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December 11, 2002, Chandigarh, India |
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Drowning case: victims identified
Chandigarh, December 10 From the clothes and the belongings, the police said the boy was 22-year-old Sanjay Kumar, a resident of Sector 7 here, and the girl, Puspa ( 19), a resident of Indira Colony in Mani Majra. Mr Bhupesh , a friend of Sanjay, said the latter had joined Pacific Industries in SAS Nagar three months ago and had never mentioned anything about any girl. A phone call from the office of Sanjay, who did not reach his place of work yesterday set his family looking for him at local hospitals and police stations. The victim had passed senior secondary class. On way to his house, Mr Ashok Kumar, a brother of the victim, found his scooter ( CH-01-U-2865) parked at the lake. The lunch box of Sanjay was also found in the glove box of the scooter. His apprehension came true when Ashok identified the cardigan of his brother. The victim has two sisters and his father is an employee with the Income Tax Department. However, family members of the boy maintained that they were not aware whether Sanjay had any association with the girl. The brother of the victim, Ashok , said, “He never told us anything and we are not aware of the reasons behind the feared drowning”. Similar statements were given by Raghubir Dutt, father of Puspa. The victim’s father is employed in the Verka plant in SAS Nagar. A sobbing father of the girl said, “When I went to the Mani Majra police station, I was told that clothes and other belonging of a girl were found at the lake”. We then identified the clothes, the sandals and the wrist watch. He also said that he was ignorant about any relationship between his daughter and the boy. The boy and the girl had gone missing yesterday afternoon under mysterious circumstances while pedalling a boat in the Sukhna lake near the regulator end.  |
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DNA reports tally: police Chandigarh, December 10 Meanwhile, the girl in an affidavit filed in the court claimed that she was not raped by any of the accused mentioned in the case, rather she had been raped by M.K. Jain. Taking up an anticipatory bail plea moved by N.K. Jain, the court directed the state and the victim girl to file a reply in the case. The police further claimed that N.K. Jain was the main conspirator in the case. Therefore, custodial interrogation of the accused was necessary to get more details about the conspiracy and to ascertain the motive behind implicating M.K. Jain in the case. The police requested the court to reject the anticipatory bail plea moved by N.K. Jain. The police further said the claim of N.K. Jain that he was willing to join the investigation was totally false. In spite of two notices having been served upon him, he did not join the investigation claiming that he was ill. On the other hand, he had been issuing press notes to various newspapers and agencies. Thus, he intentionally avoided to join the investigation,” the police argued. In an affidavit filed in the court, the girl said the police had fabricated the records after recording her statement under Section 161 of the Criminal Procedure Code on September 3, and some other dates. She further claimed that she had never accompanied Ram Lal, Surinder Sharma, Narvir Singh and N.K. Jain in a Scoda car. Therefore, there was no question of any conspiracy, she maintained. She also alleged that the two ASIs of the UT police had tried to kidnap her at Shimla. But the attempt was foiled by the Shimla police. The anticipatory bail plea moved by N.K. Jain would come up for hearing tomorrow. |
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PU undecided over lectures’ issue Chandigarh, December 10 Classes are scheduled to be conducted for those students who were denied roll numbers for the semester examination which have been postponed till December 24. The faculty is not cooperating with the decision of the university Syndicate and a number of students are also up in arms against the university for postponing the examination. “Why should more than 900 students suffer for the mistakes of a couple of dozen students?’ a student quips. It is also worthwhile to mention that students have moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court with regard to the university decision to postpone examinations. Prof K.N. Pathak, Vice-Chancellor, met the faculty members, with regard to the issue, however, nothing concrete came out of the deliberations. He gave his reasons for the postponement of examination which was followed by a meeting attended by the faculty, a couple of fellows and members of the Panjab University Teachers’ Association. The faculty argues that it is not possible to conduct so many classes within such a short span. It could amount to 10 hour’s duty for the faculty members which was unfair. It would also be difficult to identify subject of the lectures missed in each individual students case. Prof Bal Krishan, chairman, said that nothing concrete had come out of the arguments till now so no formal decision could be taken. He said he could not speak anything more on the issue because of the conduct expected from his office. PUTA at an emergency meeting yesterday had requested the Vice Chancellor to review the decision of the Syndicate to organise special lectures” in the best interests of the teachers and students”. With no easy solution in sight the matter will easily figure among the hot topics at the forthcoming Senate meeting at the weekend. In a way the faculty has questioned the decision of the university Syndicate by not carrying out the orders for conducting classes as per the directions. The faculty on its part feels that the practicality of the decision had not been dwelt upon carefully by the Syndicate. A section feels that if the university could decide to organise special lectures it might as well condone the lectures of all by putting a condition of making up the lecture deficit in the forthcoming academic sessions. However, the university is understood to have felt that the minimum lecture requirement need to be complied with before issuing roll numbers to maintain the minimum academic standards. |
MC POLL Panchkula, December 10 Both these wards fall in what is considered the elitist part of the township. One of the main election promises will be withdrawl of taxes imposed by the Municipal Council since its inception in January 2001. Better civic amenities are being demanded by those residing in Ward No.4. Though the Congress has still not announced its decision to participate in these elections, various contenders from these two wards, most owing allegiance to the party, have already started their campaigning. “The party may contest these elections or decide to remain aloof, we are here for social service and will fight it out alone,” say the probables in these two sectors. In Ward No. 3, it will be a fight between Mr B.B. Kochar, president of the Sector 7 Market Welfare Association, and Dr S.K. Chabbra , president of the Sector 7 Residents Welfare Association. Both candidates have begun their campaigning and are promising more cleanliness, better water supply and reducing house tax and doing away with fire tax. As many as 7,095 voters (4,177 and 2,918 in Ward No. 3 and 4, respectively) will exercise their franchise to elect their representative to the Municipal Council. Both these wards are General wards, and politicking to field candidates has begun in earnest. Most residents of these wards feel that problems regarding civic amenities — repair and maintenance of internal roads, better street-lighting facilities, cleanliness and better policing — are the main issues they would like to see redressed. Capt Ramesh Sood , a resident of Sector 6 (Ward No. 4), said the internal roads in the sector need proper maintenance and having their own elected representative would bring more accountability into the provision of basic services to the township. Even residents of Ward No. 3 say that the main issues for the MC elections will be better street-lighting, maintenance of internal roads and regular removal of garbage and regular water supply. |
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Rallies, camps mark Human Rights Day Chandigarh, December 10 Speaking on the occasion, Mr A.P. Bhatnagar, ADGP (Security), Punjab, who was the chief guest, elaborated on the theme of domestic violence and human rights. Ms Mandeep Grewal, in charge of the Human Rights Cell of the College, presented a report of activities undertaken for the promotion of human rights. She also read out the message of the US Secretary-General, Mr Kofi Annan. Dr (Ms) Vineeta Gupta, a human rights activist delivered a lecture on domestic violence. Ms Harbir Kaur, a social activist, also spoke on the occasion. Dr Anuradha Agnihotri, lecturer, presented her poem ‘Aakhir Kab Tak’. Dr (Ms) Satinder Dhillon, Principal of the college, was also present on the occasion. Results (in order of merit): poster-making competition — (Section A), Harinder , Amrit And Neetu; (Section B) Sonia, Harinder , Teena and Arpana; (Section C) Sarbjit Kaur, Susmita, Pratibha and Safi; and (Section D) Puja, Meena, Anuradha Sharma and Ruchika. College-making competition — Kirandeep (1), Simrit and Meeta (2), and Neeju Rana (3). The Council for Health and Family Welfare also organised a function at L.B.S Colony. Those also spoke on the occasion included Mr Romesh Sharma, Ms Sarabjit Kaur and Ms Kuldip Kaur Kohli. The Centre for Adult, Continuing Education and Extension, Panjab University, in collaboration with the State AIDS Control Society, organised a rally on Human Rights Day at Government High School, Sarangpur, here today. The theme of the rally was ‘Live and let others live’. Dr Ajaib Singh, director of the centre, flagged off the rally. Ms Bhupinder Kaur, sarpanch, appealed people to create awareness about HIV and AIDS. The UNESCO Centre at PU also organised a programme to mark the Human Rights Day. Prof Jitendra Mohan, director of the centre, said concern for human rights was universal. Ginni Batta, a student, stressed the need of equal rights for all without discrimination. Prerna Puri, another student, spoke against female foeticide, infanticide, 'sati' and sexual harassment. Prof G.P. Sharma, an eminent zoologist, in his presidential remarks said a balance of rights and responsibilities alone could create harmony among people.
PANCHKULA The All India Human Rights Watch observed International Human Rights Day by organising eye donation and body donation camps in Sector 18, here today. Human rights activists from Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh attended the function. Mr Anil Kaushik, chairman of the group, presided over the function. As many as 30 persons donated eyes, while over 10 persons pledged their bodies on the occasion, said Mr Dharam Singh Saini, president of the state unit of the group. A team of doctors from the General Hospital participated in the programme. Prof Gurmeet Singh, general secretary of the group, Mr Swaran Singh Bhanu, senior vice-president of the Panchkula unit, and Mr Garja Singh, vice-president of the Panchkula unit, also spoke on the occasion. |
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Sikh bodies protest against helmet order SAS Nagar, December 10 The protesters, who raised slogans against the court verdict and carried placards, started from Gurdwara Shri Amb Sahib in Phase VIII. They were on scooters and in cars. From there they moved towards Gurdwara Sacha Dhan Sahib in Phase IIIB1. The traffic was held up for some time when the protesters crossed Amb Wala Chowk. After passing through various phases of the town they entered Chandigarh. Before the start of the rally the protesters gathered at the gurdwara. A number of persons addressed the gathering. Mr Paramjit Singh, from the Sikh Missionary College, said many Sikh bodies had appealed to the government to give exemption to Sikh women from wearing helmet. As nobody responded to our appeals we have been compelled to protest and the court orders would be defied today. Mr Hardeep Singh, member SGPC, said the government had often tried to oppress the minorities. The Sikh community played a major role during the freedom struggle but now the government was hurting the religious sentiments of the Sikhs. They would have to fight for their rights. Mr Najar Singh, a municipal councillor, said the safety angle being harped in connection with helmet issue was only a farce. Why was the government giving permission for the opening of so many liquor vends in and around SAS Nagar when consuming of liquor was harmful to health, he asked. By not giving exemption to Sikh women from wearing helmet the government only wanted to run down the Sikhs. Mrs Tript Kaur, who represented the Sikh Nari Manch, Chandigarh, said the Sikh religion did not allow the wearing of any type of cap then why were the Sikh women being compelled to go against their religion by wearing a helmet. |
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Admn to celebrate Mother Alfassa’s Chandigarh, December 10 The meeting was attended by the Adviser, UT the Chief Secretary of Punjab; the Education Secretaries of Punjab and Haryana; Cultural Secretaries of Punjab and Haryana; Vice-Chancellors of Panjab University and Kurukshetra University; the Home Secretary and the Finance Secretary, Chandigarh Administration; and the Dean Colleges of Punjabi University amongst others. While chairing the meeting the Administrator of Chandigarh said the 125th birth anniversary of the Mother Alfassa, which falls on February 21 would be celebrated in the region throughout the year so as to spread teachings. The colleges and universities would hold seminars on various aspects of Yoga of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. The committee also decided that the holding of lectures, seminars, exhibitions would be taken care of by the sub-committee, which had also been constituted by the administration. |
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Beopar Mandal leaders flay property owners Chandigarh, December 10 The mandal said with the new rent notification the business would suffer and prolongation of the eviction would not serve any purpose of supporting business. It said if the property owners' believed that the eviction would take 20 to 25 years, then they should join the Chandigarh Beopar Mandal’s agitation. Diwakar Sahooja, Chairman, Rent Act Committee of the mandal, said academicians fielded by the property owners association did not have any experience of courts. President of the mandal Jagdish Arora said it was only fighting for commercial tenants’ cause. The chain fast of the mandal continued for the 15th day. Meanwhile the Property Owners Welfare Association on Tuesday decided to politically weaken traders' agitation against the rent notification by resolving to get every political party to clear its stand within a week. In a veiled threat to political parties supporting traders, it said that they would organise owners and keep their memories alive till the elections. The Pind Bachao Committee has already announced that villagers will only support those parties fighting for the removal of the Rs 1500 ceiling for the implementation of the Rent Control Act. |
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Water supply to be affected Chandigarh, December 10 “The supply of water on the day will be available less and at low pressure in the afternoon and evening,” a press release from the Municipal Corporation said. It said an urgent repair of delivery header at Kajauli Waterworks and in manhole stub at RD-500 from the Kajauli Waterworks would be carried out between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. |
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Woman
commits suicide Chandigarh, December 10 A 35 year-old television cable network distributor tried to immolate himself in front of the house of his estranged wife in the Modern Housing Complex, Manimajra, here today. The victim, Deepak Tandon, was admitted to the PGI with over 75 per cent burns and is battling for life. The incident took place at around 9 am in front of house no. 5114. The victim had a heated
argument with his wife last night. In the morning he poured diesel and liquor and set himself ablaze. The victim was distributor of Star TV and had worked as a photographer with a local newspaper. According to the police, the victim was living separately from his wife with one of his daughter. The other daughter lived with his wife. Deepak in his suicide note has held his in-laws responsible for his immolation. However, in his statement before the Magistrate the victim only named his father in-law for separating his wife from him. Anjali (25), a resident of Ram Darbar, allegedly committed suicide by hanging herself in her house. The husband of the woman, Prabhat was sleeping in the house with his four-year-old son and one-year-old daughter when Anjali hanged herself. The husband of the victim woke up at 4 am when the couple’s daughter started crying. On not seeing his wife, he went looking for her and saw her his wife hanging from the front door of the house. The police has initiated inquest proceedings under Section 174 of the Cr PC. In another case, Santosh, accidentally consumed insecticide which was being used in binding books at a shop in the Panjab University Complex. His condition is said to be out of danger. |
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Panel
to hear grievances today Zirakpur, December 10 The members of the committee have also asked former sarpanches,
panches and residents of the villages to reach Saini Complex located
on the Zirakpur-Patiala highway tomorrow in the afternoon so that
their problems could be taken up.
Against the prohibition of constructions any type of buildings
within a radius of 900 metres from the defence installations,
residents of villages and colonies had formed the Ilaqua Zirakpur
Bachao Committee. |
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READERS WRITE TO achieve this objective, the University Grants Commission (UGC) established the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) which made it mandatory for universities and colleges to get their institutions accreditated for government grants in future. It has laid down the same parameters for universities, urban colleges, rural colleges and colleges old and new. This is like asking a weak or crippled person to run the race with a healthy and strong one. The colleges in rural areas, specially womens’ colleges, are opened with a view to giving rural students access to higher education, which otherwise would have been a distant dream for them. But the problem is that this has led to mass higher education at the cost of quality education. The managements of these colleges are less accessible to financial support at political or government level as compared to their counterparts in the cities. Moreover, they often consist of people who are unprofessional and not sound academically. Even if an ethically conscious teacher wants to introduce innovative changes in this direction by putting in some special efforts, making use of time and skill to enhance the academic and social activities he/ she finds himself/herself handicapped in the presence of such unfavourable conditions. The students come from nearby villages by state transport buses to attend colleges as per the schedule of those buses. They are also supposed to do household activities like farming or cattle rearing and hardly have time to spend on extracurricular activities. Due to the lack of opportunities, their exposure to overall development is slow as compared to the students of urban colleges. This further leads to poor class attendance, unsatisfactory results and inadequate job opportunities. The rural school managements have limited resources and are in no position to raise high donations. So rural colleges have to fight for minimum basic requirements. The lack of resources have affected the qualitative growth of these institutions. To compete with urban colleges, first and foremost, the awareness of parents, specially of daughters or education is a must. Secondly, managements, principals and staff should get enlightened about quality education and its techniques in the changing environment and get necessary training to improve their competence. On the basis of the above mentioned realities it is suggested that same parameter of accreditation for rural and urban colleges is not justified. Rural colleges should be first provided with financial, academic and administrative support to smoothen the way towards quality education. Otherwise, the fear of NAAC will hover above their heads like the sword of Damocles and the remedy will be
worst than the disease. SAROJINI NAUTIYAL Upgrade school In the Maloya complex locality (House Nos. 3001 to 6367), there are several eligible school students. Only one primary school is feeding this remote area of Chandigarh. As the area has economically weaker sections/backward classes and Scheduled Castes, it is not possible for them to send children to far off places. Though Chandigarh has better facilities in education, this area is lacking in basic facilities. The Chandigarh Administration should upgrade the present primary school to a high school; an additional primary school may also be started immediately. It will be of great help to the people of this locality. KEDAR NATH YADAV Frequent traffic jams There are frequent traffic breakdowns on the Chandigarh-Kalka National Highway causing long jams and leading to great inconvenience, chaos, frayed tempers, fights etc. The problem is acute, particularly during office and school hours. This is compounded due to one-way traffic in the two-lane stretch or highway. People cannot even go back due to this reason. Till some alternative is found out, I have an humble suggestion for consideration. When the police is called to the site of accident, some of them should go to both ends from where the vehicles can be diverted to take a bypass via Manimajra-Modern Housing Complex and Zirakpur side. Some public-spirited citizen can inform the police on mobile phone. Alternatively, mobile police on motorbikes or jeeps could control traffic and other problems, specially during rush office and school hours. Dr HARISH KHANNA Waterlogged roads Some people in Chandigarh are in the habit of draining out so much drinking water on the roads in front of their houses as to create big water pools. This creates problems for pedestrians and cycle/scooter riders, especially during the movement of vehicles through such waterlogged roads. Is there any legal remedy for road users to get relief or protection in this City Beautiful? MANOHAR LAL |
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