1. Ghatkopar Building Collapse: Shitap Had His Way Because BMC Snoozed
The civic body allowed Shiv Sena’s Sunil Shitap to merge his two flats on the ground floor of Siddhi Sai Society in 2009, but it never bothered to obtain a construction completion report from him or conduct an inspection.
The permission therefore remained technically ‘open’ all these years, which enabled him to undertake another round of alterations, which are now being blamed for the collapse of the four-storey Ghatkopar building and the deaths of 17 residents.
Some prominent corporators have submitted documents which they claim prove the costly oversight to the Parksite police, who are investigating the causes of the June 25 tragedy.
(Source: Mumbai Mirror)
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2. Results Delay: 'Short-Sighted' VC Has Left Students in Lurch
A protracted delay by the University of Mumbai in declaring results after an earlier announcement that papers would be assessed digitally has turned the spotlight on Vice Chancellor Dr Sanjay Deshmukh.
In January, Deshmukh had announced that the varsity would use onscreen-assessment for nearly 17 lakh answer sheets. His decision has left both students and the varsity reeling.
State education Minister Vinod Tawde had announced in an assembly session on Wednesday that an inquiry would be instituted focussing on the role of the contractor once all the results are declared. Tawde assured members of the house that all results would be declared by July 31.
(Source: Mumbai Mirror)
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3. Baywatch Sham! Only 32 Lifeguards for 10 Lakh Beach-goers in Mumbai
While Mumbai's filthy beaches are nothing to write home about. For many, they still continue to be a source of comfort from the unrelenting chaos of the megalopolis. But the city has shown little regard for the men who guard us against the vagaries of the ocean. The six key beaches of Mumbai have only 32 lifeguards, working in two separate shifts daily.
The inadequate number of lifeguards is not just the result of the authorities' lack of vision, but also the deplorable benefits and facilities offered to its staff.
(Source: Mid-Day)
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4. 'Controversial' Top Public Prosecutor Let off With Rebuke
Top public prosecutor Lata Chheda, accused of abusing and harassing her subordinates, has been let off with a warning despite the state Law & Judiciary Department internally recommending that she be sacked.
Documents accessed by Mumbai Mirror revealed an inquiry conducted by the department secretary and legal advisor MB Gosavi found Chheda guilty. A report recommending her removal from the post was submitted to principal secretary (Law & Judiciary) NJ Jamadar, who decided a reprimand was enough. Interestingly, the report was never forwarded to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who retains the Law & Judiciary portfolio.
It has come to light that Jamadar last month instructed that a warning be issued to Chheda to “desist from acts and conducts which vitiate the cordial atmosphere in the office”, and “make a positive effort to maintain a healthy working relationship” with her colleagues. He also proposed the possibility of handing over administrative duties of Chheda’s office to the government pleader, while legal powers remained with her. However, a fresh proposal sent to him regarding handing over administrative powers to government pleader PK Pandit is still pending for approval.
(Source: Mumbai Mirror)
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5. Here's How Akshay Kumar Plans to Make Mumbai Cleaner
Having returned from London, Akshay Kumar is now set to promote his upcoming film, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha. The actor has a unique promotional strategy in mind for the social drama. In keeping with the film's message of improving sanitation condition in India, Kumar has decided to meet the city's clean-up marshals.
A source tells us, "It was Akshay sir's idea to get the clean-up marshals of the city together. They understand the city's inherent issues the best. He is hosting an event today to honour their contribution in keeping Mumbai moving seamlessly. A representative from each ward in the city will be present at the event."
Kumar also intends to spearhead a campaign to make the city cleaner. "Akshay and his team will work with counsellors and BMC officials in teaching slum dwellers not to dump garbage into the drains and even educate them about waste management."
(Source: Mid-Day)
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6. 18-Year-Old Jumps Into Sea in Worli to Show off, Drowns
In an attempt to impress his friends, an 18-year-old Worli resident on Wednesday dived into the sea to show-off his swimming skills. But, the stunt proved to be fatal after the boy, identified as Yogesh Gawli, was pulled into the sea by heavy water currents and drowned. His friends' attempts to rescue him also went in vain.
The fire brigade fished out the teenager's body last night.
"Gawli had just returned from his uncle's Ambernath home to his residence in Worli after six months and planned to meet up with his friends at Worli Seaface," a friend of Gawli friends told the police.
(Source: Mid-Day)
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7. Bandra Pervert, With 40 Cases of Grabbing Women, Finally Held
The 28-year-old son of a businessman has been arrested for molesting about 40 women in and around Bandra. Zibran Shafi Sayyed, a resident of Naupada, in Bandra East, was nabbed by the Crime Branch yesterday evening on Carter Road.
According to the police, Sayyed, who was unemployed, could be single-handedly responsible for the alarming rise in molestation cases in the area. Assistant police inspector Nitin Patil told Mirror that nearly 40 cases of molestation were registered in the last one month in Bandra and Khar. “Two were registered recently in Khar. In one instance, a lady who was walking her dog was grabbed by Sayyed.”
(Source: Mumbai Mirror)
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