Ludhiana, January 22
A mother-son duo was crushed to death by a garbage-lifting truck at Samrala Chowk today.

The deceased have been identified as 45-year-old Indu and 14-year-old Shriram. The killer truck, belonging to a private company, hit their bicycle when they were on their way to Cheema Chowk. The victims fell on the road and before they could react, the truck crushed them to death.

The bodies lay unattended on the road for nearly an hour, leading to a massive traffic jam. The bodies were removed after the victims’ relatives arrived.

The truck driver managed to flee. The police has impounded the truck and started investigations.

Ramma Shanker, Indu’s husband, said the duo had gone to the market to buy fruits and vegetables. Ramma, who works at a grocery store and lives in the Daba area, sought action against the truck driver. He said the truck driver was drunk. "The truck driver has ruined my life. I have no reason to live," said Ramma Shanker.

Blood was splattered at the accident spot. Ramma Shanker, his younger daughter and relatives were inconsolable.

Ludhiana, January 22
The garbage-lifting vehicles have become coffin on wheels for residents.

It is not the first incident wher these trucks have snuffed out precious lives. Today’s incident has again highlighted how the garbage truck drivers were flouting norms with impunity.

Dr Kamaljit Soi, vice-chairman, Punjab Road Safety Council, said there was no number plate on the rear of the vehicle. “None of the garbage-lifting trucks have ever been challaned. A majority of the drivers indulge in drunk driving. Why the police and the district transport department fails to take action against them?” questioned Soi.

It is learnt that not even a single truck belonging to the MC or A to Z Company have speed governors.

No lessons learnt
August 23, 2012 Two people crushed by a garbage truck near Vardhman Chowk. The victims, 50-year-old Satvir Singh and 40-year-old Nand Lal, were heading home after work on their bicycles when a garbage-laden truck crushed them

August 7, 2011 Eighteen-year-old Akhikesh Maingi, a Class XII student of BCM School, Shastri Nagar, was crushed to death by a speeding garbage truck in the Arjan Dev Nagar locality. The incident took place when Akhilesh was returning home on his scooter after tuition

August 22, 2010 Sixteen-year-old Mayank Jain, a Class X student of Sacred Heart Convent School, Chandigarh Road, was run over by a speeding truck on Tajpur Road

Not aware, says Mayor
I am in Delhi and do not know about the tragic incident. I will get the details from the MC Commissioner and strict action will be taken against the erring driver.

Harcharan Singh Gohalwaria, Mayor

Ludhiana, January 22
The Ludhiana Municipal Corporation has been penalised by the State Information Commission for providing incomplete information under the Right to Information Act. The commission has has imposed a fine of Rs 3,000 on the civic body.

A city resident, Vinay Gupta, had sought a point-wise information (31 points) pertaining to the building plan and the parking plan of Shri Raghunath Hospital in the Aggar Nagar area of the city on May 15, 2011.

In the earlier hearing on November 22 last year, Municipal Town Planner Raj Kumar was directed to provide the applicant information on some points. Naveen Malhotra, superintendent of the tehbaazari wing, was also directed to provide the information on illegal parking of vehicles on the roads.

“On January 15, objections and observations to the information provided were filed. There was sharp difference of opinion on the information sought and provided between the appellant and the respondents. The appellant was directed to file his observations before the respondents within a week,” read the commission’s order.

Municipal town planner Raj Kumar was directed to file an affidavit that the information provided in the case was correct and was as per the records. “He will file another affidavit containing point-wise information sought by the appellant in accordance with his application dated May 15, 2012. Raj Kumar will also provide an advance copy of such affidavits to the applicant,” read the order.

Vinay Gupta said it was already eight months and the complete information was not provided.

“In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 19(8)(b) of the RTI Act, 2005, the Commission hereby awards a compensation to the tune of Rs 3,000 to the appellant which is payable by the Public Authority through the Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana, to the appellant within a month. A copy whereof be presented before the commission on the next date of hearing for records,” read the order as the case was adjourned to March 5.

Ludhiana, January 22
The cash-strapped Ludhiana Municipal Corporation today managed to auction 14 out of the 16 SCOs in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar at an average price of Rs 1.85 lakh per sq yard.

The highest bid went as high as Rs 2.09 lakh per sq yard against the reserve price of Rs 1.5 lakh per sq yard. This bid was for a corner plot. The lowest bid at today’s auction was Rs 1.80 lakh per sq yard.

Each SCO is 5.48 X 15.24 metres (18 ft X 50 ft) and will have a covered area of 83.61 sq metres (100 sq yards). The reserve price of the 16 SCOs of 100 sq yard each (number 31-45) was Rs 1.5 lakh per sq yard, which means Rs 1.5 crore per SCO.

On November 26, the civic body managed to auction 21 out of 30 SCOs for around Rs 35 crore. The highest bid went as high as Rs 1.78 lakh per sq yard for a corner plot and the lowest bid was Rs 1.53 lakh.

When the auction of remaining nine SCOs was held on December 26, the highest bid was Rs 2.10 lakh per sq yard for a corner SCO and the average price was Rs 1.80 lakh per sq yard.

MC Additional Commissioner Isha Kalia said the auction of two SCOs was cancelled as they felt that the bidders were not quoting the genuine price. “We will club these two SCOs with the next lot to be auctioned soon,” said Isha Kalia.

SCO Re-auctioned
When the MC auctioned nine SCOs on December 26, a leading mobile shop owner had made a bid of Rs 1.96 lakh per sq yard for a 100 sq yard SCO. But the average price on which the nine SCOs were auctioned was about Rs 1.80 lakh per sq yard. That’s why, the successful bidder failed to deposit 10 per cent of the total amount by December 27 and the second and the third successful bidders, too, refused to purchase the property. So, the auction of SCO number 22 was cancelled and the eligibility fee of Rs 1.5 lakh was forfeited. This SCO was auctioned for Rs 1.85 lakh per sq yard on Tuesday.

Ludhiana, January 22
Goods worth lakhs were destroyed in a fire that broke out at Indra Hosiery in Sunder Nagar this evening.

Owners of the factory had left for home when the incident took place.

The fire brigade officials said they received a call at 9.10 pm, following which eight fire tenders were rushed to the spot to douse the flames.

The fire broke out at the first floor and within minutes, it engulfed the second and third floors too.

A short circuit is stated to be the reason behind the fire, said fire officials.

Ludhiana, January 22
The six-year-old girl whose decomposed body was found from a vacant plot at Ekta Colony on Rahon road was raped before being murdered, revealed the post-mortem report.

The post-mortem was conducted at the civil hospital today. The body was handed over to the family. Dr Anantjit Kaur confirmed that the girl was raped. The police has added Section of 376 of the IPC (rape) along with Section 302 (murder) in the FIR.

The girl, a resident of Bal Singh Nagar, went missing on January 12 while she was playing with other girls of the locality. A missing report was registered at the Salem Tabri police station.

The girl came from Bihar three months ago. The victim was the eldest among the three siblings.

The team of doctors has also stated that the girl was gagged to death on January 12 or 13.

Ludhiana, January 22
Perturbed over the absence of the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation during the hearing of a case related to the Right to Information Act, the State Information Commission has now summoned the PIO, who is also the MC Commissioner, to personally be present before the SIC on February 20.

As per information, Darshan Singh, resident of Mushtaq Ganj near Kidwai Nagar, here, had sought some information under the RTI Act from the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation.

The hearing of the case was held through video conferencing on January 16 in which neither the complainant Darshan Singh nor the respondent Rakesh Kumar Verma, PIO, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana, were not present.No intimation regarding their absence was received. At the last date of hearing, the PIO was summoned to be present before the commission at Chandigarh on January 16 at 11 am to explain the delay in filing the written submission and also his absence from four hearings.

“As a last opportunity, the PIO is hereby summoned to be present before the commission at Chandigarh on February 20 at 11 am to file his written submission regarding his response to the complaint of Darshan Singh and also to explain reasons for his absence from hearings in the commission,” read the SIC order.

The State Information Commission also ordered that “Darshan Singh, the complainant, may present himself for the hearing on February 20 at 11 am for the video conferencing in the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Ludhiana,” read the order of State Information Commissioner Narinderjit Singh.

Ludhiana, January 22
Marathon runner Fauja Singh outshone the children running with him at the sports ground of Nankana Sahib Public School here today. After taking six rounds the children were tired, but he looked fresh and agile even at the age of 101 years.

“I have been running marathons in various parts of the world, due to the grace of God,” he said. He said walking and running for four hours keeps him going. Waking up early was one of the reasons for his good health.

He took up running at the age of 89, after moving to the UK. He started running to survive and to pass time, he said. He said he did not take any medicines and felt prevention was better than cure.

Talking about his diet, he said that He took a “pinni” made of “alsi” seeds (linseeds) and tea after waking up. He ate two chapattis, one in the afternoon and one in the evening with “masoor daal”. He also ate curd, he said.

“It is my determination that helps me run miles together," he said.

When one turns old, one must avoid food that causes constipation. He said that he avoided eating rice, cauliflower, gourds etc. He said that one must keep oneself free from mental stress.

He further said that he loved being with children and asked them to take up games like football or hockey. Giving tips about running, he said that warming up and stretching was important.

Ludhiana, January 22
Four more patients have tested positive for swine flu today. Two patients are under treatment at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital. One patient belongs to Phillaur while the other belongs to Pakhowal Block of Ludhiana district.

The two swine flu cases are being treated at SPS Apollo Hospital. The patients belong to Moga and Sahnewal.

Symptoms Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath Pain or pressure in chest or abdomen Sudden dizziness Severe or persistent vomiting Blood in sputum Precautions Wash hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand cleanser. Cure Tamiflu medicine cures swine flu. The medicine is available at all three government hospitals, including the PGIMER, GMSH-16 and GMCH-32, free of cost. Private clinics and hospitals can procure the medicine from the UT health department.

Ludhiana, January 22
With shattered dreams and lost hopes, the father of a 6-year-old girl who was found murdered yesterday in an empty plot of Ekta Colony, was waiting for the postmortem of his daughter at Lord Mahavir Civil Hospital, Ludhiana.

When asked as to when he had his last meal with the family?

He fumbled for words and with choked throat said, "Patan nahin ji, bitiya nahin rahai hamari (Don’t know, my daughter is dead).'' Finally, he uttered," Dus din pahle khana khaya tha (ten days a go I had my meals)."

A member of the Ann Jal Sewa Trust, a non-government organisation, called him for breakfast, but he didn't even respond.

One can well imagine the plight of the family who approached the Ann Jal Sewa Trust for getting some ration to cook food at home.

The father of the victim said," Empty LPG cylinder is lying at home and there is no ration. No one asked us if we need anything in the hour of crisis."

Listening to their grievance, Shiv Ram Saroy, founder of the NGO, assured them that ration would be provided and the NGO would also help them fight legal issues.The family was inconsolable.

Ludhiana, January 22
“Education is becoming a business and the government must take steps to check the practice," said Manbir Kaur, whose child studies in MGM Public School, Chandigarh Road.

Infuriated parents complained that the future of their children was at stake and the education department must take action against the school which was "playing with the future of their wards".

Parents complained that they were told about the closure of the school in January when the admission process was over in other schools. When asked why parents were informed so late about the sale of the school, principal of the school Santosh Bakshi said, "Even I was taken aback when I was told that the school had been sold," she said.

However, the management of the school insisted that the school would ensure that the students were accommodated in nearby schools. "It was not possible for us to run the school and we had to sell the school," she said.

Some parents lodged a complaint with the Deputy Commissioner of Police. He assured them that a team would be formed to look into the matter.

Ludhiana, January 22
Enrolment for Aadhar cards started at the head post office today. People kept streaming in throughout the day at the enrolment counter.

The enrolment at the head post office started after 10 months.

Deepak Kumar, a resident, said earlier they were told that the enrolment would be started in April last year, but it had been lingering on for long.

The enrolment is being done at head post office, sub-post office at Miller Ganj, in addition to the post offices at Khanna, Doraha and Jagraon.

Senior postmaster Swaraj Kaur said the response on the first day was good.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, January 22
One person was killed while three others suffered serious injuries when a Scorpio SUV they were travelling in collided with a truck parked alongside the Dehlon-Pakhowal road at Kila Raipur last night.

The deceased was identified as Daljit Singh of Dehlon while the injured, Jaswinder Kaur (his mother), Gurpreet Kaur (wife) and Harkamal (three-year-old son) were rushed to hospital.

The deceased, along with his family, was retuning home after attending a wedding at Jodhan village when he lost control near the level-crossing at Kila Raipur. The impact of the collision was such that Daljit Singh was crushed to death on the spot.

Ludhiana, January 22
High drama was witnessed at the gate number 3 of Punjab Agricultural University when a girl riding a two-wheeler entered the premises.

The security guard, Kuldeep Singh, tried to stop the girl who had covered her face, but she managed to flee.

The area was cordoned off as Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia was on the campus.

The final match of the hockey tournament was being held at the university.

The girl was given a hot chase. She was accompanied by a boy and refused to show the documents and hand over the keys to the security guard.

When the guard returned to the gate to complete the formalities, the girl's relative arrived at the gate and entered into a hea

He said Kuldeep had snatched the keys from the girl. It was learnt that the girl wanted to celebrate her birthday with her friends who studied at the PAU.

The guard alleged that the youth, who was the son of an advocate, threatened him.

The matter was resolved following the intervention of the senior security officer.

The security has been tightened at the PAU as recently a youth had tried to abduct a student.

Ludhiana, January 22
High drama was witnessed at the Sadar police station when a 35-year-old woman from Sunet village levelled rape allegation against a 55-year-old man, who is a panchayat member.

While the woman said the man duped her and kept raping her for several months, the man, a resident of Dhandra village, claimed that it was a consensual sex.

The man has been kept under preventive detention. She stated that both of them met at a dera.

The woman is the mother of two children and her husband is in Gujarat.

The panchayat member's relative said the woman was demanding Rs 25 lakh to settle the issue as she knew that the man had made millions in real estate business.

Sadar SHO Amandeep Singh Brar said the police had received the complaint and started a probe.

Jagraon, January 22
With the arrest of one person, the police has claimed to have busted a gang of thieves.

The accused has been identified as Pooran Singh, a resident of Parjian Biharipur village near Sidhwan Bet.

Jagraon DSP Surinder Kumar said they had recovered a large number of stolen goods worth lakhs.

The police has recovered eight LCDs, four washing machines, one microwave, four home theatres and some other goods from the accused.

A case has been registered. — OC

Ludhiana, January 22
South Eastern Railway, Kolkata, quelled a stiff challenge from the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Sonepat, before becoming triumphant 1-0 to lift the title in the 16th Mohinder Partap Singh Grewal Memorial Hockey Tournament that concluded at the Olympian Prithipal Singh AstroTurf Stadium of Punjab Agricultural University, here today.

The final started at a brisk pace with players of both the sides making forays into each other's territory. They dished out an excellent stick work, which was appreciated by a handful of spectators present at the stadium.

Both the teams wasted a couple of scoring chances, which came their way and the first half remained goal-less.

The second session too began on a rousing note as the players, moving like well-oiled machines exhibited good hockey. The ball exchanged hands very quickly. Railway players raided rival's territory and the next moment, the ball was in their zone forcing them to defend the citadel.

In the 46th minute, in a counter attack, SE Railways weaved a move which resulted in their forward, Rukmani sneaking into the striking circle where she found the goalee on the wrong foot and she sent a sizzler to put her side into the lead (1-0).

Happy at the success, Kolkata outfit went all out to increase the lead. They forced penalty corners in the 65th and 69th minute, but failed to capitalise upon the chances. However, they managed to hang onto the slender lead till the hooter went off.

Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala, and Central Railway, Mumbai, secured third and fourth positions, respectively.

The winners got richers by Rs 70,000 while SAI, Sonepat, pocketed cash prize of Rs 40,000. RCF, Kapurthala, and Central Railway, Mumbai, received cash prizes of Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000, respectively in addition to the running trophies.

Besides, Neha Goel of SAI, Sonepat, SE Railway, Kolkata, was declared the best player of the tournament and got cash prize of Rs 10,000 while L Kerketta of SE Railway, Kolkata, was adjudged the highest scorer and was given cash prize of Rs 5,000.

Punjab Cabinet Minister Bikramjit Singh Majithia was the chief guest today. He announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for the MPS Grewal Memorial Trust.

WE WILL PROVIDE Best facilities, says Minister
Revenue Minister Bikram singh Majithia said that the state Government was committed to the overall development of sports. Like the game of kabaddi, other games would also be promoted. Best infrastructure would be to players of all disciplines.As many as six AtroTurf stadiums had been erected in the state in addition to 13 multipurpose stadias at a cost of Rs 150 crore. Gymnasiums had been opened in many villages for the benefit of the rural youths. With such facilities, players from the state would certainly perform well at the national and international level competitions and bring fame to the state as well as the nation, the minister said.

Ludhiana, January 22
The four-day 58th Punjab State Schools Athletics Meet being held at Guru Nanak Stadium concluded here today.

Giving fine performance, athletes from the Panj Gariyan Sports Wing emerged champions in the boys’ U-14 section, while Sangrur district bagged the honour in the girl's section.

Gurdaspur and Ludhiana district athletes secured second and third positions, respectively in the boys U-14 category.

Similarly, in the girls’ U-14 section, Gursaspur district finished as first runners up while Amritsar district had to be content with the third place.In the boys’ U-17 group, Ludhiana district proved its supremacy to clinch the overall trophy, followed by Gurdaspur district and Sports School, Jalandha,r respectively.

Bathinda district (girls’ U-17) proved too good for its immediate opponents while Ludhiana district athletes secured second position and Jalandhar district finished third.

In the boys’ U-19 section, Ludhiana district, Jalandhar district and Mohali district secured first three positions while in the girls’ section, Sangrur district was champions, followed by HMV, Jalandhar. Ludhiana and Hoshiarpur districts shared third position.