Jalandhar, July 1
The General Railway Police (GRP) succeeded in nabbing the main accused wanted in connection with the suicide of Joginder Singh after seven months. Joginder Singh had committed suicide by jumping before a running train on the Jalandhar-Panthankot rail line at his village Munak Kalan in Tanda of Hoshiarpur district on the intervening night of November 25 and 26 last year.

According to GRP sources, Joginder Singh had held his brother-in-law Harish Chander, who is also father-in-law of his son Mohinder Singh, responsible for his suicide.

In his suicide note written in English, Joginder Singh had said, “I am fed up from Harish Chander of Jail Road, Gurdaspur. He has put me up in false criminal cases, no other is responsible for this incident.”

An FIR was lodged at GRP police station in Jalandhar against Harish Chander under section 306 of the IPC on the basis of Joginder Singh’s suicide note on December 2 last year.

As many as five warrants were issued by the sub-divisional judicial magistrate, Dasuya, Jaspal Verma, to the GRP police to catch the accused at the earliest.

The SP, GRP, Sher Jang Bahadur Sharma, told The Tribune that the GRP laid a special trap to catch Harish Chander, who had been absconding since the registration of the FIR against him.

Joginder Singh’s son Mohinder Singh told The Tribune that his father was disturbed over the baseless allegations levelled by Harish Chander. Mohinder Singh said his wife had estranged relations with him soon after their marriage. “In order to harass my father and my family, Harish Chander alleged that my wife had illicit relations with my father Joginder Singh,” he added.

Disturbed by the allegations, Joginder Singh decided to kill himself and jumped before the running train, he added.

Jalandhar, July 1
Walking on the dusty lanes of their village, siblings Randhir Singh and Shinder Kaur had no idea of what luck had in store for them until they reached the District Sainik Welfare Office (DSWO) here.

Today the brother-sister duo has become a role model for those who wish to join the armed forces. A graduate from Guru Nanak Dev University, Randhir had been working as a teacher to make both ends meet. This talented youth never thought that his life would change so drastically once he joined the DSWO for training.

Presently posted as hawaldar (education) in the Army, Randhir also appeared for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) examination in February this year, the result of which is awaited this month.

Talking to The Tribune, Lieut-Col Manmohan Singh said, “His trainers told me about his fluency in the English language and physical fitness. After judging his talent I asked him to appear for the OTA examination as it would give him a better opportunity.” Besides, he had been pursuing his postgraduation in English to hone his skills.

Presently undergoing training under Major-Gen G.S. Sohi (retd), the 24-year-old Randhir said, “I was always fascinated by the armed forces because my father is an ex-serviceman. I was aware of the respect and benefits army life brings with it, but had no idea of how to proceed.” Similarly, his 20-year-old sister Shinder Kaur is again an example of grit and determination who has been selected in the first women battalion of the BSF. Elated Shinder said, “The strict training and disciplined approach of Lieut-Col Manmohan Singh have helped me in shaping my career. My life was just limited to my village but after getting a chance to earn and serve my country at such a young age, I have virtually got everything. Now I am eagerly waiting for the day when I will get an appointment letter.”

Apart from the training at the DSWO, Shinder was an equally active NCC cadet in school. She had participated in the school-level parades and won the silver medal in firing too. 

Jalandhar, July 1
The onset of monsoons which has brought hot and humid weather with it is not a concern for city residents. They have found a unique way to beat the heat and that are theme parks. The water parks like Wonderland, TR Enjoy World and Harleen Water Park on the outskirts of the city are the new destinations for residents.

The owners of these amusement parks, who are happy with the brisk business due to the present weather, said, “For the past few days there has been a remarkable increase in the number of visitors. People of every age group are enjoying various water rides and our parks have become new picnic spots with not many options to hang out in Jalandhar.” One has to spend between Rs 150 and Rs 200 only to enjoy the thrill in these theme parks, they added.

Wonderland managing director Kulwant Virk claimed, “The reason behind the popularity of this decade-old amusement park is its facilities like changing rooms, showers and lockers.”

Besides, the park provides different packages depending upon the number of persons and one’s pocket. “There is a bay side water park which costs Rs 120 per person and by adding Rs 40 more people can enjoy water park with dry park. Even one can enjoy meals at Rs 50,” he added. He also claimed that all measures for visitors’ safety were taken.

Priya with her family at the theme park said, “As there are not many places for outing in Jalandhar and the theme parks are a good option. Money is not a problem when one thinks of entertainment because after hard work one does need a change and these parks serve the purpose.”

However, contradicting Priya was another visitor Ramandeep Singh who complained that tickets of these parks were a bit on the higher side. “Everyone cannot afford to spend so much on entertainment. The owners should also take care of the common man. Besides, the parks do not meet the fanfare created by them through advertisements,” he added.