Ludhiana, May 22
Proceedings in nearly 800 criminal cases has come to a standstill following the Dera Sacha Sauda controversy. The worst sufferers are prosecution witnesses and under-trials lodged in the local central jail.

It has come into light that since the start of the dera controversy, the local police has been unable to produce the undertrials before the courts on the date fixed in their cases. As a result, their cases were being adjourned.

Finding no other alternative, the courts were only passing orders for issuing 'production warrants' of under-trials facing cases.

It is grave injustice to the under-trials as their cases are being delayed for without a fault on their part. Even the prosecution witnesses had to go back after just noting down the next date.

A senior police official told Ludhiana Tribune expressed helplessness over the situation. He said that they were facing acute shortage of police personnel following the dera controversy. To keep the law and order situation under control, a majority of policemen were deployed on duty in the field.

As per the information gathered by Ludhiana Tribune, on an average 50 under-trials were produced daily in the court of the sessions judge, additional sessions judge and fast track courts. In the lower court, an average of 60 under-trials were produced.

Gahaur (Ludhiana), May 22
With a dera of Sacha Sauda sect situated within the boundaries of this village, an uneasy calm prevailed here throughout the day during the bandh call given by the Akal Takht on the ongoing controversy involving the sect.

Residents of the village also distanced themselves from the dera saying they were already following a sort of boycott of the dera and some families who had become ‘premis’ were returning to their original religion.

Being the only dera near the city, all eyes remained on the village as the district administration left nothing to chance to ensure that peace and tranquility of the village were not disturbed.

The dera is under threat with the Akal Takht issuing a deadline for May 27 for the closure of all such deras in the state. Sacha Sauda followers have already left the dera. Cops cooked langar themselves to feed their colleagues on security duty at the dera.

Deputy commissioner Sumer Singh Gurjar, SSP R.K. Jaiswal and a battery of other administrative officers were seen personally guarding the entrance to the village.

The village wore a cantonment-like look and the entry point was heavily barricaded. A heavy posse of police and BSF personnel was posted outside the village.

Sources in the police said that their staff, which was posted inside the dera premises, had to prepare food for those on duty. As not even a single eating joint was opened, they had to depend on the dera infrastructure to provide food to the cops posted in the village.

A visit to the village revealed deserted roads though certain elderly persons were seen sitting inside their houses and peeping outside to have a look at the going ons in the village.

Mullanpur Dakha, May 22
As many as 65 families of Dera Sacha Sauda followers joined the Sikh fold today at Mullanpur and Baddowal, becoming the first in the district to officially forsake the dera way of life.

Giani Bhupinder Singh of Gurudwara Sachkhand, Boparai Kalan, a taksali leader, and various heads of religious and social organisations, said about 50 family represented by their heads entered the mainstream of Sikhism after abandoning their faith with Dera Sacha Sauda.

At a religious ceremony, they vowed to abandon the photographs of the dera and other religious items. They were given siropa by Giani Bhupinder Singh at Mata Gujri Gurdwara Mullanpur.

Fifteen families from Baddowal were inducted into the mainstream of Sikhism by SGPC member Surinder Singh Baddowal at Gurdwara Sahib. They were also given siropa by Surinder Singh Baddowal.

The families were given robes of honour. Though they claimed that they had come on their own, sources said they were quite fear stricken of social repraisal or attacks. Some of the followers said they were quite disillusioned with the dera head for his attempt to compare himself with the 10th Sikh Guru.

Meanwhile, Mullanpur remained calm throughout the day. The town situated, 18 km from Ludhiana, is a place of immense interest as a branch of the Dera Sacha Sauda exists near it, while on the other hand, an office of Damdami Taksal, a radical Sikh organisation also exists here.

Ludhiana, May 22
Life came to standstill today following the bandh call given by Singh Sahibans of the Akal Takht in connection with the Dera Sacha Sauda row.

The schools, colleges, markets and the industrial units remained closed and the city roads gave a deserted look.

Many people felt that there is a dire need to maintain peace and calm in Punjab, as it had suffered a lot in previous times. Some of the residents had welcomed the bandh call whereas some others felt that common man suffers in such incidents.

Harinder Kaur, a homemaker, said the bandh call was given to express the sentiments. Since it was a sensitive matter, she and her family supported the demand. “We all support the decision taken by the Singh Sahibans. Though the problem can not be solved by disturbing the normal routine, but it shows that we are united,” she said.

A shopkeeper in AC Market, Surjan Singh, said today’s bandh call was completely successful. “Earlier, when there were disturbances in Punjab, they used to open their shops in morning for a few hours. But shops were closed today under pressure,” he added.

Youth in the city felt that the whole incident was politically motivated and common people were made to suffer. Bharat Ahuja, a student, said all decisions in the entire episode were taken by influential people. “Common man has nothing to do with it, still the most affected is the common man. But we should never disturb the peace and harmony because of certain people,” he added.

Alpana Vinayak, a student of XI, said it was their parent-teacher meeting today which had to be postponed. “I had to attend a family function in Delhi on Wednesday but it is not possible as the meeting will be held tomorrow,” she added.

Ludhiana, May 22
For some people, it was a victory of sorts to ensure a complete bandh, for others it was total inconvenience. For daily wagers, today meant no fire in their hearths and no food in their stomachs.

While the activists of various parties today bragged about the success of the bandh and many residents complained of inconvenience, there were scores of “lesser mortals” for whom the world came to an end. They had to bear their children crying for food forgetting that they too did not have anything.

Rickshawpullers, roadside vendors, knick-knack sellers and even beggars had a difficult day today as they could not earn a single penny to arrange for their bread and butter throughout the day. There were some others who had saved for a rainy day but could not arrange meals as not even a single outlet was open today.

A total bandh meant sleeping on hungry stomach for scores of such people who would have otherwise earned a few rupees to keep their kitchen fire burning.

“The roads were totally deserted. There was nobody who wanted to ride my rickshaw to reach his destination. I have earned only ten rupees since morning. How will I pay for the rented-out rickshaw in the evening. The owner would not give it to me tomorrow,” said Ram Lal, a rickshaw puller while waiting for somebody to hire his services.

He rued that he had no money to buy milk for his infant son. “What will I buy in ten rupees? I cannot buy even a kilo of flour in this much amount. I tried to work till late night yesterday to earn an extra buck so that I could arrange for square meals today but I was not able to do that. Who cares for a poor man like me he asked.

For Teesta Rani, who runs a paratha outlet near the railway station, the day passed while she lay down under her kiosk as she was told that she would be attacked if she sold parathas. “Many migrants came to me asking for food. But I was too scared to prepare them. I do not know from where would I buy flour and other things tomorrow?” she rued.

Ramesh, a worker at a food stall also did not have anything to eat throughout the day. ‘‘I am given the leftovers by the owner of the stall who pays me Rs 1,500 by the end of the month. But the stall was not opened at all today. From where would I eat? I have made rounds 
of the city since morning. There is not even a banana which is being sold.” 
he said.

A number of beggars who beg to buy food said that there were no people on the traffic chowks today and they could not beg. Even if they found someone to beg, they asked for food items instead of money. ‘‘If I had money there was no place selling food. I looked around thinking I would at least find a loaf of bread. But not even a single shop was open.” said Dulari, a beggar.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, May 22
The police, who were posted to control the law and order situation, appeared helpless as thousands of activists of various Sikh organisations violated Section 144 of the CrPC by marching through streets and bazaars in the town and surrounding villages.

The demonstrators, which included senior SAD leaders, raised slogans against the state government and Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim.

Despite efforts by the police, activists burnt effigies of the dera chief at many places.

The bandh call received a good response here. Activists of various Sikh organisations started gathering at Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Railway Road, in the morning today. Though Mukesh Sharma, duty magistrate, Sukhdev Singh, SHO city and Maghar Singh, SHO Sadar, tried to persuade them to restrict their protest to the premises of the gurdwara, the activists insisted on marching through the streets of the town.

Having no other option, the police escorted the demonstrators, who raised slogans against the state government and the dera chief during the march.

The situation became tense when hardliners among the demonstrators tried to burn an effigy of the dera chief in front of Gurdwara Singh Sabha. Police officials including SHO Maghar Singh had to scuffle with the activists to snatch the effigy from them.

However, they prepared a new effigy and hurriedly set it on fire at the other gate of the gurdwara. Similar incidents took place in adjoining villages also.

Gurpreet Singh, DSP, while talking to Ludhiana Tribune said no case had been registered in connection with the violation of law in the area falling under Malerkotla sub-division. Showing ignorance about the violation of Section 144 and the scuffle among activists and police officials, the DSP argued, “As the bandh call has been given in advance, a demonstration by activists of these organisations does not mean a violation of Section 144 of CrPC.”

Ajit Singh Walia, president, Gurdwara Singh Sabha Railway Road, Gurdial Singh Pandher, president, Gurdwara Singh Sabha Bahadurgarh, Daljit Singh Sond, president, Sikh Students Federation, Kuldip Singh Karwal, general secretary, SAD, Jagwant Singh Jaggie, vice-president, SAD district Sangrur, Amar Singh, Bharpur Singh, president, Sri Sukhmani Sahib Sewa Society, Beant Singh, president, Kalgidhar Federation, Jagjit Singh Jajjie and Gurpreet Singh Peer, Budhu Shah Sewa Society, led their respective jathas during the demonstration.

The bandh passed off peacefully in towns and villages falling under Raikot and Payal subdivisions. According to Narinder Pal Singh Rubby, DSP, Raikot, no untoward incident was reported from the area today. “Apprehending a threat to Naam Charcha Ghar at Jalaldiwal village, we had made extra arrangements to safeguard life and property of the followers of the Sacha Sauda,” said Rubby.

Various Sikh organisations led by SAD leaders Mohan Singh Talwandi and Kulwinder Singh Bhatti and SAD (A) office-bearers Ranjodh Singh and Surjit Singh convened meetings at gurdwaras at Tahliaana and surrounding villages.

According to Dr Indu, SDM, Payal, the bandh passed off peacefully in the area falling under her jurisdiction. Appreciating the role of revenue officers and police officials including Manjit Singh, Naib Tehsildar, Malaudh, and Randhir Singh, SHO, Payal, she claimed that the officials had succeeded in persuading office-bearers of various Sikh organisations to restrict their activists and honour the law. She maintained that essential services were provided uninterrupted in the area. Extra force was deployed to safeguard the dera at Jagera village near here.

Ludhiana, May 22
Defence lawyers today strongly protested against the Vigilance Bureau for not producing the original ‘zimni’ recorded by it during the police remand of Chetan Gupta, who was arrested in the city centre scam, few days ago. The court further remanded the accused to police custody till May 24.

The controversy started during the proceedings in the court of judicial magistrate Kuldeep Singh. Special public prosecutors Ashwani Bedi and M.L. Solanki stressed on for the extension of the police remand of the accused, with the plea that during the remand they had got valuable information which needs to be checked throughly.

The judge asked them to show the ‘zimni’ recorded during the police remand. A member of SIT for this case, SP S.S. Mand produced the police file. After perusing the file, the judge specifically asked, ”Where are the original ‘zimnis’. Why the same have not been produced before the court?”

Replying to the query, special public prosecutors submitted that the same were sent to the Vernacular Record Keeper (VRK) branch in SSP office, as per police rules. However, the carbon copies of the same were on record.

Defence lawyers Trilok Singh Sood, K.S. Ahluwalia and Pawan Ghai strongly objected to it. The prosecution should have produced the same, at the time of seeking extension of police remand on the basis of said ‘zimnis’.

The defence lawyers had shown apprehension of tampering with the ‘zimnis’. They even submitted that it might be possible that the contents of the original ‘zimnis’ may be different than the copies produced in court.

Thereafter, the judge signed all the carbon copies of the ‘zimnis’ produced before him following the persistent request of defence lawyers.

Ludhiana, May 22
The Communist Party Reorganised Centre, India (M-L), a Naxal group, has appealed to the people not to get provoked and swayed by the communal rhetoric of certain forces who were bent on disturbing the peace in the state.

The handbills circulated by the organisation in the name of Ranbir in Punjabi asked the people to maintain peace at all costs. It said, the hue and cry being raised in the name of religion was bogus, as the real threat was not to religion but to agriculture, land, bread and butter and employment. The organisation appealed to the people not to become tools in the hands of reactionary forces.

It said that democratic, secular and justice-loving people must intervene to challenge these reactionary forces as only their proactive resistance can hold them back.

Ludhiana, May 22
A head constable of the Punjab Police allegedly died due to heart attack at his rented house in Ahata Sher Jung near division no 3 police station this morning. He was 48.

His colleague, Tarsem Singh, spotted him dead in the morning when he returned from night duty. Post-mortem examination revealed that he suffered a heart attack.

Meanwhile, police officials were tight-lipped whether he was under some stress due to job.

Jagraon, May 22
In two separate incidents of assault, the local police has booked six persons. In the first incident, Hardeep Singh, Malkit Singh, Balraj Singh and Paramjit Kaur of Kamlapur allegedly assaulted Gurmail Singh of their village.

The police has registered a case under Sections 324, 323, 341 and 34 of the IPC.

In another incident, Manju and Sanju of Jagraon allegedly assaulted Bhajan Partap Singh in Agwar Ladhai area with iron strip and wooden handle.

Ludhiana, May 22
Additional sessions judge A.K.Mehta has given 12 years’ imprisonment to three persons, who were found dealing with poppy husk. They were also ordered to pay a fine of Rs 1 lakh each.

The convicts included Jit Singh (37), alias Gholi, of Sattowal village, Kuldip Ram (32) of Thandian village and Sham Singh (37) of Pnadarwal village, Nawanshahr.

Delivering the verdict, the judge said the prosecution had successfully proved the charges levelled against them beyond any doubt. So, they did not deserve any leniency.

The accused were booked under Section 15 of the NDPS Act at the Focal Point police station on July 22, 2004. The prosecution had claimed that a huge quantity of poppy husk was seized from their possession.

As per the prosecution, SHO Focal Point Surinder Mohan along with other police officials were passing through the PUDA colony, Moti Nagar. Two persons, standing outside a quarter, immediately went inside, on seeing the police.

The SHO checked the quarter on suspicion and found five persons sitting on bags, who tried to run away apprehending arrest. The above named three were nabbed there, but their two companions namely Vijay Kumar and Kulbir Singh ran away in a gypsy.

Following the search, 39 bags containing 35 kg of poppy husk, were seized.

The three were arrested and put behind bars. — OC