C H A N D I G A R H   S T O R I E S


 

Sukhvinder’s wife, aide held for murder
Tribune News Service

Brandy involved in flesh trade?

Himmat Singh, alias Brandy, caught by the police today was reportedly involved in a flesh trade racket busted by the Ropar police in September.

His name had cropped up in the case when a Uzbekistan woman Gulabkhaul (33) and an NRI were arrested under the Immoral Trafficking Act from Mohali. Said to be “operating” the racket in Mohali and Chandigarh, Brandy was, however, not arrested in the case.

Mohali, December 7
The Ropar police today claimed to have cracked the murder case of Quark engineer Sukhvinder Singh. The wife of the deceased and an advocate said to be close to her have been arrested in this connection. This followed sustained grilling of the two by the CIA staff of the Ropar police during which both acknowledged their role in the murder.

Stating this, the SSP, Ropar, Mr Surinderpal Singh Virk, said the victim’s wife, Neki Nalwa, was picked up by the police from her Sector 69 residence along with her “friend” Himmat Singh, alias Brandy, a resident of phase VI, here.

“Both have been arrested. They have known each for the past many years. Brandy has a shady background. The weapon, a .32-mm bore pistol, used in the crime will be recovered in a day or two,” Mr Virk added.

Sources present at the interrogation of the two disclosed that the murder was reportedly planned about a week back. The accused were in constant touch with each other over mobile phones throughout the night of the murder. “They were maintaining a minute-to-minute contact over the phone that night and cellphone records have pointed to this,” sources said.

Sukhvinder was shot dead on Sunday night barely a few hundred metres from his residence in Sector 69, here. He was taking a walk with his wife when he was shot. Mr Virk disclosed that the shot had been fired by Brandy. “We were working on many theories.

But, this was the strongest lead and we followed it. Finally, we managed to solve the mystery,” he said.

Mr Virk said details of the motive would be given at a press conference tomorrow. However, sources added that Sukhvinder and his wife had an erratic lifestyle and were having a large number of marital problems. They had filed for mutual divorce some months ago. Neki and Brandy allegedly wanted Sukhvinder out of the way without the divorce so that Sukhvinder’s property could be shared equally by Neki.

Brandy works in a law firm in Sector 34 and is the son of a former Controller of Examinations, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar.

Neki and Brandy were taken to Ropar in the evening where top officials of the Punjab police personally interrogated them. Sources said they have been booked for conspiring and murdering the 35-year-old engineer.

Sukhvinder was working with Quark since July 2000 and had been recently placed under suspension by the company along with 11 others following allegations of “misappropriation of funds” while dealing with gas stations providing diesel to the company for generation of electricity within Quark City. Sources added that the Sukhvinder’s killing was timed to make it look as if the suspension had something to do with it.

Sources said both the forensic as well as the post-mortem report had pointed to the fact that the murder was done by somebody known to the deceased, who managed to kill him from very close range.

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Commercial sites fetch over Rs 10 cr in Mohali
Tribune News Service

Mohali, December 7
The Punjab Small Industries and Exports Corporation (PSIEC) today collected over Rs 10 crore during the auction of 16 commercial sites at the focal points in Phase VII and Phase IX here. In a record of sorts, these sites sold for the highest rates ever in the area.

A shop-cum-office (SCO) of size 16'6" x 82'6" in Phase IX, which was reserved at Rs 71 lakh, sold at a whopping Rs 1.15 crore.

The other two SCOs here fetched Rs 1.11 crore and Rs 1.01 crore. Three booths in the area of size 8'3" x 24'9", which were reserved at Rs 16.5 lakh each, fetched over Rs 30 lakh each.

Five booth sites for sale in Phase VII also fetched the PSIEC double the reserve price. Each booth sized 8'3" x 24'9" was reserved at a price Rs 15 lakh. While one booth was sold at Rs 30.5 lakh, the others went for Rs 29 lakh and Rs 30 lakh.

Seven shop-cum-flats (SCFs) were also auctioned in Phase VII. Sites measuring 16'6" x 82'6" reserved at Rs 63 lakh sold for about a crore each. Three SCF sites measuring 16'6" x 66' reserved at Rs 50.6 lakh sold at Rs 78 lakh, Rs 1.10 crore and Rs 1.05 crore.

Two SCF sites measuring 16'6" x 57'9" reserved at Rs 44.3 lakh were sold at Rs 66.5 lakh and Rs 73.25 lakh.

More than 50 business houses from Mohali and outside participated in the auctions.

Sources said auctions for commercial pockets in Phase VIII B Industrial Area would be held next.

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UT power staff defer strike
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 7
The UT Powermen Union today decided to defer its proposed strike for tomorrow.

The decision came following a round of discussions the union had with the Superintending Engineer (Electricity) followed by a round of discussions with the Chief Engineer of the Chandigarh Administration here today.

Mr Gopal Datt Joshi, joint secretary of the union, in a press release said that the Chief Engineer gave a patient hearing to the demands of the union and assured time-bound reply to each issue. The Chief Engineer also asked the union leaders to reconsider their decision to go on a strike.

The major demands include the re-designation of the posts of RTMs to ALM from the date of realisation, stoppage of reduction in pay and recovery from employees, filling of vacant posts in the department, creation of additional posts directly linked with the increased workload and stoppage of privatisation and corporatisation of the department, besides others.

A meeting of the executive of the union was held later during where it was decided to defer the strike in wake of the assurance given by the highest authorities of the department.

The union had organised at least four rallies in pursuance of their long-pending demands including those on November 8, November 22 and November 29 and December 2. “Instead of listening to the genuine grievances of the employees, the seniors were going forward with proposals of a call centre.

All employees of the department were asked by the union to participate in the rally on December 8,” a press release said.

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Rail reservation a nightmare for common man
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 7
Some railway reservation counters at the Sector 17 bus stand are being misused to oblige touts and travel agents. There is no explanation why group bookings comprising 50 odd people should be done at a counter meant for senior citizens, handicapped, VIPs and foreign tourists.

Entertaining others, rather than those for whom the counter is meant, is not only causing hardship to many, but allowing those running these counters to exploit ambiguity in terms such as “VIP”. Clearly being used subjectively by the booking clerks to accept or reject booking forms, the railway authorities need to define the term to prevent what can be termed as “lucrative” transactions.

While there are long queues for the general public, agents and touts familiar with the booking clerks can bypass the long wait by chipping in with a few extra rupees along with the cost of the ticket. Incidentally, accredited journalists, doctors, government officials, etc do not fall in the category of VIPs. While, the Railway Ministry lists two dozen odd categories of people who are offered concessions, these categories do not fall in the list of “VIPs”.

There is an urgent need to list all those who fit into the category of VIPs. On railway stations like New Delhi, Mumbai, etc defence personnel, accredited journalists, freedom fighters, national and international level sportspersons etc are clearly put in a separate class from the general public. But it is not so at any of the reservation counters at Chandigarh’s Sector 17 bus terminus or the railway station reservation building.

Several altercations take place every day over the alleged rude and arrogant behaviour of railway booking clerks. For example, today afternoon, when a consumer pointed out to the booking clerk concerned, Mr Bajinder that booking group tickets at the counter meant for senior citizens, handicapped etc was causing hardship to those in the queue, he started harassing the consumer, insisting that the senior citizen for whom the ticket was being booked by the consumer should be brought to the counter.

When told that the senior citizen was present at the booking office, but could not stand at the counter for an extended period of time, he asked the consumer to get a referral from his superior Mr Kawal Jit Singh, CRS. This man, who was busy having tea and chips with half a dozen colleagues at a time when they are supposed to work (the only recess is from 11 am to 11.15 am and 2 pm to 2.15 pm), said that the consumer was obliged by allowing him to buy a ticket at this counter, extending full support to the action of the booking clerk.

Incidentally, touts and travel agents are freely procuring out-of-turn tickets from most booking counters in Sector 17 and the railway station. But there is no separate counter for women, who are expected to queue up with others or at the whim of the reservation clerks, sometimes allowed to make an out-of-turn reservation. Similarly, no provision has been made at any place in the city to cater to the rush during the current holiday season.

People, who have to wait for long hours to get a seat or berth reserved, suggest permanent deployment of vigilance officials in civil clothes at these booking centres to streamline the functioning.

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Change building bylaws, demand Sec 22 shopkeepers
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 7
Shopkeepers of the city are demanding that the Administration should allow changes in building byelaws according to the requirements of the changed times. Several issues related to the matter were raised at a press conference organised by the Market Welfare Association, Sector 22-D, here today.

Mr Arvind Jain, president of the association, said in 1956, the UT Administration allowed the covering of the backyards and subsequently increasing the height of the back wall from six to 12 feet was allowed. In 1961, the SCFs (Sectors 1-31) were allowed to use the upper portion (flat) for commercial ventures without any conversion fee.

He said that there had been several rounds of meetings with the senior authorities in the Administration, including Governor, Finance Secretary and Deputy Commissioner, and certain things were understood to have been resolved. The issues included permission for internal planning of a complex without changing the external make-up of the building as in the masterplan. The changes in the interiors were required to adhere to the conditions of light and air.

Despite agreements the authorities raise several questions over the changes in the building make-up. The changes allowed on papers were not accepted by the authorities concerned in several cases, he pointed out.

Mr Jain pointed out that in a recently argued case in front of the UT Adviser, the orders accepted three floor box-type construction in the particular case. This means it also applied to all SCOs in Sectors 1 to 31, which might now be allowed three floors after the approval of the building plan by the office of the Chief Architect. Certain changes which have been allowed by the Administration have been accepted in the order. The Administration should order an inquiry to find out officials who had cared to overlook the facts and thereby trouble scores of shopkeepers.

The Market Association has demanded that construction should be allowed in basement. The external facades should be allowed to be changed by using glazed glass and other modern architectural concepts.

The association sought that the Administration should permit an extra storey above 33 feet to 43 feet for the purpose of provision to house the employees of the same building. The association has sought permission of one more floor for booths, additional two floors for bay shops and permission to use garages as booths in the commercial area.

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Long queues at licensing office
Rajmeet Singh
Tribune News Service

RCs issued without memory chip

In the past few weeks, the RLA issued registration copies (RC) without the memory chip, which is supposed to contain data about the holder of the document. The shortage of chip surfaced after the contract with TATA Infotech ended. Those who got the RCs without the memory chip have been asked to check out with the RLA to get free copies.

Interestingly, neither the RLA nor the Chandigarh Police has the system to read the data on the memory chip ever since the RCs with the chip were introduced.

Chandigarh, December 7
As the authorities at the office of the Registering and Licensing Authority (RLA), Chandigarh, wait for the installation of new computer systems, the visitors are facing harassment in getting their work done in time.

The processing of applications for the issuing of licence, registration copies and other related works has slow down due to slowly operating computer systems at the authority. Over 3000 applications for driving licence and registration copies are pending with the authority, it is learnt.

Though officials of the RLA are making efforts to get the new system installed by the end of this week, sources said ever since the problem of slow working computer and erratic server cropped up, long queues could be seen at various counters.

The problem also surfaced after the contract of TATA Infotech with the Administration ended. Now with the support of the Society for Promotion of IT in City (SPIC), a unit of the IT Department of Chandigarh Administration, new computer systems and an upgraded server was being installed.

A visit to the office of the RLA revealed that due to the slow system, there were queues at some of the counters. The number of enquiries had also increased in the past few days.

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Globalisation shaping new conflicts in S. Asia
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 7
South-Asian countries are today facing new conflicts and challenges that have emerged out of globalisation. Nurtured by the Cold War era, where cultures, territories, identities and economies had fixed boundaries, these challenges have a bearing on issues relating to human security, environmental degradation, deteriorating ecological balance, population mobility, poverty, distributive justice contextualised in multicultural settings.

Expressing concerns during deliberations on the third day of the international consultation on Identifying Peace Issues for Research in South Asia, organised by the Institute for Development and Communication (IDC), Chandigarh, and International Development Research Centre (IDRC), New Delhi, peace and conflict study experts said there was an urgent need to study these issues in a regional perspective and illustrate that the conflicts in South Asia were interconnected and nations could learn a lot from each other.

Experts felt that the non-conventional sources of security i.e. poverty, population explosion, environmental degradation, water and energy resources which constituted comprehensive security did not merit the attention of political establishments. There was excessive emphasis on military security rather than addressing issues relating to water, energy, technology, poverty eradication, gender etc. Supporting their argument, they cited the example of the non-resolution of disputes regarding water sharing, and said harnessing had contributed to the escalation of deprivations leading to intra-state conflicts.

There are about 11 large hydro-electric projects, including Baglihar, on which India and Pakistan could not come to an agreement. Similarly, India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers. They could not resolve disputes relating to eight rivers and water sharing of the Ganges. Similarly, Nepal perceives that many treaties relating to water could be resolved with the intervention of other S. Asian nations.

They further said competitive militarisation and nuclearisation had vitiated the security environment in the region. Domestic political considerations had found an escape in generating feelings of ultra-nationalism.

The peace and conflict experts from over half-a-dozen nations also reflected over the multiplication of military spending by diverting funds from life-supporting systems. For example, as per UNDP reports: “India ordered 20 Mig-29 fighter aircraft from Russia at a cost that could provide basic education to 15 million girls out of schools…. Pakistan ordered 40 Mirage 2000E fighters and three tripartite aircraft from France at a cost that could have provided safe water for two years to 55 million people who lack safe water, family planning services to an estimated 20 million couples in need of such services, essential medicines for the nearly 13 million people without access to health care and basic education to the 12 million children out of primary schools.”

It was felt that an integrated approach was required to harness shared values which are in abundance rather than regulating incompatibilities.

Another area which can lead to creating an environment conducive to building the people’s stakes in peace is trade in services like students, health providers and seekers, professionals. 

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BSF adopts 5 quake-hit J&K villages
Vijay Mohan
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 7
The Border Security Force (BSF) has adopted five villages in Jammu and Kashmir to help inhabitants who were rendered homeless in the earthquake that devastated parts of western Kashmir last month.

The force's Additional Director General (West), Mr N.P.S. Aulakh said the BSF had proposed to adopt these villages and was carrying out large-scale rehabilitation work in phases from its own resources.

With winter setting in, the immediate priority is provision of shelters and reconstruction of houses and restoration of water supply and electricity in the affected areas.

Other projects on the agenda are repair and maintenance of roads and tracks and developing multi-purpose community centers, primary schools and health centres. Any other specific problem or requirement of the locals that crops up will also be addressed by the BSF.

The villages adopted by the BSF are Dhani and Hazitra near Tangdhar and Gohalan and Dachhi near Baramulla. The fifth village, Maridaba, is near Srinagar. The villages near Tangdhar are in close proximity to the Line of Control.

BSF officers said the villages were relatively small, with hamlets spread around the rugged terrain. Being economically backward, agriculture and livestock rearing were the primary occupations of these villagers.

Besides arctic tents and blankets to cater to the immediate requirement of combating winter, the BSF is transporting materials like CGI sheets, cement and wooden planks. The material is being pooled from various BSF establishments.

Masons, carpenters plumbers and workmen are also being ferried in to these villages for construction works. Besides BSF personnel deployed in this region are also rendering assistance to accomplish the tasks. "BSF personnel are doing this job over and above their regular duties," a senior BSF officer said.

Though BSF headquarters has laid down guidelines for carrying out the rehabilitation work, local commanders have been given a fair degree of flexibility in executing the task at hand. "The local commanders can set their own priority depending upon the situation on ground," the officer said.

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Russian musicians in city
Amrita Dhaliwal
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 7
Lawyers, music teachers, retired soldiers and even a 75-year-old former driver comprise the Cossack choir. It is a group of 11 musicians, two professionals and amateurs from Astana in Russia. Overcoming the language problem with their interpreter, they ensure that the spirit of music they represent is well understood.

Called ‘Stanichniki’, this Russian Cossack folk group from Astana came up in 2000. The group has a total of 40 members.

The core group includes women and children singers who tour Russia singing folk songs. However, only 10 members were picked to perform in India.

Russian Cossacks have been military people who protected the borders of their motherland. They were an integral part of the Russian army before the 1917 revolution. Their songs are based on old folk tales of unrequited love, life at the army and patriotic numbers. They perform on their traditional musical instruments — bayan (harmonium) and balalaykas (three-stringed guitar).

They will perform next in Hyderabad.

Jointly sponsored by the ICCR and the Russian Embassy, they will perform at Tagore Theatre tomorrow at 6:30 pm.

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‘KAURS’ to be launched today
Tribune News Service

Mohali, December 7
Finally, a magazine that celebrates Sikh womanhood is here. It is called “KAURS”, appropriately titled after the middle name that unites all Sikh women. Started by women themselves, the magazine seeks to portray the Sikh woman not in the traditional context of a passive housewife but rather to echo her social, economic and spiritual voice.

“KAURS is a bimonthly and bilingual (English/Punjabi) magazine. It is a manifestation of the voice of the contemporary Sikh women who have chosen to live according to the principles of Sikhism and seek guidance from their glorious history,” said Ms Roma Kaur, the magazine’s editor-in-chief, who is all set to formally launch the magazine in India tomorrow.

The magazine was launched in Canada on November 13 and the India launch is going to take place at a special ceremony at Hotel Shivalikview tomorrow. Ms Ravneet Kaur, a Chandigarh-based IAS officer, and renowned author Dalip Kaur Tiwana would launch the magazine. “Dalip Kaur Tiwana has achieved worldwide fame for her literary works while retaining her identity as a Sikh woman and similarly Ravneet Kaur represents that class of women who manage to maintain a wonderful balance between a successful professional life and guiding her family,” she added in an interview to Chandigarh Tribune here today.

Started as a joint venture with Chandigarh-based Malwinder Kaur, the magazine has the potential of breaking new ground within the Sikh community here and in Canada.

“KAURS will seek to exemplify achievers, exhibit existing talent and cultivate room for more, portray women issues and design an exchange of solutions. While creating a basic standard for community journalism, this international magazine will feature informative articles as well as nurture the intellectual’s spirit by including fiction and literary excerpts. The magazine will thus encourage the Sikh women to rediscover themselves in the light of their glorious heritage. It shall strive to uphold the Sikh principles of gender equality and assertiveness of women while reflecting upon the basic responsibilities and tasks that a Sikh woman fulfills during her lifetime,” explained Ms Roma Kaur.

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New residents too can apply for CHB flats now
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 7
The Chandigarh Housing Board has decided to waive the condition which required any applicant for a flat to have resided in the city for more than three years. A decision to this regard was taken at a meeting of the board of directors of the board here today.

“Any resident of the city can apply for a flat even if he came here very recently,” a senior official said.

The CHB has decided to float a new housing scheme of 270 two-bedroom flats in Sector 49. The scheme will be floated in January 2006.

The board also cleared a one-room flat scheme which will come up in Sector 38.

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Deep Complex residents find support

Chandigarh, December 7
On the issue of uprooting of residents of Deep Complex, an all-party meeting was called by Mr Devi Dayal Sharma, secretary of the district council of the CPI, Chandigarh, which was attended, among others, by Mr Sat Pal Jain, BJP, Gurpartap Singh Riar SAD, Mr Pawan Kumar Sharma, Congress, and Mr Gurbachan Singh, NCP.

All parties decided to give a representation to the Governor of Punjab, who is also the Administrator of the UT, regarding demands of the Deep Complex residents. They resolved to protect the residents from uprooting by restraining the UT Administration. It was also decided to hold a dharna at Deep Complex on December 11. 

The meeting nominated Mr Devi Dayal Sharma as convener of the all-party group for the purpose of holding all future meetings, agitations and further actions for protection of the residents of Deep Complex. TNS

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Defying prohibitory orders, Sena activists hold rally
Tribune News Service

Panchkula, December 7
Activists of the Shiv Sena (Hindustan) yesterday held a rally in various parts of the township. Brandishing swords and double barrel guns, and with orange turbans around their forehead, the activists marked the 13th anniversary of the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.

The activists went around various sectors on two wheelers, jeeps and tractor trolleys. PCR vehicles accompanied the activists, but they failed to ask the activists not to carry arms, which is banned by the Deputy Commissioner as prohibitive orders under Section 144 of the CrPC are in force.

The president of the Shiv Sena (Hindustan), Mr Pawan Kumar Gupta, later addressed the activists at Sector 14. He raised slogans against the Congress government, saying that they were only trying to appease the minorities at the cost of ridiculing the majority community of Hindus. 

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Sandhu to make MC people-friendly
Tribune News Service

Mohali, December 7
The Mohali Administrator, Mr Darshan Singh Sandhu, yesterday listed his priorities for the township. In the first press conference held by the Administrator after he took over the reins of the Mohali Municipal Council following the disbanding of councillors, Mr Sandhu said he would make the council people-friendly.

Stating that regular meetings with the residents would be held every Saturday, Mr Sandhu said he would chair these meetings, which would be held in collaboration with the various residents welfare associations in the township.

He said some MC officials had been sent to Jaipur to study the garbage collection system there and see if it could be replicated here. He said garbage would be collected from door to door and taken straight to the dumping grounds, which would eliminate the need of garbage collection centres on the way.

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Heroin worth Rs 3 cr seized

Chandigarh, December 7
In a major breakthrough, the Narcotic Control Bureau (NCB) today arrested a Patiala resident from Mohali and claimed to have seized 3 kg of heroin worth Rs 3 crore from his possession. However, in Bollywood style, his associate travelling in another vehicle managed to gave a slip to both the NCB sleuths and Punjab police.

According to eyewitnesses, around 11 am, a Qualis driven at a high speed came from Phase III-A to the traffic lights point near the Chawla Nursing Home. The driver in a hurry zipped passed the vehicle from a traffic police beat box and headed towards Phase VII. Soon another Qualis, seemed to be following the first vehicle, halted near the beat box and the occupants of the vehicle shouted at the cops, asking them to give a chase to the vehicle and proceeded to follow the first vehicle.

In the high speed drama, the first vehicle hit a motorcyclist and the driver of the first vehicle fled the spot leaving the vehicle behind. The occupants of the second vehicle gave a chase to the man and managed to swoop down upon him, said an eyewitness.

Later in the day, giving details of the operation, the Zonal Director of NCB Chandigarh, Ms Srikant Jadav, said the arrested man was identified as 28-year-old Manga of Sunehri Hera village in Patiala district. The NCB teams headed by Superintendent O.P. Sharma seized 3 kg of heroin valuing about Rs 3 crore in the international market.

Claiming that the contraband was smuggled through Pakistan, Mr Jadav further said logos like Crescent and “888”, displayed on the packets, were generally found on the contraband smuggled by the neighbouring country. He added that in the recent past a spurt in smuggling had been noticed in this region especially in Punjab through the Pakistan border. The NCB teams were monitoring the activities of people involved in this illegal trade of late.

The accused was taken to the Phase VIII police station in Mohali and Qualis (PB-11-X-0038) was impounded. The accused during the preliminary interrogation divulged that he had brought the contraband from Amritsar and had been asked to deliver it in Chandigarh. The Qualis, he was driving, belonged to Ms Kiran Devi of Sanctuary Enclave, Phase III, Nabha Road, in Patiala. Mr Jadav said efforts were on to verify the antecedents of the owner of the vehicle.

About the other associate of the accused, who is suspected to have managed to give a slip to the NCB sleuths, Mr Jadav said, “We are yet to identify that person and establish his links with Manga. — OC

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Woman sets self afire
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, December 7
A 51-year-old woman allegedly set herself afire at her Sector 19 residence this morning. The police said the woman was mentally upset and suffered 85 per cent burn injuries. She in her statement before the Magistrate held no one responsible for her step.

The sources in Sector 19 police station said Savitri Arora allegedly set herself afire in a bathroom of her residence this morning. She was wearing synthetic clothes that caught fire immediately. She locked herself before taking the extreme step. When she cried for help her family rescued her and took her to the PGI.

The doctors termed her condition to be serious. Quoting the family of the victim, the police said Savitri was suffering from acute depression and was taking treatment.

Savitri has two daughters and a son. One of her daughters is working in the PGI and her son is settled in Mumbai.

Vehicles stolen

Mr Rishi Pal, an employee of the Haryana Prathmik Shiksha Vibhag, Sector 17, lodged a complaint with the police alleging that his Yamaha motor cycle (HR-08-B-1137) was stolen from a parking area in Sector 17 on Tuesday.

In another incident, Ms Shiv Charan Kaur of Advocate Society, Sector 49-A, reported to the police alleging that her Kinetic Honda scooter (CH-03-D-4393) was stolen from the district courts’ parking area on Tuesday.

Two separate cases of thefts have been registered at Sector 17 police station.

3 held for gambling

The local police has arrested three persons from different places in the city for gambling on Tuesday.

According to the police, Sat Pal, Kesho Ram and Charan Singh, all residents of Kajheri village, were arrested from various parts in the village for gambling.

The police recovered Rs 250, Rs 280 and Rs 3,532, respectively, from their possession.

Three separate cases have been registered against them under the Gambling Act.

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Master forger arrested
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, December 7
The police has arrested a Sector 15 resident on the allegations of duping a bank of Rs 2.86 lakh that he had taken as a loan. Police sources said the accused, a master in forging documents, had been dismissed from UT Secretariat on a similar charge.

The sources in the Economic Offenses Wing (EOW) of the UT police said Sita Ram was arrested last evening on the charge of cheating after the registration of a criminal case against him. A complaint was filed by Ahsok Leyland and IndusInd Bank alleging that they have been cheated.

It was alleged in the complaint that the accused had taken a loan of Rs 2.86 lakh in 2004 to purchase a Zen car. The accused purchased a car from the city-based Modern Automobiles and allegedly did not get it registered. On the other hand he forged a letter pad of the automobile dealer and forged and tempered with other documents to show that the car had no loan outstanding against it. Using the documents he did not deposit the instalments and took another loan of about Rs 2.5 lakh from Standard Chartered Bank after about two-three months.

It was only later Ahsok Leyland and IndusInd Bank came to know about the fraud and reported the matter to the police. The police has registered the case.

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Married man held for raping minor
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, December 7
The police today arrested a 24-year-old married man on the allegation of abducting and raping a minor girl. Acting on a complaint of the victim, the police has taken in custody a ‘sister’ of the accused last evening, at whose house he allegedly raped the girl.

Sources in Sector 34 police station said a sector 46 resident, the father of the victim, reported to the police alleging that Rakesh Kumar of Vikas Nagar in Mauli Jagran had abducted and raped her daughter in connivance with one Kavita, whom the accused claimed to be his ‘sister’. A case of abduction, rape and criminal conspiracy has been registered in this regard.

The father of the victim, a carpenter in the Central Public Works Department, alleged that his 16-year-old daughter worked as domestic assistant at the residence of a Sector 32-based doctor. He told the police that sometimes his daughter stayed at the residence of the doctor, when she got late.

On Monday morning she left the home for her job, but did not reached there. They came to know about it, when her employer called them up to ask why the girl did not come for her job. He added that after getting the information he along with his family started looking for the girl.

Next day, the girl came back home and told them that she was abducted and raped by Rakesh Kumar. She alleged that Rakesh Kumar abducted her on Monday and took her to the residence of Kavita in Sector 46 and raped her.

Quoting the victim, the police sources said she was known to Rakesh Kumar, who was a singer. Rakesh was married and had a son. The sources said Kavita, a married woman, told them that Rakesh was her brother. Meanwhile, she was remanded to the judicial custody today.

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Two held for rape of minor
Our Correspondent

Mohali, December 7
The local police today arrested a Phase XI resident and his wife on the allegations of repeatedly raping a minor girl living in his vicinity for the past one year.

Sources in the police said the matter came to light when the 16-year-old victim reported the matter to her widow mother the previous day. Her mother subsequently lodged a complaint with the police and a case was registered in this regard. Acting on her complaint, the police arrested Rajbir Singh and his wife Kamaldeep Kaur.

It was alleged that Rajbir seduced the minor girl and raped her about a year ago. After that he started abusing the girl and repeatedly raped her over the time. Later, his wife came to know about the matter, but she too joined in the crime. Taking advantage of the proximity the accused allegedly forced the girl to have relations with him.

Quoting the victim, the police said the accused had threatened her with dire consequences if she disclosed the truth before anyone. He also allegedly blackmailed her forcing to continue relation with him.

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Panipat trader jailed in cheque bounce case
Our Correspondent

Panchkula, December 7
A Panipat-based businessman, held guilty in a cheque bounce case, was sentenced to one year imprisonment and slapped with a fine Rs 2.50 lakh by Chief Judicial Magistrate Gulabh Singh here today.

Mr V.K.Kapoor, Director of Kapoor Brothers Roller Floor Mills, in a petition filed before the court in June 1995, had stated that his company had supplied wheat products to Jyoti Solvex and Refinery Food Process, Panipat, and total amount payable by T.C.Jain and Vijay Jain, partners of the buying company, was Rs. 5.43 lakh.

The partners issued eight post dated cheques of different dates amounting to Rs 5.41 lakh, which later bounced.

Mr Kapoor then filed a petition in the court. Later one of the partners, T.C. Jain, expired. The court while holding Vijay Jain guilty in the case sentenced him to simple imprisonment for one year and Rs 2.50 lakh fine. In the default of payment of fine, he would have to undergo imprisonment for another six months.

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Junk dealer held with charas
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, December 7
The UT police’s Crime Branch today arrested a junk dealer for allegedly carrying 1.5 kg of charas.

Police sources said the accused has been involved in several criminal cases.

They said 54-year-old Ram Dhari was arrested from a picket point on the basis of secret information. His search led to the recovery of the contraband. He was booked under Section 21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Act. The estimated value of the contraband is termed about Rs 10,000.

Ram Dhari has been involved in several criminal cases like buying stolen property, gambling and into drug trafficking. He is a history-sheeter of the Sector 34 police station. He has two junk shops in Kajheri and Burail villages.

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One held in murder case
Our Correspondent

Panchkula, December 7
The police has nabbed one Arjun Singh, an accused in a murder case, from Indra Colony, Mani Majra, and presented him before Chief Judicial Magistrate Gulab Singh, who sent Arjun for three days police remand.

While Arjun, reportedly involved in the murder of a servant of prominent businessman Raj Khattar on December 3, was arrested, but the main accused Lal Bahadur is still at large.

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