Twenty-four persons were arrested on charges of rioting and injuring police personnel and labourers who were demolishing illegal hutments at Dindoshi, Malad (E). Police said when the authorities started demolishing illegal hutments at the Amdedkar Nagar hutments near Wageshwar temple in Dindoshi, the slumdwellers pelted stones on the police. The demolitions were carried out as per High Court directives. One assistant police inspector, four constables, one State Reserve Police Force jawan and three labourers received minor injuries. Police later resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the mob and used teargas.

Gangster killed in encounter

A gangster Vinod Sharma alias Bhiaya owing allegiance to Ashwin Naik gang was shot dead by the police at Retiwalla Compound in Dadoji Kondev cross lane, Byculla at 12.30 am. Following a tip-off, the Byculla police laid a dragnet for Sharma who was asked to surrender when he arrived on the spot. But he allegedly fired at the police. Thepolice returned fire injuring Sharma. He was rushed to KEM hospital where he was declared dead before admission. Bhiaya was wanted for nine offences including murder and attempt of murder.

School fete at St Stanislaus

The management, Parent-Teacher Association and Ex-Students' Association of St Stanislaus Boys' High School, Bandra, have organised `Stanfest `99', a two-day extravaganza commencing on Saturday. The fete, to be held on the school grounds, is aimed primarily at school students and will include among other things games and contests. A get-together-cum dinner will be held on Sunday exclusively for parents, teachers and ex-students.

The funds so collected will be allocated to the Staff Welfare Fund and projects undertaken by ex-students. Invitation cards are available with the school office during school hours and between 7 pm and 8 pm at the Ex-Students' Association's office.