A defamation case has been filed against Shiv Sena supremo and Saamna editor Bal Thackeray, and executive editors Sanjay Raut and Ushatai Pandurang Jadhav in Murbad court over an article that appeared in the Sena mouthpiece on May 25, 1997.

Harijan Girijan Samaj Unnati Mandal, a local organisation, has alleged that the article, Keshav Chimankaranchya chaukashichi magni (Demand for enquiry into Keshav Chimankar's activities) had ``cast aspersions on its reputation and damaged its image in the community it serves.''

The article claimed that relatives and friends of the Mandal's office-bearers ``had benefitted by thousands in a deal for furniture purchases for a school run by the Mandal.''

Crank call about Rishi Kapoor

The police on Saturday, November 1 1997, received a crank call that actor Rishi Kapoor had beaten up his wife Neetu Singh.

Sub-inspector Sirsat of the Khar police station said the call was received by Bandra police station, who in turn informed Khar police, as Kapoor's residence comes under the jurisdiction of Khar police. Sirsat said he visited Kapoor's residence at Krishnaraj, 27 Pali Hill, Nargis Dutt Road, Bandra, and met both Kapoor and Neetu. The couple told him everything was fine between them, and that no fight had taken place. The couple further told Sirsat they neither called up anyone in this context nor received any calls.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.