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| Thursday,
September 20, 2001, Chandigarh, India
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‘Extortion’ in the name of traffic police Ludhiana, September 19 Mr Gurbachan Singh, in a written complaint lodged at the Haibowal police station, has alleged that his son, Parminder Singh, an auto-rickshaw driver, was stopped near the Dayanand Medical College stand at about 4 pm yesterday by Katani and four of his men and asked to pay the traffic tax. When he refused to pay, he was “beaten up” by Katani and his men. Mr Gurbachan Singh said, “The heavily drunk union men not only bashed up my son, but also seized his auto-rickshaw (PB-10-AN-5558) and snatched Rs 1,350 from him.” Some union leaders had tried to make the two parties in the case reach a compromise, but without any result. Consequently, Mr Gurbachan Singh and members of the drivers’ unions of Haibowal, bus stand and several other places decided to lodge a complaint against Katani and his men. Though the auto-rickshaw that was seized is in the Haibowal police station at the moment, Katani and his men have absconded. The police has not registered a case so far. Mr Gurbachan Singh said, “We have a valid permit to operate up to Haibowal. We will never pay any money to Katani or his men who claim to be giving payment cards on behalf of the traffic police and senior police officials. The police should take action against Katani and stop this extortion in its name.” Insiders said Katani had been collecting money from them for the past many years. However, only those auto-rickshaw drivers needed protection who had unregistered vehicles and operated without permits. An auto-rickshaw driver, on condition of anonymity, said, “Katani gives each driver a stamped card after collecting the traffic tax to the tune of Rs 10 per day and Rs 100 per month per vehicle. He says that traffic policemen will not issue us challans if we show them these cards. We are told that a big share of this collection goes to senior officials.” Members of some of the small unions support Gurbachan Singh and his son and have decided not to compromise. Mr Hera Singh, SHO of the Haibowal police station, was not available for comments, but, the other police sources said they were trying to make the two parties reach a compromise because, if the case was registered against Katani and his men, he might reveal the names of senior police officials who were benefitting from these collections. Mr Gurbachan Singh has urged the police to register a case in this regard to stop this “illegal collection of money”. |
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‘Indifferent’ MC, councillor,
plague Industrial Estate Ludhiana, September 19 The general condition of the roads, all over the area, comprising the Industrial Estate but, in particular, the stretch of roads behind the office of General Manager, District Industries Centre and all around the complaint centre of Punjab State Electricity Board is pitiable, with potholes and crude patches, dotting the roads. Heaps of garbage and waste material added to the worst insanitary conditions all over, add to the woes of the industrialists and the visiting public alike. According to Mr Joginder Kumar, president, Ludhiana Electroplaters Association, the sewerage lines laid in the area almost 50 years ago, are of inadequate capacity and have outlived their life span. Even after repeated and persistent reminders to the MC officials and area councillors, the matter of laying new sewer lines has hung fire for several years and it is only recently that the sewerage project has been completed by the Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board. Several area residents and industrialists, claims Mr Joginder Kumar, has complained that the work for construction of road, taken in hand recently, is not of the desired quality. However, after Mr Loomba has been apprised of the fact, he has directed the Executive Engineer (B&R) concerned, to keep a vigil on the work done by the contractor and to ensure the quality of the work. While the main road from post office and some side lanes has been relaid after 38 years, many other roads are still on the neglected list. Expressing their anger and resentment over being given a step-motherly treatment by the MC, the residents of Industrial Estate and members of industry unequivocally has urged upon the civic body as well their elected representative Mr Loomba to be more responsive to the area, which contributes significantly by way of taxes. |
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Tandon, Gosain bury the
hatchet Ludhiana, September 19 The differences between the two had reached a flashpoint when Mr Gosain levelled serious charges of corruption against Mr Tandon. Mr Gosain had been attributing his exclusion from the ministry to Mr Tandon’s aversion for him. And that was the reason for his frequent outbursts against Mr Tandon. Sources close to the two leaders revealed that Mr Tandon had invited Mr Gosain for dinner at the former’s official residence in Chandigarh a few days back. In fact, two more persons were having dinner with them when a delegation of traders from Ludhiana went to meet Mr Tandon on the issue of octroi abolition. A local businessman, Mr Vimal Tandon, who is believed to be quite close to both of them, is believed to have been instrumental in effecting the rapprochement between the two. In fact he was also seen at the dinner with Mr Tandon and Mr Gosain. Mr Vimal Tandon had earlier also tried to bring them together, but he succeeded only recently. Both Mr Tandon and Mr Gosain have their own reasons for closing in the ranks. The antagonism between the two is rooted in the already prevailing factionalism within the BJP. While earlier, there were only two groups in the BJP led by Mr Tandon and the Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, Mr Madan Mohan Mittal, now there is the third group led by the state BJP president, Mr Brij Lal Rinwa. And Mr Gosain had been siding with the latter group. In fact Mr Gosain was elevated to the post of Deputy Speaker only with the blessings of Mr Rinwa despite strong opposition by Mr Tandon. Mr Gosain’s appointment marked the beginning of the assertion by the Rinwa group. Since Mr Tandon has already made up his mind to contest from Ludhiana, despite the reservations of senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha member, Lala Lajpat Rai, it is necessary for him to rope in the leaders with the local base. No matter Mr Tandon has already established a strong base and cadre network in Ludhiana west, he cannot afford the antagonism of Mr Gosain. On the other hand, Mr Gosain is no longer as popular as he used to be, particularly after he became the Deputy Speaker. And he does not enjoy Lalaji blessings either. Under these circumstances, there could not have been a better option than a rapprochement with Mr Tandon who command tremendous influence in party affairs and also at the grassroots level. |
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Forum penalises insurance
company Ludhiana, September 19 According to the complaint, Mr Manjinder Singh purchased a Maruti Esteem car (PB-10-R-0722) from Rohit Woolen Private Limited on December 2, 1998, and the registration was transferred in his name on April 7, 1999. The complainant stated before the forum that the car was comprehensively insured with the company for the period from May 16, 1998 to May 15, 1999. The car met with an accident on February 3, 1999 in front of Gulzar Hotel, Malerkotla, and in the accident the car was badly damaged, the consumer added. Mr Singh lodged a claim with the company for the payment of the loss. The company appointed a surveyor for the assessment of the loss, but on October 14, 1999, the claim was allegedly not rightly repudiated by the company on flimsy grounds. The consumer disclosed that in the repudiation letter of company, it was mentioned that he had no insurable interest in the car at the time of accident. It was alleged by the consumer that there was clear deficiency on the part of the company as the claim was not rightly repudiated. The company pleaded that there was no deficiency in services since the claim had already been repudiated as per terms of the policy and the repudiation was duly conveyed to the consumer. Moreover he had not applied for the transfer of policy in his name and he did not inform the company about the purchase, the respondent added. The forum observed that the consumer had purchased the said car even the affidavit of the seller was there that the vehicle was sold to him. The forum stated that the car met with the accident as it was mentioned in the surveyors’ assessment reports that the cause of loss was accident. The forum stated, “according to a letter produced by the consumer, General Insurance Corporation of India Limited (GIC) advised that the benefit under the entire policy including own damage section which is in force on the date of sale, shall be transferred to the buyer of the vehicle till expiry of the policy, which shows that on the date of purchase the benefit under the policy stand transferred to the buyer.” The forum held that the repudiation was not valid and the company was liable to pay the loss assessed by the surveyor ( Rs 45,202) to consumer. |
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Ludhiana West remains bone of
contention Ludhiana, September 19 While last time the ruling Akali-BJP alliance had fielded Mr Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, the Congress had fielded Mr Harnam Dass Johar. Given the widespread influence, he had among the voters in the area, it was natural for Mr Grewal to manage a comfortable win. He had now already parted ways with the SAD and was a leading member of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Panthic Morcha). After his exit from the party, the seat had became a bone of contention between the BJP and the SAD. The BJP claimed that given the predominantly urban character of the constituency it should get it in the seat-sharing arrangement. The party had been arguing that it was because of the massive influence Mr Grewal commanded in the BJP high command that the seat was conceded to the SAD. A BJP leader claimed, ‘‘the seat had been conceded to Mr Grewal and not to the Akali Dal and now the party (the Akali Dal) should gracefully acknowledge this fact and let the BJP field its candidate from here, as Mr Grewal is no longer in the party’’. More than the senior leadership of the party, it was the local leaders in both the parties (SAD and BJP) who were keen that the seat should go to their respective parties. Amid reports that the senior BJP leader and the Minister for Local Bodies, Mr Balramji Dass Tandon, was inclined to contest from here, the SAD had also put forth its claim. In fact, an Akali leader claimed, ‘‘why should Akali Dal ask for the seat, it already belongs to us’’. There were two main contenders for the Ludhiana West seat in the SAD including the district president, Mr Avtar Singh Makkar and the party vice-president, Mr Amarjit Singh Bhatia. Both had been claiming proximity to the Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal. Although Mr Bhatia had regularly been disputing the claims of Mr Makkar for being the district president, the regular invitations to Mr Makkar for attending the meetings of the district presidents had already acknowledged him so. Mr Bhatia had recently been in the forefront of the campaign launched for getting due share for the urban Sikhs within the SAD, which Mr Makkar had vehemently opposed, while arguing that this would create rural-urban division within the party. This move of Mr Bhatia was viewed as a pressure tactic for claiming the nomination for the Ludhiana West. A section of the non-Sikh component of the ruling SAD-B had also thrown in its hat for the run up to the Assembly polls. With their eyes on this seat, some of the prominent business persons, who were successfully persuaded to join the ruling Akali Dal at an function here by Mr Chiranji Lal Garg, the lone non-Sikh SAD-B minister in the state Cabinet, were learnt to be garnering support from various corners to convince Mr Badal that fielding a Hindu candidate would be a convincing proof that the party had really opened its doors to members of all communities. In fact Mr Amrit Lal Aggarwal, a member of the board of directors of Ludhiana Aggarwala Cooperative House Building Society (Aggar Nagar) was running a campaign to bring more and more non-Sikhs in the fold of ruling SAD-B and had already organised several functions in different towns and cities of Punjab for this purpose. At the same time, the BJP had not left its claim over the seat. The party was understood to have made up its mind to field Mr Balramji Dass Tandon from here. This was for the obvious reason that the party might not have a better choice than Mr Tandon as during the past five years he had developed a good rapport with the people over here, besides establishing a strong network of party cadre loyal to him. Mr Tandon had also managed several developmental projects for the area. And for the Congress there was no dearth of contenders. Although some people were writing off Mr Johar, but given his seniority and influence he was also a hot candidate from here. Moreover a Youth Congress leader, Mr Pawan Dewan, who was young and enjoyed a clean image and Mr K K Bawa were also thought to be the probables from here. |
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New hope for bone cancer patients Ludhiana, September 19 Dr Saggar had recently returned from Tokyo after doing fellowship in orthopaedic oncology in the Cancer Institute Hospital, Tokyo. Dr Saggar claims to be the first Indian orthopaedic surgeon to have been trained in Japan. Talking to mediapersons here today, Dr Saggar said that the surgical concepts adopted for bone and joint cancer in Japan were totally different from what was being followed in India. He said that he was introduced to various new protocols for the treatment of bone cancer during his fellowship. The main emphasis was how to plan treatment for bone cancer, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Dr Saggar said with the new concept, it was possible to save limbs of patients to a higher extent. |
Government betrayed people’s confidence:
SHSYAD Ludhiana, September 19 This was stated by Mr Sukhwinderpal Singh Garcha, secretary general of the SHSYAD, while addressing a party worker meeting here last evening. Focusing on the plight of farmers under the regime of the SAD, which claimed to champion the cause of the farming community, he said the exploitation of farmers had touched a new high. Not only the paddy and wheat crops had proved difficult to sell at remunerative prices but farmers were forced to destroy truckloads of potatoes in the absence of buyers and the government support. Mr Garcha further chided Mr Badal for his claims that the government would convert the state into California. “Perhaps Mr Badal is not aware that in the USA, the farmers are not only assured of the minimum support price for their crop but the government also thoroughly educates the producers about the required quantity of different crops, which will have a guaranteed sale.” As a result of anti-farmer policies of the government, farmers were forced to commit suicides in a predominantly agricultural state like Punjab which was most unfortunate, he added. Expecting a convincing victory for the panthic morcha in the coming assembly elections, the SHSYAD activist observed that the people of Punjab had a bitter experience of “misrule” by the Congress and the SAD and were waiting for an opportunity now to give the panthic morcha a chance. “The Panthic Morcha, if voted to power, will bring back the state economy on rails by taking effective measures to speed up development projects and to create more employment opportunities.” He claimed that there had been an overwhelming response to party meetings and conventions all over the state. Mr Sohan Singh Goga, district president of the party termed the tall claims of the government of bringing in several big projects, as a hoax. The government had miserably failed to tackle the menace of drug addiction and the unemployment among the educated youth had reached the alarming proportions. Among others who addressed the meeting were Mr Jagjit Singh Neeta, Mr Harjit Singh Khurl, Mr Baljinder Singh Panesar, Mr Manjit Singh Simlapuri, Mr Gurcharan Singh Guru, Mr Mandeep Singh Maholi and Mr Parminder Singh Sohal. |
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In adversity, he has faith in
honesty Ludhiana, September 19 Lakhpati purchases the eatables from Meena Bazaar from wholesalers in large quantity. Then he finds a cool and calm place to pack his eatable in small packs. He sells this pack for Rs 5 only and earns a profit of 20 to 50 paisa per pack. Despite the fact that this is not a profitable business, he does the job from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. A poor son of a rich man, Jagdishwar is called Lakhpati by most of the people. His childhood friends call him with the name because they know him as a son of a rich man. But now people call him Lakhpati because he does business in which profit is very low and only a millionaire could do a business with low profit. Once upon a time, his family was financially sound. But time changed suddenly and the financial conditions of his family worsened after the death of his father, who was the only breadwinner and caretaker of the wealth and property. His family had to pay heavy price for his father’s honesty and innocence as his relatives looted the ancestral wealth. His mother lives in Moga with his elder brother who has a small stationery shop. He goes to Moga to meet his mother and other family members when he earns sufficient money. Lakhpati belong to Navachand village in Moga which is about 60 km from here. A man who lived like a prince in his childhood now works for 12 hours daily to earn just Rs 50 to Rs 80 everyday. Railway platforms and bus stands are the shelters he has in this mega city. He did not get married because he knows the fact that it would be difficult for him to bear the responsibilities of a family. Despite many hardships Lakhpati has never given up in life. He had seen good times and bad times but he never changed. He believed in earning his livelihood by working hard and honestly. Despite all adversities, he is still working hard to live a life full of self-respect. He thinks that perhaps all this happened to him because of his sins in the past life. But in this life he does not want to commit any sin and wants to live life honestly. |
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Terrorist attacks on USA
condemned Ludhiana, September 19 Addressing an “anti-war” rally at divisional headquarters in Sunder Nagar, several trade union activists of the PSEB maintained that the global problem of terrorism could not be dealt with by forcing innocent people into war. On the contrary, the situation called for detailed discussions on different world fora and a line of action, which met the approval of the global community. The rally, addressed by trade union activists, including Mr Jagir Singh, Mr Kasturi Lal, Mr Walaiti Khan, Mr Chamkaur Singh and Mr Devinder Kumar, among others, charged the US regime with bullying underdeveloped and developing nations and disturbing peace all over the world. Opposing the support by the NDA government to the “uncalled for” war, declared by the US government, the speakers expressed their resolve that India would not be allowed to be converted into a battle ground. The PSEB employees condemned the incidents of racial violence in the USA and elsewhere and urged the Union government to ensure safety of Indians, particularly the sikh community, which was under attack. Meanwhile, the United Nations Youth Organisation (UNYO) has urged all member countries of the United Nations to extend their unconditional support to the USA in its intended attack against the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and the terrorist outfits all over the world. Dr Shiv Gupta, president and Mr Sushil Malhotra, general secretary of the UNYO, in a joint statement here today, have expressed their profound shock and grief over the immense loss of lives and property in the USA in the attacks by fundamentalists, allegedly led by Osama bin Laden. Calling upon US President George W. Bush not to accept any conditions imposed by the Pakistan Government for allowing its air space for attacks on the hide outs of Laden in Afghanistan, he pointed out that the Pakistan Government itself was extending overt and covert support to terrorist activities in India. The intelligence outfit of Pakistan, ISI, was spending crores of rupees to sustain militants and was reportedly running several training camps for terrorists. The UNYO president asked the US regime to smash global terrorism. He further observed that it was appropriate time to strike against the militant groups in Jammu and Kashmir, which were operating with active support of Pakistan. |
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Muslim council observes solidarity day Ludhiana, September 19 A two-minute silence was observed and, later, Mr Ateeq-ur-Rehman, the council chief, said Indian Muslims should fully support the Indian Government in its fight against terrorism. He expressed his sympathy with the families of victims of terrorism and said there was no room for terrorism in Islam. Mr Ateeq condemned the terrorist attacks on America and excesses on Sikhs and Muslims in America and Britain after these attacks. “Governments of these countries should take harsh steps against miscreants who were attacking religious places of these communities,” he said. Mr Ateeq also said America had reaped what it had sown by giving arms and shelter to terrorists from all over the world. He said, “India is a secular country and people of all religions have sacrificed their lives to defend it every time the country has been attacked.” A large number of activists of the council took pledged to stand by the Indian Government in any hour of crisis. Those present there included Mr Farman Ali, Mr Shakir Alam, Mr Mohammad Gulab, Mr Nazakat Ali, Dr Sirajuddin Bali, Mr Hassan Kaiser and Mr Mohammad Akbar. |
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PCC condemns US incidents Ludhiana, September 19 In a statement here today, Mr Gill said India had rightly stood behind America in its fight against terrorism. He pointed out first it was in Punjab and now it is in Kashmir, where people were being mercilessly killed in the name of holy war. In a separate statement, district president of the Youth Congress Parminder Mehta demanded that the Government of India should snap diplomatic ties with Pakistan as that country was supporting terrorist forces against India. |
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Cong campaign against MC Commissioner Ludhiana, September 19 A meeting of a large number of party functionaries held at Kitchlu Nagar here today under the presidentship of Mr Suresh Rudra, former president of the District Youth Congress (Urban) was of the view that in a calculated move many senior officials in the MC, local contractors and several reputed firms were being ignored by the Commissioner while certain favourite contractors and ruling party functionaries were being awarded contracts in violation of the norms. The Congressmen threatened to launch a sustained campaign to expose the misdeeds of the MC during the tenure of Dr Sandhu followed by a dharna at his residence if the state government failed to order an inquiry within 15 days. The meeting was attended, among others, by Mr Rajinder Soi and Mr Pardeep Malhotra, general secretary, Punjab Youth Congress. |
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A unique party in store
for party lovers Ludhiana, September 19 “These days people are getting fond of assembling their own systems. But without proper knowledge, people make wrong choice and don’t get value for their money. There are a lot of misconceptions that if one buys good speakers , the sound is automatically good. But that is not the case. The cabinet of the speakers matter a great deal,” said Mr.Raman The workshop would be a great learning experience for industry that uses light and sound. The workshop would end with special tips on Djing by Jazzy Jo (of hotel Taj fame, Delhi) and a live demonstration of Pro Audio & Lighting Equipment from world famous OHM of U.K. The workshop intends to teach about the correct use of connector, and right selection of amplifiers. Light and sound has become of utmost importance in restaurants and hotels, for DJs , bowling alleys, amusement centers, shopping malls. In the evening at a party organised at Park plaza, Jazzy Joe and Bhanu of Studio 69 will set the dance floor on fire. Bhanu said that at the party on September 21, Fibre optics are going to be used for the first time. Mr Raman said that they were keen to display the artificial pyrotechnique, but they had to settle for confetti and glitter. Talking about the theme party ‘Back to space’, Bhanu disclosed that DJ, Jazzy JO would be playing different types of music-Trance, and Hip- Hop for Ludhianivis, whereas he would also be playing commercial and Punjabi music. The girls at the party would wear neon bands. At the halloween party , they intend to have a strict dress code but this time the party hoppers can be cool and comfortable. |
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Put an end to child
labour: Ekta Sangh Ludhiana, September 19 Mr Deepak Gupta, general secretary of the sangh, told Ludhiana Tribune that inspite of the ban on employing children below 14 years of age in 48 hazardous industries under the Child Labour Act of 1986, child labour in these industries was increasing. The number of under-14 children employed in these industries had gone up from 1.36 crore in 1981 to 2.21 crore in 1991 and 3.25 crore in 2001, he added. He said the wages of labourers, which had gone down by 25 per cent as compared to those in 1960 in relation to the general price index, were reflective of the country’s overall poverty. The meeting, which was attended among others by Mr Sanjiv Kashyap, Mr Bharat Bhushan Ahuja, Mr Ravi Raj Sohi, Mr Shailendra Kumar, Mr Kamal Kishore Kalra and Mr Mohinder Singh Bahal, urged the Indian government to implement the Child Labour Act, 1986, in letter and spirit and impose a total ban on employing under-14 children in various industries and elsewhere. |
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Minister visits
PAU Ludhiana, September 19 Later, the minister visited the Plant Breeding Museum, the Museum of Rural Social History of Punjab and the Department of Food Science and Technology. He was accompanied by Mr Elisee A. Kiemde, Burkina Faso Ambassador to India. Mr Quedraogo showed keen interest in the food processing technologies and said that there were great possibilities of mutual exchange of scientists and technical knowhow between India and Burkina Faso. He was highly impressed with the Museum of Rural Social History of Punjab which has preserved the rich Punjabi culture and is of great educational value to the younger generation. |
Missing boys found Ludhiana, September 19 The boys had gone to school yesterday but did not return home. The Kinetic Honda scooter (PB-10-AB-4036) on which they had gone to the school, was found parked near the BVM School, Udham Singh Nagar, last evening but the boys could not be traced till this morning. An FIR under Section 365 of the IPC was registered by a parent in Police Division No. 5. |
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Murder accused acquitted Ahmedgarh, September 19 According to the prosecution, the accused along with two other persons, Meen Bahadur and Deepak Bahadur, looted gold ornaments of Raj Rani and killed her. Thereafter, they also took away the colour TV set, gas cylinders, etc. Meen Bahadur and Deepak have been declared proclaimed offenders by the court. An FIR was registered against unknown persons at Sarabha Nagar, police station, on the statement of Yograj, husband of the deceased. |
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Man run over by train Jagraon, September 19 |
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Police prevents compromise, books
accused Ludhiana, September 19 One Mohinder Ram, a migrant from Bihar, now residing in Gobindgarh village falling under the Focal Point police station, complained to the police that while he was returning home from Jugiana on foot on the night of September 16, four persons — Subhash Gupta, Dharam Pal Gupta, Tony and Mohan Lal — in an inebriated condition, beat him up. As a result of the injuries sustained by him, he had to be admitted to the Civil Hospital the next day. Later , the accused and the complainant tried to arrive at a compromise. But not allowing the parties to compromise, the Focal Point police went ahead and registered a case against the accused under sections 315,323,324,506 and 34 of the IPC. Hit-and-run case Booked for disturbing peace Breach of trust Illicit liquor seized The division number six police arrested Jagir Singh , resident of Mustan Ganj, falling under police station of division number two, and recovered 6100 ml of country liquor from his possession yesterday. The arrested man has been booked under the Excise Act. Booked for drinking Case of cheating |
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