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| Wednesday, October 25, 2000, Chandigarh, India |
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Schoolboy kidnapped in Panchkula PANCHKULA, Oct 24 — A Class XII student of DAV School in Sector 8 here was kidnapped from near his house in Sector 8 early this morning. He was forced into a waiting Sumo vehicle and whisked away to some unknown destination. Seventeen-year-old Himanshu was on his way to school along with his 16-year-old sister, Bhawna, at around 7:30 am when the incident took place. Giving an eyewitness account of the incident, Bhawna said that they had barely reached a couple of houses away when they first spotted the kidnappers. “Our immediate reaction was to hide from them and we went into a neighbour’s house. However, these people, numbering about 13, barged into the house. Though I was left all by myself, they had a scuffle with my brother and finally managed to overpower him after he hurt his head. Immediately, they covered him with a towel in a bid to hide his uniform and took him to the parked Sumo in which they escaped. A white Indica followed suit,’’ she informed. Bhawna added that Vikas, their friend and occupant of the house where they took shelter, also offered resistance to the kidnappers. He tried to contact the police but the cordless phone was also taken away from him. Though all neighbours had come out by this time, nobody came to the rescue of the children. She further informed that her parents had left for Ambala yesterday evening and were not at home when the incident took place. “They had gone to get some white-wash work completed at our native village in Ambala. The men, six Sikhs and the other clean-shaven, were middle-aged”, she said. One of the kidnappers was identified as Lakhwant Singh alias Lakhu, by Mr Surinder Kumar, the father of the victim. Explaining the motive behind the kidnapping, he said that he owed the man Rs 3 lakh, out of which he had already paid Rs 2 lakh. “However, he had threatened to kidnap my children if I failed to pay the rest of the amount. I had sent him a notice for the same on September 10 to Mohinder Singh of Pehowa and since then our relationship had soured and we were apprehending trouble,” he claimed. His wife, Neelam, inconsolable on knowing about the kidnapping incident, said that the means adopted by the business partner to get even were not justified. “This is no way of getting what you want,” she commented. Mr Kumar informed that while Lakhwant arranged for sending people abroad, he was entrusted with the task of reserving tickets for them. It was in this transaction that he owed the accused Rs 3 lakh. Meanwhile, the Superintendent of Police, Ms Kala Ramachandran, reached the spot immediately and sent out a wireless message in a bid to nab the accused. A police party has also left for Pehowa. A case under Sections 120 B, 365 and 506 of the IPC has been registered. |
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Sanjay Manchanda commits suicide CHANDIGARH, Oct 24 — UT Public Relations Officer Sanjay Manchanda today ended his life by jumping in front of the Kalka-Amritsar Mail at a level crossing in Mani Majra. Strained relationship with his wife is being cited as one of the reasons behind the “extreme step”. Manchanda, suffering from depression for the past two years, had reportedly waited for the train to come after reaching crossing Number 126 on a scooter at about 5 p.m. According to sources at the railway station, Manchanda, clad in blue trousers and a check shirt had his identity card in its pocket when he reportedly leaped in front of the train zooming down the track at a the speed of 70 to 75 km per hour. Manchanda, who was struggling for breath was immediately picked up by the guard and the driver of the train but he died on way to hospital. His body, with injuries on the left side of his face and bruises on the chest, was handed over to the Railway Police at the Chandigarh railway station. His brother and family were subsequently informed. The police, after recording his brother’s statement, sent the body for a post mortem at the Sector 16 General Hospital. Talking to the media persons at the police station soon after the incident, his brother Ajay Manchanda said Sanjay was suffering from depression soon after his wife started living with her parents two years ago. Describing the 35-year-old Manchanda as an “ever-smiling person”, Director Public Relations Vivek Attri revealed that Manchanda had been on leave for the last two days. He said Manchanda had called him up to express his inability to attend the office a day before. Mr Attri added that Manchanda had proceeded on leave for at least two to three weeks during the past six months. |
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Jacob’s remark on taxes: BJP, Congress up in arms CHANDIGARH, Oct 24 — A remark by the UT Administrator, Lieut Gen J.F.R. Jacob (retd), that property tax and parking fees should be introduced in Chandigarh in a phased manner brought about opposition from members of various political parties during the Administrator’s Advisory Council meeting here today. The Administrator had suggested that more revenue could be generated for the development of the city by way of taxes, but the local units of the BJP and Congress opposed the idea vehemently. The local MP, Mr Pawan Bansal, and the BJP spokesperson, Ms Ranjana Shahi, in separate statements during the meeting, criticised the idea saying the MC had just come into being while the Chandigarh Administration had been evading the issue of taxes for more than 45 years. The local MP, Mr Pawan Kumar Bansal, while demanding better sports facilities in educational institutions offered money out of his MP Local Area Development Fund. He welcomed the concept of night schools. Mr Bansal also appreciated the corrective measures taken by the administration in the policy of conversion from leasehold to freehold properties, but asked that conversion should be allowed at 1996 rates and not at revised rates. The MP also demanded an extension of Lal Dora limits. Another Congress member, Mr Subhash Chawla, demanded the creation of a special police cell to deal with youth who are freely buying various medicinal drugs and cough syrups from chemists, especially in the southern sectors. Speaking on the law and order situation, former Mayor, Mr Gyan Chand Gupta said that members of public were losing confidence in police. He said the police was needlessly indulging in landlord-tenant disputes. Among other Congress men to participate were Mr Rampal Sharma, who demanded that the Chandigarh Administration should implement minimum wages in the city. Dr Mohammed Khalid and Ms Satinder Dhawan also expressed their views. Among the BJP leaders to attend were Mr Dharm Pal Gupta, Mr Yashpal Mahajan, Mr K.K. Addiwal, Ms Kamla Sharma and Ms Ranjana Shahi. Meanwhile in his speech the General expressed concern over the increase in number of TB cases in the city. In order to improve dental health care, a mobile dental van would be introduced soon, he said. The countrywide Pulse Polio Immunisation (PPI) Programme on December 10 and January 21, would be carried out with the coordination
of NGOs by the administration. During the meeting, the Finance Secretary, Mr Rakesh Singh said the Government of India had imposed a 10 per cent cut on the non plan revenue expenditure and had asked the UT to generate more resources of its own. The council considered major issues relating to the city and discussed the reports of the seven subcommittees which had been set up to look into important areas affecting the development of the city. The Administrator, in his speech, highlighted various initiatives taken by the administration to improve the quality of life in the city. The revision of building bye-laws has been carried out for industrial and commercial buildings, in order to promote industry and commerce in the city. Bye-laws in respect of residential areas are also being amended in order to keep pace with the changing times. He said the MoU signed with the Microsoft Corporation is a major achievement in making the city a major IT hub. On its rehabilitation policy the administration claimed that the rehabilitation process is being carried out in a phased manner. The subcommittee on encroachments, in its report to the council, recommended that a comprehensive analysis of the issue of unauthorised constructions be carried out. Improvements in the infrastructure for tourists are required as Chandigarh can become a major tourist destination, General Jacob said. The subcommittee on tourism has suggested the setting up of an amusement park in the city. On traffic front , the Administrator said electric-trolley transportation system was under discussion with the Government of India. Meanwhile the Mayor, Ms Shanta Hit Abhilashi, stressed that the growth of rickshaws in the city should be regulated. The Advisor to the Administrator, Ms Vineeta Rai, assured the members that action would be taken by the administration after examining reports of the subcommittees. |
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City decked up for Divali CHANDIGARH, Oct 24 — The city is all decked up for Divali and markets are the hub of activity. These have been tastefully decorated and persons have even set up stalls outside their shops. Great rush was witnessed in major markets of the city today. Beautiful idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi, besides the hattis used for the puja, can be seen in every market. A number of multinational and local companies are buying gifts in bulk for clients and employees. Even small businessmen have picked up the trend. Dry fruits, chocolates and cakes are favourite gift items for this Divali. Though there is a ban on certain types of crackers, these continue to be sold. Some new kind of crackers have also hit the market. Ms Arundhati Gupta, a housewife, says, “This time of the year, I do a lot of shopping for my family and relatives. It is always a big day for us.” Mr Arun Sharma, a businessman, says, “By distributing gifts among clients, businessmen strengthen their relationship with them.” |
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Musclemen do it
again CHANDIGARH, Oct 24 — In yet another complaint against a finance company, a Sector 28 resident today alleged that his car was snatched away, along with other valuables, by four or five musclemen after attacking him. Taking up his complaint, the UT Inspector General of Police, Mr B.S. Bassi, has reportedly directed the registration of a case. Mr Sanjeev Kumar had earlier alleged that his gold chain and a hand bag containing Rs 20,000, along with the car keys, were snatched. He was also threatened against contacting the police. The complainant added that he was inflicted fist blows when he tried to resist. |
DIVALI FESTIVITIES CHANDIGARH, Oct 24 — For preventing fire tragedies during Divali festivities, the Fire Department of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (CMC) is geared up with major plans to ensure against fire incidents in the city. The focus has now shifted from fire fighting to fire prevention. The Fire Department has directed the removal of combustible material from shopping areas and installation of public address system atop fire vehicles for public awareness. Besides, three “moble fire stations” will be pressed into service. The inspection of cracker stalls and market areas is already on. Chief Fire Officer G.S Bajwa said that major emphasis is on undertaking preventive measures in fire-prone areas, which have in the past witnessed two or three incidents during Divali. On the basis of data collected, these areas include Sectors 15, 19, 22, 23, Mani Majra and Burail village. He informed that the causes behind incidents of fire in these areas were also examined and it was found that most of the fires were the result of crackers falling on the waste packing material lying on the roof tops of various shops. Taking a serious view of this, the shopkeepers in these areas have been asked to remove all such packaging material, including paper cartons, wooden boxes and husk from their roof tops immediately. The shopkeepers, particularly those authorised to sell crackers, have also been briefed against violating the terms and conditions of the licence. They were also asked to talk to the customers about the safety precautions they need to take. For instance children should not wear loose clothes while firing crackers and should also abstain from putting glass, pots, and metal boxes over crackers. The department has installed public address system in some of its vehicles, which will move around in the sectors advising the public to keep the doors and windows of their houses shut in the evening to avoid any cracker from going inside the house and causing fire and to ensure that elders are around when children fire crackers and to keep away inflammable objects. The drive, which has been undertaken since Sunday, has covered most parts of the city and will cover Mani Majra and remaining areas tomorrow. The Department will press into service “three mobile fire stations” on Divali. These will be stationed in Sectors 19, 22 and the area near Sector 32 and Burail village. These mobile vans will be connected to the main fire stations by wireless and messages will be passed on to the van in the concerned area so that fire tenders do not have to rush all the way from Sector 17 or other fire stations. Mr Bajwa further said that besides, 17 fire tenders are being kept in ready position to meet any eventuality round the clock at all its stations. The Station Fire Officers have also started inspecting the crackers stalls to see if they are selling crackers and other inflammables without taking adequate preventive measures, including storing sand bags and water drums, besides 50 ft clearance around the shop. If found wanting on any of these accounts, these officials will cancel their licence and write remarks on their licences so that they are not able to get the same renewed next year. The inspections by police and fire officials will only ensure that they take the required preventive steps. It will also be ensured that that licence-holders set up the stalls away from habitation. They will also be asked to take care of other safety measures like checking the electric wires to avoid short-circuits. We will also be advising them to sleep near the stored crackers so that they can react immediately,” the Chief Fire Officer added. At a meeting held yesterday, Mayor Shanta Hit Abhilashi appealed to officials of the corporation to ensure adequate supply of water in the city, particularly the mela venues and to maintain proper cleanliness.  |
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Drive against wrong
parking, gamblers CHANDIGARH, Oct 24 — Look before you park your car in city markets. The Chandigarh police is taking tough against those who park their
vehicles wrongly. Two additional cranes have been pressed into service to tow away any vehicle that obstructs traffic. Five cranes will be active in Sectors 17, 22 and 19. The UT Inspector General of Police, Mr B.S. Bassi, said, “The drive is being launched in the interest of car drivers and fellow commuters. The idea is to prevent traffic jams in markets and the other congested areas.”
Another drive against those who gamble in public places is also on the cards. “The police is keeping a strict vigil on community centres and hotels," the IGP said. “We do not want to interfere in the private lives of residents. We only wish to check organised gambling.” Tipplers are also in for trouble on Divali night. “We will not dampen the spirit of festivity, but check the incidence of drunken driving and consumption of liquor in public places,” Mr Bassi said. “For this, we are monitoring liquor outlets.” Besides introducing regular patrolling by nine inspectors and three DSPs, the police has also posted 14 policemen in Sector 17 for maintaining law and order. Five policemen will patrol Sector 20. Four “men in khaki” will patrol Sectors 19 and 22. Three personnel have also been posted at the Sector 17 inter-state bus terminus. |
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Nada Sahib case PANCHKULA, Oct 24 — On a suit for declaring the memorandum of understanding signed between the members of the SGPC and vendors outside Nada Sahib gurdwara as illegal, the Panchkula CJM, Mr Ved Pal Gupta, today issued notices to the Deputy Commissioner and the SDM and 12 other respondents for November 14. The plaintiffs alleged that instead of performing their duties in a leagal manner the DC and the SDM misused their powers by forcing the signing of the memorandum of understanding on the threat that persons connected with the management of the gurdwara would be arrested in false criminal cases. They added that the shopkeepers had no right to enter into an MoU so as to waste the property of the gurdwara and the SGPC. It was stated that giving of money, construction of shops and handing of these to the shopkeepers amounted to wastage. Counsel further argued that the memorandum was not enforceable, having been signed by unauthorised persons having no legal status or sanction. It may be recalled that a clash between the task force of the SGPC and the vendors had taken place on October 1 over alleged encroachment by the latter. Following the clash, the Deputy Commissioner had constituted a committee comprising the INLD General Secretary, Mr Pradeep Chaudhary, and a representative of the SGPC, Mr S.S. Nidar, who had decided the compensation package for the vendors. This was agreed to by both parties at a meeting convened on October 12 and was signed by the representatives of both parties. According to the agreement, the vendors were to be handed over compensation cheques by the SGPC yesterday but it failed to do so. |
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Tribune follow-up CHANDIGARH, Oct 24 — Gurnam Singh, driver of the Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) bus (PB-11-N-9533), was suspended by the PRTC authorities after he was proved to be driving under the influence of liquor on Wednesday. The suspension came in the wake of a news item “A nightmarish journey” carried in the Monday edition of Chandigarh Tribune. A spokesperson of the PRTC said here today that it was confirmed after a preliminary inquiry that he consumed liquor after halting at a vend on the way to Patiala and reached the destination 20 minutes in advance. The spokesperson also said that the PRTC was starting a campaign to check the menace with effect from today. A doctor and a PRTC member would be accompanying the driver of every evening bus. He said that the PRTC regretted the incident and inconvenience caused to passengers of the bus. |
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MC ward polling on Nov 12 SAS NAGAR, Oct 24 — The byelection to Ward No 17 of the SAS Nagar Municipal Council will be held on November 12. The byelections to the vacant wards in civic bodies of Anandpur Sahib, Kapurthala, Malerkotla and Raja Sansi would also be held on November 12, said the Punjab State Election Commissioner, Mr C.D. Cheema, here today. The byelection to the ward of the SAS Nagar council was being held after the elected municipal councillor, Mr Isher Singh Langh, died in a road mishap while returning from Sunam, near Chunni, on the Fatehgarh-SAS Nagar, near here, last month. Ward No 17 is a reserved ward. The Election Commissioner said the last date for making the nominations would be November 2 and the date of scrutiny November 3. The last date for withdrawal of the nomination papers has been fixed on November 4. Mr Cheema said since November 4 was not a holiday under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instrument Act, 1881, the scrutiny would take place on that day. The polling would be held from 8 a.m to 4 p.m. |
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Alms-seeking campaign SAS NAGAR, Oct 24 — The Godrej-GE Employees Union today started an alms-seeking campaign to register its protest against the alleged indifferent attitude of the management of the factory towards the demands of the agitating employees. The employees, carrying placards, moved around in Sector 17 of Chandigarh with the donation boxes in their hands. Mr Amit Gupta, a member of the union, said it had been one year since the management expelled 68 employees. He said the employees would observe black Divali as the dharna by the union entered the 356th day. A copy of the grievances of the agitating employees has been sent to the Punjab Labour Department. |
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Employees observe pen-down stir CHANDIGARH, Oct 24 — Hundreds of members of the Haryana General Category and Backward Classes Employees Welfare Organisation, observed pen down strike at the main and new building of the Civil Secretariat, 30 Bays Building and the PWD headquarets, here today. This was stated by Mr Des Raj Lamba, president of the organisation, in a press note. The members of the organisation observed strike in protest against non-implementation of the Constitutional Bench decision dated September 16, 1999, of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, regarding the benefit of accelerated seniority to scheduled caste officers, employees and official working in different Haryana Government offices. |
7 kg of opium seized CHANDIGARH, Oct 24 — The Chandigarh police has reportedly seized recovered 7 kg of opium, valued at about Rs 2 lakh, after arresting a Rohtak district resident from the Sector 17 Inter-State Bus Terminus. The accused, Satyawam of Kheri village, was subsequently booked under Section 18 of the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. A graduate in arts, the 33-year-old Satyawam was unemployed. According to sources, the accused was stopped by a policeman at about 5.30 p.m. on October 23 while he was moving under mysterious circumstances near the Patiala counter at the bus stand. A search conducted by the police, after Deputy Superintendent of Police Jaspal Singh was called to the spot, revealed that the accused was carrying the drug in plastic bags, sources added. Initial interrogation of the accused, sources said, further revealed that the drug had been procured from Chittorgarh in Rajasthan and was to be sold in a village in Punjab. Senior police authorities, when contacted, said further investigations in the case were on and more persons were likely to be arrested soon on the basis of the information furnished by Satyawam. SAS NAGAR Cyclist injured A case under Sections 279, 337 and 338 of the IPC has been registered against the driver of the bus, Harcharan Singh. Dowry case |
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