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| Friday, June 9, 2000, Chandigarh, India    |
Bhai Ranjit Singh to back new
front Robber gang busted, 5 bombs seized Protest march against Bibi Jagir
Kaur A night spent clearing houses of
water MLA opposes PSEB transfers in May
Phillaur Council chief quits |
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An institute to boost power Eyewitness in Khalra case denied
salary Animal Husbandry Dy Director
suspended Shelter for sick animals soon NOCs ‘must’ for marriage
palaces MCs authorised to decide on octroi
collection Special permission Plan for website on Punjab Rattan explains PAN’s
importance Bar strike over arrest of lawyer Govt fiddles while Bathinda burns MNCs won’t hit dairies:
minister Chushul expedition flagged off
New Commissioner takes over
Gang of cheats busted
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Bhai Ranjit Singh to back new
front AMRITSAR, June 8 — While the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), led by Mr Simranjit Singh Mann has virtually accorded recognition to Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti as Jathedar, Akal Takht, Bhai Ranjit Singh, a former jathedar who had the backing of the Akali faction until recently has announced support for a third panthic front which may be formed in the near future. Bhai Ranjit Singh had campaigned for Mr Mann and other candidates of Sarb Hind Shiromani Akali Dal during the previous Lok Sabha elections. Although Mr Mann has openly appreciated Giani Joginder Singh for his stand on the “distinct separate identity of Sikhs” and condemning late Indira Gandhi, a former Prime Minister and Indian Parliament for Operation Bluestar, the leadership of the SHSAD of Mr Tohra is more ambivalent. Leaders of the SHSAD continue to claim that Bhai Ranjit Singh is the “real Jathedar” but in the same breath, they accord “temporary recognition” to Giani Puran Singh, a former Jathedar and Giani Joginder Singh the present incumbent. The executive members belonging to the SHSAD and SAD (Amritsar) had appeared before Giani Puran Singh the then Jathedar Akal Takht, when he had summoned the entire SGPC executive at Akal Takht to explain their position on the controversial Nanakshahi calendar in February. Interestingly the executive members of both SHSAD and SAD (Amritsar) had boycotted the SGPC meeting which unceremoniously removed Giani Puran Singh as Jathedar. Notwithstanding their claims, neither the SHSAD nor the SAD (Amritsar) launched any campaign to reinstall Bhai Ranjit Singh as Jathedar after his unceremonious removal in March 1999. Talking to TNS, Bhai Ranjit Singh reiterated that he was Jathedar Akal Takht and would resume his duties at an appropriate time. He claimed that the Sikh sangat still considered him the “real Jathedar”. Bhai Ranjit Singh said he would continue his struggle for maintaining “maryada” of Akal Takht, which was denigrated by the SGPC at the behest of some Sikh high priests. He said after his (Bhai Ranjit Singh’s) removal as jathedar the other high priests could have held a meeting. “They could have decided whether the decision of the pro-Badal SGPC executive was right or wrong”. Bhai Ranjit Singh said that high priests accepted the post of Jathedar by violating maryada were also sacked unceremoniously. Bhai Ranjit Singh said Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti could continue as jathedar as long as he acted like a “puppet” of the ruling party and dared him to summon Mr Parkash Singh Badal at Akal Takht for violating the hukumnama issued by him (Bhai Ranjit) on December 31, 1998 which directed the Akali leadership to maintain the status quo until after the Tercentenary Celebrations of the birth of the Khalsa Panth. He also criticised
Vedanti for not mentioning the RSS at the May 14 Sikh
conclave allegedly at the behest of Mr Parkash Singh
Badal, who did not want to spoil his alliance with the
BJP. He further asked whether Giani Joginder Singh would
seek an explanation from Prof Manjit Singh the then
Jathedar Akal Takht, for not implementing the
“Amritsar declaration” of 1994. |
Protest march against Bibi Jagir
Kaur AMRITSAR, June 8 — A protest march against Bibi Jagir Kaur led by senior SGPC member Mr Puran Singh Josh SGPC member of the ruling Akali Dal Badal evoked a good response here. Interestingly, Sant Mangal Singh, acting president Gurbani Gurmat Parchark Sant Samaj, who is a confidant of Giani Puran Singh, a former Jathedar Akal Takht and senior leaders of the Sarb Hind Shiromani Akali Dal also participated. The protesters were carrying banners and placards which read “Bibi hatao, Panth bachao” (save Panth oust Bibi Jagir Kaur). Bhai Manjit Singh, senior vice president Sarb Hind Shiromani Akali Dal (SHSAD), Mr Onkar Singh Arora, District President SHSAD, Mr Ravinder Singh Rubi and Mr S.S. Walia, speaking on the occasion said Bibi Jagir Kaur had no right to continue as SGPC chief as she allegedly denigrated the maryada of Akal Takht. They alleged that such protest marches would continue till the removal of Bibi Jagir Kaur as SGPC President. The SGPC had deployed a massive task force inside and outside Gurdwara Ramsar, near Shaheedan from where the protest march began. Addressing the gathering Mr Puran Singh Josh alleged that Bibi Jagir Kaur had violated Sikh maryada by removing two Jathedars of Akal Takht unceremoniously during her brief tenure. He further alleged that many irregularities had been committed during her term as SGPC chief. Mr Harbans Singh, Mr
Amarjit Singh Chohan, Mr Ranjit Singh president Gurmat
Study Circle, Jathedar Ajit Singh, Mr Inder Singh, Mr
Sukhpal Singh Guru Ki Wadali, Dr Bhupinder Singh and Mr
Prithipal Singh all from the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal
also participated in the dharna. |
Robber gang busted, 5 bombs
seized JALANDHAR June 8 — The district police has busted a three-member gang of robbers, and recovered a sum of Rs 6.38 lakh, three pistols and five crude bombs, from them. Members of the gang, which had been active in Jagraon sub-division of Ludhiana and Phillaur sub-division of Jalandhar district, have been identified as Gurmukh Singh, and Tarsem Singh Sema, both residents of Malik village in Jagraon and Surjit Kumar, a resident of Ramewal village near Nurmahal. All three were arrested by a police naka party near Talwan village last night. In addition to pistols and bombs, which had been procured by them from Etah in Uttar Pradesh, one air rifle, one mobile phone and a motorcycle was seized from the the accused. Mr Gaurav Yadav, SSP, said during investigations, the accused confessed that they had planned to quell resistance by residents by using crude bombs. Resistance against such gangs has slowly started growing in rural areas, with villagers mounting patrols and chasing robbers. Kuldip Singh, a thirty-year-old farmer was given a cash prize of Rs 1000 and a commendation certificate by Mr G.S. Aujla, IGP (Jalandhar Zone) for forcing a group of robbers who had struck at his Khaira village residence near Phillaur to flee. Mr Yadav said two of the three accused confessed to have been involved in a robbery in Kandhola village near Nurmahal on March 15, during which one Vijay Kumar was shot at and injured for resisting their bid to snatch his bag containing Rs 45000. Surjit Kumar was earlier employed as the driver of one Avtaar Singh, a resident of Ramewali, but ran away with his Mistubishi Lancer car and Rs 10 lakh in cash in March. After this, he came into
contact with Gurmukh Kala and Tarsem Sema, formed a gang
and went on a looting spree in the two sub-divisions. |
A night spent clearing
houses of water PATIALA, June 8 — When water entered the Seths house around 2 a.m. today after a heavy downpour in the night, there were only two women and a child at home. They kept throwing out water with buckets, even as more kept coming in. A visit to the locality in New Bishen Nagar revealed that 3-feet water had entered the house. Similar was the case in most houses in street numbers 6 to 9 in the locality . The Seths said they kept throwing water out till seven in the morning after which they cleaned up the muck. They were lucky that their relatives came to their rescue and transported their sofas to the first floor. Not all were so lucky. Mr P. L. Chopra, retired SDO, said some household items had been spoilt due to rain which entered his home midnight . Virtually the entire locality had a sleepless night. More such are in the offing as water coming in a drain to the locality is not able to go ahead because of construction coming up in its way. Residents have been demanding that a broad drain be constructed to take the water ahead. Former Corporator Gurcharan Singh Bathla disclosed that a drain which started from near the Badi Nadi travelled through the Diesel Components Works area, Virk Colony, Bajwa Colony and Jagtar Nagar to reach Jujhar Nagar and its adjoining areas of Bishen Nagar where the concentration of the water is the maximum where the drain ended . He said earlier water used to escape to the Sadar Police Station area, but now building activity in the Sewa Singh Thikriwala Nagar came in the way. Mr Bathla said due to this streets in New Bishan Nagar and street numbers 15 and 16 of Old Bishan nagar came under water. While water could not flow ahead due to the construction activity, excess water accumulated in the drain also could not be directed out from an adjoining underground pipeline as its level was not deep enough. Mr Bathla said immediate steps should be taken to lower the pipeline or put another additional pipe at a lower level besides taking other steps to ensure water did not enter the houses of the people of the area. A survey of the area
revealed that roads in the locality were at a higher
level than the houses. This also is a major cause of
water entering homes. Besides, it was revealed that many
residents have covered the drain in front of their houses
and use the space as a veranda. This ensures that the
drain cannot be cleaned properly. Many residents have
demanded that these platforms be removed by the
authorities. |
MLA opposes PSEB transfers
in May AMRITSAR, June 8 — Ms Laxmi Kanta Chawla, BJP MLA, in a letter to Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has taken exception to the proposal for transferring PSEB employees in the month of May. In a press note issued yesterday Ms Chawla said the month of May was crucial when the atmospheric temperature was rising. Consequently the need for more power was felt. Therefore, most of the faults, breakdowns etc occurred in this month. The transfers in this month meant that the new entrants would take at least a month to familiarise themselves with the ground situation and other problems. Effecting transfers in this month would not only be difficult for the transferred person to settle in his area of duty, inconveniencing the public at large. Ms Kanta suggested all transfers in the PSEB should be made in the month of March as that would give the transferred persons enough time to settle in their new jobs and perform better in the crucial summer months. In another letter the
MLA took exception to another proposal of the government
i.e. to shift the government stenographer diploma course
in Punjabi, Hindi and English to another city as the
building where these courses were being conducted was
old. |
PSEB staff body flays
transfer policy CHANDIGARH, June 8 — The PSEB Accounts Audit and Administrative Service Association has opposed the new transfer policy announced in case of Divisional Accountants and Revenue Accountants by the Board’s Management. Mrs Parminder Pal Kaur, President of the Association,who met the Power Minister, Mr Sikander Singh Maluka, here today said that the authority to transfer these officials had been given to the Chief Engineers. She said that this had been done to sweep various financial irregularities in the Board’s functioning under the carpet. Accounts audit staff had the duty to point all sort of irregularities in the Board’s finances. She said that if the audit was put under the Chief Engineers, it would not be possible for such a staff to point irregularities. She said that the Chief Engineer (North) had ordered transfer of eight categories but these were stayed by the Board on May 26. And on June 2, a new policy was announced wherein all those having a stay over eight years were to be transferred. However, she said that the authorities concerned implemented the orders issued on May 20 in case of divisional accountants, revenue accountants and other categories except technical workers. Mrs Parminder Kaur said
that the large scale transfers ordered by the various
authorities in the board had become a bane for its
functioning. She urged the authorities concerned to
restore the power of transfers pertaining to divisional
and revenue accountants to the Chief Accounts Officer by
withdrawing powers from the Chief Engineers. |
Phillaur Council chief quits PHILLAUR, June 8 — In a dramatic episode, nagar council Kartarpur president, Mr Kuldip Chhabra today tendered his resignation to Local Bodies Department Deputy Director Mr Sukhwinderpaul Singh, just 24 hours before a no confidence motion. It may be recalled that
eleven members (MCs) out of 15 members planned to present
a no confidence motion against him. |
An institute to boost power JALANDHAR: With a view to augmenting power supply and reducing pollution, work of setting up the Sardar Swaran Singh National Institute of Renewable Energy (SSS NIRE), on the Jalandhar-Kapurthala highway, 12 km from here, has been going on at fast pace. More than 77 acres of land adjoining the Science City (another project of the Union Government) has been acquired for the institute. The institute is estimated to be built at a cost of Rs 50 crore. However, the Union Government has released Rs seven crore, so far, as the first instalment. The institute will have modern facilities for carrying on research on subjects related to non-conventional energy. Supported by the Ministry for Non-conventional Energy Sources, the institute will focus on areas not tackled by existing institutes and centres. These areas include Biomass, Biogas, Energy from Urban and Industrial wastes and new technologies besides human resource development and international cooperation in the area of Renewable Energy. The executing agency, the Punjab Energy Development Authority, (PEDA) has built up portable security and administrative offices here. It has also completed a five-kilowatt-capacity solar photovoltaic plant (SPV) at the site. When The Tribune visited the site, Mr Kuldeep Singh, project officer, PEDA, said that Rs one lakh had been set apart and placed at the disposal of Deputy Commissioner, Kapurtahala for making culvert over the Ibban minor canal and for a road passage between the Punjab Technical University (the another project) and the Institute. He said that a Bio-Material fencing, and not a boundary wall, which generates electricity would be set up. Sewerage waste will be used in Night Biogas Plant (NBP) to generate power and clean water for irrigation purposes. It is interesting, the land acquired for the institute is of Wadala Khurd village of Kapurthala district and the Union Government has showed it that of the Jalandhar district. The project officer said
that the foundation stone for the SSS NIRE will be laid
on May 19 by the Union Minister for Non-conventional
Energy, Mr Thiru M. Kannappan. He added that the decision
was taken at a meeting between Punjab Chief Minister,
Parkash Singh Badal and Mr Kannappan, held at New Delhi
recently. An exhibition-cum-sale of renewable energy
items will also be organised in the premises of the
institute on the same day, he said. |
Eyewitness in Khalra case denied
salary AMRITSAR, June 8 — The salary of the ‘sole’ eyewitness to the Jaswant Singh Khalra torture and murder case, SPO Kuldip Singh has not been paid since November 1999. Mr Jaswant Singh Khalra was allegedly tortured and killed in the presence of then police chief, Mr K.P.S. Gill according to Kuldip Singh. The body of the deceased was reportedly found from a river. Following the startling disclosures by Kuldip, some two years ago he was provided with CRPF security and a special vehicle along with a driver. More than six months ago the payment of salary to Kuldip was stopped without any explanation. The Khalra Mission Committee (KMC) chairman Mr Surinder Singh Gharyala and other members met several high officials including the DIG Border Range and SSP Tarn Taran in this context. But so far they have encountered only excuses say, Mr Balwinder Singh Chabhal general secretary of KMC. In an appeal of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, DGP Punjab Police and the Punjab Human Rights Commission the KMC has urged them to take notice of the plight of Kuldip Singh who fear for his life from some strong lobbies for his daring disclosures. The KMC has also sought removal of the driver of the vehicle of the SPO who has been repeatedly intimidating Kuldip and boasting that he enjoys the support of certain police officers. The mission demanded
action against the driver and restoration of salary
saying it would be forced to move the Punjab and Haryana
High Court if this was not done. |
Animal Husbandry Dy Director
suspended CHANDIGARH, June 8 — The Punjab Government has placed under suspension three senior officers, including a Joint Director and a Deputy Director of the State Animal Husbandry Department. The action against the three officers has been taken following a surprise visit of the Animal Husbandry Minister, Dr Rattan Singh Ajnala, to the department’s 300 acre farm at Matewara village in Ludhiana district. Dr Ajnala while confirming the suspension of three officers ordered by him , told TNS that he was very upset on finding a deplorable conditions at the farm. There was not even a proper arrangement of drinking water for buffaloes and other animals at the farm what to talk of green fodder. He said animals were virtually being starved to death because of the sheer negligence. As green fodder was not sown at appropriate time, it was not available to the animals. He said the suspended include the Joint Director,Dr B.S.Chatha,the Deputy Director, Dr Rajinder Krishan Kaplish,who was also in charge of the farm and Mr Bahadur Singh, an Agriculture Development Officer. During the suspension period, the headquarters of Dr Chatha had been fixed at the Matewara farm and he had been told that he would not be posted back to Chandigarh till he brought the desired changes at the farm. The headquarters of Dr Kaplish and Mr Bahadur Singh has been shifted from the farm to here. There are 150 buffaloes of best quality “nili ravi and mura” breed and also about 600 sheep kept for breeding purpose. Most of the buffaloes were in a very poor health. Animals were being treated in a most inhuman manner,he added. From a farm of 300 acre, Dr Rattan Singh said that one could earn a million of rupees but it was shocking to see that even green fodder was not available to animals there. He said he was determined to take action against other such officers who were not performing their duties sincerely. Inefficient elements would be weeded out from the department,he added Already, Dr Rattan Singh has ordered an inquiry into the alleged equipment purchase scandal. Though equipment was bought in 1994-95 but it has not been utilised so far. In fact, it was bought in excess just to utilise the funds allocated to the department. Dr Ajnala said that he had directed the inquiry officer Mr A.Goel, to submit the report to him at the earliest possible. Those found guilty would be taken to task,he added. He said there were about 60 veterinary doctors who were absent from duty for the past several years and their services would be terminated after following the procedure. He said the department had been allowed to give appointment to 69 veterinary doctors selected by the Punjab Public Services Commission. He said that he had ordered the transfers of doctors and pharmacists in such a manner that atleast one such employee be available in veterinary dispensaries and hospitals. He said that at least
400 hospitals and dispensaries were lying closed due to
the non availability of the staff. The government has
allowed to recruit 245 pharmacists to fill the remaining
vacant posts. |
Shelter for sick animals soon JALANDHAR, June 8 — “Animal Helpline”, the dream project launched by the district police on Monday, has taken of with the police authorities earmarking a four-kanal piece of land in the local Police Lines, where a Nodal Centre has already been set for carrying out animal welfare activities in the district. The project has been launched with an objective to render medical treatment and care to sick, injured and abandoned animals. The land, according to the police authorities, would be utilised for setting up of an animal shelter, where animals, would be attended to by a team of police officials and volunteers, including veterinary doctors, till they turn normal. For the purpose of rescuing these animals, two wireless-fitted vehicles have already been attached with the Nodal Centres where any resident could inform about such animals on any of the two telephones — 0181-221045 and 221046. Mr Charanjit Kumar, DSP (Control Room), is the Nodal Officer of the centre, who will be assisted by an ASI and co-ordinated with SHOs and a team of officials. Mr Gaurav Yadav, SSP, who chaired a meeting of local representatives of animal rights organisations like the People for Animals (PFA) and the SPCA, said an animal shelter would be set up soon in the supervision of Mr M.M. Farooqi, SP (Headquarters). He said only animal loving police officials would be entrusted with the job in the shelter. Similarly, the officials attached with the Nodal Centre will be hand-picked after ensuring that they had interest in animal welfare activities. The team members will be made to go through a two-day sensitisation programme, designed to enable them to handle injured and sick animals. Mr Farooqi, who has shown keen interest in the project will also look after the responsibility of generating funds, food, fodder and medicines for animals admitted to the centre. Explaining the role of the local units of two animals rights oragnisations, Mr Yadav said: “Their services will be utilised for acquiring technical advice and for creating awareness among the people about animals and their problems,”. Mr G.S. Bedi, the President of local chapter of the PFA and Mr S.S. Bhatti, President of the local chapter of SPCA, have offered to provide treatment facilities for animals at the centre. Mr Yadav said common
people, NGOs and prominent citizens would also be
involved in the animal welfare activities to be carried
out at the project. |
NOCs ‘must’ for
marriage palaces BARNALA, June 8 — Mr Anirudh Tiwari, Deputy Commissioner, Sangrur, has ordered all marriage palaces in Sangrur district to obtain no-objection certificates from the Deputy Commissioners office within a fortnight after submitting nine copies of each site plan. According to a press note the Deputy Commissioner issued this order as many marriage palaces which had technical flaws, were in operation in Sangrur. Mr Tiwari warned the marriage palaces sans no objection certificates would face closure. Some marriage palaces in Barnala too suffer from certain technical drawbacks. A marriage palace
succeeded in obtaining a no-objection certificate from
the local municipal authorities. It is situated in front
of the Trauma ward adjoining the local Civil Hospital,
violating stipulated norms and provisions. |
MCs authorised to decide on
octroi collection CHANDIGARH, June 8 — The Punjab Government today authorised the Municipal Councils and Corporations to decide whether they wanted to collect octroi through contractors system or through own staff. Making announcement in this connection, the Local Bodies Minister, Punjab Mr Balramji Dass Tandon said today that there would be no interference of the State Government as far as collection of octroi was concerned. Earlier, the State Government had introduced the collection of octroi through contractors in all Municipal Committees in 1994-95 and the practice is continuing since then. However, in the last
session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha and also otherwise the
contractor system was strongly opposed by all concerned.
Then the Government had stated that it would come out
with a new policy soon in this connection. The Government
today announced that as per the Municipal Act of 1911 and
the Corporation , these bodies had the powers to decide
the mode of collection . |
Special permission CHANDIGARH, June 8 — In a reply before the High Court, the Union of India’s standing counsel stated on Thursday that the Punjab Government would have to seek special permission from the US A through diplomatic channels if they wanted to proceed against the two murder accused for offences other than the ones they had been extradited for. The standing counsel stated that the Punjab Government may request the Union of India to seek permission from the Government of USA through diplomatic channels for trying the two accused persons. The case will now come up tomorrow before the Bench headed by Mr Justice G.S. Singhvi of the High Court. Claiming to have been extradited for cases pertaining to Delhi and Udaipur, counsel for the petitioners had earlier stated that the Punjab Police was seeking police remand of Ranjit Singh Gill and Sukhminder Singh Sandhu against the Extradition Act and treaty. Giving details, counsel
had added that Ranjit Singh Gill was extradited on the
charges of murdering a member of Parliament and his wife,
while Sukhminder Singh was extradited on the charge of
murdering a police official in Udaipur. |
Plan for website on Punjab PATIALA, June 8 — Punjab Public Relations Minister Natha Singh Dalam has said his department will launch a website to highlight the achievements of the state government at the international level. Speaking to newsmen after being honoured by the local Press Club at a function here yesterday, the minister said the website would also provide statistical data about Punjab, besides an update of various development activities being undertaken by the government . He said a renewed effort was being made to mobilise the public relations department when his attention was brought to the resource crunch being faced by the government due to which telephones at few districts had been cut and vehicles grounded . He said he had had a detailed discussion on this with Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal. Earlier at the function
he was honoured by local Press Club President Raj Kumar
Verma. During the occasion club Secretary Pritam Singh
Nagi also recounted the difficulties being faced by the
journalists here. |
Rattan explains PAN’s
importance PATIALA, June 8 — The Additional Commissioner of Income Tax, Patiala Range, Mr B.S. Rattan, while addressing the faculty, officials and employees of Punjabi University on the importance and use of permanent account numbers (pan) issued by the Income Tax Department, said paying taxes was the duty and responsibility of every citizen as paying taxes was equal to participating in the governance of the country. Mr Rattan added that right from 1991 the income tax regime had undergone a drastic change and a concerted effort was under way to make the income tax authorities assess-friendly. Giving details of the working, power and authority of different officials of the Income Tax Department, Mr Rattan said from April, 2000, Patiala had become one of the 79 cities in the country where the economic indicators of one-out-of-six schemes had become applicable. The permanent account number was aimed at regulating the economic health of the country, and this number would play a significant role in eliminating, to a large extent, the menace of black money. Mr Rattan added that a record number of over six lakh assessees had already been issued the PAN and only a small number of persons were yet to be issued the PAN. Some of these persons had already been intimated regarding the deficiency in their applications. Mr Rattan said that Patiala Range was poised to meet the target of collection of income tax. Ms Krishana Kumari,
Income Tax Officer of Salary Ward, was also present. Dr
Ram Murti Goel, Pro-Vice-Chanellor, Punjabi University,
presided over the function. The others who participated
included Dr B.S. Bhatia, Registrar, and Mr Remal Dass,
Finance Officer of the university. |
Bar strike over arrest of
lawyer KAPURTHALA, June 8 — Members of the District Bar Association today observed strike and boycotted the courts in protest against the arrest of senior criminal lawyer Ashok Sabharwal in criminal and corruption cases yesterday. At a meeting of the association today held under the presidentship of Mr Tej Pal Singh Ahluwalia, President, the members described his arrest as unwarranted. Meanwhile, Mr Iqbal Singh, SSP, today told that the police had arrested Mr Ashok Sabharwal under Sections 420, 212, 506, 120-B and Section 8 of the Prevention of Corruption Act on the charge of defrauding Surjit Kaur of the local Central Town mohalla with a sum of Rs 14 lakh. He said Surjit Kaur who was at present lodged in the district jail, Jalandhar, was facing trial, along with her son Baljit Singh, in connection with the alleged murder of her son Lakhwant Singh which took place on March 12, 1999. Surjit Kaur in an application to the police alleged that Ashok Kumar Sabharwal was visiting her house usually as he was close friend of Lakhwant Singh. She alleged that Sabharwal told her that she as well as her son were wanted by the police in the murder case of her son Lakhwant Singh and he could save them if she could arrange money for passing on to police officers and judges. She said after the murder Ashok Kumar got her kothi and their video parlour transferred in the name of his son Deepak Kumar but later on discovering of this alleged fraud the lawyer got the property transferred in the name of Surjit Kaur’s daughter Baljit Kaur. She said the lawyer had taken her to his house and kept her in illegal custody for three-four days in his house. The SSP said Mr Munish Chawla SP (Headquarters) who conducted the enquiry found the allegations true and case had been registered. Meanwhile, Sabharwal
told this correspondent in Civil Hospital that he was
being involved in this case falsely at the instance of
some advocates against whom he filed complaints. He
denied all the allegations levelled against him. |
Govt fiddles while Bathinda
burns BATHINDA, June 8 — Although the incidence of fires in the district is on the rise, fire brigade authorities are battling for staff and equipment instead. Official sources said in the current financial year, an incident of fire was reported every 24 hours in the district. From April 1, 2000 to June 3, 2000, 63 fire incidents were reported. The total in 1998-99 was 84 and 1999-2000 it was 140. The fire stations which cater to Bathinda district and various towns in the surrounding district as well are facing a severe staff shortage. Sources said at present four posts of drivers of a total of seven sanctioned posts were lying vacant. Three posts of firemen and four posts of leading firemen were also lying vacant. In the absence of an adequate number of drivers, firemen and fire officers had to drive fire tenders themselves. Official sources said the Punjab Government had not accepted the demand of the local fire authorities to provide them a foam tender required to extinguish oil and gas-based fire despite the fact that oil dumps of various companies have come up on the outskirts of the city and a big gas bottling plant is under construction. Official sources said Bathinda and its surrounding villages were sitting on a powder kag due to its proximity to oil depots of various oil companies and the ammunition depot of the local military station. The district authorities had taken up the matter of foam tenders with oil company managements as well about a year ago without any result. Mr Baldev Singh, Assistant Divisional Fire Officer (ADFO), when contacted said in case of emergencies, fire tenders of NFL, GNDTP, Air Force and the Army were used under a ‘mutual aid’ agreement. Aaprt from lack of staff, he said there were no proper arrangements for accommodation of staff members at the fire brigade complex. He said the incidence of fire caused by leakage of LPG in human dwellings were increasing. Apart from this, most fires were caused by electrical short circuits. He said a number of
hotels and marriage palaces owners had not taken ‘no
objection certificate’ (NOC) from fire brigade
authorities. |
MNCs won’t hit dairies:
minister CHANDIGARH, June 8 — The Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister, Dr Rattan Singh Ajnala, today said the dairy industry in the State would not suffer any setback with the entry of multi-national companies importing milk and milk products. Rejecting any
controversy in this regard, Dr Ajnala said with the
timely intervention of the Punjab Chief Minister, Mr
Parkash Singh Badal, the Union Government had ensured
imposing of 60 per cent import duty on milk and milk
products. |
Chushul expedition flagged off PATIALA, June 8 — An elite armoured regiment of the Army is now undertaking a trek to Chushul in Zanskar ranges. The erstwhile Squadron Commander of the troop in Chushul, Brig G.S. Grewal (retd), today flagged off the expedition which comprised of 4 officers, 4 JCOs and 20 other ranks. The team will also pay homage to the memorial of late Mangal Chand who laid down his life in 1962 war in Chushul. All team members are eager to trek in the areas of Chushul, Tangste, Mahe, Loma and Dungti, at heights ranging from 13,000 ft to 18,000 ft. This trekking is timed with culmination of recent Sindhu Darshan festival at Ladakh, wherein troops will be able to see the rich cultural heritage of this region. Brigadier J.M. Singh
presided over the function. |
Avtar Singh Brar CHANDIGARH, June 8 — Mr Avtar Singh Brar, M.L.A., has been appointed Vice-President of the PPCC. Mr Sant Ram Singla, also a Vice-President of the P.P.C.C., said the appointment of Mr Brar had been made by the President of the P.P.C.C. Capt. Amarinder Singh. Mr Singla further added
that Mr Brar, had successfully discharged various
responsibilities entrusted to him in the past. |
Punjab transfers CHANDIGARH, June 8 — The Punjab Government today ordered the transfer of two I.A.S. and one P.C.S. officers. Mr H.R. Megh (awaiting posting orders) has been made Special Secretary in the Parliamentary Affairs Department, while Mr K. Siva Prasad, Additional Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana. Mr M.P. Arora, P.C.S.
officer, will be the new Joint Director (Administration)
in the office of the D.P.I. (Schools). |
New Commissioner takes over PATIALA, June 8 — Senior IAS officer R.N. Gupta today joined as Commissioner, Patiala Division. He was earlier Secretary, Youth Welfare and Sports. Mr Gupta was presented a guard of honour by a police contingent at Circuit House here. He was received by Deputy Commissioner Jasbir Singh Bir and senior district officer. Later he held a meeting
with the Deputy Commissioner. |
Gang of cheats busted GURDASPUR, June 8 — The Dinanagar police claims to have busted a gang of cheats involved in extorting money from innocent, unemployed youth with the promise of getting them jobs in the PSEB. According to Mr Varinder Kumar, SSP, the police arrested yesterday Gurdev Chand, ex-sarpanch of Pakhochak village and his accomplice Kuldip Singh, a resident of Jagwal Lahri. The SSP said the fraud came to light when Raj Kumar of Behrampur reported to the police that in 1997 the accused had demanded Rs 30,000 for getting him a job of as a tubewell operator in the PSEB. Raj Kumar told the police that he paid Gurdev Chand Rs 15,000 in advance, who handed it over to Kuldip Singh. Raj Kumar was to pay the remaining amount after getting the appointment letter. After this incident, he contacted the accused many a times, but the latter kept on avoiding him. The accused also extorted Rs 15,000 each from Charanjit, Madan Lal, Mohan Lal, Hardial Singh, Dharampal, Balwinder Kumar, Bodh Raj, and Ved Prakash with similar promises, the SSP added. A case under Sections
420/34 of the IPC has been registered against the two
accused. |
Four more labourers succumb
to injuries PATIALA, June 8 — Four more labourers, who were burnt in the Mandi Gobindgarh Alloy Factory blast on June 4, succumbed to their injuries in Government Rajindra Hospital here today. The deceased have been
identified as Mani Ram, Vinod Yadav, Ram Harike and Lal
Chand. They all belonged to Gorakhpur district in Uttar
Pradesh.Now there are only four victims of the blast case
admitted in the surgery ward. A total of 11 labourers
were charred in the blast in the factory. While one
labourer, Bansi, had died shortly after being brought to
the hospital on June 4, Jagdish and Shanker succumbed to
their injuries during the past two days. |
3 killed in accident JALANDHAR June 8—Three persons, including a telecom department officials were killed in two separate accidents in the district since last night.Baldev Singh, a telecom employee was electrocuted while trying to rectify a telecom cable fault at Madhopur village near Bhogpur this morning. Rakesh Kumar and Sonu,
both residents of Bholath village died on the spot when
the scooter they were riding collided with a four wheeler
near Bholath today. |
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