Wednesday, December 16, 1998

Prem Singh is Delhi Speaker
NEW DELHI, Dec 15 — The former Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee chief, Mr Prem Singh, was today unanimously elected Speaker of the Delhi Assembly.

RSS to evolve new stance
NEW DELHI, Dec 15 — In its recently concluded five-day meeting at Nagpur, the Rashtriya Swyamsevak Sangh has decided to carve out a new role for itself, allowing its different creations like the Bharatiya Janata Party to pursue their respective agenda.

Sen not to accept govt post
CALCUTTA, Dec 15 — Nobel laureate Amartya Sen today advocated “optimum” use of the market, along with expansion of primary education, health care and an uniformity in land reforms, as tools for eradicating poverty.

Advani: security for Dilip tightened
NEW DELHI, Dec 15 — Parliament was today informed that the security for thespian Dilip Kumar had been further tightened after the incident outside his residence where semi-clad Shiv Sena members had demonstrated against his support of the film ‘Fire.’

Govt keen on sub-quotas for OBCs
NEW DELHI, Dec 15 — The government today said it was also keen on sub-quotas for backward classes in the Women's Reservation Bill but would favour evolving a consensus among political parties on the measure.

Bid on corporator’s life, Congmen held
MUMBAI, Dec 15 — In a shocking incident, three Congressmen tried to burn a woman corporator belonging to the Nagri Vikas Aghadi last night here following a dispute over constructing a public water tap in Chinchpada slum area in the Thane Belapur industrial belt.

BJP cracks whip on MP
NEW DELHI, Dec 15 — The BJP today cracked the whip on a party Lok Sabha member who held different views on the Women’s Reservation Bill by issuing a show-cause notice to him.

Delhi to ban biomass burning
NEW DELHI, Dec 15 — Burning of biomass will be banned and better traffic management ensured as part of a series of measures to reduce pollution levels in the Capital, it was decided at a meeting between the Centre and the Delhi Government today.

Fissile material production
PM rules out moratorium

NEW DELHI, Dec 15 (PTI) — Adopting a firm posture, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee today ruled out moratorium on fissile material production, rejected restraints in maintaining a minimum credible nuclear deterrent and asserted that a positive environment was necessary for the successful conclusion of talks on the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).

Making identical statements in both Houses of Parliament on the ongoing Indo-US dialogue, Mr Vajpayee announced that flight testing of a longer range version of ‘Agni’ ballistic missile, currently under development, will be conducted fully in accordance with established international practice.

"While our decision is to maintain the deployment of a deterrent which is both minimum but credible...., the Government will not accept any restraints on the development of India’s research and development capabilities", he said.

"Such activity is integral to any country’s defence preparedness and essential for coping with new threat perceptions that may emerge in the years ahead," Mr Vajpayee stressed.

Declaring that his government remains "unequivocally opposed" to any suggestions that seek to place India at a technological disadvantage through "intrusive or sovereignty violative measures", Mr Vajpayee rejected suggestion for a moratorium on fissile material production.

"We have conveyed (to the interlocutors) that it is not possible to take such a step at this stage," he said.

In his UN address, Mr Vajpayee had stated that India was prepared to bring discussions with key interlocutors on a range of issues, including the CTBT to a successful conclusion so that entry into the CTBT was not delayed beyond September 1999.

"We expect that other countries, as indicated in Article 14 of CTBT, will adhere to this treaty without conditions", he had said.

"That remains our position. For the successful conclusion of the talks, creation of a positive environment by our interlocutors is a necessary ingredient", he stressed.

He assured the House that India’s position in this regard "does not come in the way of our taking such steps as may be found necessary in future to safeguard our national security".

Reaffirming India’s willingness to join FMCT negotiations in the conference on disarmament at Geneva, he said New Delhi was willing to work for the early conclusion of a treaty that will end future production of fissile material for nuclear weapons in accordance with the 1993 consensus resolution of the UN General Assembly.

Speaker G M C Balayogi disallowed clarifications sought by Leader of the Opposition Sharad Pawar and CPM member Basudeb Acharia on CTBT and Indo-US talks.

Mr Vajpayee said the government was prepared to have a comprehensive discussion on the issues in the House.

He told the House that the seventh round of Indo-US parleys would be held in New Delhi as scheduled in the second half of January.

The Congress in the Rajya Sabha today asked the government to go for "hard bargaining" and not succumb to US pressure on the CTBT issue.

"The current negotiations with the USA are important but at the same time India should go for hard bargaining while striving for successful completion of bilateral talks," senior party leader Pranab Mukherjee said.

Seeking clarifications on the Prime Minister’s statement on Indo-US talks, he said though compromise was not possible on certain basic issues, it was necessary for both sides to carry forward the dialogue process.

Stating the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT) should be made prospective and not retrospective, Mr Mukherjee said India should not accept Washington’s condition to halt fissile material production till the completion of negotiations at the conference on disarmament in Geneva.

He asked the government to spell out what stand it would take in the event of the negotiations not yielding any result.

The former External Affairs Minister said success of Indo-Pak talks was equally important for India to sign the CTBT before September 1999.

SC issues notices in ‘Fire’ case
From Our Legal Correspondent

NEW DELHI, Dec 15 — The Supreme Court today while issuing notices on a public interest petition filed by Dilip Kumar, Mahesh Bhat and six other film personalities, directed the Central and Maharashtra Governments to continue providing security to them against violence unleashed by Shiv Sena workers in Mumbai and Delhi agitating against the screening of the film ‘Fire’.

The Bench comprising the Chief Justice, Dr A S Anand, Mr Justice V N Khare and Mr Justice M V Shah issued notices returnable in four weeks to all the respondents, except Maharashtra Chief Minister Manohar Joshi and Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray. The court observed that notices to the two remaining respondents would be issued, if necessary, after the responses from the Maharashtra and Delhi Police were filed.

The notices have been issued to the State of Maharashtra, Union of India, Shiv Sena chiefs of Delhi and north Indian branches, Shiv Sena headquarters in Mumbai and Delhi and Commissioners of Police of Mumbai and Delhi.

However, during the hearing, the Chief Justice made it clear that the court would not go into the issue of censorship and merits of the film and its observations during the proceedings should not be construed as a certificate to the film advising people to see it.

“We shall go into the larger issue as to whether the state is obliged to protect the life, liberty and property of the citizens and property shall include theatres as well”, the court observed.

The petitioners have sought directions of the court to ensure an uninterrupted exhibition of ‘Fire’ and enforcement of their fundamental rights of life, liberty and freedom of expression.

The court observed that there was no controversy regarding the submission of Mr Harish Salve, senior advocate appearing for the petitioners, that the state was obliged to protect law and the Constitution and the authorities should not permit any act which might negate the rule of law.

“Before we consider other issues raised in the petition we ask the Attorney-General and the Maharashtra standing counsel about the discharge of the obligations by the Centre and the State to protect the life, liberty and property of the citizens,” the court observed.

It also recorded the submissions of Attorney-General Soli J. Sorabjee and standing counsel for Maharashtra D M Nargolkar that the Centre and the State would take all such steps as were necessary to protect the life, liberty and property of the citizens both in Mumbai and Delhi. The court directed the Maharashtra advocate to state on affidavits the action, if any, taken regarding acts of violence and whether any one has been brought to book so far and the stage of investigation, if any, carried out in this connection.

The court rejected one intervention application filed in the present writ petition.

Shiv Sena MP says sorry for remark
Tribune News Service

NEW DELHI, Dec 15 — Faced with the Opposition’s vociferous demand for his suspension from the House, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Nirupam today withdrew in the Rajya Sabha his yesterday’s remark that thespian Dilip Kumar was a "Pakistani".

Immediately after question hour, the member tried to tender a qualified apology but when pressed by Chairman Krishan Kant, the Leader of the House and a determined Opposition, Mr Nirupam said, "I sincerely apologise for not responding to the directive of the chair and regret for having defied him. I withdraw all words as per the direction of the chair."

The Opposition members did not seem satisfied with Mr Nirupam’s apology but Mr Krishan Kant ruled that the matter was closed. "He has withdrawn all his words ... after my ruling nothing can be said", the Chairman said.

As soon as zero hour began, several Opposition members, including Mr Janardhan Poojary, Mr Nagmani, Mr Mohammed Azam Khan, Mr H Hanumanthappa and Mr Nilotpal Basu got up and demanded action against the Shiv Sena member.

Earlier, the House saw an embarrassing situation when Leader of the House Sikander Bakht openly rebuked Mr Nirupam for not obeying the chair’s directive to tender an unconditional apology.

An agitated Bakht said, "I am sorry that in spite of my saying he has said it. This is wrong and I am sorry for it."

The Chairman also remarked, "I am equally pained as you are. I want to give one more chance to the member."

A number of BJP members were also seen asking Mr Nirupam to tender an unqualified apology.

This happened when Mr Nirupam stood up after question hour and said, "I take back everything as per your orders. But what I had said (about Dilip Kumar) was correct."

As soon as Mr Nirupam said this, the agitated Opposition said the Shiv Sena member had not tendered an unconditional apology as directed by the chair. Therefore, action should be taken against him, they demanded.

Amid the din, Mr Nirupam was heard saying, "I have said nothing wrong. I am taking back my words if that is not permissible".

Trouble started in the House yesterday when it was discussing through a special mention a demonstration by the Shiv Sena outside film actor Dilip Kumar’s house in Mumbai in the wake of public screening of the controversial film "fire".

Participating in the discussion, Mr Nirupam had said Dilip Kumar was a ‘Pakistani", a remark strongly objected by the entire Opposition which did not allow the House proceedings to be conducted till the member withdrew his remarks.

Prem Singh is Delhi Speaker
Tribune News Service

NEW DELHI, Dec 15 — The former Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee chief, Mr Prem Singh, was today unanimously elected Speaker of the Delhi Assembly.

His name was proposed by Delhi Chief Minister, Sheila Dikshit and was seconded by Mr Prahlad Sing Sahani. Mr Prem Singh was elected unopposed through a voice vote.

“I expect all the MLAs cutting across party lines would assist me in drawing government’s attention through the Assembly,” Mr Singh said moments after being elected as the Speaker.

Earlier, the House witnessed acrimonious scenes with the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party demanding the expulsion of Congress MLA Mangat Ram Singhal.

Leader of the Opposition Mr Jagdish Mukhi and other members of his party also sought a debate and a statement by the Chief Minister in the wake of newspaper reports that a raid was conducted on Mr Singhal’s godown by vigilance officials on charges of hoarding.

The BJP, which disrupted the proceedings for half an hour, also charged the Congress with trying to shield their party MLA.

However, pro tem Speaker Mr Ram Bhaj did not allow a debate saying the Opposition had to bring in a proper motion.

According to reports a series of raids conducted by the Enforcement Wing of the Food and Civil Supplies Department on the premises of several dal mills found that traders had excess stocks worth several crores. Under the rules traders cannot keep stocks of more than 2000 quintals for more than a fortnight.

The prices of pulses in the market, specially arhar dal, have skyrocketed. The BJP government had blamed the weather for the sharp rise in the prices of pulses.

Ms Dikshit, had, after assuming office, stated that her government would give a fortnight’s time to the hoarders and blackmarketeers to mend their ways or face stringent action.

Meanwhile, Mr Singh’s nomination for the post of Speaker by the Chief Minister is seen as an attempt to soothe frayed tempers among senior Delhi Congress leaders at being kept out of the Cabinet.

Mr Singh has the distinction of winning all nine elections contested to the Delhi Municipal Corporation, the erstwhile Metropolitan Council and the Delhi Assembly since 1958.

The 65-year-old Congressman has served the party in various capacities. He was the DPCC general secretary for 12 years and has twice held the DPCC president’s post.

An old resident of Delhi, Mr Singh still resided in his native village Lado Sarai.

Deputy Naval Chief’s appointment
Govt takes serious note of defiance
Tribune News Service

NEW DELHI, Dec 15 — The Government has taken serious note of the defiance of the Naval headquarters on implementing an Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) decision of appointing Vice-Admiral Harinder Singh as the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Operations).

While the official spokesman of the Ministry of Defence declined to comment on the issue, sources in the Ministry said that serious note had been taken of the unprecedented situation created by the stance adopted by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Vishnu Bhagwat.

Apparently in a letter to the Government, the Naval headquarters has refused to implement the decision of the ACC, which is headed by the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, saying that it violated Sections of the Navy Act passed by Parliament in 1957.

In a late night decision on December 9, the ACC had decided to appoint Vice-Admiral Harinder Singh as Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Operations) in place of Vice-Admiral Madanjit Singh, who is the choice of Admiral Vishnu Bhagwat. Vice-Admiral Harinder Singh is currently posted as the Fortress Commander, Andamans and Nicobar, at Port Blair.

This is for the first time that a service headquarters has refused to implement the orders of an incumbent Government. The Naval headquarters plea is that the order cannot be implemented since it violates Sections of the Navy Act. The NHQ says that according to the Regulations for the Navy, Part III, Statutory, the Government can only appoint senior naval officers on the recommendation of the Chief of Naval Staff.

However, according to Section 134 of Naval Regulation-Part III, framed under Section 184 of the Navy Act, “The appointments of officers of all branches of the rank of Captain and above shall be made by the Government on the recommendation of the Chief of the Naval Staff”. However, this does not imply that the recommendation of the Naval Chief was final, said a senior official of the Ministry of Defence.

The official said that if the recommendations made were final, then what was the need for having the ACC. The Naval Chief could only recommend names and it was up to the Government to accept or reject them, the official said while adding that the plea of the NHQ was in direct defiance of the Government orders and various aspects of it were being looked into.

The genesis of the present situation goes back to the statutory complaint filed by Vice-Admiral Harinder Singh seeking an appointment as a Principal Staff Officer of the Chief of the Naval Staff at the South Block here. His plea was based on the service seniority, being among the seniormost Vice-Admirals, which was not accepted by the Naval headquarters. Following this, Vice-Admiral Singh had also gone to the Calcutta High Court with his plea.

Vice-Admiral Singh was also asked to reply to a show-cause notice issued by the Naval headquarters on the remarks made by him against the Chief of Naval Staff in his statutory complaint.

The late Chief of the Naval Staff had also filed a 70-page contempt petition against the Fortress Commander, Defence Secretary Ajit Kumar and Joint Secretary R.P. Bagai.

RSS to evolve new stance
Tribune News Service

NEW DELHI, Dec 15 — In its recently concluded five-day meeting at Nagpur, the Rashtriya Swyamsevak Sangh (RSS) has decided to carve out a new role for itself, allowing its different creations like the Bharatiya Janata Party to pursue their respective agenda.

The new strategy and stance was deliberated at the “chintan baithak” (introspection meeting) which concluded its deliberations in Nagpur yesterday.

While the RSS joint secretary, Mr K.S. Sudershan, criticised the Vajpayee government for straying away from the swadeshi agenda, he also appreciated the government’s decision to undertake nuclear tests and setting up the Cauvery tribunal. The criticism has to be seen in the context of holding on to its following which is getting confused over the BJP-led government’s policies and decisions, a leader pointed out.

In a move to keep its image and following intact, it was decided that the RSS should no more organise its activities on the lines of a Hindu undivided family but should allow its procreations like the BJP, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), the Bajrang Dal, the Swadeshi Jagran Manch and others to function more independently. These organisations have “grown up” and should be held responsible for their actions and utterances, a BJP functionary said while posing a question as to why the RSS should be held accountable for their actions.

A small indication of this was available here today when the BJP general secretary, Mr M. Venkaiah Naidu, said in reply to a question that “the RSS is a cultural organisation”. “We are a political organisation”, Mr Naidu said, adding, “I subscribe broadly to their views”.

When asked about the RSS criticism of the Vajpayee government’s stand on the insurance issue, Mr Naidu said, “they have expressed their long-term approach”. “We are committed to the basic concept of swadeshi”, he said adding that “they (RSS) are entitled to have their views”.

The umbilical cord of the RSS with the BJP was not being snapped but only being redefined and recast so as to provide more operational space for both, a leader said. The BJP has now become a ruling party and the compulsions of governance have to be taken into account.

Sen not to accept govt post

CALCUTTA, Dec 15 (PTI) — Nobel laureate Amartya Sen today advocated “optimum” use of the market, along with expansion of primary education, health care and an uniformity in land reforms, as tools for eradicating poverty.

“Eradication of poverty depends on many factors like expansion of primary education, health care and a uniform land reform system. There should also be optimum use of the market,” Dr Sen said here at his maiden press meet in India after receiving the economics Nobel.

Stating he had faced questions on the means of eradication of poverty “a hundred thousand times”, Dr Sen said that while there were many views on the matter, the question was implementation of which of these could eradicate poverty.

“Poverty cannot be eradicated by merely writing on it and putting forward views. The economic problems would have to be solved,” said Dr Sen who arrived here earlier in the day from London.

Parrying a pointed question as to whether political differences in a country stood in the way of removing poverty, he said economic uplift depended on political stability.

“If there is no political stability, an economic policy cannot continue for long. It is not so only because I am saying this,” he added.    

The Master of Trinity College, who arrived from London by a British Airways flight, was received at Netaji Subhas International Airport by West Bengal Finance Minister Asim Dasgupta and city Mayor Prasanta Chatterjee. Bouquets were offered to him on behalf of the Calcutta Press Club.

Asked whether any Indian state had followed his economic prescriptions, Dr Sen said: “It is difficult to say ... after all an economic discussion and an economic slogan are not the same things.”

Dr Sen, however, said while the West Bengal Government had done much in land reforms, Kerala had advanced in primary education and was now turning its attention to land reforms.

Asked whether he thought his home state, West Bengal had improved on the economic scenario, the Master of Trinity College said he had toured only some areas of the state but he could not make a comment based on this.

He also parried a question on economic decentralisation in West Bengal saying that he did not know the exact developments on this front in the state or for that matter in many other states of India.

Referring to the problems of communalism and the threat of Hindutva, Dr Sen said he had “strong views” on the subjects, but refused to elaborate. “I have insisted always not to convert a theory or analysis into a slogan,” he said.  

Nobel laureate Amartya Sen today categorically said he would not accept any government post if it was offered to him.

“I have never accepted a government position. I don’t intend to accept it now. I have never been any government’s official adviser,” Dr Sen told newspersons at the Calcutta airport.

When told about demands of making him the Deputy Chairperson of the Planning Commission, Dr Sen said, “There are many uncertainties in life but one thing is certain. No matter what official position is offered to me, I will not take it.”

Advani: security for Dilip tightened

NEW DELHI, Dec 15 (UNI) — Parliament was today informed that the security for thespian Dilip Kumar had been further tightened after the incident outside his residence where semi-clad Shiv Sena members had demonstrated against his support of the film ‘Fire.’

Home Minister Lal Krishan Advani said in a statement that Dilip Kumar had in any case been given protection from 1991 onwards. The minister also said that the government was complying with yesterday’s directive of the Supreme Court for giving adequate security to Dilip Kumar and six others, including the film’s director, Deepa Mehta, who have petitioned the apex court seeking protection for the safe run of the film.

Mr Advani said 22 demonstrators, including Maharashtra Legislative Assembly member Shrikant Sarmalkar, were arrested by the police from outside the residence of the actor in Mumbai on December 12 under Section 37 of the Bombay Police Act, and were subsequently released on bail. However, the case was under investigation.

He said certain group of people are reportedly agitated over the screening of the film primarily for its lesbian theme. The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has already referred the film back to the Central Board of Film Certification for re-examination.

Govt keen on sub-quotas for OBCs

NEW DELHI, Dec 15 (PTI) — The government today said it was also keen on sub-quotas for backward classes in the Women's Reservation Bill but would favour evolving a consensus among political parties on the measure.

The Bill would be moved for consideration only after a broad agreement was reached on amendments to the legislation, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Madan Lal Khurana told reporters here.

Regarding sub-quota for OBCs, he said the government was keen on it but legal opinion would have to be taken before these were incorporated in the Bill.

BJP spokesman M. Venkaiah Naidu told the daily press briefing the party would consider the sub-quotas for OBCs within the appropriate party forum.

Mr Khurana said the government would move a motion in the Lok Sabha for constitution of a joint committee of Parliament to go into the insurance Bill and was keen on the measure being taken up for consideration in the budget session of Parliament.

Mr Khurana said he would meet the Rajya Sabha Chairman to discuss setting up the committee and after due consultations with leaders of other political parties would bring the motion in the House.

Bid on corporator’s life, Congmen held

MUMBAI, Dec 15 (UNI) — In a shocking incident, three Congressmen tried to burn a woman corporator belonging to the Nagri Vikas Aghadi last night here following a dispute over constructing a public water tap in Chinchpada slum area in the Thane Belapur industrial belt.

When Ms Meena Bhagwan More went out to make a telephone call around 9 p.m. the trio Yogendra Nath, Chagan Lal Pandey, Rakesh Lal Mohan Tiwari and Bapi Durga Bhattacharya accosted her and picked up a quarrel with her. They abused her for her failure to have the water tap put up in the area. She allegedly challenged them to get the work done on their own.

In the melee that ensued one of the accused doused her with kerosene while another set her on fire. A screaming Ms More ran helter-skelter and passersby tried to rescue her.

She was first rushed to Dr Mahajan’s burn care centre at Rabale from where she was shifted to Maseena Hospital at Byculla in Central Mumbai where her condition is stated to be critical. Hospital sources said, Ms More received 77 per cent burns.

BJP cracks whip on MP

NEW DELHI, Dec 15 (PTI) — The BJP today cracked the whip on a party Lok Sabha member who held different views on the Women’s Reservation Bill by issuing a show-cause notice to him.

Party spokesman M. Venkaiah Naidu said the notice had been issued to Mr Gangacharan Rajput, who had been campaigning for inclusion of quotas for OBCs in the Bill, for his remarks on the legislation in its present form.

The decision to issue the show cause notice was taken at the party’s parliamentary party meeting here this morning, Mr Naidu told reporters.

On the question of sub-quotas for OBCs in the Women’s Reservation Bill, he said the party had yet to formulate its stand on it.

"As far as the sub-quotas are concerned, the BJP has an open mind. However, the party is committed to the Bill," Mr Naidu said.

On the move to refer the IRA Bill to a joint select committee of Parliament, he said the party had no objection to the legislation being referred to a select committee or a standing committee.

On reported differences between the RSS and the BJP on the IRA Bill, Mr Naidu said "The BJP is a political organisation and the RSS a cultural organisation but we value the views of the RSS on various issues. We are proud of being members of the RSS."

Delhi to ban biomass burning

NEW DELHI, Dec 15 (PTI) — Burning of biomass will be banned and better traffic management ensured as part of a series of measures to reduce pollution levels in the Capital, it was decided at a meeting between the Centre and the Delhi Government today.

Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit and Union Environment Minister Suresh Prabhu today held talks along with senior officials and decided to jointly tackle the pollution related problems.

The meeting also deliberated on a series of short-and long-term measures to deal with the problem in the Capital, the fourth most polluted city in the world.

"It is the joint responsibility of the two governments," Mr Prabhu later told reporters.

Shekhawat Pro-tem Speaker
JAIPUR: Former Chief Minister and senior BJP legislator Bhairon Singh Shekhawat has been appointed Pro-Tem Speaker to administer the oath of office to the newly elected members of the 11th State Assembly. Acting Governor Navrang Lal Tibrewal appointed Mr Shekhawat and a notification in this regard was issued here on Tuesday evening. Prior to the start of the first session on January 4, the Governor will administer the oath of office to Mr Shekhawat in Raj Bhavan. — UNI

Mumbai NGO bags award
NEW DELHI: The Indian Health Organisation (IHO) in Mumbai, which has been crusading against AIDS since 1985, has been nominated for the “Annemarie Madison Award 1999” instituted by Munich-Based Curatorium for Immunedeficience (KIS). The award worth Rs 25,000 will be given in person to IHO Secretary-General Ishwar Gilada on January 29, 1999, during the opening of the seventh aids conference in Munich, a press note from the IHO says. — PTI

Pramod Lahiri dead
CALCUTTA: Eminent Bengali film producer, Pramod Lahiri died at his South Calcutta residence on Monday after a prolonged illness, family sources said. Lahiri was 77. He is survived by his wife and only son. Among the films Lahiri produced were “Paras Pathar” directed by Satyajit Ray, “Bari Theke Paliye” and “Ajantrik” directed by Ritwick Ghatak and “Louha Kapat” directed by Tapan Sinha. Lahiri was also the main inspiration behind Muktangan Theatre. He was the founder general secretary of the Calcutta Cine Club. Film director Marinal Sen, Litterateur Sunil Gangopadhyay and actor Haradhan Banddyopadhyay placed wreaths on his body. — PTI

Antique coins handed over
VARANASI: As many as 723 coins of antique value have been handed over to the Bharat Kala Kendra at Benaras Hindu University (BHU) by Varanasi District Magistrate, A.K. Awasthi. Of them, 391 coins which were recently found at Bajani village in Barashah belonged to the ancient Kushana dynasty and the nearby Mitra dynasty of Ayodhya of the first and second century BC, Mr Awasthi said here on Monday. The remaining 332 silver coins, found in the Lanka area of the holy city, had been traced to have originated in the first and second century BC — PTI

Pirated cassettes seized
NEW DELHI: A large number of pirated video cassettes and compact discs of Hollywood hits like “Titanic” and “Godzilla” and some Hindi films have been seized in raids conducted over the past few days in Delhi and Chandigarh. The raids in Delhi at the initiative of the Motion Pictures Association (MPA) of America with the help of the Delhi police led to the seizure of over 1700 video compact discs of films like “Titanic”, “Godzilla”, “Armageddon”, “The Mask of Zorro” and “Dr Dolittle” from a godown. The proprietor of the godown has been arrested. — UNI

Rhino enclosure opened to tourists
DUDHWA: The sprawling green rhino enclosure at Dudhwa National Park in UP has been opened to tourists for the first time after the highly endangered one-horned species were translocated from Assam in 1984. The enclosure, houses 16 rhinos, including one male and 11 calves. Rhinoceros, which were once found in abundance in valleys of the Indus river and foothills of the Himalayas, had almost reached the verge of extinction following large-scale hunting and poaching for sport, horn or hide. — PTI

45 lakh looted
JAIPUR: Unidentified persons on Monday hijacked a car and decamped with Rs 45 lakh belonging to Vaishali Urban Cooperative Bank, the police said. The hijackers dropped two bank employees who were in the car at two places before driving away with the cash in a Maruti Zen, which belonged to the bank’s chairman, the police said. The bank driver and a peon were taking the cash for depositing it in the State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur when they were robbed. — PTI