Flesh trade racket busted
Was being run from a beauty parlour
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, December 28
The city police busted a sex racket being run from a beauty parlour today. It is the second case this year.

As per Kankhal police station official MS Negi, the police stopped a car at Sapt Rishi barrier, which was carrying three girls. On questioning, the girls and the driver were unable to give any satisfactory reply and were brought to the police station.

Later, one of the women, who is a resident of Patna, Bihar, revealed that she was brought to Haridwar on the pretext of providing a job by Robert, who owns a beauty parlour at Hari Lok Colony.

She said she had come in contact with Robert through an Internet advertisement regarding the availability of job at a beauty parlour in Haridwar.

She said she was pushed into flesh trade by Robert, who used to send girls to the areas near Dehradun.

The other two girls, who are residents of Delhi, also said they were involved in the sex racket.

Later, a police team raided the beauty parlour. Since then, Robert and his wife Ashu are on the run.

Negi said police teams had been send to various places to nab the couple. “The involvement of other beauty parlours is also being investigated as a similar racket was exposed in the city earlier,” added Negi.

‘New Lokayukta Bill will save the corrupt’
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, December 28
Ajay Bhatt, leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, said the state government was bringing in the new Lokayukta Bill to protect corrupt officials.

Talking to mediapersons at Ranikhet, Bhatt said the old Bill, which was enacted by the former BJP Government and became a law on September 3 after the presidential nod, was able to curb corruption at every level but now, with the new Bill, the state government had shown its lackadaisical approach when it comes to fighting corruption.

“The government has no right to negate the old Lokayukta Bill as the consent to it was given by the President,” said Bhatt.

“We have decided to expose the government on this matter during a discussion in the special session of the Assembly called by the state government on January 13,” said Bhatt.

He gave credit for the passage of the Lokpal Bill to Anna Hazare, adding that the Bill would not be able to curb corruption in the country.

winterline carnival
‘Mussoorie is safe’
Heady mix of adventure, entertainment mark Day 2
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, December 28
A plethora of adventure and entertainment activities marked the second day of Winterline Carnival being held under the aegis of Municipal council and ministry of Cultural affairs in Mussoorie today. The festivities began with the heritage walk in which the tourists from around the country visited landmarks of historical significance early in the morning. The tourists were given a guided tour of places such as Christchurch, Char dukan, Landour Bazaar, George Everest house etc in order to promote the heritage circuit being introduced from this year.

A mountain biking rally was also organised in which around 15 Harley Davidson Motorcycles roared through the Mall road and passed along Batagad, Bhatta Fall and culminated at Brentwood hotel.

A run for Mussoorie marathon race was held from Garhwal terrace that was flagged off by the local MLA Ganesh Joshi in which tourists from Chandigarh, Delhi etc and children from around the country participated with enthusiasm. Later, a cycling race was held in which more than 50 participants competed for the top slot, riding from Picture palace and passing along Camel's Back road on their way to Garhwal terrace.

The Jawans from Indo-Tibetan Border Police demonstrated Rock Climbing skills near Kasmanda Hotel in which they showcased several search and rescue techniques used during any disaster.

An exhibition titled “Pictorial History of Mussoorie and Golden era (1826-1960)" was held where the tourists were given insights into 
the life, personalities and buildings and the development that has led to present-day Mussoorie by local historian Gopal Bhardwaj on the State Bank of India premises here.

He informed the media that around 50 pictures and two maps dating to 1814 have been kept in the exhibition so that tourists can gain knowledge about the town which had rich heritage.

Later at Vikas Hotel, the venue of night programs, a fashion show by the Ministry of Textiles was organised in which models from various parts of the country showcased handloom products made by self-help groups under a project run by the Ministry.

The highlight of the show was a Kathak performance by Arushi Pokhriyal, daughter of former CM Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank and Tabla recitation by the maestro Bickram Gosh.

70 participate in bike rally

Bikers take part in a rally in Dehradun on Saturday. A Tribune photograph

Dehradun: Much to the delight of the youngsters, a Harley Davidson Bike rally was organised today as part of the Winterline Carnival, in which 70 bikers participated.

The bikers were from Punjab, Haryana and Delhi. District Magistrate BVRC Purshottam flagged off the rally.

The bikers will go to Dhanaulti before culminating their rally in Mussoorie.

Mussoorie's beauty on par with Switzerland: Vivek Oberoi
The actor praises resilience of people in the disaster-hit state
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, December 28
Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi, who is on a vacation in Mussoorie along with his family, said he was enchanted by the pristine beauty of Mussoorie.

Visiting the ongoing Winterline Carnival and aiming to boost tourism post the mid-June disaster in the state, Oberoi said it was safe to travel in Uttarakhand.

He commended the efforts of the administration for organising events such as the carnival, for the entertainment of tourists, in order to restore their confidence and assure them that Mussoorie was still a major tourist destination.

Speaking to mediapersons in Mussoorie, he said he was thoroughly enjoying the vacation with his family. He added, “If I can come to visit Mussoorie with my 10-month-old baby, other tourists too can make similar efforts to visit Uttarakhand to improve the economy of the disaster-hit state, which is largely dependent on tourism."

Praising the resilient attitude of the state residents, he said they would bounce back despite the damage incurred during the natural disaster.

Oberoi went on to say the natural beauty of Uttarakhand was on a par with Switzerland and the state should adopt the slogan ‘Leave Switzerland, come to Mussoorie’.

Anti-mining squad for Haridwar

Haridwar, December 28
After formation of Vigilance Mining Force to keep a tab on illicit quarrying in the state, an inter-district Anti-Mining Striking Squad has been formed in Haridwar. This is the first such squad in the state.

It will check illegal quarrying, compile info about offenders and conduct raids across the district. Headed by circle officer Rajesh Bhatt, the squad will consist of personnel from the elite quick response team (QRT). SSP Rajeev Swarup said the squad would prove effective in controlling illegal quarrying in Haridwar, Roorkee,Lakshar, Khanpur, Bishnapur and Bhogpur.

He said the squad would work as a striking force against the quarrying mafia. Just after its formation, the squad raided the Buggawala area of Haridwar. Led by circle officer Jodh Ram Joshi the, team seized 14 loaded trucks, a tractor, three dumpers and two JCB machines from the spot. As per CO Jodh Ram Joshi the squad had received information that illegal quarrying was going on at Buggawala for the past few days. However, all those involved in the illegal mining manged to escape. The Dagadiya Jankalyan Samiti, a social organisation that has been carrying a movement against illegal quarrying near the Rawasan in Lal Dhang for the past one year, has welcomed the formation of the squad. Dagadiya Jankalyan Samiti secretary RS Manral said with the help of the squad, illegal quarrying would be checked effectively as police lacked resources to rein in the illegal practice. — TNS

The squad

• The squad is the first such squad in the state
• It will consist of personnel from the elite quick response team (QRT)
• It will check illegal quarrying, compile info about offenders and conduct raids across Haridwar

Properties of Rudrapur MLA attached
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 28
The police attached the properties of Rudrapur BJP MLA Rajkumar Thukral. He is accused of inciting communal violence in Rudrapur in 2011. The non-bailable arrest warrant was issued against Thukral two months ago and since then he has been absconding.

On Saturday morning, a police team reached Thukral’s house at Adarsh Colony in Rudrapur amid tight security. Today’s move came after the Chief Judicial Magistrate declared him a proclaimed offender and issued the orders of attaching his properties. Two platoons of the PAC were deployed around the MLA’s house during the police action.

Notably, the MLA has been dodging the law for more than two months. The riots took place in Rudrapur in October, 2011, resulting in the loss of property and death of four persons.

After the investigation, the CBCID registered a case against Rudrapur MLA Rajkumar Thukral, Nathulal Gupta, Virma Koli, Khalig Beg, Saleem, Pankaj Kalra and Gajendra Mistri for inciting communal violence.

Piran Kaliyar Urs mela to be held under CCTV monitoring
Sandeep Rawat
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, December 28
The Urs mela at the holy shrine of Piran Kaliyar this time will be held under round-the-clock monitoring by Closed Circuit Television Cameras.

This is being done to ensure better management of pilgrims who come in lakhs to pay homage at the revered shrine of Makhdoom-ul-Azam Hazrat Alauddin Ali Ahmed Kaliyari, known as Sabir Kaliyari.

Already, more than 20 CCTV set-ups have been installed in the precincts, while new ones are being put up at sensitive points, congested sub-roads leading to the shrine, at the railway station, temporary camps and other important points.

As Piran Kaliyar Urs draws 'jayarin' (pilgrims) from other countries too, particularly from Pakistan - from where, 179 pilgrims had paid obeisance last year. A special security cover will be provided to jayarin from the neighbouring country.

Last year, some Hindu organisations had objected to the visit of Pakistani jayarin, referring to the stance of the Pakistani government and the continuous border infiltration by Pakistani Army on to the Indian side.

This year, the Pakistani pilgrim contingent will be accompanied round-the-clock by special security personnel squad and will be brought from the Roorkee railway station to the Sabri guest house and after they have paid obeisance, they will be taken back to the railway station.

As per the district police department headquarter officials, over 500 security personnel will be deployed for the 745th Urs mela.

A district administrative officers meeting was held in this connection here today at Roorkee, in which District Magistrate Dr Nidhi Pandey directed the department officials concerned to finish making arrangements by January 2.

The health department and Municipal Corporation officials were directed to ensure proper garbage disposal throughout the fair.

For the Urs fair, 31 hand pumps and stand post will also be installed, while by January 31, water flow will be released by the Irrigation department at old Ganga canal.

As per the District Magistrate, while the mela would be organised from January 3 to 18, all the mela arrangements and facilities will be provided till January 23, owing to a local religious fair on that date.

Mela officer Sub-divisional magistrate KK Mishra said temporary lavatories, streetlights and filling of holes on the roads leading to Piran Kaliyar shrine near mela area will be completed by January 2.

He added that an anti-encroachment drive was carried out at the mela core zone to ensure open space and less congestion during the mela.

SSP Haridwar has appointed Jasveer Singh Pundir, currently attached to the district police headquarters, as Station House Officer of temporary Mela Kaliyar police station.

Waqf board, which was founded in 2004, is also gearing up to provide best of the facilities to the jayarins at the Piran Kaliyar shrine.

BJP protests against police action
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 28
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers held a protest march at Rudrapur, protesting against police action in attaching the properties of Rudrapur BJP MLA Rajkumar Thukral in connection with a 2011 communal riots case.

Devbhoomi Traders’ Association and the BJP closed down city markets following the action.

A group of Thukral’s supporters gathered at his residence and staged a march till Bhagat Singh Chowk raising slogans in support of the MLA. Supporters also burnt tyres across the city to show their anguish and blamed the police for working under pressure.

The BJP leaders also threatened to intensify their stir in the city for ‘wrong’ action against its party MLA from Rudrapur.

MPG College team wins debate
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 28
An inter-college debate was organised at MKP Post Graduation College, in the memory of Sushila Dobhal, founder principal of the college, with the commencement of the college’s student union week, here on Saturday.

Seven teams from various colleges of the state debated on the topic: "science empowers women". RK Mehta, former principal, DAV PG College, was the chief guest while Dr Veena Pani Joshi, Dr Uma Sachi Mehra and Dr SN Sachaar were the judges.

The team from MPG PG College Mussoorie was declared the winner. It was followed by SGRR PG College while DBS PG College stood third. College principal Dr Indu Singh presented the vote of thanks and congratulated the college staff for organising the competition.

Hydel projects did not cause mid-June disaster: NGO
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 28
Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra (RLEK), a Dehradun-based NGO working for nearly four decades in Uttarakhand, has said it is wrong to put the blame on hydropower projects for causing devastation during the mid-June disaster in the state.

In a statement issued on Friday, Padamshri Avadhash Kaushal, RLEK chairperson, alleged foreign-funded NGOs with vested interests were maligning the proposed and ongoing hydropower projects in Uttarakhand as the main reason behind the natural tragedy that struck the energy-strapped state this year.

He pointed out that senior scientists from Central Water Commission, Ganga Flood Control Commission, India Metrological Department and Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology had clearly attributed the mid-June calamity to increased discharges in the snow-fed rivers in the region due to high melting rate of glaciers during the period and unprecedented early, prolonged and heavy to very heavy rainfall in the catchments.

Kaushal pointed out that in the last parliamentary polls, BJP lost all five Lok Sabha seats in Uttarakhand as it opposed hydro projects and said the state Congress government too would meet the same fate.

State to have four more eco-task forces
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 28
The state will have additional four eco-task forces to improve the deteriorating ecological balance. Apart from conserving the forests, the additional force would provide employment to ex-servicemen (ESM) in the state.

The announcement was made during the Gaurav Senani Rally, organised for the ex-servicemen and veer naaris of the state, here today. Modified Activa scooters were provided to physically-challenged ex-servicemen. As many as 100 veer naaris were also honoured. An amount of Rs 20,000 each was given to 300 needy ESMs. Sixty cheques were distributed among the veer naaris and ESMs who were affected during the June disaster.

Addressing the gathering, Chief of Army Staff General Bikram Singh thanked the ESMs for serving the country. The General made a special mention of the heroic role played by the Army as well as ESMs during the natural disaster.

Officials of the state government, Rajya Sainik Board members, pension disbursement authorities, defence placement cell personnel and soldiers set up their stalls. The Army Chief was briefed by Lt Gen Rajan Bakhshi, GOC, Central Command, on various welfare schemes for ESMs. Chief Secretary Subhash Kumar said the state government had given a relief in case of house tax to the ex-servicemen. "Another proposal to exempt VAT on vehicles, stamp duty and a change in the Rent Control Act for ESMs is also under consideration," he added.

sports
Bal Mandir enter inter-school cricket tourney final
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, December 28
Bal Mandir Senior Secondary School at Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) made it to the finals of the Inter-School Cricket Tournament being played at BHEL Sector 1 sports stadium.

Winning the toss, Bal Mandir Senior Secondary School captain Abhimanyu opted for fielding as for the past two days, the playing conditions were bowler friendly owing to windy-foggy conditions in the morning.

On a sunny day, Swami Satyamitranand School amassed 125 runs in the stipulated overs, with Manoj Bhandari making 39 runs, Arjun Kashyap 15 runs and Vishal scoring 22.

In reply, Bal Mandir team openers got out quickly due to fine bowling by the Satyamitranand's opening bowlers.

The middle-order batsman Rishabh made 39 runs and Jay Yadav made 27, accounting for a 58-run partnership that took the team to the target total.

Bal Mandir batsmen won the match facing 19.1 overs.

Bhoopendra Singh Arya and Ravi Kumar were the umpires during the match and the scoring was done by Mukesh Kumar.

Inder Mohan Barthwal, secretary of the Cricket Association of Haridwar, said the second semi-final will be played between Delhi Public School Ranipur and Uddeshwar Public School Jwalapur on Sunday. The final was scheduled for December 30.

Doon Star defeat Cant Blue in football tournament

Dehradun, December 28
Doon Star defeated Cant Blue 2-0 in the Swami Vivekananda Memorial District-Level Football Tournament being organised at the Pavilion ground here today.

Nitin Saini scored the first goal in the 33rd minute while Rajendra Rawat netted the second goal in the 46th minute. In the second match, Garhwal Sporting was given a walkover. — TNS

Nehrugram Footbal Club defeat New Boys 4-0

Dehradun, December 28
In a one-sided match, Nehrugram Football Club defeated New Boys Club 4-0 in the Veer Khadak Bahadur Memorial Football Tournament, being played at Nehrugram Stadium here today. Rakesh scored two goals in the match in the 5th and 25th minute respectively. Paras and Mahesh also contributed a goal each for Nehrugram.

In the second match, Chandrbani Football Club defeated Gypsy Football Club 2-1. Neeraj and Sandeep scored a goal each for Chandrabani while Ashish scored a goal for Gypsy Club. — TNS

State team in national men's volleyball final
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 28
The Uttarakhand volleyball team entered in the finals of the ongoing Senior National Men Voleyball Championship.

They defeated Kerala in the semifinal played at Muradabad in Uttar Pradesh today.

Avadhesh Chaudhary, president of the state volleyball association, congratulated the team for their success and announced a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh if the team wins a gold medal in the tournament.