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November 24, 2000, Chandigarh, India |
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Scuffles mark MC meeting to elect president SAS NAGAR, Nov 23 — Throwing of chairs, tearing up of ballot papers and scuffles marked the meeting called here today to elect the new president of the Municipal Council, forcing the postponement of the poll. At least one councillor sustained injuries in the melee. The elections will now be held on November 27. The atmosphere got heated up soon after the councillors took the oath. Chairs were thrown and scuffles were witnessed. The turban and spectacles of a councillor came off. It is alleged that the two video cameras hired by the civic body to film the election meeting were switched off when goondaism prevailed. Even the Press was not allowed to cover the meeting. Mrs Prabhjot Kaur Sodhi got an injury on the head while the turban and spectacles of Mr Surjit Singh Garewal fell off. Mrs Daljit Kaur, Kharar MLA, left the meeting soon after the melee began. The SDM, Mr Jai Pal Singh, who was acting as a convener for the election, said that Mr Amrik Singh Mohali tore the ballot papers, a charge which has been denied by the latter. The SDM charged Mr Sukhdev Singh Patwari and Mr Manjit Singh Sethi of goondaism. He said action would be taken against the guilty. However, Mr S.S. Sidhu, DTO, Ropar, who had been appointed as an observer for the election by the Deputy Commissioner, and Mr Puneet Kansal, an observer appointed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, refused to comment on the meeting. Mr Kulwant Singh, who had the support of 16 of the 27 councillors, said that they had expected such a thing to happen and that was why another observer had been appointed by the High Court for the meeting. He said that his supporters will always stay with him no matter when the elections are held. Mr Sukhdev Singh Patwari said that certain councillors of the opposite group got provoked and started banging chairs when he asked the SDM why no action was being taken against the persons who had set the car of Mr Manjit Singh on fire. He said they wanted action in this regard before the holding of the
election. Mr Hardeep Singh, member, SGPC, while condemning the activities of certain councillors at the election meeting said the ruling party and the local administration were hand-in-glove who were deliberately delaying the election of the president. Everything had been preplanned and the public was well aware of what was going to happen today. He demanded that a new SDM should be appointed for the elections to be held on November 27. Mr Harnek Singh Gharuan, a former Congress minister, condemned the
postponement of the elections. He described it as a murder of the democracy. Members of the Press raised slogans against the SDM and sat on dharna for not allowing them to cover the meeting. Some scribes were manhandled by police. The Chairman of the Mohali Journalists Association, Mr Ajit Salani, said this was an attack on the freedom of the Press. The association has written a strong-worded letter in this regard to the Chief Election Commissioner of India, copies of which are also being sent to the Chief Minister, Punjab, the Punjab Local Government Minister and the Deputy Commissioner, Ropar. The police had cordoned off the area in front of the council office and only the MLA and the councillors were allowed to enter the office building. The SP, Mr B.S. Randhawa, said about 50 police personnel had been put on security duty. Court Commissioner to
give report on Nov 28 Mr Puneet Kansal who has been appointed Court Commissioner to supervise the proceedings of SAS Nagar municipal councillors’ meeting to elect its president and vice-president by a Division Bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court comprising Mr Justice Amarbir Singh Gill and Mr Justice V.S.Aggarwal was present at the meeting. He said he would submit his report to the court. Councillor Phul Raj and 16 others today, after moving court, said that they had received call letters from the police, stating that the police had information, alleging their involvement in some criminal cases and directing them to be present at the police station on the date when meeting of the council is scheduled for the election of the president. The petitioners further alleged that they had apprehension that they (councillors) would be hauled and herded at the police station and the election of the president and the vice-president would be held in their absence. The Court Commissioner has been directed to submit his report to the court on November 28. |
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HUDA to initiate action for non-payment of dues PANCHKULA, Nov 23 — The countdown for the resumption of commercial property has begun with the Chief Administrator, Mr N.C. Wadhwa, shooting off a letter to the Administrator, Mr Shrikant Walgad, to recover pending dues or initiate proceedings till the end of this month. The move comes following the indifference of the commercial site owners to pay dues running into crores of rupees — nearly Rs 45 crore — which have been pending for as long as a decade in some cases. Almost an equal amount is pending with defaulters who have entered into litigation. In his note to Mr Walgad, the CA has said that the priority should be to recover the dues within a week’s time, failing which HUDA would be at liberty to take action against the erring business community, sealing their premises. Sources said that initially two showrooms were resumed by the Estate Office in an effort to inspire the site owners to clear up their dues, fearing threat of being taken over by the department. Later, four more were added to the tally of two, taking the number up to six. This, too, failed to make the desired impact and the recovery of finances remained a far cry, necessitating the drastic step. However, the department plans to begin proceedings by convincing people to act in accordance with the HUDA policy or be at the receiving end, losing their sites for not adhering to the terms and conditions. Mr Wadhwa said that the demand of charging simple interest in lieu of compound interest was unjustified and against the policy. ‘‘If they were so particular about cutting down extra costs, they should have paid their installments regularly. This would have subtracted the penalty which accumulated into the huge sum on account of compound interest. When others paid, there is no justification for their not paying,’’he said. ‘‘A week’s time is more than sufficient to clear the account before the Estate Office begins its tirade against non-payment. It will give enough time to HUDA also to prepare a blueprint of the action plan,’’ he added. He said that they would not hesitate to use police force and bring defaulters to book. The exercise would be carried out in each sector and against all defaulters of HUDA. Action would be initiated in accordance with the HUDA policy. Following resumption, the said plots would be auctioned and money recovered. The ‘‘aggrieved’’ party, the business community, contends that HUDA has been unreasonable in charging compound interest since development works in the vicinity of sites allotted have not been completed. They maintain that business has been low and returns have been negligible. Action in case of non-payment
of dues under HUDA policy: Plot for commercial use:
The site is resumed and auctioned as per terms and conditions. The money so recovered is taken by HUDA and adjusted against the pending amount. Construction at commercial site: The resumed site will be put under the hammer. The amount so recovered will be taken by HUDA. However, in case the amount is in excess of the price of the plot, the former owner will be compensated for the construction though HUDA is not bound to pay for the same, the CA said.
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Chandigarh MP can vote in MC NEW DELHI, Nov 23—The Lok Sabha today passed the Punjab Municipal Corporation Law (Extension to Chandigarh) Act,1994, providing for the representation of the MP from the Union Territory in the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh, with a right to vote. Welcoming the Bill, members cutting across party lines supported the amendment and said that MPs should be involved in local self -government as it enabled better coordination with the Centre. An MP from Telegu Desam, Mr Uma Reddy Venkatasarlu, suggested that there should be unified amendment Bill for all municipal corporations in the country. The Chandigarh MP, Mr Pawan Kumar Bansal, felt there was nothing significant in the amended Bill and it only provided for the extension of some provisions of the parent Punjab Municipal Corporation Law to Chandigarh. Though Mr Bansal admitted that he was the only beneficiary of the new law, he was of the opinion that the MPs had different planks to function and they need not necessarily be members of a panchayat or municipal corporation. He said there were some shortcomings in the Bill and the local self-government in Chandigarh was not functioning in the spirit that it was meant to. Saying that the rights and duties of the Municipal Corporation were not well-defined, Mr Bansal added that often there was clash of functioning between the UT Administration and the Municipal Corporation. There was no single-window administration in Chandigarh and people were made to shuttle from one office to another. Mr Bansal pointed out that the Finance Commission had not met even once to apportion the funds between the UT and the Municipal Corporation. He said that though there was no shortage of Central funds for the UT, the people who controlled the funds had" no intention to spend them judiciously". To an intervention from the floor of the House that the people of Chandigarh did not pay house tax, Mr Bansal retorted that they would like to pay the levy provided they received matching services. Referring to the recent price hike in petroleum products, Mr Bansal said people in Chandigarh paid more tax on petrol than their counterparts in Mohali and Panchkula. He said in 1994, when the Punjab Municipal Corporation Law (Extension to Chandigarh) Act, replaced an ordinance of the same title, it was hoped that the Municipal Corporation would be involved in the planning process. Planning continued to be done from the airconditioned rooms of Yojana Bhavan and the local self -government was not involved in it. He said the new Act did not provide for committees for district planning and metropolitan planning. Mr Bansal also suggested that the employees who were shifted from the UT administration to the Municipal Corporation should be deemed to be on deputation. He said the Municipal Corporation provided for 20 elected members and nine nominated members. The high proportion of nominated members was not healthy and the strength of elected persons should be raised to 30 so that ,including the MP,
there were 31 members. As the parent Act did not provide for the representation of the member of the House from the area in the Municipal Corporation, no provision to enable the MP to participate in the Corporation was made in the Act. Moving the Bill for passage, the Minister said the proposed legislation had a specific objective and as for other suggestions given by the members, he would take it up at the appropriate level. |
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Why earn a prize when you can buy
one CHANDIGARH, Nov 23 — Pay money and get an award. This is the new attraction being doled out to educationists of the city. Many of the city college principals have been receiving offer letters from "awarding agencies" in India and abroad which promise to honour them with awards in ceremonies and present them with gold and silver-plated plaques and medals. These agencies, according to the principals, have shortlisted men and women and are sending them these letters offering them "prestigious honours". These letters ask the "chosen one" to send the money as per their requirement (there are different prices for the different kinds of prizes) and receive the award or honour. One such letter states, "The American Biographical Institute (ABI) proudly announces this year 2000 nominees to receive the international commendation of success. A truly profound award for those who have reached pinnacles of achievement, contribution and example. Awarded to a limited number of men and women throughout the world who have succeeded personally professionally and for the good of all society." But all this comes with a price. The attached order form asks for $ 395 in case of the ABI honour plaque which the ABI claims" will command a distinct presence on any wall." Another such agency is the International Biographical Centre, which offers one of the college principals, "the 20th century award for achievement...the uniqueness of this award cannot be emphasised strongly enough, as it cannot be repeated for a hundred years!" The attached order form gives the "awardee" the option of paying $ 215 and getting a silver medal of honour and $ 180 for a bronze one. In case one pays $ 350, he will get a diploma and silver medal package. The order form further asks the awardee to also enlist the field in which the outstanding honour is being given to them! An Indian organisation, too, is involved in this "award racket" as principals describe it. One of the international friendship societies in New Delhi holds conferences and awards honours in the name of the nation, said a principal. The offer letter states, "your name is under consideration for this award. We are well aware of your well-deserved
success. You are requested to send us your biodata and copy of your latest photograph at the earliest." On doing so the society comes back asking for money to get this award. Says Dr P.S. Sangha, Principal, SGGS College, Sector 26, "I have been offered so many of these awards and I declined them all. This is a big racket and I have noticed many such awards being accepted by people." Mr R.C. Jeevan, Principal, DAV College, Sector 10, states, "I have been getting these letters for years, but I feel sad that now even awards do not need to be earned, they can be bought." |
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Holiday shifted, confusion
prevails CHANDIGARH, Nov 23 — The announcement that the holiday on account of the martyrdom day of Guru Teg Bahadur has been shifted from November 24 to December 1 has come after much delay. This has led to confusion among office-goers and students. Today, the Chandigarh Administration issued instructions that all its institutions, boards and corporations would remain open on November 24. This order reached the colleges and schools much after the closing hours. Now, government colleges and schools will remain open, but management bodies of private schools and colleges are still confused. Officials of St John’s High School said the school would remain closed on November 24. All private colleges and schools have already announced a holiday for tomorrow. Opening the schools at a short notice would be impossible as school-bus operators, rickshawpullers, autorickshaw drivers and parents have been told about the holiday. Panjab University also issued a press note later today, saying that its administrative and teaching departments would remain open tomorrow. The Punjab and Haryana High Court will be open, but the District Courts will remain closed. Private and public sector banks in Chandigarh, SAS Nagar and Panchkula will remain open. In Haryana, a restricted holiday has already been announced for tomorrow. All educational institutions and offices in the neighbouring townships will also remain open. All Central Government offices will remain open as the Centre has not announced a holiday for tomorrow. |
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Lamba denies cheating company SAS NAGAR, Nov 23 — A non-resident Indian, Dr Bikram Singh Lamba, who was arrested by the local police for allegedly cheating a Chandigarh-based immigration company, today claimed that he had been implicated in the case by the Punjab police at the behest of the proprietor of the company. He said he had been engaged to work out details of a project at the resort of the company at Karoran
(Nayagaon). Addressing a press conference here, he alleged that he had been forced to bribe certain officials so as to undertake the project which allegedly involved converting reserved forest land into leisure activities. In a written statement submitted to the National Human Rights Commission, copies of which were given to mediapersons, he alleged that at the behest of the immigration company, Worldwide Immigration Consultancy Services, the SAS Nagar police illegally detained him for more than 48 hours and was not allowed to drink water. He said : “The police officials at the Phase 1 police station told me that I was lucky that a case of murder was not registered against me”. Stating that he was a successful consultant based at Toronto, he was a qualified person having reputation in his area of
specialisation. A visibly upset Dr Lamba said had I been a citizen of Canada, the police would not have dared touch me. “Is it the way the Parkash Singh Badal led-government welcomes the NRIs to seek investment in Punjab. I will advise the NRI’s to seek protection before visiting Punjab. The Station House Officer at the police station who is supposed to act on the NRI helpline was harassing me. I was not allowed to talk to my counsel or my relatives before the FIR against me was registered. I was harassed at every step and nobody listened to me. Now I have been granted bail I will take the case to a logical conclusion” He claimed that he was the only Indian to be invited by the Prime Minister of Canada as part of the team to attract investment to that country. “How can a persons like me be humiliated, tortured and victamised”, he questioned. He claimed the police had kept his passport and harassing me. He said the Deputy Commissioner, Ropar, had marked an inquiry into the matter and the Subdivisional Magistrate (SDM) had called him on November 27. The NRI has also approached the National Human Rights Commission and the Union Home Ministry. The proprietor of the company, Mr B.S.
Sandhu, when contacted, said Dr Lamba was playing all sorts of tricks to save himself in the case of cheating registered against him. Mr Sandhu said: “There is not even an iota of truth in the allegations made by Dr Lamba. He said Dr Lamba had approached the Canadian High Commission to reach a compromise with them. He said the challan of the FIR registered against the NRI was expected to be presented in the court soon.” |
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READERS WRITE Punjab and Haryana have been facing the problem of falling water table for more than 20 years. It poses a serious threat not only to the green revolution but also to the ecology of the region. Brackish water from the adjoining areas can start getting into the sweet water zone. If this happens, it will be an irreversible ecological disaster and who knows if the process has not already started. For their survival, these states have to find a way to control their water tables. They can do so by injecting into the ground, the run-off from the rainfall, which is being allowed to go into rivers via a network of drains. The only trouble with this water is that being silt laden, it needs to be de-silted before it is injected into the ground. These states do not have the know-how for this. They have also not shown any inclination to acquire it. The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) recently took a decision to explore ways to desilt rain water. It carried out laboratory experiments and concluded that this could be done by using the concept of vertical filters. It has now set up a full-fledged injecting station on Raipur Link Drain near Ludhiana. Unless the two governments have some alternative in view, they should make use of this pioneering work done by PAU. S.P. MALHOTRA Waste of talent This refers to the report “An M. Phil opts for constable’s post (Chandigarh Tribune, October 16). I was greatly hurt to read that a person possessing the degree of Master of Philosophy in History had to stand in the queue for enlistment in the state police constabulary. This reflects the state of unemployment that prevails in Haryana. The candidate had topped the list of successful candidates in Ambala district. A person, who deserved a prestigious post was forced to become a police constable for want of suitable employment opportunities. Such cases affect the morale of students who are pursuing higher studies. If given an opportunity, this person might have brought laurels to the state in the field of his study rather than having the dubious distinction of topping the list of those selected to become police constables. HEMANT KUMAR After the demolition HUDA adopted a discriminatory attitude while removing encroachments under the directions of the High Court. In its drive, HUDA demolished hedges and barbed wire fences on land between the metalled road and the boundary walls of houses, but it did not touch the pucca constructions on road berms in different sectors, not to mention the jhuggis on Government land. Moreover, the number of stray cattle has increased manifold after the demolition of the hedges. There is no control on pigs. It is not possible to save the grass and the plants from these stray animals in the absence of hedges or fences. HUDA may consider allowing hedges up to a height of two feet. SUBHASH PAPNEJA Laudable act This refers to the report “No problem, pay fine, sit for exam” (Chandigarh Tribune, Nov 17). It was reported that the Principal of Government College for Girls, Sector 42, had allowed a student who had scored 149 marks out of 600 in the house test to take the university examination. The action of the Principal is highly laudable. She has condoned just one mark (the university prescribes 150 marks) to a genuine case, and that too by imposing sufficient penalty. It is a good lesson for other students to take the house examinations seriously. I know of a government college where hundreds of students who do not at all fulfil the prescribed academic condition (25 per cent marks in house tests) and/or an attendance of 66 per cent of the lectures delivered are allowed to sit for university examinations every year. There is no need even to pay a fine. B. S. AGGARWAL |
7 rail underpasses to
be built SAS Nagar, Nov 23 — The Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA) is set to build seven railway underpasses instead of level crossings in and around the township. These underpasses will be built in collaboration with the Indian Railways on the upcoming Chandigarh-Ludhiana railway line. When built, these underpasses will be a boon for residents of SAS Nagar and persons who use the state highways. The Railways has been persuaded to construct underpasses at the crossings of Sectors 48, 65-66, 66-81, besides on Manoli-Chila link road, Sukhgarh-Durali link road, Kharar-Banur road and Landran-Sirhind road. The entire cost of construction (Rs 5 crore) will be borne by the Railways. The Chandigarh-Ludhiana rail link will facilitate access to the Ludhiana-SAS-Nagar-Chandigarh rail link that will touch south eastern edges of the township. A decision in this regard was taken at an inter-department meeting yesterday. The meeting was chaired by Mr K.B.S. Sidhu, Chief Administrator of PUDA. Additional road underways will also be constructed by the Railways at the expense of the state agency. Underways are also to be constructed at the crossings of Sectors 65-66, 81-82 and 82-95. The cost constructing these — Rs 1.50 crore — will be shared by PUDA and the PSIEC. Among those present at yesterday’s meeting were the Chief Town Planner of Punjab, the Chief Engineer of PUDA and the Additional Chief Engineer of Railways. |
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A lesson in ‘serving’ CHANDIGARH, Nov 23 — It was a day with a difference. About 150 Rotary members, a virtual who's who of the city residents, served guests at the Hot Millions, Sector 17, yesterday. The idea was to raise money for a mobile dental van for slum-dwellers under a Rotary project. The van will cost Rs 10 lakh. The Rotarians collected tips and the owner of Hot Millions, Col A.B. Singh (retd), pitched with 40 per cent of his sale proceeds from his restaurant for last evening. The collections of yesterday's novel idea were close to Rs 1 lakh, informed Mr R.K. Saboo, a former Rotary International President, today. This was the UT Administrator, Lieut-Gen J.F.R. Jacob's idea to have a mobile dental van. The Rotary Club, Chandigarh, will be the implementing unit, while Rotary International and the Rotray Club of Taipei will be the other donors, says Mr Saboo. To start the fund raising, the Rotarians, dressed in green aprons, served the guests with gusto all the while trying to match the skills of professional servers. Within the specified time the fast food joint had 2.5 times more customers than a usual day. It also explains the happy confusion which prevailed for some time before the cash coupons issued in advance were allowed to be used at other outlets of the fast food chain, explains Mr Saboo, who was also among the servers. He quoted a classic example about the kind of enthusiasm shown by visitors. ‘‘About eight young girls walked in to have food worth about Rs 600.'' Mr Madhukar Malhotra, who was serving on the table, told the girls about the project. The girls said they had exhausted their budget. Within minutes they came back having collected Rs 200 amongst themselves to donate for the cause,’’ narrated Mr Saboo. Then there was the case of little Aarti Goyal having donated her entire savings in her piggy bank. Her father, Mr Praveen Goyal, President of the Rotary Club, Chandigarh, also joined in. Not to miss those serving on the occasion were PGI heads of department, Prof Sarla Gopalan and Prof P. Chari. A former Director of the PGI, Prof B.N.S. Walia, also adorned the green apron. So did doctors like Mangla Dogra and S.P.S Grewal. Bankers, Mr D.P. Singh and Ms Neena Singh, juggled with the trays of food than with accounts. So did chartered accoutantant J.V. Bhasin. Hotelier Man Mohan Singh acted the doorman with a glee. Industrialists Jageesh Khaitan, G.S Lakhmana, Arvind Mehan, Arvind Mahajan, Ashok Tandon and Mukul Tandon also served the guests. A former MD of CITCO, Mr Satish Kakkar, joined in and so did former bureaucrat D.V. Bhatia alongwith former MD of the PSIDC Darshan Mahendru. Not to miss the energetic Ms Kawal Bedi and also the President-elect of the Rotary Club, Chandigarh, Mr Atma Ram Singh. And most importantly pitching in with their might was the entire clan of Col A.B. Singh, his son and daughters-in-law. It was a regular menu at regular prices but the service was unusual because it was the Rotarians who were serving. |
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Cops deployed at parking
lots CHANDIGARH, Nov 23 — The Chandigarh police has deployed policemen in plain clothes at parking lots for preventing thieves from picking up briefcases that are left on the backseats of cars. The vigil has been stepped up particularly around banks in Sectors 35, 17 and 9. This follows repeated cases of negligence on part of residents in taking care of their belongings despite several warnings. About five such cases are reported at police stations in the city almost every week. On Tuesday, reportedly Rs 50,000 were stolen from the car of a city advocate, Mr Sandeep Kotla. Mr Kotla had parked the car outside the Panjab and Haryana High Court. Sources in the Police Department said organised gangs could strike at the first opportunity after following businessmen who visit banks to withdraw money. Senior officials said the persons responsible for such thefts were not residents of the city. “The local involvement is negligible,” says a senior official, “thugs from outside are probably picking up these bags.” The Senior Superintendent of the Chandigarh police, Mr Parag Jain, said, “Street urchins who are seen loitering around in the parking lots, could also be doing this.” The police believes that, in some cases, the bags are being stolen out of the parked vehicle by close associates of the victims. “The initial intention is not to steal,” says a senior police official, “but the sight of cash makes them change their mind.” The involvement of drug addicts and gamblers in these cases cannot be ruled out as well. Sources said, “Drug addicts are responsible for a large number of petty thefts. Running away with cash-filled briefcases is an easy way to pay for drugs.” The police says that the bags should not be left inside the car, even if these do not contain cash. Electronic locks, they say, reduce the chances of theft to a large extent. |
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Contractor to round up
stray cattle PANCHKULA, Nov 23 — The privatisation of rounding up of stray cattle has finally been made official with the contract being awarded to the party chosen from among the 12 applications received. Nine of these were rejected at the preliminary stages for having failed to send in applications as stated. The approved rates, though higher than those stated by HUDA, are lower than the rates prevailing in Chandigarh. To be housed in a cattle pond in Sector 1, constructed by the contractor, the impounded cattle will carry a penalty of Rs 600 for a buffalo, Rs 500 for a cow, Rs 300 for a calf and Rs 100 for a pig and goat. In cases where the contractor will be required to release the cattle outside the state boundary, for which HUDA will provide transport, Rs 100 will be charged for impounding and Rs 25 for fodder per day by the contractor. The deal also provides that if the contractor fails to perform to the satisfaction of HUDA, his earnest money will be forfeited and HUDA would be free to allot fresh contract to another party. Moreover, according to information available, electricity and water will be arranged by HUDA but paid for by the contractor who has been asked to provide labour for maintenance as well. The privatisation process would meet the long-pending demand of \city residents who were irked with the cattle presence all over the city. The problem had become more acute with HUDA removing hedges and barbed wires in all sectors as per court directions. |
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4 toilets found out of bounds CHANDIGARH, Nov 23 — In a special checking drive, a subcommittee of the Amalgamated Funds Committee of Panjab University detected four toilets for sportsmen which had remained out of bounds for them till date. The subcommittee, comprising Dr Reet Mohinder Singh, Prof Charanjit Chawla and Bhupinder Singh Bhupi, campus student council President, visited the site after complaints from students about lack of toilets. It was found that although there was existence of toilets with latest facilities, but the venue was filled with furniture and other objects. It was opined that the bathrooms be vacated and a regular sweeper be put on duty. It was also recommended that about 100 chairs be provided for at the AC Joshi Library. It was also proposed that a special wage of Rs 400 be added to Mr Sukhdev Singh’s salary who is the main in charge in the sports facilities and also of storage of items. |
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Samaritan, cop to be honoured CHANDIGARH, Nov 23 — In less than 24 hours after an alleged chain snatcher was apprehended with the help of city resident, Paramjit Singh, the Chandigarh Police today recommended his name, along with the name of constable Satnam Singh, for commendation certificate and suitable cash award. Appreciating their efforts, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Chandigarh, Mr Parag Jain said, “Both have done an excellent job in apprehending the culprits and have exhibited great alertness and dedication”. Mr Paramjit Singh of Sector 35 had reportedly chased the accused, Mubarak Ali, on his motorcycle before apprehending him with the help of constable Satnam Singh near the turn of Sectors 33 and 20. The accused, according to sources in the police department, was trying to escape on his scooter after allegedly snatching the gold chain belonging to Ms Harpreet Kaur of Sector 32 from near Terrace Gardens in Sector 33. A case under Section 392 of the Indian Penal Code was subsequently registered against him. |
3 injured girls
hospitalised CHANDIGARH,
Nov 23 — Two minor girls were admitted to the PGI after they sustained injuries in separate accidents. According to sources, five-year-old Mamta was admitted after she fell from the roof of her house in Sector 15. Her condition, according to doctors on duty, was reported to be stable. In the other incident, two-year-old Kaki of Sector 27 was admitted to the institute after she fell from the stairs of a house in Adarsh Nagar. Her condition was also reported to be stable. A school student, Mehgna Sharma, was admitted to the PGI with injuries after her scooter skidded near a school in Sector 38. According to sources in the hospital, 16-year-old Meghna was reported to be recovering. Truck hits cyclist According to sources in the Police Department, the victim has been identified as Visheshar Sharma of Palsora Colony. Sources added that the truck driver sped away after the accident. The police has registered a case under Sections 279 and 337 of the IPC. Abduction case Taking up his complaint, the police has registered a case of kidnapping under Sections 363 and 366 of the Indian Penal Code. Thief arrested Suicide Sources added that the exact cause behind her taking the extreme step was yet to be ascertained but she was facing financial hardships as her husband had been sacked from the factory he was working in. Sources added that the police was looking into the matter. |
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Runaway youth
arrested CHANDIGARH, Nov 23 — Caught roaming under suspicious circumstances, a runaway Mumbai youth was arrested by the Chandigarh police and handed over to his father today. His father Ram Bachan took him along to Mumbai after expressing happiness over the reunion. Disclosing this, the Chandigarh police claimed that Rs 42,800 was also recovered from him. Rakesh Kumar was taken to the police station after he was found roaming in the Sector 11 market. Questioning revealed that he had left his house after pocketing Rs 48, 000. His father, Rakesh reportedly told the police, was running a general store. The parents, the Assistant Superintendent of Chandigarh Police, Mr H.G.S. Dhaliwal said, were immediately informed. They disclosed that a missing persons report had been lodged with the Mumbai police, the ASP added. He also appreciated the efforts made by Sub Inspector Malkiat Singh, head constable Rajinder Singh and constable Jagtar Singh for showing presence of mind. |
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14 persons held CHANDIGARH, Nov 23 — In the ongoing drive against anti-social elements, the Chandigarh police has arrested 14 persons from the southern parts of the city.
The arrests were made under the supervision of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (South), Mr S.C.
Sagar.The police took 10 persons, including landlords and tenants, for not informing the police about the antecedents of the tenants. Three other persons were arrested under Section 109 of the IPC after they were found roaming about under suspicious circumstances. Another person, Vinod Kumar of Ram Darbar, was arrested for selling liquor. |
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Foreigner’s laptop
stolen CHANDIGARH, Nov 23 — Going out for a walk in a foreign land proved to be expensive for an Australian national. His laptop computer, a mobile phone and a shaver were stolen from his bag kept in a room in Sector 21 tourist bungalow.
In his complaint to the police, Mr Saunderson Darren alleged that the valuables were stolen from his room yesterday morning while he, along with a friend, had gone out for a stroll. The complainant had added that he had checked in the tourist bungalow a day before. |
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Scooter-borne youths
snatch chain PANCHKULA, Nov 23 — In yet another case of snatching, two 30-year-old youths on a scooter pulled a gold chain from around the neck of a Sector 16 resident while she was on the way to a temple.
The incident, according to sources in the Police Department, occurred late last evening just about 10 houses away from “victim” Raj Dulari’s residence.
In her complaint to the police, Raj Dulari alleged that the duo snatched the chain after driving down a kutcha road. Taking up her complaint, the police has registered a case of theft. Senior police officials, when contacted, said further investigations into the allegation were on.
The accused, the police claimed, were likely to be arrested soon on the basis of evidence gathered from the scene of the offence. |
SIS international conference CHANDIGARH,
Nov 23 — Personality assessment and crises management in the context of tests during selection process, particularly in the industry sector, is the highlight of the fourth international conference of SIS ( Somatic Inkblot Society) at Panjab University, scheduled from November 24 to November 27. Addressing a press conference here today, Prof
B. L. Dubey, organising secretary, said that SIS was an international organisation conducting tests regarding diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic intervention. The SIS images are projected on the Internet. On the basis of their responses, psychotherapy is done. Prof R.P.Gupta, organising secretary, said that psychotherapy and counselling are based on the responses to the images. Prof B.L.Dubey is credited with bringing the SIS test to India in 1988. There are delegates from the USA, Capetown and Philadelphia, besides Russia, Finland, Italy, Israel and Italy for the event. Lt-Gen J.F.R. Jacob, (retd), Governor of Punjab, will deliver the key-note address. Dr Wilfred Cassell, president of the Somatic Inkblot Society , Anchorage, will deliver the presidential address. |
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UT pavilion’s projection at IITF poor CHANDIGARH The Chandigarh pavilion has failed to project the city as a modern destination with all facilities and a good environment. Partially it may be bad luck for Chandigarh as the city does not have any heavy or large industrial units, nor do any major manufacturing units have based within the 114 sq km Union Territory. The pavilion at the high profile International Trade Fair at the Pragati Maidan does not even project the existing infrastructure where 20 export oriented units have a base; several small-scale manufacturing units are doing good business; a promise of being a fledgling IT destination; having regional offices of leading Indian and foreign companies; near safe law and order situation besides not to speak of the entertainment facilities like rail and road connectivity. The pavilion located among the hall reserved for Union Territories, is a feeble attempt to project the city. The Chandigarh pavilion has stalls of pickle-sellers, honey-sellers, shawl sellers, locally made readymade garments, among other small and sundry items. Some better things include a display on pottery and another stall on designer candles stands out. A display by a known bathroom fittings manufacturer also attracted visitors. The Director Industries, Mr Gurmel Singh, admitted that the projection could have been better. But he expressed helplessness saying only 25 people had applied for a stall after the Industries department put up an advertisement inviting people to set up stalls in the fair. “We will see if the system can be changed from next year to showcase the range of available resources and facilities in Chandigarh.” When comparing this with presentations made by other states, Chandigarh’s attempt is feeble. Smallers Union Territories like Pondicherry have showcased their wealth of talent and resources even as an IT destination. States in the IT league like Karantaka have showcased their IT prowess. So has neighbouring Haryana. Meanwhile the local IT department is gearing up to participate in ‘‘Comdex’’, an exclusive IT show and they have just come back from a show in Bangalore.
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