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October 27, 2001, Chandigarh, India
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Ruling combine ready for another victory:
Tandon Ludhiana, October 26 Addressing a news conference at Circuit House here today, he said there was no question of any electoral alliance or adjustment with the Congress and the Left parties. However, the ruling combine had an open mind as far as understanding with the Bahujan Samaj Morcha and some other political outfits, including the Panthic Morcha, was concerned. “The prevailing trend in the state indicated that the ruling combine is poised for another comfortable victory and all set to come to power for another term”. Replying to questions on acts of sacrilege and the measures being taken by the government, Mr Tandon remarked that acts of showing disrespect to any particular religion should be condemned in the strongest possible words. The government had responded to the situation and the law was taking its course, he added. The minister claimed that the government had initiated steps to do away with octroi in right earnest to fulfill one of its main poll promises but intervention of the Punjab and Haryana High Court had delayed the matter. Justifying the government stand (to abolish octroi), Mr Tandon maintained that entire mechanism to generate alternative revenue to adequately cover up the loss of income by the local bodies was almost in place when the high court granted a stay order. Without elaborating the alternative sources of revenue generation, he said the government was in a position to not only make up the entire loss of income from octroi but to provide 10 per cent additional funds to the local bodies to sustain the tempo of development works. He replied in the negative when asked whether the high court stays imposed on populist decisions like abolition of octroi and regularisation of encroachments, was an adverse reflection of the working of the government. Disagreeing with a scribe that the government had failed to curb rampant corruption and provide a clean governance, Mr Tandon said propaganda against the SAD-BJP government to this effect was politically motivated. “The government had made efforts to bring transparency to the possible extent and complaints against corrupt officials and employees are dealt with on priority basis and stern action taken against the guilty persons”. The minister while focussing on the achievements of his government, credited his government with creating an atmosphere of peace and communal amity, which was conducive to investment and all-round development. The industrial and agricultural production had shown a healthy trend and work was in progress on various big projects in the public and private sector, he said. |
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Organisers
ignore fire-safety measures Ludhiana, October 26 In Ludhiana district, Dashera festivals are organised at more than 20 place. But only a few organisers strictly follow the fire-safety rules. Some of the organisers do not even inform the Fire Department about the function, although it is mandatory to take permission from the department for organising any such function. According to sources, every organiser has to take permission from the district administration for such function, following which, the department officials are supposed to inspect such sites to ensure that all fire-safety rules are being complied with. But due to time constraint, the department often conditionally approves such applications as are accompanied by an undertaking by the organisers that they will comply with all fire-safety rules. But in most of the cases, organisers do not care about these rules once the permission is granted. The fire-safety measures require that the effigies should be erected in soil in an open ground. But at some of the venues, effigies are burnt on cemented platforms which is very dangerous as it gets heated soon and could be a cause of major fire later on. The essential conditions, like keeping a first-aid box, water buckets and fire extinguisher are generally ignored by the organisers. According to the information available, this Dasehra, fire-engines were provided only at two places, Sukhdev Nagar and Daresi Grounds. When an official was asked as to why such arrangements were not made at other venues, he said the higher authorities had asked to do so at both these places as these were the main venues for Dashera celebrations and witness a large gathering every year. However, their staff was on its toes on Dasehra evening to meet any emergency, he added. |
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College
managements, PU on collision course Ludhiana, October 26 According to the restructuring move, the university would get a say in the working of these colleges by having its representatives in college bodies. It has already sent its list of nominees to the colleges and has asked them to send a list of the elected and nominated members of college managements. As per the PU calendar issued after approval from the Government of India, ‘‘the governing bodies of the non-government colleges shall consist of 15 members; nine members may be elected or nominated by the representing trust, as per the constitution; one academician will be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor, DPI (Colleges) or his nominee, not below the rank of Deputy Director (colleges); Principal of the college as ex-officio member; two representatives to be elected by confirmed teachers; and one academician to be nominated by the managing committee.’’ The demand for reconstitution of governing bodies originated when several staff representatives complained to the university authorities and Senators that their problems were not being listened to by their managements. While the provision to include staff members was already there in the university calendar, the teachers had been complaining that they were not being involved while taking major decisions. Supporting the PU move, Mr Tarsem Bahia, Principal of AS College, Khanna, and a PU Senator, said it would lead to more transparency in college matters. He blamed the managing committees of women colleges for not involving its staff representatives in decision making. He said from now onwards, managements, which would not invite all governing body members, would
be taken as defaulters. ‘‘While the PU has already sent the list of its nominees, the DPI should also speed up the process by sending names of its nominees,’’ he said. Teachers also seem to be favouring the move. Prof K.B.S. Sodhi, president of the Punjab and Chandigarh College Teachers’ Union, has urged the VC to convene a meeting of the staff representatives of PU affiliated colleges to ensure their effective participation. Had the managements bodies at Dev Samaj College, Ferozepore, and DAV College, Garhshankar, been constituted as per the PU calendar, these would not have been embroiled in any controversy, he said. However, opposing these views, Mr Gurbir Singh Sarna, secretary of the Non-Government Colleges Management Federation, said ,‘‘Colleges are run by different managements, like the Arya Vidya Parishad or the Sanatan Dharam Sabha, each having its basic objectives. By involving DPI and VC nominees, the managements would be diverged away from their goals. He said reconstitution would further lead to infringement of basic rights of the college managements. |
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Ravana goes up
in flames Ludhiana, October 26 The day began with people worshipping Lord Rama in temples and at homes. This was the day when Ravana was done to death by Lord Rama. The Metro road at Focal Point presented a panoramic view of roadside mela shops selling watches, toys, bead strings, etc. Shops selling jalebis and pakoras were also doing brisk business. As the day progressed, more and more people came out on the streets and by evening the crowd had swelled to such an extent that it was difficult to walk on the road. The cops on duty were having a tough time controlling the crowds . The area was full of migrants who displayed more fervour than the locals. At the Metro road a Dasehra mela was in full swing at Sukhdev Nagar. Effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkarana and Meghnad dominated the scene. The Shri Ramlila Committee celebrated Dasehra at Daresi grounds, the oldest Dasehra venue in the city. The function was presided over by Lala Lajpat Rai, BJP MP and Mr Chander Shekhar, IG, Police, was the chief guest on the occasion. Mr S.K. Sandhu, Deputy Commissioner, Ludhiana, performed the flag hoisting ceremony and the prizes were given away by Mr Gurcharan Singh Ghalib, MP , and Mr Satpal Gosain, Deputy Speaker, Punjab Vidhan Sabha. At Upkar Nagar, Dasehra was celebrated at a function held by Dasehra Committee of the locality in which Mr Gursharan Singh Sandhu, SP, city-I, was the chief guest. The function was inaugurated by Mr. Dilbagh Singh. The Shri Durga Mandir Committee, Urban Estate, Dugri Road, also organised a function to celebrate Dasehra on the grounds adjoining the temple near Dugri water tank. People from Dugri, Model Town, Jawaddi and other villages thronged the mela in large numbers. |
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Web
sites
gear up for festival season Ludhiana, October 26 Visit Indiatimes.com and its shopping section will offer you an attractive Divali gift hamper containing a set of two nicely decorated terracota diyas, Karachi halwa and an Archies greeting card and free delivery anywhere in India. Besides, there are other gifts including designer diyas, candles, sweets, home appliances, chocolates, cakes, flowers, soft toys, CDs and much more. Almost every item comes with a free gift or on discount. If you go to Sifymall.com, the major attraction will be the cash on delivery scheme. In case you do not own a credit card or are shy of paying before actually receiving the item, you can go in for this scheme. The site offers the scheme in 166 cities of India including Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Chandigarh. At Sifymall.com, you can choose from a wide range of gifts which include pooja thalis, diyas, shirts, sarees, perfumes, flowers and kitchenware, all coming with an attractive scheme. The site is also selling greeting cards by CRY. At Archiesonline.com, gifts have been divided into two sections, corporate gifts and traditional gifts. In the corporate gifts section, one can go for table clocks, key chains and card holders. In the traditional gifts section,
their are ganeshas, sweets, pooja thalis and diyas. The site also sells greeting cards by Helpage India. One of the major attractions of Archiesonline.com is the wide range of traditional diyas. There are glittering lotus diyas, sun and star shaped diyas, sparkling diyas and hand shaped diyas. At Bargainsbazaar.com, one can bargain while making the purchases. One Mr Bargain Kumar ( BK for short) first quotes his price, then asks the amount you would like to pay and generally gives you a discount of up to Rs 35 per cent. Besides, one can try other sites like Yahoo, Fabmart, Samachar and Rediff offering a variety of gift hampers and schemes for every purchase. |
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Fall in city hotel
business Ludhiana, October 26 In fact, the hotel industry, which had just started growing after a long period, is now facing a fall in business due to decline in the flow of tourists and the fall in income of the local industrial units. Mr N.S. Nanda, president, Hotels and Restaurants Association of Punjab, says: “The worldwide hotel industry is witnessing a fall in earnings, and the local hotels are no exception. The room occupancy rate of the local units has declined by 30-40 per cent due to a fall in foreign and domestic business tourists. We are forced to retrench labour force at least by 10 per cent.” Mr Hardeshwar Dyal, GM, Park Plaza hotel, a leading hotel of the city, said: “The room occupancy rate has declined by 10-20 per cent, but we have not decided to retrench the workers. Neither would we cut down the room tariff. The other hotels have also started providing heavy discounts on room tariffs to the company customers, though they are not ready to make any statement in this regard due to fear of adverse impact on their business. Mr Vikas Srivastva, GM, Hotel Maharaja Regency, said: “We are now offering special Navratna thali at a price of normal thali. There is certainly a decline in business and we are trying to find ways to meet the challenge.” Mr Nanda says: “The municipal committees charge house rent based on room tariff instead of actual rent. The room tariff includes charges for other amenities and services. While the government has not taken any steps to promote tourism in the state by developing historical places as tourist spots, it has instead imposed 8.8 per cent sales tax on food items to kill the industry.” He said: “To attract more tourists in Punjab, tourist spots like Sheesh Mahal and Bara Dari of Patiala, Aam Khas Bhag of Sirhind, Bathinda and Ludhiana forts, Bhakra Dam and Hussainiwala borders should be developed by the government to make them more attractive for tourists. |
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Spurious
furnace oil racket busted, three held Ludhiana, October 26 Giving details, the SHO, Focal Point police station, Mr Mukhwinder Singh, said during a raid conducted on the firm, dealing in industrial oils, on Thursday, it was revealed that a mixture of kerosene, burnt oil and coal tar was being sold as furnace oil to local industrial units on a large scale. During the search, a massive tank, with a 24,000 litres capacity and fitted with a mechanised mixer, was
unearthed. The tank was used for mixing the ingredients and preparing spurious furnace oil. In addition to about 20,000 litres of spurious furnace oil, the police also seized a tanker parked at the site, which was allegedly transporting coal tar from Panipat, besides some other equipment used in the process by the accused. According to the SHO, the owner of the firm, Satnam Arora, alias Kala, a resident of the Aggar Nagar locality, has escaped. Sukhvardhan, manager of the firm, and two employees namely Sant Kumar and Jatinder Kumar have been arrested under Sections 420 of the IPC and 7 of the Essential Commodities Act. |
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Body found
with multiple stab wounds Ludhiana, October 26 Sources at the Division Number 6 police station said the victim had been stabbed about 15 times with a sharp knife all over the body. The body has been sent for post-mortem. Identity of the victim could not be ascertained as no clue could be found from his clothes. |
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Does sangat darshan help solve
problems of poor? Ludhiana, October 26 At least that is what Mr Amarjit Singh, a retired Subedar of the Indian Army, thinks after going through the ordeal of visiting sangat darshan programmes of the Deputy Commissioner week after week for about eight weeks on the trot. But he has failed to get the justice he has been seeking all along. In short, the story of Amarjit Singh and the repression done on him is in fact the story of a tussle between a rural poor person and a wealthy NRI in which the former stands little chance of coming out victorious. Such is the system and custom prevalent in rural Punjab in which might is still right. The poor ex-Army man of Jandi village had submitted an application to the Deputy Commissioner that on August 15 last, at about 7p.m., NRI Kamikkar Singh, Charan Singh, son of Raj Singh, Raghbir Singh, son of Charan Singh, Gurmel Singh, son of Wariam Singh, and Karnail Singh, son of Jagir Singh, residents of the same village, attacked him with the intention of killing him, but succeeded only in cutting a deep gash in his left arm with the help of a sharp-edged weapon. The accused also terrorised the Civil Hospital staff at Sidhwan Bet into not giving any medical aid to him. Though his statement was recorded by the Sidhwan Bet police two days later, no action was taken against the accused because they were influential persons. They were still roaming about freely in the village and issuing more threats, as a result of which he and other members of his family were a terror-stricken lot. The bone of contention is the plot owned by the ex-army man which the accused want to buy against the wish of his family. Meanwhile, Amarjit Singh was relieved from DMC hospital, Ludhiana, on September 1 and he returned to the village. He stated further in his application that his safety must be ensured in view of the fresh threats being issued by the accused who were roaming free in spite of a criminal case under Section 326 of the IPC registered against them in connection with the August 15 attack in which his left arm had been broken, The Army man further contended in his application that the accused were well-connected in the Police Department and were rich enough to influence matters. So much so that they had managed to get a false parcha registered against him, while the main accused in the attack on him, Kammikar Singh had left for the USA soon after the attack on him in August. In the end, the ex-Army man emphasised the need for a high-level probe into the incident and appropriate legal action against the guilty in the interest of justice and safety of his family. After having failed to get any action against the accused in spite of a case under Section 326 of the IPC against the accused, the aggrieved ex-Army man had also sought the intervention of the DIG, Ludhiana range, through an application on August 21. He stated in that application that the accused arrived in a car duly armed with iron rods and other weapons while he was standing in front of his house. The accused started beating him and also tried to abduct him. When he shouted for help, his daughter and wife came out of the house. On seeing him bleeding profusely the womenfolk raised the alarm, as a result of which the accused fled from the scene. But instead of getting justice, he has got a useless and expensive litigation on his hands. Instead of making an objective inquiry and quashing the false FIR registered against him, the Sidhwan Bet police has registered a cross case against the other party on the basis of his statement. Interestingly, Mr Amarjit Singh has not so far been given a copy of the FIR registered on the basis of his statement nor has he been told about the various sections of the IPC under which a cross case has been registered. Meanwhile, all hopes of the ex-Army man of getting fair justice at the hands of the police remain unfulfilled, for the time being at least. |
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SHSYAD
to hold protest marches on November 1 Ludhiana, October 25 Various other constituents of the panthic morcha would also participate. This was stated by Mr Karnail Singh Panjoli, president of the SHSYAD, while addressing a news conference in Gurdwara Akalgarh after a meeting of the state executive and district level office-bearers here today. He said the party would impress upon the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and Akal Takht to perform the bhog of akhand path in memory of the riot victims and also to chalk out an effective programme to put pressure on the government for punishing those responsible for heinous crimes against the Sikh community. Giving more details, Mr Panjoli informed that the series of “akhand path” would commence on October 30 and after performing bhog on November 1, the party activists would march in protest to the district headquarters and submit memoranda to the Prime Minister through the respective deputy commissioners. He lamented that even 17 years after the tragic happenings, the guilty had not been punished. The indifference of the governments of the day was evident from the fact that Parliament had failed to adopt a resolution condemning the “massacre” till date. Mr Panjoli charged the BJP led NDA coalition government at the Centre with adopting the same apathetic attitude towards this sensitive issue as had been done by the then Congress government. “The Shiromani Akali Dal had extended unconditional support to the BJP at a time when the party was considered an ‘untouchable’ and the Sikh community had voted overwhelmingly for the BJP candidates under the impression that the alternative government would undo the excesses and injustice done by the Congress Government.” However, the hopes of the sikh community were shattered and the issues like the release of Sikh youths from jails and awarding punishment to the guilty of the 1984 riots were put on the back burner. The attitude of the SAD Government, headed by Mr Parkash Singh Badal, towards these pending issues, was all the more disturbing. “In pursuit of his political ambitions, Mr Badal had completely forgotten the crucial issues before the Sikh community and pending demands of Punjab,” Mr Panjoli added. Veteran party leaders Thekedar Surjan Singh, Mr Sukhwinderpal Singh Garcha, Secretary General SHSYAD, Mr Sohan Singh Goga, district president, Mr Randhir Singh Rakhra, Gulzar Singh Dhakarba, Rupinder Singh Mundi, Mr Jatinder Singh Dakha, Mr Manjit Singh Simlapuri, Mr Teja Singh Samundari, Mr Hartej Singh Mehta, Mr Gurwinder Singh Doomcheri, Mr Amarinder Singh, Mr Baldev Singh Pahwa, Mr Hardev Singh Manak and Mr Rajinder Singh Sandhu were also present on the occasion. |
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Pollution-free Divali likely Ludhiana, October 26 The Supreme Court had directed the Union Government, the Union Territories, as well as the state governments, to take strict steps to protect the Environmental (Protection) Rules, 1986 framed under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. As per the directions, the manufacture, sale or use of crackers, generating noise level exceeding 125 dB (AD) or 145 dB (C) will be prohibited. Fireworks or fire crackers will not be permitted except between 6 pm and 10 pm, according to the directions. The Supreme Court has also directed that the crackers shall not be used in silence zones as defined by the Ministry of Environment and Forests. The silence zone comprises area of 100 metres around hospitals, educational institutions, courts, religious places or any other area which is declared as such by competent authority. The Supreme Court has also directed the State Education Resource Centres in all states and union territories, as well as the management and Principals of schools in all states and union territories to educate students about the ill-effects of air and noise pollution. Most of the city residents welcomed the decision of the Supreme Court. They said at least some initiative had been taken to control the pollution level in the country. Mr Harsohinder Singh, Assistant Commissioner (General), Ludhiana, while talking to Ludhiana Tribune said the district administration would take all necessary steps to see that there was no violation of the Supreme Court directions. He said the district administration was taking help of fire and the police department to implement directions issued by the Supreme Court, Explosives Act, Environment (Protection) Act and Environment (Protection) Rules. Meanwhile, it has been alleged that none of the wholesale and retail dealers selling firecrackers have sought proper licence as per the Explosives Act, nor have they taken adequate precautions in storing the crackers as per the rules. As per the Explosives Act, 1884 and related rules governing firecrackers, the crackers must be kept in a shed made of non-inflammable material which is closed and secured. But in the city, most of the crackers are allegedly sold in the open on the grounds of Government College for Women and the stalls are also located close to each other. |
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Speaker
disburses grants Machhiwara, October 26 Addressing the gathering, he said the Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, had done the comprehensive development of the state. He assured that in the forthcoming legislative elections, the SAD-BJP alliance would return back to power with a thumping majority. Earlier, Mr Atwal inaugurated the upgraded Government Middle School and panchayat ghar in the village. All promises made in the last Assembly elections had been fulfilled, he claimed. The construction of a bridge across the Sutlej between Machhiwara and Rahon village would be completed soon, he added. Mr Atwal also gave cheques to gram panchayats of Bhaurla Bet (Rs 1.07 lakh); Salana Bet (Rs 1.04 lakh); Hambowal Bet (Rs 1.03 lakh); Bairsal Kalan (Rs 75,000); Hedon Bet (Rs 1.5 lakh); Garhi Bet (Rs 1.25 lakh); and Kotala Bet and Machhiwara Kham (Rs 1 lakh to both). Prominent among others who present on the occasion were Mr Gurdial Singh Kotala, Mr Gurcharan Singh Mithewal, Mr Harjit Singh Sherian, Mr Chanan Singh Hasanpur, Mr Kuldip Singh Jatiwal, Mr Kulwinder Singh Bhatti and Mr Jagmohan Singh Takkar. |
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‘Oct 31 to be observed
as Ekta Divas’ Machhiwara, October 26 Mr Meharban who had come here to preside over the block Congress meeting, said that he had received a good response to his public contact programme in the Koomkalan constituency segment. The anti-people policies of the Punjab Government had disappointed people, he said and alleged that procurement agencies were harassing the traders and farmers by not making payments. Due to the lack of economic package, industry was on the brink of disaster, he further alleged. Others who attended the meeting included Block Congress chief Surinder Kundra, Dr Anand Swaroop Sharma, a former block president, Mr Anil Sood, president of the Nagar Panchayat, Machhiwara, Mr Shakti Anand, a former president of the Arhtia Association, and Capt Ram Singh, a councillor. |
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RSS volunteers take out march Ludhiana, October 26 Earlier, addressing the RSS swayamsewaks at Arya Senior Secondary School, Mr Ranghari, chief of the intellectual wing, exhorted them to serve the nation and society in a dedicated and selfless manner. The volunteers, marching in unison, were accorded a rousing reception throughout the route and more than 50 welcome gates and tableaus were set up all along the route. The march commenced from Arya Senior Secondary School and covered a distance of about 5 km, passing through Bhadaur House, Clock Tower, Chaura Bazaar, Chowk Division No 3, Madhopuri, Ghati Mohalla, Daresi before terminating at the starting point. Prominent among the participants were Lala Lajpat Rai, MP, Chaudhray Sat Parkash, zonal president, RSS, Mr Sat Pal Gosain, Deputy Speaker, Vidhan Sabha, Mr Madam Mohan Vyas, Chairman, Ludhiana Improvement Trust, Mr Anil Sareen, Secretary, BJP, Punjab, and Mr Mohan Upadhyay, Secretary, Vishwa Hindu Parishad. |
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Remove
obscene posters: YAD Ludhiana, October 26 In a statement here today, the vice-president of the party, Mr Kulwant Singh Ranike, observed that obscene posters, carrying objectionable pictures and illustrations, were put up by local cinema houses in every nook and corner of the city, which created embarrassing situation for women and families moving around in these area. Besides, such posters were polluting the minds of the younger generation and at times incite them to indulge in sexual crimes. Mr Ranike said it was most unfortunate that the district administration had failed to curb the menace and the cinema owners were been given a free hand to indulge in such undesirable acts, which were causing social degeneration. Seeking cooperation and support of the members of the public and other social organisations, he asked them to remove the objectionable posters. “Those putting up obscene posters should also be humiliated and urged to desist from such anti-social activities”. The Youth Akali Dal activists made an appeal to all religious and social organisations to create a strong public opinion against obscene posters so that nobody dared to carry out such undesirable acts and further that a programme for launching ‘direct action’ against the offenders could be finalised if the administration failed to address the problem without any further delay. |
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One killed in road
accident Ludhiana, October 26 The police has registered a case under Sections 279 and 304-A of the IPC on the statement of constable Karamjit Singh, an eyewitness to the accident. The constable has stated in the FIR that he was standing at the Sahnewal chowk at about 6 am when he witnessed a truck coming from Doraha side hit the victim. The driver managed to flee the spot leaving behind the truck. Case registered Gamblers held In another swoop on gamblers, the Focal Point police arrested Karam Singh, Mishari Lal, Pardeep Kumar, all residents of Jamalpur. A sum of Rs 500 was seized from them by the police. In yet another case, the Focal Point police arrested Amarjit Singh Chohan, Rakesh Kumar, Gurdarshan, all residents of Jamalpur Kuliawal, while they were gambling. A sum of Rs 500 was seized from the accused. Cracker seller held Liquor seized Sahnewal SPO booked Booked One injured Councillor booked |
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