JEWELLERY BAG STOLEN FROM WEDDING VENUE

NAVIMUMBAI: A Thane-based family, who were celebrating their son’sweddingatahotelinVashi, lost gold and diamond necklaces worth ₹8.5 lakh when an unknown person entered the wedding hall and took away the bag of jewellery on Sunday.

The APMC police investigatingthecasereceived acomplaint from businessman Kanhaiyalal Gwalani, whose son was getting married in a Vashi hotel.

Gwalani’s family had brought gold valuables for the wedding and had kept it in a grey and pink bag in the banquet hall during the reception. The family had kept the bag containing a diamond necklace set worth ₹6 lakh and a gold necklace set worth ₹2.5 lakh on the sofa in the hall.

Around 10pm, Gwalani’s familynoticedthebagcontainingthe jewellery was missing. After searching, they could not find the bag and informed the police.

“We have registered a case of theft. We have got some leads and we are working on it to zero downonthesuspect,”saidSatish Nikam, senior inspector at APMC police station.

Police sources said they scanned the CCTV footage of the hotel and saw an unknown man entering the hall from outside and loitering for a few minutes before picking up the bag and walking away.

THANE: After numerous complaints from local residents and activists about the loud parties hosted inside Yeoor forest, Thane forest department has issued notices to three private clubs at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP).

“Club owners hosting sports, parties or wedding functions, leading to loud noise will face action,” said a senior forest official from Yeoor forest, Thane.

According to the forest official from Yeoor, notice has been given to three private club owners.

“As the forest area comes under eco-sensitive zone, loud noise disturbs the animals. If anyone hosts big gatherings or loud parties crossing 40 decibels, they will be will be fined ₹25,000 or will face imprisonment for three years,” said the official.

Forestofficialswillalsokeep a watchonthosevisitingtheYeoor hills. “The forest officials have beentoldtobe strictwhilechecking the pass at the entrance. Morning walkers will be allow in from 5am to 8am. “The monthly pass for morning walkers which was ₹195 has been hiked to ₹215. Around 284 residents have availed the pass,” said the official, adding that they increased the cost of the annual pass every year.

After a leopard cub was found at Yeoor forest last week, officials said they would be more vigilant of those entering the area.

They would take strict action against those found entering the forest without a pass.

“Besides, New Year is nearing and we have placed a banner, informing visitors to not flout rules. We have increased checks at the gate of Yeoor forest,” said Rajendra Pawar, range forest officer, Yeoor range of Sanjay

Gandhi National Park (SGNP), in Thane.

Residents entering Yeoor forest every day claimed that though a pass system is in place, there was no strict checking.

“As the security officials of forest department were lax, miscreants could easily enter the forest area. While there is no control on visitors carrying packed food items, there should be curbs on feeding animals and birds at the forest,” said Rohit Joshi, environmentalist and activist from Thane.

Many visitors and locals give excuses and enter the forest area without a pass.

“Those caught without a pass in the forest area will be taken into custody under the Wildlife ProtectionAct1972,” saidPawar.

Morning walkers are allowed inside from 5am to 8am.

According to the forest official, visitors have been instructedtofollowrulesandnot feed food to animals.

“Officials should also take strict action on those who dump waste in forest area,” said Nidhi Verma,34,aresidentfromGhodbunder Road.