Popular comedian of Hindi television serials, Jatin Kanakia died in hospital early on Sunday after battling with cancer of the pancreas. He was 46 and is survived by his wife and son.Beginning his career on the Gujarati stage, Jatin shot to fame with the popular Hindi sitcom Shriman Shrimati on Doordarshan. Later, he was seen in almost all comedy serials like Do Aur Do Panch, Mrs Madhuri Dixit, Hum Sab Ek Hain', Mal Hai to Tal Hai, Gud Gudi, Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai and Padosan. Lately, he was rehearsing for a Gujarati play Koi Ramnik Ne Roko. He will also be seen in the forthcoming films Hum Sab Saath Hain and Khubsoorat.

Bargirl raped, 2 arrested

Two persons were arrested on charges of gang-raping a bar dancer within hours of the incident at Vikhroli (E) early today. The 24-year-old dancer, who was on her way home after work at 2.30 am, hailed a rickshaw at Vikhroli station. Though the driver was accompanied by hisassociate in the front seat, the dancer did not object.

When the rickshaw reached Janata Vidyalaya school at Tagore Nagar the driver turned into the isolated compound and the duo allegedly raped the dancer and fled. Later, when the girl took the the police to the scene of crime, she spotted the rickshaw driver passing by. Police then chased and arrested the driver, who has been identified as Umesh Sopan Bhosale. His accomplice, Babu Ansari, was also arrested.

Govt's appeal on ragging

The joint director, higher education (Mumbai division), has issued an appeal to heads of all educational institutions to see that no incident of ragging takes place. According to a press release, if the offence of ragging is proved, a punishment of two years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10,000 will be charged. Offenders can be rusticated and the head of institution can suspend the student. The institution head can complain to the nearby police station, the release adds.