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Two murder cases cracked
Holy city turns into gambling
den during festive season
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Improvement trust works hit
Outer wall of GND Hospital broken again
The illegal passage spotted after the breaking of the boundary wall of the GND Hospital, giving an easy access to chemists’ shops in Amritsar. Photo: Vishal Kumar
Man with a mission: Travelling from UK in aid of cancer patients
Inderpal Singh
'Saanjh' concludes at Pul Kanjari
North Zone Inter-University Youth Festival from tomorrow
KCPS students win comedy competition
Miscreants robbing residents after fooling them
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Two murder cases cracked
Amritsar, November 5 The Amritsar rural police today claimed to have cracked two blind murder cases only to find that it were illicit relations of a woman which led to the killings of two persons in the recent past. Major Singh, a resident of Dhianpur village near Rayya, was brutally murdered and his body was found dumped in the fields in his native village on Saturday. The incident came to light when he failed to return home and his family started looking for him. Bhupinder Kaur, the deceased's sister, in her complaint to the Khilchian police, stated that Major Singh ran a tractor repair workshop near Rayya and used to return home by the evening. However, on that day, he did not return even late in the evening. He was married to Jasmeet Kaur. The victim was the only bread earner of the family, as his father was very old, while his mother and four brothers were not "mentally sound". During preliminary investigations, the police suspected the involvement of an insider in the incident and later zeroed in on Jasmeet Kaur. Her interrogation revealed that she had illicit relations with one Dilpreet Singh, a resident of Kotli Veera (Dera Baba Nanak) and a distant relative of Jasmeet. She had conspired with Dilpreet to kill Major Singh while saying that she would settle with him after selling her part of the land. Dilpreet, along with his brother Amarjit Singh, hatched a plan and killed Major when he was returning home. The police recovered the motorcycle and the sharp-edged weapon used in the crime. In another case, the police found an unclaimed body of a youth in his early thirties in Bandala village on October 28. He was brutally murdered while his face was smashed to hide his identity. He was later identified as Rajwinder Singh of Mallia village (Tarn Taran) by his wife Paramjit Kaur. Investigations revealed that Paramjit Kaur had illicit relations with one Amarjit Singh of Bandala for the past one and half year. As Rajwinder was a major "obstacle" in their relations, they decided to kill him. On October 28, Amarjit Singh, along with his nephew Sukhwinder Singh, attacked Rajwinder and stabbed him to death using sharp-edged weapons. “Interestingly, the cover of a pocket diary found from the incident spot become a major evidence to trace this blind murder,” said the SSP. The police recovered the diary from the possession of the accused, he added. Amarjit Singh had a criminal background, as he was recently released from jail after spending four years in prison in connection with a murder which he, along with his three brothers, had committed in 2003, said Virk.
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Holy city turns into gambling
den during festive season
Amritsar, November 5 The illegal practice, where stakes run into lakhs, is flourishing in renowned hotels of the city and some farmhouses located on the outskirts. It was an appreciable move of the Amritsar police to raid the house of a SAD councillor in the Islamabad area recently to bust a gambling racket. This instance has, meanwhile, cemented the belief that even the homes, located either in posh or slum localities, are the preferred places for organising gambling sessions. By law, it is an illegal act and the persons involved in it should be booked under the Gambling Act. Interestingly, a majority of the hotels here have politicians as their managing partners. What significance the rules would hold for them could be anybody’s guess? Another startling fact which has come to light is that the hoteliers are not refraining from organising gambling in connivance with some metropolitan gambling organisers, who move to "little sensitive” places during the festive season. A number of hoteliers are renting out their rooms to gamblers on an hourly basis. In return, they charge four-fold rent for rooms used for gambling. This also ensures the sale of their food and liquor. At two renowned hotels located at Ranjit Avenue, the suites are being rented out. To gain entry, you would have to buy the entry pass in advance, of course through some “reference” after shelling out Rs 1,000 per person. One suite would accommodate around 25 people on three tables. This implied a net income of Rs 25,000 per day for a suite which comes between Rs 5,000-Rs 7,000 on normal days. Interestingly, a hotel located on the Albert road is just a few metres from the Circuit House and the police station. This hotel is organising “khaal” twice a day. Modus operandi to escape law
Gambling has taken the shape of a well-entrenched business. An interesting aspect is that no currency would be visible on the table. Rather, the play would go on through "counters" (plastic coins), having different values in terms of rupees. Whatever you are left with, after leaving the table, would be your "gain" or "loss". Variety of games
The top item on residents’ agenda these days is “teen patti” (flash), Mang patta (ask for a card), rummy and “khaal”. Interestingly, women are very interested in gambling, which has picked up. They gather in houses or classified hotels, restaurants or clubs in the name of "tambola" party or "kitty" party. Busting such a network, thus, becomes hard for the police too. Out of the three, “khaal” is the most sought-after one for bringing an instant win or loss. Gambling myths
Even though it is undoubtedly an offence both on part of the organisers as well as the participants, some call it an unusual past time or refer to it as a tradition during the festive season. Some believe that Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, smiles Offenders have a free run
There is little provision for stringent punishment for those who are booked under the Gambling Act. Since it’s a bailable offence, the wrong-doers escape without any hassles after furnishing some "formalities". The number of cases in the police records holds little significance for them and they continue to indulge in it again. Major instances in the past
Even as open gambling sessions, as were organised in the past, could not be witnessed this time, apparently due to rigorous police raids, some feel that the organisers are sceptical due to the October 2011 raid conducted at a resort on the Fatehgarh Churian road bypass, where the police claimed to have recovered Rs 7.40 lakh from the spot from as many as 125 couples belonging to well-off families. They had reportedly procured tickets at the cost of over Rs 5,000 each. Officialspeak
Police Commissioner Ram Singh: We are bound to take action against the offenders as the law permits. We have formulated special teams to keep a vigil on such activities. We have some vital tip-offs about orgainsed gambling at some of the places. We are conducting raids at random and if such a practice comes to our notice, it would be dealt with sternly, irrespective of the position of the organisers or the participants.
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Improvement trust works hit
Amritsar, November 5 Out of the nearly 62-year-long history of the AIT, it took up for the first time the job of funding infrastructure projects in the city only a couple of years ago. All these projects fall under the jurisdiction of the Municipal Corporation. The cash-strapped government roped in the AIT to fund these projects. At present, over 60 projects, including road repair, installation of street-lights, development of residential colonies and construction of flyovers, beautification of Durgiana temple are under construction. It is spending crores on these ambitious projects aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving civic amenities Infrastructural development works like flyovers at Saifuddin Kitchlew Chowk and SSSS Chowk, providing basic amenities at 211 acres Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Mall Mandi Scheme, 97 Acres land falling in Ranjit Avenue Scheme, constructing flats for the economically weaker sections at the Mall Mandi and New Amritsar have been affected. The AIT is constructing two flyovers connecting the Mall road with Court Chowk and another bridging Four S chowk with Dental College road at a cost of Rs 77 crore. However, it managed to partially raise Kitchlew Chowk so far. Being constructed to ease traffic, its work is going on at a snail’s pace. The undergoing construction has turned the marginally left road in a deplorable condition, which is posing untold hardship on commuters. The Rs 36-crore beautification of Durgiana Temple has also come to a standstill as bricks, sand and gravel are scarcely available in the market. Besides, scarcity has shot up at the cost of these materials. Hanging for the past many years, the development work at 211 acres Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Mall Mandi Scheme has once again been hit by the unavailability of the construction material. Similar is the fate of 97 acres falling in Ranjit Avenue Scheme. Besides, the AIT is investing about Rs 25 crore on sanitation, roads and sewerage in various parts of the city which have also been hit. A majority of the contractors undertaking these projects have A similar grouse that the cost of 180 per cubic meter sand has reached Rs 1,800 and the rate of gravel has also jacked up by 10 times.
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Outer wall of GND Hospital broken again
Amritsar, November 5 This is not the first instance that these chemists have resorted to such an activity. In the past also, this outer wall was damaged numerous times and in the absence of any stringent action against them, they continue with their nefarious practices just to boost their business prospects. Three days after the GND Hospital authorities repaired the broken wall, the chemists reportedly broke it from the other point, nearer to the newly opened Bebe Nanki Child Care unit. Now, a chaotic situation has arisen, as patients' attendants have started using this broken wall for entry or exit purpose instead of the main gate. The broken wall of the periphery should be of concern to the management because of security reasons, as this route also caters to those who gain illegal entry to the hospital. Bricks from the outer wall could be seen scattered around, posing a hazard to commuters. One of the hospital employees said that this wall was damaged many times before and the authorities had mended it, but again a portion of the wall had been damaged. While ascertaining that the bricks had been removed by some medical store owners, one of the hospital employees said the practice was adopted by the drug store owners, especially those who were located at the end. “Taking main gate as the centre point, these chemists viewed that a buyer would usually approach the nearest medical store to buy medicinces. The ones who are at the other end felt that they would lose business,” he said. Ramesh Yadav, a visitor to the hospital, said the broken walls of the periphery should be of concern to the management because of security reasons. “The hospital authorities should affix sharp-edged glass on the top surface of the wall for preventive measures or a barbed wire too could have been erected for stopping the miscreants to scale it,” he said.
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Man with a mission: Travelling from UK in aid of cancer patients
Amritsar, November 5 The man on machine with a mission entered Amritsar after passing through Pakistan and got candid about his journey that will end in Goa. “I started the drive from Glasgow on September 28 this year, where it was flagged off by members of Scottish Parliament and have since travelled through 31 countries, covering almost 20,000 km and now will take my mission across India," said the adventure traveller. Born to travel and living in a country where holiday is a norm, Inder undertook this journey to do something significant for society. “It was one of those moments when one decides to give back to society. Charity or donating money wasn’t enough. So, I decided to connect all those who are working to fight cancer in various countries.” Inder has been working with Marie Curie Cancer Care, Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital run by Imran Khan in Pakistan and Roko Cancer in India. He has also managed to group together some prominent NRIs to adopt a village in India and stand for the cause. “It’s about time that we take notice of how we can channelise the resources in a better way. So many NRIs send money back home for building and developing their native villages. I want to urge them to adopt a village and help in funding the screening for cancer, treatment and building medical facilities for people of the village.” For the same, he has also come up with a plan. “We take a mobile medical caravan, with 30 of the best cancer specialists, who screen people for cancer and take care of those affected. I have been planning the same for India," he said. About his journey, which was as tough as fighting cancer, Inder shared how he struggled with a tough terrain, hostile conditions and even a kidnapping attempt while on road. "I have travelled through some of the most difficult countries like Iran, Turkmenistan, Bosnia, Serbia, Kosovo, Armenia, Uzbekistan and Pakistan to name a few. Some of the countries do not even allow to pass through them because of terrorism and hostility towards outsiders. Like in Turkmenistan, I wasn’t granted permission to enter a church premises because of a possible terror threat. Similarly, while in Pakistan, I was kept under tight security, surrounded by escort vehicles because of a kidnapping threat by some al-Qaeda members,” he said. But the mission is bigger than the man. “I met and interacted with cancer survivors and patients on the way and there are many organisations who are willing to join hands in this cause. I just hope my effort is able to bring them together.” His last destination would be Goa, where he is planning to do a charity event which will have some celebrity endorsements.
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'Saanjh' concludes at Pul Kanjari
Amritsar, November 5 The monument stands as a testimony of strong ties between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and his beloved Moran Sarkar and hence was a befitting place for the eventful evening, which, too, aimed at strengthening the connection between India and Pakistan. Pul Kanjari reverberated with the soulful renditions of Sufi Kalam by Sai Zuhoor and Sanam Marvi. The two singers infused life into the words of Bulle Shah, Sultan Bahu and Shah Hussain and enthralled the audience with their stirring melodies. An aura of mysticism and charm prevailed all over, especially when the very talented and calm singer Sanam Marvi took to stage. The Pakistani folk and Sufi singer, who has been a favourite with Indian music lovers, mesmerised them with her ghazal and folk tunes. "It's always such a pleasure to perform in India, especially Amritsar. Whenever I have performed in India or Pakistan, I have tried to touch the chords of heart with the message of peace," said the young singer. Earlier having shared stage with singers like Rekha Bhardwaj, Arif Lohar and others, Sanam's musical upbringing has had Indian influences. Even her mobile phone's caller tune is a evergreen Lata Mangeshkar number, "Tujhse naraz nahin zindagi?" from film "Maasoom". "Music is one of the many ways by which the people of Pakistan and India are inextricably tied to each other," said the singer, as her opening lines suggest, "Main apne Hindustan ke doston ko shanti ka sandesh pahuchana chahti hoon." Sanam's father, the late Ghulam Rasool, also a Sufi singer, is someone Sanam looks up to and who has been a guiding force in her journey of music.
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North Zone Inter-University Youth Festival from tomorrow
Amritsar, November 5 More than 1,200 students from 30 universities from all over Northern India are expected to participate in the mega event.
Registrar Dr Inderjit Singh said Punjab Governor and Chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University Shivraj V. Patil would be the chief guest at the inaugural function, while Sikandar Singh Maluka, Punjab Minister of Higher Education and Languages, would presided over the valedictory function on November 11 and give away trophies and certificates to the winners. Alumni of the university and world-famous folk singers - Jasbir Jassi, Amrinder Gill, Sarabjit Cheema, Roshan Prince and Satinder Satti - would specially participate in The festival would start with a cultural procession of participating students from Guru Nanak Bhawan to the sports grounds of the university. Dr Jagjit Kaur, Director, Youth Welfare, said competitions in music, theatre, dance, literary and fine arts would be organised during the five-day festival. She said eminent personalities related to film industry, music, theatre and fine arts were also expected to attend the festival.
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KCPS students win comedy competition
Amritsar, November 5 School Principal Dr Sarvjit Kaur Brar said the students were part of the school's theatre team. She felicitated them at her office. She also gave a special award to Pawandeep for best scriptwriting and direction.
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Punjab School Games begin
Amritsar, November 5 Competitions in various sports disciplines like ball badminton, tennis and T-20 cricket were started by famous wrestler and IG, Training, PAP, Kartar Singh. He said the motive behind organising the games was to teach students discipline, teamwork and sense of achieving big. A colourful march past was organised as teams from various districts saluted the chief guest, who released balloons in the air. Firecrackers were burst to start the games. District Sports Officer Rassal Singh Malhi and school Principal Nirmal Singh Bhangu welcomed the guests. Earlier, school students recited a "shabad" and a brief cultural programme was also organised.
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Miscreants robbing residents after fooling them
Amritsar, November 5 In one such instance, the Amritsar (Rural) police nabbed two couples, who always used to target the elderly women. They used "emotional tool" to fool them before robbing them of valuables and cash. They have been identified as Tarsem Singh and his wife Satinder Kaur and Heera Singh and his wife Devi. They were nabbed after a complaint by Harjinder Singh of Ballarwal village, whose mother Daljit Kaur fell victim to them. Harjinder Singh had stated that the miscreants robbed his mother Daljit Kaur of gold jewellery when she was returning home. “They used to call the vulnerable women ‘Bhua’ (paternal aunt) and upon winning their confidence, they would offer them lift. But after reaching the midway, they would rob their victims of their belongings, which included gold jewellery," revealed SSP Preet Paul Singh Virk. The police said the gang was active in Amritsar and neighbouring districts of Tarn Taran, Batala, Jalandhar, Gurdaspur and Pathankot. In another instance, an old woman, Vijay Rani, was looted by three unidentified persons, including a woman and a boy, on the allure of doubling the gold ornaments. The miscreants took her to the Shiv Puri cremation ground near Hathi Gate and asked her to place her jewellery in a handkerchief and tie it up. However, after a few minutes when she opened it she found only stones and pebbles in it, while the miscreants decamped with the gold ornaments. Though the police registered a case, but no significant breakthrough has been made in it so far. In October, the C-Division police station received a complaint from Ranjit Singh of Greater Kailash, Batala, whose driver was robbed of Rs 1.50 lakh by unidentified persons. The miscreants told the driver, who had parked the vehicle outside Mandi Board office, that the oil of the car was leaking. However, when the driver alighted from the car to see the leakage, the miscreants lifted the briefcase containing the amount and fled away. Ram Singh, Police Commissioner, said though the police was there to arrest the criminals, but the people should also be more attentive and could foil the nefarious designs of the miscreants. Echoing the same sentiments, Preet Paul Singh Virk said people should not trust strangers.
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2 held with stolen motorcycles
Amritsar, November 5 Those arrested were identified as Narinder Singh and Balwinder Singh of Ramuwal village. In a press release issued here today, the police authorities revealed that Narinder Singh was nabbed by the Ranjit Avenue police during patrolling while he was passing through the Housing Board Colony Ganda Nullah on a stolen motorcycle. The police also seized 400 gm of intoxicant powder from him. Following the information provided by Narinder Singh during interrogation, the police arrested Balwinder Singh and recovered nine and three motorcycles from their possession, respectively. The police also seized forged registration cards and voter cards of different names from Narinder’s possession. A case has been registered.
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Even as the city Mayor contemplates to file even an FIR against those who damage government properties, some medicine store operators in the Guru Nanak Dev Hospital complex, on Majitha road, do not refrain from repeatedly demolishing the outer wall of the GND Hospital so as to draw customers to their shops.
“It was a dream that took shape almost three years ago when I announced to my wife 'Eureka it’s time to drive from the UK to India'." This excerpt is from Inderpal Singh’s personal notes in which he has documented his "unbelievable task". The UK-based businessman, who lost his father-in-law and a dear friend to cancer, is fighting for the cause in his own way. By undertaking a journey through the "Silk Route” to spread awareness and garner support about the disease.
With the combined efforts of Punarjyot, Amritsar, and Rafi Peer Theatre Workshop, Lahore, the concluding function of
"Saanjh" was held at Pul Kanjari, Dhanoa village, Amritsar, situated midway between Amritsar and Lahore.
