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| Monday,
May 21, 2001, Chandigarh, India
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NRI alleges partisan role of police in shootout case Ludhiana, May 20 Mr Dilpreet Singh Gill, an NRI settled in London, while showing the proof of the shootout incident in form of photographs and a video film, has demanded cancellation of a false case registered against him by the police. He also wants registration of a criminal case against a number of persons who have been shown as pelting stones on them, beside erecting a wall on their land. The case pertains to a shootout between two groups on the afternoon of May 14 at Raghunath Enclave near Agar Nagar south end. The dispute had a risen over the move of the NRI and his family to construct a gate on their land to get access to the Agar Nagar south end. While the family of the NRI claimed that their forefathers had sold the land on which the opposite groups had constructed houses and had left a passage, the opposite group, including Mr Balraj Bhasin and others, claimed that the passage was a private one and the NRI had no right to get access to it. The dispute had taken an ugly form when the NRI, claiming his legal right, demolished his boundary wall and started constructing a gate in its place which opened to the passage. The persons of the opposite group stopped them and a brawl ensued, in which stones were allegedly pelted at each other and gunshots were also fired. The police arrived at the scene and cooled tempers. Later, a case of rioting, causing grievous hurt and injuries was registered against the members of the NRI family. Some members of the opposite group were also booked under Sections 107 and 150 of the
CrPC. Members of the family of the NRI family were also booked under Sections 107 and 151. The NRI, alleging a partisan role played by the police in the registration of the cases, alleged that the police had supported to the opposite group. The photographs and the video film showed several members of the opposite group pelting stones at them. As alleged by the NRI, the members of the opposite group stopped reconstructing the wall demolished by his family to construct a gate when the police arrived. The police soon left and after that the opposite group again constructed the wall. While members of the opposite group could not be contacted, the SHO of Sarabha Nagar said the police registered a case against the
family of the NRI on the complaint of Balraj Bhasin and took action on the complaint of the family of the NRI. He said the family of the NRI had not shown him any photographs or video footage in support of his claims. Defending the registration of the case under various sections, the SHO said he had acted in accordance with the law. The NRI, in letters to the DIG, DC and SSP of Ludhiana, alleged that the police had not taken into account the whole episode. He said the opposite party had planned to obstruct their work and had stored stones and bricks on their rooftops. He said they also fired gunshots, a fact which was overlooked by the
police. He also alleged that the opposite group had later also attacked their house. |
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Absent PAU teachers
warned Ludhiana, May 20 According to sources, three teachers from Department of Plant Breeding were found absent from their research farms when the Vice-Chancellor visited these on a surprise check. The three were first issued explanation letters and later issued warning letters that if they were again found absent from duty, action would be initiated against them. While all the three professors were not willing to speak to the press about the matter, sources close to them disclosed that they were feeling that undue pressure was being mounted on them by the authorities. Resentment was prevailing among the teachers of various departments of the university, who were feeling that such kind of action amounted to harassment. The teachers, on the condition of anonymity, said the scientists could only work when they were left free. They said that due to the scorching heat, they were forced to go to their research farms during the early morning hours. They said they had the responsibility of research on them and if they would not visit the farms, their project would only get delayed. Many teachers of the university said they respected the decision of the Vice-Chancellor to impose discipline among the employees, but they resented issuing of warning letters without considering the explanation. The Vice-Chancellor, Dr K.S. Aulakh, said it was the duty of all employees to be present and discharge the duties assigned to them by the university. He said if the rules were violated, it called for action against the violators. The VC also said he had issued circulars to all the staff members to be present on duty during working hours and if the teachers did not take it seriously, they were required to be pulled up. The VC said it was the duty of the employees that they should discharge their duties conscientiously. Dr Aulakh, while taking over as the Vice-Chancellor of PAU, had said there was no work culture in the university and he would enforce it during his regime. Following his announcement, he had issued a circular just after three or four days after his joining as VC. Later the Vice-Chancellor started conducting the surprise checks in the university. The staff members were reported to be sticking to their seats fearing action. Heads of departments had started being present in the departments everyday 15 minutes before time in order to ensure punctuality. |
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Nabbed robber a terrorist, claims police Ludhiana, May 20 Claiming this before mediapersons here today, the local SSP said during interrogation, the real identity of the accused was revealed. He said Jasbir Singh was wanted in several cases during the days of terrorism. Even after the end of terrorism, he remained active. He was arrested by the Jalandhar police in 1999 and 40 kg RDX was recovered from him. Later he was also found responsible for the kidnapping of an NRI, Deepak Malhotra of Ferozepur. The terrorist had allegedly received a ransom of Rs 15 lakh for the case. The transaction allegedly took place in a foreign country. According to the police, the terrorist had fled from the custody of the Jalandhar police in August last year and was absconding since then. He met Devinder Singh, an alleged criminal wanted in several cases by the Rajasthan police. The two made a plan to flee the country with the help of fake passports. The police said according to their confession, they struck a deal with a travel agent, who promised to send them abroad on payment of Rs 6 lakh. The two had paid Rs 4 lakh and had come to the city with a plan to commit robberies. The two tried to rob a car at gunpoint from Ghumar Mandi four days ago. They shot dead the owner of the car, but were nabbed by a police which happened to pass
by. While Devinder disclosed his true identity, Jasbir Singh revealed his identity as Mandeep Singh. |
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Police toughens stand on political interference Ludhiana, May 20 Sources in the police department revealed that the SP (Headquarters), who is on leave and will resume his duties within a day or two, had filed the report which has found nothing wrong with Ramandeep’s behaviour and has found the Akali leader guilty of misbehaving with the SHO and bullying him. The sources said, Ramandeep was shifted only for the time being to facilitate smooth inquiry into the case. On the other hand caught between the expectations of the general public and pressures from the politicians, the police in Ludhiana is faced with an uphill task of striking a balance. And ultimately it has decided
not to buckle under any political pressure. Perturbed over the recent dharna led by the acting district president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal), Mr Avtar Singh Makkar, to initiate action against Mr Ramandeep Singh, for allegedly manhandling a youth Akali leader, the police has decided not to succumb to pressure tactics. Mr Makkar had led a dharna in front of the SSP’s residence yesterday. However, the SHO while denying the charge maintained that the said leader had walked into the police station and started misbehaving with him in front of other people and junior staff. The police sources pointed out, while on the one hand, people had great expectations from the police to act in an impartial manner, on the other hand the politicians were exerting undue and unjustified pressure on the police to get some undue things done. “However, it will no longer be tolerated”, the police sources asserted. The issue also seems to have come handy for the rival Akali group led by Mr Amarjeet Singh Bhatia. Mr Arvinder Singh Tony and Mr Jatinderpal Singh Saluja, two leaders owing allegiance to Bhatia group today
criticised Mr Makkar for staging a dharna in front of the SSP’s office and demanded his expulsion from the party. The two leaders pointed out that by staging the dharna, Mr Makkar had tarnished the image of the government. They observed that he had provided an issue to the opposition parties for which he should be taken to the task. |
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Bank officer booked for fraud Khanna, May 20 Besides this, from the account of Nirmal Singh Rs 4.45 lakh; from the account of Didar Singh Rs 4 lakh; from the account of Ajaib Singh Rs 3 lakh; and from the account of Davinder Kumar Rs 3 lakh were withdrawn. A case under Sections 409 and 420 of the IPC has been registered at the Payal police station. |
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Jacob laments lack of competitive spirit Ludhiana, May 20 The Governor said, “We are at the crossroads of history today. We are entering into the WTO regime and industry must adopt an aggressive approach”. He observed that only the aggressive approach can give the Indian industry access to the global markets. He suggested that Indian industry must have a “global vision to capture the global markets in order to ensure that India emerges as a global economic power”. He said Indian economy has undergone a metamorphosis in the last decade. Tariff barriers and entry and quantity restrictions are almost gone, while the level of competition has increased tremendously. “In this highly challenging situation, we have to make concerted efforts, find out new synergies or institutional cooperation and technology upgradation, and follow a highly professional approach, so as to face the onslaught of global competitiveness in the wake of WTO regime in an effective manner”. Gen. Jacob felt that despite the problems and uncertainties the economic emancipation of the country will continue. “With collective wisdom and a more professional approach, coupled with positive thinking and firm belief in ourselves, this largest democracy will hopefully become one of the largest economics of the world, as predicted by many experts”. It was, therefore in the fitness of things to have global competitiveness as the theme of the keynote address delivered by no less a person that Mr K.V. Kamath. Expressing concern over the recent recession in the economy he also pointed out that cheaper imports were adversely affecting the local small scale industries. He said, the small scale industries should form product wise consortiums to capture the global market. In his keynote address on “Global Competitiveness”, Mr K.V. Kamath, MD and CEO of the ICICI, said India was set on the successful path along global competitiveness for several factors. He was of the opinion that with the availability of quality infrastructure, quality human resources, global mindset and ability to attract investment. India may be able surpass China in global competitiveness in the next five years. Mr Brooks Ungar, the South East Asia Bureau Chief of The Economist observed that there were some institutionalised frictions prevailing in Indian system which needed to be eliminated to become globally competitive. He suggested that India should utilise its technological human resources for strengthening its global competitiveness. He stressed the need for radical reforms in power, judicial, agriculture and education sectors. Earlier, the Governor presented three LMA annual awards — LMA-Vardhman Award for Entrepreneur of the Year-2000 to Mr Arjun Malhotra, Chairman and CEO of Techspan, LMA-Dayanand Munjal Award for Manager of the Year-2000 to Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana, and LMA - Trident Award for Young Innovative Entrepreneur of the Year-2000 to Mr Sanjeev Goyal, Managing Director, Surya Medicare Limited, Chandigarh. |
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Girl hurt in house collapse Ludhiana, May 20 The rubble fell on make-shift shops erected in the street as part of Sunday market. A number of persons, including customers were in the market at the time of the mishap. However, only one girl was trapped underneath the rubble while others managed to escape. The girl was later admitted to a city hospital with head injuries. The police and the Municipal Corporation later removed the Sunday market. |
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Release of Indian soldiers
sought Mandi Gobindgarh, May 20 Under the treaty, several thousand Pakistan soldiers and hundreds of Indian soldiers were released by both sides, but 60 soldiers of the Indian Army had not been released and were subjected to inhuman treatment by the Pakistan army, and later were declared dead. On this ground their dependants were given family pensions, whereas the soldiers declared dead had been in Pakistan jails since 1971. The press note was critical of the poor performance of intelligence wing. These war heroes, who had spent 30 years in enemy jails, should be treated on a par with the Kargil heroes and should be honoured, Mr Bawa said. He said, the AIATF would soon meet the President of India and the Punjab Governor and submit a memorandum to take initiative for the release of the war heroes. The front rejected the peace process of the Indian Government in Kashmir and its talks with Hurriyat leaders who had been playing into the hands of the ISI and did not want peace in Kashmir. He further said Mr K.P.S. Gill should be appointed in Kashmir to curb militancy. |
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Budh Purnima
celebrated Ludhiana, May 20 The Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Legislative Assembly, Mr Satpal Gosain, was the chief guest. The Commissioner of the Ludhiana Municipal
Corporation, Dr S. S Sandhu, and the Additional Commissioner, Mr Raminder Singh, were also present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion Mr Gosain stressed upon the importance of Lord Buddha's teachings in the present day world. He pointed out that in the tension and violence ridden world the message of peace of Lord Buddha can serve as a guiding light for every one. Mr Gosain also said that Lord Buddha's teachings of non violence were as relevant today as they were earlier. Several Buddhist scholars also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the importance of Buddha's message. Prominent among them were Dr Satpal from the Delhi University and Mr Jagta Nand, besides the local leaders Ziledar Kushmaker, Ramanand, Deepchand and Bansi Lal Premi. |
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Minister lays foundation stones of roads,
streets Sahnewal, May 20 The minister was accompanied by Mr Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, Director, Markfed, and Mr Gurmail Singh Sangowal , member, SGPC. Among others who present on the occasion were Mr Charanjit Singh Bawa, Dr Shamsher Singh Kaile, president, Nagar Panchayat, Sahnewal, and Mr Tejinder Singh Sandhu, president, SAD(B) Urban. They laid the foundation stones of the Sangowal-Harnampura approach-road, the Tibba Dehlon approach-road, the Mangli (upper) Mangli (lower) approach-road, road in Khanpur village and a computer centre at Jarkhar village. A grant of Rs 1 lakh for Jarkhar village, Rs 1 lakh for Khanpur village and Rs 30,000 for a dharamshala at Tibba village was declared by the leaders They also announced that the high school in Khanpur village would be upgraded and round-the-clock power supply would be supplied to Tibba village. |
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ITFT national
seminar Ludhiana, May 20 Dr Gulshan Sharma, Director ITFT, while talking to mediapersons here today said the main objective of the seminar will be to boost the tourism industry in the country. Dr Sharma said the proposed agenda for the seminar included the upgradation of the existing airport at Chandigarh. There will be a proposal to airlink Chandigarh with major metros like Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Bangalore and Hyderabad. |
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Shootout victim
remembered Khanna, May 20 Jaswinder Singh was killed in a shootout at Mohalla New Abadi on May 1. Three persons were arrested while the fourth alleged accused, Ikbal Singh, was still at large. Bhog of Akhand Path was performed at the akhara. Local leaders addressed the gathering. They had given a memorandum to Mr M.P.S. Shokar regarding the arrest of Ikbal Singh. |
Two held for defrauding
govt Ludhiana, May 20 The accused, Daljit Singh, XEN, and Ashok Gupta, a former MC employee, were remanded in one-day police custody by the Judicial Magistrate First Class, Sukhwinder Kaur, here today . Giving details, the DSP told reporters that Ashok Gupta had allegedly managed to get a 100-yard plot from a government scheme in violation of the rules and the XEN, who was earlier posted as land scrapping officer, had allegedly helped him. He alleged that an inquiry into the fraud was ordered by the Chief Minister and on the orders of the Chief Vigilance Officer, Punjab, a case under Sections 420, 467 and 471 was registered against the duo on May 18. They were arrested by the police from the vigilance office here. According to the FIR, Ashok Gupta was a temporary employee of the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation from 1983 to 1985. The state government, in a scheme, offered 100-yard plot to permanent employees only. In connivance with Daljit Singh, Ashok Gupta allegedly managed to get a plot though he was not a permanent employee. They were accused of defrauding the government by availing of the facility against the rules and earning money wrongfully by later selling it. |
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