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Retired IIT-Bombay staffer cheated of Rs 4.62 crore; two arrested

Two persons were arrested after a 74-year-old retired Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Bombay staffer was cheated of Rs 4.62 crore through threats of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) action, with the money allegedly transferred to their bank accounts, news agency PTI reported, quoting the police. The complainant worked as a medical officer with IIT-Bombay, police said. They added that the two accused, Narendra Sinha and Gunjan Devkumar Dineshchandra, were arrested for allegedly providing their bank accounts to cybercriminals to route the defrauded money. "The victim first received a video call from a person posing as a telecom department official, followed by another accused impersonating an IPS officer, who alleged that her Aadhaar card had been misused to open a bank account used to launder Rs 6 crore," an officer said. She was told that the CBI had registered a case in this regard and that she was likely to be arrested. "Under pressure, the woman prematurely withdrew her fixed and recurring deposits and transferred Rs 4.62 crore between October 2025 and January 2026 into bank accounts provided by the cybercriminals. After realising she had been cheated, the woman lodged a police complaint," the officer added. According to the police, a case of cheating by impersonation as well as offences under the Information Technology Act was registered and transferred to the western region cyber cell for further investigation. The officers also highlighted that a probe into the money trail zeroed in on Sinha and Dineshchandra, who had opened multiple bank accounts and provided them to cyber fraudsters, reported PTI.  Briefing about the investigation, the officer further said, "The amount that was deposited into these accounts was withdrawn by Sinha and Dineshchandra and handed over to cyber criminals in exchange for a commission. Based on these findings, the cyber cell arrested both the accused. Further investigation is underway to identify more persons involved in this case." Mumbai Cyber Police arrest three for Rs 48.5-lakh cyber fraud Earlier, the North Cyber Police in Mumbai had arrested three Pune-based men for allegedly cheating a Borivli-based businessman of Rs 48.50 lakh by luring him into fake share market investment schemes promising high returns.  According to the police, the accused were engaged in different businesses but joined a cyber fraud syndicate in search of easy money and part-time income. They allegedly provided bank accounts to route the cheated money and earned commissions in return. (With inputs from PTI)

18 February,2026 01:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mumbai’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 77. File Pic

Mumbai weather: City's wakes up to haze; Air quality remains 'satisfactory'

Mumbai experiences hazy conditions at the start of the day, with partly cloudy conditions developing towards the afternoon and evening. The maximum temperature is likely to reach around 32 degrees Celsius, while the minimum may hover near 22 degrees Celsius, making it a warmer day. According too the latest forecast issued at 10 am, hazy conditions are expected across the city and suburbs.  Mumbai’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 77 on Wednesday morning, placing it in the ‘satisfactory’ category. According to the centre's SAMEER app, pollution levels decreased across different parts of the city on Wednesday. Bandra-Kurla Complex recorded an AQI of 77, Andheri east 86, Chembur 70, Colaba 60, Kandivali east 77, Bandra East 62, Kurla 77, Malad west 84, Sion 82, indicating steady air quality conditions In contrast, Worli recorded an AQI of 115, Shivaji Nagar 115 reflecting higher pollution levels within the city.  Borivali east recorded an AQI of 49 and Byculla 50, placing it in a 'good' category. Delhi wakes up to light rain as AQI stays in 'poor' category Residents of the national capital woke up to light rain on Wednesday, a day after Delhi recorded the hottest day of the year so far, with the maximum temperature touching 30.9 degrees Celsius. The air quality also remained a concern, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 228 at 8 a.m., placing it in the ‘poor’ category.  On Tuesday, Delhi’s air quality was in the ‘poor’ category, with the AQI recorded at 259, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).  The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted very light to light rainfall for Wednesday, accompanied by gusty winds with speeds ranging between 30 and 40 kilometres per hour during the afternoon. The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to hover around 27 degrees Celsius and 14 degrees Celsius, respectively.  Delhi has been witnessing unusual warmth for mid-February. Monday (February 16) recorded the highest temperature of the season so far, and on Tuesday (February 17) the mercury soared further to 30.9 degrees Celsius. This was around 6.5 degrees Celsius above the normal average for this time of the year, making it one of the warmest February days in recent weeks. According to the IMD, a yellow alert has been issued for Delhi, and cloudy skies have been predicted for the day. The weather agency has indicated the possibility of a spell of very light rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places during the morning hours. In Noida, the IMD has predicted generally cloudy skies with light rain for Wednesday. The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to remain around 26 degrees Celsius and 11 degrees Celsius, respectively. For the next few days, mainly clear skies have been forecast for the region. Gurugram is also expected to witness partly cloudy skies, with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers likely during the day.

18 February,2026 01:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
NCP (SP) legislator Rohit Pawar addresses a press-conference in Mumbai on Wednesday. PIC/X

Ajit Pawar death: 'Attempts being made to shield aviation firm VSR Ventures'

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislator Rohit Pawar alleged that attempts were being made to protect aviation company VSR Ventures in connection with the plane crash incident that killed late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Ajit Pawar.  Objecting to Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu’s statement that there was “no security lapse” in the plane crash incident, Rohit Pawar argued that such a premature conclusion raises doubts about the seriousness of the investigation. Stating that a senior leader from Andhra Pradesh had attended the wedding of the VSR plane owner’s son in Rajasthan, Rohit Pawar pointed out that the party from the same state currently holds the Civil Aviation Ministry at the Centre. “Under these circumstances, one cannot expect a fully transparent and impartial probe, and reiterated his demand for an independent investigation mechanism,” the NCP Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) urged. Ajit Pawar was killed in a plane crash on January 28 in Baramati, triggering demands from both the NCP factions and a section of the opposition leaders for an independent and thorough investigation. Rohit Pawar, in his presentation, stated that the probe should not remain limited to government agencies alone, and called for an independent panel comprising a retired judge, senior opposition leaders from both the Houses of Parliament, and representatives from NCP and other political parties. Ajit Pawar death: ‘Thief has been assigned the role of investigator,’ says Rohit Pawar In his media interaction, Rohit Pawar even alleged that the Layerjet aircraft involved in the crash could not have been legally registered in India. He claimed that it was “illegally registered” with the help of certain officials in the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and that was the reason behind his demand for an international investigation. Rohit Pawar also argued that the DGCA itself cannot be trusted to conduct an impartial probe. “Why am I asking for an international agency and not the DGCA? Because the thief has been assigned the role of the police and the investigator,” he remarked. Ajit Pawar’s wife Sunetra Pawar, who replaced him as the Maharashtra Deputy CM had met CM Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday, demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the plane crash. Earlier, on February 11, Rohit Pawar had addressed a press conference demanding that the plane crash incident be probed by an international agency, claiming that the possibility of a conspiracy or a larger plot could not be ruled out. However, reacting immediately to the demand, CM Fadnavis urged everyone to place faith in Indian investigative agencies. The CM’s remarks clearly indicated that for now, there is no question of handing over the probe to any international body. Rohit Pawar also came down heavily on those trolling him for a probe. He said that it was even more disturbing that he was being trolled by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sympathisers for raising questions and demanding a thorough investigation. “Why troll me? I am only asking for an investigation. Why should anyone object to that?” he questioned, adding that he would respond firmly to those targeting him online.

18 February,2026 12:37 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev Shivadekar
An image of what appears to be a loose slab on the overground Metro Green Line 4 corridor in Mulund. PIC/X/@beastboymayurr

Mumbai: Fresh safety fears over Metro 4 Green Line after Mulund slab collapse

Days after a portion of the under-construction Metro 4 Green Line collapsed onto LBS Road in Mulund, killing a man and injuring three others, commuters have alleged that hardly 200 metres away, another part of the corridor appears vulnerable and could collapse, potentially triggering another such accident. When mid-day visited the spot, opposite an Indian Oil petrol pump, most commuters were halting their vehicles to glance at the portion in question. While locals demanded that MMRDA should check all the slabs and repair them, no such precautionary measures have been taken. MMRDA did not respond to mid-day's messages by press time. MMRDA while briefing about the incident said, "MMRDA’s Engineering, Safety and Quality teams have jointly conducted a detailed site inspection and technical assessment. We would like to inform you that parapet construction activities are currently in progress at the site. However, we would like to assure you that the structure in its present stage of construction is stable, secured and safe in all respects.  The parapet, its stitching and supporting system are as per approved drawings, quality control procedures and safety norms and are structurally sound. The observed minor misalignment is temporary in nature, arising due to construction stage sequencing and urgency to secure the structure and shall be rectified in the later phase of construction as planned." X user explains In the video shared on X, one Mayur flagged a portion of the concrete (parapet wall) on the Metro line over LBS Marg, expressing concerns about it the safety of commuters. The post went viral on social media, where people are questioning the contractor responsible for carrying out the work. Voices of concern Mayur, X user‘One more slab is about to fall from Mulund Metro. this one is from opposite indian oil petrol pump somewhere close to the Saturday incident @MMRDAOfficial @mybmc @MulundPS @Dev_Fadnavis @Devendra_Office @mihirkotecha (sic)’ Aryan Karia, film producer and Mulund resident‘I visited the petrol pump and found this slab in a dangerous condition. It looks like this may fall. MMRDA officials must visit the site and check all the slabs. I’m terrified to commute under such  construction sites’ Sanket Ghuge, Kanjurmarg resident‘This looks very dangerous. Even after the video went viral, no safety measures have been taken by MMRDA. The BMC must look into this matter. We need safety.” Sanjay Redekar, Bhandup resident‘I am an engineer. This slab looks unsafe. The MMRDA should look into this and repair it before any incident takes place. It’s definitely an engineering fault.” Santosh Surya-vanshi, Chembur resident and auto driver‘There is no value for life. Those responsible never understand the grief of victims’ families. They should get the strictest punishment. The government must order a thorough inspection of all such work’ Biju Augustin, independent civil engineer‘This clearly shows carelessness and a serious safety risk. The precast parts are being moved and fixed into the jig using simple binding, so they are loosely held. If even a small corner is damaged, the jig can slip or collapse.”

18 February,2026 11:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish Vaktania | Ranjeet Jadhav
Fake Baba Bangali racket busted by WR and CR

Fake Baba Bangali poster racket uncovered at Reay Road by Railway authorities

A joint team of the Central Railway (CR) and Western Railway (WR) arrested one person in an alleged fake “Baba Bangali” poster racket operating on railway premises.  The authorities arrested the ‘Fake Bengali Baba’ at Reay Road on Tuesday, February 17.  Acting on instructions from the Senior Divisional Security Commissioner and based on inputs from informers, the joint team conducted an operation at Mira Ali Dargah in Darukhana, Reay Road.  The operation was carried out by SIPF G.K. Rai (IT Cell, Mumbai), ASI P.K. Mishra of Central Railways, and SIPF S.K. Soni along with the Western Railway team. During the raid, officials apprehended Md Nazir Andari, son of Md Razul, who was found in possession of around 15,000 printed posters allegedly meant for display across railway premises. The posters were reportedly designed to promote the services of a self-styled “Baba Bangali". Upon interrogation, the accused admitted to running the promotional activity and using railway property for advertising without obtaining permission from railway authorities. A case has been registered at Wadala under Sections 144, 145(b), 147, and 166. Further questioning by the authorities revealed the involvement of other suspects who allegedly assisted in printing and pasting the posters inside railway coaches. Authorities also emphasised that financial transactions linked to the printing agency and individuals involved in pasting the posters are currently under scrutiny. Railway officials reiterated that unauthorised advertisements and promotional activities within railway premises are illegal and warned that strict action will be taken against violators.

18 February,2026 11:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
The University of Mumbai’s Kalina campus in Santacruz East. FILE PIC/ASHISH RAJE

Mumbai University bars PhD guides from supervising students across colleges

While the University of Mumbai (MU) has awarded guideship to many professors after a long wait, their letters have come in with a different stipulation. As per a letter seen by mid-day, guides “are strictly not permitted to admit, register, or supervise PhD students under their supervision from any other college, institute, or research centre under any circumstances”. This change has been brought in according to a 2022 notification released by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Prior to this change, typically a guide from a college was allowed to affiliate with other institutions or centres to mentor different students, especially if their own college did not offer research in that subject. While several professors told mid-day that they are still awaiting clarity about these clauses, officials from the MU inform that these changes were discussed thoroughly in meetings of the Board of Deans and Academic Council, wherein it was recommended that these UGC regulations be implemented. Teachers’ concerns Will their research guideship now be restricted to the name of a certain college?What happens if the college does not have a research department for a particular subject?Will MU help fast-track the approval process for research centres? Will a single college have enough students in their discipline?Does being a ‘co-guide’ to those from other colleges offer professors the same career progression? Differing view A head of an autonomous college observed that such regulations may help strengthen research quality, stating that when researchers and supervisors operate within the same environment, it can encourage closer academic engagement, timely guidance, and more effective monitoring of research progress. Voices Dr Nirmala Pawar, researcher and general secretary, Maharashtra Union of Secular Teachers‘This move makes things difficult for both students and teachers. It stands true especially in rural areas, where not all colleges may have enough guides in all disciplines. It de-incentivises research’A college faculty member, guideship in chemistry‘This move may demotivate the teaching faculty. What would I have to do if I want a more recognised affiliation? Personally, I did not have any clarity on the issue before the move was made’ Official Speak Dr Prof Ravindra Kulkarni, vice-chancellor, MU‘Our professors were informed about the norms released by the UGC in 2022-23. Universities across the state, including MU, have made representations to the UGC regarding leeway with the norms. The apex body, however, has been firm on these for quality control. Colleges and guides applying for research centres will be facilitated by MU, since the university is looking at accelerating this process before the four-year honours degree with research begins’

18 February,2026 09:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi Alurkar
Nair Dental College’s new building, which houses a hostel for students

Nair college students experience Dental Trauma at hostel

Women students residing at the hostel of Nair Dental Hospital and College’s new building have alleged severe overcrowding and unhygienic living conditions, claiming that repeated verbal complaints to authorities since November 2024 have yielded no concrete action. According to the students, as many as 10 residents are forced to share a single small room with inadequate ventilation. “We were admitted to the course in October 2024 and began residing in the hostel from mid-November. We were told that it was a matter of a few weeks and that we would be given proper rooms. But, it has been over a year now,” said a student. They added that the situation has only deteriorated. Cramped living spaces where students reside inside the facility. PICS/RITIKA GONDHALEKAR Abhinav Wagh, a health activist, alleged that a reading hall had been converted into a room for undergraduate students. “An adjacent area used to provide ventilation, but now it’s always closed. The room’s only window has been shut as it is right opposite the men’s hostel,” he said. No female warden Apart from overcrowding, students have raised concerns over poorly maintained washrooms, citing unclean toilets and irregular sanitation. Women students have also pointed out the absence of a dedicated woman warden in the girls’ hostel, which they say raises serious safety and administrative concerns. On deaf ears Students claim they have repeatedly approached hostel authorities and college administration with verbal complaints. However, they allege that the only explanation offered has been “the increased intake of students in the last academic year”. “The administration says admissions have increased, but that should have been planned. We are paying fees and deserve basic living conditions,” said Wagh. Students’ Woes >> All students speaking to mid-day requested anonymity, fearing harassment from professors and authorities.  Some alleged they had been threatened verbally. >> ‘In a medical college hostel, especially where many of us are staying away from home for the first time, having a female warden is the bare minimum requirement. Not all problems can be shared with a male warden’ >> ‘There are two ACs, but we aren’t allowed to use even one. Due to this we have to rely on four fans, whose fastest speed is not enough to cool the room. Sometimes it’s so hot that we are unable to sleep’ >> ‘One of the two wardens, after complaints were made about the unhygienic state of the men’s hostel, warned us that they would fail us if we do such ‘stunts’. What are we supposed to do then? When my parents tried to meet the authorities to share our concerns, they were disrespectfully made to sit for nearly two hours’ Authorities respond Dr Mala Dixit, dean, Nair Dental Hospital and College ‘I have just taken charge of the college. Since day one, I have been after the authorities to give me an update on the Haji Ali building, where students were supposed to be accommodated long ago. It will have at least 11 to 12 floors. Some students are being accommodated at a [civic-owned building] on Curry Road. I had also asked for a tentative alternative accommodation near the college, but haven’t received any response’

18 February,2026 09:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika Gondhalekar
Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

Mumbai Diary: Wednesday Dossier

Playing the part Ahead of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti, a mother and her child dress up as Rajmata Jijabai and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for a photo shoot in Dadar Ouch! Don’t hurt the flowers Visitors catch Yellow Silk Cotton flowers (inset) at the garden. Pics courtesy/Abhishek Khan Flower picking may sound sweet, but researcher and nature enthusiast, Abhishek Khan (right) cautions against this. “I was at Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo recently. Visitors were picking flowers, throwing shoes and bottles to knock Yellow Silk Cotton flowers off the trees. These are crucial for bees and the native bat population of the area. Throwing objects at the trees further exposes them to pathogens and long-term damage,” he explained to this diarist. You Malayali, mee Marathi A group of artistes perform a Bharatanatyam sequence at a previous edition. Pic courtesy/Nehru Science Centre The seventh edition of the Marathi-Malayali Ethnic Fest will be held from February 20 to 22 at the Nehru Science Centre, Worli. Organised in collaboration with the All Mumbai Malayali Association (AMMA), the festival anticipates large-scale participation from students. “It’s a fusion of cultures via dance and drawing, amongst other things, where audiences can mingle and experience new things,” shared Jojo Thomas, president, AMMA. Hula hoops in reverence Dhopawkar performs at a Gudi Padwa rally (right) Shivani Dhopawkar balances a hula hoop on her forehead in front of the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the Gateway of India in Mumbai. Pics courtesy/Shivani Dhopawkar While Mumbai-based hula hoop artiste, Shivani Dhopawkar has performed at multiple rallies, celebrations, and processions around the city, tomorrow (February 19) will mark the performer’s first time showcasing her skills in Gujarat. “I’m travelling to the town of Valsad, where I intend to perform at a rally in honour of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti,” Dhopawkar revealed to this diarist. We were curious about whether she has showcased hula hoop presentations at any rally for this occasion before. “Not at all; this marks my first time hula hooping at an event for Shivaji Jayanti,” she admitted. Dhopawkar mentioned she will showcase a variant of Poi, a performing art, which will, in this case, involve ribbons. “While I will, of course, perform to various songs with multiple hoops, including jumbo-sized hoops, my goal is to portray this activity [hula hooping] in a more interesting manner for members of younger generations. Especially considering that, while music, instruments, and dances have always been part of such processions, hula hooping has not,” she shared. We wish the artiste a stellar show. Fight like a boss A child paints on a canvas. Pic courtesy/Access Life On February 15, International Childhood Cancer Day, multiple centres of city-based NGO, Access Life hosted music, art, and storytelling sessions for children battling cancer. Founder Ankeet Dave said, “Cancer treatment isn’t just about medicine, but emotional strength; we must remind kids that they are not alone in this journey.”

18 February,2026 08:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-day
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport’s cargo service centre, where the mishap occurred on February 16. PICS/SATEJ SHINDE

Truck accident at CSMIA cargo hub claims life of 46-year-old worker

Ganesh Pandurang Lotankar, a 46-year-old worker employed by a private firm, was crushed to death in an accident involving a truck at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport’s cargo service centre on February 16. A day later, workers affiliated with the Customs House Agents union struck work in protest, calling for better safety measures. The mishap occurred around 8 pm, and witnesses claim that Lotankar was run over by a reversing truck. Drivers present at the spot claim there was a 30-to-45-minute delay before the victim was taken to a hospital. “We kept asking for a doctor or ambulance, but nothing was done for more than half an hour,” said Shekar Kamble, a CHA member. Lotankar was ultimately taken to the Cooper Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. He had been working for about 20 years as a cargo clearance worker and is survived by a wife and two children. Lotankar’s colleagues have demanded that the airport operator provide compensation and jobs to the deceased’s family. mid-day contacted the Mumbai International Airport Limited for a comment, but received no reply by press time. Problems in the cargo area >> Lack of doctors, ambulances and first aid facilities>> Clearers are not allowed to accompany truck drivers>> Malfunctioning lights make evening hours dangerous Words of grief Dilip Jadav, import broker‘There are many safety issues in the cargo area, but this could have been avoided. Usually, two people manage big vehicles — the driver and the clearer. The latter’s job is to check the blind spots when the former reverses. But security personnel in the cargo area don’t allow more than one person in the vehicle, which is to blame for the mishap’ Nayan Kadam MNS general secretary, who spoke to CSC officials yesterday‘All I am saying is that Mumbai International Airport Limited must provide adequate compensation to the kin of the deceased and ensure better safety. The victim was the sole breadwinner of his family. The authorities need to take this into account’ Police action An FIR has been filed by the brother of the victim. The accused has been identified as Kumar Appaji Rao Matre, the driver of the truck. According to the FIR, the accused will be charged under Section 106 of the BNS (causing death by rash or negligent acts not amounting to culpable homicide) and Section 281 (rash and negligent driving or riding on a public way that endangers human life or causes potential injury)

18 February,2026 08:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram Kavattur
Rotomac gained popularity with celeb endorsements like Salman Khan. Pic/@rotomac_pens

Rotomac set for comeback with new strategy and multi-category expansion

One of India’s best-known writing instrument brands, Rotomac, is set for a comeback with a renewed identity and strategy. Popularly remembered for its iconic tagline “Likhte Likhte Love Ho Jaye,” the brand is entering a fresh phase of revival. At its peak, Rotomac held nearly 28 per cent market share in India’s writing instruments segment, emerging as one of the country’s most trusted pen brands. Its mass appeal was amplified through associations with leading film stars such as Raveena Tandon and Salman Khan. Industry buzz around the relaunch suggests the brand may soon rope in another prominent female celebrity. Sources indicate that Kashika Kapoor, a GenZ actress, is likely to be associated with the brand. Manufacturing of Rotomac pens and stationery will now be handled by Shri Bhawani Paper Mills, which is also setting up its own paper mill. Under the new strategy, Rotomac will expand beyond pens into paper-based stationery and children’s toys, positioning itself as a multi-category brand ready to reconnect with Indian consumers.  Key highlightsFormer market share: 28 per centIconic tagline retainedMulti-category expansion planned Celeb connectPast faces: Raveena Tandon, Salman KhanLikely new association: Kashika Kapoor This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

18 February,2026 07:58 AM IST | Mumbai | Agencies
The kitchen where mid-day meals are prepared for students at the ZP school in Dombivli East

Dombivli ZP school runs without principal, two teachers handle 56 students

A Zilla Parishad school in Sandap village, Dombivli East, is functioning without a principal and with just two teachers for 56 students, while repair work and infrastructure upgrades remain pending. With authorities passing responsibility between agencies, villagers have begun raising funds to keep the school running. Stuck between authorities The village was merged into the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation, but the Zilla Parishad school remains under ZP control, leaving accountability unclear. Damaged infra at the Zilla Parishad school in Sandap village, where repair work is pending Villagers say requests for repairs bounce between the municipal corporation and the Zilla Parishad, with neither taking full responsibility. Two teachers, many roles Teachers Girish Thakare and Chitra Bhalerao manage all academic and administrative work. “We have repeatedly requested repairs, more teachers and digital tools, but there has been no response,” said Thakare. Bhalerao had earlier run the school alone for two years. (From left) Teacher Girish Thakare with alumnus Anant Tukaram Patil and teacher Chitra Bhalerao at the Sandap ZP school in Dombivli East “I handled multiple classes, paperwork, sports and parent coordination on my own,” she said. Two village women occasionally volunteer to help with lessons during exam season. Villagers funding repairs Former student Anant Tukaram Patil, 69, has led local fundraising to support the school. “When the walls deteriorated in the rains, authorities kept redirecting us. Finally, we raised about Rs 15,000-16,000 from temple funds to repair one wall,” he said. The Zilla Parishad school building in Sandap village, Dombivli East, which currently operates with limited staff and infrastructure. Pics/By Special Arrangement Patil said many successful professionals from the village studied in the same school. “This school shaped our lives. Without it, many of us would never have progressed,” he added. Fire-damaged classrooms A short circuit sparked a fire on the second floor, rendering two classrooms unusable. All students from Std I to VIII are now accommodated in just two ground-floor rooms. Push for outside help Anant’s son, Tejas Patil, is now seeking support from NGOs and local groups. “Better infrastructure will encourage families to continue their children’s education here,” said Tejas, a software engineer. What is working >> Mid-day meals continue>> Uniforms and textbooks provided annually>> Students still participate in sports events>> Despite limited facilities, one student recently represented the school at a sports meet in Gujarat.  What the school urgently needs Infrastructure>> Structural repair and safety audit>> Classroom restoration after fire>> Electrical maintenancePainting and wall repair Learning support>> Digital equipment like projectors and screens>> More benches and classroom space 

18 February,2026 07:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya Iyer
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