 |
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| Sunday, February 27, 2000, Chandigarh, India   |
Inspector
caught in officers’ crossfire Bank
clerk commits fraud, flees Docs
blamed for custodial death Ravi
Inder to start ‘remove-CM’ drive
Cong
men felicitate Bhattal
"Sura-Soi"
celebrates 35th Raising Day Novel
method to curb monkey menace |
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| Freedom fighters threaten stir JALANDHAR, Feb 26 — The Punjab State Freedom Fighters’ Organisation has threatened to launch a struggle if orders regarding filling of new performa by freedom fighters getting the “swatantarta samman pension” are not withdrawn by the state government. Self
employment plan for youth Corporation
for Bathinda on the anvil Four
MCs to be computerised Protest
against ‘Water’ episode Punjab
Christians to stage protest Self
service in phone department Multimedia
centre inaugurated Tarlochan
Singh felicitated
Constable
booked for raping undertrial
University
Registrar given farewell
|
Inspector caught in officers’
crossfire PATHANKOT, Feb 26 — A tussle between two senior IPS officers in the border range here has created bad blood which may have serious ramifications on the morale of the police force. The problem arising due to the egos of the two IPS officers is likely to snowball and may generate a debate on the transfer policies in the department. Though the state government has already ordered a high-level inquiry into the ‘illegal detention’ of an Inspector, Mr Surinder Singh, by an SP, Pathankot, however, what worries the department is the ‘tussle’ between the IPS officers. Mr Surinder Singh SHO, Pathankot, City Division Number Two, in his complaint to the Chief Justice of Supreme Court, the state high court, the human rights commission, the state Chief Minister, the SSP, Gurdaspur, and other officials concerned, has alleged that he was kept in ‘illegal custody’ for more than three hours on February 19 by the SP, Mr Surinder Singh. Mr Surinder Singh would be retiring on February 29. Mr Surinder Singh, Inspector was transferred by the DIG, Mr Jasminder Singh, on November 4, last year to the Police Lines, Gurdaspur. However, SSP Varinder Kumar again posted him as SHO at Narot Jaimal Singh. Subsequently the DIG issued orders that an officer of the rank of Inspector could not be posted as SHO. The SSP then transferred Surinder Singh to Pathankot Police Division Number Two as SHO. Again the DIG got Mr Surinder Singh transferred at the Police Academy at Phillaur. On December 3, he got his transfer cancelled and came to the Police Lines, Gurdaspur. The SSP again posted him as in charge of the CIA Staff, Pathankot, along with SHO, Pathankot Division Number Two. However, Mr Surinder Singh assumed charge on December 14 last year. With this Mr Surinder Singh created a history of sorts in the police department who was transferred for at least six times in less than two months. Interestingly, while Mr Surinder Singh was already placed under suspension, he is still performing his duties as SHO. The Punjab Police rules 1934 para 16.21, however reads that the suspended police official ceases to be a police officer till he is reinstated. Mr Bakshi Ram, Inspector-General, who is seized of the matter, however, said that Mr Surinder Singh would be treated as ‘suspended’ as orders in this regard were issued by the competent authority i.e. the DIG. Though Mr Bakshi Ram admitted that the ‘tussle’ between the two IPS officers have created bad blood, yet he said the matter would be sorted out soon. He said as per the Punjab Police rules the DIG was the competent authority to appoint, transfer and suspend or dismiss the police officers up to the rank of Inspectors. Mr Jasminder Singh, DIG and Mr Varinder Kumar, SSP, Gurdaspur, however, refused to speak on the issue. Mr Surinder Singh said he would commit suicide if justice was not given to him. He alleged that he was on naka duty at Chakki bridge when the SP, Pathankot, along with his Naib Reader and gunmen reached there and ‘forcibly’ bundled him into a jeep and kept him in ‘illegal custody’ in a room under the custody of the gunmen at his residence. He further alleged that he was made to sign on the ‘roznamcha’ with a view to comply the orders of DIG. This is the direct fallout of the violation of Punjab Police rules, while ordering the postings and transfers of the police officials at the district/range levels. As per the rules it is duty of the top police officials to get the sanction of District Magistrate before ordering postings/transfers. But such rules are hardly observed, which has led to the present unsavoury situation which is unprecedented in the recent history of police. Though the Indian Police
Act 1861 and Punjab Police rules clearly mention the
transfer and punishment to the police officials yet no
attention has been given in this regard. A case filed by
the Deputy Chairman of Human Rights Wing, Mr Kirpal Singh
Randhawa, that rule of writing annual confidential
reports of SPs by the District Magistrate be observed
meticulously, is still pending in the Punjab and Haryana
High Court. |
Bank clerk commits fraud,
flees JAITU (Faridkot), Feb 26 — Ramesh Kumar, a clerk working in the local branch of State Bank of Patiala (SBOP) has fled after committing fraud in the bank worth lakhs of rupees. Official sources said that an investigation team led by Chief Manager O.P. Doda and constituted by the zonal office of State Bank of Patiala at Bathinda had already detected that more than Rs 10 lakh had been withdrawn from the bank by Ramesh Kumar in a fraudulent manner. Sources added that full extent of the fraud would be known only after the investigation teams completes the audit. The team, which has been on job since yesterday would take two to three days to complete its investigations. A senior bank official said that fraud came to light when an investigation team from Bathinda reached the bank branch here to audit the bank books. He added the bank authorities had received a verbal complaint regarding the fraud. Official sources said using a unique modus operandi, Ramesh Kumar opened an account in the name of Sham Lal. He used to make bogus credit entries in the account of Sham Lal. He then used to use the cheques and withdrawal forms to take out money from the account of Sham Lal himself. Sources added the account in the name of Sham Lal was opened in November, 1999, after completing all formalities and Ramesh Kumar used to make bogus credit entries in instalments of few thousands and he employed the same method to withdraw the money. Ramesh Kumar, who was known as bada doctor in the branch, was most trusted employee of that branch and he carried out this illegal activity for about four months without any hindrance. However, when the investigation team, after a verbal complaint, reached the bank yesterday. Ramesh Kumar fled from the bank. After that his whereabouts were not known to anyone including his family members. The bank authorities were also suspecting that Ramesh Kumar had committed the fraud in connivance with some other employees of the bank. According to the
investigation team, the signature put on withdrawal forms
and cheques used in the account of Sham Lal were similar
to the specimen signature of Sham Lal put on the account
opening forms. |
Docs blamed for custodial
death BATHINDA, Feb 26 — The death of Thana Singh, an accused in a number of criminal cases, in the local civil hospital on February 14, has created another controversy with the release of a report questioning the kind of treatment given to the deceased at the local civil hospital. Earlier, the death of Thana Singh, who died in custody, created a controversy when both the district police authorities and central jail authorities denied that the accused was in their custody while undergoing treatment at the local civil hospital. The recent controversy started when a report given by a joint investigation team of the PUCL, Lawyers for Human Rights and Insaf International, alleged that Thana Singh, who has suffered a bullet injury on his thigh while committing a robbery in the district had died due to the negligence of the doctors who treated him in the local hospital. The joint investigation team alleged that Thana Singh was not treated well and the doctors who treated him made haphazard entries in the treatment file of the patient. However, Dr R.N. Maheshwary, officiating Chief Medical Officer, denied the allegations and termed these as “baseless”. He said Thana Singh was treated by the doctors in a professional manner and his family members were advised to take him to a bigger hospital on the very first day the patient was brought to the hospital. He pointed out that he had himself checked the treatment file of the patient and it showed that the patient had died due to the haemetesis. The condition of the patient had also stabilised considerably before he collapsed on February 14 in spite of the best efforts of the doctors for five hours. On the other hand, Dr Vineeta Gupta, Convenor, joint investigation team, said in a press note issued here that a public debate on the claims of Dr Maheshwary would be held on February 27 to settle the controversy. She added that she had invited Dr Maheshwary, Dr Jugraj Singh Sandhu, lawyers, members of the IMA, doctors who had treated Thana Singh and other citizens for the debate. Dr Maheshwary, however,
said being government employee no staff member of the
local civil hospital, including himself could participate
in the public debate. He added that the investigation
report of viscera of the deceased would make the things
clear. |
Ravi Inder to start
‘remove-CM’ drive BATHINDA, Feb 26 — Former Speaker Ravi Inder Singh will launch a campaign for changing the leadership of the SAD at the native village of Punjab Chief Minister on March 4. Mr Ravi Inder Singh along with Mr Teja Singh Badal, an uncle of Mr Parkash Singh Badal, will hold a conference in Badal village to make the public aware of the “misrule” of Mr Badal and his undue “interference” in Sikh religious affairs. Mr Bhupinder Pal Singh Dhillon, a confidant of Mr Ravi Inder Singh, addressing a press conference here today, said the conference in Badal would be the beginning of the end of Mr Badal’s “misdeeds.” He claimed at least 20,000 people belonging to all sections of society, economic experts and other prominent persons of the state would participate. The conference would expose Mr Badal’s “anti-Punjab, anti-Punjabi and anti-Sikh policies.” Representatives of the Punjab Government would also be invited to the conference. After the conference a movement would be launched by Mr Ravi Inder Singh to ensure a change in the SAD leadership and the administrative set of Punjab. He alleged Mr Badal had won the Nawanshahr byelection by “murdering democracy and purchasing votes.” He charged Mr Badal with
using religious fora for political gains.” Mr Badal
should bow before Akal Takht as a true Sikh or the Sikh
‘quam’ will not forgive him,” he added. |
Cong men felicitate Bhattal CHANDIGARH, Feb 26 — Senior Congress leaders, including Mr Jagmohan Singh Kang, Mr Tej Parkash Singh, Mr Romesh Dutt and Mr Malkiat Singh Dakha, have felicitated Mrs Rajinder Kaur Bhattal on her induction in the Central Election Authority of the Congress party by its President, Mrs Sonia Gandhi. Mr Kang said that Mrs
Bhattal was a seasoned politician and would do the job
assigned to her to the satisfaction of all concerned. |
Expulsion of Cong leaders backed CHANDIGARH, Feb 26 — Supporting the expulsion of senior Congress leaders Birdevinder Singh and Prem Gupta from the primary membership of the party, Mr Avtar Singh Joga, a Congress leader said it was the need of the hour. He said the two had been making statements against the programmes and policies of the party and there was no place in the Congress for such leaders. Meanwhile, Mr Joga urged
the Chief Election Commission to act on complaints
submitted by the Congress regarding unfair means used by
the ruling party in the Nawanshahr byelection. |
"Sura-Soi" celebrates
35th Raising Day CHANDIGARH, Feb 26 — An Engineer Regiment popularly known as ‘Sura-Soi’ celebrated its 35th Raising Day somewhere in Western Sector today. Belonging to "God’s own" Bengal Day Sappers, the regiment has the distinction of being one of the most highly decorated regiments in the Indian Army and has earned 91 gallantry awards which include one Vir Chakra, one Kirti Chakra, two VSMs, seven Sena Medals, one Bar to Sena Medal, seven Mentioned in Dispatches, 36 Chief of Army Staff’s Commendation Cards and 37-GOC-in-C’s Commendation Cards. The unit has a glorious record of excellence in all fields which include provision of aid to the civil authorities against militancy during Op-Rakshak in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab and flood relief on various occasions. The regiment’s officer, Maj A.P. Singh, Bar to SM, and Maj A.K. Singh, KC, SM, sailed round the world in ‘Trishna’. Maj A.K. Singh, KC, SM, is the only disabled sailor in the world to have thus traversed the high seas. Two platoons served as part of United Nations peace keeping force in Cambodia (UNTAC). Recently the regiment constructed a bridge on the Satluj which has become a lifeline for the people in the border area of South Punjab. In the field of sports too, the regiment has maintained a very high standard. It recently won the Inter-unit handball competition. The Raising Day was celebrated with fanfare which commenced with hailing the Gods through religious functions. It was followed by a wreath-laying Ceremony to remember the martyrs and a Special Sainik Sammelan. A Bara Khana for all ranks and families and a social evening in the Officers Mess were also organised. The Special Sainik Sammelan was addressed by the Commanding Officer, Col Mohan Khaladkar. Maj-Gen Mohinder Singh,
General Officer Commanding of the Division, was among the
distinguished guests who attended various functions. The
festivities concluded with a pledge by all officers
serving and retired and all ranks of the regiment’s
to safe-guard the honour of the nation and keep up the
rich traditions of the ‘Sura-Soi’ befitting
their motto of ‘Hosh Aur Josh’. |
Freedom fighters threaten stir JALANDHAR, Feb 26 — The Punjab State Freedom Fighters’ Organisation has threatened to launch a struggle if orders regarding filling of new performa by freedom fighters getting the “swatantarta samman pension” are not withdrawn by the state government. The state government has made it mandatory for all freedom fighters to fill the new performa, enlisting such details like name of the prison where the freedom fighter had been sentenced, details of his co-prisoners and their permanent payment orders (PPOs) and a medical certificate issued by the Civil Surgeon of the respective district. Dubbing the exercise as an “insult” to freedom fighters, Capt Ranjit Singh and Mr Chain Singh Chain, President and General Secretary of the association, respectively, said it was impossible for any pensioner to fill the performa. Widows of freedom fighters could not be expected to remember names of co-prisoners of their husbands and their PPO numbers, he argued. They announced that the pensioners would launch a struggle if these performa were not withdrawn within a month. “It is better for
us to die than to face such humiliating treatment at the
hands of the government. We won’t beg for the
pension,” they added. |
Novel method to curb monkey
menace BHADSON (Nabha): Monkeys in this sprawling 2900 acre bir (forest) were in for a surprise as visitors came to offer them goodies , including ‘‘gur’’ and cashew nuts. It was an extraordinary day for the monkeys as they usually get fare of goodies including fruits and sweets on every Tuesday only and have to wait along the sides of the 2 km stretch of road across the bir on every other day. Though monkeys were unaware, Friday was special for the humans living around the bir. Their complaints, including a petition in a court, had been answered with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) teaming up with the District Administration to curb the monkey menace to the people living around the bir. The Society administered the monkeys a herbal contraceptive mixed with jaggery and cashew nuts which is expected to render them infertile for three months . The SPCA and the district administration made first attempt to tackle the monkey menace by administering them jaggery laced with herbal contraceptive. The monkey menace has embittered hundreds of villagers living near the bir as these turn against them and their crops due to fact that they are fed only on every Tuesday of the week. Due to the this pattern of forced feeding on every Tuesday and an end to their natural habitat, monkeys belonging to this bir gather along the road passing through it and create nuisance for passersby on many occasions besides damaging crops. Disclosing the latest attempt to curb the monkey population, SPCA Patiala Chapter Secretary Mahavir Sharma said the herbal contraceptives would have to be administered to the monkeys over a period of time to render them infertile for a period of three months. He said initially the experiment would be tried in this bir only and added there were more than 25,000 monkeys in this bir and these were causing a serious constraint on the ecology of the Bir as well as the surrounding areas. Though the District Administration has gone in for the move in cooperation with the SPCA, it also aims at taking long term measures to curb the monkey menace and make them dependent on their natural habitat only. Deputy Commissioner Jasbir Singh Bir said the administration would go in for planting fruit trees in all the birs of the district to create natural habitat for the monkeys. He said fruit trees would be grown in a phased manner in all birs of the district. Mr Bir said school children would be encouraged to plant trees in the forest. He said attempts would also be made to take the help of school children in the contraceptive drive as all forests in the district could not be covered by the government due to shortage of manpower. He said as regards the Bhadson bir points would be made inside the forest where the public would be encouraged to feed the monkeys instead of throwing fruits and other eatables on the road which created a public nuisance.He said four to five points would be set up in the forest for this purpose. Meanwhile the SPCA and
the district administration also started a drive to spay
stray dogs and bitches in Nabha town. Under the drive
around 40 operations for vasectomy and hysterectomy for
dogs and bitches were performed on Friday. Six teams
consisting of two doctors each from Patiala performed the
operations in Nabha after Municipal Staff of the town
rounded up stray animals for the purpose. SPCA member Dr
Manjit Singh disclosed that the animals would be kept
under observation for seven days before being set free.
He said the exercise would be conducted on request in
other towns of the district also if needed. |
Self employment plan for
youth LUDHIANA, Feb 26 — The Punjab Government has chalked out a comprehensive plan to divert more youth towards self-employment and the industrial sector, in coordination with financial institutions. Liberal subsidised loans would also be provided to them after imparting them training for different ventures. This was announced by Mr Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, Punjab, while addressing the 27th sports festival meet at Gujjarwal village about 25 km from here today, after inaugurating a newly-constructed indoor sports complex constructed at a cost of Rs 25 lakh and within a record period of one year. Mr Badal also announced a grant of Rs 3 lakh for the construction of drains and pavement of streets, Rs 1 lakh for the sports club and to start more trades at the ITI, Gujjarwal from the next academic session. He also announced to set up a memorial in the shape of a technical institution in the Kila Raipur constituency in the memory of late Justice Gurnam Singh, former Chief Minister, Punjab, in consultation with the local representatives. Mr Jagdish Singh Garcha,
Technical Education Minister, Punjab, Mr Arun Goel,
Deputy Commissioner, Mr Paramjit Singh Sandhu, DIG,
Ludhiana Range, Mr Jaskaran Singh SSP, Jagraon and Dr
Jarnail Singh, were also present on the occasion. |
Corporation for Bathinda on the
anvil BATHINDA, Feb 26 — The Punjab Government is likely to set up a municipal corporation in the city by merging the Bathinda Municipal Council with that of two satellite towns of Goniana and Bhucho Mandi. An indication to this effect was given by Minister of Science and Technology, Chiranji Lal Garg and President of the local Municipal Council, Mr Bhupinder Singh Bhuller, while addressing a press conference here today. They said the necessary groundwork for setting up a municipal corporation in the city had been done. A formal decision in this regard was yet to be taken. Mr Garg said Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal would convene a meeting at Chandigarh on March 1 to discuss the master plan being prepared for the development of the town. He said special funds
would be allocated for supplying potable water to the
entire population of the district. |
Four MCs to be computerised PHILLAUR, Feb 26 — The municipal corporations (MCs) of Jalandhar, Amritsar, Ludhiana and Patiala will be computerised by March-end. This will be followed by computerisation of nagar councils and nagar panchayats in a phased manner from the next financial year. This was stated by Punjab Local Bodies Minister Balramji Dass Tandon while talking to newspersons here on Tuesday. He said this would help redress public grievances regarding house tax and water and sewerage bills speedily and efficiently. He reiterated that the contract system in octroi collection would be abolished from April 1. He clarified that the optional single-transit pass system would be available in addition to the transit pass system through every municipal area in the state. Mr Tandon said the new municipal Act of 1999 had already been sent to the President for his assent through the Union Urban Development Ministry. He said cleaning of cities, during night which had started in corporation areas, would be introduced in municipal council and panchayat areas in a phased manner to improve the sanitary conditions. Mr Tandon, who also
holds the employment portfolio, said a high-powered
labour department committee would be constituted in a few
days. |
Protest against
‘Water’ episode JALANDHAR, Feb 26 — To lodge their protest against the ban on the shooting of “Water”, a Deepa Mehta film, and the stubborn attitude of the RSS on the issue, more than 12 organisations held a protest march in the city here today. Speaking on this occasion, Prof Piara Singh Bhogal, an eminent writer, said it was the fundamental right of every person to express his views and to present historical facts. Mr Kewal Parwana criticised the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister for not allowing the film crew to shoot the film in the state in spite of the fact that its script had been cleared by the Centre. Members of the
Deshbhagat Yaadgar Hall Committee, Manavata Rachna Manch,
Taraksheel Society, Virasat, Kirti Kisan Union, Punjab
and Dona Patrakar Manch and many more proceeded from the
Deshbhagat Yaadgar Hall to the Deputy Commissioner’s
residence and submitted a memorandum to the officer. The
organisations demanded lifting of the ban on the shooting
of the film and a check on “fascist”
organisations bent on killing the freedom of expression. |
Punjab Christians to stage
protest LUDHIANA, Feb 26 — The Punjab Christian Movement has decided to launch a protest in front of the residence of Mr Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, Punjab on March 1. This decision was taken at a meeting held here recently under the chairmanship of the movement president, Mr Hamid Masih. The Punjab Government should apologise for the atrocities perpetrated on Christians, banning of 30 prayer meetings in Punjab and burning of 28 copies of the Bible in the past three years of Badal government. The PCM has elected the
following office-bearers: Mr William Dean —
President; Mr Jordan Masih — Vice-President; Mr
Sanjay Dutt — Secretary; Mr Vidya Sagar — Vice
Secretary; Mr Iqbal Masih — Legal Advisor and Mr
Long-Fellow-Advisor. |
Self service in phone
department AMRITSAR, Feb 26 — The General Manager, Telephones said that due to the shortage of telephone instruments, the department had decided to release connection on priority basis for applicants who were ready to provide their own instruments while others would be waitlisted and connections released when the instruments became available. A rebate in installation
charges of Rs 250 would be available in cases where the
subscriber uses his own instrument. A similar rebate of
Rs 250 would be given on wiring while maintenance of the
instrument and wiring would be the responsibility of the
applicant. |
Multimedia centre inaugurated GURDASPUR, Feb 26 — Maj Gen AJS Jaini inaugurated Charwa Multimedia Centre in the premises of 94, Field Regiment at Tibri Cantonment today. Brig PC Kharbanda, Commander Artillery Brigade, and Mr Rajala, Station Commander, were present on the occasion. Maj-General Jaini, General Officer Commanding, stressed the importance of information technology in the modern day warfare. Maj R.K. Nair,
Officiating Commandant, 94, Field Regiment, said that
multimedia centre would be used to impart computer
literacy among the total jawans and officers of the
regiment. |
Tarlochan Singh felicitated PATIALA, Feb 26 — The Vice-Chairman of the Minority Commission of India, Mr Tarlochan Singh, said here today that he would make attempts to get portraits of prominent freedom fighters of Punjab installed in the Central Hall of Parliament. Talking to newspersons at a felicitation function organised by the Ranjit newspaper group, he said he had taken up the issue with the Lok Sabha Speaker. He was hopeful that the issue would be expedited. Mr Tarlochan Singh said among the five names recommended by him were Namdharis Baba Ram Singh and Baba Kharak Singh, Akali Master Tara Singh, Ghadarite Baba Gurdit Singh and Shaheed Bhagat Singh. He said it was unfortunate that portraits of such important personalities who played key roles in the freedom struggle had not found space in Central Hall of Parliament. He said he would also try to incorporate Sikhism in text-books of university and other institutions. He added that he would call a meeting of various Vice-Chancellors for this purpose. This was necessary as Sikhism had not been projected to the extent possible in the country, he claimed. He also talked of the
necessity to raise original and genuine issues of
minorities and not politicise these for selfish
interests. He was felicitated by Mr Gurcharan Singh
Manni, Editor of Ranjit, Mr G.S. Sanyasi, President of
Intellectual Council, Mr B.S. Billing from the Bar
Association and Mr Avtar Singh Arora, President of the
Punjabi Vikas Manch. |
Constable booked for raping
undertrial FEROZEPORE, Feb 26 —A police constable was booked for raping a woman undertrial at a hotel in the cantonment area here. The accused, Parmatma Singh, a police constable, had taken the victim, who is currently lodged at the local Central Jail, to a Fazilka court for a hearing. However, on way back to the jail, he took her to a hotel and allegedly raped her. Although a woman constable had also accompanied them to Fazilka, she left for her home on way back to Ferozepore. Subsequently, Parmatma Singh took the victim to a hotel and reportedly raped her. Following a complaint by
the Jail Superintendent, Mr D.S. Sekhon, a case under
Section 376 of the IPC was registered at the cantonment
police station. According to Mr Sekhon, the victim is
facing trial in connection with murder of her husband. He
said that the accused escorted her to a Fazilka court for
hearing yesterday, but instead of returning back to the
jail, he took her to hotel and raped her. |
University Registrar given
farewell PATIALA, Feb 26 —
Dr Ranbir Singh, who retired as Registrar of Punjabi
University, was accorded a warm send-off by the faculty
and non-teaching employees of the university here
yesterday. He was presented a memento on behalf of the
teaching and non-teaching communities of the university. |
 |
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