The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

COURTS

5-year RI for four in assault case
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, May 12
The ‘fast track court’ has sentenced Raghbir Singh, Jang Singh, Tarlochan Singh and Bhagat Singh, all residents of Bhadla village, to undergo five-year rigorous imprisonment each besides imposing a fine of Rs 1,000 on the accused, on the charges of kidnapping and causing grievous injury to a person of their village.

Delivering the verdict, Mr Sunil Arora, judge of the fast track court, held that the prosecution had proved that the accused had kidnapped Malkiat Singh in order to assault him and had assaulted him with a sharp-edged weapon and sticks. The judge also rejected the plea of leniency raised by the accused keeping in view the gravity of the offence.

The accused were booked on April 18, 1999, at Sadar Police Station, Khanna, on the statement of the injured person, under Sections 367, 323 and 324 of the IPC.

The complainant had told the police that the accused had overpowered him near the poultry farm of Raghbir Singh. Thereafter, they dragged him inside the poultry farm and assaulted him. A dispute between the victim and the accused had led to the assault.

On the other hand the accused alleged false implication due to previous enmity. The defence counsel assailed the prosecution version on many grounds. He pointed out that the matter was reported to the police after a delay even though the police station was on way to the hospital, where the injured was admitted, after the assault, which vitiates the prosecution story and ‘‘strenthens our stand that after due deliberation the accused were falsely implicated in the case’’.

After hearing the rival contentions raised by the defence counsel and the Public Prosecutor, Mr Vipan Dhir, the judge held: “In my opinion the argument of defence is devoid of any force. Since it is the primary duty of the person who is carrying an injured to hospital, to save the life of the injured and to provide him medical treatment as early as possible, than to report the matter to the police.”

Holding the accused guilty, the court sentenced the accused to undergo rigorous imprisonment of five years under Section 367, two-year imprisonment under Section 324 and one year imprisonment under Section 323 of the IPC. However, all sentences shall run concurrently.

An evening dedicated to Shiv Batalvi
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, May 12
A literary function entitled ‘‘Loki poojan Rabb mein tera birhara’’ dedicated to Shiv Kumar Batalvi, was organised by the Punjabi Culture Study Circle International (PCSCI) in collaboration with the Asian Club International (ACI) yesterday in the Central Hall of the local Government College for Women.

Mr Lalit Bhatia, Additional DGP (Vigilance and Security PSEB), was the chief guest. The chief guest lighted the invocation lamp and a song in Shiv Kumar Batalvi's own voice was played. Ms Neelam Parmar enthralled the audience with her melodious rendition of the title song, ‘‘Loki poojan Rabb mein tera naam birhara......’’

Students of Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School, DAV Public School, Ms Satyavati Oswal Vidya Mandir, Everest Public School, Baba Ishar Singh School, took part in Punjabi folksong and dance contest. A special event of the programme was a play 'Loona' by an inter-school team led by Harpreet.

Ms Manu Sharma Sohal, Project Director, welcomed the chief guest and the participants. Prof. Kulwant Jagraon, Ms Gurcharan Kochhar and Ms Neelam Parmar were the judges.

The winners were awarded certificates and mementoes. The chief guest gave away the prizes and certificates to the winners.

Dr Jagtar Dhiman, Project Coordinator, apprised the participants of the mandate of the study circle and said it was receiving kudos from the public in general and literary institutions, in particular.

The contemporaries and friends of Shiv Kumar Batalvi recalled about the interactions with Shiv. The efforts made by PSCI and ACI in promoting the philosophy and opus of the poet were admired by one and all. Joginder Kalia recorded the entire proceedings for Vision of Punjab, TV Channel of Canada.

Prof Kulwant Jagraon, who conducted the stage, appreciated the efforts being made to spread the philosophy and compositions of Shiv Kumar Batalvi and other great poets of Punjab. He said it was a healthy sign that different institutes both literary and academic bodies were joining hands in remembering great poets and writers of the state.

On this occasion, the recently published book, ‘[Dew Drops’’ by Dr Jagtar Dhiman was released by Mr Lalit Bhatia.

Speaking on the occasion, he said the book related human beings to nature and the poet had depicted his deep feelings towards the need for positive outlook towards life.

A befitting display of books, audio cassettes and other memorabilia of Shiv Kumar Batalvi was also arranged on the occasion. Dr Jagtar Dhiman and Ms Manu Sharma Sohal said a website of the study circle would be created and explained the steps being taken in this direction.

The messages received from a number of literary figures, including Mr Safir Rammah, were read on the occasion. The ACI and PCSCI presented mementoes to Professor Kalia, Ms Biba Kulwant, and Ms Inderjeet Kaur Gill Vashisht for their efforts in promoting Punjabi culture, literature and arts. While presenting the vote of thanks, Dr Jagtar Shiman said the organisations would organise seminars, discussions and contests in future also Results of the competitions were as follows: Song - Aarti 1, Reetika 2 and Manvir Sood.

Solo Dance: Amandeep 1 Khusdeep 2 , Roopinder 3

Group Dance : Amandip, Vandana and Party 1, Khushaldip, Sugandha and party 2, Roopinder, Rajbir and party 3.

Special dance : Prableen 1, Shilpa 2 and Gurvinder Singh 3.