One booked for power theft

MUMBAI, AUGUST 16: A criminal offence has been registered against one Harishchandra Manglya Patil, husband of sitting Congress KDMC corporator Vatsala Patil, for his involvement in encouraging power theft in Ambivili. According to details given by the local MSEB flying squad authorities, Patil had built a chawl of 22 rooms in Mangal Nagar, Ambivili, in 1986. He had provided the residents with power supply directly drawn from the power lines overhead illegally. The residents were being made to pay Rs 50 per month to Patil in return. On a tip-off, the flying squad raided the place and discovered the information provided was true. A case has been registered under Section 3944 of the Indian Electricity Act by the Mohone police. SI Bhagwan Darade is investigating the case.

Nag panchami celebrated: Nag Panchami was celebrated by devout Hindus by worshipping the Nagdevta with religious fervour in the city today.

Devotees thronged Shiva temples in the city. Nagdevta has a special place of worship amongHindus as it is seen around the neck of Lord Shiva while Lord Vishnu is seen reclining under its hood along with his consort. Many people fast on this day. A special sweet dish called Patoli made of coconut and wheat flour is also made. Devotees also worship the snake god at the Trimbakeshwar temple in Nashik. In Konkan, pictures of the Nagdevta are drawn on the walls of many homes. In Battishshirale in Sangli district, the festival is celebrated with many people gathering at a vast ground and offering milk and prayers to Nagdevta. People also believe land should not not be dug on this day to ensure Nagdevta is not hurt.