The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Missing doc found murdered
Decomposed body found wrapped in a sleeping bag from bushes at Bantalab
Arteev Sharma
Tribune News Service

Jammu, September 12
The decomposed body of Dr Anil Arora, who went missing on September 8, was found wrapped in a sleeping bag from the bushes at Bantalab on Tuesday. The family identified the body at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) late last night. The deceased was posted at the Primary Health Centre, Kot Bhalwal.

The family has alleged that Dr Arora, 49, was kidnapped and murdered but they didn’t receive any extortion call. The family also accused the police of laxity in searching for him for three days.

Preliminary investigations suggest the doctor was strangulated to death as his throat bore strangulation marks. A three-member board of doctors comprising Dr Sanjay Sharma, Dr Sindhu Sharma and Dr Pankaj Kumar conducted the post-mortem at the Government Medical College and Hospital, Jammu, before handing over the body to the family.

The father of the deceased Krishan Lal Arora said his son had left home in his white car at 7 pm on September 8 but did not return till late night.

“He left the house around 7 pm on Sunday. He used to return home by 10 pm and when he didn't come back till 10.30 pm, I made a phone call but he didn't respond. I again called him at 11.30 pm and his phone was out of reach. We got worried and looked for him at various places, including hospitals till 3 am on September 9 but in vain,” he said.

“We got information from a person working on a shop which they had rented out to someone that the police had kept a body in mortuary for identification. My youngest son rushed to the hospital and identified the body of his brother from his clothes," Arora said.

He alleged that his son was kidnapped and murdered for “unknown reasons”. “Anil didn’t have any enmity with anyone but he had a dispute with a Sarpanch in Kot Bhalwal area last year when he (Anil) refused to go along with him (Sarpanch) at his residence for the health check-up of a patient. He had a verbal spat with the Sarpanch who had threatened him to kill after Anil lodged an FIR with the police. Later, they had reached a compromise,” he said.

“We can't say anything at this point of time as to who killed our son," said a hapless father. He said the car of the doctor was also missing and his mobile phone had not been recovered so far. The police said it was a well-planned murder.

"We have registered a case under Section 302 of the RPC and the investigation is on. The exact cause of death would be known after we receive autopsy report," the police said.

Fact file

The decomposed body of Dr Anil Arora, who went missing on September 8, was found wrapped in a sleeping bag from the bushes at Bantalab on Tuesday

The family identified the body at the Government Medical College and Hospital on Wednesday night

He was posted at Primary Health Centre, Kot Bhalwal

The family has alleged that Dr Arora, 49, was kidnapped and murdered but they didn’t receive any extortion call

Preliminary investigations suggest he was strangulated as strangulation marks were found on the troat

He left home in his white car at 7 pm on September 8 but did not return

Man, J&k Bank employees booked for online fraud
Tribune News Service

Jammu, September 12
The crime branch of Jammu and Kashmir Police has booked a cheater and employees of the Jammu and Kashmir Bank for withdrawing Rs 40,000 from the account of Santosh Kaul of Trikuta Nagar by fraudulent means.

Giving details, the Senior Superintendent of Police, the crime branch, Jammu, said they had registered a case FIR No. 30/2013 under Sections 420, 409,120-B RPC against Irfan Bashir, holder of A/c No 03490401033246 in the J&K Bank Branch Government Medical College, Srinagar, and officials of the J&K Bank, Branch Bakshi Nagar, Jammu & Govt Medical College, Srinagar, for cheating and withdrawing the amount by way of fraudulent means.

The SSP said a written complaint was lodged by Santosh Kaul, wife of Dr SK Khar, a resident of Flat No C-2 Dreamland Apartments, Sector 1-A, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu with the Crime Branch, Jammu, alleging that on July 30, 2013, she received an SMS alert on her phone that an amount of Rs 40,000 had been withdrawn from her account in the J&K Bank Branch Bakshi Nagar, Jammu.

On making inquiries from the bank, she came to know that the said amount had been transferred through online banking into the account of Irfan Bashir, who had further withdrawn the said amount through his ATM card and confirmed the withdrawal to the manager through his mobile.

From the aforementioned facts, it spells out that the said Irfan Bashir with malafide intentions and in connivance with the officials of the J&K Bank had withdrawn the said amount by resorting to fraudulent means in order to cause wrongful loss to the complainant and wrongful gains to themselves.

The SSP informed that the omissions and commissions on the part of Irfan Bashir prima facie, constitute offences punishable under Sections 420, 409 and 120-B RPC. On this, a formal case has been registered under the relevant sections of law against the above mentioned accused persons and investigation of the case was in progress.

how the victim was fleeced

Santosh Kaul, wife of Dr SK Khar, a resident of Flat No C-2 Dreamland Apartments, Sector 1-A, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu with the Crime Branch, Jammu, alleging that on July 30, 2013, she received an SMS alert on her phone that an amount of Rs 40,000 had been withdrawn from her account in the J&K Bank Branch Bakshi Nagar, Jammu

Gujjar-Bakerwal students’ stir graduates from gate lock to road block
Amit Khajuria
Tribune News Service

Jammu, September 12
Hunger strike by the Gujjar Bakerwal students demanding opening of a Gojri research centre graduated from gate lock to road block after a minor scuffle with another students' group at the Jammu University campus today.

The students locked all gates of the varsity this morning till late afternoon. When the gates were not opened till 3 pm, another group of students reached the main gate and allegedly tried to open it, which led to a scuffle between the two student groups.

After the scuffle, the students of Gujjar Bakerwal community blocked the road outside the campus for an hour. Leader of Gujjar Bakerwal students Talib Hussain and others lay down on the road which led to a long traffic jam.

Students demanded the arrest of the student who had allegedly assaulted and misbehaved with the Gujjar students.

"We demand immediate arrest of the student who beat us under a conspiracy of the university administration," said Talib Hussain.

On the assurance of SP, South, Rajeshwar Singh, and member of the state advisory board for tribals, Shah Mohammad Chowdhary, the students lifted the road block and agreed to meet the Vice Chancellor MPS Ishar, who pacified them after receiving a written complaint against Nikhil Sharma, Kapil Shastri and an unidentified student.

Outage pulls plug on health services at Poonch hospital
Darshan Bharti

Poonch, September 12
Ghulam Ahmed Ganei Memorial, Sub district Hospital, Mandi, has been without power supply for past three days. The hospital authorities have been forced to shift patients to the District Hospital, Poonch.

Due to the non-availability of even emergency power supply at the hospital, no medical aid could be provided to the patients. For lack of power supply, no tests could be done at the hospital either.

The hospital staff said the outage had slowed down the working of the health institution.

They said the hospital also has a solar plant but it has been lying non-functional. "We have been experiencing this for past 11 months when a snowstorm had hit the power supply in the district, but the hospital authorities had only repaired the power line temporarily. There is no schedule for power cuts. We hardly get two to five hour power supply at the hospital," said, Ajaz Ahmed, a patient.

"It is very unfortunately that we have been already facing acute shortage of doctors and other medical staff and the outage of power supply for over three days has added to our woes. The government should concentrate on permanent power supply to the hospitals," Ajaz said.

An attendant at the hospital, Mohd Shiraz, said, "The hospital authorities acted swiftly when its sign board fell in a storm and put it back on in no time. But the basis facilities at the hospital are being ignored."

The hospital authorities have shifted many patients to the District Hospital, Poonch, for treatment.

Patients allege that the hospital has a power generator but the authorities do not use it. He strongly criticised the Health Department for showing least interest in the hospital affairs.

The power outage has also affected the record keeping process in the hospital; a staff member said. "We are forced to use torchlight or candles," he said.

Block Medical Officer, Dr Shamim Bhatti, said, "We have been facing power crises Since 18 December, 2012, as the snow storm had badly hit the power supply in the district. Since then we have been repeatedly writing to the Power Development department to replace all old power lines, but the complaints have gone unheard."

"Although we have been trying to restore power supply within our hospital sources, and hopefully it will be restored shortly," Bhatti said. “As we do not have enough funds to run the power generator round-the-clock, we use it in emergencies," he said.

Conserve rainwater, says Agri Policy
Vikas Sharma
Tribune News Service

Jammu, September 12
Maintaining that a well-defined comprehensive water policy is imperative for the state, the Agriculture Policy has said that even though the state has large water resources, there are not spread on time and space, resulting in occurrence of droughts and floods.

The policy suggested that in order to avoid recurrence of such events, it is necessary for the state to properly conserve the water during high floods and utilise them during droughts.

“Considering these facts, the highest priority has to be accorded to the development of water resources of the state. There is also a need to create awareness among all farmers, urbanites and public, at large, for effecting economy in using the precious water resources. Ground water potential shall be periodically reassessed and its exploration regulated with reference to recharge possibilities and considerations of social equity. Water rates shall be such as to foster motivation for economy, besides covering maintenance and operation charges. Farmers shall be progressively involved in the management of this scarce resource,” the policy said.

The Agriculture Policy further stated that during the flood control and management, the strategy should be to reduce the intensity of floods by sound water shed management, adequate flood cushioning in water storage projects, wherever feasible, and by an extensive flood forecasting network. It added that land erosion by river and nullahs should be minimised by suitable cost effective measures, besides restricting and regulating discriminate occupation and economic activity in flood plains.

“Needs of drought-prone areas shall be on priority in planning of projects for the development of water resources. These areas can be made less vulnerable through soil moisture conservation measures, water harvesting practices, development of ground water potential and transfer of water, wherever feasible,” the policy maintained.

Besides, the Agriculture Policy has proposed an establishment of standardised information system with a network of data banks and data bases wherein various agencies would be involved for improving the processing capabilities. Further, standards for coding, classification, processing of data and methods of procedures for its collection should be adopted.

“The system should also include comprehensive and reliable projections of future demands of water for diverse purposes. The planning of the projects in hilly areas shall take into account the need to provide assured drinking water, possibilities of hydropower development and the proper approach to irrigation in such areas,” the policy claimed.

25 local leaders from NC, Cong join BJP
Our Correspondent

Batote, September 12
J&K BJP Prabhari (president) Avinash Rai Khanna felicitated 25 new local entrants into the BJP who claimed to have switched over from the National Conference and Indian National Congress here yesterday afternoon.

The new incumbents included some panches and local residents. Rai, who was on his way to Kishtwar and Doda districts during the second day of his five-day tour to J&K, had halted here for a while.

He was accompanied by BJP state president and Nagrota MLA Jugal Kishore, Yuva Morcha National Working Committee president Ashok Chauhan and J&K in charge, member, BJP, national executive committee and former BJP state president Dr (Prof) Nirmal Singh, BJP, Yuva Morcha, District President, Rakesh Singh, Ravinder Raina, State Yuva Morcha president, Ramban district BJP president, Ramesh Kumar Sharma, state secretaries Munish Sharma and Pawan Khajuria.

“We will have to start working hard from today itself to realize this dream of the BJP and strengthen the patriotic and nationalist forces to come upto the expectations of all those who want peace and development, ” Rai said.

The development in J&K is not proportional to the inflow of money from Delhi and instead of the development of the state, its ruling party leaders have been developed,” he alleged.

Others present on the occasion included district general secretaries Shashi Goswami and Suraj Singh, Mandal president Mangal Singh, sarpanch Yuvraj Singh, district secretary Vikrant Sharma, District Youth General secretary Mohammed Tariq Lone, Yuva Morcha vice-president Mohammed Irfan Khan, Sajid Bhatti and Anees Rohaid, president, general secretary and vice-president, Muslim Morcha, respectively, and mandal pradhan Rajeshwar Kumar Bhagat.

GDC Kathua, GCET set for summit clash in badminton tourney
Tribune News Service

Jammu, September 12
Government Degree College (GDC), Kathua, got the better of Government MAM College while the Government College of Engineering and Technology (GCET) had the last laugh against the PG Department of University of Jammu to secure a berth in the finals of the ongoing inter-collegiate (men) badminton tournament.

In the first semifinal, GDC Kathua beat MAM College by 3-0. In the first singles, Ankit toppled Raghav by 21-11 and 21-09 while Avishek beat Arjun Singh by 21-13, 21-19 in the second singles match.

In doubles, the duo of Ankit/Dinesh trounced Deepak/Arjun by 21-7, 21-7.

In the second semifinal, GCET prevailed over PG Department by 3-0. Ankit drubbed Amit Jasrotia by 21-18, 16-21 and 21-12 in the first singles while Rohail Singh defeated Taranpal Singh by 21-19, 21-18. In doubles, Anit/ Rohail beat Amit/Taranpal by 21-16, 21-11.

In the women's section, Government College for Women (GCWS), Gandhi Nagar, had the last laugh against GDC Paloura in the first semifinal while GGM Science College got the better of PG Department by 2-0.

Earlier, in men’s quarterfinals, GDC Kathua got the better of Law School by 3-1. In the first singles, Avishek lost to Chander Dev Manhas by 12-21, 21-11, 21-17 while Ankit trounced Himanshu by 21-8, 21-0. In another singles, Dinesh overcame the challenge of Anuragh by 21-7, 21-11 while in doubles, the duo of Ankit/Dinesh overwhelmed better Chander Dev/Aditya by 21-12, 7-21, 21-7.

In the second quarterfinal, MAM College drubbed GDC Udhampur (Boys) by 3-0. In the singles event, Arjun trounced Vinayak by 19-21, 21-11, 21-18 and Deepak prevailed over Rajat by 13-21, 21-16, 21-18. In the doubles event, Arjun/Deepak duo outplayed Ashwani/Rahul by 21-18, 21-18.

In the third quarterfinal, GCET got walkover against MIET to advance into the semifinals while in the fourth quarterfinal, PG Department outclassed GDC Hiranagar by 3-0. In the singles event, Taranpal Singh beat Sahil Mathur by 21-11, 21-15 and Amit Jasrotia defeated Abhishek Sharma by 12-21, 21-15, 21-13. In the doubles event, Taranpal/Amit beat Abhishek/Gourav by 16-21, 21-18, 21-18.

Sulakhni claims women’s title in badminton tournament
Tribune News Service

Jammu, September 12
Sulakhni proved too good for formidable Akanksha in the summit showdown to clinch the women’s title in the 28th Jammu District Badminton Championship, being organised by the Jammu city and the District Badminton Association which concluded at Indoor Sports Complex, MA Stadium today.

Sulakhni started off in a brilliant fashion by winning the first set with an utmost ease by 21-12 and then pocketed the second set by 21-14 to emerge victorious.

In U-13 boys singles final, Aesh Goswami got the better of Aryan Nagpal by 21-7, 22-20 in a tough contest to win the title.

In the men’s quarterfinals, Vikram Saini prevailed over Rahul Sharma by 21-19, 21-18 to secure a berth in the semifinals. In another quarterfinal match, Aman Badyal eased past Shantul Raina by 21-9, 17-21 and 21-16.

Meanwhile, in the U-15 boys semifinals, Raghav Dogra toppled Akhil by 21-12, 21-13 to storm into the finals. In the quarterfinals played earlier, Raghav defeated Aryan by 21-8, 21-7.

In U-19 boys doubles, the duo of Ashya and Akhil lost to Divam and Divyam in the semifinals by 12-21, 5-21 while in U-17 girls doubles final, the pair of Soubhagani and Mitakshara prevailed over Peehushi and Naman by 21-19, 21-9) to claim the title.

Deepak bags gold medal in triple jump
Tribune News Service

Jammu, September 12
Deepak Singh of Army Public School (APS), Domana, clinched the gold medal in the U-19 boys triple jump in the inter-school athletic competitions of Jammu district at University of Jammu.

Rakesh Singh of MHAC School, Nagbani, and Sanjeev Kumar of Higher Secondary School (HSS), Pallanwala, clinched silver and bronze medals, respectively.

Meanwhile, in the U-17 boys triple jump, Kajal of MHAC School, Nagbani, claimed the gold medal while Vivasvan of DBN and Rakesh of Oriental Acadmy managed to bag silver and bronze medals, respectively.

In the U-17 boys 200 m race, Vivasvan clinched the gold medal while Kajal Singh and Sunil Kumar fetched silver and bronze medals, respectively.

In the U-19 boys 200 m race, Rakesh Singh of MHAC School, Nagbani, bagged top honours by clinching gold medal whereas Avinash of SD Memorial School, Kot Bhalwal and Satinder of Banyan International School claimed silver and bronze medals, respectively.

In the U-14 boys 200 m race, Sagar of APS Domana claimed gold medal, Sahil Kumar of Government Middle School, Sohagani, and Sajjad of Government High School, Sagoon bagged silver and bronze medals, respectively.

In 4×400 m relay race (U-19 boys), BSF School, Paloura, Sri Ranbir Higher Secondary School and silver and MHAC School, Nagbani claimed gold, silver and bronze medals, respectively.

In U-14 boys, the gold medal went to Khuda Baksh Public School while MHAC School, Nagbani, and Banyan International School had to be contended with silver and bronze medals, respectively.

Sangram leads points tally in air pistol event
Tribune News Service

Jammu, September 12
Sangram Singh of Delhi Public School (DPS), Jammu, was leading in the youth category in 10m air pistol on the second day of the ongoing 5th J&K State Shooting Championship being played at the shooting range of Delhi Public School.

In the junior boys section, Munish Kumar of Jammu district secured 353 points out of 400 in air pistol while Nandita Joon of Udhampur was leading in air rifle by securing highest 370 points out of 400.

Meanwhile, all seeded shooters of the state, including Tejaswi Singh, Kalhan Bhat, Deepika Singh, Digvijay Singh, Ikjot Singh, Sandeep Singh, Abhay Gupta, Namandeep Singh, Jyothsana, Shreya of Army Public School, Kaluchak, will open their campaign tomorrow.

The matches are being officiated by Rajesh Virdhy, Vijay Kumar, Kulbir Singh, Janak Raj and Subash Chander. The matches were witnessed by Superintendent of Police RK Bhat, Suminder Singh, S Sonar, principal DPS Jammu, JKRA general secretary Sudhir Kumar, treasurer Sharat Chander Singh and Dr Prem Singh.

The tournament is being organised by the Jammu District Rifle Association and Delhi Public School under the aegis of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifle Association and the J&K State Sports Council. Around 200 shooters drawn from the 22 District Rifle Associations and clubs affiliated with the Jammu and Kashmir Rifle Association are participating in the air rifle and air pistol events.

Wrestling championship ends

Jammu, September 12
The district Jammu Wrestling Championship organised by District Jammu Wrestling Association concluded at Judo Hall, M A Stadium here today. The championship was held under the supervision Satish Abrol, president, Jammu District Wrestling Association, in which 60 wrestlers from the district took part.

Dushyant Sharma, president, J&K Wrestling Association and former president Wrestling Federation of India was the chief guest at the closing ceremony.

Sharma presented medals and certificates to the winners and participants. — TNS

GPS-fitted ambulances soon: Shabir
Tribune News Service

Jammu, September 12
Minister of State for Health, Shabir Ahmed Khan has said that the Department of Health has decided to equip ambulances with Global Positioning System to check their misuse and improve service. Control rooms will be set up at Jammu and Srinagar for the ambulance service that can be availed on dialling 102, Khan said.

“It will help trace vehicles and ensure that drivers do not misuse them,” he said. The state government has decided to organise crash courses in gynaecology, anaesthesia, radiology and other streams to enable the doctors posted in the remote areas to treat patients, he added.