Holi, Holla Mohalla celebrated
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, March 30
Holi was celebrated with gusto and hooliganism in and around the city yesterday. Policemen had a tough time handling with the high-spirited youth. Children and youngsters came out on the main streets and alleys in the early morning with their colour-spraying paraphernalia, water-filled balloons, eggs etc.

While the younger lot played in wet Holi, elders sprinkled dry colours. Holi milan functions were organised at various places. It was a boisterous and an intoxicating affair.

Youngsters riding on two-wheelers whistled past passers-by and splashing colours. Many youths had the silencers of their vehicles removed to create ear-splitting noise.

Minor skirmishes between the police and youths took place as the latter violated traffic rules. Up to six youths rode a two-wheeler.

While some of the youngsters moved in groups of four or five vehicles. A group of 40 odd two-wheelers were also seen. At one chowk, the Holi revellers fled after throwing colour powder on faces of policemen.

Liquor vends, roadside sellers of bhang sherbet and other products did good business.

Migrants, particularly in Sherpur and the Focal Point area, with their faces and clothes smudged with colours moved about singing and dancing their native songs.

A migrant selling colours in the Sherpur market heard shouting at the top of his voice,” Devar bhabhi ki cheeze ley lo”.

The migrants continued with revelry till late in the night.

The Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle, Ludhiana zone, organised Hola Mohalla functions at three venues which were dedicated to an intoxication-free society.

Games were held at Guru Nanak Public School Sarabha Nagar, Gurdwara Sukhmani Sahib, Urban Estate, Phase-II, Dugri and Government Primary School, Narangwal. These functions got under way with the Panj Piaras hoisting the Nishan sahibs at these venues.

Managements of 30 gurdwaras, 35 youth service societies and a large number of women’s satsang sabhas collaborated with the study circle to make these functions a success.

A lucky draw for the players was also held. Cycles, sewing machines, watches, calculators, cameras and books were given as prizes to the winners.

7 accused of duping state of 1 cr
Fake registrations number racket 
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, March 30
At least seven persons have allegedly duped the state exchequer of around Rs 1 crore by running illegal transport offices in Moga, Faridkot and Ludhiana districts for a year.

They used to pocket registration fee and issue numbers in line with the Transport Department series.

The local police has arrested three persons and identified at least four others in connection with the racket. Besides the agents, the police suspects that some government employees of Moga, Faridkot and Ludhiana districts might also be involved.

Nearly 500 vehicles are running in the state on fake registration copies (RCs). Shimla Puri police officials raided these offices in Moga, Faridkot and Ludhiana districts. They have impounded over 100 vehicles with fake RCs. Twenty of these vehicles are now parked at the Basant Park police post.

According to an FIR registered at the Shimla Puri police station, a case of cheating and preparing fake documents and causing a loss of revenue to the state government has been registered against seven persons. Of these, Amrik Singh, Prem Kumar, alias Kala, and Baz have been arrested. The remaining four namely Amandeep Singh, Naveen Kumar, Sachin and Prem Kumar, alias Mana, are yet to be arrested.

According to police sources, truck numbers in the PB-04G series were illegal. These trucks have been running for the past one month. The trucks owners had not paid road tax and other taxes, including the registration fee.

Man detained illegally, says wife
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, March 30
A woman, resident of Netaji Nagar in the Salem Tabri area, has alleged that her husband has been illegally detained by the Basti Jodhewal police on charges of snatching and that the policemen are demanding money for his release.

In an attested affidavit released to the Press here today, Ms Simran Sharma, wife of Mr Ashok Kumar, has stated that she along with her husband had been living in the locality for the past three months and that her husband used to deal in vegetables at the sabzi mandi.

The woman further stated that her husband left the house to get some payment on March 22 at around 1.30 pm. But when he did not return till 11.30 pm, she went to Salem Tabri police station to enquire about her husband. The next day, she lodged a missing person’s report at the police station.

On March 28, a red Maruti car carrying five policemen, including the driver, arrived at her house at 11 pm along with her husband who was sitting in the car. One of the policemen, who identified himself as Balbir Singh, told her that they were from Basti Jodhewal police station and demanded Rs 18,000 for the release of her husband. When she expressed her inability to pay, she was told to part with her gold earrings and she obliged.

On being asked about the reason for the detention, the policemen informed her that he had been booked in a snatching case. When she approached her husband in the car, he told her in a muffled voice that the policemen had detained him at a place other than the police station.

The policemen visited her house again on March 29 while she was away and took the thumb impression of her mother-in-law on a plain paper.

She alleged that the policemen even came to her house today at 8.30 am and demanded more ornaments and money from her.

Fine way of getting roll numbers
Deepkamal Kaur

Ludhiana, March 30
If you are a student of a city college and are short of lectures, there is no need to worry. Even though the rule book says that a student cannot get his roll number from the college because of the shortage in lectures, one can pay up a fine and obtain clearance to appear in the examination.

Not only this, if you have not fulfilled the condition of obtaining 25 per cent marks in the house tests held in January, you can even still appear for the final examination. In this condition, the amount to be paid for getting the roll number slip may be a little higher.

These practices are common in most of the colleges of Panjab University here. Such students pay up a fine as high as Rs 4,000. The students they find this alternative cheaper as examination fee for appearing as a private candidate is almost double the amount of the fine.

While the colleges are not getting grant-in-aid from the Punjab government for the past four months, levying of such fines probably gives them some financial support. With the PU examination scheduled from April 2, hundreds of college students can be seen standing in long queues to get clearance slips.

At Arya College, two lists of nearly 200 students who do not fulfil the condition of more than 66 per cent attendance in lectures in different subjects or had flunk in one or more subjects during their house tests has been put up. While those students who find their names in both the lists have to pay Rs 4000, those who fall in either of the two categories have to submit a fine of Rs 3000.

The students said that the amount of the fine was too high and they were finding it very difficult to pay it. They said that while they had just three days to prepare for their examination, they were now being forced to stand in long queues to pay the fine and procure their roll number slips.

While this correspondent was in the college, several students were seen standing outside the office of the principal, Prof S. Verma, with applications for exemption or concession of fine. However, the principal refused to entertain any of the applications. Prof Verma also did not exempt the students who had been pleading their case on the ground that they were financially weak.

Moreover, the students were not being given any receipts for the payment of fine. Commenting on it, the college principal said that if they are handed over these slips they change the amount of fine by overwriting on them for showing it to their parents. This way the parents get cheated and students get a chance to get more money from their parents and squander it.

In other colleges of the city realising fine for shortage in attendance from students has become a trend. While Panjab University senators maintain that this was against the rules.

98 stones removed from kidney
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, March 30
In a rare surgical feat Dr B.S. Aulakh, urologist and transplant surgeon of the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital has removed 98 stones from the kidney of 27-years-old Jaswinder Kaur. Dr Aulakh said, usually three to 10 stones were found in such cases. This case was rare! he exclaimed.

The patient came to the DMCH with the problem of multiple stones on investigation it was found that she not only had kidney stones, but also blockage of the kidney since birth. Both the ailments were tackled in one operation. Earlier, Dr Aulakh had removed more than 100 stones from the urinary bladder.

Therefore, a major part of the treatment for this condition is aimed at preventing recurrences, advised Dr Aulakh. Hence fluid intake should be increased and calcium, sugar, sodium and animal protein should be avoided.

Insoluble fiber found in wheat, rye, barley, and rice help to reduce calcium in urine.

Woman run over by bus on Dugri Road
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, March 30
A woman was run over by an over-speeding bus on Dugri Road in front of Taksonz marriage palace near the canal.

According to Mrs Pappo Abnash Singh, a social worker, the accident occurred yesterday afternoon.

The couple was on a scooter along with their one-year-old child. The scooter was hit by a bus from the rear.

As the man struggled to get up and rushed to pick up his child, he looked around for his wife. By the time he could reach her, she was run over by another over-speeding bus. She died on the spot. The bus driver sped away.

Mrs Singh said such accidents have taken place as there was no speed-breaker on the road. She urged the authorities to act in a manner so that accidents are prevented.

Pandey flags off relief trucks to Ahmedabad
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, March 30
The Minister of State for Printing and Stationery, Mr Rakesh Pandey, today flagged off three trucks carrying relief material for the riot victims of Gujarat. Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Anurag Aggarwal and the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) A.K. Sinha were also present on the occasion.

Mr Pandey said the people and the government of Punjab wanted to express their solidarity with the riot victims of Gujarat. He assured the victims that Punjabis would go to any extent in ameliorating the sufferings of the people who have fallen victim to the communal clashes. Mr Pandey also expressed his gratitude to all the people who had contributed towards the relief.

The minister regretted that such a situation had been allowed by the Gujarat government, where the people had to lose their life and property. He warned against the designs of communal and divisive forces, who were bent on creating disharmony in the country for petty partisan interests. While reiterating his party’s commitment to secularism, he assured that all such forces would be sternly dealt with in Punjab.

Later briefing reporters, the Deputy Commissioner, said only three trucks carrying relief material, which includes rice, blankets and sheets, were sent today in the first phase. He said the relief material was worth about Rs 6.5 lakh. Mr Aggarwal disclosed that at least seven more truckloads of relief would be dispatched soon.

The relief, he assured, would reach the proper quarters as the local administration was in constant touch with the Ahmedabad district collectorate, which was supervising the relief activity in about 55 relief camps for the riot victims.

The Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) said that although the relief had been collected through donations only, so far they had not made any appeal to the general public for the donations.

He said some credible non-governmental organisations may be asked to help in collecting the relief material. But, he assured, all precautions would be taken to ensure that some vested interests do not take undue advantage of the situation and start collecting relief on their own.

Task force to check corruption
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, March 30
The Punjab Pradesh Congress Task Force will maintain a constant vigil on government officials all over the state to ensure a check on corruption. Addressing a press conference here today, the leaders of the task force said their main job was to provide feedback to the Chief Minister on the functioning of government officials.

The chairman of the task force, Mr Avtar Singh Bathori, vice-president, Mr Avtar Singh Ghulal, general secretary, Mr Gurbir Singh Kahlon, and secretary, Mr Daljit Singh, said units had been formed right from the state up to the village level.

The leaders also appreciated the action taken against the Chairman of the Punjab Public Service Commission and the sitting MLA, Mr Milkiat Singh Kitu, on corruption charges. They claimed that the public in the state had welcomed these steps and hoped that the Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh, would continue with his campaign against corruption till it was rooted out from the state.

Earlier, a meeting of the task force was held under the chairmanship of Mr Bathori. It was attended by a number of leaders and workers who expressed their faith in the leadership of Capt Amarinder Singh and expressed their full support to him.

Traffic problems discussed
Our Correspondent

Khanna, March 30
A meeting of local municipal councillors and office-bearers of the Arhtiya Association, Khanna, was held here today to chalk out a programme to check traffic problems in the city, according to the SSP, Mr Devinder Singh Garcha.

At the meeting it was decided to remove all encroachments on the GT Road to make easy flow of the traffic. It was decided that speed-breakers would be set up on all link roads that entered the GT Road. Speed limit will be allowed only 30 km p/h to heavy vehicles and 40 km p/h to light vehicles. The SSP said in order to educate residents, two hoardings would be installed in the city.

He said in the wake of coming rabi season, the construction work of the railway over-bridge would be stopped for the next 20 days on the Samrala road to enable tractor-trailers to enter the grain market smoothly.

The meeting was attended by Mr Nirmal Singh Jassal, officiating president, municipal council, Mr Vijay Sharma, Mr Mohinder Pal Jassal, Ms Kartaro Devi, Mr Paramjit Singh, Mr Rosha, Nirmal Sofat, Mr B.C. Bector and Mr Kamal Jit Singh Kamma, among others.

Astrologer lays stone of temple
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, March 30
Astrology is a rational study of the placement of stars and their impact on human lives. Saying this Pandit Madan Lal Rajasthani, of Star TV and Astha channel fame, however, admitted that this had fallen in some wrong hands. He was here in connection with the foundation stone laying ceremony of a temple.

Talking to the Ludhiana Tribune he pointed out a large number of people show interest in astrology. “Whether they have faith in it or not, they definitely have an interest in it”, he pointed out, while adding that, “it simply reflects the curiosity about the subject”.

Pandit Rajasthani is also not prepared to categorise astrology as a science. “Astrology has its own existence and identity. It cannot be defined or defended in terms of science”, he explained, while arguing that astrology is an independent study, “as independent as any art or philosophy”. Moreover, he added, you cannot define and describe everything rationally.

Many of his predictions have come true. More recently he had predicted the death of some leading parliamentary personality, communal riots and or terrorist strikes in the country between February 13 to March 28. These predictions were published in the January issue of the monthly published by him.

Pandit Rajasthani laid the foundation stone of a temple at Vikas Nagar. He also delivered a lecture on the effects of Saturn planet on human beings at the Geeta Mandir, which was largely attended. The lecture was followed by a question-answer session.

Electoral rolls revision
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, March 30
The State Election Commissioner, Punjab has issued a revised programme for the preparation of electoral rolls for the ensuing municipal elections in the state. According to a press note issued by the Municipal Corporation here today, the enrollment of voters in a door-to-door exercise will be done from April 1 to April 8, 2002. The draft publication of electoral rolls will be done from April 9 to April 10 and the preliminary publication made on April 11.

The last date for filing of claims and objections would be April 17 and these will be disposed off till April 24. The supplementary electoral roll will be prepared and printed by April 27 and the final publication would be made on April 30.

One held, stolen cars recovered
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, March 30
The Moga police has arrested a member of an inter-state gang of car thieves.

According to a police press note here today, a police party led by the DSP, Mr Jagmohan Singh, and other officials, on a specific tip-off, laid a naka at Lande Ke Chowk at about 8 pm on March 28. The police party noticed two cars coming from the Dosanjh village side. When the police party stopped the cars at the naka for verification, occupants of one of the cars fled away, while the police overpowered the other person who was driving the other car. The arrested man has been identified as Rashpal Singh, a resident of Bhuchar Kalan village in Amritsar district. During preliminary investigation, Rashpal revealed that he along with four of his cronies would lift the cars from Delhi and sell them in Punjab. Rashpal Singh also told that they used to prepare fake registration certificates in order to sell the vehicle. Those who managed to escape have been identified as Balwinder Singh and Arvinder Singh, both residents of Patti village, Manjit Singh, a resident of Bhoria Bet village falling under the Machhiwara police station, and Balwant Singh, a resident of Ramgarh village in Kapurthala district.

The police has booked them under Sections 379, 465, 467, 468, 471, 420 and 120-B of the IPC. Rashpal helped the police in recovering two more cars that had been stolen by the gang. So far, the Moga police has recovered four cars.

Doraha
Liquor seized: The police has seized nine bottles of illicit liquor from the possession of Jarnail Singh of Aslapur village. A case under the Excise Act has been registered.

In another case, ASI Malkit Singh has arrested Sawaran Singh of Sirthala village for possessing eight bottles of liquor.

Poppy husk seized: Mr Lekh Raj, in charge, Doraha police chowki, seized 10 kg of poppy husk from the possession of Amarjit Singh of Barinwala village. He has been booked under Section 15, 61 and 85 of the NDPS Act.

Jagraon
Kidnapping case: The local police on the complaint of Mr Nirbhai Singh, a local resident, has registered a case under Sections 363, 366, 506 and 120-B of the IPC against Simrat Pal Singh of New Dashmesh Nagar and his parents for kidnapping his sister, Surjit Kaur.

The complainant alleged that Simrat had kidnapped his sister. He said he and Mr Jagtar Singh, one of his relatives, approached Simrat’s father, Malkiat Singh, but he and his wife refused to hand over the girl and threatened them.

Six arrested: The local police on the statement of Pushpinder Kaur of Chowkiman village has registered a case under Sections 379, 411, 511 and 120-B of the IPC against Lajo, Gezo, Paramjit, Bhagwanti, Surjit Kaur, Banto and Sukhpal Singh. They were arrested on charge of snatching chain of Pushpinder.

Sahnewal
Man stabbed: A man was stabbed by his servant at Nandpur village on Friday night.

A complaint has been lodged by Raju, son of Karnail Singh, who was allegedly stabbed by his servant, Ravinder Kumar. He has been admitted to the Civil Hospital, Ludhiana. According to the police, the servant was drunk at that time. A case has been registered against him under Section 324 of the IPC.

Three arrested: Gurmukh Singh, Ajmer Singh and Joginder Singh have been arrested by the local police under Section 283 of the IPC for blocking traffic on different locations. They have been released on bail.

VCR recovered: The local police has recovered a VCR from the possession of Raj Kumar of Nepal. The VCR is in the custody of Mr Dullah Singh, in charge, Ramgarh chowki.

Body found
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, March 30
The body of an unidentified man, was found from a garbage dump of the Municipal Corporation in front at the Central Jail, here, this evening.

The man, about 30, had a deep wound, inflicted by a sharp-edged weapon on his neck. His clothes had Holi colours.

The police suspects that the man might have been murdered over some personal enmity. His throat was slit, the police said. The man had also consumed some liquor.

The body was spotted by rag-pickers. They informed a peon of the MC, who in turn called the Basti Jodhewal police. The police has flashed the picture of the man on the local TV network.