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| Tuesday, January 15, 2002,
Chandigarh, India
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Probe begins in custodial death Gursar Sudhar (Ludhiana), January 14 Putting an end to one of the police claims that the youth might have died of some illness as he used to suffer fits, the post-mortem examination conducted by a board of doctors in Gursar Sudhar civil hospital, today afternoon, confirmed that the youth had died due to strangulation. Marks of a thin rope were found around his neck. Some bruises on the elbows were also found suggesting the resistance or struggle made by the deceased. The post-mortem examination, however, did not reveal any other external or internal injury suggesting police torture. The fears of the deceased’s family that the police might have broken the collar bone of the youth leading to his death were also not established. The youth’s parents had alleged foul play yesterday claiming that the strangulation signs were only on the front portion of the deceased’s neck. A visit to the police post revealed that the possibility of the youth committing suicide in the room in which he was locked up was very bleak. Any action in the room was not possible without catching the A departmental action was likely against some Jodhan police officials. Jagraon police sources told Ludhiana Tribune that whether it was a suicide or death due to police torture, a department inquiry and action was on the anvil against the Jodhan police post authorities, as there was definitely some negligence on their part. The deceased, Charanjit Singh, along with Chamkaur Singh were arrested on Saturday evening on the charges of stealing a number of vehicles. They were taken to the police post where the police questioned them. According to the DSP (Raikot), Mr Amrik Singh the police did not touch Charanjit Singh as he had
suffered fits in front of them. The police left him in the lock up and questioned the other person. When, aftersome time, a policemen went to see Charanjit Singh, he was lying on the floor with a rope around his neck. He was rushed to a local hospital where he was declared brought dead. He added that thick saliva was coming out of the youth’s mouth. Talking to Ludhiana Tribune at Gursar Sudhar civil hospital while the post-mortem examination was on, the deceased’s father Kishan Singh and brother-in-law Sanjeev Kumar, residents of Preet Vihar Colony, Dugri, Ludhiana, alleged that the police story was fabricated. The youth’s father said his son worked with an orchestra and the allegations that he was a car thief were false. He said the police had implicated his son to improve its achievement records. He alleged that the police had used third degree methods to get a confession from his son. They said their son did not suffer fits as claimed by the police. SDM Inderpreet Singh Kahlon who was also present at the civil hospital and during the post-mortem examination as required under law for the custodial deaths told Ludhiana Tribune that he had recorded the statements of the police and the family members regarding the incident. He said much depended on the viscera examination and further verification of the circumstantial evidence available to him. He said the inquiry report would be completed soon and submitted to the Deputy Commissioner, Ludhiana, for necessary action. DSP Amrik Singh, however, maintained that the youth had committed suicide and he
suffered from fits also. He said the unfortunate development had clouded an otherwise major police achievement in busting a gang of car thieves. He said the youth were very active in the city and the police had already recovered five vehicles stolen from different parts of the city. He said several other cars would have been recovered if the youth had not done ‘committed suicide’. |
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Police blamed for man’s death Ludhiana, January 14 Harjinder Singh, a youth of Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar, died of a massive heart attack here today after the police officials allegedly did not pay any heed to his requests to punish the guilty police official who had allegedly beaten him up two weeks back. ASP Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh said the police had ordered an inquiry into the circumstances leading to the youth’s death. He told mediapersons that it was improbable that the youth had suffered a heart attack over an incident that occurred two weeks back. Mr Nirbhai Singh, the father of the youth, while talking to Ludhiana Tribune at the DMCH, where the youth was brought dead, alleged that on December 30 last, Harjinder was chasing two gypsy
women who had fled after attempting to snatch the purse of a woman who had come to attend a function in the area. The youth was chasing the women on a scooter when an ASI, posted in the Sarabha Nagar police station, stopped his scooter. He started beating him up with the butt of his revolver. Residents intervened and the ASI let him go only after getting signatures from Harjinder on plain paper. Mr Nirbhai Singh alleged that the ASI also threatened him that he would implicate him in a case if he tried to complain against him. He said he encouraged his son to complain against the cop and the youth went on and gave a written complain to SP (City I), who had assured him that the DSP, Sarabha Nagar, would hold an inquiry. He also said the father and son had gone to meet the DSP, Sarabha Nagar, at around 12 noon today, who said he had not received any complaint. “When we were coming back from the DSP’s office, my son started feeling breathless in the car. He drank a glass of water and became unconscious. I rushed him to the DMCH, where he was declared dead by the doctors’”, said Mr Nirbhai Singh. |
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Fleecing
under hospital authorities’ nose Ludhiana, January 14 While the medicines and other products related to medical aid cost much less outside the hospital precincts, the same drugs are sold at higher prices in the hospital medical stores. The difference in rates is even more than five times in some cases. An investigation by Ludhiana Tribune revealed that the drugs were actually being sold at much higher prices as compared to those sold outside. It also revealed that the medicines sold inside were manufactured by those companies which give a good margin to the chemists. A strip of an antibiotic was sold at Rs 25 at a chemist shop while the similar medicine being sold at four times the price inside a local hospital. A single dose of hepatitis-B vaccine was purchased by this correspondent from DMCH at Rs 300, while it was available at Rs 100 outside. Almost all major private hospitals are involved in this practice. Sources in private hospitals revealed that the contractor of a medical store inside the hospital premises had to pay a hefty sum to the hospital authorities to get the contract. In some cases it amounted to more than Rs 20 lakh. Sources in the medicines business said two types of medicines were available in the market, ethical medicines and generic medicines. The companies selling ethical medicines offer only 15 per cent margin at the most, while those selling generic medicines offered more than 500 per cent margin on some medicines. It was revealed that an injection of gentamycin actually cost the chemists around Rs 2 but it was sold at Rs 10 in some outlets. A dextrose bottle costs Rs 11 to a chemist, while the printed rate on it was Rs 30. Similarly the actual cost of IV set was Rs 4 and it was sold for anything between Rs 22 and Rs 26. A scalpel set was sold at Rs 56, while it actually cost around Rs 14 to a retailer. Relatives of some patients said they were aware of the fact that the medicines were being sold at exorbitant prices here. “But we cannot do anything as we buy medicines from them only when there is an emergency or we require medicines at night when no other outlet is open”, said Mr Inderjit Singh, a relative of a patient. “While this all is going on under the nose of the hospital authorities”, says another relative. Mr S.R. Kaler, Additional Deputy Commissioner, expressed surprise over the issue and said he would look into the matter. |
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Traditional
touch missing in ‘new age’ Lohri Ludhiana, January 14 The day started on a hopeful note, especially for the kite sellers , who registered a record sales of kites yesterday. The kite flyers too were happy as a moderate east wind made their task much easier but occasional gusts of the east wind presented some challenges also, which made the task at hand slightly difficult. Hordes of kids could be seen ‘looting’ falling kites, oblivious of the dangerous traffic on the city roads. Vicky, a 10-year-old boy, living on Tibba road, sustained injuries on his head after falling from the roof of his house while chasing a falling kite. He had to be given eight stitches in the head. Kite flyers in general said it was too windy for flying. Roadside groundnut sellers and sellers of other Lohri sweets did a brisk business throughout the day. The liquor shops of the city drew a much larger clientele in the evening and night hours. The evening scene was ‘enlivened’ with youngsters taking rounds of the city in their vehicles with the volumes of their car stereos on an all-time high. Loud music poured out from houses as well especially those celebrating the birth of boys. Less fortunate boys and little girls roamed the streets in groups asking for Lohri bakshish and other Lohri goodies, including rewris, groundnuts and other eatable stuff. As it grew dark, several bonfires, big and small, came up in localities, colonies and mohallas of the town put up by people outside their houses and they could not enjoy standing around the fire, munching and gossiping as the East wind, which had become fiercer in the evening, did not allow a steady, comforting fire. A large number of crackers were also burst all over the city as part of the Lohri celebrations. Meanwhile, residents of Hathi Complex at PAU celebrated Lohri. While welcoming the families, the president of the Residents Welfare Association, Dr K.S. Harchand, congratulated the families and said such celebrations helped in creating peaceful and congenial atmosphere and developing mutual understanding. |
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‘Drunk’ youths threaten residents Ludhiana, January 14 Annoyed and angry residents told Ludhiana Tribune today that at around 7.30 pm when they were celebrating Lohri, the youths riding a black Enfield (PB 10 AH 4100) started passing obscene remarks. When the residents objected to it, they started scuffle. Seeing residents coming out of their homes, they fled from the spot. Later, they returned again and threatened a flour grinding mill owner. The matter was reported to police. By the time cops reached the spot they had already fled with a threat that they would return in the morning. The residents said on three earlier occasions scooter and motor cycle- borne youths snatched gold chains. The matter has been reported. They urged the authorities concerned to take prompt action against the youths, who were threatening them. They claimed that no action had been taken so far. Even the motor cycle had not been identified so far. |
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Man shot at by
cop dies Ludhiana, January 14 The accused, Sagar Singh, was in the custody of the police. |
Parties mobilise activists in
run-up to Assembly poll Ludhiana, January 14 A meeting of the All-India Youth Akali Dal (Badal), held here under the presidentship of Mr Inderpreet Bhattal, in a unanimous resolution expressed gratitude to Mr Parkash Singh Badal for nominating the acting district president, Mr Avtar Singh Makkar, as party candidate from Ludhiana West. According to Mr Bhattal, a state-level meeting of the youth wing will be held at Sahnewal tomorrow to mobilise workers and to give them policy directions, which will boost the prospects of the SAD-BJP combine in the elections. Mr Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, president, All-India Youth Akali Dal, will preside over the meeting, which will be attended, among others, by senior party leaders, state and district-level office-bearers. In a dramatic turn of events, the SAD vice-president and another contender for the party ticket from Ludhiana West, Mr Amarjit Singh Bhatia, today deferred a meeting of party workers, scheduled to be held this evening. While Mr Bhatia could not be contacted for his comments, one of his close supporters said on condition of anonymity that strategy was being discussed and Mr Bhatia would make his decision known in next couple of days. The BJP candidate from Ludhiana East and Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mr Sat Pal Gosain, will be felicitated at a function, being jointly organised by several social, religious and political outfits, at the Mini Rose Garden in Kidwai Nagar here tomorrow. This information was given by Dr Subhash Verma, president, BJP, East Mandal. Meanwhile, the district president of the BJP, Mr Harbans Lal Sethi, today exhorted Yuva Morcha workers of the party to gear up to ensure the victory of the SAD-BJP candidates. The party, he added, would seek support of the electorate in the name of development and communal amity. “The state has witnessed unprecedented development during the tenure of the present government and a new chapter of communal brotherhood had commenced”. Mr Rajinder Bhandari, general secretary, Mr Rajinder Attri, press secretary, and Mr Kamal Chatley, district president, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, also addressed the meeting. |
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INTUC to
contest a few seats Ludhiana, January 14 Mr Sharma said, “Although we have decided to support the Congress-CPI alliance in the elections, INTUC workers will contest elections from some seats as independent candidates to show their resentment.” It was also decided at the meeting that INTUC would not support all Congress candidates. The general
secretary of Punjab Subordinate Services Federation, Mr Piara Singh Dhillon, said, “Congress has not only ignored
INTUC, but has been indifferent to other party affiliates like Punjab Youth Congress, National Student Council of India, Seva Dal and State Ex-servicemen and Scheduled Caste Cell.” He lamented that this time the party had given tickets to some candidates who had been defeated by a margin of more than 15,000 votes, which was against its policies. The chairman of the Scheduled Caste and Tribe Cell of PPCC, Mr Mahinder Singh
Kalyan, said, “Congress is a secular party, which has always emphasised on the free and fair distribution of election tickets on the basis of merit.” He lamented, “In the Assembly election ticket distribution, some deserving candidates have been ignored.” He appealed to the party President, Ms Sonia Gandhi, to review ticket allocation. |
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Black ‘magic’ reigns supreme Ludhiana, January 14 Mr Akshay Dhanda, owner Neelam’s Boutique said black was much in demand this winter. “Interestingly the colour remains a favourite with persons of ages but youth have a special passion for black”, he added. Most of the clients demand outfits in black colour. “Western outfits like skirts, minis, trousers, coats in black are very common among youth. Even young boys prefer shirts and jackets in black and metallic black colours. Glitter work, crystal work and bead work add charm to the colour”. Ms Pinky Mittal of “Gaj-Gamini” said sale of unstitched material in black colour was the maximum. She said, “Since ours is a dress material showroom, most of the college-going girls prefer black crepes and satins for formals. Black colour has a distinct quality of providing a unique background for embroideries, prints and hand-work. So people prefer buying black colour”. Ms Rohini Sood, Manager “Visage” said black was carried very well in winters and people had attraction for the colour. A majority of girls who come for quick hair do and make up for parties, are wearing black coloured outfits. People look thinner in black dresses. The colour, with intricate embroidery on it, adds charm and grace,” said Rohini. Another boutique owner
said,” The eves of the city are going for designer cuts and silhouettes as they feel that their beauty is enhanced in black colour. The combination of black and red looks very nice. The suit cuts have undergone a dramatic
change. Unlike the simple suits in past, the suits with straps and deep necks are much in demand”. Karunita, a college-going students
says,” I am fair and if I wear black colour, it adds charm to my beauty. And in most of the evening parties, black remains the dress code.” Swati, another regular party goer feels that the colour gives warmth in winter. “No one likes to wear sweaters or other woolens in dance parties, so black looks good.” Ms Harpreet, a make up artist feels that the colour suits Indian skin. “Indians are neither very fair nor dark thus, black colour suits Indian women. Not only women but men too have a great passion for the colour,” he added. |
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CITY SCAN IT is election time again. The nation in general and the region in particular are watching the political scenario of Punjab. It is changing day by day. A battle between faith and doubt is on. Inter-party show of force and lack of resources are in focus. Comparative position in under critical study. Intra-party wranglings are emerging. Party-sponsored candidates look visibly triumphant . The next stage will unfold real problems. Things are becoming more fluid, confusing and uncertain day by day. Politics has turned into a profession. It is the road to power. It is a game of power and more power. Under British rule, the right to vote was restricted. It was once a matter of social status to be a voter for the Central Legislative Assembly (Delhi). To be its member was a matter of prestige. Near home, Mr Mangal Singh Gill enriched the political history of Ludhiana. In those days, the Cabinet had just six members, including the Premier. The Unionist Party, which was in power, was opposed to the Muslim League. The Premier, Sir Sikander Hayat Khan Tiwana, belonged to Wah. Mian Abdul Hayee, who was a
minister, was a secular Muslim. He was originally a resident of Mali Gunj. As education Minister, he pursued female education. Ludhiana is grateful to him for the establishment of the Government College for Women. Mr Dasaundha Singh was Revenue Minister. He had excellent practice as an advocate. He was a gentleman politician gifted with futuristic vision, besides a clear sense of history. A few legislators from Ludhiana earned wide recognition. Kapoor Singh Nasrali rose was Deputy Speaker. After Partition, Ludhiana contributed chief ministers. Lala Bhim Sen Sachar represented the city. In PEPSU, Gian Singh Rarewalla became Chief Minister. — M.S. Cheema |
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Kirtan darbar
organised Ludhiana, January 14 Mr N.S. Nanda, president of the brotherhood, highlighted the achievements and threw light on the other activities of the organisation. He announced that the All India Shaheedi Conference would be organised on March 1, in which Mr I.K. Gujral, a former Prime Minister, would be the chief guest. Ms Amar Singh Wadhera was honoured for the dedication and contribution of her husband. Mr Nanda was given the Pothohar Rattan for his services to the organisation. Others who spoke on the occasion included Mr Ravinderpal Singh Khalsa, Mr G.S. Mokha, Mohinder Singh Gakhar, Mr G. Paul Singh Chadha and Mr Tejinder Pal Singh Bindra.
Guru Ka langar was also served. |
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Workshops
on traffic awareness Ludhiana, January 14 Mr Raj Kumar Bansal, organiser of the programme, disclosed that they had selected five schools and five colleges to educate the youth on traffic rules and safe driving techniques. He said: “We will arrange lectures, video and slide show with the help of the police. After the session, students will ride a two-wheeler in a specially made learning zone as part of the practical training. A written quiz on road safety rules will be also organised and the winners will be honoured”. The programme will be held at Khalsa College for Women on January 15; NM Jain College on January 16; RS Model School on January 17; Sacred Heart School on January 17; Guru Nanak Public School on January 18; and Ramgarhia College on January 20. |
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PNB
camps on traffic safety Ludhiana, January 14 This was stated by Mr P.N. Khurana, General Manager, Punjab National Bank, Punjab Zone. Addressing a gathering, he said: “Due to lack of reflectors, the vehicles are not visible in the dark which often leads to accidents. These accidents can be avoided by affixing reflectors a meagre Rs 1 .” Even a cup of tea costs Rs 3 thus, at the cost of a cup of tea, lives can be saved”, he said. He said the Dhandari Kalan branch of the PNB had also participated in the Traffic Safety Week. About 3000 reflectors were affixed on cycles and rickshaws on this occasion. |
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YOUNG VOICE THERE is no substitute to hard work, believes Meera Nagpal, an undergraduate student. She wants to become a bureaucrat. For her psychology is a subject which improves one’s ability to tackle issues people call impossible. She is working hard to achieve her goal because her parents want to see her as an IAS officer. She claims that for a bureaucrat psychology is a good subject as an executive daily deals with a lot of people and if he knows perfectly the bent of mind of people he can understand social problems better. She is of the view that lack of understanding of the basic problems of common people is the main reason why bureaucrats fail to handle situations. Every IAS aspirant should have an alternative career choice as despite working hard and planning well, one can never be sure of success, she says. Her second career option is to become a psychologist. Her aim is to serve humanity.
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Services
lauded Ludhiana, January 14 The council’s meeting was held under the chairmanship of Mr Davinder Singh Chinna here recently. Prominent among those present at the meeting were Mr Bachittar Singh, Mr Daljit Singh Jassal, Mr Surinderpal Singh, Mr Bhupinder Singh, Mr Gurcharan Singh, Mr Parminder Singh and Ms Sukhi Pawar. |
Labourer killed as car hits cycle Jagraon, January 14 2 held in theft case The police arrested Karmjit Singh alias Kamma and Satpal Singh alias Satti, both residents of Agwar Lehndi Bhaini, in a case registered under Section 379, IPC. Both are accused of having stolen a truck belonging to Mr Pawan Kumar, a sheller owner of Mullanpur, from Raje Da Dhaba, here on January 1. The truck was found parked on a road side near Machike village. 22 bags of rice recovered The police arrested Karamjit Singh alias Kamma and Piara Singh, both residents of Agwar Lehndi Bhaini, along with Balwinder Singh alias Nikka of Agwar Gujjran, and Raj Kumar alias Raju of Rampura village, in a case registered under Sections 457, 380 and 411, IPC, and recovered 22 bags of rice valuing Rs 15,000 which they had stolen from Punjab State Warehouse godown. Eight booked The local police on the statement of Nasib Kaur of Sandhu Patti of Chakar village has registered a case uder Sections 307, 452, 323, 324, 148, 149 IPC, and 25, 27, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act against Happy, Jasvir Singh, Rampy, Chamkaur Singh, Harinder Singh, Sardara Singh, Gurjant Singh and Jagtar Singh, all residents of the same village, as accused for having attacked at the house of Gurdas Singh with .12 bore gun and caused brickbatting in which Gurnam Singh, Sikhpal Singh, Jagraj Singh, Bant Singh and Sarbjit Singh sustained multiple injuries. Illicit liquor seized The police of Sidhwan Bet arrested Sarvy Bai of Daka Basti, Khalian wala from Malsihan Bajan village and Amarjit Singh of Khurshaidpura village from Shekhdaulat village and seized 16.68 lt and 30.18 lt of illicit liquor, respectively. The police has registered cases under Sections 61, 1 and 14 of the Excise Act against both the accused. Ludhiana Teasing case The division no 7 police has booked Parveen Kumar, son of Tirath Singh, a resident of Guru Arjun Dev Nagar, and some of his cronies, under Sections 354 and 34 of the IPC, on the charge of teasing a married woman of the same locality yesterday. Ms Kavita Gaurav, wife of Mr Rajinder Singh, had alleged that the accused had teased her. Attacked with knife The division no 2 police yesterday registered a case under sections 307 and 506 of the IPC on the statement by Mr Harish Singh, a resident of Model Town, against Gurnam Singh, son of Mr Raghbir Singh, a resident of Islam Ganj. The complainant had alleged that the accused had attacked him with a knife with an intention to kill him near Vishwakarma chowk. Wounded The division no 5 police yesterday registered a case of beating under Sections 323, 341 and 34 of the IPC on the statement by Mr Raju, a resident of Dayal Nagar, Ghumar Mandi, against Vikas Kumar, son of Mr Sat Pal and Rinku, son of Mr Roop Singh, both residents of the same locality. Mr Raju had alleged in his complaint that the accused had beaten him up in Ghumar Mandi and wounded him. The accused fled the spot after committing the crime. Beaten up The Haibowal police has registered a case under Sections 324, 506 and 34 of the IPC on the statement by Mr Kirpal Singh, a resident of Rishi Balmiki Nagar, Haibowal Khurd, against Kamaljit Singh, son of Mr Gian Singh, a resident of Haibowal Park, on the charge of beating and intimidating the complainant yesterday. In another case of beating, the Shimla Puri police booked Balwinder Singh, son of Mr Niranjan Singh, owner of an auto-parts shop in Sarabha Market, Gill Road, under Sections 323, 341 and 506 of the IPC, on the complaint by Ms Malla, wife of Mr Kamal, a migrant from MP, who stated that the accused beat up and wounded her. The accused also intimidated her. No arrest has been made so far. Arms Act case The Sahnewal police yesterday registered a case under Section 336 of the IPC and Section 25-A of the Arms Act on the statement by Mr Dilchain Singh, a resident of Inder Nagar, Sahnewal, against Gurpreet Singh alias Kairon, son of Mr Gajjan Singh, a resident of the same locality. According to the complainant, the accused fired in the air from his .12 bore gun, thus creating a scare in the area. Liquor seized The division no 5 police arrested Sanjiv Kumar, son of Mr Roshan Lal, a resident of Kwality chowk, Shimla Puri, and seized 12 bottles of country liquor from his possession yesterday. The Jodhewal police also arrested Nirmal Singh, son of Mr Ganesha Singh, a resident of Boothgarh village, and seized 12 bottles of country liquor from his possession. Both have been booked under Sections 61, 1 and 14 of the Excise Act. Man attacked Sahnewal Dowry case A woman of Mullanpur village in Payal has complained of incessant physical and mental torture by her inlaws
demanding for dowry. Mohinder Singh, in a complaint registered under Sections 313, 406, 498-A, 420 and 341 of IPC stated that his daughter Lakhvir Kaur who was married to Inderjit Singh of Jagraon in 1999 was tortured by her inlaws after her husband left her and went away to Canada. He said her in laws were demanding Rs 10 lakh from her parents. A case has been registered against Harvinder Kaur, Harbans Singh, Inderjit Singh, Rupinder Kaur and Sardara Singh, all residents of Jagraon. |
BIZ CLIP Ludhiana The ICICI was offering lowest interest rate among all banks and the EMI was also the lowest. No guarantor was required for the loan and the customer would also get free personal accident insurance along with this loan. |
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