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Khargar residents RTI request discloses Cidco favouring Pune business

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An aware Kharghar resident requested information via a Right to Information (RTI) request regarding a contract worth approximately Rs 15 crore that was given to a Pune-based company. The request revealed that Cidco allegedly favoured the firm by revising the proposed contract without re-tendering, increasing the work cost to Rs 84 crore with contingencies for the additional installation of 23 monopole towers and two Lattice towers. The relocation of a 400KV EHV tower from a golf field in Kharghar to a residential area was awarded to the Pune-based company M/s BMC Power Projects Ltd through a competitive bidding process, despite complaints from locals that Cidco’s poor planning led to the waste of tax payer money.

On September 28, 2022, the Times Navi Mumbai edition of TOI published an article titled “Cidco will invest Rs 15 crore for removal of EHV tower from Kharghar gold course.” The Pune-based company won the tender for the relocation of the EHV tower for Rs 15 crore, but the initial bidders (government contractors) said Cidco should have called for a new bidding for the additional work of excesses and other items expected to cost Rs 84 crore. Thus, they have made accusations of favouritism, which smack of corruption. Sanjay Mukherjee, MD&VC of Cidco, and Yasin Mapara, executive engineer of the Kharghar node, were both unavailable for comment despite repeated attempts.

According to Cidco’s response to an RTI request, MSETCL (Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company Ltd.) received approval for a plan to relocate and move existing 400kV EHV towers that were obstructing the construction of the golf course’s infrastructure in Kharghar. The original plan called for the installation of 10 lattice towers along a 2.89 km route between the central park and gold course boundaries, as well as a 36 m wide road from the gold course to sector 36 in Kharghar, at a cost of Rs 15.06 crore. The planning division of Cidco submitted a proposal to reroute 3.58 km with two Lattice towers and 23 monopole towers after MSETCL’s survey of technical feasibility was delayed.

Seeking the board of directors of Cidco’s blessing in the process. On the basis of the study, it was suggested to modify the cost in favour of Pune-based M/s BNC Power Projects Ltd to Rs 75.26 crore without contingencies and Rs 84.02 crore with contingencies, which include MSETCL’s supervision and maintenance expenses. Cidco stated in its RTI response that its draught board was produced in this manner and presented for approval at the board meeting.

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Navi Mumbai Police Arrest African National With Rs 1 Crore Worth Of Cocaine In Ulwe

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The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of Navi Mumbai Police arrested Jeorge Ocante DaSilva, a 35-year-old native of Guinea, on Monday for possessing 410 grams of cocaine, allegedly intended for illegal sale. Acting on a tip-off, API Alka Patil of the AHTU led a raid at RM Heights Building in Ulwe, where DaSilva was found in possession of the narcotics.

Around 2:30 p.m. on October 28, officers discovered 410 grams of cocaine, valued at approximately Rs 1,02,50,000, hidden in DaSilva’s bedroom. Authorities also seized a mobile phone, a black Tabata weighing scale, scissors, plastic packaging bags, and a sky bag, bringing the total seizure value to Rs 1,02,55,610.

An FIR was filed at Panvel City Police Station under Sections 8(a) and 21(a) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Dasilva was presented in court and remanded to police custody until October 31, 2024. Investigations are ongoing, with the Crime Branch seeking potential accomplices and sources of the narcotics. Notably, Dasilva has a prior NDPS case registered at Nahar Police Station in Mumbai.

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Taloja Society Chairman Detained For Allegedly Abusing Residents And Objecting To Diwali Decorations

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The chairman of a housing society in Taloja Phase One has been detained by Taloja police following allegations of verbal abuse toward residents, including women, and objections to Diwali lighting in the complex. The incident occurred on Tuesday night, sparking outrage among residents.

According to the police, the chairman is accused of abusing a woman with intent to insult her modesty, provoking a breach of peace, and engaging in criminal intimidation. A formal complaint was filed, and the chairman was promptly taken into custody.

The situation intensified after a video of the incident went viral on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), showing a group of men, allegedly from the housing society, verbally abusing residents and threatening to halt Diwali decorations. The video received widespread attention, with users expressing shock over the treatment of residents.

Police officials confirmed that the chairman’s detention is part of an ongoing investigation into the incident. Residents are awaiting further action as authorities work to address the disturbance and ensure the safety of the community amid Diwali festivities.

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Thane Sees Surge of Nomination Filings for 2024 Vidhan Sabha Election

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The final day for filing nominations for the 2024 Vidhan Sabha General Election witnessed a surge of candidates in Thane district, with a total of 281 applications submitted across 18 assembly constituencies. This high turnout signals a competitive race for seats in the upcoming election.

Among the nominees, 114 candidates represent various political parties, while 167 have filed as independents, reflecting a diverse array of participants aiming to represent Thane’s voters. Nominations were filed throughout the day with election decision officers at each constituency, marking an essential step in the electoral process.

Collector and District Election Decision Officer Ashok Shingare announced that the scrutiny of these nomination forms is scheduled for October 30, 2024. Following this verification process, candidates who wish to withdraw their names from the race may do so until November 4, 2024.

As the election date approaches, Thane’s political landscape appears more dynamic than ever, with a record number of candidates ready to contest the assembly seats, making for an engaging electoral season for voters and candidates alike.

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