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Jessica case
Anti-quota protest: 25 doctors still on hunger strike at AIIMS
It’s business as usual in ‘sealed’ markets
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‘Hooda govt’s SEZ scam worth Rs 6,000 crore’
Two undertrials shot during police transit
DJB admits leakage in pipes, quantum unknown
Solar water heating system to be cheaper by Rs 6,000
The cost of living life in the fast lane: Type 2 diabetes
Freedom fighters demand Afzal Guru’s execution
Manav Sthali kids stage ‘Chanakya’
Roadways reduces tariff for night travel
JNUTA appeals to govt to save Irom Sharmila
Nine killed, eleven injured as truck rams into tree
Four held for student’s murder
Gang of auto-lifters busted, 3 held
Two held for forging documents
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HC appreciates role of Home Guard constable
S S Negi Legal Correspondent
New Delhi, Dec 18 There may not be any particular reference to senior police officers' role in the botching up of the case, although a separate case had been registered in this connection, but a Division Bench of Delhi High Court commended Home Guard constable Sharvan Kumar's 'honest testimony' before the trial judge. This assumes significance in the face of allegations that most of the witnesses were either coerced or bought by accused persons. The Bench comprising Mr Justice R S Sodhi and Mr Justice P K Bhasin said that it was solely the Sharvan's evidence that established that Vikas Yadav and Gill had come to take back the black Tata Safari of Manu Sharma from the complex of Tamarind Court after they had left it there in a bid to escape from the scene of the crime. “There is a ring of truth around the deposition of Sharvan, the Prosecution Witness No-30 whom we find a reliable witness. The trial court while dealing with this witness, has with great respect, termed him a 'planted witness’. This we find, is not justified from material on record,” the Court held. The Court came down heavily on the trial judge, S L Bhayana, now himself a High Court judge, for the “cursory manner” in which this witness had been discarded. It showed “a lack of proper appreciation of evidence,” the Bench observed. Once a reasonable explanation had been given by the witness for his presence at the spot, there was hardly any reason to stretch "imagination to belie his presence", the Court said while taking into account the fact that the home guard was not an 'ordinary' witness but member of a security force present on beat duty around the Tamarind Café where the crime took place on the night of April 29, 1999. “The findings of 'planning (witness)’ are very serious observation and cannot to have been disbelieved in this strange way of assessing the material and discarding it,” the Court held. The Court also criticised the trial judge for not believing the evidence of Sharvan that he had seen the Tata Safari, which was a crucial evidence, at Tamarind Court, whereas it believed the defence theory the vehicle with Registration No CH-01-W-6535, EX, PW-30/X was recovered from Karnal. “The Tata Safari was, in fact, recovered from Noida by the Uttar Pradesh Police and handed over by a court here to Delhi Police,” the Bench said adding that Manu Sharma at no point of time made any complaint about his missing vehicle, which he had claimed to have taken into possession from Karnal. On the plea of Manau Sharma that there was no occasion for him to have produced his licensed .22 bore pistol as it was seized by the Police on April 30, 1999 from his Samalkha farmhouse during a raid contended there, the Court said this statement of the accused was not reliable on the face of the statement of his farmhouse employee Shankar Mukhia. The Court said though Mukhia had turned hostile in the court, yet his credibility “stood fully impeached in his cross-examination by the Public Prosecutor when he was confronted with his statement to the Police.” The Court fully believed the statement of Sharvan, who had accompanied inspector Sunder Sharma to the scene of the crime and was posted at the gate of Tamarind Café to keep a vigil that Vikas Yadav and Gill who came there around 3.40 am in another vehicle and drove away the Tata Safari despite his trying to stop them.
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Anti-quota protest: 25 doctors still on hunger strike at AIIMS
New Delhi, December 18 AIIMS RDA Vice-President Dr Kamlesh Kumar was admitted to the emergency ward of the hospital, as his condition deteriorated. His pulse and other vital parameters were weak, RDA leader Dr Anil Sharma said. However, the other 24 fasting doctors were attending duty in the hospital despite showing sign of weakness. “If the need arises, then we will admit the person in the hospital and there, all the doctors are free to break the fast any time they want,” he asserted. Services in the premier healthcare institution are not affected by the strike and patients are being attended to. The doctors, protesting the passage of the OBC reservation bill in the Lok Sabha, are accusing the government of 'betraying' them and failing to secure the interest of the masses. “This is vote bank politics and nothing else. After almost 60 years of Independence, the country is being divided on caste lines,” Dr Sharma said. Dr Sharma, who is also on the hunger strike, said the government was not considering any demands or recommendations of the committees on the issue. The Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Bill, 2006, provides for 27 per cent quota for OBC students in higher educational institutions maintained and aided by the Union Government. On Thursday night, the 15 executive members immediately went on the hunger strike after the Lower House passed the Bill. Dr Sharma reiterated that the agitation would be peaceful and non-violent. The AIIMS RDA, under the banner of Youth for Equality, had started and spearheaded the anti-quota agitation since May. Students from almost all institutions took to streets in May and September in protest against OBC reservation. The doctors have appealed the public to support the anti-quota agitation.
— UNI |
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It’s business as usual in ‘sealed’ markets
Faridabad, December 18 On July 24, the High Court had directed the authorities to close down all such activities within a period of six months. The state government and the local administration had submitted that while many of such shops and doors had been closed down, the remaining work would be completed within the next six months. A CWP filed in the court in 2004 had alleged that unauthorised entry doors and commercial activities on 100 feet dividing roads of the sectors had been a violation and demanded their closure. The petitioner, a resident of sector 15-A here, has even reminded the administration by sending letters claiming that the work of taking action against such violations in various sectors were still pending. In letters submitted to the authorities including the Deputy Commissioner, Chief Secretary, Haryana government, Head Town and Country Planning and the Administrator, Haryana Urban development Authority, (HUDA), the petitioner has claimed that no action had been taken in this regard so far, while its about only a month left to submit a reply in the court. Alleging mass corruption and involvement of certain officials in such illegal activities, he claimed that false claims and rumours were being spread by certain persons for their vested interest regarding the legality of commercial activities and Zoning Plan violations. It is reported that several influential persons had either reopened showrooms or had been constructing buildings with rear entrance of dividing road of sector 9 and 10 and sector 10-11. Some of banquet halls, which were sealed in connection with zoning plan violations, had also been reopened, claimed a resident. |
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‘Include Khanna panel proposals in Master Plan’
New Delhi, December 18 The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), the apex body of the trading community, here today demanded inclusion of the recommendations of Tejendra Khanna Committee and regularisation of all business establishments in Delhi, which existed on December 31, 2005, without any categorisation in the Master Plan Delhi - 2021 to protect the livelihood and employment of millions of people here. Multiple authorities in Delhi have made the life of Delhiites miserable. Therefore, CAIT has demanded an integrated mechanism of administration in Delhi under the direct control of a particular authority. CAIT has vehemently opposed the continuance of the sealing drive in various other states. It has advised its constituents of different states, including UP, Haryana and Karnataka, to launch an aggressive agitation against the respective state governments. Addressing the media, trade leaders referred to various recommendations of the Khanna Committee, including formation of a Delhi Vision Group under the Chairmanship of the Lieutenant-Governor, formation of Delhi Urban Regulatory Authority comprising town planners, structural engineers and representatives of the DDA and the MCD, constitution of a Delhi Real Estate Commission to maintain digital data of all urban properties and prescribe regulations and licence to property dealers and real estate agents, formation of a high-powered enforcement agency to check the menace of unauthorised constructions and an empowered special task force for key infrastructure projects to monitor special projects in Delhi. CAIT has demanded that for planned development of Delhi the recommendations of the Khanna Committee should be included in Master Plan Delhi 2021. The Union Government has accepted in principle the recommendations of the Khanna Committee. Therefore, it is important to include its important recommendations to regularise business establishments in Delhi and Delhi traders should be given permanent relief from the clutches of sealing. |
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‘Hooda govt’s SEZ scam worth Rs 6,000 crore’
Faridabad, December 17 While the former Chief Minister had the briefest speech, which did not target the Chief Minister or the party high command, his son Kuldeep Bishnoi, MP, and some of their supporters criticized severely the state government and even the party leadership for various 'failures'. The party was hosted at a house in the NIT area this noon. “Though good publicity had been done, the attendance was below the expectations,” commented a mediaperson who attended the programme. The MP from Bhiwani alleged that the present government under the leadership of Mr Hooda had been a total ‘failure’ and it was the reason that Mr Bhajan Lal had come to provide solace to the people. Mr Bishnoi asked why the Chief Minister had raised the issue of SYL during the rule of the Chautala-led government and not taking it up now when there was a Congress-led government in Haryana, Punjab and at “We had given eight months' time to the present government, but it had not come up to the expectations of the people. You have to wait for another 3-4 months, when there will be some solution to your miseries,” he declared. Describing the SEZ project at Jhajjar and Gurgaon as a major scam, he said it could be worth Rs 6,000 crore. He claimed that while the bureaucracy in Haryana had gone out of control of the Chief Minister, the government had not been able to ensure completion of the 10 per cent of the announcements made so far. |
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Two undertrials shot during police transit
Gurgaon, December 18 An official of the rank of ASI and five constables were with the undertrials when the undertrials were shot from a close range. The police arrested one of the five assailants. Sudesh alias Chailu, a native of Naharpur village, was killed on the spot and Lal Singh from Begumpur Khatola village succumbed to his injuries on way to hospital. The third undertrial, Nayan Singh, received pellet injuries. The police suspected that it was a case of a gang war, as the three undertrials allegedly owed allegiance to Neetu Gehlot gang and one of the assailants was from Sandip gang. The three undertrials were being taken to Jaipur to be produced in a court in connection with the murder of a constable of Rajasthan Police. They were lodged in Bhondsi jail in connection with several charges of being involved in heinous crime of murder and loot. Although the police were tight-lipped on the issue, an eyewitness claimed that the undertrials and the policemen were waiting to board a bus at Rajiv Chowk on the Jaipur national highway when five persons on two motorcycles came and opened fire on them. According to reports, they fired at least 10 rounds. The police retaliated and fired about five rounds on the assailants. People in panic ran helter skelter and the assailants tried to escape. The police gave them a chase and nabbed one of them. Today’s violent incident once again reinforces the larger view gaining ground in wide-ranging circles that incidents of internecine gang wars have assumed alarming proportions in NCR in general and Gurgaon in particular. |
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DJB admits leakage in pipes, quantum unknown
New Delhi, December 18 In an affidavit filed recently in the Delhi High Court, the DJB said, “It is correct that water is lost during supply and distribution because of leakage and pilferage. However, the exact percentage of the quantity of water loss is difficult to ascertain.” However, the DJB Chairman and Delhi Chief Minister, Ms Sheila Dikshit, claimed that water leakage had been brought down to 20 per cent. The Delhi Jal Board Chief Engineer, in the affidavit, said, “Some water is lost during flushing and repair works undertaken in the water distribution system.” He informed the court that the DJB had water distribution network having a total length of approximately 10,000 km that included 800 kilometer length of trunk transmission mains and the remaining broadly categorised as peripheral mains and distribution mains. Indicating that a lot was yet to be done to ensure rust-free potable water supply to every household, he said, “About 6.3 per cent of the pipes of distribution system are older than 40 years, around 43 per cent were laid 20 to 40 years back, while 32 per cent are 10 to 20 years old. The remaining were laid during the last 10 years.” |
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Solar water heating system to be cheaper by Rs 6,000
New Delhi, December 18 Talking to mediapersons, Chief Minister Ms Sheila Dikshit said, “It has been decided to provide lump sum incentive or rebate of Rs 6,000 to each domestic consumers only for installation of the SWHS from the approved and authorised manufacturers or dealers either by way of availing loan from approved banks or financial institutions of the Union Government or from its own finance.” The user of the SWHS would have to pay Rs 6,000 less on his part and the rebate would directly be released to the manufacturers. The Delhi Transco Limited has been authorised to function as Nodal Agency in this connection. In Delhi, the morning peak demand in winter months is mostly due to the heating appliances like geysers, which are mostly heavy guzzlers of electricity. A 100-litre capacity of SWHS can replace an electric geyser for residential use and saves 1500 units of electricity per annum. It is expected that at least 200 MW of electricity would be saved from the installation of SWHS in domestic sector. There are around 18 lakh domestic consumers in the Capital and it is anticipated that 30 to 40 per cent of them may opt for the scheme over a period of six to seven years. The approximate cost of 100 litre SWHS is between Rs 18, 000 to Rs 20,000 and 200 litre SWHS is between Rs 26,000 to Rs 38,000. A 100-litre SWHS will serve a family of four persons. The SWHS turns cold water into hot water of 60 degree to 80 degree centigrade with the help of sunrays depending on weather condition and solar collector system's efficiency. |
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The cost of living life in the fast lane: Type 2 diabetes
New Delhi, December 18 The threat of the disease has been further intensified by growing cases of obesity, inactivity and genes, often culminating in blindness, amputations and abstract heart to kidney failures. Diabetes today seems to be the nightmare of all Indian dreams. "If people do not wake up to the reality and intensity of the situation and take adequate medical precautions, then an alarming threat is likely to greet the country in less than 20 years," claims Dr Manish Mohil, Consultant, Internal Medicine, GM Modi Hospital, here. According to Dr Mohil, the prevalence of diabetes in India occurs around the age of 30 and above, which is comparatively 10 years younger than the age group suffering from diabetes in developed countries. In its hushed but unrelenting manner, Type 2 diabetes is engulfing India, with the number of cases levelling up every time and still on the rise. Caught up in the time race of busy schedules, more time is being spent behind the windshields, wherein the weary commuters, in turn, are likely to indulge in unhealthy junk items and prepared meals while refraining from receiving regular exercises and spending more time in the comfortable confines of home and vehicle. "Certain health problems (including being overweight, unhealthy cholesterol, smoking, high blood glucose, high blood pressure, and physical inactivity) put you at higher risk for diabetes and heart disease," he claims. Type 2 diabetes, can, however, be kept in check through meal planning and weight loss through exercise. |
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Freedom fighters demand Afzal Guru’s execution
Bulandshahar, December 18 The freedom fighters also threatened that if the government did not change its stand on the issue, they would launch
a nation-wide agitation and a public awareness campaign in villages. The freedom fighters, under the banner of
Sawtantarta Sangram Sainani Kalyan Parishad, staged the demonstration at Shahid Chowk. Babu Singh, president of the Parishad, said nobody could be allowed to play with the honour and dignity of the country under any circumstances. They said that Parliament was the symbol of national honour and
prestige and there could be no compromise on its dignity. |
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Manav Sthali kids stage ‘Chanakya’
New Delhi, December 18 The play attempted to understand the strength of character of this much venerated Indian stalwart. The main idea behind staging of such plays is to make the students delve deep into the inspirational historical figures and personalities who have left their indelible mark on the sands of time and to provide an insight into the ancient Indian history. The play was applauded and appreciated by all present. The chief guest on the occasion was Mr Ashok Das, IFS, Deputy Director General, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), here. Dr V. K. Bhatnagar, Founder Chairman, Manav Sthali Organisation, and Ms Mamta V. Bhatnagar, Director, Manav Sthali School, along with many known personalities from the field of art, culture and education were present. A delegation of American students under Children's International Summer Villages (CISV) - Cultural Exchange programme along with Indian host families were also present. Manav Sthali Organisation honoured Vikram Bhatnagar, alumni, Manav Sthali School, who won a silver medal in double trap shooting in the Asian Games held at Doha, Qatar, on December 5. Vikram had also brought home a silver medal in the double trap event at the Commonwealth Games held in March 2006 at Melbourne, Australia, and a gold medal in double trap shooting in the Asian Clay Pigeon Championship held at Singapore. The evening also showcased two pulsating English songs highlighting the odyssey of life, called 'The Circle of Life', depicting togetherness, and 'Reach Higher', an insight. |
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Roadways reduces tariff for night travel
Ghaziabad, December 18 This incentive has been provided to passengers to attract them to night bus service during the cold and foggy months of winter, it is learnt. Those travelling between 5 am and 6 am by roadways buses will also get 10 per cent rebate in fare. These concessional rates will be available from December 19 to January 20 only. The Regional Manager of the UP Roadways said this decision was taken by the authorities in Lucknow. |
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JNUTA appeals to govt to save Irom Sharmila
New Delhi, December 18 Sharmila, who is on a fast for the past six years and being forcibly fed in detention to keep her alive, is demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act
(AFPSA) in Manipur. This demand has been made by almost all Manipuri people. The government-appointed Justice Jivan Reddy Committee has also recommended the repeal of this Act, which has provision to 'shoot to kill'. The other day, the Lok Sabha, through its Speaker, also made an appeal to Sharmila to end her fast. |
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Nine killed, eleven injured as truck rams into tree
Ghaziabad, December 18 The truck was coming from Shahjahanpur and met with an accident near Tilher on national highway No 24. Driver and helper of the truck were among those killed. Around twenty people were travelling in the truck. According to police, the accident took place when the driver of the truck lost control over the vehicle and smashed it against a tree on roadside. Hardoi
Walayat, 45, Rakesh Kumar, 28, and Sabir had died on the spot while Shafi Ahmed, 40, succumbed to injuries in district hospital. Three among those killed could not be identified. The police had to cut the body of the mangled truck to pull out people. Most passengers had boarded the vehicle at Hardoi and some at
Shahajahanpur, the police said. |
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Four held for student’s murder
Noida, December 18 Loot was the motive behind the murder, they said. Amitesh's half-burnt body was found last Friday on a drain near National Nighway 24 after he went missing on December
6. — PTI |
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Gang of auto-lifters busted, 3 held
New Delhi, December 18 While conducting a routine checking of vehicles, the staff of police station, Keshav Puram, signalled the driver of a Wagon R car to stop. But the three occupants of the car allegedly tried to escape. They were apprehended after a brief chase. They could not produce any document related to the vehicle. On search of the vehicle, a bag was found which contained 32 keys of different models of cars. Apart from this, two master keys, one drilling machine and four screw drivers had also been recovered from their possession, the police said. On interrogation, the accused revealed that after stealing the vehicles, they used to take them to Siwan in Bihar. These were further sold Nepal. |
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Two held for forging documents
New Delhi, December 18 The STO, ward no. 26, Department of Trade and Tax, Delhi reported that both the accused, partners of Jagdish Oil Traders firm, had filed four quarterly sales tax returns for the assessment year 2002-03. They had also attached C part copy of challan of payment of due tax with the above four returns. On the basis of the said bank challans, they claimed to have paid the tax to government. However, the credit of the payment of tax was not allowed as the same could not be verified from the ward scroll. After the assessment, they filed rectification application along with copies of D parts of the challans requesting for giving credit. However, the requisite bank challan in token of having deposited the amount with bank was not made available to the Sales Tax Department.
— OC |
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