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January 28, 2003, Chandigarh, India
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100 bags of wheat stolen Ahmedgarh, January 27 A visit by this correspondent to the site of the crime yesterday was revealing. The thieves, who had arrived in a mini truck some time on the night of Friday, dismantled a portion of the boundary wall adjoining the wheat fields at the rear of the plinth and managed to cart away as many as 100 bags of good quality wheat weighing 50 kg each. The bags were transported manually through watered wheat fields to the truck, which was parked about 150 yards from the godown. The bags were slit open at the rear of the vehicle and the contents emptied into the truck as was evident from the heap of empty bags left behind. Smudgy footprints could be seen everywhere between the wheat dump and the site where the thieves had parked their vehicle. The thieves apparently had a merry time as the three watchmen hired from a private security agency slept sound in the room located in front of the dump. The night was too cold and foggy for anyone to venture out. The theft was discovered in the morning. About seven bags, which were in tact were found near the heap of the torn and emptied sacks. The same were carried back to the dump by the staff . According to the staff, they followed the wheat grains spilled on the road from the moving truck. After committing the theft, the thieves, took to the road passing by village Khera and drove onto the main Ludhiana-Malerkotla road towards the direction of Malerkotla, as was evident from the
wheat grains that had fallen from the moving truck. Beyond a certain point near Lehra village, located on either sides of the road, there was no sign of the grains. Before fleeing, the thieves removed all evidence, except one — a mud-splattered and tattered ‘jutti’ usually worn by tribals of Rajasthan and Haryana. Reliable sources , on condition of anonymity, said such daring thefts had been occurring at regular intervals in the past. Various officials of government agencies engaged in storing wheat and rice were aware of the gang indulging in thefts but officials were scared of the same. On the theft on Friday night, the officials maintained that security guards were lucky in a sense. Had they challenged the dozen-odd thieves, they might have harmed them physically. At the same time, officials rued the fact that the police, in such cases, invariably blamed the complainants. Though the Dehlon police had been informed about the theft on Saturday morning, soon after it was discovered, it was only on Sunday evening that the police had visited the crime site. When contacted on the telephone today, Mr Amarjit Singh, SHO, Dehlon, said he had been busy with rural games at Phallewal village a day before. The reported theft was being investigated and a case under Section 379 of the IPC would be registered soon. |
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Cong councillor beaten up
in court complex Ludhiana, January 27 Quite a drama took place in the court complex when the Congress councillor,
Mr Raju Thapar, was attacked. He was called there by Mr Satish Kumar, husband of BJP councillor Anuradha, for filing an application of compromise between the two parties, which would have paved the way for a divorce between the couple. However, he was attacked there in the presence of lawyers of both parties ,besides several other members of the Bar. A case of beating and rioting has been registered against Satish Kumar, Pradeep Kumar, Arvinder, Kandy, Jeji and two other unknown persons. Most of them are residents of Chowni Mohalla. Mr Thapar was hospitalised for a short duration in the civil hospital. He told mediapersons in the evening that BJP councillor Anuradha and her husband Satish Kumar did not have good relations and were living separately. He said he had family relations with them and was mediating in the dispute. He said as both the parties were adamant on a divorce, a case was filed with mutual agreement. Satish Kumar allegedly wanted an early divorce. However, some dispute arose at the courts complex today and
Mr Raju Thapar was beaten up. |
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Police unmoved by woman’s plight Ludhiana, January 27 The case is one among several where city residents have to queue up outside offices or residents of senior police officers to get officials of a police station act on their complaints. It all started about six months ago-a tale of compassion that grew into love for a fellow being. But it took a tragic turn when the ‘loved’ man allegedly turned into a villain. According to the case file, Naseem, a teacher of about 33 years of age, showed compassion for a Hindu boy, Lachman Kumar, who had converted into Christianity and gave him shelter. A resident of a colony near CMC Hospital, she funded the man's expenses . The man proposed to her and they got married at a Church in Tanda in Hoshiarpur district. Her dreams of a blissful married life shattered the very first morning of her wedding night, when the man ran away, saying he was under pressure form his friends to leave her. Later, he accused the girl of forcing marriage on her. The exasperated girl did not know what to do. Apart from the social humiliation., she saw her world crumbling. Another preacher, Satish Kumar and his family, came forward to help her and decided to lodge a complaint with the police. They had thought their ordeal would end here but it had just started. The officials of the division no. 2 police station threw their complaint away and threatened them with dire consequences if they returned. The complainant met Mr Harish Kumar, SP, who directed the police station officials to register a case and arrest the accused. The family happily went back only to be confined illegally for six hours in the police station, where they were abused and threatened by the accused and his friends. The family, after their release, went to the civil hospital for a medical examination of the woman. But surprisingly, the hospital officials also turned them away, saying they had to first lodge a complaint with the police. rules state that a citizen can apply for a medical examination to the SMO or a senior doctor and the examination has to be done, but this was not done. The family then met Mr Arun Pal Singh SP (H), who again sent them to the police station but no case was registered. It was only after the senior officer along with another officer gave a dressing down to the officials that a case was registered. The ordeal is not over. The family has been requesting for a medical examination since January 14, but in vain. |
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SAMITI CHIEF POLL Ludhiana, January 27 The elections are scheduled for tomorrow. The Judge has directed the
Superintendent, Central Jail, here to make arrangements for taking the accused to Baghapurana and thereafter back after casting the vote. Being an elected member of the Legislative Assembly ,mr Gurdev Badal is entitled for casting vote in the samiti elections of Baghapurana. Meanwhile, the
Vigilance Bureau has filed a charge sheet against the former minister for allegedly amassing property worth more than Rs 1.7 crore,
disproportionate to his known sources of income. The charge sheet contains more than 300 pages, which includes the statements of witnesses recorded by the Vigilance Bureau and the documents taken into possession by the bureau to substantiate their claim. As many as 39 persons have been cited as witnesses in the list of witnesses filed along with the challan against the former minister. It may be recalled that the Vigilance Bureau had arrested him on November 23,following an F.I.R registered against him under sections 13[1] read with sections 13[2] of The Prevention of Corruption
Act. On December 2. He applied for bail but the same was dismissed by the court of Mr Inderjit Kaushik on December 16, with the observations: ''Investigation is going on and if given concession of
bail, the accused, being an influential person, is likely to influence the witnesses and tamper with the prosecution evidence.'' the bail application of the accused is pending before the High Court. |
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State economy back on rails, says Ludhiana, January 27 He said our freedom fighters and martyrs had made enormous sacrifices to free the country from the British and to establish a democratic government to ensure economic and social equality and justices to every citizen. The minister said the patriotic citizens of Punjab did a lot during the freedom movement. Bhagat Singh, Udham Singh, Kartar Singh Sarabha, Lala Lajpat Rai and Namdhari martyrs enthused a new spirit of patriotism among fellow patriots, he said. Referring to the achievements of the present government headed by Capt Amarinder Singh during the past one year, he said with the enforcement of strict financial measures and efficient management, the completely shattered economy of the state had been put on rails and development process had been started in a big way. He said after coming into power in the state, the government had launched an effective tirade against corruption and taken concrete steps to provide transparent and efficient governance. The Finance Minister claimed that with the plugging of revenue evasion and exercising austerity measures effectively, the revenue receipt during the last year, up to November, went up by Rs 373 crore and expenditure came down by Rs 25 crore. He said by ensuring open and transparent auction of liquor vends, government income went up by Rs 100 crore. He said it was for the first time that the entire amount of Rs 2795 under the annual plan for the current year had been utilised, whereas during the past year only 58 per cent of the plan amount was used by the SAD-BJP government. He said with improvement in financial condition, all prominent financial institutions of national and international level had started releasing funds for development projects after a complete dry spell of five years and the World Bank had agreed to release substantial funds for various projects. During the current financial year, the state was all set to create a new record of small savings collection of Rs 2,800 crore. It would ensure a share of Rs 600 crore for various development projects in the state, he said. The minister asserted that the government had made efficient procurement of wheat and paddy and to enhance the income of the farmers, the government had launched a new contract-crop pattern in the state and the Union Government had agreed in principle to accept Johal Committee Report. Under this programme, funds amounting to Rs 2,800 crore were expected to be sanctioned for diversification, he added. He said the government had released funds amounting to Rs 85 crore for drinking water supply schemes, 130 crore for municipal committees and 39 crore for drinking water for urban areas. He said the government had also chalked out a comprehensive plan of Rs 101 crore for development of villages. On this occasion a colourful cultural programme and a mass PT show were also presented by schoolchildren. He also presented 14 tricycles to physically challenged persons, 22 sewing machines to the needy women and honoured 15 persons for their excellent achievements in various fields. At Samrala, Mr Rakesh Panday, Printing and Stationery Minister, unfurled the Tricolor and took salute from the march past. He stressed upon the need to promote brotherhood among different sections of society and to strengthen the democratic institutions in the state. He appealed to the people to rededicate themselves to defeat communal forces that were working under a conspiracy to create a void among different sections of society. In the function, 16 freedom fighters were honoured, five physically challenged persons were given tricycles and 20 sewing machines were presented to needy women. Mr Amarjit Singh Samra, State Minister for Revenue and Agriculture, hoisted the National Flag at a Republic Day function at Jagraon. While addressing the gathering, he said the Punjab Government had chalked out a comprehensive plan for improving the economic condition of the debt-ridden farmers by shifting to the contract crops from wheat-paddy combination. At Khanna, Dr Harbans Lal, State Minister for Forests and Food and Supply, unfurled the Tricolor and took salute from the parade. Paying his tributes to the martyrs of the country, he said the patriots from Punjab had remained in the forefront in all major movements. He said the government was according top priority to the welfare of weaker sections of society and funds amounting to more than Rs 500 crore were being spent during the current financial year for the purpose. He said the interests of farmers were completely safe in the hands of the Congress government in the state and all out efforts were being made to attract maximum investment from all quarters to the industrialisation of the state so that unemployed youth could be provided sufficient employment opportunities. At Raikot and Payal Sub-Divisions, Mr Ajmer Singh (SDM), and Mr Sucha Singh Mast (SDM), respectively hoisted the National Flags and took salute from the parade at the Republic Day functions. The PPCC President, Mr Harwinder Singh Hanspal, have given a clarion call to people to fight communalism. Addressing a function organised by the District Congress Committee Urban and Rural at Vishwakarma Chowk here to mark Republic Day, he lashed out at the Opposition parties for exploiting the masses for political gains. Emphasising the need to channelise energy for nation-building, he urged the people to play a proactive role. “It was the first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who had taken the country towards progress and prosperity. Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi continued with the progressive policies and the country took a quantum leap in the fields of science, technology and communication,” he said. Mr Hanspal focussed on various welfare policies and programmes of the Congress government in Punjab. Other speakers, including Mr Lakhwinder Singh, PPCC general secretary, Mr Nahar Singh Gill, Mayor, Mr Surinder Dawar, Mr Malkiat Singh Dakha, MLAs, Mr Krishan Kumar Bawa, president, DCC (Urban), and Mr Gurdev Singh Lapran, president, DCC (Rural) dwelt upon the contributions of the Congress in the development of the country. Among others present were freedom fighter Dewan Jagdish Chander, Mr Pawan Diwan, Mr Parminder Mehta, president of the District Youth Congress, Ms Usha Malhotra, president of the Mahila Congress, Mr Ramesh Joshi, PPCC Secretary, Mr Sham Sunder Malhotra, Mr Sat Pal Puri, Mr Raju Thapar, Mr Sushil Parashar, Ms Amrit Varsha Rampal and Mr Om Parkash Malhotra. The Mayor unfurled the Tricolour at a function organised by the municipal corporation (MC). He claimed that the city had achieved a unique distinction of providing water for all under a project to be completed by March. The MC Commissioner, Mr S.K. Sharma, addressing a Republic Day function at Janta Nagar, said the MC would undertake a project for the construction of a working women’s hostel in the city. Dr K.S. Aulakh, Vice-Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University, hoisted the Tricolour and took salute at the Republic Day celebrations on the PAU campus. He complimented agricultural scientists for their contributions and said it was a matter of great pride that PAU alumni were occupying important positions. He underlined the need for propagating a sense of brotherhood and forging national integration. The Punjab Police Academy (PPA), Phillaur, organised an impressive function to mark Republic Day. Dr G.S. Aujla, PPA Director, unfurled the Tricolour and took salute. He exhorted police personnel. to strive to uphold the Constitution and ensure justice to everone. Sweets and fruits were distributed among patients at PPA Hospital. Republic Day was celebrated at various educational institutions with enthusiasm. At a function in Master Tara Singh Memorial College for Women, Mr Nahar Singh Gill hoisted the Tricolour and took salute from various contingents. Students of Tagore Public School, Aggar Nagar, presented a colourful cultural programme comprising folk dances and folk songs. The National Flag was hoisted by Mr Amrit Lal Aggarwal, Chairman of the school managing committee. Mr D.J. Jain, Manager, and Ms Manju Parkash, Principal, of the school also spoke on the occasion. A Republic Day function was also organised by INTUC at Dugri, Urban Estate. Mr Balwant Rai Kapoor, state president of INTUC was the chief guest. Addressing a gathering after hoisting the National Flag, he urged the government to ensure the implementation of labour laws, revise minimum wages and provide social security to the working classes. All four educational institutions of S.D.P. Jain College jointly celebrated the Republic Day at the college playground. More than 5,000 students of S.D.P. Schools marched in a procession with Tricolour in hand from their institution to the function venue. Mr Balraj Bhasin, president, S.D.P. Sabha, presided over the function. He was welcomed by the principals of all four institutes, members of the management, staff and students. Mr Bhasin unfurled the flag, took the salute from N.C.C. cadets and addressed the audience. Principals of all four institutions, addressing the audience, appealed to them to cultivate a healthy outlook, devote wholeheartedly to the uplift and prosperity of the country and surrender parochial feelings. Mrs S Verma, principal, Mr R.K. Khurana, ex-principal, S.D.P. Senior Secondary School, Hazoori Road, and Mr Ved Parkash Gupta, senior vice-president also spoke. Students sang patriotic songs. Sweets were distributed among students. The function ended with the National Anthem. Ahmedgarh:
Mr Abhay Jain and Mr Rajneesh Sharma, former OSD to the Chief Minister hoisted flags at functions organised by MGMN Senior Secondary School, Janta College for Women and Lal Bahadur Shastri Public School. Mr Pardeep Sharda, Mr Sukhdev Sharma, Mr Ashootosh Vinayak and Mr Satish Jain also spoke on the
occasion. Dr Balvinder Singh, Chairman of Guru Nanak Ayurvedic College and Research Institute Gopalpur,
hoisted the Tricolour. The function was attended by Mr Maheshinder Singh Grewal, former Cabinet minister, and Mr Jagdev Singh Jassowal, former MLA. Dr JPS Oberoi also spoke on the occasion. |
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Thrasher
victims get cheques Amloh, January 27 Mr S.S. Panesar, SDJM, Mr Sadhu Singh Dharmsot MLA, Mr Baldev Singh Aulakh, president of the municipal council, Mr Dalip Singh Pandhi, former minister, councillors and sarpanches were also present on the occasion. Malkeet Kaur, Sarbjeet Singh and Gurmeet Singh, thrasher victims, were given cheques worth Rs 30000, Rs 15000 and Rs 1500, respectively, by the SDM. Participants were given certificates and some officials were given mementos. Sweets were also distributed. Pageants on “sarb sikhya abhyan,” plantation and pulse polio, among others, were displayed. A municipal councillor and Mr Sadhu Singh, MLA, unfurled the Tricolour. The Congress celebrated Republic Day at the old grain market where Mr Om Parkash Karkara, DCC general secretary, unfurled the flag. Mr Gurjinder Singh , Principal, of Government Senior Secondary School, Bhadson, unfurled the flag at a school function. |
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Republic
Day honours Ludhiana, January 27 The following is the list: Nirmal Singh Bhullar, JE, Improvement Trust; (posthumous); Sub-Inspector Waryam Singh; Mr Rajendra Oberoi; Superintendent, DC office Mr Balwinder Singh (JE); Mr Pawan Kumar, Cooperative Department; Sub-Inspector Gurbhaj Singh; Kartar Singh, (athlete); Madhav, (swimmer); Mr Jagmohan Singh; Mr Gursharan Singh; Mr Harpreet Singh; Mr Balbir Singh; Mr Garib Dass; Mr Jai Pal; MC office; and Dr Shiv Nandan Bhanot. |
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Scavenging
tax likely Ludhiana, January 27 While a prominent SAD councillor, Mr Hakam Singh Giaspura, supported by the Senior Deputy Mayor, Mr Prem Mittal, has mooted a proposal to give relief to the people by allowing interest-free payment of arrears of house tax, water and sewerage charges, the MC appears to be having different ideas. In the name of resource mobilising, the MC intends to impose a scavenging tax on the city residents under Section 90 of the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, 1976. Though the final decision and the its implementation, through issuance of a notification, will rest with the state government, if adopted by the House, the ball will be set in motion for putting additional burden on the people. Several councillors, alleging discrimination in execution of development works in their respective wards, are preparing to give vent to their resentment against the civic administration. |
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Former minister
Mangewal cremated Ludhiana, January 27 Mr Lal Singh, Finance, Planning and Food and Civil Supplies Minister, Punjab, laid a wreath on behalf of Capt Amarinder Singh, Chief Minister, Punjab. Among others who attended the funeral and laid wreaths on the body included Mr Tej Parkash Singh, Transport Minister, Punjab, Mr Malkiat Singh Dakha, ex-minister, Mr Gurkirat Singh , Mr Gurmit Singh, former Political Secretary to the Late Beant Singh, former Chief Minister Punjab, Mr Bant Singh Duburji, MD Budhewal Sugar Mill, Mr Najar Sigh Lapran President Block Congress, and Mr Darshan Pal, president Municipal Committee Doraha. Mangewal’s son Mr Kuldip Singh lit the pyre. A large number of people attend the funeral. Mr Lal Singh said Mangewal was a dedicated Congress leader. Mr Tej Parkash Singh said it was a personal loss to him as Mangewal was quite close to the late Beant Singh. Mangewal was elected MLA from the Payal constituency in 1992 and remained the Chairman of the Punjab Warehousing Corporation and Minister for Animal Husbandry for several years. |
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Temperature
takes a dip again Ludhiana, January 27 The continued spell of cold weather in the district has played havoc with wheat crop, but the farmers expect these mild showers will prove beneficial to the standing crop. Taken by surprise, many residents had to seek shelter in shops and other establishments to avoid being drenched by the sudden downpour (see picture). |
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Industrialist found dead in Mumbai Ludhiana, January 27 When he did not return after three days, his family members went to look for him but his whereabouts could not be established. They learnt only this evening that the youth had gone to Mumbai and was found dead in a hotel room. The sources said he had no plans to go to Mumbai. The Mumbai police is investigating the case.
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Labourer
clubbed to death Ludhiana, January 27 The Sarabha Nagar police has booked three persons for killing Sanjay Yadav. They are Billu, Satish and his former employer. |
Power cuts hit
small-scale units Ludhiana, January 27 According to Mr Mohinder Aggarwal, general secretary of the Punjab Beopar Mandal, statewide reports present a dismal scenario. He said power cuts had become a routine. While on the one hand the government had hiked power tariff on the other hand it was not able to provide adequate power to the industry or the domestic sector, he said. Similar views have been expressed from time to time by various federations and organisations but to no avail. Industry representatives said it might not be long before most of the industrial units were shut. The erratic electric supply led to delay in production, they said, adding that despite the massive manpower, the PSEB had not been able to deliver. They said the PSEB was overburdened and yet was not able to provide better services. The industrial federations have warned the government that they will be forced to shut down their units and come out on the streets if the power situation does not improve. “We have no option but to protest”, members said. If the government could provide power on an emergency basis to the farm sector, why not the industry? they asked. |
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LMA holds family get-together Ludhiana, January 27 Kids participated in spoon race, chatti race, three legged race, one-legged race, sack and back race and many other fun games. Women gave a tough competition to their male counterparts in the tug of war. Kite flying was the highlight of the event. Lucky draw, one-minute game, film games, ad games and crazy quiz kept the members’ mood upbeat all the time. To top it all, teenagers danced to the tunes of bhangra beats and thrilling western pop music. Sanjay Solanki of shagoffey fame kept everyone spellbound. A number of mouth-watering dishes were also arranged. The variety included, Punjabi, South Indian, Continental, Chinese and Indian dishes. Members also had the opportunity of winning exciting gifts during the programme. Mr V.K. Goyal, general secretary, Ludhiana Management Association, appreciated the efforts of Mr Vijay Munjal, chairman of the Organising Committee. He said, “The credit for the success of the entire event goes to all members of the organising committee.” About the choice of January 26 as the day for celebrations, Mr Goyal said, “The day itself is highly symbolic of the aspirations of social justice, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual. It is on this day that regional identity gives way to national identity. So naturally celebrating the event on this day makes it even much more significant and memorable.” Mr Goyal thanked all members of the association for their cooperation. Stressing the need of holding such events, he said, “The entire objective of having this annual family get-together is to provide a break from the routine to the members. Such events play a pivotal role in recharging the physical, mental and psychological capabilities of the members”. |
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