L U D H I A N A

Political interference hits police functioning
Alarming rise in crime 
LUDHIANA, Jan 25 — Authoritative political bosses and obliging police officials are being held responsible for alarming rise in crime here. The local police, however, claims that all heinous crimes that have taken place in the recent past were only sporadic incidents and that the police has been on its toes to check the crime in the city.

• Another cop held in Avtar murder case

Beauty pageant with a difference
LUDHIANA, Jan 25 — This time no Miss beautiful eyes, no Miss Photogenic and no Miss Talented. This will be India's first beauty pageant which will be based on ethnic Indian costumes. The title is named Malika-e-Husn. The contest would consist of five rounds. All the participants will be dressed in traditional wear like sarees, lehangas and suits.

Various contestants for the title Husn-e-Malika which will be held in Ludhiana on January 27. — Photo by Inderjit Verma

Senior officers involved in Dalit torture case?
LUDHIANA, Jan 25 — Were the three dalit youths allegedly tortured by the CIA Police, in October last year at the behest of some senior police officers or is the Inspector under suspension, Maninder Bedi, then in change of CIA, being made a scapegoat to save the skin of certain senior officer (s)?

• Maninder Bedi hospitalised

Vets stage demonstration, meet CM
LUDHIANA, Jan 25 — The Unemployed Veterinary Doctors Association today staged a demonstration to protest against the delay by the government in filling up various vacant posts of veterinary doctors.

Shopkeeper duped
LUDHIANA, Jan 25 — A cloth merchant running a shop near the Division No. 3 police station was today duped by a four-member group which included three women.

Marketing problems in agriculture discussed
LUDHIANA, Jan 25 — A majority of Indian buyers still prefer fresh vegetables compared to processed vegetables because of cost and taste differences. In the next four or five years, agriculture in the Punjab would have to face the problem of surplus production and lower prices, since the state government has not taken adequate measures to prepare Punjab farmers for the changed scenario in the Indian market and the WTO regime.

‘Proposal was discussed in MC House’
Mayor supports construction of elevated road
LUDHIANA, Jan 25 — The much debated proposal of 2.5 km long elevated road, over the Old GT Road from Jagraon Bridge to Chand Cinema in the city, might create fissures between the ruling SAD-BJP combine in the Municipal Corporation, with the city Mayor, Mr Apinder Singh Grewal, joining issue with the sangahrsh samiti of traders and shopkeepers and a section of BJP councillors led by the district president of the party, Mr Harbans Lal Sethi, who are vociferously opposing the project.

COMMUNITY

Factionalism comes to fore at YC rally
LUDHIANA, Jan 25 — It was as usual factionalism at its worst during the rally organised here yesterday by the Indian Youth Congress to protest against the "wrong policies" of the ruling Akali Dal-BJP combine in the state. 

Forum fines PSEB for deficiency in service
LUDHIANA, Jan 25 — The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum has directed the Punjab State Electricity Board to send the bill to Mr Zail Singh on the basis of actual reading recorded in the meter and adjust the excess amount received from the complainant if the same has already not been adjusted.

Limousines, the bridegooms’ pride
LUDHIANA, Jan 25 — With the advent of the new millennium, there have been winds of change in our social fabric. Traditional ways of marriages have given way to more sophisticated arrangements. Flowers come all the way from Bangalore and special chatwalas come from Sita Ram Bazaar in Delhi. 

Help assured to Kargil martyrs’ kin
AMLOH, Jan 25 — The Punjab Government is committed to the development of villages of Kargil martyrs and special grants would be given for this purpose. This was stated here by Minister for Public Health. 

Plea to protect city green cover
LUDHIANA, Jan 25 — Dr Sandeep Jain, president of the People for Animals, has written a protest letter to Chief Minister, Parkash Singh Badal. In the letter he said that Ladhowal seed farm was maintained and used by the Central Government and Central Seed Farm was functioning over the land, measuring about 2700 acres.

CRIME

Migrant labourer nabbed
KHANNA, Jan 25 — A migrant labourer from Bihar was nabbed after he made an unsuccessful robbery attempt in the house of a local doctor. He has been identified as Gauri. A country made pistol and some sharp-edged weapons were recovered from his possession.

Inderjit Kaur's in-laws booked
DORAHA, Jan 25 — A case has been registered against the in-laws of the girl whose body was recovered from the Sirhind river, near Doraha.

BUSINESS

Frost-free models push up refrigerator prices
LUDHIANA, Jan 25 — The coming of frost-free refrigerators in the market has pushed up the prices substantially. Though mega capacity models have failed to make any significant impact on the market, companies have offered the customers a wide choice. The most favourite model is undoubtedly 165 litre and other low capacity refrigerators. 

EDUCATION

New courses at Govt Polytechnic
LUDHIANA, Jan 25 — The fresh batch of short-term courses for beauticians, fashion designers, interior decorators, computer operators, typist, shorthand, garment makers, TV mechanics, refrigeration and air conditioning would commence at Government Polytechnic for Women from February 1.

Students educated about police role DORAHA, Jan 25 — In a special campaign initiated by the Khanna Police, students of Guru Nanak National College, Doraha, were educated about the role of police personnel in the security of the people. Interacting with students, SHO Payal, Mr Ashish Kapoor, explained that there was a lack of understanding about the working of police stations. R-Day celebrated LUDHIANA, Jan 25 — Students and staff of Sacred Heart Convent School, Sarabha Nagar, and Kundan Vidya Mandir, city branch, celebrated the Republic Day here today.

Students of Sacred Heart Convent School, Sarabha Nagar, carry the National Flag as they gear themselves up for the Republic Day function in Ludhiana on Thursday. — Photo by Rajesh Bhambi

HEALTH

Junk food leads to obesity in kids
LUDHIANA, Jan 25 — Changing lifestyle and food habits coupled with lack of physical activity have contributed to a growing trend of obesity among children. The trend is more common among urban children and those belonging to affluent and upper middle classes.