 |
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Burglary claims false,
says police
Ludhiana, January 1 SHO Salem Tabri G S Bains said the police had found some foul play in the claims of the burglary at the Blue Mount showroom on the GT Road here. He said the police had launched an investigation to ascertain the motives behind the alleged claims that jackets and woollens worth over Rs 10 lakh were stolen by the burglars on December 23. A case was registered at the Salem Tabri police station that day. SI Bains claimed that the five arrested members of the gang had confessed that they had made an attempt and broke into the showroom but could not take away anything as a night watchman was coming towards the showroom . SI Bains said the arrested members had confessed to a dozen other burglaries and thefts in several parts of the city. He said the police had enough reasons to believe that the accused were speaking the truth about the Blue Mount showroom burglary. Mr Sanjiv Jain, the proprietor of the showroom, had claimed that the burglary took place at about 5 am on December 23. He had claimed that the burglars broke open the locks of the showroom and ransacked it. He had claimed that the loss was over Rs 10 lakh. The arrested gang members were identified as Jagga Singh, Mandeep Singh, Isshu, Dara Singh and Ajay. The police has recovered several LPG cylinders, vehicles, and grocery items from the possession of the accused. The gang specialised in breaking open showrooms, shops and departmental stores. Two members, Ishu and Sanjay, were minors and were lured into the world of crime by other gang members for making fast money.
|
|
Three members of robbers’
gang nabbed
Mandi Ahmedgarh, January 1 According to Mr Harinder Singh Chahal, Senior Superintendent of Police, Sangrur, a police party led by Mr Balwinder Singh, SHO Sadar, had nabbed three members of a notorious gang that had tried to rob a godown at Fauzewal village on December 16 night. The accused identified as Ravinder Pal, alias Kala, of Mullanpur, Rajinder Pal, alias Pappi of Kote Isse Khan, and Chanan Singh of Dyalpura were nabbed when they tried to flee at a naka at a Canal Bridge near Maholi village last night. The police seized an Indica car (PB10 Z 4721) and truck (RJ 31 G 3686). Preliminary investigations revealed that the three were members of an inter-state gang involved in robbing godowns owned by various agencies. A coordinated action by the police and residents of the area foiled the attempt in which at least 16 persons had struck a pre-determined target in four trucks and a car. The police later seized a truck (RJ G 5161) reportedly abandoned by the robbers that night. After being deputed to investigate the case registered under Sections 392, 342 and 506 of IPC, Mr Rachhpal Singh DSP, Malerkotla, constituted an SIT led by Mr Balwinder Singh and Mr Gulab Singh. Persistent efforts by the team enabled it to nab three persons, including Ravinder Kala, the kingpin of the gang. Intensive interrogation of the gangsters revealed that they had tried to rob the godown by detaining the watchmen forcibly. “Hardly had we loaded 80 bags of wheat, the labourers at a nearby rice sheller raised an alarm and we were challenged by the villagers and a police party. While we succeeded in running away one of the trucks developed a snag and we had to abandon it,” the gangsters told the police. Rajinder Pal was earlier booked and tried under cases registered under the NDPS and Arms Act.
|
|
Woman alleges daughter’s abduction, conversion
Mandi Ahmedgarh, January 1 She has urged religious, social and human rights organisations to rescue her daughter, who according to her would be sold by her captors. The police, terming the issue as sensitive, however claimed that action would be taken after taking opinion of religious leaders of the Muslim community as the victim was now a member of the same community. According to Ms Nirmala Devi Verma, a Muslim family of nearby Malerkotla town had allegedly abducted and forcibly converted her daughter Reema (fake name) with an intention to push her into flesh trade. Reema, a graduate trained teacher cum computer engineer, and a sister of two brothers was "hooked" by Latif Mohamad, son of a sawmill owner of Malerkotla town last year, when her mother had been admitted to a private hospital there. Having received during hospitalisation an extraordinarily generous behaviour from Latif and other members of his family, including wife, two children, parents and siblings, Nirmala accepted him as her third son. "We remained in dark till October 2005, when Latif and his wife had taken Reema to their family on the pretext of marriage of his sister but got her married to him after forcibly converting her religion on the basis of a sworn affidavit attested by a Notary Public at Malerkotla. "After waiting for a couple of days, I went to their home to meet my daughter but was beaten by Latif and other members of his family and was captivated there," alleged Nirmala. She was got released by a police party that was called by residents of the area. Lamenting the callous attitude of all approached by her, Ms Verma said, "It is a pity that despite being a member of a reputable Hindu family I have to run from pillar to post to seek justice for my daughter, who has been exploited both physically and psychologically." She apprehended that Reema, if not rescued soon, would be sold off by her captors. The police on the other hand claimed that it had already started investigations into the charges leveled by Ms Verma and her daughter. Mr Rachhpal Singh, DSP, Malerkotla, said he had deputed a senior investigation officer to verify the facts. "As it was a sensitive issue involving families from two different communities, we have to take opinion of religious leaders also," said Mr Singh. He further said the suspects had claimed before the police that Reema now known as Alina had voluntarily adopted Islam as her religion and got married with Latif. "Even now when she has been divorced by our son, we have been allowing her to stay at our home as a goodwill gesture," the parents of Latif told the police. Accusing the police of inaction, Ms Verma has now urged the religious, social and human Right organisations to impress upon the authorities to rescue her daughter.
|
|
Education, health facilities lacking: Badal
Ludhiana, January 1 Talking to mediapersons here today, he said as a direct result of prohibitive cost of education and treatment in good hospitals, poor people and under-privileged sections of society were not able to send their children to schools. They also cannot afford medical treatment in modern hospitals, he added. Charging the Congress government in the state with further widening the gap between the ‘haves and have-nots’, Mr Badal alleged that due to government “apathy and failure” to allocate adequate funds, the condition of government schools, as well as government health institutions in the state was deplorable. “It is a matter of shame that even after 58 years of Independence poor people are deprived of basic facilities of health and education.” The SAD chief lambasted the ruling party for closing its eyes to the problems of the poor despite professing commitment to socialistic principles. He claimed that the Congress Government, led by Captain Amarinder Singh was serving the interests of the affluent sections while being completely unconcerned towards the pathetic condition of the weaker sections. It appeared that mitigating the sufferings of the masses was not on the Congress government’s agenda. Mr Badal maintained that the Congress had usurped power in Punjab on the basis of hollow slogans and false promises and it continued to exploit the sentiments of the people. He said the government ought to realise that no political party could survive simply on slogans and promises and it must show results to be able to go to the electorate again and seek their support. He also expressed his serious concern over “deteriorating” law and order situation in Punjab. “Rule of the law no longer prevails in the state as heinous crimes like robberies, murders, dacoities, rapes and kidnappings have witnesses a spurt in every part of Punjab.
|
|
|
Ludhiana Calling
Unhealthy journalism
With all national newspapers bringing out local editions, the city has witnessed mushrooming of several newspapers and increase in number of journos. Contrary to the expectations, this has not led to healthy journalism. Few papers have taken upon themselves the duty of denying the stories missed by the reporters. While isolated acts of such reporting can be ignored but of late it has become a regular feature. Santas galore
The number of Santas we saw this year was unbelievable, Practically every school had dressed the younger students of the nursery classes as Santas. Thus, we had a glut of photographs of Santas. It is so easy for the school authorities to tell the parents to buy the dress of Santa and just fix the beard and make them don a cap and Santas go marching and marching. Hardly any school was different or showed a different aspect of Christmas. The parents also complained of spending money on Santa dresses which was a waste any way when the function got over. Some parents had hired the dresses and were better off. It has been seen that the city schools, replicate what becomes popular. Callous officers
Gone are the days when the govt officials, including the Punjab Police, were called the civil servants. They had long ago stopped acting like one. This is too evident with the attitude of several Punjab Police cops, including senior ranks and the tehsildars, SDMs, ADCs, who rarely get back to those persons whose phone calls they did not or could not attend. So much so that getting a statement of such an official is considered a special story if not a scoop by the city journalists these days. One hopes that with elections scheduled next year, the officials would soon wear the mask of the humble public servants.
— Sentinel
|
|
State poised for Khanna policing model
Khanna, January 1 It has already achieved the distinction of becoming the first Police District of the state for successfully creating a strong force of community police officers (CPOs) completely funded by the masses to effectively check the day-to-day crime in all parts of the district. Mr S.S. Virk, DGP, Punjab, is launching the scheme at A.S. College, Khanna, tomorrow. The newly appointed 377 CPOs would participate in a parade and present salute to the DGP expressing their full commitment to provide security to the community. This scheme is the brainchild of Mr Naunihal Singh, SSP, Khanna, who persuaded representatives of all sections of society and village panchayats to implement the CPO scheme to ensure the presence of a uniformed security personnel for a cluster of 100 houses each. The scheme experimented in some of the mohallas in Khanna city from September, 2005, has proved to be a great success. It has resulted in effectively minimising the routine crimes like thefts, snatching, eve-teasing, sale of intoxicants and drugs in the respective areas. Giving details of the scheme, Mr Naunihal Singh, informed that with the shortage of security staff, the police force was not in a position to depute its employees in the internal parts of all mohallas and villages. With a view to ensure proper communication, mobile phones would also be provided to each and every CPO. In the entire Khanna Police District, 1800 CPOs would be appointed in a phased manner, out of which 377 had already been appointed. The SSP said that earlier, as per the orders of the govt, theekri pehras, based on locals, were organised in the villages but people were reluctant to give duty and normally hire some one to perform their duty, which was costing them much more. Mr Naunihal Singh said now unemployed educated local youth, who was known to all, would be appointed as CPO to guard the same area of 100 houses under the full supervision of the local police station. The CPOs would also would provide full information regarding the activities of unlawful elements in their areas to the local police. The SSP claimed that during the experiment in the some areas, the appointed CPOs had succeeded in foiling about 2 dozens incidents of thefts/chain snatching/smuggling etc. Mr Naunihal Singh also informed that a special programme had been launched to make the Khanna Police District fully high tech by providing latest technology to the police. Also, computer training for every police employee had been made compulsory. He informed that 51 computers had already been provided to the police officials.
|
|
Shan-e-Punjab, Dhami awards presented
Ludhiana, January 1 The recipients of the awards were Prof. Sarita Tiwari, Prof. Balwinder Pal Singh, Mr Dalbir
Singh, Mr. Manjit Singh, Mr. Kulwinder Singh Sarai, Jathedar Rupinder Singh Sandhu, Mr. Satnam Aseem, Mr. Jatinder Pal Singh Chhabra, Mr. Parkash Singh Delhi and Mr. Verinderjit Singh. Dr Sarup Singh Alag, chairman of the trust highlighted the services of the awardees and also briefly mentioned the multifarious humanitarian activities of the trust which regularly distributes soul lifting and character building high class literature in various languages free of cost throughout the world to glorify the spiritual heritage of India. It was pointed out that the trust was creating
awareness through publications against the evils in society. Prominent speakers delivered lectures against the menace of addiction, apostasy and foeticide. Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest, Mr Gurcharan Singh Chhatwal appreciated the contribution of the trust under the patronage of Dr Sarup Singh Alag, Mr Kartar Singh U.K., Prof Jagir Kaur Dhami, Mr Gurdeep Singh Gujral (UK) and many other dignitaries like Mr. Batth, residing in the different parts of the world. The guest of honour, Mr. Charanjeet Singh Batth commending the activities of the trust promised to introduce the trust in America in a big way. Prof Jagir Kaur Dhami, chief patron, said the trust was rendering service to humanity with dedication.
|
|
Will New Year bring happy tidings to these residents?
Ludhiana, January 1 Five city residents — Mr Rakesh Talwar, Mr N.M. Hansi, Mr Satnam Singh, Mr S.S. Chana and Mr Bhajan Singh — have been fighting for their cause for the last many years. They hope that the New Year would end their constant fight. Mr Rakesh Talwar, a 50-year-old man, was rendered handicapped on July 7, 1998, when he had fallen in Municipal Corporation manhole that was uncovered on a rainy day. Since then he has been fighting his battle alone but failed to move the authorities, who refused to compensate him. He had been knocking at various doors, including the MC authorities, but nobody listened to him. The Punjab State Human Rights Commission registered a case under Section 12 of Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. Mr Talwar was driving his scooter through a flooded street in Dhobi Ghat area on a rainy day. He was not able to anticipate an open manhole and his scooter had got stuck in it. He fell on the road and the cover of the manhole hit his head badly. He had developed an injury in his head and right side of his body was totally paralysed. Since then he has been trying to earn his bread and butter and support his bright children who are studying different subjects at different colleges. His requests to the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation have also fallen on deaf ears as the civic body has refused to help him. His only hope is the PHRC now. Whether he would get justice or not remains to be seen. Despite approaching the Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PHRC), requesting various officials of the administration and government of Punjab, Mr Satnam Singh, a 84-year-old man is yet to get the land he lost in Pakistan due to partition of the country. The frail octogenarian is forced to knock at various doors. Though he was promised by the Additional Secretary, Revenue Department, Punjab, that he would be given another piece of land if he gave his consent for the cancellation of the original plot allotted to him. The PHRC had also closed his case on the plea that the matter involved intricate questions of facts and law and the commission was not a forum for such like matters. The commission had left the case to the authorities of the Revenue Department to consider the matter. His fight for his right started in 1947 itself. Since then he has grown into an elderly man from a youth but the piece of land eludes him. Even The Tribune had highlighted his plight several times but it could not move the authorities. Mr S.S. Chana, a retired Forest Officer and president of the Federation of Park Management Committees, has been fighting with the LMC for keeping the parks of the city green. Along with him are several residents of the city who want that the parks should be maintained well. But the MC has not released the maintenance funds for parks for the last more than a year. Representing scores of city residents, Mr Chana has fought the case for parks maintenance in the PHRC also. It was only due to his efforts that the PHRC directed the MC to get the parks maintained well. ‘‘I am sure that I will continue with my fight to maintain parks well. Whether my efforts are going to be fruitful or not I do not know.’’ he says. Mr Bhajan Singh, a 70-year-old resident of Santokh Nagar in Ganesh Puri, is a multimillionaire if the land belonging to him in his village is to be considered. But he has been moving from pillar to post to get a copy of land ‘farad’ of a piece of agricultural land belonging to him from the patwari concerned and even after four years of his struggle he is not able to get the same. He has made various rounds to the offices of district administration but his work is getting delayed. The reason — his land is worth crores of rupees and is of interest to certain land sharks. His plight had been highlighted in these columns many a times but nothing happened. He has been approaching successive Deputy Commissioners of the district and the former DC had even ordered the patwari concerned to provide him the documents. But till date he is waiting for the same. Then there is the case of Mr N.M. Hansi, the unfortunate father of a young IAS aspirant, who had committed suicide allegedly following pressure from some bureaucrat. Mr Hansi had been demanding justice for the last two years. He knocked at the doors of local police, the PHRC and NHRC also but nobody seems to listen to him. He claims that his son had received some threatening SMS on his mobile from a BSNL number but the authorities refused to give him the details of the owner of the phone. Later, when he went to PHRC, the BSNL authorities said that the number was not a private number. Since then he has been fighting to bring his son’s ‘‘murderers’’ to book but to no avail.
|
|
|
Disabled celebrate New Year
Khanna, January 1 Mr Sant Ram Sarhadi, president, Municipal Council, Khanna, and Mr Yoginder Sharma, President, A.S. College Management Society, were the honourable guests on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, the guests said people from all sections of the society should take care of the disabled and honour the senior citizens so they did not feel dejected from the mainstream of the society. Mr Sharma said disabled had achieved success in every sphere. F.D. Rooswelt and Marconi, a deaf man, who invented the Gramophone and Luis Brail will invented the Brail language for the blind were such example. Mr B.K. Jethi, general secretary of the society, said while speaking that the society was formally constituted in 1978 and got registered in 1987. The Ministry of Social Security recognised the society in 2001. He said the society had an outstanding record of achievements. The society had also organised three blood donation camps. He said society had succeeded in constituting state executive committee and standing committee for the disabled. General secretary of the society was taken as a non-official member of the committee, he said. Society presented gift packs of utility items to the occupants of Birdh Asharm on the occasion. Mr Tejinder Singh Walia, chairman of the society, welcomed the guests and member of the society. In the end, Bhupinder Singh, president of the society, read the annual report.
|
|
|
Captivating New Year bash at club
Ludhiana, January 1 Ms Sonali Gupta anchored the programme and invited youngsters to dance on the dancing floor. All members of the club extended their full cooperation as the responsible law-abiding citizens of the city to limit the function to 10 pm as per the directions of the Supreme Court. After the cultural program, the members enjoyed the TV programme on the special large screen installed for the members inside the club. At 12 all members welcomed the New Year with great enthusiasm. Mr Anurag Verma, president of the club, extended his thanks to the
members.
|
|
Fervour marks New Year celebrations
Mandi Ahmedgarh, January 1 The function organised by the students and staff of the Hind Institute of Paramedical Sciences was presided over by Mr Jatinder Bhola, president, Municipal Council, and Mr Rachhpal Singh, DSP Malerkotla was the chief guest. Greeting the residents of the town, Mr Bhola and Mr Singh said: “Besides counting our achievements, we should consider our failures also and strive for improvement in the New Year,” said the speakers. An elaborate cultural programme was presented by the students of the institute. Songs, folk dances and choreography depicting problems arising out of social evils, including drug addiction, illiteracy and female foeticide impressed the gathering. A dance by kids was the highlight of the occasion. Office-bearers and members of the Rotary Club, Lions Club, the CB Welfare Association, Bose Society for Blind, Muslim Youth Front, Journalists Association, the Ahmedgarh Vidya Parcharak Sabha and Bhartia Mahavir Dal celebrated the occasion.
|
|
Sarna faction well entrenched in DSGMC
Ludhiana, January 1 Mr Manjit Singh Calcutta’s acceptance of a position within the organisational set-up of the DSGMC of which he once remained president has sent waves in the entire religious institutional framework of the Sikh Panth. This was a clever move of the Sarna faction which finds itself well entrenched in the DSGMC after the abortive attempts of the Badal faction to oust it. The statement of Mr Harvinder Singh Sarna, President, DSGMC is a pointer in this direction. He said that the machinery of the SGPC engaged in the propagation of the Sikh faith has failed to stem the rot that has over taken the Sikh youth after the decline of militancy. Nothing is being done to inspire the Sikh youth or to create an atmosphere of reverence and devotion in the Sikh shrines. On the other hand, the officials of the SGPC have been so powerful as to sideline the ordinary devotees with the sangat. Mr Manjit Singh as head of Sikh mission international would launch the onset of a wave for the revival of Sikh values and also a well-knit organisation to help the Sikh diaspora in sorting out various difficulties of the Sikhs in various countries of the world. Mr Sarna hoped that Mr Manjit Singh would prove equal to the task. The observers of the
Sikh scene see the development as a natural outcome of the apathy of Mr Parkash Singh Badal towards the Sikh religious scene. In fact, he has time and again used the SGPC as a power of patronage to serve his political ends, thus feel the
Sikh observers. The institutional decline has extended to the supreme Sikh authority of Akal
Takht which Mr Badal has many a time conveniently ignored. The present jathedar has been made to act in a way so as to benefit the Akali Dal. His recent threat of action against Mr Paramjit Singh Sarna for holding the election of the DSGMC in time is a pointer in this regard. The jathedar conveniently has forgotten that the annual election of the DSGMC were held in accordance with the regulations of the Parliament Act. Mr Manjit Singh Calcutta on his appointment has made it clear that he has chosen to work in the religious sphere which is more dear to him.
|
|
Stage set for SAD poll campaign
Ludhiana, January 1 The Shiromani Akali Dal has chalked out a massive programme of
organising rallies at the district level and vidhan sabha segment level in preparation for the Vidhan Sabha elections in Punjab in February 2007.The election campaign is being spearheaded by Mr Parkash Singh Badal and his son, Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal, who is general secretary of the SAD. Mr Jagdev Singh Talwandi, who undertook a tour of Raikot Vidhan Sabha segment, told The Tribune today that there was enthusiasm for the rally among people. People of the state, he said, were fed up with the police raj and the land mafia was active in the state. Mr Talwandi said people were also sore that the corruption was rampant in the state. The former president of the SGPC and Akali Dal said the financial condition of the farmers was bad.
|
|
|
Study circle releases newsletter
Ludhiana, January 1 Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest, Mr N.S. Nanda, patron, Punjabi Sahit Academy, appreciated the efforts of the circle in promoting Punjabi language, culture and values. The guest of honour, Mr Kulbir Singh Suri of the Dhan Pothohar Brotherhood, Punjab, said the circle had a commendable place in literary circles. Presenting the copy of the newsletter and the greeting cards to the chief guest and participants, the circle chief coordinator, Dr Manu Sharma Sohal, elaborated on culture promotion activities of the circle. The circle is promoting Punjabi culture, developing viable linkage with like-minded organisations in different parts of the world.
OC
|
|
NGO distributes ration to widows
Ludhiana, January 1 President of the dal, Mr Sushil Prashar, along with additional chief organiser Ravinder Singh Bagga and district Congress organiser Ritu Pandit and organising secretary Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee, Ms Simmy gave away the rations to 57 needy women. All guests said one should rise above the party and reach out to the poor and needy as service to humanity was a service to God. Mr Prashar said they were able to hold the function every month as people were very generous.
|
|
|
NGO organises marriages of poor girls
Ludhiana, January 1 On this auspicious occasion, Mr Surinder Dawar , Parliamentary Secretary , was the chief guest. Mr Rakesh Prashar and Mr Sanjay Talwar, counsellers, were also present on the occasion besides other guests to bless the newly married . Present on the occasion were chairman Dimpi Makkad , patron Gurcharan Singh, Secretary Avinash Sikka , ,treasurer Dabvinder Kumar of Maa Bhagwati Club. Mr Chander Mohan , social worker, lauded this effort of the club
members. The brides were given articles needed to start a new life.
|
|
Consumer council members
Ludhiana, January 1 Mr G.D. Bansal and Dr Jagjit Ahuja of the grahak panchayat have been selected non-official members of the Consumer Protection Council, Ludhiana.
|
|
Disney magic coming to India
Ludhiana, January 1
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Mailbag | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
.jpg)
With cold becoming intense and fog turning thicker day by day, several trains run behind the schedule. The foggy conditions are wrecking a havoc on the power lines, which cause more trouble in this season. The role of electricians of the railways has become crucial in this backdrop. Braving bone-chilling conditions, lack of visibility, and increased threat of electrocution, the linemen leave no stone unturned to keep the power supply functional. The linemen inspire such an awe among the passersby or passengers that many are seen stopping for a while and looking at their work in respect and wonder.
