VOLTE-FACE
Grooms scoot, leaving maidens fuming at the altar
Parmindar Singh

Noida, February 18
For five young women, attired in bridal costumes and bedecked in ornaments, it was an eternal wait at the Arya Samaj Mandir in Sector 33 here. Their hearts sank when they heard that the grooms had all run away. With them, the hope of a new tomorrow had also petered out.

The venue was all spruced up by the organisers of the mass wedding, the New Delhi Club, and Prasna, a social organisation working for the betterment of poor women. Brides, glittering gifts and the feast were all ready. The hapless women tied themselves into knots as they fidgeted, waiting for their would-be husbands who never rose to the occasion.

But rather than feeling exasperated, the organisers were heaving a sigh of relief at the end of the day. Reason: The five grooms they had unearthed for these women were Bangladeshis, not a very happy state of affairs in these days of infiltration.

The organisers, along with the officials and the workers, had reached the mandir early in the day. Several good-hearted persons had also come with gifts to be presented to each couple. The brides and grooms had been instructed that they should reach the temple dressed up in their Sunday best. It was just a matter of time before the garlands would be exchanged. Then, someone broke the news that all the girls and the young men were Bangladeshis, but that they had agreed to get married as per Hindu rituals.

When the brides were confronted with this bit of information, they denied that they were of Bangladeshi origin. The girls claimed that they hailed from West Bengal and were Indians.

Since the `lagan’ clock was ticking away and there was no trace of the grooms, a search party was dispatched which soon returned empty-handed. Four hours later, the young men had still not turned up. But it had been confirmed that the Bangladeshi grooms had fled.

The organisers are now relieved that they have not at least pushed the hapless girls into wrong hands. The marriage gifts are on display in the temple with the organisers hopeful of finding suitable young men for the maidens.

Demolition only after notices
Bijendra Ahlawat
Tribune News Service

Faridabad, February 18
Though thousands of residents of A C Nagar locality have got respite from the demolition squad, the threat has not yet blown over. The state government has reportedly assured the Punjab and Haryana High Court that it would serve notices on house owners in the ‘unauthorised colony’ before razing them down.

The state government filed its reply in the high court today. It will be recalled that a petition had been filed seeking to stop the demolition. Although no stay has been granted, the authorities seem to have realised the legal lacuna in the process adopted thus far. The state government has reportedly assured the court that it would follow the due process of law and no demolition would be carried out without serving prior notice to each house owner.

The residents of the colony had alleged that no notices had been served and the authorities had announced the decision to demolish the houses three days prior to the actual drive. The stand taken by the authorities now indicates that the residents may get a breather of about a month or even more due to the heightened tension in the area. Possibly, the issue making media headlines in the region also had an impact.

The forthcoming session of the Haryana Assembly, scheduled to start from March 5, and Parliament session, which started today, could further delay the state government drive.

Former union minister Buta Singh and some state leaders, including Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Bhupinder Singh Hooda, HVP leader Surender Singh, former MLA Kuldeep Bishnoi, MLA Karan Dala, and BJP leader Krishan Pal Gurjar have already condemned the demolition drive. They had declared their resolve to take up the issue in Parliament, besides launching an agitation.

Although some of the Congress leaders, including a former minister, A. C. Chaudhary, had decided to file a petition in the high court, it seems that the residents are not too sure of their legal status and don’t expect to get permanent relief. Some legal experts have reportedly advised them to file a petition in the Supreme Court, so that it could be heard before the state government completes the formalities and issues eviction notices.

The local administration was all prepared yesterday to carry out the demolition, but the prospect of violence and the intervention of some political leaders, besides the confusion over the reports about the court’s intervention, led to the halting of the operation. The district authorities appeared helpless and failed to clear the confusion till late last night.

Meanwhile, several residents, who had fled AC Nagar, have now decided to return and stay put till they get notices from the authorities. But, as a resident said, the sword of Damocles was still hanging overhead.

HIGH-HANDEDNESS
MDU hauled up yet again
Vipin Sharma

Rohtak, February 18
Reprimanding Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) for its ‘high-handedness’ in the matter of BEd admissions, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum has directed it to pay Rs 50,000 as compensation to a rejected aspirant.

This is the second time the forum has asked the university to pay compensation in the last ten days. Earlier, the forum had rapped MDU for its criminal negligence: The varsity had declared a student of physical education ‘not eligible’ four months after his admission. The MDU was told to refund the entire fee and pay a compensation of Rs 10,000 along with litigation costs to the student.

In the recent judgement, Mr Jagdish Chopra, president of the forum, observed: “Admissions granted to certain students in BEd (regular) course, who secured much less marks than the complainant, were nothing but an abuse of power through an illegal process.” Further, “It was an absolutely unwanted decision against all norms, ethics and rules framed by the university itself...and nothing could defend the said act and conduct of the university”.

The plaintiff, Ms Sangeeta, a resident of Gandhi Nagar locality here, stated that she had appeared in the entrance test for admission to the BEd course and obtained 76 marks but could not get admission. She came to know on January 7, 2002, that many other aspirants who had secured much less marks than her were given admission to the said course being run by various recognised colleges as per the directions of the university administration. The forum found that another Sangeeta, who had secured only 31 marks in the entrance test, was given admission to the course while the complainant was ignored.

The university argued that the said candidates were given admissions on ‘first-come first-serve’ basis. However, these admissions were cancelled by the university itself after the affected candidates filed a petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

The forum observed that the university administration was duty bound to inform the complainant about the said development.

Huge haul of country-made firearms from shrine
Our Correspondent

Meerut, February 18
A rich haul of country-made firearms has been made from the premises of a place of worship. Three persons, including the master craftsman, were arrested. Senior Superintendent of Police Mukul Goel told mediapersons at a press conference that SHO of the Lisari Gate police station S. P. Singh and seven constables were patrolling the Summer Garden Colony area at 5.30 pm and spotted a person moving in a suspicious manner. On frisking him, a country-made pistol of .315 bore and some cartridges were seized.

During interrogation, the man identified himself as Sehyad, resident of Khatauli, Muzaffarnagar. He confessed that he and two others were running a firearms factory in the area. Following the tip-off, the police raided the premises of the place of worship in Rajban Bazar and, to their surprise, unearthed a mini arms factory.

The seized items included 76 country-made revolvers, 30 half-complete pistols, 25 bodies of pistols, 27 triggers and their hammers, 40 kg of springs and butts, an electric drilling machine, 43 welding machines and rods, several iron cutters and other accessories. The police also succeeded in arresting Sehyad’s accomplices — Umardin, resident of Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, and Shahid Khan. Umardin is said to be the chief craftsman of the illegal firearms..

The SSP said that the illegal firearms were being supplied in various parts of western UP. Each pistol was being sold for Rs 800.

He said that their modus operandi was to rent a place in a congested locality for a short time, manufacture firearms and then move on to another locality. The three accused had been running the business for over three years; they had been arrested earlier in Muzaffarnagar. They were also wanted in a case of murder of their fellow craftsman, who was allegedly killed over some financial dispute.

The SSP expressed fears that the walled city area here could have more such factories. This is the fifth factory to be unearthed in the area.

The police are now considering launching an extensive drive to check the identity of the tenants as most of these factories were housed in rented premises.

The police have already interrogated several persons living on the premises of the place of worship from where the arms were seized. However, they could not search the entire premises as they could not get clearance from senior officials in Lucknow.

Five hurt in New Lajpat Rai Market fire
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 18
Five persons were injured and three shops gutted in a fire that broke out in the busy New Lajpat Rai Market in North Delhi early this morning. The injured were employees in shops who were sleeping when the fire broke out. They were identified as Makan Singh, Chin Bahadur, Nar Bahadur, Girand Singh and Kul Bahadur. They were admitted to LNJP Hospital with 15 per cent burns, a spokesman of the Delhi Fire Service said.

The DFS rushed eight fire tenders to the spot to douse the fire, which started around 6.35 am and was finally brought under control after two hours.

The blaze broke out in one of the shops in front of Gauri Shankar temple and soon spread to adjoining shops, trapping five persons inside who were later rescued by the firemen. The cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained, DFS spokesman said.

He said that the corridor was choked with goods and furniture of the shopkeepers, which impeded the access of water pipes to the affected shops. First, the firemen had to clear the passage. Had it been clear, two other shops would have been saved.

He said that two electrical goods shops were completely gutted in the fire and property worth lakhs of rupees was destroyed.

CRIME SPIRAL
Child finds mother strangled on return from school
Our Correspondent

Ghaziabad, February 18
A housewife, resident of posh Shashi Nagar, was killed yesterday and her house ransacked by unidentified criminals. The incident happened at 11 am when Anupam Srivastava was alone at the house. Her husband D. K. Srivastava, an engineer in the Agra Development Authority, had left at 7 am. Their children Sonka and Sanyak had left for tuition while Monika had gone to school.

One Jaiprakash came to the house to collect a cheque for dropping it at the bank. After Jaiprakash left, the criminals reportedly entered the house and overpowered Anupam, her brother-in-law said.

When Monika came back from school, she became hysterical when she saw her mother’s body lying on the kitchen floor. The woman had been strangled with her own sari.

The jewellery had been forcibly removed from her body and the cash and jewellery kept in the almirah were also missing. A television set was also missing.

Monika somehow called up the neighbours who then informed the police. The SSP, SP City and SO of Kavi Nagar police station rushed to the house but angry family members did not allow the police to send the body for autopsy.

The police feel it is the work of known persons. The victim’s husband has also worked as a JE in the GDA. The investigations in the case are on and a few people had been interrogated.

Shops razed to pave way for Chautala’s motorcade
Our Correspondent

Sonepat, February 18
The district administration has intensified its anti-encroachment drive in Kharkhauda town in view of the proposed visit of Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala tomorrow under the `Sarkar Aap Ke Dwar’ programme.

According to a report, the anti-demolition squad pressed into service JCB machines and razed 40 unauthorised structures at a chowk in the bazar. The chowk has reportedly been widened now and would facilitate passage of the Chief Minister’s motorcade.

However, on the flip side, a number of telephone cables had been cut by the JCB machines, leaving hundreds of telephones dead. The action of the district administration has reportedly caused widespread resentment among the shopkeepers of the town.

The district administration has geared up its machinery to make the visit of the Chief Minister a success. Roads are being repaired on a war footing and a cleanliness drive has been launched to give the town a facelift. According to another report, Mr Chautala will visit Gohana town on February 23 in connection with the `Sarkar Aap Ke Dwar’ programme. He will hear the grievances of the people of the villages. Later, he will visit Khanpur Kalan village to participate in a function.

Duo held for passing on iron blades to escapees

The Sonepat police today claimed to have arrested two youths of Palra village on the charge of supplying iron blades to the five undertrials who escaped from the district jail recently.

According to a report, the arrested youths were identified as Lokesh and Anil. The duo had met Randhir of Palra village and Raghbir of Besaman village in Sonepat jail on January 20, to whom they had passed on the blades. The youths are stated to be relatives of Randhir.

DELHI IN PARLIAMENT
Water conforms to BIS norms, says DJB
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 18
The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) says the water it supplies in NCT of Delhi conforms to the standards laid down by the Bureau of Indian Standards. Union Minister of State for Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation Radhakrishnan on Tuesday told the Lok Sabha that the water did not contain chemicals, heavy metals or bacteria.

The minister said the quality of underground water extracted by the DJB had not been checked although steps were being taken to provide safe drinking water to Delhiites.

The House was told that the Delhi Police had sent a proposal to the Union Government for strengthening its Security Unit that involves creation of 8,481 posts in various categories.

Union Minister of State for Home Harin Pathak said the Bureau of Police Research and Development had made this proposal, and certain other recommendations.

Meanwhile, after a recent survey of the area falling under its jurisdiction, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) had served 66 challans and 67 notices for keeping cattle unauthorisedly.

Replying to a question whether the NDMC had issued challans to the ministers and others for keeping cattle and horses in their bungalows, Union Minister of State for Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation Radhakrishnan said the NDMC had informed that notices and challans were issued by it to the inmates of all such premises and bungalows, found to be keeping cattle unauthorisedly without distinction.

No case of keeping cattle unauthorisedly had been reported to the Directorate of Estates and hence the question of cancellation of the allotment for any such bungalow did not arise, the minister clarified. As many as 178 cattle were impounded by the NDMC during January. 

SURAJKUND MELA
Thin crowds, jaded wares, prohibitive cost 
and pandering to VIPs
Bijendra Ahlawat
Tribune News Service

Faridabad, February 18
The 17th Surajkund crafts mela, which concluded here recently, had hardly any remarkable achievement to its credit notwithstanding the tall claims made by the organisers. Locals have increasingly been feeling alienated by the brouhaha over the mela.

While the authorities have claimed that over five lakh people visited the mela some people feel the figures may be exaggerated as the attendance of tourists on week days had been remarkably thin and below expectation, although the number of visitors was heavy on the two Sundays that fell during the fortnight when the mela was on.

Mr Rajkumar of Sector 15-A and Shailender of Daultabad village who visited the fair said they did not find anything extraordinary this time. They claimed the prices of the stuff on sale were exorbitant and beyond the reach of the common man. Also, to all intents and purposes craftsmen were more interested in selling their wares rather than sharing information about their art or craft. They said many of the articles put up for sale could also be seen at Janpath or various state governments’ art emporia in New Delhi.

Rekha and her brother Rajesh from Sector 16 here said they had visited the mela only twice in the past 15 years or so and found the objet d’arts beyond their buying capacity.

Moreover, they said there was nothing attractive or unique to entice one to pick it up from the fair despite the prohibitive cost. They said the fair had been reduced to being an exclusive market for the rich or foreigners for whom the high cost did not matter much.

The mela had no doubt become a favourite place for an outing or a picnic for young couples, school and college going students and of course families settled in metros like Delhi who hardly found any time or cause to spend a day or two in such an environment, said an official connected with the mela. But in private he admitted a majority of the visitors behaved like tourists with no interest in buying anything due to the high cost. A stall manager also corroborated this.

A majority of the families were interested only in the eats being sold. A young teacher who had come from Hodal town in the district claimed despite the thatched huts being converted into stalls the mela had a rural look. He said many of the villagers were shocked to learn about the prices of certain products which were usually gifted free to each other in villages. He said he was amazed to find several stall managers bargaining with customers to sell their products.

Another resident of Sector 14 here termed the mela as being of the officers, for the officers and by the officers as the organisers could be seen welcoming and giving a royal treat to families of VIPs and other senior officials.

The VIPs did not buy any ticket for entry and they were also not charged any money for various delicacies served to them.

He said the mela was a perfect occasion for an outing for the VIPs of Haryana and other states. Mr Krishan Lal Gera, a social activist, said the authorities should make public the process of allotting the stalls, the expenses borne and the revenue earned in organising the fair. He alleged hotel rooms and tourist accommodation were given free to officers and their families.

The mela authorities on other hand claimed that the fair had been a success and a large number of people had thronged it. It is stated that at least 12,665 students from 257 schools and as many as 30,000 foreigners visited the fair.

They claimed the painting and sculpting workshop organised by the College of Art, Delhi, had been quite successful and it would be made a regular feature.

SPECIAL FOCUS ON GURGAON
Move to acquire land has peasantry in a tizzy
Ravi S. Singh
Tribune News Service

Gurgaon, February 18
A large number of farmers of about half a dozen villages in Gurgaon subdivision are a wary lot. The Haryana Government has initiated moves for the acquisition of land in Khandsa, Gadoli, Mohammadpur, Jharsa, Narsingpur and Begumpur Khatola villages. Notices have been issued under Section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act,1894, by the Haryana Urban Development Authority(HUDA).

The land is being acquired for setting up industrial and commercial zones.

The import of the notice under Section 4 is to invite from the public objections, if any, against the government’s intention. Most of the land in Begumpur Khatola is under the hammer. The factories have been in existence for the past many years and are also registered in the revenue books. The fact that a farmhouse and factory premises of a senior leader of the ruling INLD have been left out of the ambit of the intended acquisition rankles the villagers.

The Dakhini Haryana Kisan Mazdoor Union(DHKMU) held a meeting today to decide on the Haryana bandh call given by the state unit of the Bharatiya Kisan Union(BKU) for tomorrow. The DHKMU alleged thousands of acres of land of the farmers had been notified for acquisition. It urged immediate withdrawal of the acquisition notices.

Its president, Mr Khazan Singh, alleged the establishment was showing no sensitivity to the feelings of farmers of the Ahirwal belt of South Haryana.

The trepidation among the farmers on the government’s acquisition move stems from the fact that HUDA has not been paying them sufficient compensation money. HUDA acquires land at virtually throwaway prices and sells plots at high prices. Also, the bitter experience of the farmers for the past two decades — when urbanisation of Gurgaon gathered steam - has been that the compensation money has not been paid in one instalment. In some cases, the farmers had to sweat it out to get the money.

Also, according to the amended rules, the beneficiaries of compensation are subjected to imposts. Added to it are the machinations of ruling party leaders. The politically incorrect farmers can wait till the heavens fall to get their money.

Also, with the shrinking of agricultural and other forms of land holding the farmers cannot afford to have the luxury of having their landed property acquired. With the government jobs few and far between, agriculture continues to be the substantive source of livelihood. The state of the small-time farmers and the peasantry is pathetic. The DHKMU, meanwhile, has decided to give only passive support to the bandh. The BKU wants its state President, Mr Ghasi Ram, who was arrested about two months back, to be released. The DHKMU has asked the government to release him within 15 days, failing which its activists would start an agitation.

Retired from Army, but anxious to soldier on in life
Our Correspondent

Meerut, February 18
It was a ‘barat’, as it were, of ex-servicemen. There was an air of tension and excitement as is witnessed in a marriage pandal. The occasion was the meeting of ex-servicemen with the General Officer Commanding Uttar Bharat Area Maj-General K C Vig AVSM, VSM in the Sub-Area Officers Mess. Some retired officials put up their grievances before the GOC and sought his help on the occasion. Many of them were anxious to soldier on in life despite odds after retirement. Right from the officers to the soldiers, everyone had a task to complete.

Soon, the Sub-Area Commander, Brig K T G Nambiar, arrived and asked the Colonel, Administration, Yashpal Yadav, whether the ‘barat’ had arrived. Brigadier Nambiar was virtually looking like a bride’s busy father. Tension was writ large on his forehead.

Speaking on the occasion, GOC Maj-Gen K C Vig first welcomed all the retired officials into the sub-area. Some of the retirees became emotional, remembering the old gold days of the Army. Ladies also joined the gathering. Some senior officials of the civil administration including District Magistrate Rama Raman, SSP Mukul Goel, ADM city and SP city attended the get-together. Some retired officials put up their grievances before the GOC and sought his help.

Maj-Gen K C Vig told the ‘NCR Tribune’ that the motto of the gathering was to increase coordination between the retired and the serving officials.

Gen Vig also released an MH Medical Bulletin, giving information about the medical facilities available in the sub-area. Gen Vig announced that a new military hospital for the ex-servicemen only would be commissioned soon in Meerut Cantt.

In an answer to a question that the world’s best soldiers had to do the job of guards in shops and other places, Gen Vig said that both the Army and state government were eager to restore the dignity of retired soldiers.

He revealed that he had a meeting with the UP Chief Minister in this regard to give better jobs to this skilled, disciplined and dedicated manpower.

The Chief Minister agreed on this point. A detailed proposal would soon be sent to the chief Secretary of UP in this regard.

DM Rama Raman, SSP and the Sub-Area Commander Brig K T G Nambiar, gave a patient ear to the grievances of the retired soldiers and assured them of quick remedy.

IOC donates Rs 2 lakh for Noida war memorial
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 18
The pipeline division of the Indian Oil Corporation has donated a sum of Rs 2 lakh for the maintenance of Shaheed Smarak, a war memorial in Noida. The IOC said this would help preserve ecological balance and pay reverence to those who sacrificed their lives.

The IOC Director (Pipelines), Mr A. M. Uplenchwar, said this was how they honoured the great sons of India and also in the process promoted patriotism among countrymen.

Lt-Gen Gorakh Nath, executive director of Noida Shaheed Smarak, said the contribution would go a long way in the proper upkeep of the memorial and remembered for all times to come.

This unique war memorial was the only one of its kind in the country at the “town level” where martyrs were given respect and regards for their supreme sacrifice, he said.

Located in Sector 29 of Noida, the memorial stands tall and graceful amid lush green lawns, attracting a large number of people. The floriculture society of Noida landscaped the memorial spread over a rectangular area of 12,000 sq metres.

NCR BRIEFS
One killed in jeep-truck collision
Our Correspondents

Jhajjar, February 18
One person was killed and three were injured when the jeep in which they were travelling collided with a truck near Noona Majra village on Jhajjar-Bahadurgarh Road last night.

According to information, the deceased Anil, son of Jaisingh, resident of Badli village, was driving the jeep.

Three other youths Kailash, Sonu and Pradeep were with him in the vehicle. All were going to Badli from Bahadurgarh when, a truck coming from the opposite direction collided with their vehicle.

While Anil died on way to the hospital, others were admitted to Deen Dayal Upadyaya Hospital in Delhi. Two of them are stated to be in a serious condition.

The police have registered a case against the truck driver in this connection.

Ban on assembly of five persons

Sonepat: The District Magistrate of Sonepat, Mr Balwan Singh, has promulgated an order under Section 144 cr pc banning the assembly of five or more person, and carrying of firearms within 500 metres around the ITI, Sonepat.

According to official sources, the order would continue till February 21. The step has been taken for smooth conduct of the examination and check interference by the anti-social elements.

Stolen cars seized, two held

New Delhi: The North district police have arrested two auto-lifters while they were travelling in a stolen Honda City car. Two Honda City cars, one Indica car, one Maruti Zen and three Maruti 800 CC cars were recovered from them.

The accused Ashish Walia, resident of Kirti Nagar and Gurmeet Singh alias Meet, resident of Kirti Nagar were intercepted by the police. Asked to show the papers, they produced a forged paper.

When the police searched the car, they found the original paper of the car from under the mat.

When questioned, the duo confessed to have committed auto thefts and have robbed many cars.

The cars were parked in Kriti Nagar and Vasant Apartments in Vasant Vihar for disposal.

The accused told the police that they used to befriend the parking attendants and would obtain the keys of cars to make duplicate keys.

They would then follow the cars and rob them at nights. The duplicate papers for the cars were made by someone in Tilak Nagar, who is absconding. TNS

DELHI DIGEST
400 policemen donate blood
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 18
As part of the Delhi Police Week celebrations, 400 police personnel donated blood at the Rotary Blood Bank at Tuglakabad Extension. A total of 460 units were donated. The blood donation camp was inaugurated by the Commissioner of Police R.S. Gupta. Senior officers including the Commissioner of Police also donated blood, police said.

Artful dodger held: With the arrest of a youth, the Central district police today claimed to have recovered stolen property worth Rs 2 lakh and a scooter. The suspect worked in a travel agency, A.J. International at Padam Tower in Rajender Place. The travel agency owner, Anil Kumar Jain gave the suspect Rs 2 lakh and asked him to collect tickets from Oasis International in Connaught Place. The youth went to Connaught Place on a scooter of the owner but failed to return.

During inquiry, the owner of travel agency found that instead of going to Connaught Place, the suspect went to his residence and left the place after taking his belongings. The victim registered an FIR in police station Prasad Nagar. During investigation, the police found that the suspect had left for his native village in Hardoi district. A police team was sent to Hardoi where his relatives said that he had gone back to Delhi. He was chased and arrested at New Delhi Railway Station and Rs 1.92 lakh and scooter were recovered from him, the police said.

The ‘flower’ of show: The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) bagged 30 prizes in a flower show organised by YWCA. Dr Najma Heptulla, Deputy Chairperson, Rajya Sabha distributed the prizes. The CPWD, Government Nursery, the NDMC and private farm houses participated in the flower show.

In the category of pot plants, the Horticulture Department of the NDMC bagged the challenged trophy entitled “King of Show”. In all, 16 first, 10 second and four third prizes were bagged by the NDMC.

Development plan: Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit laid the foundation stone of improvement works around the staff quarters of Sucheta Kriplani Hospital at Bangla Sahib Road this morning.

The total cost of the work will be Rs 17 lakh. It will be completed within three months. The work includes development of parks with playing equipment, a press release said.

ASI found sozzled during raid by DSP
Our Correspondent

Sonepat, February 18
Ram Kumar, an ASI, was found drunk when Mr Arun Nehra, DSP (Headquarters), conducted a surprise raid on the city police station here yesterday. According to a report, the ASI was medically examined by the police for taking departmental action. This action has caused panic among other employees of the police.

Kharkhauda ‘ready’ to receive cm: The Haryana Chief Minister, Mr Om Prakash Chautala, will visit Kharkhauda on February 19. According to a report, Mr Chautala will hear the grievances of the people of 54 villages under the Sarkar Aap Ke Dwar programme.

Meanwhile, the district administration has geared up its machinery to make the visit of the Chief Minister a success.

The PWD (B and R) and other official agencies have swung into action and started work on repair of the roads to be used by Mr Chautala during the visit. Steps are also being taken to improve the power supply system and ensure the supply of canal water to the tail-end fields of the farmers.

Kudos for pvt schools: The Haryana Transport Minister, Mr Ashok Arora, has praised the efforts of the privately managed schools for raising the standard of education in the state. Speaking at the annual function of a school here on Sunday evening, he highlighted the steps taken by the state government to attack students to government schools.

The minister said the study of English had been introduced from Class I and computer education from Class VI. This, he said, would encourage the parents to send their wards to government schools.

Boy killed, father hurt in accident
Our Correspondent

Sonepat, February 18
Mr Mukesh Kumar, a resident of this city and his four-year-old son Bharat Bhushan, were seriously injured when a speedy maxi jeep hit their scooter on the Sonepat-Gohana Road near a canal minor about three km from here last night.

According to a report, the boy succumbed to his injuries and his father was referred to a hospital in Delhi for treatment. The police have registered the case against the jeep driver and launched a hunt for him.

It is stated that Mr Mukesh Kumar along with his son was going on a scooter when their two-wheeler was hit from the rear by the jeep. Both the father and son fell down and were injured seriously. The jeep driver and his associates took them away in the jeep towards Ganaur. However, on the way the boy died and his father did not regain consciousness at that time. Thereafter, the jeep driver pushed both the father and son out of the jeep and fled.

Cyclist injured: Mr Kailash, a cyclist was injured when a car hit him on the G.T. Road near Kundli village about 25 km from here last evening. He was crossing the road for going to the HSIDC complex when the accident occurred. The police are investigating the case.

Assault on woman: A young housewife Mrs Jagdeshwari Devi was injured when she was allegedly attacked by a youth Naresh at Murthal village about 8 km from here today. According to a report, the woman was immediately hospitalised. She is out of danger. The police are investigating the case. However, no arrest has been made so far as the assailant is absconding.

Wheat MSP: Sarvesh Kumar, president of the district unit of the Lok Jan Shakti Party, has urged the Central Government to increase the MSP of wheat by Rs 50 a quintal.

Addressing a meeting of the party workers at Khizarpur Jat Majra village near here last evening, he criticised the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre and described it as anti-farmer and alleged that it had failed to give remunerative price to the farmers for their produce.

He threatened to launch an agitation if it failed to hike the MSP of wheat and other Rabi crops immediately.

CRIME

Old woman found dead 
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 18
The police are investigating the death of one Manjit Kaur (60), who died at her son’s house in Arjun Nagar in Kotla Mubarakpur this afternoon. According to the preliminary investigation, it was found that Manjit went to make a call around 10.30 am nearby. She reportedly experienced some pain and returned home. On return, she asked her daughter-in-law to massage her. After a while, she went to sleep.

Her death came to light when her daughter-in-law woke her up around 12.30 pm. She did not respond. The police say it is a cause of natural death, but did not rule the possibility of murder as she had a property dispute with her sons.

Manjit’s elder son Balwinder Singh (40), is in construction business and younger son Virender singh (35), runs a courier company in Lajpat Nagar. Balwinder was reportedly unhappy with the mother and always alleged that she had given more property to the younger son. he police have sent the body for a post-mortem to establish the cause of death.

Dacoity bid thwarted, four held
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 18
With the arrest of four persons, the North-East district police today claimed to have foiled a dacoity attempt near Red Cross Hospital in Seemapuri. The police have recovered one countrymade pistol, one live cartridge and three knives from them.

The police acting on a tip-off that a gang would assemble near Red Cross Hospital to commit dacoity in a wine shop, nabbed Pawan Kumar (22), Ravinder Kumar (23), Rakesh Kumar alias Rikki (23) and Rahul Kumar (23), all residents of Shahdara were nabbed.

However, another member of the gang Pawan Pahari escaped the police dragnet. Efforts were being made to nab the absconding gangster. During interrogation, the members confessed to their crimes. They said that they used to attack and rob people on motorcycles and auto-rickshaws.

On October 26 last year, they robbed a person of his mobile phone, gold ring, watch and Rs 7,500 from a motorcyclist near a DTC depot in New Seemapuri.