Listening To Arundhati Roy

Afternoon Voice

Some year’s back I remember reading a book named "God of Small Things" written by a Delhi based architect turned writer Arundhati Roy. Perhaps the title and the cover page were so attractive that no one can ignore it, also the story and its character were loved and appreciated by its readers. Later I discovered Arundhati Roy has been awarded with Booker Prize, and India started loving her only writer who gave us this title for the first time. But after the 1998 Pokhran nuclear test when Arundhati Roy’s article “End of Imagination” appeared in newspapers, media and non-fiction writers never knew a great critic is born in within India.

Her journey from Fiction to Non-Fiction which was very quick, in spite her admirer was astonished by her article which made them realize whether they should be celebrate about their countries and its neighbors capability of killing million’s, by testing weapon of mass destruction. But today media and hardliner’s have turned against the great writer, whose words and knowledge seems to be accurate in sense of history. Also her knowledge in terms of foreign relations is not taking us towards wrong fundamentals. Her poetic style of writing and in that poetic sense criticizing Big Banks, World Trade Organizations and Monetary Policy really needs accuracy and sense to speak up from a public platform against the most powerful institution's in this world.

Her criticism against Big Dams, Corporate Globalization, Free Market Economy, Nationalism, and Military Industrial Complex puts her readers into deep dark questions. Do we need to think and rethink again and again what we have learned since our birth? Were our thoughts and our freedom was wrong up till now?  Her blind support to Maoist and defining them as "Gandhian’s with the Guns". Or her articles which support’s Afzal Guru’s innocence and challenges Supreme Court Judgment including interlinking of rivers in India, which is a brain teasing work by Miss Roy and is leading her readers to turn towards independent thinkers like her.

In a recent controversy where Arundhati Roy was cornered by corporate media after quoting “Kashmir wasn't an Integral Part of India” in a speech, she was brave enough to face the questions across the nation. Her critique were too pessimist about her words, one of whom I remember Shashi Tharoor's tweets that “Booker prize winner-activist has gone too far to the left and unfortunately chooses to write about those who carry guns". (On her article Gandhian’s with the Guns).

This gives us chance to answer in Miss Roy’s style i.e.  “When the maddened king stamps his foot, slaves tremble in their quarters”, it’s very hard for me to say that our leaders and politicians who believe they are towards the right where we couldn't understand what right they have done up till now. Also when they judge writers, critics, and Independent thinker’s before listening them than its time for all of us to sit back and worry about the future of this great nation.

It is freedom of choice whether one should stay on right or left or too much towards the left or right. But Mr Tharoor has to be reminded once again that we as an Indian have something called free press, by which we can show our dissent in a peaceful manner, which is our constitutional right. Because the words of the finest criticque are not leading us towards violence it is just a peaceful way of showing dissent.

Dream for a Few Good Movies

Afternoon Voice

A few days back I remember watching a movie Inception which showcased a concept and was able to convince its viewers that one can certainly enter some ones dream. And then a dream within a dream within a dream of 3 levels which gripped viewer's attention. Perhaps it was the best work of Christopher Nolan since his carrier including Memento and Dark Night. Whenever we as an Indian watch those kind of a movie, think whether our Bollywood industry can make or write such an extraordinary stories of robbery, theft, burglary and implementation of ideas in a dream. The most accurate answer on imagination was given by Aamir Khan when he saw the movie and was asked whether we will be able to achieve astonishing concepts like Inception he said “first we have to free our mind to think something like that, then only we will be able to achieve such stories”. Yes I agree Hollywood movie’s is beyond our imagination and expectation with always a climax which has shocked its audiences, and felt to think and rethink of the plot. Story telling in Hollywood is far beyond our imagination which we Indian always lacked comparing from 70’s mafia and underworld portrayal of Godfather or special effects of Avatar. Though there are certain areas where certain dialogue's has to be taken into consideration, that why Indian film industry couldn’t achieve what others can. Hollywood being a broader market can always spend more money on its project as returns can be expected from around the globe, which is not possible in case of Bollywood movies who have a target audience certainly only Hindi speaking individuals.  Small budget definitely leads to weak special effect’s which fails to sooth its audiences also stories are not of mass appeal. In order to compete in a global market and recognition of Oscar we as an Indian have to recognize smart work of upcoming directors. Though we all know the genre of Salim-Javed or Mehboob kind of writing is lost somewhere in the busy life Mumbai. But still appreciation of experimental cinema will lead us one day our way to Oscars, for which we have to dream for a few good stories.

Retailers vs. service providers in DoT war

Afternoon Voice

Following the recent arrests of SIM card dealers, who have been booked for fraud, forgery and improper verification of data among others, the mobile dealers have formed a union named Mobile Dealers Welfare Association of Mumbai (MDWAM). The union has been started with the purpose of challenging the Department of Telecom (DoT) and the 12telecom service providers in the city. 

“We always verify the documents, only then provide SIM cards. If the documents are forged, it is the responsibility of theservice provider to recheck the documents from their side and cancel the services based on false data,” claimed Shafqat Usman, President, MDWAM.

He added, “There is always a physical verification conducted by the service provider in case of a postpaid service. However, in prepaid services, not a single verification call is made by the same service provider.”

Moreover, Amjad Khan, a dealer in Byculla questioned, “Police is only arresting the dealers. Why no arrests take place in any of these corporate offices, who do not follow the DoT norms?”

Physical verification of prepaid SIM cards buyers is not done by retailers as they get only a small amount of commissionon selling these cards. So, the better option they had was to stop selling cards, which has been done by this union, in which the number of retailers joining is increasing.

But, the problem that arises is that the security of the nation is being put at risk. Nowadays, any anti-social element can easily purchase a SIM card by forging documents as the retailers as well as service providers are not ready for physical verification.

Here, the MDWAM and its members allege that the private telecom industry is busy in expanding their business by compromising on national security. These members want proper implementation of the DoT norms i.e. the physical verification to be done by the service providers themselves. 

Other expert views

Dilip Davda, investment analyst and advisor, commented, “By providing SIM cards at very low prices and attracting customers there are chances that stock prices may rise in the bull race,” whereas Mubin Solkar, Advocate, High Court, stated, “It is not the fault of retailers alone. If the verification norms are not followed by the service providers, they must be held accountable for it.”

Moreover, Advocate Parag Pradhan added, “It’s a blatant violation of law, where the corporate giants are using small retailers as the bait. The onus and responsibility as well as the compliance of legality rely completely and only with the service providers.”

When contacted, DCP Rajkumar Vatkar, added, “We have communicated with the DoT authority in this case and are waiting for the legal requirements to be fulfilled soon.”

In the last month alone, 50 retailers have been arrested across the city and have been booked under Sections 419, 420, 466 and 468 of IPC. No action, however, has been taken against the service providers yet. Recently, the Delhi Government has slapped a telecom service provider with a fine of Rs.700 crore for non-compliance of rules. 

Towing Van Big Business For Private Contractors

Afternoon Voice

In last few years it is been noticed that Mumbai has become a city with a very huge traffic, where not only car but bike parking space’s across Mumbai is limited. Every car owner or a bike owner have paid fine for at least once in their lifetime for their towed vehicles. And every individual who has gone through this thinks that  the amount payed by them to the traffic department later goes to the government reserve. But very few know that more than 50% of their paid fine goes in the pocket of private contractors who are very limited in numbers.

According to the recent RTI given to Afternoon Voice (AV) by Chetan Pednekar which shows the difference in the amount earned by the private contractors (owner of towing vans) and the whole traffic department varies by 2/3rd of the total amount. In last five years the amount collected by the private contractors is Rs 23 Crore 94 lakhs whereas traffic department has received Rs 16 Crore only. “Why there is a such a huge amount of disparity in traffic department even after providing premises and many traffic officers are allotted behind towing works, why there is such a huge difference in amount?” asks Chetan. Moreover DCP Nand Kumar Chogley of traffic department said to AV that “the reason there is a difference i the amount is because whenever a car is towed the traffic department gets Rs 100 and Contractors are paid Rs 200, whereas in the case of two wheelers both of the department receives same amount which is Rs 100”.

All over Mumbai there are 59 towing vans according to the RTI and every day several vehicles are been towed by these towing vans. “Even if an influential person is paying Rs 100 this amount which is collected by the department is given to the private contractors, and many times when someone bribes the traffic constable by paying Rs 150 then also the contractors are never in loss, it is only traffic department which is in loss” says Chetan. “Moreover traffic department has to agree that this minimum amount of corruption of leaving vehicles of influential persons by just fining them the towing charges, or bribe of Rs 50 has made a difference of almost 8 crores between the private contractors and the traffic revenue in last 5 years” says Salim Shaikh an activist.

Accusing traffic department of Mumbai Chetan said “towing vans which are been owned by these private contractors are either relatives of police officers in traffic department or are family friends that is why they are been flourishing day by day and their contract is been renewed every year”. When AV spoke to Alqama Qureshi town planner and architect he said “it’s just a matter of 59 towing vans if government can plan to buy these vans which will cost sum of Rs 5 Crore after which the generated revenue will go to the government, and will further strengthen our traffic department economically as well”. DCP Nandkumar Chogley said “we have planned such issues and also we have sent request to our superiors also to come up with a proper plan which is good for public as well as the traffic department.”     

Roofless Police

Afternoon Voice

Constables and Policeman of LA-2 department are facing nowadays tremendous problems with the recent change in their location from Worli BDD Chawl to Tardeo. After a decision taken by the authority implemented on 14^th February this year, the tents located near Tardeo police station is the office for the reserve police force kept for emergency purposes. After which 2300 policemen out of which 250 are women’s suddenly have no proper premises for officers in such a large numbers. Why these steps have been taken by the officials the LA-2 constables do not have any answers. On the condition of anonymity (as they are not supposed to speak to the press) some constables and police inspector’s approached AV to raise their issue.

The LA-2 Unit which was located in BDD Chawl was an old British construction and did had each and every facility required for a proper unit. But the main reason which is annoying the police is that they do not have any premises, proper toilets, changing room facility as everything has to be done under the tent. “We don’t know why such move has been taken by the authorities, from a proper location of about 60 years old we have been shifted to tents” said a constable. Moreover there are no wash basins; no drinking water facilities provided to us in our new location informed a constable.

The policeman of LA-1, 2, 3, 4 are responsible for taking criminals to the courts, while they also support local police during the time of riots and regular protests which are held in different part of cities. Around 2,050 policeman and women are been arranged for their regular work while 125 are kept on stand by for emergency cases with vehicles to take actions if needed. While these 125 out of 25 are women’s wait in their tent for their 12 hour duty with no basic needs fulfilled. Some female constables who are coming from Virar and Bhayander said “we use toilet facility near Tardeo bus station or many times we have to use public toilets” also she added that “we have to sit near tree or near the staircases when we are tired and we have to bare the 36 degree Celsius temperature under the tent”. According to the sources such decision has been taken by the authorities is due to the location of Tardeo which is close to the station and police have their own parking facility at Tardeo.

While on the other side the officers allege that such a move has been taken by the police as the DCP’s office is located in Tardeo. When AV visited the tents in Tardeo the reserve police male as well as female said “we will soon go to the highest authority and if needed, we will also approach Mr Arup Patnaik Commissioner of Mumbai”. When AV tried to contact Additional CP (A.P), he was unavailable to comment on this issue.       

Sana All Set For Discharge

Afternoon Voice

Mumbai:- Sana Shakeel Ahmed an 18 year old girl who was admitted to JJ hospital since a year back is all set to discharge. Sana Ansari a girl who became a victim of alleged fights and favoritism amongst her teachers and was forced to drink acid allegedly by her teacher of Madrassa Qulyatul Tahirat located in Malegaon. When Sana was brought to JJ hospital in July 2010 was in a worst condition where she was not able to swallow her own saliva as her esophagus, throat, toungue as well as stomach was completely burned. But after several major surgeries conducted by Shivaji Mane an Honorouray Paedriatic Surgeon of JJ, she is all set to leave the hospital within 10 days.

Saira Bano a widow of Shakeel Ahmed Ansari and Sana's mother couldn’t imagine such thing would have happened to her daughter soon after the death of her husband. As Saira Bano said “we were informed about Sana’s condition by her fellow classmates from her hostel, but everyone in our community has stopped to take action against her teachers” also she said that “their school teachers spread the rumor that Sana has consumed Acid because of her father’s death”.

For staying since last 9 months in JJ hospital, when Sana was brought to the hospital her esophagus was completely burnt and was kept on liquid diet for 6 months due to which she also lost her weight to 20 kg informed Dr Adarsh Hegde a pediatric surgeon. Moreover the muscular movement, immunity level, proteins level all was low in the first five months of pre-operative procedure. Due to which the Dr’s of JJ hospital were worried to perform the surgery. Whether Sana was able to resist more pain or not was a big question raised in front of the pediatric team of the hospital. “The biggest challenge was to remove the stomach and esophagus and reconstruct esophagus with large intestine” said Dr Nitin Bhende also he added that “cases such as these are not read in any books we have to operate and we learnt while operating that her esophagus was completely burnt and her stomach too”. After which the team of Dr’s remove the esophagus and stomach and joined her neck with a part of large intestine to the abdomen after which the food can easily pass through her throat.

Sana’s mother Saira Bano is unknown to Mumbai and there is no one in her family who can earn them a living. She is working as a mate in 3 houses at Nagpada after which she can take care of her family. Saira Bano said to AV that “Mumbaikars have helped us a lot by providing me work and charity for my daughter health” also she said “the main culprit Rashida Abdur Rehman (her teacher) in this case have received Anticipatory Bail by High Court but we still believe in our Judiciary system we will be given justice in this world or hereafter”

An Underground College

Afternoon Voice

Mumbai:- An educational fraud which is been flourishing since last few years in Trombay Cheetah camp on the basis of which NESWAT (National Educational Social Welfare Aid Trust) is running their college on Government land alleges Ayyb Khan a social activist. In a file of documents provided to AV by Ayyub Khan which shows an amount of corruption and forgery on the basis of which the NESWAT junior college was formed. NESWAT Junior College which was founded in the year 2008 and according to the RTI documents, its layout plan shows it consist 8 classrooms, an office , a library, computer rooms and three toilets. Whereas it’s not true the Junior College runned in cheetah camp is just formed in a space of 21x30sq.ft. In this college about 80 students take admission in arts as well as commerce every year and this junior college consist of only two classrooms with no other such facilities shown in the RTI documents. “The trust and other authorize persons are earning huge amount every year, by showing these false and forged documents by the governments as well as from donors” said Ayyub.

Also the college premises which is located in front of MGR Road is located on Government land (according to the documents), whereas the trust has shown it as a Municipal Land. Also NESWAT has shown its classrooms located in place of Trombay Public High School.

Moreover the Survey Copy provided to AV showed an agreement of 1995, that Sr.No-859 and Sr.No-837 on which the NESWAT School is constructed does not exist on the Survey Copy of Cheetah Camp.

While accusing the secretary and the trustees of NESWAT, Ayyub Khan said to AV that “whenever I have asked to the school to show the original documents, then the college administration has replied him verbally saying that their paper were damaged completely after 26^th July rain and they do not have their original documents” further he added that “I have been approaching many education department since last several years but no action has been taken from their side”.

A local resident whose son is studying in this college informed AV on the condition of anonymity that “generally students who take admissions in NESWAT junior college have scored less numbers in their SSC and anyone can get admission easily after scoring 40-45% as there are no such demand for admission”. There is a regular visit of Inspectors from education department but they are been bribed heavily to keep their mouth shut alleges Ayyub.

When AV spoke to Mubarak Ali Khan President of NESWAT he refused to comment on the issue. When AV asked Shiv Sagar Assistant Municipal Commissioner of M-East ward about the issue said “we will take appropriate action against the issue as soon as possible”.

4 Deceased BMC Workers Received Their Salary After Their Death

Afternoon Voice

AV has come across a big fraud done in the name of Dattak Basti Yojana an initiation taken by MCGM to keep slum areas clean. A shocking scam which took place from last 9 years since 2001 when Dattak Basti Yojana started was that MCGM was paying for last 9 years to those who died even before these plans were implemented. Prakash Ghag and Shridhar Chavan were dead before this scheme started also Mahesh More and Milind Tambe died in the year 2006 but their every month wages and their present is been always marked in the roster. The main question arises that who is responsible to take the salary of deceased peoples. Neither their family got any of these amounts nor do they no they were been enrolled for such works of cleaning the area. Also in which Ganesh Chawan and Babu Chondekar were not aware that they are been enrolled for such work neither do they receive Rs4070 per month as per the norms of MCGM. These money is been collected by Private Organisation who is responsible to take care of the wages. And one such organization Subangi Mahila Audogik Sanstha which is been taken care by the family of Subangi Shirke of ward no 122 are behind these frauds says Vilas R Chavan an RTI activist.

Also BMC has adopted 11 public toilets in ward no-122 which will charge Rs10 per family but this organization of Subangi Shirke use to take Rs50 per family. Hence the amount of scam with this format becomes 60 Lakhs in 24 months, with respect to the calculation of 6248 families using these toilets.

Other than this number of documents and RTI given to AV by Akhtar Shaikh an MNS leader of Govandi which showed a mojor difference in the number of labours allotted by the MCGM and M-East Ward. In a given RTI of M-east ward the sum of labours appointed for ward no 129,130,131,132,133 are 273 whereas the data of BMC states that the number of labors allotted by the BMC is 198 in numbers. In which there are 75 labours are missing and no record have been found in BMC office. Though the salary of these 75 labours who are not on the list of BMC are been taken every months in cash which is upto 36 lakhs a year in these 6 words only. “Out of these 198 labours not even half are seen working on the street” Akhtar Shaikh also he added that “If we calculate the fraud in whole 220 wards where these yojanas are active it will be a biggest BMC scam in last 20 years”. MCGM allots Private NGO’s who are into social activities for atleast 2 years and can hire labours by providing their details. “Though this type of fraud is possible because the wages are been paid in cash to these labours and hence it is easier for these organizations to continue getting a monthly handsome amount even after their death or their absence” says a retired BMC Engineer.

When AV contacted Mangesh Sangle MLA of MNS said that “We find it difficult too as these workers of Dattak Basti Yojana are not doing their work and amounts in Crore’s are been paid to them” also he added that “these types of plans are been made to fulfill the corrupt need of corporators of Mumbai”. Asma Shaikh Corporator of Ward No-132 was unavailable to give her comment. 

When AV asked Vilas R Chavan about why this fraud is been nourishing since last 9 years he replied that “These organizations are runned by Corporators and Ex-Corporators of their respective ward and are been paid blindly by the BMC without any vigilance or audit set on these organizations” further he stated that “I request for a CBI inquiry held on every ward where we can find how much fraud is going on in each ward in the name of this yojana”

Policemen Wife Formed Union To Fight For Their Husband's Rights

Afternoon Voice

Mumbai Police is not able to for any union by law so this task is taken up their wife’s to fight for their husbands cause. Around 4900 policeman’s wives are enrolled in this unioun named Police Patni Mahila Sangathan, headed by BJP leader Sunil Rane.

This organization has police wives from Worli and Naigaon Police colony in BDD Chawl is fighting for various issues which policeman faces. Their basic demand is to give the ownership of the police quarters in which they are presently residing. They are also demanding that one of the police son should get reservation or some concession in police recruitment.

According to Deepak Patil an active member of this organization said that “as per 1994 Government Resolution many government employees including PWD, Social Welfare Department Employees got ownership of their official residents then why are Policeman’s not given this facility, when policeman work day and night for the cities safety” he also added that “the family of policeman is staying in very pathetic condition wherein their buildings are 80 years old and is in a dilapidated condition and no one is concerned about it”.

BDD Chawl’s have 160 sq.ft rooms and it is very difficult for a family to accommodate in it. They are under severe tension if some guest comes to their place. Policeman pay Rs 4,500 as rent for this space but don’t get basic facilities like clean and hygienic premises. Whereas other people staying in these chawls get PWD’s cleaning staff twice a day while they pay only Rs17 as rent (But they are owner of that property). One of the wife of Policeman Havsabai Katkade said “We live in a condition which is worst then slum and no one from our department is taking note of it” further she added that “Our husband’s are not allowed to form a union or raise their problems, so we have decided to form an organization on their behalf and fight for our cause”. Another wife of a constable said that “why are we not getting the ownership of our official residents when many other government employees got the ownership in the same locality”.

Many of the families here are staying for more than 30 years and are paying the rent for the same. Some of these families think that they could have got their own house paying EMI instead of paying rent for this house in BDD Chawl. One of the resident added that “we are paying rent for this 160 sq.ft room for 30 years but when my husband will retire the police department will throw us out of this colony” said Radha Kale. Some places where two policemen are staying in same room, the deduction of rent is done from both of their salaries.

Police Patni Mahila Sangathan is planning to protest in Azad Maidan if their demand is not fulfilled and they are also planning for a grandt dharna outside Vidhan Bhawan during this budget session of Maharashtra Assembly. They have also held a meeting with leader of opposition Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Mr Eknath Khadse and he has assured to raise their questions in this session.

Radioactive Govandi

Afternoon Voice

Fear of radiation due to illegal mobile network towers has left them jittery

According to the residents of Govandi’s Shivaji Nagar and Baigan Wadi, they are living in an environment that is radioactively charged. The notion comes from the excess of mobile network towers that have been installed in their respective localities.

Commenting on the issue, Akhtar Shaikh, a Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader said, “There are almost 32 Mobile towers in these areas, installed on the terraces of G+1 structures and each and every tower is illegal.” Stating that his accusations were not baseless, Akhtar produced a document, issued by the BMC’s Building and Proposal department (October, 30, 2010), which clearly stated that only four towers were cleared by the department. “If so, then why do these areas have 32 towers?” questioned Akhtar. 

He added, “According to the Pollution Control department, a mobile tower should be at least three metres away from any residential area, hospital, schools and narrow lanes. However, all these norms have been royally flouted in Shivaji Nagar and Baigan Wadi. While some of the towers are located almost next to the Shivaji Nagar Municipal School 1 & 2, others are exactly opposite the Shivaji Nagar Municipal Hospital. These towers are hazardous, as they are constantly emitting radioactive waves.”

Accusing the locals who have allowed the service providers to install network towers on their terraces, Ishaque Khan a retired school teacher, said, “Since it fetches huge money, residents allow private companies to install these harmful towers on their rooftops. This they do it by conniving with the BMC officials.” 

“These private companies pay anywhere between Rs.3 to Rs.3.5 lakh a year to the slum dwellers for allowing them to install towers. For those, who find it difficult to even live hand-to-mouth, the money offered is nothing less than a treasure. Hence, without even considering the ill effects, people blindly accept the offer.” 

For the past two years, Akhtar has been fighting against this illegal installation of network towers, but to no avail. “Whenever I approach the BMC officials, they make me run from one department to another. If this is the scenario, how can a common man fight illegalities?” he questioned.

When contacted, Devidas Ksheersagar, AMC of M-Ward 132, remained unavailable for comment. Explaining the hazards of radiation, a cancer specialist, said, “The harmful effects of radiation are numerous – for example cancer and brain tumour. Radiation can cause miscarriage, disrupt pacemaker’s functioning or can even induce insomnia.“

A New Look Of Churchgate Station

Afternoon Voice

Mumbai:- Exterior work has been statrted of Churchgate Station where more than 3.3 lakh people either come or go daily. Using latest technology and state of art technique the look of Churchgate station will change within few months. The 53 year old building is surrounded by heritage structures and is only building which do not posess any promising exterior. 
"After the rennovation work is over the building could be compared with one of Bandra Kurla Complexes building" says G N K David the PRO of Western Railway. Also the work to cover shade all platform has been started to start 15 coach train as well. Though the work at platform number 3 and 4 is about to complete to accomadate 15 car rail but the work of platform 1 and 2 is not started yet. In which aluminium composite channels of blue and silver color are used informed David. "Though the work was quite difficult as we were not able to use heavy duty craines so the work has gone longer as per our schedule" said David.
The surface of platform 1 is raised after working for 44 nights due to which senior citizens and female passengers will find it easier to catch a train and to climb out of it. After a budget of 5.47 Crores these work will be completed by the end of April at the latest. "Though the work many time gets slow as we do not disturb the regular traffic which is a big challenge for us" said Ajay Solanki Chief Public Relation Inspector WR. 
Either coming from their work or leaving their office there are several problems still passengers come across daily when they arrive at churchgate station. "Toilets are never found clean inside the building of churchgate station" says Abhijeet Yadav a student of KC College, "also there is a matter of cleanliness among the station itself as we never found it clean and healthy" he added. Also an employee of Kuwait Embassy Imran Shaikh said that "we need a safe journey where we can come in daily to our workplace comfartably", also he added "that the number of trains should be increased during rush hours".  

Water Cuts In Mumbai Brings Big Time Business For Water Mafia

Afternoon Voice

Mumbai:- In a second day of water cut in which most of the suburbs including areas of Juhu, Bandra, Khar Santacruz, Vile Parle, JVPD is affected but unlike the areas of south central Mumbai where waters are available at a very cheap rate sold by the water Mafia’s. This water Mafia which is located in Signal Hill Avenue Road is using the water for free for last couple of years and are selling it too. Which is available for Rs 5 per barrel and Rs 50 for a drum which would be very cheap for residents of Juhu and Bandra who are using every drop of water in these three days of water cut by BMC.

Mostly slum dwellers those who are staying in the areas of Signal Hill Avenue Road, Boat Hard Road, Ray Road Station, Darukhana are indulged in the activities of either buying or selling water illegally for their daily use. And due to which the local residents of these places always face the problem of water shortage. More than 50 water pump which lies illegally was found in these areas with several agents who are responsible to sell these waters to the slum population of more than 2.5 lakhs.

  These slum dwellers who are migrants from UP, Bihar, Madras and Bengal are involved in this mass level of water smuggling under the nose of sewri police station which lies on the same signal Hill Road. “Also they are so aggressive that if we try to take any action against them will beat us to death” says a resident of Makani Chamber.

When AV visited the site of these Water Mafia was shock to see 2 inches water pipelines which is been illegally lying above the roof and is made of rubber which is spread across the area of BPT especially from Sewri to Wadala. While the numbers of these pipelines were not one or two it was in hundreds of numbers would make you realize that it is an electric cable meant for electric supply but it is made for water supply. These wate pipeline gets the water from the mainline of BPT which these Mafia cut and divert the line for their daily illegal business.

“This is a business of more than 50-60 lakhs a month and everyone has been give a fair share from the profit made out of it” informs Nasir Khan a resident of Makani Court. A source from BMC said that “Politicians and BMC too have turned their blind eye on it as it is a huge vote bank for them and if they try to disturb it will jeopardize their position”.

When AV spoke to the Mangesh Bansode the corporator of ward no-207 said “these water Mafia flourishes under the nose of Police in which senior officers of BPT have their hand in gloves with these water Mafia’s”.

When AV informed DCP Quaiser Khalid regarding the issue he stated that “It’s a property of BPT and they have never filed any complaint against it, if we are been given any written complaint will take appropriate action against the issue”  

No Space For Kohli's In Mumbai

Afternoon Voice

The Kohli and Aagri fisherman’s are upset with the actions taken by the BMC every month to evacuate the stall to make a free moving road under the upcoming metro station alleges the stall owners. Very few people of today’s generation are aware about the fact that the Kohli samaj is the first community of India’s economic capital Mumbai but after protecting their work place for last ten years there voices are unheard yet.

The kohli’s and the Aagri’s who are selling their fish for last 35 years in Asalpha village near Ghatkopar are worried about their children’s future because of the regular action taken by the BMC to evacuate these stalls. By this 32 stall more than 350 lives are dependent on it as well as these stalls are only one which supplies fishes everyday to whole Asalpha residents. In a document given to AV by these fisherman’s of PWD dated-15-07-2000, which stated that PWD has given these stall owner’s a permission to align a stall at Andheri-Kurla link road of 160ft in length and 6ft in width. Also the PWD letter of year 2000 stated that Maharashtra Government and the BMC will replace them somewhere else, on the basis of which these stall owners are fighting.

Also these fishermen accuse Khanna Society which is just behind their stall for not co-operating with them and filing regular complaints Police and BMC against their stalls. Though these stalls lie just opposite to the constructed pillars of Metro from where Metro train will move one day when the work is over. Vinod Nishad who is fighting for these stalls accuses MMRDA for not co-operating and not providing anything in written as he said “senior officials have verbally promised us to provide stalls under the shade of metro but they have never given this on written”. “After these promises made by MMRDA, BMC with the help of Police and on the basis of complaints made by Khanna Apartment comes with bulldozers to demolish our forefathers business” said Vinod.

After writing several letters to BMC, Ministry and Fishing Community these Fishermen’s are still waiting for a positive response but many fishermen’s believe that they have turned their eye from them. A senior member of the kohli family Motiram Mhatre stated the reason due to which their problem is being ignored is the line which divides their constituencies. Which means that the area where they work and where they live is just a few meters away but the constituencies of Corporation’s, MLA’s and even MP’s are divided between these lines due to which they are stuck between the vote bank policies. Motiram said that even if their Corporator or MLA will helps us their vote will go to someone else which has become the main reason of negligence.

When AV contacted Harish Chandan Shukla corporator of ward-123 he said “that PWD has promised them to allot a space they should approach MMRDA for that” when asked about the regular threat of demolition he stated that “I am not the one who is interested in throwing up these stalls, after all they are working there since last 35 years and I am always there to stop BMC whenever they are demolishing these stalls”. When AV tried to contact Arif Naseem Khan MLA of Kurla was unavailable for his comment.

          

Railway Colony A New Hub For Sex Workers

Afternoon Voice

Mumbai, 31st Dec:- Mumbai Police is busy finding four Let members who are hiding somewhere in Mumbai and planning for next attack. Whether they are staying in a hotel room or they are living somewhere on rent no one knows yet. What AV has found that there is a loop-hole in Central Mumbai, anyone can ask easily for a room without proper identification and can stay in the heart of Mumbai in front of Mumbai Central bridge as much day as he likes. Just pay them what they want even if someone is an illegal immigrant or a niger or a terrorist as well, they will wont ask for any identification at all. And the worst part of it is no one will be suspicious on you for a moment, also there are no chances at all for a surprise police raid because it’s a Railway Colony located in front of Mumbai Central Station. 

Yes for last 8 years rooms for Railways Colony, Cement Chawl 61,62,67 are been given on rent for a minimum amount of Rs3,500-Rs5,000 a month to Bargirls, Sex-Workers, Nigers, Gangsters and many more. Illegal immigrant’s from Nepal and many other countries live in this Government Railway Colony which is located in a prime location of Mumbai Central next to Great Eastern Royal Appartment as informed to AV by a resident of Nagpada on the condition of anonymity . Around 72 residents stay in these 3 colonies of G+2 out of which only 22 are working in Railway Deparments rest of all are Bar Dancers from grant road and Mumbai Central, illegal immigrants from different countries and Sex Workers sharing these rooms at a very lower prices to earn their living in Mumbai. Also its has become a guest room for the newly employed sex-workers who are brought to Mumbai on the basis of big lie of providing them Job in Mumbai, after which they are indulged into sexual activities forcefully in the same premises which they called is a probation period.

Though head of these 22 families work in western railway as a labour, maitanence staff and pune who are not educated enough to raise their voice and were annoyed with the condition In they live everyday and had approached AV for help on basis of annonymity. Also they are afraid of a ward boy of Jagjivan Ram hospital Sanjay Anand Moore (35), who has several police cases on him including an attempt to rape. Sanjay who is their neighbour as well as a railway employee of a railway hospital lives there from last 25 years. Sanjay who is a caretaker of these 50 rooms of railway employees which has been allotted to them and gets more than 1lakh Rs a month with the help of railway officers of higher rank for last eight years alleges the residents of chawl 61, 62 and 67. The residents don’ t know whom to approach whom to complaint and on the other side they are afraid of complaining these things to the Police as well. "Sanjay who has informer’s in the police department as well if we will complaint about him he will come to know and will beat us to death" say’s a resident (name witheld) also the resident added that "Railway Police Staff and Tardeo Police including get their commission to run such a big business of mass exploitation".

“We always see under-age girls are been brought in our colony and kept for several days in a room locked from outside and we see everyday different customers entering these rooms” said a wife of a labour also she added that “many time’s we have seen some weird faces who don’t look like Indian nor do they look like Nepali, who are they from where they have come across we cant complaint about it as we breathe everyday in fear".

When AV informed ACP Raja Tambat of Tardeo Police Station about this he said "we have never come across with any written complaint's against all these issues and said will verify soon and will take appropriate action against it"

Though its a Railway Premises and to maintain it is the responsibility of RPF for which we contacted Chief Public Relation Officer of Western Railway Sharat Chandrayan first who was shocked to know about these details and said "we will inquire this issue and will take action to vacate the premises as soon as possilble, and if needed will take the help of Police as well"
     

Police Ranks 1st in Corruption, Leaves BMC Behind

Afternoon Voice

Mumbai:- Out of 52 cases registered this year against government officials in Anti-Corruption Mumbai Police is on top of the list by 16 cases filed against Police officers from various department leaving behind BMC. In a report provided by Anti Corruption Bureau to AV, which clearly mentions the name and the numbers of government officials been caught taking bribes red handed. Many Police officers including of higher rank to the smaller rank were caught in bribing this year for the lowest amount of Rs 500 to the highest of Rs 2, 50,000. An ATS officer Arun Sambhaji was caught too for demanding Rs 2,50,000 from a businessman after putting a false case on him.
14 cases too are been filed against the BMC, one out of which is of Santosh Dhawre who was caught for taking bribe of Rs 10,000 for not demolishing an illegal construction. Also 2 corporators Rajul Patel of ward no-54 and Babasaheb Bhonsade are been held by Anti Corruption Bureau for asking for Rs 4.5 Lakhs and Rs 2 Lakhs respectively for different reason.
When AV spoke to the students of Siddharth college they were shocked to know that “only 16 police officials are been caught in bribing out of more than 50,000, while we believe that 95% are directly or indirectly indulged in the activity of bribing” says Nazia Patel student of TYBcom. A retired Professor of Political Science and an activist Rama Shankar Pandey commented that “Mumbaikars feel easy to bribe rather taking help of ACB and get the culprits caught red handed” also he stated that “it is lack of awareness among the people of the simple procedure of ACB, due to which bribing starting from small amount to larger amount had made every department corrupt”.
This is not where the figures end, 4 officials from department of Rationing are facing the charges of Bribing, in Revenue is 3 officers, Private Department 3, Sales Tax 2, MHADA 2, while Medical Education 1 officers, Survey Department 1, and Judiciary Department 1 officer are caught taking bribes red handed.
Besides this local bike rider’s were shocked when they came to know that only one R.T.O officer named Nandkishore Patil from thane was caught taking bribe of Rs 4,000 for passing the truck without checking it on the checkpost. Where a Taxi Driver name withheld alleges that “traffic police are always ready to take bribe even if it is the least amount of Rs10-Rs20”.
When AV asked why Police is on top of the list of corruption to ACB Chief Niket Kaushik he replied that "it's a concern of different department and we dont know why they are been caught taking bribes in larger number, whatever has come to us we give our 100% to take strict action against corruption" while former Police Commissioner Hasan Gaffor was unavailable for his comment.
When AV contacted Y.P.Singh of Adarsh fame and discussed this issue with him he said that “Police is in a close contact with the people that is why they annoy them and this become a big reason of why they are been caught bribing” he also added that “In a bigger cases like Income Tax department evades tax of a bigger amount when they are been bribed heavily and such a bigger cases are not been reported because of such collusive corruption which is not a right indication”.
These Figures are been Provided to AV by Anti Corruption Bureau by request and these figures of officers caught in bribing are from various department only from Mumbai.

Whistle-blower Killed by Jama Masjid’s Trustee

Afternoon Voice

Thane:- Malik Surme (35) a resident of Kausa was killed on friday night with one of his friend Liyakat Dhole who was injured and is in a tremendous pain at kalsekar hospital. The incident happened when Malik was sitting with liyaqat at Qutaba hotel in Mumbra, where Shahid Surme came with a chopper and killed Malik in front of everyone at around 9:45 pm where everyone was on their way home and injured Liyakat badly.

Malik who was father of three children and a social worker and a well known person in Kausa for his works against corruption was about to disclose a major corruption of the trust of Jama Masjid, when he got killed. The dispute started when Malik and Liyakat Dhole found that Jama Masjid’s trustee Gani Dongre has sold the waqf board property to private builder Nooruddin Naik, Hasn Sahil & Munna Sahil, where these builders have already constructed an 8 Floorey tower Universal Complex and sold it to tenants. Malik and Liyakat asked to demolish the tower as it is a public property not a private property which cannot be sold to others. Malik and Liyakat when tried to expose this fraud they where attacked by Shahid Surme who was allegedly send by Gani Dongre (Jama Masjid Trustee), Nooruddin Naik (Builder).

Members of Maliks family and his younger brother Asgar Surme said that “his brothers murder wasn’t an accident it was  a pre-planned murder in which all families including Naik’s, Sahil’s and Dongre”s are involved” also he added that Sameer Surme elder brother of Shahid was paid for my brothers murder by these families”

“Inspite of several NC’s filed by Malik and me against Gani Dongre, Mumbra police never took any action” said  Liykat who is lying on the bed of Kalsekar hospital. He also added that “ I knew this will happen because we were about to expose a fraud of about 200 Crore, and these families are very dangerous”.

Universal Complex is an 8 Floorey lavish tower which is located opposite the lane of Jama masjid was build by Nooruddin Naik 6 months earlier. Which acquires  the land of 1.5 acre and its cost is around 200 Crores. Above all this Maliks family and Liyakat also accuses Jama masjid trust for selling waqf board land of 5.5 acre at shilgaon near Shilphata to builder lobby of Mumbra.

Shahid and Gani Dongre are in police custody held under section 302 and 307, while Nooruddin Naik, Farid Dongre, Hasan Sahil & Munna Sahil are absconding.   

Coal Drives Police Crazy

Afternoon Voice

Residents of Sewri are facing many problems with a coal storage facility in sewri storage area near Ray Road station. But this time many Police officials who reside there are suffering through the same problems have asked AV for help, on the condition of annonymity. The local resident’s of Makani Court, R.K apartment. Nazneen Court are in a hazardous condition and live in an ultiamte pollution for more than a year. Behind which residents of Police Colony A, B, & C where more than 100 families of Police officials from various department’s who stay, have filed several complaints again a coal storage facility. This coal storage is located just in front of Sujala Hotel Sewri, which is an open to air storage of M/s Pallonji and company. In which coal are been stored daily and is also transported daily to Tata Power and MSEB to generate electricity, this open to air coal storage had become the main reason of inconvenience to the people who reside there. When these coals are been carried out daily in a dumper from the road which is full of potholes, then the road is full of minute dust particles of carbon. According to traffic law these coal has to be carried out in a dumper which must be closed, but the drivers don't follow the rule. A narrow end of Signal Hill Avenue Road where driver’s carry coal everyday is in a bad condition, and to avoid dust the slum-dwellers spread water on the road which has become a reason of bike accidents in another way.

This is not the only problem of the families of Police officials are facing everyday. At least one person from their family is suffering through respiratory diseases like asthma, allergy and suffocation. To avoid dust particles they have to close their windows due to which they all suffocate and breath. 

It has been more than two years where these Police officials have filed several complaints to the Pollution Ministry of India and to the Mumbai Port Trust, but have never received any positive response from their side. Also the residents are always in a fear of truck drivers who drive rashly in this Bombay Port Trust Area, from where their kids have to pass everyday to go to school. Also these Police Colonies are facing water shortage since six months and after complaining BMC their problem is not resolved yet. The Lift of these colonies is not working since years where officers of different age groups and their family members had to use staircases for fifth floor everyday no matter even if they suffer through heart disease. Many Police officers came in front to help our AV team but have requested us to do not print their name. One Senior constable said that “BPT and BMC has failed to fulfill our basic needs and has requested to shift whole resident’s at a location which is a healthy residential colony where our children and families are safe” also he added that “how we can give our best efforts on duty when we have lost comfort at our home”.

When we AV team called Mangesh Bhonsade corporator of sewri was unavailable for the comment. Dr Shreeram Bhosle a veteran physician said that “when someone continuously breaths under the dust of coal may suffer through many respiratory disorder which includes, asthma, lungs disorder, bloods in cough, weaknesses and may finally lead to heart diseses.

Mayor's Ward Is An Immoral Den

Afternoon Voice

People of Sangam Nagar, Wadala were very happy happy when their chosen
Muncipal Corporation Candidate became Mayor of Mumbai. Yes residents
of F-North ward no 169 whose corporator Shraddha Jadhav is a mayor of
Mumbai have many complaints against the BMC and its late back attitude
to fulfill their basic requirements of cleanliness. Problems such as
dirty drinking water, bad roads, unconstructed lanes with a mass
population of about 80 thousand you will see when you visit Sangam
Nagar. These problems were not enough when there are other major
problems are been increasing daily. Opening of video parlours
(Licensed and Unlicensed) which everyday runs porn movies openly in
front of school’s.  At Santoshi Mata road in ward no 169 there are
about 4 video parlours between two schools(Adarsh Hindi High school &
New National high School). Also these parlours are just 50meters away
from the local Police beat of Santoshi Mata Road. Resident’s who stay
at S.M Road have several complaints where they feel insecure to live
at such a dirty place. Instead of complaining several times to the
local police station there are no actions taken by the Police says
Sushant Sharma a retired school teacher.
Also the residents of Vijay Nagar are facing problems with an
unlicensed beer shop which is located next to Bhawani chemist, who is
selling openly its product and people drink those Desi beer and wines
on road as well. Dr Anwar Khan who stays in Vijay Nagar says “even we
can bare unhygienic roads and potholes on street but we cannot live
safely where people drink on road everyday”.
Residents of Bhartiya Kamla Nagar at Saltpen Road are living in a
tedious condition. Especially those who stay in a chawl no 5 and 6
where in front of them whole garbage is been dumped for weeks and
weeks and they have to live under that bad smelling garbage. There are
not always proper response from the ward and the BMC when the
residents of these chawl’s request to pick up these garbages. Even if
the Dumper comes in to clean the mess it doesn’t clean it completely
says Abdul Qadir a resident of chawl no-5.
“Inspite of filing several complaint’s by the Jama masjid trust in
Chandni Nagar to the BMC our problem is been neglected by the ward”
says Amirulla trustee of Jama masjid whose entrance is been blocked
the chocked up gutter. Many Muslims who come to the mosque five times
a day has to pass through the gutter’s everyday.  Hannan Ahmed who is
a social worker says that “though we understand Shraddha Jadhav is
busy and have several other responsibilities of Mumbai city but the
ward should assist us when we are calling in for its help, which is
not done as required”.
Looking at these problems of Sangam Nagar we contacted Mayor Shraddha
Jaadhav in the morning where she said “I will take appropriate action
as fast as possible to make my ward clean” and when we informed her
about the video parlour’s and its problem she said “will take action
today itself to stop these parlours”. When we called ACP Shivaji
Naiman of Sangam Nagar, said “I will personally check the Video
Parlours and will punish those who are running these porn movies
there.

Indian's Going To Gaza

Afternoon Voice

Asia to Gaza a caravan which started from New Delhi on 2nd December in which more than 50 people participated from India has reached to Syria. Today Brig Sudhir Sawant will join this caravan in Damascus to raise the voice for the unheard voices of Gaza. At a press conference yesterday which took place in press club which included the senior members of Kokan Bachao Samiti, Bharat Bachao Andolan and Jamat-e-Islami all of these organisation's called Isarel and United States a brutal state and mass murderer. Brigadier Sudhir Sawant who is head of Shivrajya Party is not worried about what action Israeli Forces will take when he will reach there but he was sure will raise his voice for the people of Gaza on behalf of India. "This will let them know that we Indians are with the Palestinians and will not tolerate American as well as Israeli Imperialism in this world anymore" said Brig Sudhir.
Though the permission has not been granted yet to the caravan to enter gaza through egypt but Brig Sudhir was sure that they will reach there by 27th of Dec and will protest over there against Israel. Though Pakistan has not provided any visa to its citizens who were willing to join this movement as both Pakistan and Israel both are the sattelite state of United Nations and hub of terror network accuses Brig Sudhir. Dawood Khan a senior leader of Jamat-e-Islami and a freedom fighter appreciated the efforts made by Shivrajya Party. Where he said that "these conflicts are been designed by US at a very high level to run its Military Industrial Complex worldwide" also he added that "in the name of peace propaganda US has taken million's of life's which includes 80,000 Childrens and Womens of Gaza".
Earlier this year many activists from turkey who carried out Aid in a ship named Freedom Flottilla which faced the brutal attack by IDF soldiers in which 7 activist lost their live's. Today Gaza has become the worlds biggest open to air jail in last 3 years which no civilisation has ever seen a mass enslavement of human beings. The Gazan's lie over there with no medical facility and no water supply which is a proof of disparity among the rich arab world and the poor Palestinian nation.   

Movie Review

Afternoon Voice

Kaalo: ***
Movie Type: Horror,
Director : Wilson Louis,
Cast: Swini Khara, Aditya Shrivastava, Aditya Lakhia

If you are eagerly waiting for a Horror movie this month then Kaalo would be the one. With a very low budget and small cast this movie is been shot in the golden desert of Jaisalmer in bright light and high temperature. Where the hard work of whole cast and crew can be seen. Its first horror feature film of Wilson Louis who is the director as well as writer of this movie.
Kaalo is based on a journey of 3 couples out of which one is an old, four friends who are going for a wedding a child (Swini Khara) who is going alone to her grandmothers house accompanied by Aditya Shrivastava (well known as Abhijeet of CID), accompanied by driver and conductor going to city. But in between due to some inconvenience they have to change their way to kulbhatta. While passing through kulbhatta no one knew about the history of kulbhatta, where hundreds of years ago witchery and witchcrafts was practised on the lands of 18 century of eastern India. Kaalo's story is inspired by one such folktale about a witch named Kaalo. Which is not letting anyone to go when they reached Kulbhatta by killing everyone in a row.
Shona (Swini Khara) is a twelve year old girl who is cheerin and was loved everyone in the bus and was sitting next to Sameer (Aditya Shrivastava) who is going back to village with a handfull of dynamite, with the help of it he can blow the land and can bring some water in the well. But when the passenger realised that kaalo is looking for the girl and she could become the reason of her death, then suudenly everything changed. Whole bus who adored Shona started hating her and initiated to give her to kaalo, except Sameer who stood for her. Some passengers even used her as a bait to lure Kaalo away from them.
Anyhow the special effects wasn't up to the mark and even the decision of directing this Horror movie in a bright day light couldn't create scenes which can keep its viewers on edge. The character were not developed well due to which viewers will find it difficult to remember each character at different point of time. With low budget, weak scenes and special effects, somehow Sameer managed to kill Kaalo with his dynamite. But this film would have shown a different results if its scenes were shot in night rather shooting it in a golden day light.

Hospital Trust Is Harassing Us

Afternoon Voice

Mumbai:- Residents of Mazgaon chawl have several complaints against an ISO recognized hospital Prince Aly Khan based in Mazgaon Nesbit Road. After completion of 150 years of chawl no-19, 15, 12, 13 & 9 which is in a bad condition Hospital authorities are not showing any signs to redevelop these chawls, which can fall any time and which may kill several people. Its already been two years since the home of the tenants is supported by temporary Bamboo Pillars which gives inconvenience as well as threat of falling down to residents who live there.

Hamid Khan who is a tenant of chawl no 15 which is just behind the hospital’s OPD is trying hard to find a solution between the authorities of Prince Aly Khan hospital and the tenants but there is no progress as the hospital is not talking to them at all in written. Hamid’s brother who is a handicap by birth find inconvenient to walk in their house as their house is full of Bamboo pillars. Since last 18 months residents of these chawls are receiving dirty water which can’t be use for drinking or cooking purpose. Every day plasters fall from the wall as well as ceilings and day by day cracks appear to be larger in number in their house. Hamid wrote several letters to the authority to clean the backyard of the Hospital which is not good for the cancer patients as well as for the tenants but the authorities kept a blind side on it. Due to all this Hamid approached Aafreen Faiyyaz (Corporator of E Ward), after which the very next day BMC cleaned the backyard of Hospital.

A senior citizen and a resident of chawl no-15, Karim Ali Ladak has also become a victim of hospitals harassment which they have to bear everyday. Karim’s house lies inside the hospital which is between the Cancer Ward and OPD of Prince Aly Khan Hospital. Karim informed AV that under the lavish premises of hospital any visitors or guest of Karim is been questioned everyday by the hospitals security. Hamid who have collected a bundle of documents from BMC and Old Custom house was shocked when he came across through a document issued by Old Custom survey no-376, which showed that there is a proposed hospital on his house where he stays. Where Hamid has never signed any documents of consent in last 20 years neither his parents have done that, “By whose consent they have a plan of Proposed Hospital at my place?” asks Hamid. Iqbal Irani a resident of chawl no-9 when approached MHADA for repair work, every tenant got a letter from CEO Narendra. R. Malviya stating that “the quality of work of MHADA will not be satisfactory”. Hamid who files an RTI every week to find out the reason doesn’t even know the Right Person whom to contact. The tenants are been approaching everyone since last 18 months but nothing has been given to them in written.

Residents of these chawls are of Low Income group and are stucked between the beautiful Hospitals premises and Residents of High Income group, due to which they are neglected. Approximately a property of Rs 500 Crore in this premises is been acquired by these chawls and Hamid says that “the authorities are been waiting when these chawls will collapse and we are buried in it with our family then they will built a hospital on it to save live’s”