After probe report, Kalani goes as MC chief

ABOHAR: The state government on Thursday removed Abohar Municipal Council president Pramil Kalani from his post. The action is based on an inquiry report submitted by the Chief Vigilance Officer, Local Bodies. The report says “the council converted a park into commercial land through a resolution. The commercial land was sold without fixing reserve price. The Deputy Commissioner, Fazilka, has since cancelled the resolution that converts park into commercial space. Action as per law is recommended against the president of the Abohar MC.” OC

Ramoowalia to revive Lok Bhalai Party

Ludhiana: Balwant Singh Ramoowalia, founder of the Lok Bhalai Party — which was dissolved about six years ago – is reviving the outfit with an eye on the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Ramoowalia, who was here on Thursday, set up 100 teams of workers who will adopt villages in the district and encourage the youth to shun drugs. He said, “I am hopeful that the Samajwadi Party, the Congress and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) will join hands in Uttar Pradesh.” The former UP Jails Minister said those involved in the drug trade should be booked for treason. Ramoowalia said he had written a letter to the Punjab Chief Minister, saying that various preachers and dera heads in the state should be urged to contribute to de-addiction and rehabilitation. TNS

Kalia questions Sidhu’s stand on colonies

Chandigarh: Questioning Local Bodies Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on his difference of opinion with Cabinet sub-committee decision on regularising illegal colonies, BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia has asked whether Sidhu has put forth his dissent in writing. “My question is whether Sidhu has submitted his dissent during the proceedings of the Cabinet sub-committee of the group of ministers of which he is a member. If not, it means his statement of dissent in media is meaningless,” Kalia said in a press note. He said: “I agree with Sidhu that the policy framed by the Cabinet sub-committee is faulty and gives benefit to the wrongdoer.” Sidhu said: “I have given my opinion on the issue in writing earlier and it is known to everyone.” TNS

3 held with poppy husk

Abohar: The police on Thursday arrested three persons and seized 144-kg poppy husk by intercepting a canter on the highway in Hanumangarh. On a tip-off, the police stopped a canter near Nawan village and arrested canter owner Navdeep Singh Pradhan, driver Jaswinder Singh Sahwa and cleaner Bhupinder. OC

2 held with intoxicants 

Moga: Two residents of Daulewala village have been arrested on the charge of smuggling drugs in separate cases. Tarlok Singh was held and 350 intoxicating pills were recovered from him, while Rani Kaur was arrested and 120 intoxicating pills were found from her possession. TNS

New technology to check adulteration

Chandigarh: A strip-based technology developed by National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, is expected to help Milkfed check adulteration in milk. Manjit Singh Brar, MD, Milkfed, said, “The strip-based technology will further help us to procure only quality milk for processing and further use.” TNS