Sub-Inspector found guilty, shifted
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Nov 19 — Sub-Inspector Jaswinder Kaur, in charge of the Bapu Dham colony police post, has been shifted to the Police lines following an inquiry into the allegation against her that she showed only one box of liquor instead of three recovered by her from Indro Devi, a resident of Dadu Majra Colony.

According to the police, an inquiry into the allegation that Jaswinder Kaur hid the fact that she had recovered three boxes from the possession of the accused had been conducted by Mr Vijay Pal Singh, DSP (East), who found some "irregularities" committed by the officer following which her transfer was ordered by the SSP, Mr Parag Jain.

The Bapu Dham police had arrested Indro Devi on November 16 following the alleged recovery of three boxes of liquor from her possession. But the woman officer allegedly mentioned in the FIR that just one liquor box had been seized from her. The IGP, following information from somebody, had ordered search of the police post during which three boxes were found in the office of the Sub-Inspector who at that time was not present. Consequently, an inquiry was ordered by the IGP, the police sources said, adding that departmental proceedings were on against Jaswinder Kaur.

Booked
The police has booked Narinder Pal Singh, a resident of Bagsikander village in Fatehgarh Sahib district, for harassing his wife to bring more dowry.

According to the police, Harmohan Kaur, a resident of Sarangpur village, had alleged that she was being harassed by her husband, Narinder Pal Singh, and her in-laws who were forcing her to bring more money from her parents.

A case has been registered at the Crime Against Women Cell of the local police.

Truck stolen
Mr Swaran Singh, a resident of Camp Gold Gujrat in Jammu district, has reported that some unidentified persons have stolen his truck (JK-02-F-9245) from the Sector 26 Transport Area. A case has been registered.

Set on fire
As many as four vehicles were allegedly set afire by some mischievous persons in the Sector 47 market on the intervening night of November 17 and 18.

In a complaint, Mohan Lal alleged that two Premier Padmini cars, one Maruti car and one Maruti van, which were parked outside his shop, were damaged as these had been set on fire by some anti-social elements. He alleged that Vijay Gupta of the same market was involved in the incident.

A case under Section 435 of the IPC has been registered.

Panchkula

Two injured
Two girls, Satwinder and Rekha, were injured when a truck (HP-12-2770) hit the scooter they were riding. The two were admitted to hospital. The driver sped away from the scene. A case under Sections 279 and 337 of the IPC has been registered.

PU staff bodies form coordinating panel
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Nov 19 — All prominent associations of teaching and non-teaching staff in Panjab University constituted a coordination forum of the university employees here today .

The forum decided that the common demands pertaining to all section of university staff would be jointly taken up by the forum which would give strength to genuine demands.

A press release signed by Dr P.P.Arya, President of the Panjab University Teachers Association, and Mr Dharam Paul Sharma, President of the Non-Teaching Staff Forum, said that joint effort for implementation of a viable pension scheme was on top of the agenda of the forum.

The forum condemned the "arbitrary and illegal suspension" of a staff member of the security staff.

Last date: The last date for submission of forms of admissions and fees for private and regular candidates for Bachelor in Education, B.Ed(yoga) and B.P.Ed is December 12 without late fees.

An official press release said that the late fee till December 10 was Rs 500; till February 16, 2000, it was Rs 1500; and till March 16 it was Rs 3,000.

The annual examination of the classes concerned, including M Ed, will be April 15, the release added.

Nutrition week: The Panjab University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences organised a camp to make the general public aware about the role played by the healthcare agencies.

A press release today said that a poster making and several other contests on health were organised on the occasion.

Melody central to music: "Aryans"
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Nov 19 — Melody will always remain central to music and there is no threat from the changed music arrangements or instruments, said Jai Walia, a vocalist of the pop group "Aryans", while addressing mediapersons at a press conference at 'Jailhouse rock' this evening.

The trio of Jai Walia, D.J. Narain and Sadashivan which figures in the hit 'ankhon main tera hi chehra' made no claims about professionalism in classical music. The trio said melody and honesty were necessary for any worth mentioning composition .

Walia said R.D. Burman music had inspired them. These days video presentations had made a remarkable change in popularity of a number. People seem to be watching more than they listen.

Sadashivan said mere beats or jazziness could not interest listeners permanently.People cannot be fooled .Each song had a feeling or a personal experience behind it which ultimately touched the hearts.

The second album of the group is likely to be released in February. The group's tightly knit sound, laced with stylised music has already caught the attention of music lovers.

Walia has been a script writer and title music composer for television productions.His personal favourites include Michael Bolton and Bruce Springsteen.

D.J. Narain made it as an officer of the Indian Civil Services and belongs to Lucknow. He led social protests in students movements, featured in merit lists of schools and college and is a Phd from the prestigious IIT, Kanpur.

Sadashivan belongs to Kerala and is based at Mumbai. He draws inspiration from living legends, including Illayaraja and Jagjit Singh.

Harmonies which are a rare novelty have remained central to the group's compositions.

RBI directed to frame rules
Tribune News Service

PANCHKULA, Nov 19 — In a significant and unprecedented judgement, the local Consumer Court has directed the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to "evolve a sound system regarding non-banking financial companies so that innocent consumers' hard earned money may not be wasted". It further directed that stringent action against the defaulting companies should be embodied in the system and a thorough watch and vigil should be kept over these companies.

The orders came in a group of 27 individual complaints filed by Mr Ashish Sharma and others against a Lucknow-based NBFC, Incan Mutual Benefits Limited, alleging non-payment of maturity amounts towards fixed deposits made in the company.

Counsel for the complainants, Mr Pankaj Chandgothia, contended that Incan had floated various attractive deposit schemes, promising high rate of interest along with security of money. Lured by the promised of prosperity, the complainants deposited their hard earned money with the company. Mr Chandgothia further submitted that the company had even been approved as a notified NIDHI by the RBI under a government notification but the company duped thousands of investors, which amounted to deficiency in service and unfair trade practice.

Agreeing with the contentions of counsel, the Forum bench comprising its President, Mr R.C. Taneja, and member, Mr B.S. Badhran, allowed the complaints and directed Incan to refund the maturity amounts of the complainants with 18 per cent interest per annum from the date of maturity and pay Rs 1,000 as costs in each case.The Forum further observed that "even though we are entering the new millennium yet a number of investors are being duped by the NBFCs and no sound system has so far been evolved to control the misdemeanour committed by such companies. These companies randomly flee or disappear for which the people have nothing except to shed tears of grief". Holding that the RBI is empowered under the RBI Act, 1934, to regulate or prohibit such companies, it issued directions for framing a "watch and vigil" scheme within one month.

Rajmah down, dal chana up
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Nov 19 — Rajmah has become cheaper while dal chana has turned costlier in the local market during past four days.

During a survey of the market, it was found that if a kg of rajmah was priced Rs 36 during last week, the same could be had for Rs 30 today. The wholesale price of the same has come down from Rs 32 to Rs 26 a kg. According to traders, the fall in the price has been effected due to arrival of fresh crop in the market from UP and Jammu areas.

On the other hand, dal chana has become costlier during this period. If a kg of the commodity was available for Rs 20 just four days back, it was priced at Rs 22 today. The wholesale price has shot up from Rs 16.50 to Rs 18 a kg. Kala chana price has increased from Rs 18 to Rs 20 a kg in retail and from Rs 15.50 to Rs 17 a kg in the wholesale market.

There was no fluctuation in the price of dal masri as it was available at its old price of Rs 26 a kg in retail and for Rs 22.50 a kg in the wholesale market. Malika masar has jumped from Rs 28 a kg to Rs 30 a kg in retail and from Rs 25 to Rs 27 a kg in the wholesale market.

There was no change in the price of moong sabat as it could be had for Rs 28 a kg in retail and for Rs 24 a kg in the wholesale market. Moong chilika was priced at Rs 29 and Rs 27 a kg in retail and wholesale markets, respectively. Mah sabat and chilika also did not witness any change as one could have these for Rs 28 and Rs 29 a kg in the retail market.

One could buy roungi for Rs 36 a kg in retail and for Rs 32 a kg in the wholesale market. There was a big jump in the price of moth as it shot up from Rs 26 to Rs 32 a kg in retail and from Rs 22 to Rs 29 a kg in the wholesale market.

8-wicket win for St John’s
By Our Sports Reporter

Chandigarh, Nov 19 — St John's High School, Sector 26, beat Shivalik Public School, Sector 41, by eight wickets to win the UT Inter-School Cricket Tournament which concluded here today at St John's High School.

All teams which played matches against the host school were restricted at scores less than 80 runs and hosts always achieved the target in less than nine overs.

St Stephen's School, Sector 45, bagged the third place by beating Government Model High School, Sector 38, by 32 runs.

Batting first, Shivalik Public School were bundled out for just 52 runs in 12 overs. Saurabh Arora claimed three wickets for 16 runs. In reply, St John's School achieved the target in nine overs by scoring 55 runs for the loss of two wickets.

Brief scores: SPS-41 — 52 all out in 12 overs (Ankush 23, Saurabh 3 for 16, Tarun Bajaj 2 for 7); St John's — 55 for 2 in nine overs (Avneet Singh 26 n.o.).

In the match for the third place, St Stephen's School made 153 runs for three wickets in the stipulated 20 overs with Raj Angad scoring 53 runs, followed by Sukrit who made 33 runs. In reply, GMHS-38 scored 121 runs for nine wickets in 20 overs. Simranjit scored 37 runs while Sunil Jindal made 26 runs. Aman Behl took two wickets for eight runs, followed by Sukrit who claimed two wickets for 29 runs.

School games

The Inter-Primary Schools Games concluded here today at Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Sector 8, which was organised by the the UT Block Education officer.

Results: under-8 (boys) 50 m frog race — GPS-33 1, GPS-18 2, GPS, Burail, 3; 50 m flat race — GPS, Palsora 1, GPS, Sector 26 (TM) 2, GPS, Maloya, 3; 30 m spoon race — GPS, Sector 12 1, GPS, Buterla, 2 and 3.

Under-8 (girls) 50 m flat Race — GPSNC, Kajheri 1, GPS, Maloya, 2, GPS, Mani Majra-I 3; 100 m skipping race — GPS Colony No. 5 (1), GPS Khudda Jassu (2), GPS, Maloya, and GPS, Sector 12 (3); chatti race — GPS, Khuda Jassu 1, GPS, Sector 23, (2), GPS, Buterla 3.

Under-11 boys: kabaddi — GPS, Colony No. 5 (1), GPS, Mani Majra-II (2), GPS, MM-I (3), GPS, Raipur Kalan (4); 50 m leg race — GPS, Kishangarh (1), GPS, Raipur Kalan and GPS, Buterla (2), GPS, Palsora Colony (4); 100 m flat race — GPS, Sector 26 (TM) (1), GPS, Colony No. 5 (second and third); relay race — GOPS, Colony No. 5 (1), GPS, Maloya (2), GPS, Mani Majra-I (3).

Under-11 girls: 50 m leg race — GPS, Kishangarh (1), GPS, Railway Colony (2), GPS, Burail (3); 100 m flat race — GPS, Indra Colony MM (1), GPS, Mani Majra-I (2), GPS, Mani Majra-I (3); relay race — GPS, Mani Majra-I (1), GPS, Indra Colony (2), GPS, Khuda Jassu (3).

Prerak upsets Maheep
By Our Sports Reporter

CHANDIGARH, Nov 19 — Prerak Sharma of Haryana beat Maheep Sandhu of Punjab in an upset while other seeded players had a smooth sail on the second day of the fifth Tara Chand Memorial Cash Prize North Zone Invitational Badminton Championship being played here at the Sector 7 Community Centre in Panchkula.

Nearly 100 top players drawn from Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, HP and Chandigarh are taking part in this four-day championship.

In the matches played today, in the boys' singles of the under-19 section, Kapil of Haryana had a tough time against Anoop Mittal of Delhi before winning, 11-15, 15-4, 15-6. Varun of Chandigarh went down fighting to Ranbir Singh of Punjab, 15-9, 11-15, 12-15.

In the girls' under-16 singles, Isha Sharma of Chandigarh, Neha Sangwan of Haryana, Puneet Sharma of Punjab and Parul Rawat of Delhi moved ahead in the league.

In the boys' under-19 section, Dilpreet Singh, Ranvir Singh, Harinder Singh, Jatinder Singh, Iqbal Singh, all of Punjab, sailed into the third round, followed by Umesh, Sumit Dahiya, both of Haryana, and Yogesh Chander of Himachal Pradesh.

In the girls' under-16 matches, Aarti Verma of Punjab, Gauri of Haryana, Mala Gaba of Chandigarh and Jaspreet of Punjab reached the third round.

Results: Men's singles — Gurmukh (Punjab) b R. Kaushik (Delhi); Gagan Ratti (Punjab) b Rahul Sharma (J and K); Vijaydeep (Punjab) b Lalit (Haryana); Mohammad Salim (Punjab) b Amit Gullani (Haryana); Anil Sharma (J and K) b Mandeep (Haryana); Rohan Kapoor (Punjab) b Vikram Jamwal (J and K); Dilpreet (Punjab) b Avinash Sharma (J and K).

Boys' Under-10 section — Mohit (Haryana) b Arjun (Haryana); Anuj Sharma (Punjab) b Aman Sehti (Chandigarh); Gaurav Verma (Haryana) b Bob Sharma (Punjab); Dhruv Sharma (Haryana) b Prateek Khurana (Haryana); Prerak Sharma (Haryana) b Maheep Sandhu (Punjab); Sanchit Gupta (Haryana) b Karan Bhagat (Delhi); Oscar Bansal (Chandigarh) b Avish Makol (Punjab); Sahil Pawar (Haryana) b Raj Kumar (Punjab); Akshit Mahajan (Haryana) b Mohit (Haryana); Rahul (Delhi) b Anuj Sharma (Punjab).

Hockey tourney

Hosts AG (Punjab) defeated holders AG (UP) by four goals to nil in an upset while AG (Haryana) also created a flutter in the group by defeating last years' runners-up AG (Delhi), 2-0, on the penultimate day today of the North Zone (IA and AD) Hockey Tournament being played here at the Sector 42 Hockey Stadium.

In the first semi-final, AG (Punjab) scored the first goal through centre forward Ravinder Singh in the seventh and 26th minutes of the game while inside left Gurpreet Singh scored the third goal in the 32nd minute.

At halftime, AG (Punjab) led, 3-0. In the second half, centre forward Ravinder Singh scored his third goal and the fourth for the team. Finally, AG (Punjab) won the match, 4-0.

In the second semi-final, AG (Haryana) got the lead when inside right Gaurav Hans scored the goal in the 47th minute of the match after receiving a pass from centre half Daljinder Pal Singh. In the 56th minute, he scored the second goal on a pass from centre forward Amrit Pal Singh. This took his team to the winning lead of 2-0 and ensured its entry into the final.

The final will be played tomorrow at 2 pm between AG (Punjab) and AG (Haryana).

Women's cricket

MCM DAV College for Women, Sector 36, bagged the Panjab University Inter-College Cricket Championship for Women which concluded here today at the PU grounds. Government College for Girls, Sector 11, got the second position, followed by the PU Campus who finished third and Khalsa College for Women, Ludhiana, who were placed fourth in this meet.

In the matches played today, MCM DAV-36 defeated GCG-11 by 37 runs while in another match, the PU Campus beat Khalsa College for Women, Ludhiana, by 93 runs.

TT contingent

The Haryana Table Tennis Association has selected a nine-member contingent, comprising five boys and four girls, which will take part in the 61st Junior National and Inter-State Table Tennis Championship to begin from tomorrow at Chandigarh.

The team is as follows: Boys — Neeraj Kumar (Panchkula), Sunil Ahuja (Sirsa), Neeraj Mani (Karnal), Gagan (Karnal) and Neeraj Chaudhary (Panchkula).

Girls — Monika (Sirsa), Meenu (Sirsa), Preeti (Rohtak) and Charu (Rohtak).

Mr Nalin Somani of the HSEB will be the manager of the team while J.C. Babbar will be the coach.