15 persons killed in wall collapse in Pune

30/6/2019 

PUNE: Fifteen persons from Bihar, including four children, were killed and two were injured here Saturday when a portion of a 22-ft high compound wall of a housing society collapsed on adjoining shanties of construction workers following incessant rains. The police registered a case of culpable homicide against directors of two construction firms, and arrested two builders.

While the Maharashtra government announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the kin of the deceased, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh."We have arrested Vipul Agarwal and Vivek Agarwal of Alcon Landmark," said Anil Patil, senior police inspector, Kondhwa Police Station. The firm had constructed Alcon Stylus, the housing society whose wall collapsed.

The incident took place between 1:30 am and 1:45 am in Kondhwa. The victims were living in makeshift shanties next to Alcon Stylus. On the adjacent plot, excavation was going on for under-construction Kanchan Royal Exotica building. Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao said it appeared the soil was loosened due to heavy rain and the excavation which was carried out "irresponsibly" close to the compound wall. 

The tragedy was aggravated as cars parked along the wall inside Alcon Stylus society fell on the shanties as part of the ground caved in. The shanties were at a lower level than the building wall because of the excavation. Pune city received 73.1 millimetres of rain Friday, the second highest rainfall in June since 2010. Fifteen people died and three were rescued, out of which two were undergoing treatment, officials said.

Expressing grief over loss of life, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered an inquiry. The state 
government also announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh each for the kin of the deceased. Commissioner Rao said there was a landslide in which the 20-22 feet wall caved in and fell on the shanties. "According to preliminary investigation, deep excavation was being carried out in an irresponsible manner. The digging work was going on almost near the wall," he said.

A five-member committee of an additional collector, officials of Building Permission department of the corporation, labour department and a structural expert from the Government College of Engineering will probe the incident, he said. "The committee will submit its report in the next seven days, and action will be taken against those responsible for the mishap as per findings of the report," he said.

Chief minister Fadnavis said on Twitter that he was "extremely saddened" by the loss of life and and he had directed Pune Collector to conduct an "in-depth enquiry". Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao also expressed grief. "Every life lost in incident was precious," he said in a statement. State Congress chief Ashok Chavan urged the government to extend all help to families of the dead and injured.

The deceased were identified as Alok Sharma (28), Mohan Sharma (24), Aman Sharma (19), Ravi sharma (19), Laxmikant Sahani (33), Sunil Singh (35), Ovi Das (2), Sonali Das (6), Bhima Das (38), Sangita Devi (26), Ajit Kumar Sharma (7), Rekhal Kumar Sharma (5), Niva Devi (30), Dipranjan Sharma and Avdesh Singh.

All of them were from Barsoi sub-division of Katihar district in Bihar. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed "deep sorrow" over the tragedy and ordered ex-gratia for victims. Arrangements will be made to bring the bodies back by air ambulance, Bihar officials said. Pune police registered a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder under IPC section 304 against Jagdishprasad Agarwal (64), Sachin Agarwal (34), Rajesh Agarwal (27), Vivek Agarwal (21) and Vipul Agarwal (21) of Alcon Landmarks, and Pankaj Vora, Suresh Shah and Rashmikant Gandhi of the Kanchan Royal Exotica project.

Residents of Alcon Stylus society alleged that they had warned the builder about the compound wall being in bad shape and tilting outward as back as February, but no steps were taken to fortify it.

Read More

TVS Motors launches TVS King Duramax LC225

24/6/2019

PUNE: TVS Motors Ltd launched all new auto rickshaw, TVS King Duramax on Monday here. TVS King Duramax has the 225 CC powerful liquid cooled engine with superior technology, better greadeability and mileage, informed by Shivanand Lomdhade, Assistant General Manager (Sales) Maharashtra of TVS Motors in a press interaction.

Saurav Ghorai, Area Manager (Service), Rajubhai Dixit of Shriganesh TVS, Harun Shah of Shah TVS and Sunil Barge of Sarthak TVS were present on this moment. Shivanand Lomdhade said that, TVS Motor Company, apart from leading manufacturer for iconic two-wheeler brands, is the second largest three-wheeler manufacturer in the country and are exporting to over 30 countries across the world and its yearly turnover is more that 10,000 crore.

He further added that TVS King has been known for high comfort, reliability, durability and high mileage. TVS King is well accepted by both Indian and international customers. Over the last ten years, we have sold over one million vehicles. We are currently present in over 100 towns in India and over 30 countries across the world, with adequate spare and service availability in all markets.

To further enhance value on TVS King, TVS Motor Company launched all New TVS King Duramax Auto Rickshaw powered by 225 CC Liquid Cooled Engine. It is designed to delight driver and customers, with high pickup and power, comfortable seats, smooth suspension, and high mileage, which TVS King is known for. Duramax is available on all fuel variants viz, CNG, LPG & Petrol & attractive finance facility is also available, he added.

TVS King Duramax is attractively priced at Rs. 200134/- (on road, all inclusive). Booking are now open at our authorized main dealership with M/s Shri Ganesh Auto - Swargate & Dapodi, M/s. Sarthak Auto - Chinchwad and M/s. Shah Auto - Mangalwar Peth, Lomdhade mentioned in his briefing.  

Features of TVS King Duramax:

1. Best in class Standard Warranty - 50,000 kms or 365 days (whichever is earlier)

2. Longer Service Intervals of 10000 Kms – high saving on oil and service expenses

3. Powered by 225 CC Powerful Liquid Cooled Drualife Engine - Superior technology, Better Gradeability & Mileage

4. Lower Maintenance Cost – longer life of parts – Saving on replacement cost

5. Smart Phone Charging Socket & Sturdy Soft Top Structure for Longer Life

6. Larger, Water proof & Theft Proof Twin Utility Box with 5.8 ltrs. of Storage & Easy to store items of daily usage.
7. All New Exterior Styling with Classic look 3D Emblem.

Read More

FADA writes to GST Council on Auto Dealer’s plight

21/6/2019 

PUNE (NEW DELHI): The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) has sent a representation to the GST Council on the undue hardship caused to Auto Dealers on charge of interest on Gross Value instead of Net of ITC value, while making the GST payment on monthly basis.

Commenting on the issue, FADA President, Ashish Harsharaj Kale said, “Many of our members are Small Family run businesses located in Tier 2&3 towns and face difficulties in GST Compliances or returns, many a times due to system mismatches not in their Control. However, because of the nature of The Auto Retail Trade, the Business Turnover and Input Tax Credit Available is quite High.”

In the case of a Delayed Return, the ITC in balance as on the due date for filing the return has no relevance with regard to the interest liability u/s 50 of the Act, which provides for levy interest on late payment of GST on tax liability (which has to be Net Tax Liability as ITC is already in electronic credit ledger in control of GSTN). The issue in hand is that in the event of any delay in payment of tax liability, whether the interest payable u/s 50 shall be on the net amount payable by the assessee (net of ITC) or on the gross amount before ITC is set off. This has resulted in undue hardship to automobile dealers (members of F A D A) across the country.

It is the Revenue Department’s interpretation that since Input tax credit balance in the ‘Electronic Credit Ledger’ cannot be treated as the tax paid, unless it is debited in the said credit ledger while filing the return for off-setting the amount in the ‘Liability Ledger’, the interest liability u/s 50 of the Act is mandatorily attracted on the entire tax remained unpaid beyond the due date prescribed. The ITC inbalance as on the due date for filing the return has no relevance with regard to the interest liability under section 50 of the Act. It is immaterial whether the self-assessed tax is paid through ITC or the Cash. Once the payment is beyond the prescribed date, interest liability is attracted on the entire tax amount.

Kale went on to say, “The proposal to charge interest on net of ITC value instead of Gross had been already recommended by the GST Council in its 31st meeting held on 22.12.2018. However, the same could not be passed due to Parliament dissolution for four months.

 
FADA has, therefore, requested that the same gets approved in the upcoming GST Council meet on 21st June’19 and that the interest provided should be calculated on net tax liability instead of gross tax liability. We hope that the Request is Considered by H’ble GST Council which will further help  uto Dealers in Ease of Doing Business by implementing its decision taken in 31st GST Council Meet.”

Read More

Five cyber squads to detect cybercrime cases

21/6/2019 

PUNE: The Pune police have formed five specialized teams to investigate and detect cybercrime 

cases, including online matrimonial and job frauds. “It has become a necessity that police embrace 

the professional approach towards such crimes by improving their efficiency and expertise.

To check the rising cybercime cases, five teams have been formed, each of which is being headed by a police inspector and has a sub-inspector and 3-4 constables as other members,” deputy commissioner of police (cyber) Sambhaji Kadam. 

Each team would investigate specific type of crime, for which they have already been trained. “The members will upgrade their knowledge, techniques and procure softwares for the detection of a particular crime,” he said, adding that a team would only focus on online job frauds, while another on matrimonial website frauds.

“A dedicated team will just investigate banking and card frauds, while another will probe crimes happening on social media, such as defamation and obscenity. The teams will coordinate with officials of different websites and cellphone application to solve these crimes as soon as possible,” Kadam said. 

These five teams will be posted at the cybercrime police station at Shivajinagar, which started functioning independently on Tuesday. It has five inspectors, nine-sub inspectors / assistant inspectors and 30 constables. “More computer savvy staff will be provided to the cybercrime police station soon,” Kadam said.

Read More

Pune-based Varron Aluminium under ED scanner

21/6/2019

PUNE: The ED conducted multiple searches in Maharashtra on Thursday against a Pune-based alloy-making group on charges of money laundering through an alleged bank fraud to the tune of about Rs 300 crore. 

The central agency said it raided the factory and residential premises of Varron Aluminium Private Limited (VAPL) and Varron Auto Comp Private Limited (VACL) in Pune, Ratnagiri, Sangli and Nagpur in a case in which the Bank of India (BoI) was cheated by alleged misuse of the Letters of Credit (LC) facility. An LC denotes an official letter issued by a bank to another bank to serve as a guarantee for payments made to a specified person under specified conditions.

 

The searches were carried out after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), based on an FIR lodged by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The BoI was the complainant in the case, the ED said. 

The agency, in a statement, said VAPL maintained a current bank account with the Karve Road branch of the BoI in Pune and that the firm "submitted LCs and bills drawn from a Canara Bank branch in the same city, which were negotiated or discounted" in favour of the BoI.

"The bills were discounted by the BoI after the verification of the LC and acceptance of all the bills by the authorised officials of Canara Bank (Deccan Gymkhana, Pune branch) and the aggregate amount of Rs 293 crore was credited to the account of VAPL," it said.

Later, when the BoI approached the Canara Bank for re-payment of dues, the latter informed that "the purported LC was neither issued nor bills were accepted by their branch through the approved mode of Structured Financial Messaging System (SFMS) and thus, they did not entertain the repayment request of the BoI, the ED alleged. "This resulted in a loss to the Bank of India," the agency said.

It said Shrikant Pandhurang Sawaikar, the director and the main man behind VAPL, along with Canara Bank officials and other private individuals, "entered into a criminal conspiracy to cheat the BoI".

"In pursuance to the said criminal conspiracy, a non-genuine LC, commercial invoices and lorry receipts were used for the release of Rs 293 crore in the account of VAPL," the ED said, adding that it resulted in a fraud and the bank suffering losses. 

The agency said its probe, so far, had revealed that the said money "was immediately transferred through various accounts and finally utilised for settling old dues and making fixed deposits" by the accused. Further investigation to establish the money trail and attachment of assets was under progress, it added.

Read More

Suzuki Motorcycles introduces GIXXER SF and SF 250

10/6/2019

PUNE: Marking its entry into premium 250cc motorcycle segment with a bang in a national launch in May 2019, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd (SMIPL), a subsidiary of the two-wheeler manufacturer, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan today presented its much awaited GIXXER SF 250 - a sport touring motorcycle, to the bike aficionados of Maharashtra.

Along with it, Suzuki Motorcycle India also introduced the all new GIXXER SF to the motorcycle enthusiasts. The Suzuki GIXXER SF series is available in fully fared versions appealing to the distinctive personality of a spirited rider. GIXXER SF 250 will be available only at Suzuki Premium.

Commenting about the launch of new products, Koichiro Hirao, Company Head, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. said, “We are both delighted and excited to present the all new Suzuki GIXXER SF series in the premium motorcycle segment as part of our on-going commitment to the Indian market. GIXXER SF is one of Suzuki’s flagship products in India and increasing its portfolio will allow us to enhance Suzuki’s much-loved brand presence in the country. Designed to stand out with its cutting-edge style and unmatched power Suzuki GIXXER SF is here to win heart of the sporty and enthusiastic rider.”

Speaking about the launch, Devashish Handa, Vice President, SMIPL said, “India is the world’s largest two-wheeler market, and this market has now started demanding premium products, especially above 200cc engine displacement. The GIXXER SF Series offers the perfect solution to the customers looking for a sports tourer.”The newly launched GIXXER SF 250 is powered by 249cc, Suzuki Oil Cooling System (SOCS) enabled four-stroke, single-cylinder fuel injection SOHC engine which offers heightened performance. The advanced engine, produces 26.5ps@9000rpm and 22.6Nm@7500rpm. A six-speed manual gearbox helps provide a smooth ride even at low to middle range speed. 

The upgraded fully faired new GIXXER SF is a performance-oriented motorcycle, it comes with a 155cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder fuel injection, air-cooled SOHC engine with SEP technology generates 14.1ps @8000 and 14.0Nm@6000rpm. The GIXXER SF offers five-speed manual gear which gives high fuel efficiency and smooth riding experience. GIXXER SF are equipped with Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) to ensure smooth braking.

The stunning new GIXXER SF series has a bold styling, incorporating current European trends to allure young riders who seek performance and style at the same time. 

All new Suzuki GIXXER 250 SF offers two colour schemes - Metallic Mat Platinum Silver & Metallic Mat Black and is priced at INR 1,70,655 (ex-showroom Pune). And, the Suzuki GIXXER SF is available in two colours options namely Glass Sparkle Black, & Metallic Sonic Silver/ Glass sparkle black, and is be available at INR 1,09,870 (ex-showroom Pune).

Read More