Ludhiana/ Khanna, June 15
The arrest of SHO Rajpal Singh in a corruption case has put the police department in a spot. Posted at the Sadar police station in Khanna, the official allegedly took a bribe of Rs 35,000 for freeing two drug addicts caught for consuming smack.

This clearly shows that the police are using the drive against drugs as a money spinner.

The Khanna police have slapped various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act on SHO Rajpal, who was today presented before the Duty Magistrate and was sent to judicial remand.

ASI Malkit Singh, the second accused in the case, is still on the run. SHO Rajpal and ASI Malkit Singh were booked yesterday following an inquiry by the senior officials.

Khanna SSP Harsh Kumar Bansal said he had received information that two persons, identified as Sukhchain Singh of Dhilwan village and Hakam Singh of Diwala, were rounded up by the SHO and the ASI on May 21 for allegedly consuming smack.

The duo was freed the next day after Devinder Singh, a resident of Dhilwan and a relative of one of the accused, gave Rs 35,000 to the officials.

The matter was brought to the notice of the SSP, Khanna, who initiated a probe.

Devinder Singh had reportedly stated that the SHO and the ASI had freed both the persons after taking the money through one Harpreet Singh.

Sources said after the case came to the notice of the senior officials, the money was allegedly returned to Devinder Singh on June 10.

The SSP said while the SHO was arrested, the ASI was still on the run. “Police parties have been dispatched to arrest him,” he said. He said the money settlement was done through a mediator named Harpreet Singh, who is also a head constable with the Punjab Police. The SSP said they were yet to ascertain whether the money was with the SHO, the ASI or the mediator. He said the role of Harpreet was being investigated and if he was found guilty, action would be taken against him.

Ludhiana, June 15
Tightening the noose around tipplers, the city police have challaned 230 persons in the past fortnight. The drive was launched soon after RK Jaiswal joined as the Police Commissioner.

Police personnel check a vehicle and a motorcycle (below) at a naka in BRS Nagar. Tribune photos: Himanshu Mahajan

Consuming liquor in a car is being considered a style statement. However, it was becoming a nuisance for residents. The city has witnessed several accidents involving drunk drivers.Recently, an industrialist was killed while his friend suffered serious injuries after the sports car they were travelling in crashed into a pole located near a shopping mall near Ferozepur Road.

ACP (Traffic) Harjit Singh said PCR motorcycle teams had also been deployed to keep a check on drunk driving.Presently, the city police are having 11 alcometers, but the department is planning to increase the number.

Before the drive against drunk driving, the city police had issued around 150 challans to tipplers. SHO (Traffic) Vinod Kumar said eatery owners had also been told not to serve snacks and beverages to tipplers consuming liquor in cars.

Menace at Mall Road

The opening of a liquor vend is causing inconvenience to residents and shopkeepers at Mall Road. The residents said tipplers parked their cars outside houses located near the liquor vend and created ruckus. They said women had stopped venturing out as the area had become a den of anti-social elements. “There has been incidents of eve-teasing and accidents due to drunk driving. Several such cases have ended in a compromise,” the residents said.

Ludhiana, June 15
Residents of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar Colony, Pakhowal Road, are up in arms against the authorities for supplying dirty water to the area. The water supply and the sewerage facility in the colony, developed by the Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT), are maintained by the Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board (PWSSB).

The residents alleged that due to the ongoing tussle between the board and LIT over the payment of operation and maintenance charges of the water supply and sewerage in the colony, their complaints were being persistently overlooked.

In a complaint lodged with LIT authorities and health officials, functionaries of the Resident Welfare Society (Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar) said dozer (an apparatus for chlorination of drinking water) on the tubewell in D Block of the colony was non-functional while those on the tubewells in Blocks G and H were sparingly, if ever, used.

Dirty water had accumulated in the abandoned City Centre Project and there was every possibility that the tubewells installed in G and H Blocks were drawing the same water and mixing it with the water being supplied to the residents.

The residents have also complained that electric motor of one of the tubewells in the colony had burnt some time back and had not been repaired or replaced till now while control panel of another tubewell in Block D had been rendered non-functional and the motor was being operated directly, running a risk of catching fire at any time. Arvind Sharma, a resident of the colony and an office-bearer of the Residents Welfare Society, said the water supply to the area was not only erratic, inadequate but also unfit for consumption. “We have taken up the matter with LIT authorities and have also urged the Health Department to take samples of water for purity and chlorination. In the absence of immediate remedial measures, the residents can fall prey to water-borne diseases,” he added.

LIT officials said they were aware of the problems regarding the water supply. “We have asked the officials of the PWSSB to take necessary steps.”

Ludhiana, June 15
Protesting students of the fisheries department of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University said the authorities as well as the state government were playing with their sentiments by adopting dilly-dallying tactics. They said they would wait till Tuesday, the day given by the authorities to fix their meeting with minister GS Ranike. 

Khushwinder Singh, a student, said the strike had entered the 15th day, but the authorities were not doing anything to end the stalemate. “We want the state government to recruit 51 fishery officers in Punjab. No recruitment has been being made by the government for the past three years. We are just 30students and even after spending Rs 5 lakh on the entire course, we are jobless. Some of us belong to poor families and took loans to get the degree. If we are not employed, our hopes will be dashed,” said the student.

The students said if the authorities failed to meet their demand for providing them with job placements, they will have to intensify their stir and will go on a hunger strike from Wednesday.

Ludhiana, June 15
A few days ago, a woman was seen wailing as her brother had drowned in Sidhwan Canal. A policeman told her that her brother had come to the canal with a friend. They wanted to bathe to beat the heat. But a strong current in the canal swept him away. People had gathered around to enquire about the well-being of the boy.

Despite the incident, a few hours later, some youngsters were seen playfully diving and swimming in the canal.

Residents, particularly youngsters, are seen bathing, swimming, diving and doing their adventurous antics in the canal. But if something untoward happens, permission to allow bathing in the canal comes into question.

Aman, a resident, said the Administration should not allow bathing and swimming in the canal waters. “If they do, some divers and lifeguards must be deputed at some points, where the bathing should be allowed. Otherwise, youngsters will keep jeopardising their lives,” he said.

“There are no stairs to come out of the canal. The riverbed is not clean and a sharp object can cause a serious injury to a person, he said.

Such irresponsible behaviour should not be acceptable and the residents should not be permitted to bathe in the canal, said another resident. “When the level of water in the canal is high, youngsters should not be allowed to risk their lives,” he added.

Chandigarh, June 15
The UT police issued a challan to a youth for driving a vehicle with a red beacon atop. Harpreet Singh, a resident of Ludhiana, had come to a disc in Sector 9 when the police noticed his car that had a red beacon atop with a flasher.

When the police asked him to show the car’s papers, he failed to do so and instead claimed to be the son of a Ludhiana-based MLA.

The police seized the red beacon and issued a challan to him under provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act.

Sahnewal, June 15
In the absence of sweepers at Jugiana village, the residents are going through a torturous phase. Thanks to the apathy of the Municipal authorities, the village is in a bad condition for the past three months now.

The authorities have failed miserably to provide any sort of basic amenities to residents of the village, which comprises of migrant population. The village is the last ward to fall under the Municipal Corporation of Ludhiana.

Heaps of garbage accumulated at majority of the places welcome visitors in the area. If such conditions are allowed to prevail, an epidemic outbreak is sure to occur in the near future.

“In such season, chances of falling prey to diseases becomes even more. The migrant population which is not bothered about keeping the surroundings clean are piling up the garbage at a place and not worried about lifting it,” complained Narinderpreet Singh of Jugiana village.

“Earlier the garbage used to be lifted on every Tuesday but now the condition is such that no sweeper is seen for months altogether. As a result, the village has started emitting foul smell,” rued Pawanpreet Singh Bulara, a resident of the village.

Subhash Kumar, owner of a flour mill in the village, said, “You can very well imagine that when a single garbage bucket in our houses starts stinking on the very next day, what would be the condition of the village where big heaps of waste, spread all around the village, have not been taken away for the past number of months?”

“The situation is so pathetic that even if you keep calling the municipal authorities time and again, they would never bother to entertain you. Nobody bothers to come and clean the place. The village pond has outlived its capacity and the filth remains jammed in small outlets which are already over-brimmed and have turned into pools of filthy garbage water,” complained Jagdeep Singh and Ramandeep Singh, both residents of the village.

Even as pressure mounted up today, a garbage truck arrived after a gap of three to four months. However, instead of making the situation better, it aggravated it even further. “Even partial lifting was not undertaken and the vehicle went away spreading the heaped garbage all around, leaving the residents fuming as ever,” said irked villagers.

Sarabjit Singh Garcha, the councillor of the area, said, “There were some pending payments that were to be made due to which the work of lifting of garbage was discontinued but now I shall look into the matter and the needful will be done at the earliest.”

Ludhiana, June 15
A Free multi-specialty medical camp was organised by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) in collaboration with the District Administration in the city today.

More than 50 patients were examined during the camp. Patients were made aware of the prevention and early detection of various diseases such as cancer, dengue, malaria, gastroenteritis, jaundice, TB, etc. Free medicines were distributed by the Punjab Medical Representative Association.

Meanwhile, as a part of golden jubilee celebrations of the institute, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) has been organising a series of hip and knee replacement camps at concessional rates every Sunday. Till date, nearly 300 such surgeries have been successfully done.

According to secretary of DMCH managing society, Prem Kumar Gupta, many people who could never think of getting hip and knee replacement surgery done, availed the facility provided by DMCH during the camp.

In view of the overwhelming response by patients, DMCH Managing Society has decided to extend the duration of camp till July 15. The camps will be held on every successive Sundays. Those interested in getting themselves registered for the camp can come on any working OPD days and also on Sundays.

World Blood Donor Day observed

On the occasion of World Blood Donor Day, a blood donation camp was organised by Zindagi Live Foundation. The blood units collected during the camp will be used for the children suffering from thalassaemia. 

Ludhiana, June 15
The Congress leaders today flayed the Industry Minister, Madan Mohan Mittal, for advocating ‘revengeful’ attitude towards industrialists. Legislators Surinder Dawar, Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Rakesh Pandey and senior leader KK Bawa said it was an inappropriate behaviour by a minister to stoop to such a level. Condemning the minister’s statement as ‘anti-democratic’, the leaders said accepting the people’s mandate is important in a democracy and no political party has the right to question the electorate’s verdict.

Meanwhile, the state Bharatiya Janata Party Chief Kamal Sharma, when asked to comment on the minister’s snub to industrialists, said: “It was not required. We accept humbly the people’s verdict. And we rededicate ourselves to the people of Punjab.”

Ludhiana, June 15
Even though a year has passed, but remembering the nightmarish scenes of Kedarnath, when flashfloods led to loss of thousands of lives, people who witnessed the tragedy still feel the chill in their spine.

Remembering the black day, tears well up in the eyes of Sandeep Salwan, whose 11-year-old son Sarvesh went missing during the terrible flash floods. He said he had been to Kedarnath many times since the tragedy in the hope of finding his son. Sarvesh went missing on June 17 last year.

Sandeep said he used to take his family for a vacation and decided to go to Kedarnath last year. When the flash floods occurred, the family came back safely till Rambara. After spending a night in a shelter there, they moved from there. Somehow, Sarvesh got separated from them. The family started a frantic search and stayed there for many days, but could not find their son. Weeping, the father said till now he had been to Kedarnath seven times with a hope of finding his beloved son.

Sandeep added that even though the Uttarakhand Government has opened the passage for the pilgrimage, but the condition of the place was still bad.

“Even today, thousands of skeletons and carcasses are lying in the jungles there,” he said.

Sandeep further said that he went there last week as well, but the sights were heart-rending.

“The condition of roads is still bad, and the passages are still narrow, broken and rough. Even though the government there is saying that the conditions are good to resume the yatra, but people should avoid going there until the passages improve,” he said. 

The extreme summers have become ‘intolerable’ for the elite class of the city, who have already made elaborate plans to visit hills or to go abroad to get respite from it. Bored of going to hill stations such as Shimla, Manali, Nainital or Mussoorie, many residents feel that Srinagar is an ideal destination to enjoy the weather. A city-based couple, who came back after holidaying in Kashmir for about a week, said, “It is literally heaven and a place worth visiting.” “The airport at Srinagar was jam-packed. It looked as if we were at some railway station. And it was so nice to see the locals welcoming the tourists so warmly. There was no
fear and we went around freely. Kashmir has suffered a lot, but now is the time to promote tourism,” the couple added.

Parking woes

With vehicles increasing in the city and virtually no space for parking, the shopkeepers have devised new ways of luring customers. In the congested markets, where there is no parking space, showroom owners have started valet parking facility for its customers. Big banners saying ‘valet parking available’ can be seen outside many shops in the busy city markets. “I had stopped coming to Ghumar Mandi due to no parking space but with many shops and restaurants offering valet parking I have again started visiting this place,” said a city resident. Meanwhile, at the same time there are many other shopkeepers who have cautioned the shoppers by putting boards reading ‘do not park in front of the shop, otherwise the tyres of the vehicle will be punctured’.

Practise what you preach

The other day while going from Bharat Nagar Chowk towards Fountain Chowk on the Mall Road, a friend was driving behind a police vehicle with traffic police signs marked boldly on both the sides of the vehicle. Following the police vehicle for a distance, the poor chap was aghast to notice that the driver of the police vehicle broke all basic rules of traffic. It just slowed down and jumped the red light at the turning for DC’s residence, changed lane towards extreme right when it had to take a left turn towards Cemetery Road and then took a left turn without bothering to switch on the indicator. I wonder what kind of example they are setting for other drivers to follow.

Foresightedness

A teacher at a city school told a student that his handwriting was not good and hardly legible. She said, “How you write reflects your personality and good handwriting always gets more admiration and respect from others.” To which the student retorted that these days it was only typing that matters and on the computer and mobile screen, it doesn’t matter how legible your writing was. He said that he was foresighted, so knows that spending time to improve handwriting would not be of much use in the future.

Contributed by Shivani Bhakoo, Manav Mander, Kuldip Bhatia and Gurvinder Singh

Ludhiana, June 15
Senior citizens and residents of the Rajguru Nagar rue lack of basic civic amenities in the area. Caught between the Municipal Corporation (MC) and Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) transfer row, the locality has suffered a great deal, said residents of the area.

Roads in the area are in a bad shape. “The roads here are in a dire need of proper carpeting. Walking on these roads is highly unsafe for the elderly in particular because of the uneven surface as these have not been carpeted for a long time. Driving two wheelers is dangerous as the gravel coming off makes the vehicles skid and slip,” said Surjit Singh Gholia, a member Rajguru Nagar Senior Citizens’ Welfare Association.

“Maintenance of the parks is the responsibility of the civic bodies, but we are being forced to maintain it,” said Malkit Singh Rai from the association. “We only get the funds for it. During the MC-LIT transfer row, we even stopped getting the funds for maintenance of the parks. And since it has resumed this year, funds transfers have become full of hassles,” he added.

“For many months, no funds for maintenance of the parks were released, and we paid the money for maintenance from our own pockets. But now, when these have being released by LIT, these are being released after every three months. We have to make several rounds of the LIT office and receive these after several requests,” Malkit Singh said.

There are no toilets in the market area, so people visiting the area urinate in the open polluting the area, said another member of the association. “One toilet that exists is in a very bad shape and thus not being used,” he said.

Dharamvir Ralhan, a resident, said there was no regular sweeperin the area, which leads to littering and lack of cleanliness. “We have also requested for a mini public library and a sports complex for children but so far nothing has been done in this regard,” Dharamvir said. “Weeds are growing here, but not much is being done to get the area cleaned,” rued another resident. 

Ludhiana, June 15
the life of a 29-year-old rickshaw puller named Sanjeev Verma, who was admitted to Hero Dayanand Medical College Heart Institute, was saved with the timely financial help received from the fellow patients admitted in the hospital.

He was brought to Emergency ward at Hero DMC Heart Institute in a very critical condition. On examination, patient was found to have heart valve leakage which required immediate valve replacement surgery. The procedure was very expensive and patient could not afford the treatment. Without surgery, he could not have survived. By seeing his paucity of financial resources for continuing the treatment, some of the patients who were admitted in same ward, came forward to donate money for the poor.

Few doctors from Hero DMC Heart Institute and management members of the DMCH also donated money for the treatment of the patient. Surgery was performed by Dr Rajiv Gupta, cardiothoracic surgeon in HDHI, and the patient was saved by a successful operation.

Sunita Verma, mother of Sanjeev Verma, said the philanthropist act by other patients and doctors of HDHI helped his son to get the desired treatment. 

New Delhi, June 15
Ludhiana dentist Dr Vivek Saggar was awarded the Best Multi-Speciality Dentist Award by Prime Time in New Delhi today. After receiving the award, Dr Saggar stressed upon the need to spread awareness about maintaining oral health in rural India.

Increase in cases of dental fluorosis (yellow or white staining of teeth) in Punjab concerns him the most. “Since there is a high concentration of fluoride content in the underground water in areas such as Faridkot, Bathinda and Ferozpur, people are becoming affected with fluorosis. It is a matter of concern and awaits government attention in order to be addressed,” said Dr Saggar, who was also awarded by Punjab Chief Minister for running the best dental clinic in North India in January this year.

Awareness and education are the only tools to disseminate information about dental health. “Oral health is a critical, but an overlooked component of overall health and well-being among children and adults. Ninety per cent of the people have dental problems, but they usually tend to ignore these and visit the dentist only when in pain. A proper awareness and education programme on dental hygiene is needed to make people adopt proper dental care habits,” he said.

Calling for a more responsible approach among dental professionals, he said, “Dental surgeons and dental health workers should play an active role in popularising proper dental care practices.”

Chronic dental diseases are related to diets rich in saturated fatty acids and refined sugars. “The more refined the food is, the more harmful it will be for one’s teeth. People need to adopt habits like brushing twice, avoiding snacks between meals and rinsing every time after eating,” he said.

Expressing concern on the lack of government participation in providing quality dental healthcare facilities, Dr Saggar said the industry can be given a boost under the public-private partnership model. “Whatever work is done in the field of dental care is on the private front. How many government hospitals offer high-standard dental treatment?” he asked.

“The government should provide subsidised treatment in rural areas,” he added.

Ludhiana, June 15
Following the recent turn of events, which brought disrepute to the local bus service, the local unit of Shiv Sena has volunteered to resume services on ‘no profit no loss’ basis. The local unit has roped in unemployed youth to run the public transport.

The local unit condemned the Municipal Corporation for taking decisions which has reportedly caused the industry to incur huge losses.

The president of the Shiv Sena unit here, Rajiv Tandon, said when the buses were run by the authorities themselves, a profit of over Rs 2 crores was witnessed in a year. “But ever since private players have been involved in the business, the bus service is running into losses,” said Tandon.

“Thousands of passengers are bearing the brunt, but who cares? The agreement between the civic body and companies needs to be scrapped. There is no dearth of unemployed youth here. We are ready to provide the industry with responsible persons, who can work as drivers and conductors and resume the services,” said Tandon.

On the occasion, Shiv Sena activists raised slogans and burnt the effigy of the MC.

Ludhiana, June 15
Philatelists and football lovers in the city have given approval to the FIFA World Cup postage stamps. The stamps were released by the India Post recently.

The commemorative stamps on the World Cup comprise a set of four stamps. Two of these have the denomination of Rs 5 and the other two have the denomination of Rs 25. One of the stamps has a picture of the FIFA World Cup trophy and the mascot of the tournament as well.

Mukesh, a philatelist, said, “The India Post has initiated a good step. Even though India is not playing in the tournament, but there is a good fan following of the game here.”

Although I don’t collect postage stamps, but when I got to know that postage stamps about FIFA World Cup have been released, I had to get them at any cost, said Rohit, a self-professed football fan.

“I learnt that the PM himself released the stamps. The game has rightly earned the respect that it deserves. The government must do something to provide facilities to the budding players in our country. They must focus on football as well, so that one day India can also qualify and play in the tournament,” he added. 

Ludhiana, June 15
Nearly 30.2 per cent women in Punjab are obese, while 34 per cent women are obese in Delhi. This was stated by associate professor of surgery and bariatric surgeon Dr Ashish Ahuja during the obesity support group meet at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, here today.

"After bariatric surgery, diabetes mellitus type 2, blood pressure and sleeping disorders are cured in more than 90 per cent of patients. Those who have difficulty in walking due to overweight also get rid of the problem after the surgery," said Ahuja.

In the forums' meet and BMI check up camp organised today, patients who were operated upon 3 to 10 years back had gathered along with other patients suffering from the disease.

"I had a knee joint ligament injury on both the joints due to which I was not able to walk without the help of the walker. I was also suffering from diabetes, blood pressure and other health problems which made the situation bad for me. I weighed 130 kgs. In 2009, I underwent the surgery and now I weigh 65 kgs. My blood pressure has also been cured and I can walk without any support now," said a 38-year-old woman.

Senior staff in Pediatrics Department Baljeet Kaur said she was suffering from high blood sugar level insulin and was also oral diabetic. "I underwent gastric bypass two years ago and now I am totally fit," said Kaur.Around 100 patients attended the meeting. BMI of the patients was calculated by chief dietician Shaweta Batta. On the occasion, Batta delivered a lecture on the nutrition before and after weight loss surgery.

Professor of surgery and bariatric surgeon Dr PS Nain said not only women, but men are also equally affected by obesity.

"Central obesity is mostly seen in Punjab where fat accumulation is around the abdomen, majorly due to the genetic pre-disposition," said professor of surgery and bariatric surgeon Dr PS Nain.

Ludhiana, June 15
With the dense population of over 30 lakh, parking of vehicles has always been a matter of concern not just for residents but also for the law enforcing agencies.

Though many ideas and plans have been formulated in the past, to facilitate smooth parking of vehicles in the city, the parking blues have always managed to endure.

While law enforcing agencies blame it on residents for parking vehicles haphazardly, residents say in the absence of adequate parking space, they have no other option but to park their vehicles on the streets.

Safe parking of vehicles in posh localities as well as in interior city roads has always been a problem for residents here.

The Municipal Corporation has announced paid parking at major areas including Ghumar Mandi, Chaura Bazaar, Sarabha Nagar Market, Malhar Road, Ferozpur Road and Feroz Gandhi Market to tackle the problem. But at the same time, parking at Dandi Swami, Civil Lines, Mall Road, Model Town and BRS Nagar has always been a Herculean task for residents.

Public land encroachments give rise to parking crisis

Parking in the industrial city would never be this difficult provided the public roads and corridors were not encroached upon by residents or shopkeepers. Though authorities have marked yellow lines on all the major roads, inside of which one could park the vehicles, but roads in almost all the markets have been encroached upon by the residents or shopkeepers for their vested interests. As a result, commuters have no other option but to park their vehicles on the main roads leading to traffic chaos. In interior city such as Chaura Bazaar, near Bhadaur House, and Field Ganj, near Subhani Building, the shopkeepers have encroached upon corridors to keep their stocks. Eventually, people park their two-wheelers and four-wheelers on the roads, giving two hoots to the rules and regulations. The tehbazaari wing of the Municipal Corporation has to wake up from their deep slumber and do the needful at the earliest. People park their vehicles as per their discretion. There is neither a check nor any penalty imposed on the defaulter, giving no reason to people to abide by the rules.

Personal interest before public interest

Barring a few commercial establishments, such as showrooms, markets or hotels and restaurants, no parking space has been made inside the premises of the enterprises for the convenience of visitors. The parking space is usually used for other commercial benefits or they use the area as godowns. Despite the fact, there is no cracking a whip against the violators and the parking problem persists. Most of the hospitals and nursing homes in the city too, do not have a parking space for vehicles. “When they can spend crores of rupees on the construction of buildings, they can very well shell out more for providing relief to residents. Secondly, no strict action has been taken by the law enforcing agencies so far which gives the defaulters liberty to do anything as per their discretion. A joint effort has to be made by both the authorities and residents to solve the problem of parking in the city,” said Rohit Sabharwal, an RTI activist. Sabharwal has also filed a petition against the parking blues in the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Residents, authorities at loggerheads over parking fee

To some extent, paid parking can solve the problem of parking in the city. But residents feel that paying Rs 5 or Rs 10 for just a few minutes is not justified. The Civic Body did declare new parking lots but residents said parking fee should not be charged from markets such as Ghuman Mandi, Sarabha Nagar and Malhar Road. “If I have to get medicine from a chemist at Ghumar Mandi, it will take just 3-4 minutes, why should I pay Rs 10 to get medicine which may be of Rs 20 or Rs 30? There should be some logic behind such steps,” said Aarti Sharma, a homemaker in the city.

Overcharging by contractors another problem

Though MC imposes reasonable amount of money for parking vehicles at designated places, but the contractors, who have been deputed by MC to do the job, overcharge visitors. In last few days, certain incidents have come to the notice of the Civic Body officials and warnings have also been issued to contractors and the hired employees of the latter.

Deputy Commissioner speaks

The Deputy Commissioner, Rajat Aggarwal, said, “Parking is indeed a big issue for all of us in the city. The Corporation has auctioned some parking lots and has identified some other spots which can be auctioned. Residents must follow parking rules and adhere to parking restrictions in no parking zone for the convenience of all.”

}Although I am new to the city, even then I was completely aware of the problems related to the parking in the city. The MC alone cannot do anything. We need public support as well to tackle the issue effectively. Suggestions on the issue by residents are most welcome.~

Pradeep Aggarwal, MC Commissioner 

Ailing newborn needs help

A baby has been admitted to Christian Medical College and Hospital needs financial help. The baby was admitted on June 1 in Paediatric ICU with diagnosis of preterm 31 weeks AGM (weight- 1.4 kg), respiratory distress syndrome and Septicemia. He was ventilated and given surfactant therapy. His father is a daily wage earner and needs financial assistance to continue the treatment. Anybody who wish to donate can issue a cheque in the name of ‘Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana’ and can be deposited in the medical superintendent’s office with the name – for Baby of Salochna Hospital Unit No: C7519683- written at the back of the cheque.

Awareness march

Action Against Corruption and Ludhiana Youth Federation under the ‘Nasha Bachao, Naujawan Bachao’ campaign held a awareness march by foot on Sunday. The march started from Gaushala Chowk and passed through various parts of the city. Youth were urged upon to leave drugs and the ill-effects of the drugs on body and mind were highlighted.

Motorcycle rally

Shree Hindu Niya Peeth organised a motorcycle rally on Sunday appealing for justice to an 11-year-old boy who was allegedly burnt alive at Malerkotla. Members demanded the immediate arrest of the culprits. The motorcycle rally passed through various parts of the city seeking justice for the deceased, Vidhur Jain.

Memorandum submitted

The Punjab Government will form new policies for the growth and development of the industry in consultation with the industry representatives, said Kamal Sharma, president, BJP, Punjab, while addressing the annual meeting of Ludhiana Tractor Parts Manufacturers and Traders Association. The association members also submitted a memorandum to Sharma and the main demands included speedy VAT refunds, setting up of new focal point, end of inspector raj, etc. — TNS

Ludhiana, June 15
The city police have booked two travel agents for duping two persons for Rs 10 lakh on the pretext of sending them abroad. The accused have been registered on the complaint of Manjit Singh and Gurvinder Singh.

The complainant said the accused, Ashok Kumar and Satish Kumar, both residents of Shakti Nagar in Salem Vihar and Joshi Nagar in Haibowal, took Rs 10 lakh from the duo for sending them to Canada, but they were not sent abroad nor the money was returned.

The police have registered a case under Sections 420, 467, 468, 471, 506, and 120- B of the IPC, besides Section 24 of the Immigration Act, 1983, was also slapped against both the accused.

One nabbed for theft

The Focal Point police have nabbed a thieve and recovered huge quantity of cycle parts, nickel and other industrial material from him.

The accused has been identified as Mohammed Zakir Husain. He was nabbed from a shanty near Lohara Road on Eastman Chowk last night.

The cops recovered cycle parts, 25 frames, 150 kg of nickel, 30 chrome led plates and four gunny bags of brake parts. It was on June 13 that Ram Vilas, manager of Bharat Cycle Udyog located at Dhandari area, stated to the police that thieves had struck at their factory unit and decamped with the cycle parts.

ADCP- II Kehar Singh said while Zakir Husain had been nabbed, his three accomplices- Mithun, Sonu and an unidentified person are still on the run.

Man commits suicide

A 38-year-old man committed suicide by hanging himself from a ceiling fan at a house in Jodhewal area here today.

The deceased has been identified as Sukhdev Singh. As per the available information he was suffering for multiple health problems. The expenses incurred on the treatment drove the family into serious financial crises.

He was found hanging from the ceiling fan today. Later, during the day his body was sent to Civil Hospital for postmortem.

Tablet stolen

An unidentified thief decamped with a tablet lying in a car at Urban Estate Phase- D in Dugri area here today.

Deepak Khullar, owner of the car, said he had parked his car outside the house and was visiting the market. He said after parking the car he went inside the house to take a piece of cloth for cleaning the dust gathered on it and in the meantime, someone slipped away with the tablet.

Ludhiana, June 15
Jarkhar Academy quelled a strong challenge from Umra Academy, Haryana, 6-5 to sneak into the final in the junior section of the Fifth Olympian Prithipal Singh Hockey Festival being held at Bibi Surjit Kaur AstroTurf Stadium in Jarkhar village on the Ludhiana-Malerkotla road near here.

In the final, they will take on Sant Fateh Singh Club of Dolan, Jagraon, who trounced Government High School, Ghwadi 6-2.

The first semi-final began on a fast pace with both the teams, Jarkhar Academy and Umra Academy, raiding each others’ territory time and again. But the desired result eluded them as they fumbled at crucial junctures.

It was Umra Academy players who drew the first blood in the fifth minute through Ajay Kumar. He struck again six minutes later to increase the lead 2-0.

Trailing by two goals, Jarkhar Academy pressed hard and made attacks repeatedly. These pressure tactics paid dividends in the 17th minute when Gagandeep Singh found the target to make it 2-1.

Sunil Kumar of Umra Academy sounded the board in the 19th minute to enhance the lead (3-1) while Vikas Kumar of Jarkhar Academy reduced the margin in the 23rd minute (3-2).

Jarkhar Academy scored the equalizer in the 32nd minute through Mukesh Kumar (3-3) but Rakesh Kumar of Haryana outfit made it 4-3 two minutes later.

Rohit Sharma of Jarkhar Academy scored a hat trick (37th, 44th and 45th minutes) to read the score board 6-4. In the 47th minute, Prabhjot Singh of Umra Academy scored to reduce the margin 5-6 but that was not enough to halt the hosts’ march into the title clash match.

The second semi-final played between Sant Fateh Singh Club and Government High School, Ghwadi, turned out to be a mismatch as the former came out triumphant 6-2 after leading 3-1 at lemon break.

In the senior section, Sant Fateh Singh Club of Dolan, Jagraon, outwitted Ludhiana Sports Club 8-4 to set up the title clash with Jagtar XI of Jarkhar who had already assured themselves a berth in the final. 

Ludhiana, June 15
Trials to select the Ludhiana district swimming and water polo teams (junior boys and girls) will be held at the Punjab Agricultural University Swimming Pool on June 17 from 2 pm onwards.

Swimmers born in the years 1997, 1998 and 1999 are eligible for taking part in the junior age groups (15-17 years) and those born in 2000 and 2001 can participate in the 13-14 age group category.

Players born in the year 1996 and after are eligible for taking part in the water polo competition, said president of the District Swimming Association, Ludhiana, Apinder Singh Grewal.

Interested swimmers are advised to report to the secretary of the association, Ajay Sharma. They must also bring along the original date of birth certificates and submit a photocopy of the same.

“The selected boys and girls will take part in the 39th Junior Punjab State Swimming and Water Polo Championship which will be held at the PAU Swimming Pool from June 20 to 22,” said the general secretary of the organising association, Balraj Sharma.

Ludhiana, June 15
Twenty-four players were selected as probables to attend the training-cum-coaching camp prior to their participation in the Punjab State Inter-District Cricket Tournament (seniors) for the Katoch Shield.

The probables were selected during the trials conducted by the Ludhiana District Cricket Association (LDCA) at Arya College ground here today.

The Punjab State Inter-District Cricket Tournament (seniors) for the Katoch Shield, being organised by the Punjab Cricket Association, will be held at different venues across the state, said Vinod Chitkara, honorary general secretary, Ludhiana District Cricket Association .

The selected players are supposed to report to Ankur Kakkar at Arya College ground on June 18 at 5 pm.

Names of the probables

Karan Goel, Geetansh Khera, Baltej Singh, Anil Sihag, Deepak , Ankit Pursharthy, Sunny Pandey, Abhinav Bhatia, Sandeep Singh, Navendu Sharma, Davinder Sidhu, Vaibhav Narang, Abhishek Talwar, Chirag Maria, Sukhjinder Singh, Paras Bhardwaj, Rohan Mehra, Sahil Tyagi, Simranjit Singh, Amritpal Singh, Kashish, Nirvair Singh, Ripandeep Singh and Nikhil Chowdhary.