Bathinda, July 31
Five persons of a family, including two children were killed while several others sustained injuries in a head-on collision between a PRTC bus and a canter on Bathinda-Chandigarh National Highway near Bhucho Mandi on Thursday.

Sources said, a private canter bearing number HR37A-4082 was coming to Bathinda from Banur. The canter, reportedly, in a bid to overtake a vehicle changed its lane and collided head-on with a PRTC Ludhiana depot bus which was coming from opposite direction. The bus bearing number PB11AB-7315 was going to Ludhiana from Bathinda.

The impact of the collision was so massive that the canter turned turtle, leading to death of all the five persons, including two men, woman and two children boarding the canter, on the spot. While the injured passengers and the driver of the bus were rushed to civil hospital Bhucho, from where they were discharged after first aid.

According to information gathered late in the night from police sources, the deceased include driver Sucha Singh (20) of Rampur village near Banur, his maternal uncle Bhola Singh, maternal aunt Raj Kaur and their two sons aged 14 and 12 belonging to Sardarpur village near Sirsa. The family had taken lift in the canter to reach their village via Bathinda. They all were identified when their kin reached the civil hospital Bathinda late in the evening.

Within a few minutes of the accident, six ambulances belonging to Sahara Jan Seva and Naujwan Welfare Society, NGOs, rushed to the spot. The bodies were taken to the Civil Hospital Bathinda.

The ASP (city) Harsh Bansal, while inspecting the incident said, "Prima facie it seems that the canter was overtaking some vehicle when the accident took place. But to ascertain the facts, investigation is going on."

Meanwhile, manager of the Subhiksha store Bathinda, Ashok Kumar, who reached the spot said, "The canter had moved from Banur warehouse of the Subhiksha having consignments of household articles. It had halted at Nabha and Barnala and was coming to deliver the goods at Bathinda store."

Bathinda, July 31
Educational institutes enjoying tax benefits will come under the income tax scanner following allegations that they indulged in malpractices, thus duping the exchequer.

According to I-T department sources, the need for increased scrutiny comes following the department's own report which mentions that 'educational institutions' among other 'various sectors' have indulged in huge 'tax evasions'.

Section 10 (23) (C) of the Income-Tax Act, 1961 provides that the income received by educational societies, which exist solely for educational purposes and not for the purpose of profit, shall not be subjected to tax.

The I-T department exempts educational trusts and institutions enjoying 'tax benefits' from the Act. But officials say that as education by definition is considered a 'charitable act', some institutions 'divert' the money and thereby rob the exchequer of its legitimate tax.

Apart from donation money, which generally remains unaccounted, some institutions levy capitation fee, establishment and other charges from candidates.

Income under these heads are not solely related to dissemination of education and are diverted to fund the 'commercial and private enterprise' of the institute concerned, sources say.

"In its investigation, the I-T department found that educational institutions and coaching institutes have violated the Income Tax Act and have evaded tax money," an income tax official said, adding that "the education business is witnessing a boom and a lot of money is floating around."

"This time our main focus would be on educational institutions", the official added.

Placement agencies and even foreign-education placement agencies were also under the scanner since the agency has already done a survey of the same, I-T sources said.

Coaching and education institutes in Bathinda, Sangrur, Barnala, Mansa etc of south Punjab, which have thousands of institutes and run degree courses or impart coaching to enable students secure a seat in prestigious institutes, would be under special focus by the I-T department.

The department said that even though the agency would be scrutinising the education sector, the public could always come forward to register complaints regarding malpractices by such institutions.

"The department carries out necessary checks once it receives complaints with substantial documentary proof, against any such institution", an I-T officer said.

If found guilty, Chief Commissioner of Income Tax (Exemptions) is authorised to withdraw the privilege and tax benefits of the trust, he added. 

Mansa, July 31
The newly-elected president of municipal council, Mansa, Atamjeet Kala, today said that Mansa would soon have a beautiful park and a stadium. Talking to this correspondent, Kala said that it was unfortunate that Mansa neither had a big park nor a stadium.

Speaking about poor sewerage system in the city, he said that a proper disposal system would be set up in nearly 10 acre of land.

He admitted that Mansa city had been facing the disposal of dirty and rain water even after 13 years of its existence. For this purpose land would be purchased soon, he added. Two water works tanks would start working in next two or three months and these could be helpful in solving water supply problem of city. Sewerage and water supply schemes for which government had provided Rs 32 crore would solve these two major problems of city, municipal council president claimed.

He said that for the repairing of streets and roads of city, state government had also sanctioned Rs 75 lakh which would be helpful for improving the condition of roads and streets. He also informed that for the office of municipal council new building would be constructed at new place. 

Bathinda, July 31
"Taking tea in the morning is like inviting diseases. Instead of consuming tea, one should take two to three glasses of water and should go for a short walk", these views were expressed by Swami Surya Devji, a renowned spiritualist and yoga expert from Maharishi Yog Ashram, Goniana, who was conducting a five-day yoga and meditation camp organised by the Rotary Club, Bathinda Cantt, concluded here today. The camp, which started on July 27, was organised in association with Canara Bank keeping in view the increasing incidence of diseases triggered by stress and sedentary lifestyle.

Swami Surya Devji, disciple of Swami Ram Dev taught the techniques of concentration to those attending the camp and told about the importance of these in day-to-day life. Dr Vijay Singla. MD, Medicine, from Rama Mandi also delivered a lecture on 'psychotherapy and yoga'. In various extensive sessions, Swamiji taught the quick healing, yoga and meditation techniques. He also delivered a lecture on Veda and modern life and eating habits.

Swamiji said consuming two to three glasses of water in the morning will definitely cure a number of stomach diseases like constipation, acidity etc. He said the cause of a majority of diseases was the failure of man to maintain harmony with nature. "In reality, we do not know how to eat, how to sleep and how to drink on the right time, due to which imbalance of all the five elements of body - fire, wind, earth, water and sky occurs. One should eat 'satvik' food by chewing it properly and liquid should be taken slowly in small sips. By balancing the three energies of body - vak, pitt and kaf, one can control all the diseases", said Swamiji.

While telling about the significance of various techniques of "pranayam", he said miraculous results can be achieved through this within days and even deadly diseases like hepatitis B, diabetes and peptic ulcers can be cured. He said in order to be happy and healthy, one should let difference give way to confidence, let despair give way to hope. One should have an optimistic attitude and things will also become positive in life.

There should be a harmony between the amount of food one eats and the physical work done. Routine should be properly planned and there should be some time for physical exercises. 

Barnala, July 31
In an attempt to take illegal possession of a plot, several persons allegedly attacked the house of one Kulwinder Kaur, a resident of Barnala, today afternoon. The alleged attackers opened fire and the affected party also did the same in self-defence.

Kulwinder Kaur alleged that it was the third such attempt to take the possession of their plot in the last three months. The similar attack was also made on her house and subsequently followed by a shoot out on May 1, 2008, she said.

Police has registered a case against seven persons.

Talking to media persons, Kulwinder Kaur, said that her house is situated at Handiaya road, Barnala and today dozens of persons attacked her house. She also alleged that a senior police official was also present there with heavy police force to provide shelter to the attacking party. When her daughter tried to catch the whole view of assault on their house, a police officer allegedly tried to snatch the handy cam from her daughter Gulgul, she alleged.

Labh Singh, father of Kulwinder, alleged that at about 12:30 pm attackers "perpetrated the crime" to get the possession of a private land named under Gulgul Enterprises. The land is adjacent to their house. He alleged that the attackers, included Babu Singh, sarpanch of Nangal village, Gurjeet Singh Dullat, Manjeet Singh Raisar, Sukhdev Mann and several others. The attackers opened fire, he alleged, adding that they also had to open fire in self-defence.

He said that a case regarding the dispute of this land was also pending in high court.

Meanwhile Surinder Pal Singh Parmar, S.P (H), Barnala when contacted denied the allegation of cops providing shelter to the accused party. He said that police was working impartially. He said investigation was going on in this connection and whoever will be found guilty will be charged.

Meanwhile, police has registered a case against seven persons under section 511, 447, 336, 148 and 149 of the IPC.

Malout, July 31
"To defeat Congress in parliamentary elections, the Shiromani Akali Dal has started making efforts to boost relationship with other regional parties across the country so that it can support the NDA in a larger way," said Sukhbir Singh Badal, MP and SAD (B) chief, while visiting a number of villages of his home district.

During his visit to villages, namely Raniwala, Midha, Mohla, Karampatti, Ratta Khera, Bodiwala, Bhagwanpura, Chhapian Wali and various others, Sukhbir today laid foundation stones of development projects worth Rs 1.5 crore.

While addressing the gatherings, he spoke at length about the power projects, which would start in the near future. He assured people about the self-relied position of the state after initiation of the projects.

He assured people of all basic amenities namely sewerage, drinking water and streets to be in proper condition in all 60 villages of Lambi constituency within a period of two years. Speaking over the issue, he said that with the support of World Bank project of Rs 1280 crore would be launched to remove the shortage of drinking water of the area.

Giving a hope to farmers of the area, he said that Rs 75 lakh has been sanctioned for the revamping of the Bodiwala miner and the work would be started within a month.

Flaying the Congress for inflation and power crisis, he said that the Badal government was focused towards the basic requirements of common man along with the advanced hi-tech needs of the state.

While talking to press men, he lashed at the Congress for its close-door policy in the nuclear deal. He said that keeping the larger interest of the nation, the best way to take such kind of decision was to discuss it at all party meeting.

Bathinda, July 31
We are firm on our stand against IAEA and oppose the UPA in this regard. Balbir Punj, MP and national secretary, BJP said while addressing a press conference on the occasion of 'victory ceremony' function to honour the winning BJP councillors in the recently held first-ever Municipal Corporation polls in Bathinda.

Answering a question about power crisis in the state, Punj blamed the Congress regime for doing nothing for the state on the power front in its tenure and said SAD-BJP combine, after coming to power, have five thermal plants on its agenda, which he added, are likely to be completed very shortly.

Asked about its preparedness for the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls, Punj said that BJP have tightened its belt and fight the elections at its own.

Others present on the occasion were Rajinder Bhandari, president, Punjab BJP, Manoranjan Kalia, Local Government minister, Punjab, Kamal Sharma, BJP Punjab general secretary, Narinder Mittal, BJP district president, Sukhwinderpal Kaur Mangat Deputy Mayor, BMC, Tarsem Goyal, Senior Deputy Mayor, BMC, Chiranji Lal Garg, former minister, Punjab and the 14 winning BJP councillors.

Bathinda, July 31
Accusing an SGPC member for using his power for delaying the declaration of Bangi Ruldu village Sarpanch, five Panches of the village along with a number of villagers  burnt his effigy and raised slogans outside the mini secretariat, here on  Thursday.

Gurpreet Kaur, member panchayat, who is also a contender for the post of village Sarpanch, alleged that Mohan Singh Bangi, an SGPC member, had been creating hindrances in her becoming Sarpanch. She alleged that Bangi had been supporting her rival Nazar Singh, who was having support of only one SAD (B) Panch and two Congress panches.

She also alleged that the presiding officer, Harlabh Singh had in hand-in-glove with the opposition.

Speaking about the election process of the day, her supporter Panches, Jaswinder Singh, Gurnam Singh, Harbans Singh and Kirpal Singh said that on the day of election, all nine Panches cast their votes through secret ballot. Despite being five, their votes were shown four, which created hackles amongst them. Giving excuse of lawlessness situation, the presiding officer, postponed the declaration of elections till indefinite period.

When asked about the allegation of manhandling and tearing off the official register of the presiding officer, levelled upon them, they all refuted it terming a conspiracy of the opposition and the presiding officer.

Despite attempts, Mohan Singh Bangi could not be contacted for his version.

It may be mentioned that the issue had also become a matter of tussle between the presiding officer and senior officers of the administrative as they all have been passing the responsibility over each other.

Giving his version, the Presiding officer, Harlabh Singh had said that despite fair attempts, when the situation went out of his hand then he sought the suggestion of the SDM Talwandi Sabo and DDPO, but they refused to indulge in the matter. In that situation he had deferred the formal announcement of the election results.

On his part, the SDM Talwandi Sabo, Anil Garg had passed the buck and said that it was the responsibility of the presiding officer to decide the matter so he would interfere only if he would be asked from higher authorities to do so.

Abohar, July 31
Municipal council president Shiv Raj Goyal and SAD MLA Gurtej Singh Ghuriana joined scores of citizens in garlanding the statue of Shaheed Udham Singh at his memorial opposite of the bus stand today on the eve of 68th Balidan Diwas of the martyr.

They said that no country could progress if the people and the respective governments fail in performing their moral as well as legitimate duty of remembering the martyrs who had sacrificed their lives to achieve freedom for the nation.

Other speakers urged the government to include chapters on the contribution made by the martyrs in school syllabi so that the new generation could draw inspiration for patriotism.

Singers enthralled the gathering with folk and patriotic songs.

Abohar, July 31
The sub-division received heavy rain today bringing to halt the humidity and scorching heat that had added to the woes due to erratic power supply for the last few months.

Even when drains and sewerage man holes were overflowing and some of the uncovered man holes posed threat to life even, the children were still found dancing with joy to thank the God for the much delayed gift. Some of the low lying localities were flooded with water.

Business activities were also disturbed as almost all of the main roads got inundated with the rain water that accumulated during four hours of the downpour.