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Man, family acquitted in dowry death case
Six held in auto lifting cases; pistol,
Court allows plea to record fresh evidence in trader’s murder case
Homeopathy has stood the test of time: Experts
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Aashish Khan plays to packed house at IIMC
Move to hand over UCMS to Delhi Govt opposed
Faridabad college holds plantation drive
Traders warn of stir against VAT on piped natural gas
DSIDC plan to boost gems and jewellery trade
DMRC demands Rs 105 cr from govt
Team of Golden Ram Gunners to scale Pin-Parvati
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Man, family acquitted in dowry death case
New Delhi, September 11 As the victim’s parents said that their daughter Babita died of tuberculosis (TB) and there was no demand for dowry, the court declared her parents ‘hostile witnesses’ and absolved her husband’s family from the charge of dowry death. “There is no evidence on record to show that there was any dowry demand or she was tortured for not bringing dowry,” Additional Session Judge Mamta Sehgal said, acquitting husband Anil Kumar, father-in-law Khazan Singh and mother-in-law Dhanpati of the charges of murdering Babita. Prosecution had alleged that Babita was murdered as she was unable to fulfil the dowry demands and had not given birth to child even after two years of marriage. During cross-examination by advocate Shrikant Tyagi, victim’s father and mother Bal Kishen and Sona Devi said their daughter had been suffering from TB for a long time which could not be cured and denied that there was any demand for dowry. After the death of Babita on April 17, 2004, the parents had alleged before the police that since their daughter could not bear child and give sufficient dowry, her husband used to beat her up after consuming liquor. The defence counsel had contended that the victim committed suicide due to frustration as a result of her illness and asserted that it was just another case highlighting the rampant misuse of provisions under Sections 498-A (Dowry harassment) and 304-B (Dowry death) of the IPC.
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Six held in auto lifting cases; pistol, knife seized
New Delhi, September 11 The police got the information that the accused would be assembling in DDA Park, Naraina Industrial area, Phase-II. Accordingly, the police laid a trap and arrested them. Two motorcycles, a country-made pistol, a knife and some house-breaking implements were seized from them. Police said that as the team raided the place, the accused tried to flee from the spot. One of the accused, Dharamvir, had stolen Hero Honda from Gurgaon. Another accused Inderpal had also stolen TVS
Victor motorcycle from Gurgaon.
Man wanted for Bahadurgarh robbery nabbed
The Delhi Police have arrested one Jaibir, a close associate of Somvir who was gunned down by the police recently in Dwarka area. Jaibir was wanted in a case of daylight robbery committed in Bahadurgarh area of Haryana. The police also claimed to have recovered one spring-actuated knife from him. The Anti-Auto Theft Squad of Crime Branch of Delhi Police got the information that the accused would come to Sangam cinema in R.K. Puram. Subsequently, a trap was laid and the police raided the spot and arrested the accused. Police officials said that the accused was found to be involved in more than 10 cases of criminal activities. The police said that the accused dropped out of school after class 5th. Thereafter, he started indulging in petty crimes before joining hands with Somvir. Jaibir (20) is a resident of village Rani Khera,
Kanjhawla.
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Court allows plea to record fresh evidence in trader’s murder case
New Delhi, September 11 “All the witnesses are material witnesses,” Additional Sessions Judge Sunil Gaur said, allowing the application for recording evidence of six persons, whose names were left out by prosecution. Witnesses sought to be examined by prosecution includes ACP Gurmukh Singh, Sub-Inspectors Manoj Dixit, Pankaj Sharma, Head Constable Vipin Talwar, transport official Swantra Pahwa and Assistant Director, CFSL, A. K. Gupta. “Names of the witnesses were given in the supplementary challan filed by the prosecution which was by mistake attached with the miscellaneous papers,” the prosecution told the court, stating the reason for their non-examination. Babloo had opposed the prosecution’s move by saying that the plea itself was prima facie unjustified, unfair, illegal and grossly violated his fundamental right for speedy trial. Rejecting the don’s plea, the court had fixed September 3 and October 1 for recording their evidence. However, prosecution’s evidence was closed on July 22 this year. Earlier, prosecution had suffered a setback when one of the key eyewitnesses, Veena Suneja, the wife of the deceased, turned hostile. The victim, Lalit Suneja, an East Delhi-based businessman, was murdered in 1992 allegedly by one Manjeet Singh and Virendra Pant on the instruction of Srivastava. The two other accused in the case are Nitin Shah and Manish Dixit.
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Homeopathy has stood the test of time: Experts
New Delhi, September 11 “It is a biased piece of report and an attempt to dissuade the patients from having the benefit of a system, which has stood the test of time for over two centuries now with its wonderful results. In fact, homeopathy is today posing a threat to conventional medicines as it does not have any adverse effect”, according to Dr. A K Gupta, Member of the Delhi Government’s Homeopathic Advisory Committee. Conceding it might have been possible that Egger did not personally get the “desirable effect” in certain conditions of asthma, allergies and muscular problems, he said, “then that does not mean that the entire system of medicine is ineffective and has only placebo effects”. Claiming that the same journal had in 1997 written about the efficacy of homeopathy, Dr. V K Gupta, former Principal of Delhi’s Nehru Homeo Medical College said, “it appears that trials for the treatment conducted by the author were not done according to the principles of homeopathy, where treatment is based on the individual and not the disease.” Dr. Tarang Krishna and Dr. Hari Krishna, two Delhi-based homeopaths who claim to have found a miracle cure for cancer, also contested the claims of the journal and said that the results of homeopathy treatment were for all to see. They also claim to have successfully treated more than a thousand patients in the last few years. Another city-based homeopath, Dr. Naval Kumar alleged that the reports in the prestigious journal were a “calculated attempt to sabotage the development of the system, which not only works but is also safe”.
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Aashish Khan plays to packed house at IIMC
New Delhi, September 11 Information and Broadcasting Minister Jaipal Reddy was the chief guest. A new FM channel, Apna Radio, was also launched on the occasion. Aashish Khan, who was recently conferred the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi 2005 by President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. The maestro, son of the legendary Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, was initiated into North Indian classical music at the age of five by his grandfather, the illustrious Acharya Baba Allauddin Khan Sahib, exponent of the Senia-Beenkar and Sena Rababiya Gharana founded in the 16th century by Mian Tansen, court musician to Emperor Akbar. Besides his virtuosity as a traditional sarodist, for which he was recognised in 1996 with the Best Sarod Player award from the All India Critics Association of India, he is considered to be one of the most distinguished musicians of the Seniya Beenkar and Seniya Rababiya Gharana. He pioneered the cross-cultural World Music genre as a founder of Shanti, an Indo-American group, and later the fusion group, The Third Eye. He was the first to write a sarod concerto in the raga form in 1972. Aashish Khan has worked on many musical projects for both films and stage. These include Satyajit Ray’s Apur Sansar, Parash Pathar, Jalsha Ghar, Goopi Gayen Bagaha Bayen and Sir Richard Attenborough’s film Gandhi. He has also worked with Maurice Jarre on John Houston’s film, The Man Who Would Be King, Clint Eastwood’s film, Breezy, David Lean’s A Passage to India and Ismail Merchant’s Mystic Masseur. Aashish Khan has collaborated with such diverse Western musicians as John Barham, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Charles Lloyd, John Handy, Alice Coltrane, George Brooks, Emil Richards, Dallas Smith, John Pope, Jorge Strunz, Ardeshir Farah and the Philadelphia String Quartet. Aashish performed in the ‘Music for Peace’ concert at Montreal in Canada. In 2002 he received The Fellowship Award from The Illinois Arts Council, Chicago, USA, for conserving and continuing the Indian musical heritage. He has also formed an Indo-Jazz group in New Orleans called Shringar to continue his contribution to world music. US-based Aashish Khan teaches students throughout the USA, Canada, Europe, South Africa and India while pursing a busy career as a concert artist and composer. Since 2004, he has been teaching at the University of California, Santa Cruz, California, USA.
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Move to hand over UCMS to Delhi Govt opposed
New Delhi, September 11 Members of the Staff Council who met the Delhi University Teacher’s Association (DUTA) officials and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Deepak Pental, have reiterated that the hospital and the college should remain affiliated to the university. The Union Cabinet had called for de-affiliating the college from Delhi University and handing it over to the Delhi Government. Unhappy over this decision, the college Principal, Dr Sundar Ayagiri, had submitted his resignation to the Chairperson of the Governing Body, Prof Kakkar here on Wednesday. The decision to hand over the UCMS to the Delhi Government, which is reportedly keen to take over both the college and the GTB hospital attached to it, is being met with strong resistance in the university. DUTA president Amar Deo Sharma said, “We have spoken to the VC and told him that the duality of control should end. The college and the hospital should be affiliated to the university as was envisaged earlier. It is the question of the university’s autonomy.” The DUTA executive is also expected to meet the VC on the 15th of this month to discuss the issue. Former DUTA president Aditya Narain Misra said, “The university cannot hand over the college to the Delhi Government without the approval of the Executive Council (EC), besides there is a PIL in the Supreme Court opposing this de-affiliation slated to come up on September 18.”
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Faridabad college holds plantation drive
Faridabad, September 11 The SDM and the City Magistrate were the chief guest and the guest of honour, respectively. It is reported that the college officials told the gathering that about 200 saplings had been planted on Friday as part of the plantation drive to increase the green cover on the college campus. At a function held on Friday, the chief guest asked the college authorities to raise the plantation target to at least 1000 trees, as there was a need for more greenery to combat the rising pollution. The students were asked to be more target-oriented and make efforts to plant more trees in the residential areas also. An essay competition on the topic was also held in which two students, Nishu of B.Sc I (Computer Science) and Vandana of BA (Eng Hons) were awarded the first and second prize, respectively. The college, which started in 1971, was spread over several acres in Sector 16-A here. Meanwhile, the district administration was still to come out with the figures of the total saplings planted this year during the monsoon period, as it had been announced about 12 lakh saplings would be planted in the district this year. It is believed that the drive could have been affected adversely due to low rainfall in the past two months.
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Traders warn of stir against VAT on piped natural gas
New Delhi, September 11 Delhi Sales Tax Commissioner R K Verma has said that piped natural gas attracts 20 per cent VAT as per schedule four of the Delhi VAT Act. However, Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) general secretary Praveen Khandelwal contested it and said PNG should either be exempted from VAT as it is part of CNG or attract 12.5 per cent tax since it forms part of the residual items not mentioned in the Delhi VAT Act. However, IGL managing director A K De disputed Mr Khandelwal’s contention, saying that CNG was formed while exerting pressure on natural gas, while PNG was formed after reducing the pressure. But Mr Khandelwal, quoting IGL website, said PNG was made up of the compound of hydrocarbons as was CNG. The schedule four of Delhi VAT Act says that petroleum products other than LPG, CNG and kerosene such as naphtha, aviation turbine fuel, spirit, gasoline, diesel, furnace oil, organic solvent, coal tar, wax and mixture and combination of these products, will attract 20 per cent VAT rate. Mr Khandelwal said if PNG was not treated as CNG, it should be treated as residual item falling under 12.5 per cent VAT since it did not find mention in schedule four of Delhi VAT Act.
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DSIDC plan to boost gems and jewellery trade
New Delhi, September 11 A spokesperson in the DSIDC said the idea was to develop Delhi as the largest centre of gems jewellery industry in northern Indian in a bid to expand the trade in the city to one-fifth of the national volume. The official also informed that the front-end components would include identification, grading and certification of diamonds, a world-class gem and jewellery training institute, a gem-testing lab, an assaying and hallmarking centre as well as government offices to facilitate trade. He said that the proposed SEZ would have the advantages of being centrally located, equipped with the necessary infrastructure and facilities and easy access to the government. On the proposed National Institute of Jewellery and Design and Technology, he said it would come up at Okhla (Phase II) next month with qualified and experienced faculty. The courses would include a comprehensive three-year diploma in jewellery design and manufacture technology, basic course in jewellery design, advanced course in jewellery design, computer-aided jewellery design and manufacturing, introduction to the basic jewellery making and geology and short-term course on diamond trading.
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DMRC demands Rs 105 cr from govt
New Delhi, September 11 Delhi Metro had to deposit one per cent of Rs 10,571 crore—the total cost of its Phase I project—with the Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board. The board was created under the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment andnd Conditions of Service) Act 1996. DMRC sought a waiver of the cess from the board and the plea was sent to the Union Labour Ministry which is the appropriate authority under the Act to grant any exemption. However, the plea was turned down by the government making DMRC liable to pay the tax. In fact, this prompted the corporation to approach both its stakeholders—central and state governments—to make extra funds available. About 60 per cent of DMRC’s project cost was met through (foreign) loan from Japan Bank of International Cooperation, about 28 per cent by the central and state governments equity and a small remaining amount through other sources.
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An alma mater that has made its pupils proud over the years Ravi Bhatia Tribune News Service
New Delhi, September 11 Many an artist, who passed through the portals of this institute and thus equipped managed to carve out a comfortable niche in the highly competitive world of visual arts, has sang paeans to the alma mater for encouraging and promoting visual arts. Latest in the list of the grateful is Anupama Das, a West Bengal-based artist, who feels that the Akademi, which celebrated its Golden anniversary in August last year, has “evolved into a much beloved institution, passionately involved in showcasing art from all over the country”. That all this has been achieved in the face of stiff competition offered by mushrooming private art galleries and institutes, thanks largely to the ever increasing corporate patronage, as it now recognises art as a sound future investment. Such is the reputation acquired by this institute that Ms. Das feels that any young, emerging artist would consider exhibiting there as the “ultimate recognition of inherent talent and future fame”. It is no wonder that its Triennale exhibition, coinciding with the Golden Jubilee celebrations, has now been invited to participate in the Florence Biennale, scheduled to be held in December 2005. ‘Kaleidoscope’ The Dhoomimal Art Gallery here is showcasing the works of the well- known artist, Santosh Verma, at a solo exhibition entitled “Kaleidoscope” from September 7 to September 20. Born and educated in Varanasi, Santosh has evolved as a serious artist over the years. According to the Gallery, his forms have now brightened, enlivening the entire canvas, “spurring our senses into a deep conversation with the floating objects”. Winner of numerous awards and scholarships, Santosh now works out of his residence in Vaishali, in the neighbouring Ghaziabad district of Uttar Pradesh. Contemporary art at its best
Quill and Canvas, the Gurgaon-based art gallery is exhibiting the paintings of well-known contemporary artists, Bikash Poddar, Shipra Bhattacharya, Tirthankar Biswas and lithos/ prints by the renowned M. F. Hussain from September 1 to September 30.
‘Crosstown Traffic’
Apeejay Media Gallery in Association with the British Council organised an exhibition entitled, “Crosstown Traffic: 15 Years of Fact” from September 8 to September 10. The exhibition, which will be again open for public viewing on September 16 and 17, is curated by Eddie Berg, founder of the Foundation for Art and Creative Technology, Liverpool.
Passing on the baton
Natya Vriksha, the well-known institute for classical dancing is organising a unique two-day ‘Natya Vriksha Dharohar 2005’ on September 15 and September 16 at the Hindi Bhawan here. The festival is being held to celebrate 15 years of teaching Bharatanatyam by its founder president, Ms. Geeta Chandran, the legendary dancer – choreographer. During the two-day festival, 65 of her students will exhibit their skills in unique performances, specially choreographed for the occasion. For Ms. Chandran, the event is a moment of incredible pride, as many of her students display the grit and determination required to become serious performing artists. The festival will showcase Ms. Chandran’s commitment to teaching and passing on the baton to the next generation.
Playing with light and shade
The Habiart Gallery at the India Habitat Centre here will showcase the selected works of the well-known photographer Rishi K. S. Chauhan from September 16 to September 22 in his solo exhibition. A known name in advertisement film making, Rishi has been shooting stills as well for the last three decades. He never ceases to be fascinated by the intricate and often eerie play of light and shade and hence most of his works are in black and white. Entitled “Half life” for some inexplicable reason, the exhibition showcases some of his best works in still photography, proving that he is equally adept behind the lens, whether it is a movie camera or a still one.
Legends on tape
Music Today recently released two new albums called Saaz – a series on classical instrumentals featuring some of the renowned exponents like Sitar maestros Pt. Ravi Shankar, Ustad Vilayat Hussain Khan, his equally talented son, Shujaat Hussain Khan, and Ustad Alla Rakha on the tabla among others.
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Team of Golden Ram Gunners to scale Pin-Parvati
Meerut, September 11 The General Officer Commanding (GOC), Golden Ram Division, Maj-Gen C. D. Sawant, leader of the high-altitude expedition, would lead the team across Kullu Valley into Spiti Valley, covering a distance of 180 km. Addressing the troops of all ranks on the occasion, Maj-Gen Sawant, said that the expedition was planned to expose the troops to challenging outdoors activities and foster a spirit of camaraderie in extremely trying conditions. It will also expose the troops to the diverse culture and traditions of the region, he said. Talking to The Tribune on the sidelines of the function, Maj-Gen Sawant said the expedition will commence from Manikaran, travelling across Pulga, Khir Ganga, Tandabhuj, Thakur Kuan, Pandu Bridge, Mantalai lake, Pin-Parvati Pass, Mud, Sangam, Dhankar and finally terminating at Kaza on September 23. He also added that such expeditions are frequently undertaken by the Golden Ram Division with a view to foster a spirit of adventure among the troops. Present on the occasion were Brig. G. S. Narang, Col Adam, Col A. Sharma, Col G. S. Lal, Col. Mandeep Singh besides several commanding officers and all ranks of the Golden Ram Division.
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Fun and games mark car rally
New Delhi, September 11 The participants in the rally were all owners of Ford cars with maximum four persons in each vehicle. A total of 30 cars took part in the rally that covered approximately 70 kilometers and culminated at Hotel Ashok, Chanakyapuri. This rally had some special features for the participants. It maintained secrecy about the final winner till the last participant crossed the finish line. While allowing a total of four members from a family to participate, the rally gave the participants an opportunity to pile up scores through randomly picking up points from sealed envelopes available at the marshal booths scattered along the route. The winner was decided after adding up the points picked up by the participants from the marshal booths. The first prize went to Mr S.V Singh, who collected 58 points and was awarded couple tickets on Kuwait Airways. The second prize went to Mr Yogendra Singh, whose score was 54 and the third was Ms Promila Bij, who collected 50 points. Besides the main winner, there were winners in the other categories like the “Best Decorated Car, Best Dressed Female and the Best Dressed Male”. For the best Decorated Car, there was a tie between Wing Commander J.S Badhwar and Dr N.D Kataria. The best-dressed female went to Ms Manju Verma and the best-dressed male award went to Mr Anil Sharma.
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Goods worth lakhs gutted
Noida, September 11 Meanwhile, six vehicles have been seized here for being used in smuggling liquor during the recent panchayat elections. They have been challaned under Section 72 of the excise and taxation law, said Additional District Magistrate (F&R) Rajesh Kumar
Yadav. — OC
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