The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	Ajnala murder case: Police changes stance Says Akali sarpanch was present at spot where the victim was brutally thrashed PK Jaiswar Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 16 Changing its stance on the earlier held theory, the police has said the Akali sarpanch, one of the accused in the murder of 20-year-old Gurpreet Singh in Nangla Wanja Wala village at Ajnala, was present at the spot where the youth was brutally thrashed which ultimately led to his death on the intervening night of December 9 and 10. Until Saturday, the police had claimed that Akali sarpanch Amarjit Singh’s name was being dragged in the case as he was a relative of the four main accused, identified as Swarn Singh, Amritpal Singh, Pargat Singh and Ninder Singh, and that he was not present at the spot. Now, the police has claimed to track the mobile call details of the sarpanch. “The call details tracked by the police found that the Amarjit Singh was present at the spot,” said Preet Paul Singh Virk, SSP, Amritsar rural police. The SSP, who is investigating the case along with SP (detective) Jasdeep Singh, said, “Amarjit had gone to the spot after he was called by Pargat Singh after Gurpreet Singh was brutally beaten up. As per the call details, it has been found that it was Amarjit Singh who had called the Ajnala police and then relatives of the victim from his mobile. We are trying to get more evidence in the case. If at any stage, involvement of Amrjit Singh and other accused is found, they will not be spared.” Earlier claim The police, till two days back, had claimed that Akali sarpanch Amarjit Singh’s name was being dragged in the case as he was a relative of the four main accused, identified as Swarn Singh, Amritpal Singh, Pargat Singh and Ninder Singh, and that he was not present at the spot The police has tracked the mobile call details of sarpanch Amarjit Singh which reveal that he was present at the crime scene where Gurpreet was badly beaten up, which led to his death The case Gurpreet was allegedly murdered due to his illicit relations with daughter-in-law of one of the accused, identified as Pargat Singh. Two more arrested The police has arrested two more accused, identified as Pargat Singh and Ninder Singh, in the case. Swarn Singh and Amritpal Singh were arrested earlier. Other accused Besides the four arrested and Akali sarpanch, Gurpreet’s mother Sukhraj Kaur had named Ranjodh Singh, Sumitar Singh, Balraj Singh, Gurpal Singh, Kuldeep Singh and Bikramjit Singh of the same village in the FIR. She had alleged that the accused abducted his son from the residence and subjected him to brutal torture that led to his death. IG’s take RP Mittal, IG (border range), who was approached by the aggrieved family, said the police had been working in a fair and transparent manner. Those who have been found to be involved in the crime would not be spared at any cost. “The probe is being carried out in a proper way. No stone will be left unturned in examining the case,” said Mittal.
	MC’s finance committee holds first meet, comes under fire from Oppn GS Paul Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 16 The MC’s Finance and Control Committee (F&CC), that held its first meeting since the inception of the new House recently, provided enough ammunition to the Opposition (Congress) to question the authenticity of the committee. The meeting of the committee was conducted in the presence of four members --- Mayor, Senior Deputy Mayor, Deputy Mayor and MC Commissioner. But the Opposition claimed that there should be six members in the committee. The Opposition members alleged that the MC authorities violated the clause of the Municipal Act which specifically calls for constituting a six-member committee to deliberate over issue of allocating funds for development projects. The MC authorities denied of violating any norm. Besides the four members, the F&CC should have two councillors nominated by the Mayor, it is learnt. The Opposition said without nominating the two councillors, the F&CC’s quorum could not be completed and therefore the decisions taken by them stand null and void. “It is for the first time in the history that without completing the formalities, the F&CC meeting was held. Even as the other two members too were to be elected by the ruling combine only, what is the point of conducting a meeting in such haste,” said Rajkanwal Preet Singh, Opposition councillor. Mayor Bakshi Ram Arora said there was no violation of norms as all those present in the meeting, including Senior Deputy Mayor Avtar Singh Trukkan Wala and Deputy Mayor Avinash Jolly, had got the public mandate in the MC elections. “We initiated this move to clear works, pending for a long time. We did not want to waste anymore time. Moreover, the quorum was completed and it was authorised to take any decision”, he clarified. MC Commissioner Dharampal Gupta, who acts as Agenda Secretary in the F&CC meeting, said the F&CC committee should consist of six members, out of which three elected by the public only. “With my inclusion, the quorum was completed and the two empty seats did not hold any significance. So, it was inappropriate to raise a finger over its authenticity,” he said. Projects cleared The Finance and Control Committee passed development projects worth over Rs 2 crore during the meeting. The committee paved way for 15 projects, including laying of sewerage at Jai Inder Nagar, repairing of defunct tubewells, cleansing of water reservoir at Kesri Bagh, purchasing of 20 garbage bins and expediting other miscellaneous pending works.
	Jammu’s Tejinder Pal wins Mr Singh Int’l title; city lad 2nd runners-up Neha Saini Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 16 The grand finale of Mr Singh International lived up to its expectations as the evening was high on glamour and glitz. The month-long programme initiated by Akaal Purakh Ki Fauj to create awareness about Sikh culture and traditions culminated with the announcement of three winners. The title of Mr Singh International was bagged by Tejinder Pal Singh of Jammu; first runners-up was Deepinder Singh of Ludhiana; and second runners-up was Tarundeep Singh from Amritsar. The participants competed in various rounds showing their skills and talent. The winners in various categories included 'Impressive Turban' Rajvir Singh, 'Best Person' Bhuninderpal Singh, 'Mr Photogenic' Damandeep Singh, 'Best Dress' Kamalpreet, 'Best Performing Art' Lucky Singh, 'Best Physique' Harmeet Singh and 'Best Behaviour' Shamsher Singh. The award for 'Best Smile' went to Jaideep Singh, 'Mr Popular by Public Voting' went to Tarandeep Singh. Among others, SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar, filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar and Rabbi Shergill were present on the occasion.
	Three advocates ransack office of Amritsar Bar Association president His house too came under fire on Saturday evening Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 16 The office of the Amritsar Bar Association President was ransacked by few advocates on Saturday evening. Later, some advocates fired gunshots outside his home near Putlighar. The Civil Lines police and Cantonment police has registered cases. Bar association president Pradeep Kumar Saini told the police that his office was allegedly ransacked by advocates Amarbir Singh, Sanjeev Bhagat and Sandeep Bhagat. He alleged that the trio was armed with weapons when they broke into his office. He alleged they also threatened him and the staff. Later, a large number of advocates gathered outside the Civil Lines police station to get a case registered against the trio. “At about 1 pm when I was sleeping at my home, I heard loud noises of gunshots. Five or six persons in a car, including Kultar Singh who is father of Amarbir Singh, were there. They fired at the house,” alleged Saini. He alleged that the police was informed immediately. Though the police reached the spot in a few minutes, the accused had left in the car by that time. A separate case against Kultar Singh and others was registered by the police. Saini said the legal fraternity had called a meeting of the general house of the bar association on Monday. He demanded that keeping in view the criminal past of Kultar Singh, the police should cancel arms licence held by him. Saini said Kultar Singh was annoyed because he had refused to accommodate the latter in the newly-built chambers’ complex. However he made it clear that the faction that had launched a protest against him earlier has no part in the attacks. “I had refused the allotment of chamber to Kultar Singh as he did not deserve it. Only deserving candidates were allotted chambers,” he said adding that the matter was also brought to the notice of judicial officers. Crime scene Advocates Amarbir Singh, Sanjeev Bhagat and Sandeep Bhagat, armed with weapons, allegedly broke into president’s office. They also reportedly threatened him and the staff. At about 1 pm on Saturday, Saini heard loud noises of gunshots. Five or six persons in a car, including Kultar Singh who is father of Amarbir Singh, fired at the house, claimed the association president
	Courier firm misplaces goods; told to pay up Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 16 The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum has directed a courier company to pay Rs 26,930 for misplacing the goods of local resident Bharat Bhusan. The forum has asked On Dot Couriers and Cargo Limited to pay an interest of 9 per cent on the amount along with Rs 2,000 as litigation expenses to Bhusan. In his complaint with the forum filed on January 1, Bharat Bhushan, a resident of Batala road, said he took the services of the courier company to send a parcel to be delivered at Surat on September 9, 2011. But the parcel was never delivered at the destination. He said the articles being sent through the company were worth Rs 26,930, including courier charges. In its reply, the courier company said it had specifically mentioned at the back of the booking receipt that all shippers sending high-value articles of more than Rs 10,000 must declare the value and get the said articles insured for a transit period. The company maintained that it was not liable to pay as the complainant did not file any document showing the value of the articles he had booked. However, the forum observed that as the complainant had given a copy of the invoice of the goods to the courier company at the time of booking of the parcel, the company had full knowledge of the value of the goods. The forum further observed that in such circumstances, the courier service did not ask the complainant for getting the articles insured during transit and hence the complainant cannot be blamed for it. The forum observed that the company was duty bound either to deliver the goods to the consignee at Surat or to return the same to the complainant. The case The consumer forum tells On Dot Couriers and Cargo Limited to pay Rs 26,930 along with 9% interest and Rs 2000 as litigation expenses to Bharat Bhushan
	Dog show City keeps a date with man’s best friend Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 16 Amritsar residents had a date with man’s best friend during the annual dog show, organised by the Amritsar Kennel Club, at Sant Ishar Singh School, Ranjit Avenue on Sunday. The Sunday afternoon saw the most expensive, well kept and pampered breeds compete for the coveted title. And all from Chinese Sherpie to Rottweilers, German Shepherds to huge but humble Saint Bernards, every dog looked dressed up for a red carpet entry. “This time, the dog show had judges from South America and Pakistan, who had judged at the greatest dog show in the world, The Crufts, at London,” said Yogesh Tuteja, organiser of the event. “This year people of Amritsar got a chance to see new breeds of dogs,” he added. The show had some of the most expensive breeds in the region competing in different categories, showing their talent and skills honed by professional trainers. During the show, the dogs performed exercises that tested the teaching ability of the trainers, the dogs' familiarity with the trainers and their ability to follow instructions as per the standard set by the Kennel Club of India. The show aimed at promoting dog-lovers to buy different breeds of dogs and help owners to pick a good mate for their dogs. Visitors felt that such shows were a good way to familiarise people with different breeds, and offered a learning platform on handling their pets. Basset Hound, Rottweiler, Saint Bernard, Beagle, German Shepherd, Lhasa Apso, Great Dane, Shar Pei, English mastiff, Pug, Labrador, Boxer, Dachshund, Afghan hound, Basset Hound, Caravan hound, Siberian husky, English pointer and Dalmatian were among the 50 breeds of dogs that participated in the show. Top breeds Basset Hound, Rottweiler, Saint Bernard, Beagle, German Shepherd, Lhasa Apso, Great Dane, Shar Pei, English Mastiff, Pug, Labrador, Boxer, Dachshund, Afghan Hound, Basset Hound, Caravan hound, Siberian Husky, English Pointer and Dalmatian were among the 50 breeds of dogs that participated in the show
	Teacher pens book on terrorism in Punjab Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 16 Satyapal Dang, a veteran Communist leader, released a book titled ‘Terrorism, Human Rights and Police: A study of Punjab’, written by Dr Raj Kumar, in the city on Sunday. Currently teaching at DAV College in Jalandhar, Dr Kumar made extensive efforts during the research project that was sanctioned by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Briefing about the book, the writer said the present study was an endeavour to trace the origin of terrorism in Punjab; the violation of human rights in the state and the role of police in containing terrorism. “Besides, the book also covers another side of the story- how the police also had to pay a heavy price for restoration of peace in Punjab. Many police personnel and their relatives lost their lives in this gruesome fight against terrorism. Unfortunately, their sacrifices have remained unsung and unrecognised by and large,” he said. “Terrorism is not just an ordinary law and order problem. Rather it has political dimensions. A situation becomes more critical when the political leadership first ignores it allowing the problem to reach an alarming state. And then the political leadership has to resort to the use of force in order to resolve the crisis. Significantly, the colonial nature of the police further complicates the problem. In this type of situation, the question of responsibility arises - who is to be blamed: the political leadership, the police, or the system?” he said. “This book is the result of a painstaking empirical research by the one who has seen from close quarters all faces of terrorism in Punjab”, said Dr Kumar. This study is an outcome of a huge amount of field work, meetings and interviews with more than 100 persons of various categories who fought against terrorism or were affected during the period of turmoil in the state.
	Paying respect to womanhood through ‘Draupadi’ Neha Saini Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 16 Draupadi, as most would agree is the most prominent and fancied character from Mahabharat. There have been many inspired writings and portrayals of the character considered a strong embodiment of Indian womanhood. And so the dramatised and a contemporary version of the character was at the centre of things when Lokadharmi Theatre Group presented Draupadi at the National Theatre Festival here on Sunday. The Kerala-based theatre group enthralled the audience with an impressive play which tried to analyse the modern womanhood through the epic character. It searched the many layers of complexity by which the motif of Draupadi exists in the psyche of Indian women and the reality of her life. “Draupadi is an archetype for women of all ages. She was married to five men with virtues, yet never given her due respect and acknowledgement for her individuality. She was a woman with great intelligence and remained aware of her circumstances,” says the director, Chandradasan. “Even when she rebelled against all odds, she couldn’t break through her constraints and this is where she becomes a representative of the contemporary women, who is aware and also tied into the archetypes of family and morality fed deep into her,” he adds. Inspired by the idea after reading Yajnaseni, a novel written by Pratibha Ray, Chandradasan decided to represent the character as a symbol of both, modern Indian women and the marginalised segment. The play made use of several props like paintings of many known women like Sylvia Plath, Madhavi Kutti, Taslima Nasrin, Silk Smitha and more. It also brought in some great set design and drama with masks, puppets and innovative lighting on stage. The artwork, which plays a central prop in the play, was by renowned artist Shobha Menon.
	Meet throws light on marketing Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 16 The two-day international conference on Marketing in Emerging Economies concluded today. Prof Arvind Sahay from Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, delivered the second keynote speech. The co-chairs for the conference were Prof Jan-Benedict Steenkamp from University of North Carolina and Dr Harmeen Soch from Punjab Technical University. The keynote speech was on ‘Brands and the Brain’. Prof Sahay explained how the complex brain functions while selecting brands in the market. This talk was followed by a special session on ‘How to Publish in International Journals’ conducted by Prof Jan-Benedict Steenkamp. This session was attended by a huge number of doctoral students and young researchers from all parts of the country and abroad. The session was chaired by PTU Vice-Chancellor Dr Rajneesh Arora and Director of PIT Kapurthala Dr Nachhatter Singh. The international conference, organised jointly by PTU and UNC, is the beginning of an important collaboration between both the universities with many more future research activities to follow in the coming years. This conference was attended by over 100 delegates from more that 10 different nations and different parts of India.
	600 applicants turn up at passport lok adalat Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 16 The lok adalat, specially held at the Regional Passport Office here to clear cases pending for a long time, saw a participation of around 600 applicants. Around 1,500 applications were lying pending with the passport office for clearance. The office earned around Rs 1.25 lakh as fees from applicants. The passport office had decided to clear the backlog before shifting the application process completely to the Passport Seva Kendra by year end. Regional Passport Officer JS Sodhi said, “The remaining pending files will be closed. The applicants will have to apply again online at the seva kendra in case they want a passport.” “Some of these files were pending for a long time. Most of the applicants who attended the adalat were guided about the discrepancies in their files. They will get the passports, when they complete the formalities,” said Sodhi. The Regional Passport Office caters to the needs of eight districts in the region. Though a fully computerised seva kendra was launched here more than a month back, the passport office had allowed applications in person during the transition period. The ultimate objective is to the shift the entire work to the seva kendra from the passport office. Mega lok adalats As many as 13,220 cases were disposed of at the mega lok adalats held at district courts complex today. District and Sessions Judge HS Madaan said 30 benches were constituted for the lok adalats in total. A compensation amounting to Rs 18.41 crore was awarded during the lok adalats. He said 15,000 traffic challans were disposed of at the pre-adalats.
	Leaders’ pics on ambulance: Govts urged to form policy Amritsar, December 16 Peeved about the tussle between Congress and Akali workers over pasting pictures of their leaders on 108 Ambulance, the Amritsar Vikas Manch has urged the Union and state governments to form a policy in this regard. AVM patron Dr Charanjit Singh Gumtala has urged the Union and state governments in separate communiqués to prohibit carrying of photographs of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers and others ministers on advertisements appearing in various media. He cited examples of developed countries, including Canada and the USA, where no advertisement carries the photographs of ruling politicians.