Nashik and Jalgaon are believed to be the hubs of the oil mafia activities in the state for the last two decades. Criminal syndicates with political nexus run the oil adulteration rackets with impunity, bribing local police and revenue department officials.
A senior police official disclosed that the oil mafia nexus is linked to certain political leaders, who have a nexus with criminal syndicates in the state. The racket in the state is estimated to be over Rs 500 crore, where oil adulteration mafia operators having suspected direct links with certain political weight in Maharashtra.
One of the oil adulteration syndicates in Jalgaon was run by Atim Totla, who had a meteoric rise from being an unknown, hailing from Jalgaon to a petro products dealer with a fleet of tankers driving to almost every corner of the country. His company, Progressive Petroleum Company Ltd ( PPCL), recorded a four- fold profit increase in 10 years of operations - with offices in Jalgaon, Silvassa, Kandla, Indore, Mumbai, Kochi and Mangalore.
In January 2005, the Central Bureau of Investigation had registered a case against PPCL for allegedly diverting naphtha and superior kerosene oil for the adulteration of petrol and diesel, respectively between 1998 and 2003.
Subsequently, in October 2007, Wada police of Thane district registered an FIR against Totla and Rajesh Ghatalia, Bhaskar Desai, Naresh Vora and Nitin Vora under sections 3( i)( ii), 3( 2) and 3( 4) of MCOCA for allegedly evading of crores of rupees.
The FIR was registered after the sales tax department had found that the gang had evaded sales tax of nearly Rs 46.52 crore by importing naptha, kerosene and other by- products in the name of companies like Progressive Petroleum and Paradise Petrochem Shiva Organics, among other firms. The imported naptha was shown on record to have been sold in the local market, whereas the police suspected that the consignment was allegedly utilised for adulterating petrol and diesel in Maharashtra and adjoining states.
However, Bombay High Court later quashed proceedings, under the stringent MCOCA Act, following Totla's moving the high court against the filling of FIR under provisions of MCOCA, saying that evading sales tax did not fall under the act.
Considering an apex court judgement which ruled that, evasion of sales tax was covered by section 63 of the Sales and did not attract provisions of MCOCA, the high court quashed the proceedings under MCOCA. Atim is believed to have been close to a powerful politician and his close kin, in the state.
In the past too, the oil mafia has eliminated senior officials in the state. In June 1992, the then Deputy Inspector General of Police ( Central Bureau of Investigation) R Gade was killed in a road accident in the Nashik ghat regions. The driver of the truck which rammed headlong into Gade's official vehicle later committed suicide. It was suspected by the police that he had been eliminated by the local oil mafia for launching a crackdown a few months before he moved to the CBI on promotion.
" Around three years ago, Pradeep Roogani, was also killed in a similar manner in Nashik.
Roogani's vehicle was hit badly by a moving truck from the opposite direction. It is learnt that Roogani had exposed the multi- crore tax evasion racket carried out with immunity by the the oil adulteration mafia. Roogani had played a role in unraveling the racket, which facilitated in the then BJP state chief and incumbent national BJP president Nitin Gadkari, to get the state government to act against the oil mafia in April 2005.
However, the government action was only cosmetic and a few months later, the oil mafia revived their operations in areas like Nashik, Manmad and pockets of Thane district along the Bombay- Ahmedabad highway," claimed a police official.
Showing posts with label Nation News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nation News. Show all posts
MMRDA in balancing act: Iconic tower or Metro work?
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is finding itself in a dilemma, whether to give a preference to the iconic tower at Wadala or the first line of Metro railway.
Though the authority claims it would balance out both the projects, sources say the metro might get a preferential treatment as the deadline is nearing.
The MMRDA had sold a plot for Rs 4053 crore to the Lodha Group for the construction of iconic tower in Wadala. This plot was used for creating the casting yard for the first line of metro railway form Versova to Ghatkopar. However, with the Lodha group expected to pay their first instalment, MMRDA is under pressure to give the possession of the land to the developer.
" We are trying our best to maintain the balance amongst both these projects and I am sure none of the project would be affected," said Ratnakar Gaikwad, Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA.
T he girders, which are cast at the casting yard, are used as concrete slabs placed on top of the pier of the elevated Metro tracks. A maximum of 50 girders can be mounted on the piers in a month. There are six beds manufacturing these girders. The deadline given to the Mumbai Metro One Private Limited (MMOPL), the executing authority of the first corridor of Metro rail, to use the land was June 2010. Later, it was extended to December but the work has not been completed.
As per the officials, it would be tough to deny the land to the developer once the payment is accepted from them.
There won't be any alternate arrangements for the casting yard to be shifted since its a tedious process. " We won't be providing them with an alternate land, but would gradually shut down their construction work and hand over the land to the Lodha group by March 2011," said Gaikwad.
Though the authority claims it would balance out both the projects, sources say the metro might get a preferential treatment as the deadline is nearing.
The MMRDA had sold a plot for Rs 4053 crore to the Lodha Group for the construction of iconic tower in Wadala. This plot was used for creating the casting yard for the first line of metro railway form Versova to Ghatkopar. However, with the Lodha group expected to pay their first instalment, MMRDA is under pressure to give the possession of the land to the developer.
" We are trying our best to maintain the balance amongst both these projects and I am sure none of the project would be affected," said Ratnakar Gaikwad, Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA.
T he girders, which are cast at the casting yard, are used as concrete slabs placed on top of the pier of the elevated Metro tracks. A maximum of 50 girders can be mounted on the piers in a month. There are six beds manufacturing these girders. The deadline given to the Mumbai Metro One Private Limited (MMOPL), the executing authority of the first corridor of Metro rail, to use the land was June 2010. Later, it was extended to December but the work has not been completed.
As per the officials, it would be tough to deny the land to the developer once the payment is accepted from them.
There won't be any alternate arrangements for the casting yard to be shifted since its a tedious process. " We won't be providing them with an alternate land, but would gradually shut down their construction work and hand over the land to the Lodha group by March 2011," said Gaikwad.
Dedicated cycling tracks may be the way out for congested city
With an aim to rally support of building dedicated cycling lanes in a city that has seen unprecedented rise in vehicular traffic along with the pollution levels, two Swedish students are preparing a plan to promote the use of cycles here. The Swedish duo, Lina Hellstrom and Oscar Berjstrom, both students of urban planning at the Plekinge and Technical University, are in Mumbai for the last two months researching the possibility.
The duo, who is almost done with their research work, says there are many a reason why the city desperately needs a cycling project. Admitting to their desire to visit Mumbai and India, which has motivated them to accept the challenge, Berjstrom said," We feel a city like Mumbai needs more usage of an environment friendly travel pattern and hence we have selected this project and this place." The team has divided the tasks amongst themselves as Hellstrom is doing a macro research plan for the entire city, Berjstrom has selected the area from Dadar east to Matunga and Wadala.
The duo has been interacting with the people using bicycles and discussing the security issues with them. " Most people are amazed with the idea of having a dedicated cycle lane and are convinced that the move will motivate cycling habits amongst the citizens," said Hellstrom.
The main issue faced by the students was the immense traffic on city roads and irregular flow of traffic. They also didn't have any substantiate data to assist them in their research.
" Since no such thing has ever happen in Mumbai we didn't have much data to rely on and have to start from scratch," said Hellstrom.
Faizan Jawed, a transport expert is mentoring the couple. He said " the idea is great and we will try and meet all the key people to try and implement this in reality as it would be very helpful for the city". Though during the research the government authorities have not shown any interest, the duo is hopeful that the government authorities would appreciate their efforts as they plan to send the proposal to the concerned officials once the project is finalized. " We would be finishing the final project by February- end and then would try to suggest the government to follow the module," said Berjstrom.
The duo, who is almost done with their research work, says there are many a reason why the city desperately needs a cycling project. Admitting to their desire to visit Mumbai and India, which has motivated them to accept the challenge, Berjstrom said," We feel a city like Mumbai needs more usage of an environment friendly travel pattern and hence we have selected this project and this place." The team has divided the tasks amongst themselves as Hellstrom is doing a macro research plan for the entire city, Berjstrom has selected the area from Dadar east to Matunga and Wadala.
The duo has been interacting with the people using bicycles and discussing the security issues with them. " Most people are amazed with the idea of having a dedicated cycle lane and are convinced that the move will motivate cycling habits amongst the citizens," said Hellstrom.
The main issue faced by the students was the immense traffic on city roads and irregular flow of traffic. They also didn't have any substantiate data to assist them in their research.
" Since no such thing has ever happen in Mumbai we didn't have much data to rely on and have to start from scratch," said Hellstrom.
Faizan Jawed, a transport expert is mentoring the couple. He said " the idea is great and we will try and meet all the key people to try and implement this in reality as it would be very helpful for the city". Though during the research the government authorities have not shown any interest, the duo is hopeful that the government authorities would appreciate their efforts as they plan to send the proposal to the concerned officials once the project is finalized. " We would be finishing the final project by February- end and then would try to suggest the government to follow the module," said Berjstrom.
Plan to sack tainted babus even before their guilt is proven
A High powered experts committee has recommended that IAS and IPS officers be dismissed from service if a court of law frames criminal charges against them under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
If the proposal is accepted by the government, it could be the strongest- ever deterrent for civil servants who indulge in corrupt practices with impunity by taking advantage of the legal loopholes.
IAS and IPS officers suspended for graft could be dismissed if charges are framed.
The dismissal would be subject to the decision of the criminal trial and if the court exonerates the officer, he would be reinstated without his pay, seniority and other benefits being affected.
As a safeguard, the committee has proposed that an advisory board, comprising three retired Supreme Court judges, should scrutinise the chargesheet and give its opinion to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) within three weeks.
If the CVC concurs with the board’s advice, the officer in question would be dismissed by the President.
The ground- breaking recommendation - which would need an amendment in Article 311 of the Constitution — has been made by a panel set up to suggest measures on fast- tracking disciplinary and vigilance inquiries against government servants.
Headed by former Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) chairman P. C. Hota, the committee had former CVC P. Shankar and former personnel secretary Arvind Varma as its members.
It has recommended a similar arrangement for state government officers with the power of dismissal vested in the governor.
The committee said the big change was needed because “ in recent years, corruption among government servants has become endemic and has been eroding the confidence of the common man in governance”. To ensure that the dismissed officer does not face penury, it has recommended the payment of a “ compassionate monthly allowance” till the case is decided in court.
“ Such a deterrent is badly needed. A handful of corrupt officers have tainted the image of the All India Services and the government needs to deal sternly with the blacksheep in the IAS,” a joint secretary said.
The panel observed that many IAS and IPS officers, who have no scruples in aligning with their political masters in their parent cadre states, have amassed “ mindboggling sums of money” and “ equally mindboggling assets” using such patronage. The Centre has no power to intervene in such cases because of the federal set- up.
“ Adding to the sad scenario is the unfortunate experience that not all state governments act promptly and decisively in instances of obvious and gross corruption… Under these circumstances, there is a strong need for the central government - that is where the buck has to stop - to find ways of stepping in,” it said.
The committee said that to begin with, IAS and IPS officers found to be on the wrong side of the law with respect to central agencies such as the Central Board of Direct Taxes, Central Board of Excise and Customs, Directorate of Enforcement, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and Narcotics Control Bureau need to be severely dealt with.
It recommended that the Centre should amend the service rules and empower itself to start inquiry proceedings against such officers on the basis of the findings of one or more such central government agencies.
For instance, if an officer in a state amasses unaccounted- for income, the Centre would be able to take direct action against him.
If the proposal is accepted by the government, it could be the strongest- ever deterrent for civil servants who indulge in corrupt practices with impunity by taking advantage of the legal loopholes.
IAS and IPS officers suspended for graft could be dismissed if charges are framed.
The dismissal would be subject to the decision of the criminal trial and if the court exonerates the officer, he would be reinstated without his pay, seniority and other benefits being affected.
As a safeguard, the committee has proposed that an advisory board, comprising three retired Supreme Court judges, should scrutinise the chargesheet and give its opinion to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) within three weeks.
If the CVC concurs with the board’s advice, the officer in question would be dismissed by the President.
The ground- breaking recommendation - which would need an amendment in Article 311 of the Constitution — has been made by a panel set up to suggest measures on fast- tracking disciplinary and vigilance inquiries against government servants.
Headed by former Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) chairman P. C. Hota, the committee had former CVC P. Shankar and former personnel secretary Arvind Varma as its members.
It has recommended a similar arrangement for state government officers with the power of dismissal vested in the governor.
The committee said the big change was needed because “ in recent years, corruption among government servants has become endemic and has been eroding the confidence of the common man in governance”. To ensure that the dismissed officer does not face penury, it has recommended the payment of a “ compassionate monthly allowance” till the case is decided in court.
“ Such a deterrent is badly needed. A handful of corrupt officers have tainted the image of the All India Services and the government needs to deal sternly with the blacksheep in the IAS,” a joint secretary said.
The panel observed that many IAS and IPS officers, who have no scruples in aligning with their political masters in their parent cadre states, have amassed “ mindboggling sums of money” and “ equally mindboggling assets” using such patronage. The Centre has no power to intervene in such cases because of the federal set- up.
“ Adding to the sad scenario is the unfortunate experience that not all state governments act promptly and decisively in instances of obvious and gross corruption… Under these circumstances, there is a strong need for the central government - that is where the buck has to stop - to find ways of stepping in,” it said.
The committee said that to begin with, IAS and IPS officers found to be on the wrong side of the law with respect to central agencies such as the Central Board of Direct Taxes, Central Board of Excise and Customs, Directorate of Enforcement, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and Narcotics Control Bureau need to be severely dealt with.
It recommended that the Centre should amend the service rules and empower itself to start inquiry proceedings against such officers on the basis of the findings of one or more such central government agencies.
For instance, if an officer in a state amasses unaccounted- for income, the Centre would be able to take direct action against him.
Matter of time before FIH recognises Gill’s body
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) may be finally coming around to recognising the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) after the KPS Gill - led body received government backing. The sports ministry has informed FIH that it has derecognised Hockey India (HI), which is currently supported by the world body.
In fact, FIH vice- president Antonio von Ondarza was in the Capital as observer for the HI elections on Thursday which pitted 82 year old Vidya Stokes against former national captain Pargat Singh.
When asked about FIH’s stand after the latest government decision, the world body indicated that India had to deal with the issue itself. “ As this is an internal affair, the FIH will not comment on this,” FIH communications manager Arjen Meijer said in reply to an e-mail on Saturday.
This reaction seems a bit strange as Ondarza himself has backed HI openly, even though many of the contestants had severe misgivings about the election process.
The FIH vice- president had even said that the world body fully backed HI and IHF did not exist for them.
Meijer indicated that whichever body satisfied the world body’s conditions will be considered the national federation.
“ However, only a national hockey association that is in confirmation with the FIH statutes can be recognised as official national body for hockey in its country.” It means that once IHF and the Indian Women’s Hockey Federation merge, and if the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) grants them affiliation, they could be in line for FIH recognition.
The unification progress is well under way and several meetings have already taken place. “ We only need to tie up the loose ends and finalise a detailed programme about our constitution,” KPS Gill said. Elections of the merged body will take place after that, but Gill said he has no preference regarding his successor. He has made it clear that he will not contest again.
“I can’t say who will contest. Even those now associated with Hockey India are welcome to come back.” Gill said he would not mind if the former defender contests for the post of IHF president.
“Not at all, but I cannot pick and choose. Anyone who adheres to the government guidelines is welcome.” IWHF secretary Amrit Bose also has no objection to Pargat coming over.
“It’s for the general house to decide who it wants to induct. But all hockey players and hockey lovers are welcome,” Bose said.
Pargat is holding his horses for now.
“KPS Gill has said he is willing to talk with anybody, so we will have to think.
“I’m not running after any post. Let’s see how things take shape. But what use is any federation if it can’t send national teams for international events?” he quipped.
In fact, FIH vice- president Antonio von Ondarza was in the Capital as observer for the HI elections on Thursday which pitted 82 year old Vidya Stokes against former national captain Pargat Singh.
When asked about FIH’s stand after the latest government decision, the world body indicated that India had to deal with the issue itself. “ As this is an internal affair, the FIH will not comment on this,” FIH communications manager Arjen Meijer said in reply to an e-mail on Saturday.
This reaction seems a bit strange as Ondarza himself has backed HI openly, even though many of the contestants had severe misgivings about the election process.
The FIH vice- president had even said that the world body fully backed HI and IHF did not exist for them.
Meijer indicated that whichever body satisfied the world body’s conditions will be considered the national federation.
“ However, only a national hockey association that is in confirmation with the FIH statutes can be recognised as official national body for hockey in its country.” It means that once IHF and the Indian Women’s Hockey Federation merge, and if the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) grants them affiliation, they could be in line for FIH recognition.
The unification progress is well under way and several meetings have already taken place. “ We only need to tie up the loose ends and finalise a detailed programme about our constitution,” KPS Gill said. Elections of the merged body will take place after that, but Gill said he has no preference regarding his successor. He has made it clear that he will not contest again.
“I can’t say who will contest. Even those now associated with Hockey India are welcome to come back.” Gill said he would not mind if the former defender contests for the post of IHF president.
“Not at all, but I cannot pick and choose. Anyone who adheres to the government guidelines is welcome.” IWHF secretary Amrit Bose also has no objection to Pargat coming over.
“It’s for the general house to decide who it wants to induct. But all hockey players and hockey lovers are welcome,” Bose said.
Pargat is holding his horses for now.
“KPS Gill has said he is willing to talk with anybody, so we will have to think.
“I’m not running after any post. Let’s see how things take shape. But what use is any federation if it can’t send national teams for international events?” he quipped.
No takers for a busload of cash worth Rs 92 crore
The Indian authorities distaste for taking on responsibility is a well documented fact. But, on Friday night, their penchant for passing the buck took an embarrassing turn.
A Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation cargo bus carrying Rs 92 crore in cash shuttled between the RBI’s Jaipur office and police lines for five hours as neither the police nor RBI officials were willing to take custody of the bus.
The drama began at 6.15pm when the bus carrying ‘spoilt notes’ from the State Bank of India in Alwar, PNB’s Manu Marg Branch of Alwar, and State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur’s two branches in Kotputli and Shahpura reached Jaipur.
As the bus reached 75 minutes late and the RBI’s offices were closed by then, the officials refused to receive the money.
Consequently, the bus was taken to the police impound — only to be brought back at the RBI office around midnight, where it remained parked until the matter was resolved.
The impasse was finally bridged and the money deposited after the intervention of Union minister of state for finance Namo Narayan Meena, who had a word with an RBI deputy governor in Mumbai, sources said.
On board the bus were officers of the respective banks, one of whom reported its arrival to S. N. Panda, the RBI regional general manager.
Panda replied to the bank officer that as RBI offices were closed at 5pm, the money could not be accepted, Jaipur (east) SP Hawa Singh Ghumaria said.
According to Panda, the RBI officials had simply followed protocol in refusing to receive the money.
Security protocol dictates that the transfer required at least 15 employees to be present — each having a specific role in securing the cargo, RBI sources revealed.
Moreover, banks possessing soiled currency are supposed to intimate the RBI two- three days prior to transportation. In the event of a delay, the RBI is not supposed to take custody of the notes, said an RBI officer.
As per set norms, Panda added, it should have been either remanded into the custody of the local police station or impounded to the police lots.
But the police authorities continued to pressure bank officials to accept the money which was not possible as the staff had already left, he pointed out.
Panda refused to budge even when Jaipur IG B.L.Soni tried to persuade him.
As the stalemate continued, the police issued an alert after which the bus was taken to the police impound around 10pm and brought back to the RBI building at 11.30pm after the high- level intervention.
Panda, who had gone home by then, was forced to rouse the bank’s cash handling team and send them back to take custody of the money.
A Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation cargo bus carrying Rs 92 crore in cash shuttled between the RBI’s Jaipur office and police lines for five hours as neither the police nor RBI officials were willing to take custody of the bus.
The drama began at 6.15pm when the bus carrying ‘spoilt notes’ from the State Bank of India in Alwar, PNB’s Manu Marg Branch of Alwar, and State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur’s two branches in Kotputli and Shahpura reached Jaipur.
As the bus reached 75 minutes late and the RBI’s offices were closed by then, the officials refused to receive the money.
Consequently, the bus was taken to the police impound — only to be brought back at the RBI office around midnight, where it remained parked until the matter was resolved.
The impasse was finally bridged and the money deposited after the intervention of Union minister of state for finance Namo Narayan Meena, who had a word with an RBI deputy governor in Mumbai, sources said.
On board the bus were officers of the respective banks, one of whom reported its arrival to S. N. Panda, the RBI regional general manager.
Panda replied to the bank officer that as RBI offices were closed at 5pm, the money could not be accepted, Jaipur (east) SP Hawa Singh Ghumaria said.
According to Panda, the RBI officials had simply followed protocol in refusing to receive the money.
Security protocol dictates that the transfer required at least 15 employees to be present — each having a specific role in securing the cargo, RBI sources revealed.
Moreover, banks possessing soiled currency are supposed to intimate the RBI two- three days prior to transportation. In the event of a delay, the RBI is not supposed to take custody of the notes, said an RBI officer.
As per set norms, Panda added, it should have been either remanded into the custody of the local police station or impounded to the police lots.
But the police authorities continued to pressure bank officials to accept the money which was not possible as the staff had already left, he pointed out.
Panda refused to budge even when Jaipur IG B.L.Soni tried to persuade him.
As the stalemate continued, the police issued an alert after which the bus was taken to the police impound around 10pm and brought back to the RBI building at 11.30pm after the high- level intervention.
Panda, who had gone home by then, was forced to rouse the bank’s cash handling team and send them back to take custody of the money.
Panel wanted Darbari and Mohindroo to be fired
The affairs of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (CWG OC) remain mired in intrigue. A day after the CWG executive board decided to suspend tainted joint director- general T. S. Darbari and deputy director- general Sanjay Mohindroo, it has come to light that the probe panel had actually recommended their sacking.
The three- member committee was appointed by OC chairman Suresh Kalmadi to probe the Queen’s Baton Relay scam in London last October. It is learnt that OC chief executive officer Jarnail Singh, special director- general (finance) G. C. Chaturvedi and chief vigilance officer Gurjyot Kaur had submitted that Darbari and Mohindroo “ be sacked” as they had played big roles in the scam.
However, Ram Mohan, a legal expert of the OC, said at the executive board meeting that since the ED was probing the case, “ it was not possible to sack the two”. So the question now being asked in the corridors of power is whether someone is trying to shield Darbari, who has been a powerful aide of Kalmadi.
Insiders revealed on the condition of anonymity that three days ago Darbari was actually threatening OC members against taking any drastic action against him, saying that “ he would expose them all”. On Friday, the sports ministry also slammed the OC for letting Darbari and Mohindroo get away with just “ a suspension”. Sources said the ministry has written a letter to the OC stating that the two should be sacked.
The letter says: “ In the light of this position where the nation’s prestige is at stake, placing the two officers... under suspension is not adequate. They should be relieved immediately...” The sports ministry has also written to revenue secretary Sunil Mitra that prompt action should be taken against Darbari as there is already a customs case pending against him.
It may be recalled that in January, Darbari was accused of smuggling a ring worth Rs 40 lakh into India through a courier.
Sources said the letter to Mitra notes that since the inquiry into it is still on and with the new case relating to the baton scam also out in the open now, the cases should be solved at the earliest.
Another interesting aspect in the OC scandal relates to M. Jaychandran of the finance and accounts committee, who was also suspended on Thursday. He had apparently worked with Kalmadi when the latter was the minister of state for railways in 1995- 96 in the P. V. Narasimha Rao government.
The three- member committee was appointed by OC chairman Suresh Kalmadi to probe the Queen’s Baton Relay scam in London last October. It is learnt that OC chief executive officer Jarnail Singh, special director- general (finance) G. C. Chaturvedi and chief vigilance officer Gurjyot Kaur had submitted that Darbari and Mohindroo “ be sacked” as they had played big roles in the scam.
However, Ram Mohan, a legal expert of the OC, said at the executive board meeting that since the ED was probing the case, “ it was not possible to sack the two”. So the question now being asked in the corridors of power is whether someone is trying to shield Darbari, who has been a powerful aide of Kalmadi.
Insiders revealed on the condition of anonymity that three days ago Darbari was actually threatening OC members against taking any drastic action against him, saying that “ he would expose them all”. On Friday, the sports ministry also slammed the OC for letting Darbari and Mohindroo get away with just “ a suspension”. Sources said the ministry has written a letter to the OC stating that the two should be sacked.
The letter says: “ In the light of this position where the nation’s prestige is at stake, placing the two officers... under suspension is not adequate. They should be relieved immediately...” The sports ministry has also written to revenue secretary Sunil Mitra that prompt action should be taken against Darbari as there is already a customs case pending against him.
It may be recalled that in January, Darbari was accused of smuggling a ring worth Rs 40 lakh into India through a courier.
Sources said the letter to Mitra notes that since the inquiry into it is still on and with the new case relating to the baton scam also out in the open now, the cases should be solved at the earliest.
Another interesting aspect in the OC scandal relates to M. Jaychandran of the finance and accounts committee, who was also suspended on Thursday. He had apparently worked with Kalmadi when the latter was the minister of state for railways in 1995- 96 in the P. V. Narasimha Rao government.
Maoists try to drive a wedge between CPM & its allies
Unleashing a psychological war of words, the CPI ( Maoist) has shot off an “ abusive” letter to three allies of the CPM, asking them to sever ties with the party that has ruled West Bengal since 1977.
The three- page letter dated July 26, penned on behalf of the CPI ( Maoist) central committee by Kishenji, attacks the Communist Party of India ( CPI), Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) and All India Forward Bloc ( AIFB) for supporting the “ nefarious designs” of the “ mealy mouthed” Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee government.
The contents of the missive, which landed at the central office of one of the three CPM allies in the Capital on Wednesday, indicate that the Maoists intend to demoralise the Left Front constituents in the run- up to the state assembly elections, slated for early next year.
The four Left parties are facing their toughest ever electoral challenge in the state from the Trinamool Congress- Congress combine.
The timing of the letter is crucial because many social activists and Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee have planned a rally on August 9 in Lalgarh, the symbolic hotbed of Maoist insurgency and “ state repression” in Bengal.
The march is scheduled to end with the hoisting of the Tricolour on the Independence Day. The protesters’ pretext for doing so is to defy the “ unannounced curfew” clamped by the Left Front government through the imposition of Section 144 in the region.
The letter written in English, accuses the three Left parties of toeing the CPM’s line of holding the Maoists responsible for the May 28 Gyaneswari Express accident in West Midnapore district in which nearly 150 people were killed.
The letter describes the derailment as a “ conspiracy” hatched by the CPM but goes soft on Mamata.
A senior leader of the Left Front ally which received the letter said: “ Hasn’t the CBI probe pointed towards the involvement of the Maoists in the accident?” “ We take no cognisance of such abusive communication. What are they ( Maoists) doing? They are basically using the gun to kill innocent people. They have a habit of writing to us when they are in trouble,” the Left leader said.
In the letter, the Maoists have overplayed the fact that their activities were taking place in the tribal- dominated districts of Bengal, and used it as an alibi to charge the three Left parties with “ betraying” the Santhal revolt that rocked the region in the mid 19th century.
But the Left leader deflected the argument.
“ Who among their leaders is a tribal? Kishenji is not a Santhal, nor was Azad. Is Ganapathy, their general secretary, a tribal? Their so- called concern for adivasi s is mere lip- service,” he said.
Kishenji, who calls the Bengal CM an “ agent of Vedanta Corporation” in the letter, has attempted to provoke the allies for being hand- in- glove with the CPM, perceived as corporate- friendly in Bengal.
But the Left leader hit back saying the Maoists were soft towards corporate majors, which was evident from their selective targeting of the public sector undertakings in the violence- hit regions.
The Maoists know the three allies differed over some decisions of the state government, including the handling of the protests at Nandigram and Singur.
The three- page letter dated July 26, penned on behalf of the CPI ( Maoist) central committee by Kishenji, attacks the Communist Party of India ( CPI), Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) and All India Forward Bloc ( AIFB) for supporting the “ nefarious designs” of the “ mealy mouthed” Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee government.
The contents of the missive, which landed at the central office of one of the three CPM allies in the Capital on Wednesday, indicate that the Maoists intend to demoralise the Left Front constituents in the run- up to the state assembly elections, slated for early next year.
The four Left parties are facing their toughest ever electoral challenge in the state from the Trinamool Congress- Congress combine.
The timing of the letter is crucial because many social activists and Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee have planned a rally on August 9 in Lalgarh, the symbolic hotbed of Maoist insurgency and “ state repression” in Bengal.
The march is scheduled to end with the hoisting of the Tricolour on the Independence Day. The protesters’ pretext for doing so is to defy the “ unannounced curfew” clamped by the Left Front government through the imposition of Section 144 in the region.
The letter written in English, accuses the three Left parties of toeing the CPM’s line of holding the Maoists responsible for the May 28 Gyaneswari Express accident in West Midnapore district in which nearly 150 people were killed.
The letter describes the derailment as a “ conspiracy” hatched by the CPM but goes soft on Mamata.
A senior leader of the Left Front ally which received the letter said: “ Hasn’t the CBI probe pointed towards the involvement of the Maoists in the accident?” “ We take no cognisance of such abusive communication. What are they ( Maoists) doing? They are basically using the gun to kill innocent people. They have a habit of writing to us when they are in trouble,” the Left leader said.
In the letter, the Maoists have overplayed the fact that their activities were taking place in the tribal- dominated districts of Bengal, and used it as an alibi to charge the three Left parties with “ betraying” the Santhal revolt that rocked the region in the mid 19th century.
But the Left leader deflected the argument.
“ Who among their leaders is a tribal? Kishenji is not a Santhal, nor was Azad. Is Ganapathy, their general secretary, a tribal? Their so- called concern for adivasi s is mere lip- service,” he said.
Kishenji, who calls the Bengal CM an “ agent of Vedanta Corporation” in the letter, has attempted to provoke the allies for being hand- in- glove with the CPM, perceived as corporate- friendly in Bengal.
But the Left leader hit back saying the Maoists were soft towards corporate majors, which was evident from their selective targeting of the public sector undertakings in the violence- hit regions.
The Maoists know the three allies differed over some decisions of the state government, including the handling of the protests at Nandigram and Singur.
Treasurer targeted for exposing baton scam?
Anil Khanna resigned from the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (OC) as treasurer on Thursday “ to maintain the dignity of his family”. On a day of dramatic developments, when Khanna should actually have been attending the CWG executive board meeting, he decided to quit after two newspapers raised doubts over his son Aditya Khanna’s involvement in the tennis project in the Capital.
“ There’s something fishy and deliberate in documents being leaked just a day before such an important meeting of the OC,” Khanna said. “ The truth is that my son is not involved in Rebound Ace getting the contract to lay tennis courts in the Capital. The company that won the bid — conducted by the DDA — on a lowest- tender basis was Rebound Ace of Australia,” Khanna clarified.
The two dailies had reported that there was a conflict of interest in the deal because the Indian distributors of Rebound Ace were Rebound Ace India Private Limited, whose Indian branch is headed by Khanna’s son.
Insiders told M AIL T ODAY that “ Khanna had serious differences with the OC on several key issues”. Having been forced to take up the treasurer’s job in January after A. K. Mattoo had abruptly quit, Khanna felt the OC was not working in a proper manner.
It is no secret that on Wednesday Khanna had a long meeting with OC secretary general Lalit Bhanot and vice- chairman Randhir Singh. While no one was willing to come on record as to why the meeting stretched up to three hours, it is reliably learnt that Khanna had raised the issue of T. S. Darbari and Sanjay Mohindroo’s roles in the Queen’s Baton Relay in London last October. And he ‘ got fixed’ for it the next morning. “ For over two months, I was contemplating quitting the treasurer’s post. I did not quit today because my son is involved, but I quit because I am hurt by the allegations made against me and the manner in which it was done through the media,” Khanna said.
“ I never took a single rupee as salary from the OC, and I also made it clear that I would not sign cheques. I had made it amply evident that my job was in an advisory capacity, and I was not there to get involved on a daily basis,” Khanna said. In Khanna’s view, the OC is like an MNC where the amount of money involved is so huge that professionals are needed to manage it. “ I tried to do my job as treasurer in the best possible way.
Even today I told my secretary to pass on audited papers to the executive board,” Khanna added, who informed Suresh Kalmadi that he was quitting.
“ I wish to set the record straight now. Just because Aditya Khanna’s father is a tennis administrator does not mean he cannot be involved in the business of tennis. There are other officials in the All India Tennis Association who had already given in writing to the body that they were involved in the business of laying tennis courts,” he said.
M AIL T ODAY accessed the tender papers of three companies which were involved in the bidding process conducted by the DDA. They were Deco Turf from Massachusetts, US, Plexipave from Massachusetts, US and Rebound Ace from Queensland, Australia.
“ Rebound Ace was the cheapest and the total cost for the 14 courts was Rs.119 lakh.
This works out to roughly Rs.8.5 lakh per court.
Other bids were for a much higher price and, in fact, the government has now saved over Rs. 50 lakh in the project,” Khanna said, adding: “ There is no financial impropriety in it and this is not like the overlay rentals for treadmills,” said Khanna.
When asked about the quality of Rebound Ace, since some Indian tennis players had rubbished it, Khanna said: “ People should not forget that the same surface was used at the Doha Asian Games where India did so well. Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi won the doubles medal and Leander teamed with Sania Mirza to win the mixed doubles medal as well.“ Rebound Ace is in the list of the International Tennis Federation and they will come to certify the courts installed in New Delhi. Only after that will their final payment be released,” said Khanna.
The bigger surprise was how the OC wasted little time in accepting Khanna’s resignation and made Mattoo as treasurer again.
“ There’s something fishy and deliberate in documents being leaked just a day before such an important meeting of the OC,” Khanna said. “ The truth is that my son is not involved in Rebound Ace getting the contract to lay tennis courts in the Capital. The company that won the bid — conducted by the DDA — on a lowest- tender basis was Rebound Ace of Australia,” Khanna clarified.
The two dailies had reported that there was a conflict of interest in the deal because the Indian distributors of Rebound Ace were Rebound Ace India Private Limited, whose Indian branch is headed by Khanna’s son.
Insiders told M AIL T ODAY that “ Khanna had serious differences with the OC on several key issues”. Having been forced to take up the treasurer’s job in January after A. K. Mattoo had abruptly quit, Khanna felt the OC was not working in a proper manner.
It is no secret that on Wednesday Khanna had a long meeting with OC secretary general Lalit Bhanot and vice- chairman Randhir Singh. While no one was willing to come on record as to why the meeting stretched up to three hours, it is reliably learnt that Khanna had raised the issue of T. S. Darbari and Sanjay Mohindroo’s roles in the Queen’s Baton Relay in London last October. And he ‘ got fixed’ for it the next morning. “ For over two months, I was contemplating quitting the treasurer’s post. I did not quit today because my son is involved, but I quit because I am hurt by the allegations made against me and the manner in which it was done through the media,” Khanna said.
“ I never took a single rupee as salary from the OC, and I also made it clear that I would not sign cheques. I had made it amply evident that my job was in an advisory capacity, and I was not there to get involved on a daily basis,” Khanna said. In Khanna’s view, the OC is like an MNC where the amount of money involved is so huge that professionals are needed to manage it. “ I tried to do my job as treasurer in the best possible way.
Even today I told my secretary to pass on audited papers to the executive board,” Khanna added, who informed Suresh Kalmadi that he was quitting.
“ I wish to set the record straight now. Just because Aditya Khanna’s father is a tennis administrator does not mean he cannot be involved in the business of tennis. There are other officials in the All India Tennis Association who had already given in writing to the body that they were involved in the business of laying tennis courts,” he said.
M AIL T ODAY accessed the tender papers of three companies which were involved in the bidding process conducted by the DDA. They were Deco Turf from Massachusetts, US, Plexipave from Massachusetts, US and Rebound Ace from Queensland, Australia.
“ Rebound Ace was the cheapest and the total cost for the 14 courts was Rs.119 lakh.
This works out to roughly Rs.8.5 lakh per court.
Other bids were for a much higher price and, in fact, the government has now saved over Rs. 50 lakh in the project,” Khanna said, adding: “ There is no financial impropriety in it and this is not like the overlay rentals for treadmills,” said Khanna.
When asked about the quality of Rebound Ace, since some Indian tennis players had rubbished it, Khanna said: “ People should not forget that the same surface was used at the Doha Asian Games where India did so well. Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi won the doubles medal and Leander teamed with Sania Mirza to win the mixed doubles medal as well.“ Rebound Ace is in the list of the International Tennis Federation and they will come to certify the courts installed in New Delhi. Only after that will their final payment be released,” said Khanna.
The bigger surprise was how the OC wasted little time in accepting Khanna’s resignation and made Mattoo as treasurer again.
No conviction for just dowry demand
The Supreme Court has said the in- laws can’t be convicted in cruelty and dowry death cases if the victim or her relatives merely allege cruelty or harassment for dowry without citing specific instances.
“ A prosecution witness who merely uses the word ‘ harassed’ or ‘ tortured’ and does not describe the exact conduct of the accused which, according to him, amounted to harassment or torture may not be believed by the court in cases under Sections 498A and 304B of the IPC,” a bench comprising Justices R. M. Lodha and A. K. Patnaik said.
The bench stressed that the benefit of doubt could be given to the accused in such cases.
Upholding the acquittal of the mother- in- law and younger brother of the husband of a woman who died under mysterious circumstances, the bench said “ the act” of subjecting a woman to cruelty or harassment for dowry had to be established by the prosecution.
Though the court upheld the husband’s conviction, it decided to give the benefit of doubt to his mother and younger brother.
The deceased’s father stated that his daughter talked about harassment by her mother- in- law but did not state the “ exact act” which made his daughter feel harassed, the court pointed out.
Regarding the case of the husband, the court said it was brought on record that he taunted his wife, saying she had come from a “ hungry house”. Thus, there was evidence about his “ exact conduct” — which was absent in the case of his mother or brother.
Though the victim’s brother deposed that his sister complained that her mother- in- law used to “ torture” and “ taunt” her for not bringing dowry, the court said he did not describe the “ exact conduct” on account of which she felt “ tortured and taunted”. “ What is punishable under Section 498A or 304B is the act of cruelty or harassment by the husband or his relative,” the court said.
“ A prosecution witness who merely uses the word ‘ harassed’ or ‘ tortured’ and does not describe the exact conduct of the accused which, according to him, amounted to harassment or torture may not be believed by the court in cases under Sections 498A and 304B of the IPC,” a bench comprising Justices R. M. Lodha and A. K. Patnaik said.
The bench stressed that the benefit of doubt could be given to the accused in such cases.
Upholding the acquittal of the mother- in- law and younger brother of the husband of a woman who died under mysterious circumstances, the bench said “ the act” of subjecting a woman to cruelty or harassment for dowry had to be established by the prosecution.
Though the court upheld the husband’s conviction, it decided to give the benefit of doubt to his mother and younger brother.
The deceased’s father stated that his daughter talked about harassment by her mother- in- law but did not state the “ exact act” which made his daughter feel harassed, the court pointed out.
Regarding the case of the husband, the court said it was brought on record that he taunted his wife, saying she had come from a “ hungry house”. Thus, there was evidence about his “ exact conduct” — which was absent in the case of his mother or brother.
Though the victim’s brother deposed that his sister complained that her mother- in- law used to “ torture” and “ taunt” her for not bringing dowry, the court said he did not describe the “ exact conduct” on account of which she felt “ tortured and taunted”. “ What is punishable under Section 498A or 304B is the act of cruelty or harassment by the husband or his relative,” the court said.
CAG had warned that delays could compromise transparency
It appears that allegations of financial irregularities in various Commonwealth Games projects are not without a basis. In its report “Preparedness for CWG 2010”, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had suspected of such anomalies last year itself.
The report had raised concern over delays in various Games projects. It had also warned the authorities concerned that such delays would mean risking transparency and accountability. In the context of one project, the report clearly stated, “ We are concerned that the bunching of procurement and other decisions within the shortened timeframes… carries with it the risk of compromised transparency and accountability.” It now appears that the agencies concerned did not pay attention to such warnings. The report was compiled in July, 2009 and whose copies were sent to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the chief minister and the lieutenant governor of Delhi, as well as Organising Committee (OC) chairman Suresh Kalmadi. The purpose was to apprise them of delays, bottlenecks and failures in various Games projects well in advance so that proper steps could be taken for course correction. “ We have prepared this report with the avowed intention of providing an aid to the executives and organisers in monitoring progress and making mid- course corrections,” the report said.
Like any big event, the bid document for CWG- 2010 envisaged a four- phased approach. However, those four phases remained only on paper, the report pointed out. Even the two key planning documents, the General Organisation Plan and Games Master Schedule, should have been ready by May 2004.
These were finalised for Commonwealth Games Federation’s approval only in August 2007 and November 2008, respectively. Similarly, the test event strategy, for which the original timeframe was October 2008, had not been finalised till the conclusion of audit.
The report strongly suggested, “ We encourage the OC to recognise that the delayed preparation of the planning documents risks impacting timely, safe and effective execution.” The report also cautioned about traffic problems in the city because of delinking of some flyover projects from the CWG by the PWD. The report says that six out of 35 flyover and bridge projects being implemented by the PWD for the Games had not commenced as of May 2009. Of these, the report had flagged three projects (elevated east- west corridor, BSZ Marg flyover and Shastri Park tunnel) as critical for the Games. In response to the draft report, the PWD had indicated that all six projects had been delinked from the CWG. “ While we recognise that delinking was a practical choice, we note that this decision will have adverse traffic management implications... ” The CWG- 2010 is to be revenue neutral. However, the CWG report raised doubt over this.
The report mentioned that of the projected revenue of Rs.1,780 crore, only Rs.214 crore had been firmed up so far. “ Despite the claim of the OC, we are unable to derive assurance that the organisation of the Games would be revenue neutral in cash terms,” the report says.
The report had raised concern over delays in various Games projects. It had also warned the authorities concerned that such delays would mean risking transparency and accountability. In the context of one project, the report clearly stated, “ We are concerned that the bunching of procurement and other decisions within the shortened timeframes… carries with it the risk of compromised transparency and accountability.” It now appears that the agencies concerned did not pay attention to such warnings. The report was compiled in July, 2009 and whose copies were sent to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the chief minister and the lieutenant governor of Delhi, as well as Organising Committee (OC) chairman Suresh Kalmadi. The purpose was to apprise them of delays, bottlenecks and failures in various Games projects well in advance so that proper steps could be taken for course correction. “ We have prepared this report with the avowed intention of providing an aid to the executives and organisers in monitoring progress and making mid- course corrections,” the report said.
Like any big event, the bid document for CWG- 2010 envisaged a four- phased approach. However, those four phases remained only on paper, the report pointed out. Even the two key planning documents, the General Organisation Plan and Games Master Schedule, should have been ready by May 2004.
These were finalised for Commonwealth Games Federation’s approval only in August 2007 and November 2008, respectively. Similarly, the test event strategy, for which the original timeframe was October 2008, had not been finalised till the conclusion of audit.
The report strongly suggested, “ We encourage the OC to recognise that the delayed preparation of the planning documents risks impacting timely, safe and effective execution.” The report also cautioned about traffic problems in the city because of delinking of some flyover projects from the CWG by the PWD. The report says that six out of 35 flyover and bridge projects being implemented by the PWD for the Games had not commenced as of May 2009. Of these, the report had flagged three projects (elevated east- west corridor, BSZ Marg flyover and Shastri Park tunnel) as critical for the Games. In response to the draft report, the PWD had indicated that all six projects had been delinked from the CWG. “ While we recognise that delinking was a practical choice, we note that this decision will have adverse traffic management implications... ” The CWG- 2010 is to be revenue neutral. However, the CWG report raised doubt over this.
The report mentioned that of the projected revenue of Rs.1,780 crore, only Rs.214 crore had been firmed up so far. “ Despite the claim of the OC, we are unable to derive assurance that the organisation of the Games would be revenue neutral in cash terms,” the report says.
Prince who found & lost his estate
Mohammad Amir Mohammad Khan alias Sulaiman Mian, the former Raja of Mahmudabad in Uttar Pradesh’s Sitapur district, has once again lost his ‘ princely estate’. The former king had been restored his vast property in 2005 after a prolonged legal battle. But a recent central ordinance has changed all that.
Within hours of receiving the order to reclaim Mian’s ‘enemy property’, the Sitapur administration began the process to attach his vast property. Work is on to take possession of over 100 buildings and 367 hectares of land — all belonging to Mian — in Lucknow, Lakhimpur Kheri and Barabanki (Uttar Pradesh) and Nainital (Uttarakhand).
The property is valued at Rs 5,000 crore.
After Partition, Mian’s father left for Pakistan in 1957. But his mother Begum Kaneez Abdi and he stayed back in India.
In 1962, the Centre declared that the property of those who had migrated to Pakistan would be identified as ‘ Evacuee Property’. In 1965, it was renamed as ‘ Enemy Property’. Following repeated requests by Mian, the Union commerce ministry in 1981 decided to return him 25 per cent of his ancestral property. But he was not satisfied. In September 2005, the Supreme Court ruled in his favour and asked the government to hand over all his property.
But an ordinance issued by President Pratibha Patil last week — whereby even courts are not entitled to alter the status of any ‘ enemy property’ — has put Mian back to square one.
Sitapur district magistrate Sanjay Kumar said many buildings, which were used by the government before they were vacated in 2005, would be taken back. “ We have got a copy of the ordinance that empowers us to take possession of the enemy property,” he said.
“ The king is in Delhi for some treatment. We will release a statement after consulting him,” Anwar Hussain, the former king’s secretary, said.
Mian, a Cambridge graduate, is considered to be an epitome of Shia culture in Lucknow. He has always objected to the use of the term ‘ enemy property’. He says his forefathers may have moved to Pakistan, but he didn’t. He has stated several times that he is an Indian and would die one.
The landmark buildings belonging to the former ruler include Nainital’s Metropole Hotel, on 11 acres. It was built by the British in 1880 and bought by Mian’s grandfather in the 1920s.
In Lucknow, there is the ‘Jewel of Mahmudabad Crown’, popularly known as Butler Palace, which was built in 1919. Mian had been toying with the idea of converting it into a heritage hotel for some time.
The Lawrie Building and the Mahmudabad Mansion in Hazratganj are the other famous buildings in Lucknow.
There is also the Mahmudabad House, where the 1916 Lucknow Pact was signed.
Within hours of receiving the order to reclaim Mian’s ‘enemy property’, the Sitapur administration began the process to attach his vast property. Work is on to take possession of over 100 buildings and 367 hectares of land — all belonging to Mian — in Lucknow, Lakhimpur Kheri and Barabanki (Uttar Pradesh) and Nainital (Uttarakhand).
The property is valued at Rs 5,000 crore.
After Partition, Mian’s father left for Pakistan in 1957. But his mother Begum Kaneez Abdi and he stayed back in India.
In 1962, the Centre declared that the property of those who had migrated to Pakistan would be identified as ‘ Evacuee Property’. In 1965, it was renamed as ‘ Enemy Property’. Following repeated requests by Mian, the Union commerce ministry in 1981 decided to return him 25 per cent of his ancestral property. But he was not satisfied. In September 2005, the Supreme Court ruled in his favour and asked the government to hand over all his property.
But an ordinance issued by President Pratibha Patil last week — whereby even courts are not entitled to alter the status of any ‘ enemy property’ — has put Mian back to square one.
Sitapur district magistrate Sanjay Kumar said many buildings, which were used by the government before they were vacated in 2005, would be taken back. “ We have got a copy of the ordinance that empowers us to take possession of the enemy property,” he said.
“ The king is in Delhi for some treatment. We will release a statement after consulting him,” Anwar Hussain, the former king’s secretary, said.
Mian, a Cambridge graduate, is considered to be an epitome of Shia culture in Lucknow. He has always objected to the use of the term ‘ enemy property’. He says his forefathers may have moved to Pakistan, but he didn’t. He has stated several times that he is an Indian and would die one.
The landmark buildings belonging to the former ruler include Nainital’s Metropole Hotel, on 11 acres. It was built by the British in 1880 and bought by Mian’s grandfather in the 1920s.
In Lucknow, there is the ‘Jewel of Mahmudabad Crown’, popularly known as Butler Palace, which was built in 1919. Mian had been toying with the idea of converting it into a heritage hotel for some time.
The Lawrie Building and the Mahmudabad Mansion in Hazratganj are the other famous buildings in Lucknow.
There is also the Mahmudabad House, where the 1916 Lucknow Pact was signed.
Kalmadi sets up panel to inquire into money mess
On a day when the embattled Commonwealth Games organising committee (OC) chairman Suresh Kalmadi constituted a three- member panel to probe the alleged financial irregularities, it emerged that Ashish Patel, whose company is involved in dealings, was disqualified for seven years by the UK registrar of companies (RoC) this March.
Kalmadi caved in to mounting pressure over financial irregularities in deals with the UK- based AM Cars and Vans and AM Films and set up a three- member committee, headed by OC chief executive Jarnail Singh. The other members in the committee are GC Chaturvedi, special director general (finance), and chief vigilance officer Gurjyot Kaur.
The main issue under the scanner is the hiring of digital screen and other equipment for the start of Queen’s Baton Relay function at Buckingham Palace in London on October 29 last year.
It is alleged that the OC paid £ 2.45 lakh for its services hired for the function at which Indian President Pratibha Patil was also present. Kalmadi has, however, denied any wrongdoing.
But it has been revealed by the UK RoC that Patel was disqualified as a director on March 17 this year for seven years, till March 16, 2017. The RoC has cited Section 7 of the Company Directors Disqualification Act, 1986, for barring Patel. The section particularly deals with disqualification procedures and reasons for a director of an insolvent firm.
Meanwhile, the decision to set up the probe panel came just hours after Kalmadi was summoned by external affairs minister SM Krishna over the authenticity of the letters issued by the Indian High Commission in UK that the OC chief has furnished in his defence.
“ He (Kalmadi) sought time yesterday and went to see Mr Krishna to discuss the issue,” OC secretary general Lalit Bhanot said on Tuesday.
Kalmadi caved in to mounting pressure over financial irregularities in deals with the UK- based AM Cars and Vans and AM Films and set up a three- member committee, headed by OC chief executive Jarnail Singh. The other members in the committee are GC Chaturvedi, special director general (finance), and chief vigilance officer Gurjyot Kaur.
The main issue under the scanner is the hiring of digital screen and other equipment for the start of Queen’s Baton Relay function at Buckingham Palace in London on October 29 last year.
It is alleged that the OC paid £ 2.45 lakh for its services hired for the function at which Indian President Pratibha Patil was also present. Kalmadi has, however, denied any wrongdoing.
But it has been revealed by the UK RoC that Patel was disqualified as a director on March 17 this year for seven years, till March 16, 2017. The RoC has cited Section 7 of the Company Directors Disqualification Act, 1986, for barring Patel. The section particularly deals with disqualification procedures and reasons for a director of an insolvent firm.
Meanwhile, the decision to set up the probe panel came just hours after Kalmadi was summoned by external affairs minister SM Krishna over the authenticity of the letters issued by the Indian High Commission in UK that the OC chief has furnished in his defence.
“ He (Kalmadi) sought time yesterday and went to see Mr Krishna to discuss the issue,” OC secretary general Lalit Bhanot said on Tuesday.
Centre sees red on green disaster Ganga highway
The Ministry of environment and forests has slammed Mayawati government’s proposal to construct an eightlane expressway along the bank of the Upper Ganga Canal.
The ministry said the project, if pursued, would lead to the destruction of around one lakh trees along the 148- km stretch from Sanauta in Gautam Budh Nagar to Purkazi in Muzaffarnagar district near the UP- Uttarakhand border.
The area also comprises two protected forests and a dense vegetation cover.
A report prepared by the ministry’s regional office in Lucknow pointed that the project was bound to affect the habitat of some endangered species such as snakes, blue bulls, monitor lizards, porcupines, foxes and jackals.
The Centre criticised the UP government for not making a proper environmental impact assessment of the project.
“ The state government is actively going ahead with the project that has huge repercussions on the forest cover and wildlife habitat in one of the richest forest stretches of UP,” a senior minister official said.
He said there were very few good forests in UP of which many were destroyed over past few years. “ There are very few measures to conserve them. Forests seem nowhere on their priority,” he added.
The report said the Upper Ganga Canal is a “ lifeline of a large track of Western UP” as it provides irrigation to the area.
The expressway is feared to pollute the canal that supplies water to Delhi, Noida and Ghaziabad. The Sonia Vihar treatment plant in Delhi and the Pratap Vihar plant are also fed through the canal.
In the meantime, work on the project is going on in full flow. The state government has conducted a survey and completed the demarcation work on the right bank of the canal for the expressway.
Sources said the state government is in the middle of the tender process and the parties to which the work would be awarded have also been finalised.
The UP government had submitted four proposals for seeking forest clearance from the ministry’s Lucknow office.
“ We returned the proposals and asked them to submit a consolidated proposal.
Since the area is more than 40 hectares, they will have to submit the plan directly to the ministry in Delhi,” chief conservator of forests from the ministry’s Lucknow regional office, Azam Zaidi, said.
The ministry also expressed doubts on the need for the expressway as two roads already connect Ghaziabad, Meerut and Muzaffarnagar with Uttarakhand.
The ministry said the project, if pursued, would lead to the destruction of around one lakh trees along the 148- km stretch from Sanauta in Gautam Budh Nagar to Purkazi in Muzaffarnagar district near the UP- Uttarakhand border.
The area also comprises two protected forests and a dense vegetation cover.
A report prepared by the ministry’s regional office in Lucknow pointed that the project was bound to affect the habitat of some endangered species such as snakes, blue bulls, monitor lizards, porcupines, foxes and jackals.
The Centre criticised the UP government for not making a proper environmental impact assessment of the project.
“ The state government is actively going ahead with the project that has huge repercussions on the forest cover and wildlife habitat in one of the richest forest stretches of UP,” a senior minister official said.
He said there were very few good forests in UP of which many were destroyed over past few years. “ There are very few measures to conserve them. Forests seem nowhere on their priority,” he added.
The report said the Upper Ganga Canal is a “ lifeline of a large track of Western UP” as it provides irrigation to the area.
The expressway is feared to pollute the canal that supplies water to Delhi, Noida and Ghaziabad. The Sonia Vihar treatment plant in Delhi and the Pratap Vihar plant are also fed through the canal.
In the meantime, work on the project is going on in full flow. The state government has conducted a survey and completed the demarcation work on the right bank of the canal for the expressway.
Sources said the state government is in the middle of the tender process and the parties to which the work would be awarded have also been finalised.
The UP government had submitted four proposals for seeking forest clearance from the ministry’s Lucknow office.
“ We returned the proposals and asked them to submit a consolidated proposal.
Since the area is more than 40 hectares, they will have to submit the plan directly to the ministry in Delhi,” chief conservator of forests from the ministry’s Lucknow regional office, Azam Zaidi, said.
The ministry also expressed doubts on the need for the expressway as two roads already connect Ghaziabad, Meerut and Muzaffarnagar with Uttarakhand.
Sibal makes vice chancellor apologies for sexist barb on women writers
Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishavidyalaya vice- chancellor ( V- C) V. N. Rai on Tuesday tendered an unconditional apology in writing for his comments on women writers.
The IPS officer was asked to do so by human resource development minister Kapil Sibal, who had summoned him.
Rai was widely criticized for calling women writers chhinal (prostitutes). In a recent interview to Bharatiya Jnanpith journal Naya Gyanyoday , he had said: “ Feminist discourse is now reduced to a grand celebration of infidelity.” In his defence, Rai had said his remarks were in his capacity as a writer and not as a V- C. But that failed to cut ice with the ministry, sources said.
He was told to don either the hat of a writer or that of the V-C. The ministry has also started an inquiry into the incident.
On Tuesday, women literatuers — led by CPM politburo member Brinda Karat — met Sibal. The writers and novelists had gathered under the banner of organisations such as Janvadi Lekhika Sangh, Dalit Lekhika Sangh and Jansanskriti Manch to protest against the V- C’s “ vulgar, lewd and disrespectful” comments.
Rai’s apology failed to pacify them and they pressed for the V- C’s removal. The writers could also approach President Pratibha Patil, who is also the university’s chancellor.
“ He is basically a police officer without any academic qualification, who believes in ‘ third degree’. His mentality towards women is also similar,” leading novelist Maitreyi Pushpa said after meeting Sibal.
Her autobiography had come under a veiled attack from the V- C. “ Rai hasn’t been nurtured as an academician and has no academic credentials.
He is unfit to be the V- C of any university,” Savita Singh of IGNOU’s gender and development studies department said. Describing Rai as “ feudal and patriarchal”, Singh added his remarks were “ not a slip of tongue” and revealed his mentality.
Rai had earlier faced flak for his casteist comments. “ He is known to be a casteist. That explains his antiwomen attitude too,” IGNOU’s Vimal Thorat said.
A few months ago, Dalit professor Lele Karunyakara had complained to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes that the V- C was harassing him for “ his caste prejudices”.
The IPS officer was asked to do so by human resource development minister Kapil Sibal, who had summoned him.
Rai was widely criticized for calling women writers chhinal (prostitutes). In a recent interview to Bharatiya Jnanpith journal Naya Gyanyoday , he had said: “ Feminist discourse is now reduced to a grand celebration of infidelity.” In his defence, Rai had said his remarks were in his capacity as a writer and not as a V- C. But that failed to cut ice with the ministry, sources said.
He was told to don either the hat of a writer or that of the V-C. The ministry has also started an inquiry into the incident.
On Tuesday, women literatuers — led by CPM politburo member Brinda Karat — met Sibal. The writers and novelists had gathered under the banner of organisations such as Janvadi Lekhika Sangh, Dalit Lekhika Sangh and Jansanskriti Manch to protest against the V- C’s “ vulgar, lewd and disrespectful” comments.
Rai’s apology failed to pacify them and they pressed for the V- C’s removal. The writers could also approach President Pratibha Patil, who is also the university’s chancellor.
“ He is basically a police officer without any academic qualification, who believes in ‘ third degree’. His mentality towards women is also similar,” leading novelist Maitreyi Pushpa said after meeting Sibal.
Her autobiography had come under a veiled attack from the V- C. “ Rai hasn’t been nurtured as an academician and has no academic credentials.
He is unfit to be the V- C of any university,” Savita Singh of IGNOU’s gender and development studies department said. Describing Rai as “ feudal and patriarchal”, Singh added his remarks were “ not a slip of tongue” and revealed his mentality.
Rai had earlier faced flak for his casteist comments. “ He is known to be a casteist. That explains his antiwomen attitude too,” IGNOU’s Vimal Thorat said.
A few months ago, Dalit professor Lele Karunyakara had complained to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes that the V- C was harassing him for “ his caste prejudices”.
Audit reveals shameful railway safety record
A CAG report on Tuesday in Parliament highlighted under utilization of safety funds, lack of safety audits, incomplete safety work at level crossings, and a large number of vacancies in safety category posts.
Reviewing the corporate safety plan formulated by the railways for 2003- 2013, with a fund outlay of Rs. 31,835 crore, the audit report said the ministry has fallen short on all targets.
The report said that less than 65 per cent of funds, allocated for road safety work, was utilised during 2003- 2009. “ Only 12.62 per cent of identified level crossings have been replaced ( with road over bridges) so far,” the report added.
The report also found that the railway administration had surrendered about 50 per cent or more of the funds allotted for road safety in this period. Not surprisingly, fatalities because of accidents at level crossings numbered 454 of the total 714 fatalities for 2005- 06 and 2007- 08.
The study revealed that the railways “ could not fully achieve the target of Phase I in providing ballast, improvement works at level crossings for road users’ safety”. The safety plan had proposed the replacement of locomotives that had completed its life span of 25 years, every year. However, the report found that of the 4,163 broad gauge diesel locomotives in use, 223 were over the age limit.
The report also found that road safety audit targets could not be met by many zones, while many did not maintain proper records of such drives.
While the overall accident figures had come down over the years, some types of accidents like those at level crossings and collisions had gone up in some zones, the report found.
Reviewing the corporate safety plan formulated by the railways for 2003- 2013, with a fund outlay of Rs. 31,835 crore, the audit report said the ministry has fallen short on all targets.
The report said that less than 65 per cent of funds, allocated for road safety work, was utilised during 2003- 2009. “ Only 12.62 per cent of identified level crossings have been replaced ( with road over bridges) so far,” the report added.
The report also found that the railway administration had surrendered about 50 per cent or more of the funds allotted for road safety in this period. Not surprisingly, fatalities because of accidents at level crossings numbered 454 of the total 714 fatalities for 2005- 06 and 2007- 08.
The study revealed that the railways “ could not fully achieve the target of Phase I in providing ballast, improvement works at level crossings for road users’ safety”. The safety plan had proposed the replacement of locomotives that had completed its life span of 25 years, every year. However, the report found that of the 4,163 broad gauge diesel locomotives in use, 223 were over the age limit.
The report also found that road safety audit targets could not be met by many zones, while many did not maintain proper records of such drives.
While the overall accident figures had come down over the years, some types of accidents like those at level crossings and collisions had gone up in some zones, the report found.
DRDO stealth radar to mislead enemy trackers
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is at an advanced stage of developing a state- of- the- art radar that helps aircraft and ships scan large swathes in a stealth mode.
The research organisation is at the product development stage of the Advanced Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar which sends its signals through numerous small transmitter and receives them back with small receiver modules over frequencies of different bandwidth, thus misleading a radar tracker, yet creating a better picture for situational awareness.
R. Kuller of the DRDO said on Monday that the radar would be ready for integration with weapons platforms by 2013, fulfiling the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the navy’s desperate need of these radars.
The radars will then be fitted to Tejas Mark II light combat aircraft and the existing and the future fleet of Sukhoi - 30 MKIs.
Boeing has offered F/ A 18 Super Hornet’s AN/ APG- 79 AESA radar to India on a full transfer of technology basis. The European Aerospace and Defence Systems (EADS), makers of the Eurofighter, have also made the offer of collaborating with the DRDO for developing the technology.
So has Israeli company Elta Systems.However, a DRDO source said: “ We don’t need any collaboration on the radar technology at this stage.”
The research organisation is at the product development stage of the Advanced Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar which sends its signals through numerous small transmitter and receives them back with small receiver modules over frequencies of different bandwidth, thus misleading a radar tracker, yet creating a better picture for situational awareness.
R. Kuller of the DRDO said on Monday that the radar would be ready for integration with weapons platforms by 2013, fulfiling the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the navy’s desperate need of these radars.
The radars will then be fitted to Tejas Mark II light combat aircraft and the existing and the future fleet of Sukhoi - 30 MKIs.
Boeing has offered F/ A 18 Super Hornet’s AN/ APG- 79 AESA radar to India on a full transfer of technology basis. The European Aerospace and Defence Systems (EADS), makers of the Eurofighter, have also made the offer of collaborating with the DRDO for developing the technology.
So has Israeli company Elta Systems.However, a DRDO source said: “ We don’t need any collaboration on the radar technology at this stage.”
Has Abhay replaced slain Azad as Maoist voice?
Abhay, a hitherto unknown name in the Maoist hierarchy, has reportedly replaced the slain politburo member Cherukuri Rajakumar alias Azad as the official spokesperson of the CPI (Maoist) central committee.
Azad, who was the intellectual face of the Maoists, was allegedly killed in an encounter with the police in the Adilabad forest, Andhra Pradesh, on June 29. And since then, the party has been struggling to fill the void.
There were a few statements recently from the Maoists’ regional committee spokespersons, such as Ajay of the north regional committee and Gudsa Usendi of the Dandakaranya regional committee.
But there has been no official comment from the Maoists on Azad’s replacement.
Intelligence sources, however, suspect that Abhay is none other than Mallojula Venugopal alias Sonu, the younger brother of the dreaded Maoist leader Mallojula Koteshwara Rao alias Kishenji.
“ Venugopal is also a central committee member and has been one of the members of the Maoist think tank. He has been leading the attacks on the security and paramilitary forces in Chhattisgarh and has a command in adapting to modern technology,” an official said.
In fact, it was Venugopal who had sent a condolence message for Azad on the occasion of his funeral and called upon the people to observe a week- long protest, besides the nationwide bandh on July 13 and 14.
Azad, who was the intellectual face of the Maoists, was allegedly killed in an encounter with the police in the Adilabad forest, Andhra Pradesh, on June 29. And since then, the party has been struggling to fill the void.
There were a few statements recently from the Maoists’ regional committee spokespersons, such as Ajay of the north regional committee and Gudsa Usendi of the Dandakaranya regional committee.
But there has been no official comment from the Maoists on Azad’s replacement.
Intelligence sources, however, suspect that Abhay is none other than Mallojula Venugopal alias Sonu, the younger brother of the dreaded Maoist leader Mallojula Koteshwara Rao alias Kishenji.
“ Venugopal is also a central committee member and has been one of the members of the Maoist think tank. He has been leading the attacks on the security and paramilitary forces in Chhattisgarh and has a command in adapting to modern technology,” an official said.
In fact, it was Venugopal who had sent a condolence message for Azad on the occasion of his funeral and called upon the people to observe a week- long protest, besides the nationwide bandh on July 13 and 14.
Metro gets set for longest run through Delhi’s belly
This month, the Delhi Metro will glide past yet another milestone as its line 2 stretches up to Qutab Minar. It is believed that the 24-km subterranean segment will be India’s longest underground tunnel for transport purposes.Delhi Metro’s line 2 has, from the outset, held special challenges for the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) engineers because it had to connect areas that were highly populated. Numerous other factors made the construction of elevated rail tracks unfeasible.
The tunnel, from Central Secretariat to Qutab Minar, is a part of the second phase of Metro’s expansion and will cover a distance of 12.53-km. When operations commence, it will be connected to the existing underground stretch from Central Secretariat to Guru Tegh Bahadur Nagar which is also 12-km long. So residents of north Delhi, keen for a glimpse of the Qutab, can have a nonstop 24-km run through the Capital’s underbelly.
According to DMRC officials, finishing touches are being given to the structure and trial runs are already taking place.
The tunnel stretch from Central Secretariat to Qutab was constructed by using two different methods, revealed DMRC officials.
Eight German tunnel boring machines (TBM) were pressed into service to construct the structure from Central Secretariat to Saket. These huge machines drilled two parallel tunnels for the upcoming and downward trains for over two years. Officials said each of these TBMs was 30 metres long.
While the cutter head of the TBM is inserted into the ground, a part of the machine stays on the surface. These machines employ a technique that enables concrete slabs to be put in place to form walls even as the TBMs move on.
But even these monster machines could not be used on the Saket- to- Qutab route because the surface here turned out to be rockier than elsewhere.
Therefore, the Metro used the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) — where controlled blasts are used to move rocks and soil — on this stretch, the officials said.
To build the stations, DMRC opted for the conventional cover and cut technology in which the ground is dug from above. The C- Sec to Qutab stretch will have a total of eleven stations. These halts are scheduled at Central Secretariat, Udyog Bhavan, Race Course, Jor Bagh, INA, AIIMS, Green Park, Hauz Khas, Malviya Nagar, Saket and Qutab Minar.
The AIIMS station has been specially constructed to cater to the needs of patients headed for the institute as well as Safdarjung Hospital. Metro officials expect a daily ridership of 1.8 lakh passengers on this stretch daily.
The Delhi Metro’s Central Secretariat to Badarpur stretch will also have a 6.10- km underground stretch, while the Airport Express Link would have a 7.22- km tunnel.
Chairman Suresh Kalmadi rubbishes charges of corruption
Pushed to a corner by revelations of financial irregularities, Commonwealth Games organising committee (OC) chairman Suresh Kalmadi hit back at a press conference in the Capital on Saturday, saying there was total transparency in its dealings. A day after a news channel broke the story of an alleged scam involving a UK-based company and the OC in organising the launch of the Queen’s Baton Relay in London last October, Kalmadi declared that everything in the matter was above board. “We have nothing to hide. There is total transparency in the OC and we have a clear conscience. Every penny is accounted for. We are hurt by these allegations,” Kalmadi told reporters at the OC’s headquarters in the Capital.
Going into the details of the allegedly dubious dealings with AM Films and its sister concern AM Cars & Vans, Kalmadi said the firm had been recommended by the Indian high commission in London. He displayed a letter from the high commission, signed by one Raju Sebastian, received on October 13, 2009. But the high commission issued a statement, saying: “This company (AM Films Limited) was not on the panel of companies that the high commission recommended. Raju Sebastian is an assistant in the high commission of India and is not in a position to make such a recommendation. But for the commission to make any such statement, we need to scrutinise the e-mail held up by Kalmadi.”
Kalmadi explained the organisers’ position, saying: “There is no question of lying. A few days before the function at Buckingham Palace, we were told by the London authorities, including the Metropolitan Police, that additional items like mobile video screens, portable toilets, ambulances, barricades etc had to be placed at the launch site without which the authorities would not allow us to hold the programme. The President of India was coming and because of the short notice, we could not have done it through a tender or contract.” “The high commission recommended AM Films for the additional job and we took them on, as well as the sister company AM Cars and Vans, because our main event management company, Jacks and Morton Worldwide, said their hands were full.”
Kalmadi went on to insist that the organisers had not transferred £25,000 (about Rs.18.13 lakh) every month to AM Films for costume design, as reported by the channel. “We neither paid money for costume designing nor did we pay any monthly amount to AM Films. The whole amount of £238,000 (Rs.1.73 crore) was paid one-time in October 2009. No payments have taken place after October 30,” he said.
Going into the details of the allegedly dubious dealings with AM Films and its sister concern AM Cars & Vans, Kalmadi said the firm had been recommended by the Indian high commission in London. He displayed a letter from the high commission, signed by one Raju Sebastian, received on October 13, 2009. But the high commission issued a statement, saying: “This company (AM Films Limited) was not on the panel of companies that the high commission recommended. Raju Sebastian is an assistant in the high commission of India and is not in a position to make such a recommendation. But for the commission to make any such statement, we need to scrutinise the e-mail held up by Kalmadi.”
Kalmadi explained the organisers’ position, saying: “There is no question of lying. A few days before the function at Buckingham Palace, we were told by the London authorities, including the Metropolitan Police, that additional items like mobile video screens, portable toilets, ambulances, barricades etc had to be placed at the launch site without which the authorities would not allow us to hold the programme. The President of India was coming and because of the short notice, we could not have done it through a tender or contract.” “The high commission recommended AM Films for the additional job and we took them on, as well as the sister company AM Cars and Vans, because our main event management company, Jacks and Morton Worldwide, said their hands were full.”
Kalmadi went on to insist that the organisers had not transferred £25,000 (about Rs.18.13 lakh) every month to AM Films for costume design, as reported by the channel. “We neither paid money for costume designing nor did we pay any monthly amount to AM Films. The whole amount of £238,000 (Rs.1.73 crore) was paid one-time in October 2009. No payments have taken place after October 30,” he said.
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