On 25th January 2011, Additional Collector Yashwant Sonawane was
burnt to death by Petrol adulteration mafia people, when he had
gone to check a spot, where he felt some suspicious happening.
On the same day, news about this ghastly incident was reported
on all the news channels. It was described as the 'most
disgraceful act' to happen on the eve of country's Republic day.
On 27th January almost all the Marathi news channels argued
through their debate shows about the protection received from
Politicians by the Petrol adulteration mafias. As expected,
IBN-Lokmat in their Aajcha
Sawal raised this issue. In this programme, BJP leader Vinod
Tawde made an allegation that such people involved in petrol
adulteration have their direct links with concerned ministry in
Mantralaya. He also named one of the ministers and also named
two persons who delivered money to Mantralaya to get certain
exemptions.
Simultaneously, we saw the Government carrying out raids on some
of the outlets where sand and oil mafias were operative at other
places in Maharashtra. But, it was just an eyewash, pointed
majority of the speakers, including the viewers. This time,
however IBN-Lokmat had
sent their representative to get news from Manmad and to the
surprise of everyone, she reported that no such raids were
carried out in and around Manmad. And that was enough of
evidence to expose our system? The attack from different
sections was mainly on the high profile Minister from Nashik and
obviously the Home Minister of the state, for not acting tough
against such acts of criminals.
On Friday 28th January, former IAS officer Leena Mehendale who
spoke on one of the news channels, made it very clear that in
1995-96 she had given a detailed report on fuel adulteration and
had suggested that petrol and kerosene agencies should not be
awarded to the same individual that makes the adulterators' task
easier. However, no action has been taken yet on that report,
either by the State or the Centre. Will the case be handed over
to CBI, still remains a question; but the public anguish is too
much this time, with even all the state government servants
protesting strongly to take stern action not only against the
people who have been caught, but also their main operators,
behind the curtain. Ms. Mehendale too was of the opinion that
the Big fish should be caught and punished.
There wasn't much progress on the Adarsh scam case, but the news
have started flowing in about some big names involved and FIR
being filed against them, so as to make a strong case. There
have also been raids at the homes of atleast four people alleged
to have their connections. However, the 2G scam and the
Commonwealth scam seems to have taken a back seat during the
week, as far as the progress of work at their end was concerned.
Though it is the break time for cricket, we see the news
flashing Sachin Tendulkar, whether it is buying a second house
in Pune or releasing his father's collection of poems.
Star Majha brought out a
direct telecast of the talk show held on this occasion between
Sachin and Dwarkanath Sanzgiri.
To pay tributes to Music Maestro
Pt.Bhimsen Joshi who passed away during this week,
Zee Marathi channel took
the lead by hosting the past programme once again on 30th
January.
by Ulhas Shirke © MMW
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