Mayawati proposes, Mulayam Singh disposes
Noida allotments made in August put on hold
Parmindar Singh

Noida, September 9
All decisions, taken by the Mayawati government in Noida and Greater Noida in the month of August, have been put in abeyance. The State government has stayed all transfers, promotions, appointments and allotments of plots, flats and houses ordered by the previous government in August 2003.

On hold are the appointments of 16 persons, ordered in Greater Noida Authority at midnight, a day before the change of guard in Lucknow. With this, the allotment of 51 industrial plots, ordered by the Noida Authority on August 22, is in the lurch.

Besides the Noida and Greater Noida authorities, the state government has ordered Geeda, Seeda and UP State Industrial Development Corporation to comply with its instructions. The Noida and Greater Noida authorities have been instructed to send a detailed list of such allotments, promotions etc to Lucknow by fax immediately.

This has created a flutter in the two authorities and has especially rattled the officials of the Industries Wing. Some 51 industrial plots had been allotted on August 22 to a chosen few on the orders of senior bosses after a secret meeting. These allotments were made in H Block of Sector-63, covering an area of 80,000 sq metres. The bookings of these plots were allegedly made at the residence of a senior officer of the Industries Department in Patel Nagar, Delhi.

Earlier, the Noida Authority was not known to invite bids for these select plots through notices or advertisements in the press. As per procedure, a meeting was called once in two years for making such allotments to entrepreneurs. But these were kept under wraps.

However, rather abruptly, an important meeting was called on August 22. Many allotment letters were issued the same day. The others were told to collect their allotment letters by August 25 when the government would change hands.

One industrial group is known to have applied for 20 prime location plots through a minister and a senior bureaucrat. The latter had reportedly been paid the “service amount,” which was higher than the allotment money in most cases, according to insiders. It is learnt that one dozen plots were allotted to this group.

Now, a detailed list of these allotments has to be submitted by September 12.

The Greater Noida Authority had allotted 26 plots during this period, the possession letters of which should have been given after 30 per cent amount had been deposited. Interestingly, this scheme was launched on August 11 and closed on August 22, 2003.

Khurana frets over ban on MPs
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 9
The BJP Delhi unit president, Mr Madan Lal Khurana, today said the mayor’s declaration that Delhi MPs would not be invited to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) functions reflected not only his “dictatorial attitude” but was also violative of the MCD Act.

“Under Section 3 of the MCD Act, the MPs from Delhi are represented in the corporation. They not only participate in the elections of the mayor and the deputy mayor but can also participate in the meetings of the MCD. This is their legal right,” Mr Khurana told a press conference here.

“What the present mayor is doing has not happened since 1958 when the MCD came into existence. It violates all conventions and decency”.

Mr Khurana said if the mayor did not withdraw his directions, he would take up the issue with the Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, Mr L. K. Advani, as the MCD was under the Union Home Ministry. The Mayor, Mr Ashok Jain, had issued a written order that MPs would not be invited in the MCD functions. When this issue was raised by the Opposition members in a meeting of the House yesterday, the mayor again reiterated that MPs would not be invited in the MCD functions.

Suit slapped, legal Notice served… tit for tat

Even as Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Tuesday filed a defamation suit against Delhi Pradesh BJP President Madan Lal Khurana, the latter served Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) President Prem Singh with a legal notice of defamation for alleging that money was collected from businessmen for the Parivartan Yatra.

In the suit she has filed, the chief minister claimed damages of Rs 101 and also sought a permanent prohibitory injunction restraining Khurana from making any allegation against her. Khurana had alleged the chief minister received several crores of rupees from the private distributors of power for funding her party’s election campaign.

Khurana, on his part, said Prem Singh had been served with the legal notice for levelling “baseless” allegations. Singh, he said, should apologise or reveal the names of the persons who allegedly offered the money, failing which criminal charges would be pressed against the former. 

Ramlila Ground row: MCD to submit report today
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 9
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) today informed the Delhi High Court that its Standing Council will submit a report on the dispute over the alleged partial hand over of the historic Ramlila Ground in Old Delhi to Shri Ramlila Committee.

The MCD counsel told Justice Vikramajit Sen that the civic body would examine the matter and submit its report in this regard to the court by tomorrow.

Earlier, the judge had issued contempt notices to Delhi Municipal Commissioner Rakesh Mehta for allegedly disobeying a court order asking him to hand over possession of the historic Ramlila Ground in Old Delhi to Shri Ramlila Committee within five days for staging the annual nine-day celebrations.

The committee, which has been holding the fest at the same venue for the last 70 years, through its counsel Arun Maitri, claimed that under political influence, the MCD intended to allot only half of the said ground to it.

It was alleged that this was probably being done to oblige one of the Ramlilas which till last year were being held at the Red Fort grounds and did not get the required permission this time.

On August 26, the High Court had directed the MCD to hand over possession of the Ramlila Ground to the Shri Ramlila Committee within five days for making necessary arrangements for the annual fest.

The committee, which has been organising Ramlila each year at the same venue since the days of Bahadurshah Zafar, had approached the Court, claiming that despite getting required permission and the NOC, the MCD was delaying the process.

Sharon hits the road, sends traffic for a toss
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 9
Traffic in the Capital was disrupted for several hours on Tuesday as Prime Minister of Israel Ariel Sharon criss-crossed the city for his official engagements. The demonstrations held during the day to protest against Mr Sharon’s visit also held up the traffic. The Ring Road, India Gate and parts of East Delhi were the worst-hit. Vehicles could be seen bumper to bumper on the Ring Road when the motorcade of the dignitary made its way to Rajghat. Mr Sharon placed a wreath at the memorial of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi.

The situation was worse in East Delhi where vehicles were caught in the morning rush hour as the Ring Road was sealed off during Mr Sharon’s visit to Rajghat. Organisations owing affiliation of the Left parties and others held demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, which held up traffic bound for Connaught Place.

There was chaos on the roads in the evening, too, because of the visiting dignitary’s engagement at Hyderabad House. 

Dubious record: Fourth SI suspended in murder case
Our Correspondent

Noida, September 9
Yet another sub-inspector, who was heading a police post, has been suspended in connection with the murder of Brahm Dutt Tyagi in Choda village on May 27. Three SIs have already been suspended in this connection. Noida SSP Rajiv Kishen is himself conducting an inquiry in the case. After Tyagi’s murder, who happened to be a bachelor and lived alone in his house in Choda village, the police seized Rs 8.50 lakh in cash from his house. However, SI D K Dharma kept the matter under wraps for a few days, as a result of which he lost charge of the local police station.

Another SI, R K Punia, who was later suspended, allegedly struck a deal through an intermediary with Brahm Dutt’s relatives; he promised that their names won’t be dragged into the case. Attempts were then allegedly made to give a clean chit to the relatives.

Brahm Dutt’s relatives had struck yet another deal with the police in the hope that the amount seized from his house will be returned to them, it is alleged. SI B D Dubey, in-charge of sector 24 police station, was suspended due to these suspicions. When SI Bahadur Singh took charge of the local police station, he raided the house of Brahm Dutt’s relatives in Kulesra; it is only then that he learnt of the deal with the cops.

The family later complained against SI B D Dubey to IG Meerut Zone, alleging that he had taken Rs. 8.50 lakh from their steel Almirah, leading to his suspension. Now, the inquiry is being conducted by SSP Rajiv Kishen. Statements of all policemen and family members involved in the case are being recorded.

If the enquiry indicts the suspended police officials, FIRs will be registered against them.

CRIME AGAINST WOMEN
Ten years’ RI for raping minor in classroom
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 9
A Delhi court today sentenced a middle-aged man to ten years’ rigorous imprisonment for raping an eight-year-old student in a classroom in October 2001. Additional Sessions Judge Mamta Sehgal sentenced Avdhesh alias Sanjay to undergo ten years’ rigorous imprisonment for luring a class IV student into a room and raping her on October 16, 2001, at 7.30 am. The girl, studying in a government school at Ambedkar Nagar in South Delhi, identified the convict and narrated the incident. The girl was dropped at the school by her uncle on the fateful day. Only a few students had arrived at the school by then. The convict took advantage of the situation and raped the girl in a secluded room, the chargesheet said. The convict, who was staying in the area, was nabbed on November 6, 2001. The Additional Session Judge said even though there was no witness, the deposition of the minor was enough to convict the culprit.

Cops misbehave with girls

Bhiwani: The girl students of Apeejay College, Charkhi Dadri, had a hard time today coping with policemen who allegedly misbehaved with them in the presence of lady constables. The students were observing a strike on the issue of affiliation to the Sirsa university, for which there was heavy police bandobast.

The students have alleged that when they tried to proceed towards Janata College, to seek the support of their male counterparts, the police refused to give them safe passage. A mild scuffle reportedly took place between the girl students and the cops. Even though lady constables were present at the spot to meet any eventuality, they were not pressed into service.

It has been further alleged that the police entered the college premises and misbehaved with students. However, the principal of the college, Dr. Gita Sharma, denied reports about entry of male constabulary in the college premises.

The Superintendent of Police has also refuted reports of policemen misbehaving with the girls. Meanwhile, a local court has granted bail to the nine student leaders who were arrested by the police yesterday while coaxing traders to join their bandh. OC

3rd case of arson at Amar Nagar post office
Tribune News Service

Faridabad, September 9
Yet another incident of robbery and fire at the Amar Nagar post office, the third such incident in the last few years, has reinforced suspicion about the involvement of an insider.

According to sources in the department, the beating up of a physically handicapped employee of the department, which resulted in a high court inquiry, might have some connection with the act of arson at the Amar Nagar post office.

An unidentified number of persons broke into the office last night and set many files and registers on fire before decamping with Rs 31,000 in cash.

The miscreants even left a message on the monitors: ``We are thieves’’.

One theory is that the files and documents had been burnt by certain employees of the department, who wanted to scuttle the ongoing probe.

When the physically handicapped employee, who also happened to be a Dalit, was assaulted, the matter had come up before the SC/ST Commission, the NHRC and the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Finally, a probe had been ordered which is still pending. The employee, it is stated, had raised the issue of corruption and malpractices in the department.

No truck with BJP in Delhi: Shiv Sena

New Delhi: The Shiv Sena will go it alone in the Assembly elections. The decision to sever ties with the BJP was announced on Tuesday. President of Delhi unit of Shiv Sena Jai Bhagwan Goel said the alliance was called off because the BJP was not doing much for the cause of Hindutva. “We have decided to contest all the 70 Assembly seats in the NCT of Delhi,” Goel said. The BJP, he claimed, had never co-operated on issues important to Shiv Sena and also refused to withdraw its candidates from the Shiv Sena strongholds. TNS

Industrialist murdered

Noida: A leading businessman of Noida, Surinder Singh, who happens to be the proprietor of Appar Bread, was shot dead by two motorbike borne assailants in Greater Noida today afternoon. The assailants fired three shots at Surinder, who was sitting in his new Indica car. One of the bullets hit Surinder in the chest and he collapsed on the spot. He was rushed to Prayag Hospital, where doctors declared him “brought dead.” According to the police, the murder was over some old enmity. However, according to eye-witnesses, it seemed to be an attempt to loot. OC

Seven bonded labour children rescued at Okhla 
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 9
Seven children, who worked as bonded labourers in embroidery units in Okhla, were rescued by the Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA). Among the rescued child labours, 11-year-old Mansoor is one of them. He belongs to Muzaffarpur in Bihar. He was enticed to come to Delhi for a better life by one Sameer, who worked in an embroidery unit in Delhi and supplements his income by acting as a middleman to bring in children from Bihar.

While talking to newsmen, Sameer convinced Mansoor and his father that in Delhi, he would get a better life, a good wage and hence, could also supplement the family income. Mansoor has three more siblings in his family and his father, Mohammed Muien, works in a fabric-printing unit in Muzaffarpur.

Little did they know at that time that for the next eight months, Mansoor would have to bear the brunt of the cruelty and ill-treatment of his employer. He was given a mere Rs 20 per week for all the hard work. Starting from 8 am till 10 pm he was kept at work.

In a striking contrast to the grand celebrations that went on at the Capital’s Vigyan Bhavan to mark the World Literacy Day, Mansoor and six other nervous children from the age group of 9-13 years sat huddled together.

The unofficial figures quoted by BBA state that close to 500,000 children are working full time in different parts of the Capital. This also includes domestic child labourers. Most of them are migrants from the states of Bihar, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and are primarily employed by the export houses where they are taught zardosi, sequencing and other embroidery work. They are also employed in various rubber, chemical and plastic industrial units.

Mr Kailash Satyarthi, chairperson, BBA, stated that the attitude of the government towards this issue till date is pathetic. “Even though the Supreme Court, in its landmark judgement on bonded or child labour, had come up with a centrally sponsored rehabilitation scheme for such children, which includes Rs 20,000 to be paid by the employers as fine plus Rs 5,000 to be given by the government to each such child, nothing from this amount either in cash or kind is going to reach them simply because they have’nt been issued the release certificates,” he said.

The reason for the non-issuance of the certificates is that none of the governments want to admit the fact that child/bonded labour is still prevalent in their state and issuing the certificates will put it on record. Ultimately, these children remain largely deprived of the various benefits (such as allotment of land, funds for education, training etc.) that a release certificate can fetch them, he added.

As far as freeing of the other children still languishing in the Okhla unit, Mr Satyarthi said the BBA has decided to move the Supreme Court and file a PIL against the Delhi Government.

Unregulated lottery menace hits the common man hard 
Our Correspondent

Sonepat, September 9
The lottery menace in Sonepat city and its surrounding areas has become a major cause of concern to the residents of the area. Even as large number of people have turned to lottery to fulfil their dream of turning rich overnight, another section of the society, mostly from the lower classes, have turned paupers.

Consequently, many social organisations have urged the Centre to enact laws to stop the mushrooming growth of lottery business and check the resultant menace of gambling.

Several lottery stalls and shops scattered in different parts of the cities have mushroomed to sell the “dreams that inevitably go sour”.

Men, women and even schoolchildren throng the lottery stalls and then minutely scan their lucky numbers from the newspapers and draw sheets dished out everyday.

It is a big business for the government, lottery contractor and their agents, but those addicted to it have to pay a major price in some way or the other.

These are largely the small businessmen, professionals and sections of the middle-class who buy the tickets and then hope that the goddess of wealth will smile on them.

Basically, it is the new scheme of daily lottery, which has hooked the people more than ever. Travel anywhere in this district and one comes across people selling lottery tickets. These “dream sellers” abound at the bus stands, railway stations and bustling markets.

The lottery business, which is increasing its reach among the people, may augur well for those in the trade, but, to the discomfiture of the local police, the practice has become a menace as it casts its “evil spell” on some of the greenhorns, who are on the lookout to make some quick money.

The sad fact is that the newcomers in this arena, who gradually become addicted to gambling and consequently, ruin themselves, comprise mostly of the poor rickshaw-pullers, labourers and schoolchildren. No wonder, the lottery stalls operate from cramped and busy places, which are thronged by such customers.

The police attribute the growing popularity of the trade to the disquieting fact that certain illegal activities are being carried out in the garb of the lottery business in the city. The most popular form of lottery is the single digit ticket, wherein the result is declared by the end of the day. According to sources, certain unauthorised lotteries, which were not paying any tax to the state government, were also being sold in the cities.

The areas where the lottery trade is flourishing are Model Town railway road, Sarang Road bus stand and Sector 14. A police source revealed that the daily trading of the lottery business was worth several lakhs of rupees in the city.

Moreover, the practice of daily lottery, which has replaced the ‘satta business’, has become so widespread that it now posses a law and order problem.

The state government has, however, not imposed any ban on daily lotteries.

As such, residents of the area and several social organisations have urged the Centre to enact laws to halt the mushrooming growth of lottery business and check the resultant menace of gambling.

SPECIAL FOCUS ON GURGAON 
Good tax collection augurs well for 
developmental works 
Tribune News Service

Gurgaon, September 9
The local Municipal Council is toast of the Haryana Government for its activism in collecting house tax. According to official version, the target for the house tax collection for the year 2002-2003 was about Rs 3 crore.

The collection for the last financial year was started as late as this April on account of the technical hitch due to the imposition of the new tax structure. From April to August, the total collection has been more than Rs 2 crore.

The good performance of the municipality in the collection of the tax follows another purple patch it struck in the year 2001-2002. Against the target of Rs 2.53 crore, it collected Rs 2.49 crore. It was for this performance that the administrative chief of the municipality was awarded by the Haryana Government.

The current year’s house tax budget is Rs 3.20 crore out of the municipality’s total budget of about Rs 20 crore.

The body will initiate action for collection of the current year’s dues from September 15.

The reason for cheers in the government circles on the satisfactory collection on the part of the municipality is not far to seek.

According to the past experience, the collection of house tax had been a thorny issue. The under-collection used to cause delay in undertaking of developmental activities. Bulk of the municipality’s resources is spent on salaries and kindred heads.

The officers say that the municipality adopted a carrot and stick policy with the taxpayers for the collection of the dues.

The elected body had sound mechanism of follow-up action against the defaulters or lazy payers.

According to municipality’s sources, with the local body now financially in the pink, several measures will be taken by it to further spruce up the city falling within its limits.

On road to robotisation
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 9
A one-day seminar on ‘ASIMO Robotics’ to discuss the developments and the future of robotics in India was organised in the Capital. Many distinguished scientists, academicians, and experts from the field of robotics presented an overview of their research done on robotics.

Prof. V S Ramamurthy, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, inaugurated the seminar.

Speaking on the occasion, he said, “The modern manufacturing scene is witnessing a revolution in all aspects. In order to bremain globally competitive and meet the increased levels of quality, the need for robotisation is gaining importance.” According to a recent United Nation’s Report on World’s Industrial Robots, co-authored by the International Federations of Robotics, close to a million units of robots are in operation. India, though at a nascent stage, has also started using it.

Distinguished scientist, M S Ramakumar from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Bangalore, delivered the keynote address.

Speaking on the occasion, he said, “A lot of work is being done in robotics research and development in different institutes within the country. A number of technologies have evolved in the process. In the next few years, India will be self-sufficient and in a position to supply this technology to other countries.”

The seminar also included the ASIMO Show, in which ASIMO displayed its capabilities of interpreting the postures of humans and moving independently in response.

Dharna against govt policies today
Our Correspondent

Rohtak, September 9
Different political as well as apolitical organisations have resolved to attend the proposed dharna at Haryana Assembly in Chandigarh on September 10 in protest against the ‘faulty’ policies of the state and the Central governments.

Mr Devender Singh Hooda, president, district unit of Sarv Karamchari Sangh, Haryana, claimed that hundreds of members of the sangh would participate in the agitational programme, the call for which is given by the Haryana Employees’ Joint Action Committee. Besides, he said the sangh had launched a campaign to mobilise people for the state level rally slated for September 26 at Hisar.

The call for this rally has been given by Sarv Karamchari Sangh, Haryana.

Mr Satbir Hooda, secretary, district unit of Haryana Government PWD Mechanical Workers’ Union said that the members of the union would attend the dharna in large numbers in protest against the ‘faulty’ policies of the Union as well as the state governments including that of privatisation, retrenchment, contract system etc.

Mr Ram Chander Yadav, secretary, district unit of CPI (M) also announced that the party activists would attend the dharna in large numbers.

MDU admissions: Students seeking admission to various undergraduate and postgraduate courses of Maharshi Dayanand University under the aegis of its Directorate of Distance Education (DDE) can take admission without late fee up to September 12.

‘Kiryana’ shop raided at Mamoon Bhanja
Our Correspondent

Sonepat, September 9
On the instructions of the Civil Surgeon, Dr M S Chaudhary, the officials of the Health Department, headed by Dr A P Gulia, together with the Medical Officer, Mr Surinder Punia, and a food inspector, conducted a surprise raid on a ‘kiryana’ shop in the Mamoon Bhanja area here last evening and took the samples of desi ghee from it.

According to a report, this action created a panic among other shopkeepers who kept their shutters down.

The officials went towards Chah Dayal Chowk where they took a sample of aerated water bottle from a shop.

They also took samples of milk from some shops in the same area.

The officials took this action on the complaint of Mr Satbir Singh Rana, a resident of Sector 15, alleging the sale of adulterated desi ghee in the kiryana shops of the city. It is stated that he had purchased seven kg desi ghee from a kiryana shop at Mamoon Bhanja Chowk which was found adulterated He went to the shopkeeper and complained but it was of no use.

Dowry harassment case: The Kharkhauda police have registered a case of dowry harassment against the husband and other members of the in-laws family of a housewife Mrs Savita of Thana Kalan village in the district.

According to a report, in her complaint, she has alleged that she was being harassed and beaten up by her husband and other members of the in-laws’ family for not bringing a two-wheeler from her parents’ home.

The police are still investigating the case. No arrest has been made in this connection.

NCR BRIEFS
Student run over by bus
Tribune News Service

Faridabad, September 9
A plus one student of Ballabgarh town was killer being run over by a private bus on Tigaon Road here yesterday. The deceased has been identified as Karamvir of Bhoodat Colony. It is learnt the victim was on his way to school on a bicycle, when a speeding bus hit him. He died in the hospital. A case has been registered against the driver.

Meanwhile, the police have booked a case of murder against some persons, after the recovery of a body from Surajkund area a week back. The victim has been identified as Sukhbir of Rampyari Chowk area of Delhi.

New pension scheme ‘anti-employee’

Rohtak: Describing the new pension scheme as a direct attack on the social security of the Central government employees, the Sanchar Nigam Executives’ Association (SNEA), Haryana Telecom Circle has condemned the scheme and called upon the masses to protest against this ‘anti-employee’ policy.

In a statement here today, Mr Arvind Pal Dahiya, Circle Secretary, SNEA, Haryana Telecom Circle, alleged that the new pension scheme announced by the government denied pensionary benefits to the new entrants in Central government services and would adversely affect the other pension schemes prevailing in the country.

Commenting on the revisions made in the pension scheme, he said it would be a contributory pension where the new entrants (after January1, 2004) would have to contribute 10 per cent of his/her wages towards pension fund. He said the pension fund would be administered by a Pension Regulatory Authority (PRA) which would be free from government control. OC

Soldier cremated with full honours

Jhajjar: The body of Subedar Subhash Chander of 29 Rashtriya Rifles was cremated with full military and state honours in his native village Salawas today.

Subhash Chander was posted at Chandkoot village in Baramoola sector in Jammu and Kashmir.

Nayab Subedar Rajender Singh who accompanied his body said today that Subhash and his troops were engaged in an encounter with the terrorists in the village on September 5. They killed five terrorists and some of them managed to escape. On September 7, they again fought with them near Hai village. All the terrorists were eliminated in this encounter but one stray bullet pierced into the head of Subhash Chander. He succumbed to his injuries.

FIR filed on court orders

Dadri, (Noida): An FIR, naming the principal and his son, has been filed at last in the firing incident in Sobha Ram Sharma Inter College, Dadri.

The report could be lodged with the Dadri Police only after a local court had passed orders to that effect. The firing incident had taken place on August 28 in the college.

Advocate Sarvar Sharma, son of ex-manager of the college, Vijay Kumari, has in his report alleged that he had gone to the college on August 28 to perform prayer and garland the portrait of his father, Sobha Ram Sharma. At that point, the college principal Om Dutt and his son Devinder Sharma, had assaulted him.

The father-son duo had also shot at him with the intention to kill him, but he was saved.

DELHI DIGEST
Interiors Expo, the best in home furnishing
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 9
Society Interiors Expo 2003, India’s most specialised international exhibition on interior design, has been a success not only among prominent designers and artists of Delhi but has made its mark in the heart of a common man as well.

The three-day event that brought in new style and trends with the finest and most exclusive furniture, furnishings, building material, decor accessories and allied design products, has become a must-watch event every year.

The show that was inaugurated by Najma Heptulla and also witnessed the presence of eminent dignitaries such as Mr Shailesh Khaitan, Khaitan Group, Romi Chopra, culturist, Ms Anjalika Kriplani, designer and Manav Gupta, artist.

Ms Najma Heptulla, Deputy Chairperson, Rajya Sabha said, “It was a good opportunity for me to come and witness this rare exhibition and see the best in interiors and home furnishing. I personally am very fond of interiors and decors and this exposition has given me lots of idea and inspiration to explore in creativity and imagination in my own home.”

Apart from several attractions at the interiors exposition, the main being free Vastu Shastra consultation in the Exhibition Hall. Besides this society, Interiors Expo also gives a platform to the interior design institutes and young aspiring designers to showcase their talent.

The exhibition has on display some of the finest interior design products. Some of them being tempting wooden flooring, international furniture, antiques, stained glass, loungers, Italian sofas, imported modular kitchens, English paintings, decorative aquarium, paints, blinds, floorings, designer pots, ceramic tiles fiber glass, pre-laminated boards, sculptors, bath luxuries, PVC doors, windows, security systems, leather furniture, fabric, lampshades, chandeliers, carpets, handicrafts, wrought iron furniture, furnishings and lots that create heavenly interior at down-to-earth prices.

Cop held for bribe: The Anti Corruption Branch of the Delhi Government on Monday arrested a constable of the Delhi Home Guard, Raj Pal, for allegedly demanding and accepting an illegal gratification from a truck driver, Devender Singh to allow his vehicle to enter the Capital from Singhu Border without challan.

Hunt for driver: Najafgarh police have launched a hunt for a car driver who reportedly crushed to death Gayari Devi (35), injured her husband, Sheodan Singh and their daughter Omvati (17).

The victims were sleeping on pavement near Gupta Market when an unknown Maruti car hit them and fled away.

They were admitted to Rao Tula Ram Hospital where Gayatri was declared brought dead whereas Sheodan and Omvati were undergoing treatment, police said.

Accreditation move for desk journalists 
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 9
The Government of NCT of Delhi on Tuesday said a notification would be issued soon for granting accreditation to a hundred desk journalists from print and electronic media.

Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit told media persons that the government would grant seed money for a journalist welfare fund for which the Association of Desk Journalists would have to register the welfare body.

The decision to grant accreditation to the editorial staff was taken following the demand by the Association of Desk Journalists. Mrs Dikshit released the first souvenir brought out by the Association.

32 cases of theft solved; three held
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 9
With the arrest of three suspects, the Delhi Police today claimed to have worked 32 cases of burglary and theft. The suspects were identified as Salauddin, alias Bholu, Som Nath and Ikrar.

Stolen property including gold and diamond jewellery weighing 600 grams, silver utensils, three colour TV sets, one VCR and clothes worth more than Rs 8 lakh were recovered.

They operated in the area of south district where they committed a number of burglaries and thefts. The south district police constituted a special team which inspected the spots and examined the cases.

During investigation of the cases, they found that similar modus operandi was adopted in all the cases. Dossiers of the local criminals were scrutinised. The police arrested Bholu and Som Nath from Sarai Kale Khan after thorough investigation of the cases.

At the instance of Bholu, receiver of the stolen jewellery was also arrested. During interrogation, the suspects disclosed that Bholu was their gang leader. He was first arrested in March 2001 in a burglary case committed in Defence Colony. He again committed burglary and thefts after his release on bail. Som Nath and Bholu belonged to West Bengal. They lived in a rented house at Sarai Kale Khan, the police said.

Three cheats nabbed: The Lahori Gate police arrested three notorious criminals who used to cheat businessmen posing themselves as sleuths of the CBI. Fake identity cards were recovered from their possession. They were identified as Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Kabali and Mohammad Mazloom.

Man found murdered: Ram Prakash (62), an employee with a private firm dealing with electronic goods distribution, was found dead in his house in Yadav Nagar near Burari last evening. His body was found by his son when he came back from his work. Victim’s throat was slit and multiple wounds were visible on his abdomen. 

Charas seized 
Our Correspondent

Sonepat, September 9
The special staff of the Sonepat police has arrested one Rajbir of Rajlu Garhi village and recovered 2.250 kg charas worth several lakhs of rupees from his possession. Superintendent of Police Paramjit Singh Ahlawat told media persons here today that a police party was patrolling the area near Rajlu Garhi village when the culprit saw the police party.

He tried to escape but was overpowered. During the course of search operations, the police recovered the charas from his bag.

A case under the NDPS Act has been registered against him. Further investigations were on.

The SP also disclosed that the Murthal police have arrested a youth Ravinder of Kurar village and recovered a country-made 315-bore pistol from his possession. A case under the Indian Arms Act has been registered against him.