthur Road Jail, the women’s prison in Byculla, Adharwadi Jail in Kalyan and Taloja Jail, inmates of their own jail, and Thane Mental Hospital, to the babus of Mantralaya. A number of residents, police officials and NGOs from Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai also place special orders in the run-up to Christmas. There is even a celebrity or two who swears by the quality of these cakes.

NB Vayachal, SP, Thane Jail, says the idea is to keep inmates busy and rehabilitate them. "We want them to learn new skills so that when they get out, they can earn a decent livelihood." Low pricing is their USP. Cupcakes are priced at Rs. 7 a piece, sponge cake at Rs. 150/kg and pineapple cake at Rs. 380/kg. "Those who place orders with us vouch for the quality. We even baked a birthday cake for filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar two years ago," says the SP.

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Even as Mumbai gears up for the upcoming BMC elections, teachers in government schools have turned into a worried lot. Incidentally, work related to the polls is expected to begin in February, which is the same time that state board examinations for Std XII and X are likely to start.

Teachers are complaining that their academic work may receive a setback from hours spent during election duty.

“Std XII written exams as well as the internal assessments for class X board examination are slated to begin in February. Why doesn’t BMC enroll its own employees for election duty? Why do they need teachers?” asked Maharashtra Rajya Shikshak Parishad chief Anil Bornare.

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Central Railway (CR) officials are finding it hard to appease commuters boarding trains from Diva Junction station. Their recent move to halt the Dombivli-CST-fast at Diva station, has received little appreciation with passengers describing it as a useless effort on the part of the CR.

According to passengers, the trains that arrive from Dombivli are already packed, making it impossible for them to climb. Diva residents are now demanding separate slow trains from Diva station, or special trains that don’t halt at Dombivli.

Only recently, railway minister Suresh Prabhu had agreed to the residents’ demand to halt fast trains at Diva station. Accordingly, starting December 18, around 24 fast trains (up and down) had started halting at Diva station during peak and non-peak hours.

*During a protest last year, Diva residents had demanded that all fast trains halt at the station*

“But, it’s of no use to stop trains at Diva during peak hours. Nobody can get into the fast local from Dombivli. This service is only useful for Kalyan or Dombivli-bound trains,” said Madhu Kotian, president of Mumbai Rail Pravasi Sang.

Sunil Pawale, a resident of Diva, agreed. “I board the train around 8.30 am, but I am unable to take any fast train from Diva because they are jam-packed,” said Pawale.

Shantarm Chavan, a resident of Diva said, “People from Mumbra have also started coming to Diva to catch the fast locals. This has doubled the rush.”

Meanwhile, another activist Subhas Gupta, president of Railway Yatri Parishad, said, “We need slow local trains from Diva to CST. The trains will help the residents of Diva, Mumbra and Kalwa.”

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Focused on the prime minister’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation is hoping to do its bit by keeping public loos in the city open 24/7.

According to the solid waste management department, open defecation happens because public toilets remain closed during the night from 11pm to 4.30am. The BMC is confident that by keeping public toilets open 24 hours, the problem of open defecation will be resolved to a great extent.

Under the Swachh Bharat… several initiatives have been taken up by the civic authority to ensure cleanliness in the city. Moreover, there is also a mobile application now where citizens can register a complaint if the civic authority is lagging on the cleanliness front. Making Mumbai free from open defecation is one of the goals under the initiative and civic authorities seem to have taken it very seriously.

Kiran Dighavkar, assistant municipal commissioner, Solid Waste Management, said, “When we began working towards making Mumbai free from open defecation, we started receiving complaints from slumdwellers that they have no option as community toilets and public toilets in many localities are closed from 11 pm to 4.30am. Realising the concern, we ordered all public toilets to remain open 24/7 and keep personnel at work there so nobody is forced to defecate in the open.”

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More than 300 people from four states landed at the international airport in the city last evening, only to find out that they had been conned.

The Goregaon police are now looking for the two men — Sandeep Singh and Rajkumar Thakur — who promised these men jobs in Singapore and then disappeared with their passports and money. The police have booked the two men for cheating 356 people and fleeing with their passports.

According to the Goregaon police, around three months ago, there were advertisements on social media about international job offers and requirements for support staff. People from Mumbai and at least four states visited the address located in a mall in Malad West and were told by Singh and Thakur that on December 21 they would leave for Singapore for their respective jobs. The victims were told to pay fees of Rs 40,000-90,000, depending on the job.

When the victims reached the airport on Wednesday evening, they found that the accused had disappeared and their mobile phones were switched off. At the airport, they found out that while the tickets had been booked, none had been paid for. After hours of trying to reach the duo, the victims decided to lodge a police complaint. The police then visited the office of the accused at the mall, but found it locked.

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This New Year's, the state government won't be giving a one-day party licence to bars and pubs situated on state and national highways to Mumbai.

Following a Supreme Court order to ban all liquor shops and bars within 500 metres of national and state highways across the country, to control the increasing number of drink-driving cases, the state excise department has decided to not issue an FL-4 licence to the establishments coming within the proposed area.

*Keeping 'high' in check*
Speaking to mid-day, state excise department commissioner V Radha said, "As per the SC order, bars and pubs located within a 500-m radius of state and national highways won't be granted the FL-4 licence for the New Year party."

A senior officer from state excise department said that usually bar and hotel owners and those organising New Year parties on open grounds seek the licence.

While there is no change in the party deadline of 5 am for serving liquor and 3 am for music, there will be strict checking of the liquor permit licence.

"There is no change in the party deadline. However, there will be strict checking of the licence," she added.

*Hotel body unhappy*
While the state excise department is trying its best to reduce all possible chances of any mishap on New Year's Eve, the AHAR has called the non-issuance of FL-4 an unreasonable step.

"We have not received any circular from the excise department. Once we get it, we will consult our lawyer. If it is not issuing the licence, it is unfair," said Adarsh Shetty, president of AHAR.*What is FL-4?*
FL-4 is a one-day licence issued by the state excise department that allows an establishment or a person hosting a party to serve liquor till 5 am, beyond the usual deadline of 1.30 am. For someone hosting a large gathering, it would cost around R15,050, while someone who simply needs a personal permit it would cost Rs 5. People staying in Maharashtra can get the licence for themselves by logging on to excise.mahaonline.gov.in.

*How to get the licence*
> Get a No-Objection Certificate from the owner of the premises where the party will be held.
> Provide a map of the premises.
> Fill the application form available at the divisional state excise office.
> Pay Rs 15,050 in cash or online for the licence.

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The state government's decision to construct a 192-metre mid-sea memorial for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has not found favour with environmentalists, activists and citizens. They want the administration to instead spend the whopping R3,600 crore — the estimated budget for the memorial — on preserving the Maratha king's forts across Maharashtra that are in a dilapidated condition. An online petition has also been started to stop the construction of the monument, which has gathered 15,000 signatures.

The construction of the mega memorial will begin after a 'jalpoojan' ceremony tomorrow at the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, the project has been mired in controversy, especially after 2009, when the Congress-led Democratic Front government announced their plans of constructing the statue and building a memorial around it in the middle of the Arabian Sea. This hasn't deterred the previous government, or the current one.

*Also Read: Bhoomi pujan for Shivaji Memorial: Guest list from PM Narendra Modi's primo ride set**The statue being carried on Girgaum beach to the float that will ferry it to the spot of the proposed memorial*

*CM, visit Shivaji's fort*
"Rather than wasting money, the Chief Minister should visit the forts of Shivaji Maharaj which are in dilapidated condition and spend the money for the memorial on restoring the forts. I feel bad looking at the dilapidated condition of the forts like Raigad, Sinhagad, Shivneri and others because the government is doing nothing to restore them," said Ratnakar Sawant, an avid trekker. The condition of other important forts like Purandhar, Torna and Rajgad is no different.

*Will impact marine life, too*
Activists have also alleged that the project will have a negative impact on marine life and biodiversity along with the livelihood of fishermen, but the state government is still keen on going through with it. Damodar Tandel, a leader of the fishermen's community along with activist Pradip Patade has also approached the National Green Tribunal opposing the Shivaji statue.

*Read Story: Shivaji Maharaj memorial: Lalbaugcha Raja to lend its float for 'jalpoojan'*

Anand Pendharkar from NGO SPROUTS opined, "The government is being undemocratic and is forcing the monument on the city. Besides, the Arabian Sea is rich in biodiversity right from corals to Gorgonian fans, sponges, related tropical fishes, crabs, cowries, brittle stars and many marine animals. While existing Shivaji monuments with a high tourism value are in a decrepit state, why are we wasting more public money on a newer structure, which will destroy livelihoods, the marine ecosystem and pollute the local environment. This is against Shivaji's philosophy."

Stalin D from NGO Vanashakti said, "This idea of a memorial in the sea is nothing but an exercise in vote bank politics. It is an excuse to squander thousands of crores of rupees with obvious benefits to all involved in executing the project."

"In a state with records of infant deaths due to starvation, this kind of wasteful expenditure is a slap on the faces of the poor. The project will also have a negative impact on the marine biodiversity," he added.

Earlier this year, MNS chief Raj Thackeray had also opposed the idea of having a statue in the Arabian Sea and had said that the government should start the restoration of the forts in Maharashtra as they are the real memorials of the king.Voices*Stalin D, NGO Vanshakti*
'The real homage to Shivaji Maharaj would have been upgrading and maintaining Raigad fort and creating a world class attraction there as he lived and ruled from there. That place is in bad shape, but these politicians don't care as upgrading and maintaining Raigad would be a cheaper affair with lesser scope of making money.'

*Pradip Patade, environmentalist*
'Non moving animals like corals, sponges, sea fans, marine algae and other marine animals like crabs, shell fish, which prefer this habitat are going to affected due to this project. This is a loss to the marine biodiversity of that area.'

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Actor Aditya Pancholi, his wife Zarina and daughter Sana filed a contempt petition against deceased actor Jiah Khan's mother Rabia Khan, in the Bombay High Court on Thursday. The Pancholi family said that despite a statement by Rabia that she would not make defamatory statements against them, she continues to do so through her twitter handle.

*Defamatory suit*
In June 2014, the Pancholis had filed a defamation suit of '100 crore against Rabia alleging that she had been making defamatory statements against them in interviews given to TV as well as print media journalists and also through her twitter account. They had also sought before court that Rabia should refrain from making such comments.

The suit had referred to 18 tweets posted by Rabia between March 4 and May 1, 2014, which it mentioned were slanderous, defamatory and abusive.

Counsel Prashant Patil, who represents the Pancholi family said, "Despite giving a statement before Justice Shahrukh Kathawalla, she continues to post defamatory material on her twitter account. Between May and December 2015, she posted five tweets and also gave an interview to a magazine against the Pancholi family."

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Even after repeated attempts to protect the Star Tortoise under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, it still faces the challenge of being traded openly in sub-urban Mumbai. On Wednesday, four such tortoises were rescued from a pet shop in Nalasopara West. The owner of the shop has been arrested and a case was registered against him.

Nirali Koradia from People For Animals, an NGO fighting for animal rights, seized the tortoises from Abdul Khan, owner of Blue Waves pet shop and handed them over to the forest department.

*Read Story: 199 Indian Star tortoise, Black Pond turtles seized at Mumbai airport*

Speaking to mid-day, Koradia said, “Trading of Star Tortoises has become a matter of concern. Due to high demand, these animals are often traded in large numbers. Crime related to wildlife has escalated over the years and become more organised.”

She further said, “Shrinking habitats and trans-border demand for animal parts have led to regression of several species. Illegal wildlife trade is a serious threat to the survival and conservation of endangered species. Demand for animal parts and products has multiplied manifolds over the years.”

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A farmer got the shock of his life on Thursday afternoon when he spotted a headless and naked body of a man in a field at Unit II of Aarey Colony. He immediately rushed to the nearby locality and informed the residents, who then called the police.

*Reason still unknown*
After the cops reached the spot, they found that the body was kept in a sitting position and after an extensive search, recovered the head from another field 30 metres away. Though the body has been identified, the reason behind the murder is yet to be known. Police suspect it to be a case of human sacrifice as some puja offerings were also found at the spot.

Kiran Kumar Chauhan, DCP, Zone 12, said that a murder case has been registered against unknown people under section 302 (murder) and 120B (conspiracy) of IPC and the body has been sent for post-mortem to Sidhharth Hospital. An officer from Aarey police station said, "A couple of priests have been detained for interrogation, as we wish to investigate the human sacrifice angle further."

http://images.mid-day.com/images/2016/dec/23Vaani-Kapoor-s.jpg*(Second from left) Actress Vaani Kapoor with the winners*

The students — who had to use at least 80 per cent wool for every outfit they designed — have not only won financial support, but also internships with leading international textile brands and a fashion magazine. Dressed in a wool outfit designed by Nachiket Barve, actress Vaani Kapoor presented the awards to the four winners.

*The art of demonetisation*
Of all the reactions to the demonetisation drive, this is perhaps among the most subtle and profound ones. Artist and interior designer Munawwar Sharifi has created an installation, Inaspetatto (unexpected) — his visual narrative about the current socio-economic situation in India. The 9x6x4 feet installation is at The Capital Building, BKC, till Sunday.

Each element in the artwork has a story — the notes and the gold bars signify the growth in wealth; the blood stains on the barbed wire and the limb shows that it has been harsh on some; the lowest layer of gold and cash signify the post-demonetisation expectation of reduced hoarding and a digital economy; the tattered trunk containing the old currency notes, a bottle of liquor and pack of cigarettes symbolise the leaving behind of old habits.

*Prydz to headline premier EDM fest*
Vh1 Supersonic, the premier Electronic Dance Music festival that shifted base from Goa to Pune for the upcoming season in 2017, announced Eric Prydz as the headlining act. The Swedish artiste is a household name and fans in India have been craving to watch him in performance. He created Pryda Snare — a sound production technique using a compressed snare sample — that is widely followed by names like Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike and Martin Garrix. He has worked with Axwell, Sebastian Ingrosso and Steve Angello; the group that came to be known as Swedish House Mafia. But Prydz had not joined his friends, he only collaborated with them under monikers.*Eric Prydz *

Call On Me remains his most popular single and earlier this year, he released his debut studio album titled Opus. Festival curator Nikhil Chinapa is delighted to have him on board. "Eric's an artist we've been trying to bring to India forever. I've heard him several times in different continents and I can truly say, there is nobody like him in all of electronic music's landscape," he says.

*Musical surprise at the airport*
For passengers flying in and out of the city's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, the usual rushed experience turned into a rather memorable one when a group of musicians broke into flash mobs at various locations one after another, across Terminals 1 and 2.

A tie-up between the company that administers the airport and a live entertainment venture, the musical celebration added to the Christmas festivities. The musical convoy had artistes from across the country, ranging from singers to guitarists and percussionists.

*Jerry Pinto and the big city*
'Em and The Big Hoom is a profoundly moving book: I cannot remember when I last read something as touching as this. I don't know what Jerry's plans for it are, but I hope it appears soon and has the success it deserves.' These were acclaimed author Amitav Ghosh's words for what was then Jerry Pinto's manuscript. As it turns out, the book did hit the bookshelves, and also got the success it deserves — first, the prestigious Windham-Campbell Literature Prize earlier this year and now, the Sahitya Akademi award.*Jerry Pinto*

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When Prime Minister Narendra Modi sails into the Arabian Sea to perform the bhoomi pujan for the Shivaji Memorial on Saturday, it will not be with a collective of political workers, just a handful of VVIPs. So much so that the security personnel stationed at the spot and around it in the seas will outnumber the guests.

Honouring the ruling partner Shiv Sena's demand, the PM will be accompanied by Uddhav Thackeray in a hovercraft that will also carry five others to the islet. Following the PM's craft, which will be secured by the Special Protection Group and agencies working the Indian waters, the second vessel will carry Maratha ministers, a legislator and senior bureaucrats.

*Also Read: Shivaji Maharaj memorial: Lalbaugcha Raja to lend its float for 'jalpoojan'*

The city police will also be present everywhere — on the islet and on Girgaum Chowpatty from where the trip will start and end. Following the bhoomi and jalpujan, the group will proceed to the MMRDA ground in BKC for a public rally where the work on city's infrastructure projects will be launched.

*Showcasing Maratha King*
The spot from where the PM's entourage will head to the sea will highlight Shivaji's era with a huge display consisting of floats, statues, replicas of historic monuments and forts. "Descendants of families whose forefathers were in the service of Shivaji Maharaj have been invited to the BKC event, where they will be seated on a parallel dais to the PM's," said PWD and revenue minister Chandrakant Patil. He added that some 3,000 special invitees will attend the ceremony.

*BJP all the way*
In the meantime, BJP workers from across the state have mobilised to placate the Maratha community that has been on a warpath with the government in its demand for a quota in jobs and education. To that end, Mumbai will be painted saffron in next two days with all important roads, including the Sealink, being decorated in the party's colour.

In several towns, the BJP workers have already carried out processions to celebrate Shivaji Maharaj. The waters and earth, collected by party workers, will be taken in a procession called Rath Yatra from Chembur to the Gateway of India on Thursday and Fadnavis will receive it there. He will then hand it over to the PM on Saturday to perform the puja at the islet.

*Read Story: Maha Govt to conduct Shivaji memorial event in grand manner*

In the process, the BJP is trying to sideline the Sena, even as they are currently fighting for credit over the naming of the Ram Mandir Station. Along with Modi, Thackeray is expected to address the BKC rally, but the equation between the two leaders might be testy as they launch the campaign for the BMC polls, without having decided on a pre-poll pact.

*Opposition to memorial*
However, there is a section of the Maratha community that has opposed the memorial on several grounds such as the expenses the common people would incur to access the islet. It also believes that the memorial will not serve the purpose that the government has on its mind. A section of local fishermen, too, has threatened a protest on Saturday as they claim the memorial would harm fish in the Arabian Sea and affect their livelihood.*Who's on hovercraft 1?*
> PM Narendra Modi
> CM Devendra Fadnavis
> Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray
> Chhatrapati Udayan Raje
> Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje
> Governor Vidyasagar Rao
> An unidentified priest

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While it is the season to be jolly, the Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity home in Vile Parle is instead feeling fear, as Sapna Pereira, a local, has terrified the sisters by repeatedly tormenting them, and forcing them to part with ration. Even the cops have no clue on how to deal with the woman.

When we visited the Ashram recently, the sisters were filled with trepidation even talking about Sapna Pereira. They said their tormentor-in-chief hurls stones from outside before taking a short walk on the wall and then scaling it to enter the ashram.*Sapna threw stones at Sister Medard (top left) and punched her. Sister Praxides says they give her ration, but she keeps demanding more*

Sister Praxides, in-charge of the home said, "We do give Sapna rice, dal and other ration and we have done this many times in the past but she wants more and more. This ration is reserved for the poor. Once, she wanted a 5 kg can of oil and a 20 kg sack of atta, we cannot give that much to one person as we keep measured amounts. Once a month, we have a Ration Day, where the poor line up for ration. We fear Sapna will arrive and wreak havoc on those days."

*Read Story: No MHADA flat for drama queen Sapna Pereira*

The sisters are so scared that they were keeping a watch out for Sapna even as they spoke to this reporter. The watchman, L Marquis said, "Sapna is very strong and can overpower people. She throws stones into the ashram and has hurled a brick at me once." The sisters claim have approached the cops several times, but they keep getting told to go to Vile Parle and Santacruz station or made to wait for hours. In the end, cops tell them they have hundreds of complaints against her but they cannot do much in the matter.*Watchman L Marquis points to the gate Sapna enters from*

*Ailing sister targeted*
Sapna's attacks aren't limited to stoning the ashram alone. "Sapna attacked me once just outside the Ashram, when I was taking a cancer-afflicted sister to the Nanavati hospital for chemotherapy. She threw stones on me and the ailing sister, punched me and dislodged my spectacles," said sister Medard. She added how Sapna broke the lock to their ration room once, "I wanted to push her inside and lock the room, but she kept the door ajar and had one foot outside."

Parishioners K Misquitta and J Perreira said, "Someone will be very seriously injured here and we may be on the brink of some tragedy." If she is not given what she wants, she subjects the sisters and whoever else inside the home to a torrent of filthy, verbal abuse. The home houses at least 17 children as young as two, with special needs.

*Very dangerous woman*
The adjoining St Francis Xavier's Church staff has also seen Sapna wreak havoc in the vicinity. Fr. Savio D'Souza, parish priest and manager, St Xavier's Church, school and junior college said, "Sapna has been creating problems for many years. The sisters have also complained to me. She had once even asked me to tell the sisters to give her ration and said if they do not give it to me I will use force. She is relying on dadagiri (might) to get away with all this. She is not a menace, she's dangerous."

*Complaints pile up*
The sisters have sought the help of the police to deal with Sapna. mid-day has copies of several letters written to police stations from the Missionaries of Charity complaining about Sapna. An excerpt from a 2012 letter states: "She attacks the benefactors, those who come to our institution by violently pulling them, abusing the sisters, stoning our institution, using an iron rod..."

Another letter was written as recently as December 16 of this year to the Santa Cruz police station, but they have received no significant help yet.

*Copspeak*
Dattatrey Bhargude, ACP, Santacruz division said, "She (Sapna) is a criminal-minded woman. We have arrested her for several crimes and have 8 to 10 offences against her. When we arrest her and produce her in front of the Magistrate, she starts shouting in court. The court has warned her several times but she does not take heed. We have also taken preventive action against her. We have approached several NGOs, but nobody wants her because of her behaviour. We are thinking about what we should do. She has recently fought with a woman, where she suffered several injuries."*
*

*Sept 2007:* Sapna Pereira was spotted dancing on the field at Wankhede stadium during the felicitation ceremony to honour Team India's T20 World Cup victory

*May 2009:* Pereira tried to strangulate herself at the MHADA office, as she claimed she did not get a house in the MHADA lottery scheme.

*July 2010:* She climbed a tower in Mangalore in a bid to demand an opportunity to meet the police commissioner.

*September 2011:* She climbed a tower opposite the Thane jail to protest against the apathy of authorities in providing treatment to her blind daughter.
*Feb 2012:* Sapna climbed atop a hoarding at Byculla, threatening to commit suicide. She wanted treatment for her daughter.

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After a recent flash strike by CNG dealers left auto and taxi drivers in the soup, auto unions are demanding modifications to their vehicles to prevent a similar chaos in future.

The union has demanded two compressed natural gas (CNG) tanks to be fitted instead the single tank in their rickshaws. They say the single tank weighs 39 kg, but it has a capacity of only 6 kg. The union also said depending upon queues at gas stations and pressure in the reservoir, only 4.5 kg of CNG is filled.

“Lightweight CNG tanks have already been installed in autos in a few other cities. We could replicate that,” said Thampy Kurien, chief of Mumbai Rickshawmen’s Union.

As per their proposal, they want autos to be fitted with 10-12 kg CNG tanks that can accommodate 4.5 kg of gas. Two such tanks per auto would not only mean more riding hours for the 1.05 lakh three-wheelers in Mumbai, but also ensure smaller queues at CNG stations.

Currently, an auto takes 20-25 minutes to refuel one tank that lasts them around 12 to 15 hours.

Sources in the transport department, however, said they have not seen the proposal yet. An official from the department said, “The change in tanks would involve changes in policies as well. Also, new vehicles will need to be manufactured instead of reassembling the existing autos.

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It would have been like the inauguration of any other railway station, but for the altercation between Shiv Sena and BJP workers, who were competing over which party had done the most to name the place Ram Mandir station. Surprisingly, party leaders remained mum during the function yesterday to inaugurate the station between Jogeshwari and Goregaon.

Ministers — both from the Centre and state — arrived at the station by 3.45pm. They were followed by workers, some who were shouting slogans, and carrying flags of their political parties. The function took place on the concourse of the foot overbridge that got jam-packed, mostly by the party supporters.

*Also Read: First train arrives at Ram Mandir station*

None of the party leaders were able to speak on the mike, which is otherwise their favourite job. When Vidya Thakur, BJP leader and minister of state for Women and Child Development started giving her speech, Shiv Sena supporters started shouting slogans about Balasaheb Thackeray. "We have taken a lot of effort to name this station," is all that Thakur said.*The chief guest for the inauguration was Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu*

Many were shouting that though the actual Ram Mandir couldn't be constructed at Ayodhya, they had managed one in Mumbai. As the BJP workers felt the heat, they began shouting Modi Zindabad and raised party flags. The women supporters started standing right in front of the dias as chaos reigned.

*Leaders were quiet*
All the leaders did was to keep quiet and watch the drama as the RPF and GRP struggled to control the crowds. Kirit Somaiya, BJP MP, left the spot in 5 minutes. When Transport Minister Diwakar Raote came to speak, Sena party workers started showing Rs 2,000 notes and shouted, "note bandh karne wale." The BJP workers then started shouting Jai Modi.

*Read Story: State plans to change names of six more railway stations*

Suresh Prabhu, the union Railway Minister, who had come to inaugurate the station, was also forced to leave the venue within minutes. All he could do was cut the ribbon. When he start saying something about former rail minister Ram Naik, supporters from both sides began their barrage of slogans. The rail authorities kept pleading with the supporters to calm down.

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Nina Merchant (37) can’t stand the thought of losing another mother. She was a newborn when Kulsum Hussain joined the family as a nanny in the US and became her ‘Maaji’. Hussain nursed her through sickness and health, doubled as a confidante in the heady teenage years, and offered her just the comfort she needed at the death of her mother. Merchant is now trying to pay back.

For the last 10 years, the American citizen, who is now a resident of Bandra West, has been petitioning the US Consulate General in Mumbai and the US Embassy in New Delhi to provide aid to Hussain, also an American citizen, under the US’ Social Security programme. Benefits under this social insurance programme are paid out on a monthly basis to retired US workers and their surviving spouses. Despite working in the US for 20 years, Hussain didn’t qualify for Social Security benefits (see box).

*The bond the two share hasn't waned over the years.*

Merchant’s fight to get Hussain her due reparations took on more meaning recently after the 88-year-old sustained a spinal injury (an acute compression of the vertebrae). The aged nanny needs regular physiotherapy and a nutritious diet. At her advanced age, surgery can be risky. Last year, she underwent an intestinal surgery when she couldn’t pass stool for a month and developed haemorrhoids. She had to push back that surgery owing to a lack of funds.

At the age of 40, Hussain, a resident of Mumbai, found herself widowed and all alone. For the next 12 years, she fended for herself working as domestic help. When an opportunity to work as a nanny in the US opened up in 1981, she moved and joined the Merchants. She was relieved of her service a year after the death of Merchant’s mother in 2000. During her 20-year-long service, she earned a US citizenship and paid her taxes.

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**A little Nina is fed cake by Maaji back home in the US*

*Immobilised by fall*
Since her return to Mumbai, she has subsisted on an interest of R1,000 a month earned on her savings.

Two months ago, Hussain had a fall in her room at a chawl in Mazgaon, and she damaged her spine. “She is a very strong and independent woman. Rarely did she complain about her health. I called her up late at night a few days ago and found her speech was slurred. She told me she had been suffering from incontinence and excruciating pain in the legs for two days. I rushed to her house,” says Merchant. She found Hussain sitting in the dark, with a bump on the head, and learnt of her fall. Merchant rushed her to Prince Aly Khan Hospital in Mazgaon, where she was admitted to the ICU.*Kulsum Hussain*

“She sustained a haematoma (clotting of the blood) in the head and a spinal injury. She has been prescribed continuous treatment, physiotherapy and a balanced diet. I have been helping her with the treatment, but it isn’t enough,” Merchant admits. Hussain needs the support of a walker and a caregiver at all times. The medical bills have eaten up almost all her savings.

*Fight for justice*
Merchant, who moved to Mumbai 13 years ago, says the fall prompted her to soldier on with the ‘fight for justice’. “Every US citizen is liable for benefits of the US government even if they stay outside the country. I want Maaji to get the treatment and live in comfort. She paid taxes in the US. Why can’t government help her?” she asks. “How can it abandon its citizen just because she didn’t have enough Social Security work credits [to qualify for the benefits]? She is not an Indian citizen anymore nor is the US government willing to help. Where does it leave her?”

*Gaurav Malhotra, social activist helping Merchant*

Gaurav Malhotra, a social activist in Delhi who is helping Merchant push her case with the US government, says, “The [US] government often bends rules to help citizens in need. And, this is a genuine case.”

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Around 1,500 marshals will be deployed on Metro-3 project of Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) to monitor and regulate traffic on the 33.5-km long Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Metro-3 corridor while the construction of the project continues. The marshals will be spread over the entire seven packages.

MMRC would also provide walkie-talkies to the Mumbai Traffic Police and 4,000 signboards as a part of its traffic management plan apart from improving road geometries at crucial locations to improve through put of traffic.

The steps were discussed when MMRC had a joint meeting with Mr.Milind Bharambe, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic). The meeting was also attended by General Consultants the Contractors of all the seven packages who made presentations of their proposals. Mr.Milind Bharambe, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) appreciated the efforts of MMRC in formulating traffic management plan.

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The 37th station -- Ram Mandir -- on Western Railway (WR) will be inaugurated by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu this evening. Its first train, running from Churchgate to towards Borivli, arrived at 6 pm, while another bound for Churchgate pulled up at 6.10 pm.

The station has four platforms, two each for slow trains and the yet-to-be-ready Harbour line section. Senior WR officials said the two slow line platforms will accommodate 476 services every day. WR operates 1,323 train services in a day on both fast and slow lines.

“The trains will make a halt of 15-30 seconds, depending on the time of the day. During peak hours, the halt will be longer,” said a WR official.

Ravindra Bhakar, chief public relations officer, WR, said, “Semi-fast and fast trains on Churchgate-Andheri and Churchgate-Borivali will not halt there.”

The station’s naming has been embroiled in controversy. The saffron brigade pushed for its naming after a popular temple in the locality, breaking away from the tradition of christening stations after the areas they were in.

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*BMC changed the alignment after heritage committee shot it down fearing seaside spots like Marine Drive promenade may be ruined*

The ambitious coastal road is likely to break the bank even before it begins. The project’s estimate has shot up by Rs 4,904 from Rs 11,000. Civic officials are now blaming this cost escalation for the delay in beginning work.

Owing to the change in alignment of the coastal road — after the heritage committee shot down the plan in September on grounds that it could destroy iconic seaside spots — and the subsequent delay, the civic body has drawn up a fresh estimate of Rs 15,094 crore for the project.

mid-day had in September reported that the civic body planned to shift the Marine Drive promenade into the sea, with the coastal road beginning at the stretch close to the Princess Street flyover. We also reported a month later that BMC had buckled and rejigged the plan to leave the Queen’s Necklace untouched. It decided to construct a cantilever next to the flyover and into the sea.

*Deadline missed*
The project has been split into two phases — from the Princess Street flyover to the Worli-end of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (9.98 km), and the Bandra-Kandivli stretch — to ease construction.

The project estimate alone isn’t to blame for the delay in beginning work; BMC also missed the October deadline to get necessary environmental clearances. It has now set a fresh deadline of October 2017 to begin work on the 29.20 km coastal road.

*mid-day’s October 10 report on the BMC rejigging its plan*

*Pending approvals*
Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, additional municipal commissioner (projects), said, “As of now, our priority is to begin work on the first phase of the project. We have got NOCs from eight agencies. Permissions from a few more agencies like the Coastal Regulation Zone clearance from the ministry of environment and forests are pending. We hope to get them soon.”

Asked about the delay and the cost escalation, he said, “After a peer review of the detailed project report, we have made certain changes in alignment and accordingly, the estimate has changed. Once we start work, the cost may go down.”

Senior civic officials said the first phase of the project is likely to cost Rs 5,303 crore and the second on 19.22 km Rs 9,791 crore.

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Talk about mixed signals. The Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has said categorically that the Thane-Diva fifth and sixth lines will not be ready before December 2017, but MP Rajan Vichare has claimed that by March next year, they’ll be good to go.

On December 18, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu had announced extension of Thane station, but there is still no clarity on the fate of the two additional lines needed for it. The MRVC, the implementing agency for the project, has been working on the two lines for the last seven years under the R5,300-crore Mumbai Urban Transport Project-2.

*Persisting issues: MRVC*
“There are a few issues with these two lines. There is a need for cut and connect of rail tracks. So, we don’t expect it to be ready before December 2017,” said Prabhat Sahai, chairman and managing director, MRVC.

Railway tracks need a ‘cut and connect’ when the alignment and need to be joined abruptly. This occurs when there are illegal structures along the proposed lines that need to be removed. This process of land acquisition is delaying the project.

*Most work over: MP*
MP Vichare, however, was optimistic that the Thane-Diva lines will be ready soon. “We expect them to be ready by March 2017 as most of the work is over. Tenders will be called for the new Thane terminus by January,” he said. This terminus is expected to come on land owned by the Thane Mental Hospital.

The fifth and sixth lines are for long-distance trains and will be segregated from the suburban train section. Currently, long-distance trains beginning at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus go on two separate lines all the way till Thane and then merge with the fast line at Kalyan, causing a bottleneck ahead. Trains starting at CST go on the fast line till Kalyan, affecting local trains.

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In some good news for motorists travelling between Andheri and Ghatkopar via the Andheri-Ghatkopar Link Road (AGLR), the MMRDA has decided to speed-up work of constructing a bridge on the stretch, which will ease bottlenecks in the area.

The bridge will connect the Jagruti Nagar Metro station with LBS Marg.

The stretch has been closed for traffic since 2013, forcing motorists to ply on a dangerous accident-prone slope on Link Road.
The shutting down of the road has also led to huge traffic jams between Ghatkopar and Jagruti Nagar during peak hours.

Vishal Shah, a resident of the area, said, “The construction of the Metro has been a boon for residents, but the ones who travel via the AGLR have to face a lot of problems because of the relentless traffic jams.”

At present, traffic from Jagruti Nagar Metro Station up to LBS Road has to go via the other side of the road, which only has three lanes and a slope. Owing to the slope, several cases of road accidents have also been reported in the area.

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An argument on a Facebook post took an ugly turn when Shreyas Chaurasia (25), Padma Vibhushan flautist Hariprasad Chaurasia’s grandson, allegedly sent sexually abusive messages to a woman on December 19. “The victim has shown us screenshots where the accused used abusive language with her. Also, after checking his Facebook profile, we found that he had put a picture with Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia; so, we have a feeling that it’s him (the accused). But investigations are on. We will soon take action,” said a police officer.

On December 19, the conversation started on a post that said ‘Saudi Arabia holding a women’s rights conference, without a single women attendee’ posted by one Indrajeet Keer, who is Shreyas's friend and the victim’s ex-colleague’s friend.

She commented on the post, mentioning a similar situation, saying, ‘It’s just like the day when muslims protested against triple talaaq, saying women are against it, but the march didn’t have a single woman, they were all men, ha ha ha’ (sic). Disagreeing with her, Shreyas said she was spreading hatred; slowly, the argument escalated and Shreyas started sending the victim personal messages.

*Raising a voice*
“I don’t know this guy, we are not even friends, he is a friend’s friend’s friend, because of which the post appeared on my wall. In the personal chats, he not only threatened me of abduction through his political connections, but also said that I’m a girl and should know my limits and ‘aukaad’,” said the victim.

“Till when will girls sit and be victims of cyber bullying? Every time a girl raises her voice, a man’s ego gets bruised. I’m not a celebrity or struggling actress/model, I’m a working professional. I don’t need cheap publicity, but I’m raising my voice only so that other girls are motivated to come out with their abuse. I didn’t use any kind of threat, I just said don’t talk to me, to which he is talking about rape, abduction and sending goons to my house who can ‘calm me down’ from my ‘garmi’ among several other abusive messages. It’s time we stop taking all this lightly.”

*A string of abuses*
Shreyas, who is in Kenya at the moment, told mid-day, “I had no business with her, but her anti-Muslim behaviour and wrong comments and judgments on things pissed me off. I had dropped her a decent message saying she should accept, but she started abusing me first. I wrote things to her which I shouldn’t have, but it was to pull her down.”

The victim said that though Shreyas started by saying that he has nothing against her, in the personal chat, he got angry when she asked him to ‘F***k off’.

“After the argument, he sent a personal message saying I’m spreading hatred. He was not even in the conversation on the post. He came in between and started — why should I not voice my opinion? Everyone else is, why should only I lower my voice? There are several other men, who aren’t,” she added.

“I agree with my mistake, I was too harsh, but I didn’t mean it,” said Shreyas.

Shreyas’s sister Shruti Chaurasia Nag, a doctor, said, “My brother has done something very wrong, I accept it, but at the same time, he is also somebody who respects women a lot. It’s all in the heat of the moment, and frustration talking.”

“It was a casual post regarding Muslims that I had shared. Because it was a public post, a lot of people commented. It was a healthy debate but soon turned aggressive, so I asked everyone to calm down and I deleted all the negative comments. Regarding Shreyas’s abuses, I think all that just came out in anger. He is not the kind of guy who would fight unnecessarily. I spoke to him, he apologised and is regretting his words,” said Keer.

*Family tree*
Shreyas is the son of Vinay Chaurasia, Pandit Chaurasia’s son from his first wife Kamla Devi. Reports say that the celebrated flautist is now married to Anuradha ‘Angurbala’ Roy.

An FIR under sections 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) and 506 (criminal intimidation) was registered on Tuesday at JB Nagar police station.*The messages*

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Police seized 8.86 kilograms of depleted uranium worth around Rs 24 crore and detained two persons in the adjoining Thane district.

The depleted uranium was brought from abroad and was to be sold in India, police said.

Anti-chain snatching squad of Thane Crime Branch laid a trap near a hotel on Ghodbundar Road on receiving specific information that two persons were coming there to sell the radioactive element.

Police detained two people moving with a blue hand bag which contained two blocks of the sensitive material wrapped in velvet cloth. The bag also had a laboratory report which indicated the said metal was uranium, they said.

The metal is banned for sale in the open market as it is used in the atomic energy plants.

"We have detained two persons with the metal. As its sale is banned in the open market, we can't ascertain its value. But, it may be worth around Rs 24 crore," police officials said.

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A 28-year-old woman was set on fire in Kalyan by her father-in-law on Tuesday morning after being doused in kerosene. The woman has been admitted to a hospital and is battling 90 per cent burns. Meanwhile, the Mahatma Phule police have arrested her husband Raju Patil (32) and father-in-law Indrasingh Patil (65).

*‘I will burn you alive’*
The woman married Raju around 8 years ago and the couple has a 6-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old son. They were residing with the father-in-law, who would have constant arguments with his son.

The incident occurred at around 9 am, when the woman was cooking in the kitchen. Indrasingh marched in and started verbally abusing her saying, “You have made my son’s life problematic and have messed up everything. I will burn you alive.” True to his words, Indrasingh took a kerosene can and poured it all over the woman and then lit her on fire. The woman started screaming for help after which her neighbours and other people came to help her. They poured water on her and took her to a private hospital,” said a police officer.

*Case registered*
She has now been admitted to the burns ward of Thane Civil Hospital. “She has almost 90 per cent burns and is undergoing treatment. We have taken her statement, where she has blamed her father-in-law and husband for the act. Both of them have been arrested,” said K Ambekar, sub-inspector, Mahatma Phule police station.

The accused were arrested on Tuesday night and produced in court on Wednesday and have been remanded in police custody till December 23.

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The Mankhurd police have recovered four more babies that were sold in a baby-selling racket, busted on December 12. They have so far arrested six people, including five women in the case.

*Six arrested*
Till date, six accused, identified as Yogita Sale (21), Asha Thakur (36), Nurjahan Mulla (40), Prabhavati Naik (48), Ganesh Sale (Yogita’s husband) and Mala Wankhede have been arrested by the police.

*Read Story: Yet another baby-selling racket busted by Mumbai police, four women held*

mid-day had reported the arrest of four of these women (‘Yet another baby-selling racket busted by Mumbai police, four women held,’ December 13). All the accused are in police custody.

*Efforts on*
“The group sold around eight babies to childless couples across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa and Karnataka, of which five have been recovered. Efforts are on to trace the remaining babies,” said a police official from Mankhurd police station. On December 5, Mohammad Arif Khan filed a complaint with Mankhurd police station that his one and half-year-old son Ahmad Jafar Khan was missing after which police registered a kidnapping case against unknown persons. Ahmad was recently recovered from a couple in Goa.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, zone VI, Shahaji Umap said, “After we recovered the first baby that was sold to a Goa couple for `2.5 lakh, we came to know that the accused has sold several other infants in a similar way. Several teams were formed and we succeeded in recovering four more babies from them.”

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The government's recent demonetisation drive, which encourages Mumbaikars to go cashless has adversely affected the city's 'Kaali-Peelis'. According to a report by *The Times of India*, black-and-yellow taxi and auto rickshaw drivers are finding it extremely difficult to adapt to the cashless method.

While electronic methods of payment are slowly gaining ground with many vegetable vendors, pani puriwalas, the traffic police and even cobblers utilising it, taxi and auto rickshaw drivers aren't joining the bandwagon entirely as of yet.

Since the demonetisation drive began, taxi and auto rickshaw drivers in Mumbai faced an immediate cash crunch as citizens were opting for app-based cab aggregators, where payment could be made through the e-wallet system. This resulted in a 60 per cent loss in business for them.

Furthermore, auto and taxi unions are finding it difficult to educate the entire population of drivers to use these new methods. Also, most auto, taxi drivers explain that they find the new system to be a hassle, because even if they managed to adopt the new cashless system, they would not be getting a lump sum at the end of the day as the money would be transferred into their account and most find the banking process like withdrawing money to be tedious.

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Bad news! BMC will cut water supply in A, B, E, F/north and F/south wards on December 23. According to a report by *DNA*, the civic body plans to install two major pipelines at Sion and Matunga, which will cause water cuts in Central and South Mumbai.

Apart from citizens, several private and public hospitals including, Sion Hospital, K.E.M. Hospital, M G M Hospital, Tata Hospital, Wadia Hospital, T. B. Hospital, J. J. Hospital, St. Georges Hospital, will face water cuts. Also, CST railway station won't be getting water supply for 12 hours, between 10 am to 10 pm.

BMC officials have requested citizens to store water ahead of time. The water department has laid 900 mm diameter new pipeline near Sion Hospital. This will be connected to a 1800 mm diameter main pipeline near Aurora Theatre, Matunga.

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*A fashion ace from Sania Mirza*
Social media is a dynamic space, constantly evolving to meet millennial needs, or creating them in the first place.

One such player in the field can rightly be called the Instagram of fashionistas, where those interested can post pictures of themselves sporting latest trends in fashion, and pick up a few tips themselves.

The newest entrant to the network is tennis player Sania Mirza, who posted a picture of herself in designer wear for a recent event in Mumbai. Looks like, sister Anam’s fashion leanings are rubbing off on to Sania too.

*A sound resting place**Pic/Nimesh Dave*

Dancers get some shut-eye during a break at the shoot of a song in choreographer-filmmaker Ganesh Acharya’s new film in Goregaon yesterday.

*All roads lead to the RBI*
Amidst GIFs of a panda munching on popcorn while waiting for a new monetary announcement and a cartoon depicting the tiger on the Reserve Bank seal turning into a chameleon, the RBI declared its 60th regulation regarding demonetisation yesterday.*Vishal Dadlani and Nikhil Chinapa*

The announcement was a roll back of its 59th regulation that required bank officials to question any person depositing more than `5000 in old currency notes. Confused? Don’t bother. Sit back and enjoy these Twitter reactions.

While Nikhil Chinapa likened the chaos to an exciting new episode of a Saas-bahu saga, Vishal Dadlani had this to say: “Simon, go back! No, no, come back! Wait…just kidding, go back! No, no, come back, but only on Thurs, & on one leg." Then there were those who had interesting ideas for renaming the RBI.

“Reverse Bank of India,” said Prashant Bhushan, while Rajdeep Sardesai preferred to call it the Rollback Bank. Comedians had their share of reactions, too, and Sahil Shah called the situation a giant game of truth or dare. And how could Raghuram Rajan not be missed? “Now we know why Raghuram Rajan mattered. And why he was removed!” is how Yogendra Yadav summed it up. Well, we see a silver lining here — baby Taimur has been cut some much-needed slack finally.

*Christmas with a twist*
This Christmas, if you’re keen to try food prepared by the hands that have trained with celebrated chefs like Gordon Ramsay and Christian Faure, drop in at Sanjana Patel’s La Folie lab over the weekend.*Lotus Stem Greens Salad*

Patel has roped in Le Cordon Bleu-trained patissier Neha Lakhani (where she was mentored by Faure, the chef to obtain the prestigious title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France) and chef Ashay Dhopatkar, who has worked at Ramsay’s Savoy Grill, to curate a two-day limited-edition menu.*Chefs Neha Lakhani and Ashay Dhopatkar*

It includes Dhopatkar’s Twisted Eggs Benedict, Lakhani’s Dark Chocolate Granola and savouries like Turkey Roulade with Pomme Mousseline (braised red cabbage with brussel sprouts) and Paprika Prawns with Saffron Rouille.

*Kashmir connect at the turf*
Christmas Day racing at Mahalaxmi is all set to get a bit of a twist. On Sunday, the family of the late ruler of Jammu & Kashmir, Maharaja Hari Singh, will not only come down all the way from Kashmir, but will also be sponsoring a race in his memory at the race course.

MK Ajatshatru Singh, grandson of the late Maharaja, and son of noted Congress parliamentarian, Dr Karan Singh, his wife Kunwari Ritu Singh and their two children will be the guests of the Royal Western India Turf Club and for the trophy presentation.

Maharaja Hari Singh was passionate about horses and at one time also bred horses near Pune till he passed away in 1961. He won several big races and encouraged racehorse breeding in India. Though this race is being run since 1953, it is for the first time the family is supporting it.

*Nilekani is on Gates’ list*
In his 20s and early 30s Bill Gates was ‘fanatical’ about software, which, in his dictionary, means he was so focussed on putting a computer on every desk and in every home that he gave up a normal existence. Now, as Gates recently wrote in his blog, much of his work involves learning from other fanatics.*Billl Gates and Nandan Nilekani*

Looking back at 2016, Gates has picked his five favourite fanatics of the year, and Nandan Nilekani is one of them. Calling him “one of India’s best-known entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and thinkers,” Gates wrote about how Nilekani impressed him 20 years ago when he was busy with Infosys and how he amazes him with his entrepreneurial spirit now dedicated to public service.

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As the case of 5-year-old Manavi Ingle’s fall from the 15th floor gets more curious, KEM Hospital with Byculla police on Wednesday carried out a drill to reconstruct the events of the fateful day. To that end, forensic experts threw 3 dummy dolls — of the exact weight and height as Manavi’s — to draw some primary conclusions. And analysis has reportedly revealed that the murderer must have thrown Manavi with “all their strength”. Meanwhile, even as the cops have finished grilling the two suspect women, they have questioned their family members too.

*Also Read: Mumbai: Mystery shrouds death of 5-year-old who fell from 15th floor*

*The experiment*
The forensic team from KEM Hospital, under Professor Dr Rajesh Dere’s supervision, carried out the reconstruction in the presence of DCP (Zone 3) Pravin Padwal and a team of Byculla police. The tests began at 2 pm and went on till 4.30 pm, which was also videographed and photographed. The basic premise was simple: Three dummies, made from cotton and cloth pieces and bamboo sticks, and of Manavi’s exact build, were flung under different situations and results observed.

*Breakdown of result*
The first dummy was flung on the assumption of an accidental fall. However, it just dashed against the walls of the building and didn’t stick a landing at all. “If it was an accidental fall, it wouldn’t have landed on parked vehicles,” said a member of the forensic team. The second doll was pushed with moderate strength and that came all the way down, but still hit a few walls of the building. Only the third dummy, which was thrown with strength, landed only 3 feet away from the spot where Manavi had been found. “Primary observation indicates that the girl had been thrown with strength as she was found 12 feet away from the building in the parking area. Today’s reconstruction of events also concluded the same thing. However, we still need some time to evaluate the tests,” added the forensic officer.

*Read Story: Mumbai: 5-year-old's post mortem reveals bruises as cops question two neighbours*

*Cops say*
Meanwhile, on day 3, que Reported by Mid-Day 8 hours ago.

Santhigram Kerala Ayurvedic Company of US proudly announces the launching of its 5th Ayurveda Wellness Center in the Midwest after successful operation of its other Midwest Centers in Milwaukee, Chicago, Houston, and Dallas, at 664 S Route 59, Naperville, IL.

Naperville, IL (PRWEB) December 24, 2016

Santhigram Kerala Ayurvedic Company of US proudly announces the launching of its 5th Ayurveda Wellness Center in the Midwest after successful operation of its other Midwest Centers in Milwaukee, Chicago, Houston, and Dallas, at 664 S Route 59, Naperville, IL (Phone: 630-453-5656/57).

The Grand Opening of the Center, which was the 12th one in the US, was Celebrated by lighting of the traditional lamp and ribbon cutting and a discussion on the increasing popularity of Complementary and Alternative Medicines like Ayurveda in the US and the mission of Santhigram in fulfilling this need. The Chief Guest was Congressman Mr. Bill Foster of the 11th District of Illinois, and the Guest of Honor was Mr. Rick Guzman, Chief of Staff from the Mayor’s Office, City of Aurora.

During the occasion, after the welcome speech by the Center Partner Mr. Vinoz Chanamolu, the Founder Chairman of Santhigram Wellness Dr. Gopinathan Nair expressed his confidence in taking forward Santhigram Ayurveda to greater heights. “The main hurdle we faced at Milwaukee, Chicago, Houston, Dallas and now in Naperville was to get the trained manpower in Ayurveda and Panchakarma Therapies,” he said. In order to meet the shortage of trained manpower in Ayurvedic and Panchakarma Therapies which will help Santhigram to grow faster, he has narrated his plans to launch Ayurveda Training Schools in East, Midwest and West as early as possible. The first such School will be operational in North Brunswick, New Jersey by January 2017, where the State approval for the School has already been received. This will also meet its social obligation of providing skilled jobs to the unemployed or underemployed youth during its expansion plans. Dr. Nair has also mentioned about his efforts to lobby for the health insurance coverage for the Ayurveda Treatments similar to other Complementary and Alternative Medicine Practices like Chiropractors and Acupuncturists. This will pave the way for more and more people to choose these side-effect-free specialized holistic treatments for taking care of many of their chronic ailments. He also said that the demand of Ayurveda products are also increasing and Santhigram plans to manufacture many Ayurveda products in US itself instead of importing from India.

The Chief Guest Congressman Mr. Bill Foster congratulated Santhigram for its mission to spread holistic medicine in US and for opening the Ayurveda Facility in Naperville. After interacting with our Chief Consultant Dr. Ambika Nair about the goodness of the Ayurvedic system, he has expressed confidence that such Holistic treatments are very much required in the US and promised to provide necessary support in its mission. The Guest of Honor Mr. Rick Guzman, Chief of Staff from the Mayor’s Office in the City of Aurora, in his speech expressed his happiness for Santhigram’s decision in opening such a holistic wellness center in Naperville area and promised to provide all support for Santhigram’s great mission of spreading Ayurveda. Ms. Sangeetha Sridharan, Partner of Santhigram Coppell (Dallas) Center, who was present during the occasion, talked about her experience when she found so many satisfied clients who took treatments in their center gave excellent feedback about taking care of their health problems. Mr. Benny Vachachira, President of FOMAA (Federation of Malayalee Associations of Americas), who was also present during the occasion, extended his felicitation and best wishes for the New Venture of Santhigram in Naperville. The Center Director Mr. Lingaiah Manne has given the vote of thanks and assured the audience to provide excellent services at Naperville Center.

The Wellness Center celebrated its Grand Opening with an open house for two days, offering Ayurveda consultations by the renowned Holistic physician Dr. Ambika Nair, assisted by Dr. Greeshma Varghese, an experienced Ayurveda Doctor from Kerala, India.

Santhigram Kerala Ayurveda Wellness Centers were established in India nearly two decades ago and are an ISO 9001:2008 certified provider of Authentic Kerala specific Ayurvedic & Panchakarma therapies for total body rejuvenation, detoxification and for alleviation of many chronic ailments. Panchakarma therapies have preventative health benefits in otherwise healthy subjects. The unique services provided by Santhigram Wellness help to reduce stress, enhance skin luster, correct metabolism, improve immunity, remove hormonal imbalance and recharges the body and mind. The Santhigram wellness Centers are staffed by trained Ayurveda professionals who offer Ayurvedic consultation, Panchakarma therapies, and recommendations on diet, herbal remedies and healthy lifestyle. Ayurveda and yoga are time tested ancient systems of medicine that help to maintain healthy body and mind. Santhigram Wellness Centers offer therapies to alleviate several chronic conditions, ward off the middle age syndrome and stimulate unlimited curative powers of body and mind. Customized Panchakarma therapies help to alleviate specific health problems like back pain, neck pain, sports injury, frozen shoulder, sinusitis, migraine, joint pain, arthritis, hemiplegia, insomnia, asthma, diabetes, thyroid, infertility, migraine, excess weight gain, mental disorders like depression and skin disorders like psoriasis & eczema.

Santhigram has cut out an ambitious plan of setting up a series of Ayurvedic Wellness Centers in various cities / states in the US in the coming years. In order to meet the shortages of the trained manpower for its expansion plan, Santhigram is also in the process of establishing Training Schools in East, Mid-West and West in the near future. This will also help to provide job opportunities to many as and when more Centers are launched. Santhigram also plans to establish a manufacturing facility for manufacturing the specialized herbal products required for its various centers.

Santhigram is also looking forward to get due recognition in the US for its services as a Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) practice as being provided to Chiropractors and Acupuncturists so that the Health Insurance benefits can be availed by its clients for their Ayurveda and Panchakarma Treatments.

For further details please contact:
Santhigram Wellnes Kerala Ayurveda
1503 Finnegan Ln., North Brunswick, NJ 08903
Phone: +1-732-915-8814, Email: info(at)santhigramusa(dot)com
http://www.santhigramusa.com, http://www.ayurvedasanthigram.com Reported by PRWeb 3 hours ago.

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