Pune beat

Woman , infant die of burns
A Mother and her nine-month-old baby lost their lives while the head of the family was critical. They set themselves ablaze at their home at Dhankavadi last night. The mother, Kalpana Sharad Gaikwad Patil 26, a resident of Lodha complex Dhankavadi, and her infant Aniket, who sustained ninety per cent burn injuries died within an hour of the incident at around 11 pm. A violent dispute between Kalpana and her husband Sharad 28, a building contractor, took place over a marriage proposal for the former8217;s sister. In a fit of anger Kalpana, with the baby in her arms, doused herself with kerosene and set herself ablaze. Sharad who tried to save her was also injured. He has been admitted to a private hospital with nearly forty per cent injuries.

Amir Khan for city youth rally
Cine star Amir Khan will be attending Dosti Zindabad, a youth rally jointly organised by Loksatta and Nari Samta Manch to enlighten youths and their parents on the increasing crime against the college-going girls. Addressing a press conference, senior social activist Vidya Bal of Nari Samata Manch told media persons that Vice-Chancellor Dr Arun Nigavekar, noted psychologist Prasanna Dabholkar and family members of Amrita Deshpande, killed in an attack by a youth in Sangli, would be participating in the rally. The rally will take place at Modern Girls8217; High School on Jangli Maharaj Road at 5 p.m. Loksatta Resident Editor Anand Agashe was also present at the press conference.

Ramp construction
Municipal commissioner Rajiv Agarwal has approved the proposal of City Improvements Committee to construct a ramp connecting Lakdi Pul and Kaksaheb Gadgil bridge, for parking purpose. In his note to the committee, Agarwal has said the proposed ramp could accommodate some 580 four-wheelers ands about 2000 two-wheelers.

Agarwal has also said the ramp would have the area of 35,600 square feet. Agarwal said he would initiate the process to seek permission of irrigation department to construct the ramp.

Agarwal8217;s opinion was unanimoulsy accepted by the committee meeting today. The committee has also suggested that a similar ramp should also be constructed connecting Lakdi Pul and Yeshvantrao Chavan bridge. Agarwal, however, is yet to submit his opinion on the proposal.