4 booked for rape
Jagraon, October 29
A female member of a musical group has alleged rape by members of her troupe in the vehicle in which they were travelling. According to SSP Jagraon Rajiv Ahir, Madhu, a resident of Street No. 39, Preet Nagar, had sent the female artiste for a programme with Jaswant Singh, alias Tota, of Sekhon Musical Group.

DC orders timely release of retirement benefits
Ludhiana, October 29
Deputy Commissioner Anurag Verma has directed district heads of various departments to ensure strict implementation of the directions of the government to provide retirement benefits to pensioners of the state government within the stipulated period.

Workers’ union ultimatum to govt
Ludhiana, October 29
The Punjab Field and Workshop Workers’ Union has served an ultimatum to the Director, Local Government, Punjab, for acceptance of outstanding demands of Local Bodies employees within one week, failing which the union would hold dharna at the Directorate on November 3 and 4.

Per capita milk production highest in Punjab
Ludhiana, October 29
Punjab is producing 210 lakh metric tonnes milk per day which is the highest in terms of per capita milk production in the country. With the adoption of new techniques of semen improvements, the state will be benefited and milk production will increase further.

• Training programme

Two-hour walkout by insurance staff

Ludhiana, October 29 Protesting against management’s “negative approach”, insurance employees today staged a two-hour walkout. On a call given by the Northern Zone Insurance Employees Association, the employees raised slogans against the management. Employees of the Life Insurance Corporation of India at a dharna in Ludhiana on Friday. — Photo by I.V.

Ladies’ clubs celebrate Karva Chauth
Ludhiana, October 29
Since Karva Chauth falls on October 31, ladies’ clubs are arranging Karva Chauth functions for its members. Gayatri Ladies Club celebrated Karva Chauth here today. The function started with puja dance and the diya was lit by Ms Shewta Verma, Chairperson, Indian Red Cross Society. A bridal show was presented on the occasion.

Police fails to book cop for power theft
Jagraon, October 29
Harvinder Singh, policeman a resident of Panjabi Bagh Jagraon is alleged to have tampered with two electric meters but the police here in spite of a complaint has not registered a case so far.

Liquor shop owner attacked, robbed

Mandi Ahmedgarh, October 29 Two unidentified miscreants shot at a person at the liquor shop at Dhulkote village and looted the cash late night yesterday. The Dehlon police has registered a case. Sources revealed that Sohan Singh, a resident of Kalakh village was shot at by two unidentified miscreants yesterday night when he was about to close the liquor shop situated at the periphery of Dhulkote village. Sohan Singh admitted to CMC Hospital in Ludhiana.— A Tribune photograph

BUSINESS

Service tax on job works flayed
Ludhiana, October 29
Imposition of service tax on certain job works like electroplating, heat treatment, drilling, punching and short blasting by the Central Excise Department has come under criticism with the plea that it had created panic and confusion in the engineering industry, particularly in the small scale and tiny sector.

Jewellery exhibition begins
Ludhiana, October 29
Zak Jewels 2004, a jewellery exhibition, began here today. More than 20 jewellery manufacturers and designers from across the country are participating in the four-day exhibition, which showcases gold, diamond and platinum jewellery, besides gems and pearls.