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Human trafficking: case study ordered Chandigarh, November 14 Pronouncing the orders on a petition filed by an alleged travel agent seeking the grant of anticipatory bail, Mr Justice Kumar further ruled that the study was to be carried with “the object of finalising preventive measures required to effectively control the menace of crime” in such cases. The Judge also issued notice to the state of Punjab through the Secretary in the Department of Home and Justice, besides Punjab’s Director General of Police through the Advocate-General. In his detailed order, the Judge ruled: “While dealing with numerous cases on the criminal side, I have come across a large number of cases of this nature where the gullible public was deprived of their hard earned money on the pretext of sending them abroad by showing them green pastures”. The Judge further ruled: “This trend is decernible and more pronounced in the Doaba area of Punjab. Some cases have also been received from other areas. In order to protect the innocent public from illegal designs and onslaught of unscrupulous travel agents who are in some cases not even authorised to deal with prospective contenders who wish to go abroad, it has become necessary to issue directions to the state of Punjab”. The case will now come up for further hearing on November 25. The High Court had earlier also expressed the desire for getting a study conducted in the matter. Taking a serious note of the cases, Mr Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel had ruled: “It is expected that a case study will be carried out after collecting the necessary data in such a manner as may appear to be necessary.... The studies already carried out will also be taken into consideration”. The directions are significant as several cases of human trafficking, some allegedly involving theatre and film artists, even pop stars, had recently surfaced. On Thursday also, the Delhi High Court had granted interim anticipatory bail to Daler Mehndi in a similar case. |
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Improvement Trust’s wings clipped Ropar, November 14 In a complaint before the forum Mr Kasturi Lal Verma, a local resident, had alleged that he purchased a plot SCF No. 83 in Beant Singh Aman Nagar from the Improvement Trust in the open auction, for Rs 1,83,500. As per the terms and conditions of the auction he deposited even the extra amount of 91,750 towards the cost of corridor of the plot. The sale deed of the plot was executed on January 18, 2002. On February 18, 2003, he applied for sewerage and water connections from the Trust. However, the Trust authorities instead of sanctioning the connections demanded additional Rs 50,875 on the plea that the court had enhanced the cost of the acquired land. The complainant alleged that due to the delay in giving sewerage and water connections his son and daughter-in-law were not able to start business there. On account of alleged harassment faced at the hands of the Improvement Trust authorities the complainant demanded a compensation of Rs 1 lakh. The Trust authorities in their reply filed before the forum maintained the clause stating that in case the court or the tribunal increased the cost of the acquired land, the enhanced cost would be charged from the customer, was mentioned in the sale deed. In accordance with the clause, the enhanced amount was demanded from the complainant. The forum comprising president J.P. Gupta and member S.K. Bhatia in their judgement, however, held that the Improvement Trust had no right to charge the enhanced amount on the property sold in the open auction. The Trust authorities were directed not to demand Rs 50,875 from the complainant and pay a compensation of Rs 15,000 to him, besides the litigation cost of Rs 2,500. The Trust authorities were also directed to issue sewerage and water connections to the complainant. The order is to be complied within 30 days after which the amount awarded would carry an interest of 9 per cent annum. |
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One more statement recorded in Badal
case Kharar, November 14 The statement of Ajit Singh (50), a relative of the DIG from Sangrur district, was recorded in-camera in the court of Ms Baljinder Kaur Bhatia today evening. According to a senior official of the bureau, Ajit Singh reportedly corroborated the statement of Punjab Police DIG, Mr Gurinder Pal Singh Grewal, who had deposed before the same court under the same sections yesterday. In his testimony, he stated that he had only paid the money on behalf of the DIG for seeking undue favours to the powers-that-be in the previous government. Meanwhile, Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal, while talking to TNS from New Delhi denied knowing any of the persons who had deposed against him in the courts here and said the entire evidence was ‘completely fabricated.’ |
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Family goes soft on Sodhi’s
killer Jalandhar, November 14 An Arizona court had pronounced death sentence for Frank Siliva on October 9 on the basis of a jury observation. The family of Balbir Singh Sodhi had welcomed the decision by dubbing it “timely and epitome of justice, which would act as a deterrent in future against hate crime.” “The objective has been achieved and a majority of people have come to know that Sikhs were not the culprits and now they should know that Sikhs are more liberal also. The judgement has changed the entire scenario as people have come to know as to who the Sikhs are and that they don’t believe in violence,” said Mr Jagjit Singh Sodhi, a brother of Balbir Singh Sodhi, who was running the Masa Gas Station, where he was shot dead allegedly by Frank and his accomplices. When asked what could be the possible alternative to the capital punishment, Mr Jagjit Singh said it was up to the court or the jury. “It can be anything like life imprisonment but it is they who have to decide, not us. If they ask us, we will give our opinion,” said Jagjit Singh. “We have lost our Balbir and have suffered the intense pain of losing him. Now we realise that the same would be the case with family of Frank, which, we don’t want. What is the crime of his family?” questioned Mr Jagjit Singh. Similarly, Jaswant Singh, father and Ms Inderjit Kaur, mother of Balbir Singh, maintained that the dilution of sentence of Frank would send the right message, which would help Sikhs in the long run. “It is a decision of our family, we hope, would be conceded to by the Arizona court,” said Mr Jagjit Singh. |
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Contests, rallies mark Children’s Day Barnala, November 14 Mr Mohinder Singh
Teji, SP (Headquarters), Barnala Police District, flagged off the cycle rally of NMSD Girls’ School. Mahant Piara Singh of Dera Baba Gandha Singh flagged off cycle rally of Baba Gandha Singh Public School students from the school. The cyclists passed through Sadar Bazar, Handiaya Bazar and Pharwahi Bazar. They carried placards and banners appealing to the residents of the city to keep it clean. Lions Club, Barnala also a children fancy dress competition for children. Mr Jora Singh
Thind, SDM, Barnala, who was the chief guest gave away prizes to the winners of the contest. Similarly, a function was organised in NMSD Girls School to pay tributes to Pandit Nehru. It was presided over by Mr Prem Chand Aggarwal, Chairman Improvement Trust. Three students of the school —
Joyti, Harpreet, and Aarti — won three lucky draw prizes of cycle, a wrist watch and a wall clock were given prizes of the lucky draw contest by Mr Prem Chand Aggarwal and Prof Gurkirpal Singh. FEROZEPORE:
The Lions Club Ferozepore Sutlej organised a cycle rally of school students to celebrate the Children’s Day, which was flagged off by Mr Vikas Pratap, Deputy Commissioner. More than 400 school children participated in the rally. They were carrying banners and posters depicting the theme of the rally, “Peace and Health for all”. The rally culminated at the local D C Model Senior School, where the students presented a colourful cultural programme. Mr Vikas Pratap exhorted the schoolchildren to follow in the footsteps of Jawahar Lal Nehru. He distributed prizes to the children who had excelled in various fields. The Police Control Room Motorcycles led the rally, which passed through various areas of the town. Mr Gagan Ajit Singh, Indian hockey forward and members of the Lions Club and various NGOs also participated in the rally. KAPURTHALA: The Child Rights Unit was set up in the local MGN Public School on Friday. It is the first unit of its kind. Dr
D.J. Singh, Deputy Director, Punjab Police Academy, Phillaur, and lead trainer of Indo-British Project on child rights and protection inaugurated the unit. The unit was set up with the aim to take up the issues of child protection prevention of child abuse, child labour issues of girl child psychological development of child counselling guidance to children and parents. Another function was organised by Kapurthala Intellectual Forum in connection with the Children’s Day celebration at Jagatjit Club here. On this occasion Rana Gurjit Singh local MLA inaugurated the project of distribution of birth certificates to children below the age of 10 years. Students of Central School,
RCF, Hussainpur, also celebrated the Children’s Day by taking out a rally. AMRITSAR:
A district level Children’s Day celebrations was held at Guru Nanak Stadium where over 15,000 students from 100 schools participated in various cultural and sports events. The Minister of State for Education, Prof Darbari Lal, exhorted the children to excel in their studies and in co-curricular activities. Prizes were distributed among the children who won various competitions held on the occasion. Meanwhile, the ladies club of Guru Nanak Dev University organised a sports-cum-cultural programme on the university campus. Teachers entertained the students with a cultural programme at Alexandra School to mark the Children’s Day. Members of the Lion’s Club Golden Temple distributed sweets, gifts to the children admitted in Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital. The Army School in the Cantt organised track and field events for students. The teachers of the school presented a cultural show. More than 400 schoolchildren participated in an “on-the-spot” painting competition at Indian Academy of Fine Arts here. PHAGWARA:
The Punjab Social Welfare, Security, Children and Women Welfare Minister, Mr Joginder Singh Mann, today launched the Child’s Rights Week during the Children’s Day function held at Model Town here. The Minister also handed over a few free birth certificates to those born after January 1, 1994. JALANDHAR: Students and teachers of Kendriya
Vidyalya, Rail Coach Factory, Hussainpur, celebrated the ‘Bal Divas’ by paying floral tributes to Jawahar Lal Nehru. Students led by the Principal, Mr
Hargopal, and Mr T.P. Singh, Chief Personnel Officer, RCF, offered flowers at the portrait of “Chacha Nehru”, while the Lions Club Kapurthala organised a peace poster competition for them, followed by a cultural programme. Meanwhile, Mr Amarjit Kumar, a teacher of the school, led a rally of students taken out to create awareness about dengue and its prevention. FATEHGARH
SAHIB: The ‘Bal Divas’ was celebrated with great enthusiasm by the District Red Cross Society at Aam Khas Bagh here. Bhagwant Mann, a renowned comedian and his associate Rana Ranbir regaled the audience with their comedies particularly with their satire on teachers, students and functioning of Government schools competitions in various sports, cultural, painting, rangoli, reciting of shabads, fancy dress, choreography, solo songs, solo dances, bhangra, gidha and other events in senior and junior sections were organised. Mr S.K. Ahluwalia, Deputy Commissioner, honoured Bhagwant Mann and his team. Earlier Mr Ahluwalia at Bal Divas function at Municipal Council, Sirhind, inaugurated the distribution of birth certificates to all those children, who had attained the age of 10 years under the National Birth Certificate Distribution Programme by presenting birth certificates to the parents of newly-born children. The programme is part of the special week celebrations on the directions of the Central Government to educate the children about their rights. PATIALA: The local Blossoms School, organised a fancy- dress competition. Children from Nursery to Class X participated enthusiastically, dressed up in various costumes. The function was started with a speech by Principal Ravi Singh. In Group A, Gavesh, Rishabh and Ria bagged first, second and third positions, respectively. In Group B, Jasmine Chahal, Rachin and Vagish Verma stood first, second and third, respectively. In Group C, Ridhima, Amandeep Kaur and Gaganjot won the first, second and third, positions, respectively. In Group D Gurjot Binder, Navneet, Manjot bagged first, second and third positions. In Group E, Jaspreet Kaur, Anshika and Manvir stood first, second and third, respectively. Government Senior Secondary School, Lachkani (Patiala), celebrated Children’s Day with great pomp and show. The Principal of the school, Ms Veena
Balial, was the chief guest on the occasion. A cultural programme and a quiz contest based on the life history of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru were presented. Students of Guru Harkrishan Senior Secondary School, organised a cultural programme. The Chairman Improvement Trust Mr K.K Sharma, was the chief guest Central Model School, Patiala organised an exhibition on various aspects of the life of Pt Jawaharlal Nehru. The Director, Punjab Finance Corporation, Mr Amrik Singh, inaugurated the exhibition. Students of local St. Mark Senior Model School organised a cultural programme. The Mayor, Municipal Corporation, Mr Vishnu Sharma, was the chief guest. The Chairman
PRTC, Mr Ved Parkesh Gupta, and Senior Deputy Mayor Karbir Das were guest of honour. |
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Birth certificates handed over Batala, November 14 Health and Employment Minister, Punjab, Mr Ashwani Sekhri, presided over the function that was attended by Mr R.L. Bhatia, Member Parliament. Driving licences were given to as many as 1,000 persons on the spot. Children born between October 1 to November 5 were given birth certificates on the occasion. Sweaters were also given to the needy . HOSHIARPUR:
Children’s Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm here on Friday. A state-level function was organised by the National Children Fund State Committee, Punjab, at the local
J.R. Govt. Polytechnic. Thousands of school going children participated in it. Dr Kewal Krishan, Speaker, Punjab Vidhan Sabha was the chief guest. A special campaign was launched on this occasion to issue birth certificates to the children below the age of 10 years in the state. Mr Som Parkash, Director, Social Security Punjab, said there were about 46 lakh children below the age of 10 years in state out of which birth certificates had been issued to about 6 lakh children only. Birth certificates to 25 lakh children below the age of 10 years would be provided from November 14 to 20, 2003, in the first phase of this campaign in state. The remaining children would be covered in the second phase. Students, who secured first position in Class VIII, X and Plus 2 were honoured on this occasion. Schoolchildren staged cultural programmes. NAWANSHAHR:
Mr Harjit Inder Singh Grewal, Deputy Commissioner, inaugurated the ‘National Campaign — 2003 for issuing birth certificates to children’ in the district, by distributing birth certificates to children here on Friday at the office of Municipal Council, to mark ‘Children’s Day’. He said as many as 83,950 birth certificates had been prepared in the district, which would be distributed door-to-door. Functions were also organised at the local Government Senior Secondary School, Shivalik Public School, Dr Asa Nand Arya Model Senior Secondary School. Speeches, skits and poems were presented to highlight the life and philosophy of Jawahar Lal Nehru. The Kirpal Sagar Academy, about 15 km, from here, organised a function to celebrate ‘Children’s Day as well as its Raising Day’. SANGRUR: The Children’s Day was celebrated with enthusiasm by students of General Gurnam Singh Public School, Prem Sabha Senior Secondary School, and Osho Youth Club, here on Friday. A cultural programme, including bhangra performance, fancy dress contest and Hindi play, was presented by students of the General Gurnam Singh Public School on the occasion. An exhibition of art and craft models was also organised. At a function held at Prem Sabha Senior Secondary School students were honoured for their achievements in the fields of education and sports. ABOHAR:
The Abohar Journalists Association celebrated birth anniversary of Jawahar Lal Nehru by organising a function at RSD Girls High School here. Mr Dinesh Sharma and Mr Anil Malviya spoke about the first Prime Minister of India. The journalists remembered the great leader by offering rose petals and garlands on his portrait. A cultural programme was presented by students. Prizes were given to the participants by Mr Shyam Sunder
Sachdeva, State Secretary of the All-India Small Newspapers Association, and Mr
R.L. Goyal. JALALABAD: Children’s Day was celebrated here with fervor and gaiety by students of various schools and members of social organisations. Cultural shows were organised at the local Shivalik Public School and LIDG D.A.V. Centenary School. Sweets and candies were also distributed among students. Speaking on the occasion Mr Harbans Lal Jasuja, Principal of Shivalik Public School, said parents should take full interest and co-operate as school alone could not shape the personality of a student. |
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Pak theatre group brings play on Bulle
Shah Wagah, November 14 Leader of the group Madeeha Gauhar said they were going to perform a play “Bullah” on the life and times of great Sufi poet Baba Bulle Shah who represents the composite Punjabi culture of tolerance and love. She said Bulle Shah (1680-1758) lived in the times of downfall of Mughal Empire when the civilisation was in the period of transition. It was a period when politicians preached bigotism and hatred among the different religions. She said the play would be performed at Amritsar, Patiala, Jalandhar, Faridkot, Ludhiana, Dhudike and Chandigarh during their fortnight-long stay. Talking to mediapersons, Maheeda said no boundaries could break the strong and vibrant Punjabi culture of tolerance based on secularism. Earlier, they were accorded a warm welcome by the Servants of People Society, Punjab Sangeet Natak Akademi and number of artistes. |
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Lure of money landed him
in Malaysian jail Verka (Amritsar), November 14 He had gone to Malaysia on May 13 and was able to return only when his family arranged tickets with the help of another person living there. Davinder was fleeced by a travel agent, Gurmit Singh and his father Surinder Singh, both of the same area, who had promised him a lucrative job abroad. While narrating his experiences to The Tribune here today he said Gurmit Singh took him and his friend Ranjit Singh of the same locality to ‘Kolkata from where they went to Thailand by air along with Surinder Singh on a tourist visa, which got expired on August 5. He said in Thailand eight more Punjabi youths were waiting for them. He added that Surinder Singh took their money on the pretext of converting it into the Malaysia currency. Davinder further said after keeping us in a hotel in Thailand, where a Bangladeshi national kept watch on them, for about 20 days Surinder Singh asked them to cross the Thailand-Malaysia border through a dense forest to enter Malaysia. He said his men would be waiting for them in a car across the border and gave them a telephone number and returned. He said in Malaysia they were taken to a small wooden cabin by Jobanjit Singh, a relative of Gurmit Singh. Davinder said they were not allowed even to talk to each other. Later from a conversations between Jobanjit and Gurmit he came to know that Gurmit had not given the promised money to Jobanjit, who was threatening to hand them to the police. Jobanjit got them the job of a labourer at Chinese electronic factory, but used to take their salaries forcibly. Davinder said on August 28 they were nabbed from a hotel along with 12 other persons by the Malaysia police after Jobanjit gave them the information. He said Jobanjit informed Gurmit Singh about their arrest on phone and demanded Rs 35,000 for their release. Davinder said his family somehow contacted the relatives of Raghubir Singh, a citizen of Malaysia who got them released and bought them return tickets. Meanwhile, the family of Davinder stated that even after repeated complaints the police did not take any action against Gurmit Singh and Surinder Singh. |
Cong unable to help Bhattal:
Hanspal Jalandhar, November 14 Mr Hanspal, who was here to flag off a rally organised by the St. Soldier Educational Society on Children’s Day, said the government was unable to take back the case against Ms Bhattal as such a step could have an adverse impact on the anti-corruption drive launched by it. Maintaining that it was the Badal government that registered a case against Ms Bhattal, Mr Hanspal said whatever help was sought by her was provided to her by the party. On the delay in presenting a challan in the case against Mr Parkash Singh Badal, Mr Hanspal said it was the job of the Vigilance Bureau. “As far as I know, sufficient evidence against mr Badal had been collected,” he added. |
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Pakistan boy repatriated Faridkot, November 14 They further said they were interviewed by Dr Rashid, first secretary to the Pakistani High Commission, at the Punjab Bhavan, New Delhi, on October 3 in this regard but the clearance documents were issued only for one boy. The seven Pakistani boys, Sagar Ali, Nasser Ali, Sabar Ali, Altaf Shah, Amjad Khan, Babar Ali and Asif Ali have appealed to the Pakistan government to take steps for their repatriation. In a joint letter sent through Dinesh Kumar to their parents they have asked them (parents) to contact the higher authorities in Pakistan to initiate steps for their release. The Department of home, Punjab government, had sent a fax message to the district police authorities here yesterday in this connection. Pak national repatriated Amritsar, November 14
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Plea to develop Amritsar
as cargo centre Dr Sidhu, who became the first and only Indian, Asian and first one from the developing nations to be the Chief Executive of the Montreal-based International Civil Aviation Organisation(ICAO) for a ful three-year term, has been perhaps one of the most experienced civil aviation administrator in the subcontinent today. “Civil aviation and tourism are harbingers of growth as together they constitute a major component of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of any economy,” says Dr Sidhu. “Unfortunately, the growth of both civil aviation and tourism in India has not kept pace with the rest of the world. Recent announcement made by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee at ASEAN summit opening Indian skies is a welcome step,” says Dr Sidhu. Dr Sidhu, who belonged to the 1952 batch of the IAS and held various key positions in Union Government as Secretary, Health and family Welfare; Adviser to Governors of Punjab and Tamil Nadu; and Secretary, Tourism and Civil Aviation, had been after retiring from ICAO in 1991, heading FAST, a non-government , autonomous and not-for-profit research organisation, which has 14 countries as its members. Talking about civil aviation scenario, he said that the traditional concept of sanctity of national flag carriers was fast disappearing. Instead, low fare and no-frill airlines were giving bigger players in the industry run for their money. “Unfortunately, both Air-India and Indian Airlines have been unable to add new aircraft for a long time. Similarly, there has been no infrastructure upgradation. “Instead of growth, the share of Air-India in air passengers fell from 40 per cent in 70s to 16 per cent in 2000. Uncertain future and frequent changes may be the contributory reasons. Of 110 bilateral signed, Air India is utilising only 35. ‘Even otherwise, civil aviation is using only 23 per cent of air space. There is a need for rationalisation. For example, extending civil enclaves of air strips controlled by defence is one. If Chandigarh is increasingly used, initially for civilian charters and also for international flights, it can be developed into a major international civil aviation hub,” feels Dr Sidhu. Rationalisation of tax on aviation fuel, improvements in existing air strips by giving their control to local bodies and rationalisation of international airport tax are the areas which can accelerate the growth of aviation industry. Talking about Amritsar, Dr Sidhu says that since it does not attract many passenger flights, the best would be to use it as a cargo base on the lines on which Sharjah international airport was developed. “I have suggested that in case they can develop a centre, say 40-50 km from the airport, which should process cargo, besides custom and other clearances, before it is transported on dedicated roads to the airport, it would contribute immensely to socio-economic growth of the region. Gradually more and more airlines will bring flights. “It will help agriculture, floriculture and horticulture not only of Punjab but also of catchment areas of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. In addition
Haryana can also benefit from upgradation of Chandigarh as an international airport. “Then, they must introduce a regional airline, on the lines of Deccan Airways, to promote cheap and no-frill air transport. Civil aviation is becoming highly competitive and fastest growing industry,” adds Dr Sidhu. |
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She enriched several lives
Born in Latala village in 1917, she went to the famous Kinnaird Christian College, Lahore, after matriculation from a Ludhiana school. When she completed her training as a teacher, World War II was on. An activist in the freedom struggle, she joined the All-India Students Federation and later the Communist Party of India. It was her association with the Communist movement that brought her in close contact with Comrade Jagjit Singh Lyallpuri, whom she married in February, 1945. She witnessed difficult times as the CPI was declared “illegal” in 1948 and many members of the party were detained under the Defence of India Rules (DIR). Her husband went underground. She was arrested under the DIR for six months. Her two minor children, aged three and one, were also detained. She was, perhaps, the first woman leader to be detained under the DIR. In 1959 during the anti-betterment levy movement by Punjab peasants, the family property was attached to punish her husband for his role. In 1961, she again faced a similar threat. Mrs Jaswant Kaur was a renowned educationist. She worked as Headmistress of Government Model Middle School, Model Town, Ludhiana, for 20 years. In fact, the school was named after her. Many students of this school occupy high positions both in the government and private sectors. She leaves behind her husband Comrade Jagjit Singh Lyallpuri, three sons and a brother, all highly educated professionals. Her youngest son, Dr Navdeep Singh Khaira, is a renowned nephorologist. A special condolence meeting will be held at the Indian Medical Association Complex near the Sarabha Nagar police station in Ludhiana on November 16 from 12 noon to 2.30 p.m. to pay tributes to her. — Prabhjot Singh |
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Dalit-landlord compromise eases
tension Sangrur, November 14 Both the parties reached a compromise in the presence of the SSP, Mr Gurinder Singh Dhillon, in his office. Both parties were called by the SSP to his office to resolve the issue. Speaking on behalf of both groups the SSP said with the compromise both sides had become one now and caste-based division had also ended. He said “boycott” of Dalits by landlords had also ended from today. The SSP further said both sides would accept and implement the decisions taken by the administration in this case. Members of both sides supported the statement of the SSP. Mr Dhillon said both sides had assured the administration that they would set an example of unity and brotherhood for the whole of Punjab by proving that there was no confrontation between them. Mr Dhillon said as per the compromise, the Dalits would use 1.5 bigha land for dumping garbage and four bisvas for the temple. Besides, they would also use a 15-foot wide path going towards the Dalits’ houses. He said the landlords would also pay Rs 65 as wages for one day to the Dalits. The SSP also announced that after a fortnight, both sides would organise a community kitchen in the village school and would sit together there to have food to prove that the dispute had resolved fully. Regarding the registration of a criminal case against 18 members of the ‘Zamindar’ community, including Mr Kesar Singh, Sarpanch of the village, the SSP said the SP(D) would investigate the case and proceedings would be initiated on the basis of facts. He clarified that the FIR issue had no link with today’s compromise. The SSP said the police force would camp in the village for another 15 days to watch the situation. He said the police would also make efforts to solve petty issues of both sides during this period. Representatives of Dalits and landlords hugged each other in the office of the SSP. Meanwhile, Mr Narinder Nindi today announced the withdrawal of the call for blockade of roads at Dhuri on November 15. |
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Female foeticide Bathinda, November 14 This assurance was given by Mr Dogra to Dr Kuldip Singh, president, Indian Medical Association (IMA), Punjab, when a delegation of doctors met him to convey the fact that resentment has been prevailing among medical practitioners of Bathinda district after complaints have been filed against a section of them under the IPC and the PNDT Act by the PNDT Cell without verifying the facts and without giving them an opportunity to present their case. “The Punjab Government will not allow anybody to harass medical practitioners or anybody else. I will study the memorandum submitted and steps will be taken to ensure that the justice is done to all,” said Mr Dogra while addressing the delegation of the IMA. He, however, added that the Punjab Government would not spare any one, who was found involved in the facilitation of female foeticide. Mr Kuldip Singh said the IMA had decided to launch defamation proceedings against those, who had filed false complaints against the doctors of Bathinda without verifying the facts and without taking opinion from medical experts. Mr Dogra, who was here to preside over the annual function of local DAV College, said matter pertaining to female foeticide was worrisome and the government was making all efforts to check the falling sex ratio. |
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Trust opens special counter for
NRIs Jalandhar, November 14 The fully computerised counter will be responsible for disposal of all applications of ex-servicemen and NRIs within a period of 15 days after its receipt. Mr Balbir Singh, MP, inaugurated the counter in the presence of Sub Area Commander, Brig R.S. Sidhu, and Chairman of the Jalandhar Improvement Trust, Mr Tajinder Singh Bittu, today. Mr Tajinder Singh Bittu said the special counter would be headed by a superintendent rank official and would maintain computerised record of all applications submitted by the beneficiaries. Mr Bittu further said that they had engaged a private security providers company to avoid encroachments on the residential plots and flats allotted to the NRIs and defence personnel. Besides, the special counter will be keeping watch on the functioning of the private security personnel. |
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HIGH COURTS Chandigarh, November 14 The convict — Jagjit Singh alias Jagga — was initially booked by the police after Sahu, Rabi Singh and Jamila alias Guddo were hammered to death. Jagga, when confronted with the incriminating evidence against him, had denied the allegations. Claiming to be innocent, Jagga had asserted that he was being framed in the case and had asked for a trial. The prosecution, in an attempt to prove the allegations beyond any shadow of doubt, had examined several witnesses during the trial, including a seven-year-old girl, Billo. After hearing the arguments and going through the record, Fathegarh Sahib’s District and Sessions Judge had convicted him under Sector 302 of the Indian Penal Code, along with other Sections, before sentencing him to death in March, 2002. Arguing before the High Court, Jagga’s counsel had asserted that death penalty was to be awarded only in rarest of rare cases. Moreover, Billo’s statement could not be relied upon by the prosecution to prove its case. The Judges, after examining the evidence, confirmed the sentence. Speaking for the Bench, Mr Justice Dutt ruled that the Bench was of the view that Billo’s testimony had not been tutored. Moreover, the action was cruel and carried out with devilish precision. Human trafficking Taking a serious note of human trafficking cases in the state of Punjab, the High Court today expressed the hope that serious efforts would be made by the police to apprehend travel agents involved in such cases. In a significant judgement, Mr Justice Amar Dutt of the High Court added that their apprehension was necessary so as to protect innocents intending to proceed abroad. The Judge also dismissed a petition seeking the grant of bail filed by a travel agent, accused of duping innocents after promising them settlement in foreign lands. Opposing the plea, counsel for the state had argued that 89 cases had been registered against the petitioner in Jalandhar alone. |
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3 Moga Bar members expelled Moga, November 14 According to a copy of the resolution of the Bar committee provided by its general secretary, Ramesh Grover, all three have been expelled from the Bar membership for one year. The executive at its meeting here yesterday also imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 on each of the three. —
PTI |
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Cops acquitted in minor’s death
case Jalandhar, November 14 Earlier, during the recording of witnesses, Bhola his grandmother Jaswanti who were key witnesses in the case, turned hostile and failed to identify the accused. On January 21 two unconscious children were thrown out of Maruti car on the Ladowali road. While 10-year-old Chetan was declared brought dead by the Civil Hospital authorities, his friend Bhola was admitted in a critical condition. Later, the then SSP, Mr Paramjit Singh Gill, had conducted a probe and found that Chetan and Bhola were handed over to the Bhargo camp police by Dr Sikandar Lal of Model House after they were caught stealing at a marriage party. Both were allegedly beaten up by the then police post in charge, Sub-Inspector Ravi Kumar, constable Jarnail Singh and SPO Resham Singh. It was alleged that the police personnel had thrown both from the car to hush up the matter. A case had been registered against the police personnel and they were arrested. Subsequently, Dr Lal and his son were also arrested in this regard. |
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Principal gets judicial
remand Talwandi Sabo, November 14 Mrs Lamba was arrested following a case registered against her. She was found guilty of committing irregularities in the management of school funds in an inquiry conducted by the Sub-Divisional Officer, Mr Narinder Singh Bath. The school receives aid from the Defence Security Fund, Punjab. The Deputy Commissioner, Mr Anurag Aggarwal, had placed her under suspension. According to sources, after suspension, Mrs Lamba had taken some of the school records with her. She was also accused of opening a separate account for school funds without permission from the authorities concerned. She allegedly embezzled Rs 70,000. |
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Pact on contract farming of brown
onions Jalandhar, November 14 Addressing the gathering, the minister said in its endeavour to promote contract farming of onions Markfed had entered into an agreement with a German company for the export of brown onions from the state and good quality seeds were being distributed after importing these from Holland. He said the seeds were being provided to farmers for Rs 4,000 per kg and for Rs 7,000 per kg to nurseries along with the extension services through the National Horticulture Research Development Foundation. He said Markfed was also setting up a demonstration farm for imparting training in packaging and it would purchase graded and cured onions from farmer collection centres at a price of Rs 250 per quintal. While distributing dividend cheques for Rs 57 lakh to Markfed’s 3,027 member societies, Mr R.D. Sharma said the Cooperative Amendment Bill would be tabled in the next Vidhan Sabha session and the Bill envisaged more economic powers and liberty to cooperative organisations. Mr S.S. Channy, Managing Director of Markfed, said the cooperative had been playing a major role in the socio-economic development of the state for the past 50 years. He said Markfed had exported 22.25 lakh tonnes of wheat and 1.31 lakh tonnes on non-basmati rice till September. Mr Channy added that the Punjab Government had sought the Centre’s permission to export wheat to Pakistan. He further said the state government had sent a letter to the Centre in this regard after Pakistan had shown interest in the purchase of Indian wheat. Mr J.S. Kesar, Financial Commissioner (Cooperation), said. “There is, however, a need to make it a mass movement and to make the people aware in this regard to propogate the socio-economic activities of cooperative institutions”. |
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Rs 12-cr dues for cane growers Chandigarh, November 14 |
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14 SPs, 59 DSPs transferred Chandigarh, November14 Mr Harmanbir Singh has been posted as SP (Operations), Ludhiana; Mr Darshanjit Singh Dhindsa as SP (Headquarters), Gurdaspur; Mr Rakesh Aggrawal as SP (Headquarters) Hoshiarpur; Mr Jaskaran Singh as SP/ISTC, Jalandhar; Mr Ashok Bath as SP (Detective), Tarn Taran; Mr Baljit Singh Randhawa as SP (Headquarters), Majitha; Mr Darshan Singh Mann as SP (D) Bathinda. Among other transferred officers are Mr Dharam Singh as Assistant Commandant, 9th battallion, PAP Amritsar; Mr Harbaj Singh as SP, Crime Wing, Chandigarh; Mr Sohinder Pal Singh Bawa as SP, Crime Wing, Chandigarh. Mr Baljit Singh, who has been promoted as officiating SP has been posted as SP ( Vigilance Bureau) and Mr Gurmail Singh as SP (D), Barnala. In case of the transfers of 59 DSPs, certain orders issued earlier have been modified. Meanwhile, the government has directed all new appointees to take over by tomorrow noon and report compliance of orders to the Director-General of Police, instead of the IGP ( Headquarters) in case of the previous orders. The government had yesterday ordered the transfers of three officers as SP, CM Security, including Mr Gautam Cheema, Mr Amit Prasad and Mr Kuldip Singh. |
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Reinstated despite
indictmemt Chandigarh, November 14 A Deputy Director in the Department of Food, Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Mr Sharma was posted at Jalandhar, when he was suspended and a fact finding enquiry was instituted against him. Despite his indictment by the enquiry officer, Special Secretary Samir Kumar, who submitted the final report on November 12, Mr Sharma has been reinstated and posted at Patiala, it is reliably learnt. In the interim report, it was mentioned that Mr Sharma was guilty on two charges, one, he had allocated paddy to defaulting rice mills and two, he had enhanced the storing capacity of some of the rice mills. The reinstatement by the government, which swears by its anti-corruption campaign, was the hot topic of discussion in the corridors of power today. |
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2 prisoners escape from
hospital Amritsar, November 14 The police after getting the information about the disappearance of prisoners — Harbhajan Singh of Chavinda village and Sukhdev Singh of Kotla Sarai Amanat Khan, village raided a number of places in the city while the Gurdaspur police, which was alerted to track the criminals, have failed to nab them till the filing of the report. The Gurdaspur police chief has suspended all seven policemen who were on guard duty. According to information, both were arrested for smuggling narcotics and were in jail for the past two years. They were admitted to the hospital about 15 days back. |
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hurt in mishap Bathinda, November 14 Information gathered by TNS revealed that both students, who suffered multiple injuries, were first brought to the local Civil Hospital in an unconscious state and were later shifted to a Ludhiana-based hospital. Information revealed that the accident took place when the bus hit the scooter while they were turning. The driver of the bus failed to apply brakes and hit the scooter. Police sources said a case in this connection had been registered. In another case Kamlesh Rani, a resident of Janata Nagar locality of the town, was admitted to the Civil Hospital here today after she received burn injuries late last night. Her condition was stated to be stable. |
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Tech Utsav concludes Bathinda, November 14 In a press note issued here today, Mr J.S. Anand, lecturer, DAV College, said the festival, first of its kind, was conceived by the Department of Computer Science of the college. A number of colleges and technical institutes participated in the function. |
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Lecturers’ interviews from December 8 Chandigarh, November 14 The interview letters have already been posted, says a press note of the Punjab Public Service Commission. |
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Chandigarh, November 14
Ludhiana: Mrs Jaswant Kaur Lyallpuri, who died in Ludhiana early this month, belonged to a rare breed of dedicated teachers who remained actively associated with the communist movement in north India.