Ludhiana, August 28
Tempers ran high as warring factions of two student groups in Kamla Lotia SD College, Daresi, faced off over their claim to have won the student body elections.

Interestingly, no elections have been held officially ever since the Punjab government banned these over two decades ago.

The police had to rush to the spot to keeping things under control. While one group claimed that Mandeep had won the election, the rival group claimed the victory of Dheeraj Sharma.

College principal Dr M.M.Gupta said: “There is no student president in the college. There can be none because student body elections are banned in Punjab.”

Things turned ugly when supporters of Dheeraj Sharma assembled near the gate, garlanded him and raised victory slogans this morning.

This was soon followed by the assembly of the group led by Mandeep near the gate and raising of slogans. They too claimed victory.

Talking to The Tribune, Dheeraj said: “I have won the elections because former president Gurvinder Gill came in my support. Also, other leaders like Student Organisation of India (SOI) office-bearers and Khalsa College student president Jagdeep Laali have supported me. The student community is in my majority. We have conveyed our decision to the principal and will hold the office from Monday onwards.”

However, a group leader from the Mandeep faction said: “Claims of student leaders coming in support of Dheeraj are false. The college did not have a president last year and Gurvinder Gill held the power two years ago. We will meet the principal and show him our majority.”

On the other hand, the college principal said: “In the absence of voting there was no base of accepting the majority of any party. The government has not allowed any elections, so how can students expect me to clear the name of any president?”

Sunil, a student, said: “The college could not deny us elections when leaders in neighbouring colleges in the city had recently made big announcements of having won the elections.”

Ludhiana, August 28
A local resident, Gurmit Singh of New Moti Nagar, testified against his mother, sister and brother, accused of killing his wife Balwinder Kaur by setting her ablaze.

The testimony turned out to be crucial, as the court convicted Joginder Kaur (mother), Paramjit Kaur (sister) and Harpal Singh (brother), all of New Moti Nagar, of the crime.

The court of additional sessions judge Kishore Kumar sentenced the three to undergo rigorous life imprisonment.

They were also fined Rs 2,000 each. The judge declined the plea of leniency raised by the accused.

The accused were booked under Sections 302 and 34 of the IPC at the Focal Point police station on August 27, 2003.

According to the prosecution, the wife of Gurmit Singh had received 90 per cent burn injuries.

The three had set her ablaze after pouring kerosene on her. Earlier, she was beaten up by the accused.

In her statement to the magistrate at the local civil hospital, the women had accused her in-laws of beating her up and trying to kill her by setting her on fire.

Her statement was endorsed by her husband, who had taken her to the hospital and tried to save her life.

On the other hand, the accused had submitted that the fire had broken out accidentally. It was alleged that their son, Gurmit, wanted to grab their property in collusion with his in-laws.

However, the judge held the accused guilty.

Ludhiana, August 28
A student of Tagore Public School was allegedly nabbed while trying to steal a motor cycle from the parking lot of Alpine Public School here this afternoon. Two of his classmates, however, fled the scene after seeing the guards.

The student nabbed by the security guards later revealed the identity of the other two.

All three are students of class X and had played truant.

Ankit Dhir, an official of Alpine Public School, said: “The three students had covered their faces with masks and hidden the number plates of their vehicle. The security guards of the school found their activity suspicious. As soon as the students tried to steal the vehicle, the guards raised the alarm. While two of them managed to flee from the scene, the third was overpowered by the guards.”

He added: “I have talked with Tagore School authorities in this regard. Principal Amrita Ghakar has assured us that she will take strict action against the erring students. I have informed the police and called their parents.”

The school authorities, however, decided not to lodge an FIR against the students.

However, Gurpreet Singh, a PCR officer, said: “These students had played truant today and tried to steal petrol from vehicles parked outside the school. As the school authorities have not pursued the matter, we have not registered any case in this regard.”

The school authorities did not initiate any action against the students after taking assurance in writing from their parents. They also issued a warning to the students of strict action in the future.

Ludhiana, August 28
A fashion show hosted at Sutlej Club by a liquor company last night has put the executive committee of the club in the spot.

Skimpily clad girls, referred to as “cheer girls” by marketing officials of the liquor company, danced and modelled at the show, adding to the embarrassment of some senior and reputed members of the club.

Ashwani Chatley, a member of the club, said: “Girls on the ramp were far from being models, as projected in advertisements, as was evident from their improper gestures. Some embarrassed members had no choice but to leave the venue with their children,” the member said.

Ashwani Chatley, a theatre director and an artiste, accused the club executive committee of hosting such “indecent” shows at a family club.

“The city has a reputation of producing world-class artistes but it is rather shameful that young children are being exposed to such cheap shows in the name of cultural activities.”

Members would give a complaint in writing to the deputy commissioner, who is the ex-officio president of the club, demanding an inquiry into the episode, Chatley added.

Former MP Amrik Singh Aliwal, while commenting on the objectionable mannerism of cheer girls, left the show.

Enraged over the episode, which lasted for around two hours, Nimesh Gupta, a senior club member, confirmed it as the worst-ever show.

This a reputed club that can’t be used as a promotional platform for liquor companies to promote their products through “banned bar dancers” from Mumbai, the member said.

Ludhiana, August 28
An octogenarian NRI, who is visiting his village, Sahni, near Sahnewal, was allegedly locked in his house by his relatives over a property issue.

Randhir Singh Sandhu, a retired immigration judge from Canada, had to send SOS calls to senior superintendent of police R.K. Jaiswal, NRI police station and Sahnewal SHO to get the lock outside his house opened.

His house at Sahni village was opened by Sahnewal SHO Gurjeet Singh this afternoon following the directions of the SSP.

Sandhu (85) said he had returned to India on August 21. Since then he had been facing harassment at the hands of his relatives at the village.

Last night, he found his house locked from the outside.

Sandhu claimed that the trouble arose when he made the newly wed wife of his nephew his property manager after leaving India in January, 2007.

“I spent a million dollar on this mansion and wanted a sincere person to look after it. So I gave the charge to my nephew’s wife, Kuldeep Kaur. Since then she has been staying at the house, something that has not gone down well with my relatives,” he said.

Sandhu said Kuldeep Kaur was married to Amardeep Singh in December, 2007. Amardeep entered into a brawl with his neighbour in the first week of January and was booked for various charges, including attempted murder. Since then had been at large.

“As Kuldeep had no one to help her, I asked her to stay at my house. But my relatives want all property rights in their name. I cannot help it,” said Sandhu.

He also accused the police of siding with his relatives. SHO Gurjeet Singh said he had gone to Sahni village and got the lock opened.

He said the family had a dispute that had arisen out of a misunderstanding. He added that the SSP had asked SP (detective) to inquire into the matter and take action accordingly.

The SHO said he could not say anything about the feud as the SP (detective) was the right person to comment on it.

Ludhiana, August 28
The threat of gastroenteritis looms large in Mahatama Colony on Tibba road as a large number of diarrhoea cases are surfacing in the area owing to the expansion of LMC dump nearby.

The dump of the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation on Tibba road has expanded towards residential areas resulting in health hazards.

Kulwinder Singh, an area resident, stated that none of the officials from the health department or LMC have paid any visit to this area. “My wife, daughter and mother are undergoing treatment for severe diarrhoea for the past one week. There are 20 other people in our colony, including children, who are suffering from same sickness, but no medical camp has been organised in this area by the health authorities so far,” said Kulwinder Singh.

The condition is no better in City Star Colony and Harcharan Nagar as heap of rotting garbage has become a nightmare for the residents.

“Not only are we subjected to the unbearable stink, but inhabitants are suffering from a number of viral and bacterial infections,” rued a schoolteacher living in Harcharan Nagar. This season is the worst as waste has decomposed and has become an ideal surface for infectious diseases, the teacher added.

Further pointing towards impending danger, a retired government employee affirmed that if the administration fails to take concrete steps to clear the waste from this area, it is just a matter of another year that this area would be as bad as Gyaspura.

Meanwhile, one more gastroenteritis case was reported at Gyaspura. However, the attending doctor has confirmed that he is out of danger.

The health authorities conducted a special OPD in Gyaspura but no case of diarrhoea and gastroenteritis was reported today. The officials, along with paramedical staff, visited 540 houses in Gyaspura, followed by 397 houses in Sherpur Kalan, and distributed anti-diarrhoea medicines and ORS to the residents.

Ludhiana, August 28
Shortage of potable water is troubling the residents of Daresi and division no 4 for the last four days. Despite repeated complaints to the residents, the snag in motor pump has not being rectified.

The residents said they were forced to fill water from private connections. They were not even able to take bath in this weather as every bucket of water was to be carried manually.

They said the tubewell supplying water to division number 4 had failed due to declining water table last year. Since then the MC was making stop gap arrangements. A tubewell was installed last evening, but still there was no water.

In Daresi, the tubewell was lying non-operational for the last three months. Since then the MC was supplying water by connecting their area to other tubewells in vicinity. The shortage was continuing and there seemed no solution.

“In this hot weather we have to go to other houses to fetch water. They (MC) cannot even provide us with the basic necessity of life. We really have to ask for it,” said Vinod Kumar Kaura, a resident.

The MC was supplying water through tankers in the area. Yet many households had to remain without it as tankers were insufficient for thickly populated area.

Subhash Dabar, husband of area councillor Kiran, said the tubewell had failed eight months ago. They had asked the MC to install a new one. An estimate was already passed and it would be in working condition soon, he said.

He added a team of MC had visited the area today. They had got the sewerage line cleaned and also studied the water problem.

Ludhiana, August 28
Inconvenience was caused to city residents at suvidha centre of the district administration here today as the public works were delayed for hours together.

Visitors to the office alleged that the work was being delayed due to connivance of employees at the centre as well as the advocates, who identified the deponents in affidavits and other legal documents.

Serpentine queues of visitors were seen in the office today. The mad rush continued till the evening as the work moved at snail’s pace.

The residents said the advocates were charging Rs 100 to 150 to identify the persons as the rush was increasing. “No advocate was ready to give his service without charging this amount. They knew we had to go to them by all means,” said Jatinder Kaur, a resident.

She said she wanted to get Power of Attorney from the office and it took her five hours to get the work done.

Officials in the administration said since the advocates were offering private services they could charge anything from people. The government rates of attestation were Rs 20, but for that the deponent had to provide an identity proof. Otherwise, he had to avail the services of an advocate for identification.

Ludhiana, August 28
The third centenary of the historic meeting of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur with last Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh, will be commemorated by the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur International Manch at Hazoor Sahib, Nanded (Maharashtra), on September 3.

Addressing a mediapersons here yesterday, manch president Krishan Kumar Bawa said it was on this day in 1708 that the meeting had taken place on the banks of the Godawari and life of the “saint warrior” was totally transformed when he took upon the path of putting up a fight against the tyranny of the Mogul empire.

Chief patron of the body and former legislator Jagdev Singh Jassowal was also present.

He said a contingent of 101 followers of Banda Bahadur would board the Sachkhand Express for Nanded from Ludhiana on August 30 to participate in the function scheduled to be held at Gurdwara Banda Sahib on September 3.

He added that during his visit to Nanded, he would take up the matter with the management of Hazoor Sahib to include the commemoration of the historic meeting as well in the course of “gurta gaddi” functions to be organised later this year.

He lamented the apathetic attitude of successive governments in Punjab towards the sacrifice of Banda Bahadur, who had not only avenged the killing of the sons of Guru Gobind Singh but had made significant contribution towards initiating land reforms and giving ownership rights to the tillers.

He urged the state government to reconsider the decision to set up a golf course at the historic “chaparchiri” ground in Sirhind where Baba Banda Bahadur had established first Sikh empire after defeating the then Mogul rulers. Instead, the union government should be approached to set up a National Military Academy at this place, he added.

Prominent among those present were Hari Das Bawa, Gurdev Singh Lapran, Surjit Singh, Gulzar Singh, S.N. Sewak, Surjit Singh, Gulshan Bawa, Baljit Singh, Dasaundhi Ram, Sadhu Singh Grewal, Nirmal Kaira, Hans Raj Girhotra and Rajiv Bawa.

Doraha, August 28
Dr Ishwar Singh, whose 87th birth anniversary falls tomorrow, was an educationist who played the game of his life with full zest and vigour. There was no looking back for Dr Singh who was highly respected in official and social circles.

A renowned physician, a thorough educationist, a dedicated social worker, an active politician and a reputed personality, Dr Singh was a multifaceted personality who drank life to the lees. He worked as a house surgeon at Dayanand Medical School, Ludhiana and Lady Irwin Hospital, New Delhi till 1947 till he finally chose Doraha to be his permanent earthly abode.

Thousands were eased of pain and discomfort by his magic touch. He did his private medical practice at Doraha for nearly half-a-century. Being in medical profession, he represented various medical associations. He was the president of Doraha IMA and was selected in the panel of doctors formed to provide aid to the railway victims.

As an educationist, he was the founder president of Guru Nanak National College, Doraha and Guru Nanak Model Senior Secondary School, Doraha. He was also the manager of R.S. Khalsa High School, Jaspalon and Sikh Girls High School, Jaspalon. He was the trustee of Nankana Sahib Public School, Ludhiana. He fought for the cause of education in the capacity of the president of the Non-Government Affiliated Colleges Management Federation of Punjab and Chandigarh and the chairman of the joint action committee of the management, principals and teachers, formed to voice the anti-education policies of the government.

As a politician, he was a staunch Akali whose name is remembered with a sense of pride in the annals of the party. He was also a leader of the downtrodden and the needy.

He had been the president of Rotary Club, Doraha. He had also been the president and vice-president of municipal council, Doraha, for several years. He was the member of the municipal council, Doraha, for a period of 45 years. Besides, he was a member of various clubs, associations and organisations formed for general good and public welfare.

The untimely death of his only son inspired him to be young again. No hurdle could deter him from performing his eminently multifaceted role in this world. He lived in struggle and strife, but at no point relented to yield.

Ludhiana, August 28
Led by activists of the Technical Services Union (TSU), employees of the city central division and the grid maintenance division of the Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) held a gate rally in support of their demands at Daresi Ground office of the board here today.

Addressing the rally, circle president Ramesh Kumar and city east circle secretary Pawan Kumar called for scrapping of the Electricity Act, 2003, restoration of recruitment to eligible members of family of the employees on compassionate ground, filling of all vacant posts according to the work load and implementation of the pay commission recommendations.

The speakers expressed their satisfaction at the response to the nationwide strike of trade unions on August 20 and at the same time asked the cadres to remain prepared for an extended struggle, including indefinite strike, in case the government went ahead with the proposed unbundling of the PSEB or failed to accept other pending demands of the employees.

Among others who addressed the rally were Arun Kumar, Baldev Raj Jolly, Lekh Raj, Sohan Singh and Rachpal Singh.

Ludhiana, August 28
Aiming to allay fear in the minds of assessees and encourage them to pay their service tax honestly, the Central Excise Commissionerate has assured people of not checking their premises if they are registered for service tax.

Department officials told The Tribune that until a case was found to be highly suspicious, department officials would desist from checking the premises of any assessee.

“There will be no checking in over 99 per cent cases. This will remove fear of any detailed enquiry from the minds of people. It will encourage them to pay more and come out honestly with their earnings,” said A.K. Mehra, commissioner, central excise.

Having set a target of collecting Rs 250 crore this time, from the previous year’s Rs 185 crore, the department has already recorded a growth of 30 per cent in its service tax collections for this quarter in comparison to the corresponding quarter last year.

To bring more people under the tax net, the department is also holding awareness camps and speeding up the process of registration. From the routine seven days to complete the registration process, the department is offering to get it done on the spot at such camps.

“The entire exercise will help us reach a wider section of tax payers. Besides, we are also making efforts to arrive at settlement in case of disputed cases. This too will generate more revenues.”

With more services coming under the purview of service tax, the department has been keeping a close eye on high revenue generating segments.

While goods transporters are the highest service tax contributors so far, it is those earning revenues from commercial property that are recording the highest growth.

Officials say they have identified segments that have a high growth potential.

Ludhiana, August 28
The trolley overturned at Pakhowal Road last night is causing traffic jams and giving tough time to the city residents. School going kids were the worst sufferers in the morning as they got stuck in the traffic jam and were late for their schools as the trolley overloaded with dry fodder was lying in the middle of the road till evening.

The trolley would have proved fatal had it overturned during daytime. “Some regulations should be passed by the administration regarding the load permissible to be carried on such vehicles. The road was blocked throughout the day with traffic as the trolley turned turtle in the middle of the road,” lamented a nearby shopkeeper.

A commuter said he nearly had an escape as he was on speed and on the verge of hitting the trolley.

Khanna, August 28
A talent search program was organised at A.S. College for Women today morning wherein a large number of students of the college participated.

The program was organised with the help of the Alumni Association of the college. The motive of the program was to see the talent of girls of various Classes in the college.

The students besides mimickery, traditional songs, ghazals, religious songs and guru vandana performed folk dances of Haryana and Punjab.

Principal of the college while addressing the students praised the efforts of girls and stressed upon the need of discipline in the college. She encouraged the best dancer and other performers.

Ludhiana, August 28
Micro Small and Medium Enterprises development Institute has organised an entrepreneurship skill development programme.The programme on fashion designing will continue till October 8.

Twenty-five candidates have been selected in the first batch. During the training programmes candidates will be provided information on entrepreneurial management techniques, scope of ready-made garment industry, screen painting, colour combination and dress designing, production, planning and management, working capital requirements and its management. Market surveys and factory visits will also be arranged.

In the inauguration function today chief guest, VSP Ambastha, deputy director, MSME-DI while addressing the participants informed that women could pay a vital role in the overall development of a society through their inputs in the day-to-day life. He also stressed that women should come forward in setting up their own enterprises.

S.S. Bedi, assistant director of the institute, added that ready-made garment business is mainly suitable for women entrepreneurs and they are the fashion creators in the market.

Khanna, August 28
The Khanna Vikas Club organised a debate on female foeticide at Radha Vatika Senior Secondary School.

A large number of students participated in the debate. Khanna SDM, Sukhwinder Singh Gill, and chairman of the club Surinder Khanna stressed upon the need of educating people over the issue.

Sukhwinder said there is no difference between a girl and boy these days. He urged that more programs in a similar manner should be organised in the city to highlight the problem of female foeticide.

Ludhiana, August 28
Group discussions and extempore competitions were held in Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School, B.R.S Nagar, for Classes VIII, IX, and X. Students of Class X were motivated to speak on the topic 'who influences child's character the most parents, teachers, friends or media?'.

The students expressed strong logics and healthy argument to analyse their views. It was an inspiring discussion, which was appreciated by one and all. Anmol Sachdeva, Anoothi and Reetika Garg won Ist, IInd and IIIrd prizes respectively.

Consumer awareness, water crisis and nuclear family were the topics for the extempore for Classes VIII and IX. Ria Jalota, Sidhant Gaur, Gabby Sethi and Prerna Jindal got Ist, IInd and IIIrd positions respectively. Sr. Sobel applauded the children and emphasised that such competition helped to increase the student’s confidence, reasoning ability and power of expression.

Founder's Day: Ryan International School celebrated its Founder's Day with fervour and enthusiasm in the school premises here today. Various activities were held at different levels. Apart from fun games an athletic meet was also held.

An Eco - Cycle rally was also organised on this occasion. As many as 50 students participated in this rally. Harinder Singh Bholu, chairman sports cell, PPCC accompanied the students in planting the saplings in Dugri. As a sign of harmony for the victims of communal clashes in Orissa, all the Ryan International Schools will be closed tomorrow.

Ludhiana, August 28
Players of Ram Lal Bhasin Public School, Urban Estate Dugri, Ludhiana, gave an sterling performance to bag five medals, including four gold and one silver, in the third edition of the Punjab State Wushu Championship held at Government Senior Secondary School, Budladha, Mansa, recently.

Teams from schools from all over the state took part in the three-day meet and players of Ram Lal Bhasin Public School made their presence felt by bagging five medals.

The medal winners were: Akriti Arora, Shubham Bhardwaj, Saurav Arora, Akashdeep (gold); and Shubham Jain (silver). Manpreet and Abhisek got appreciation certificates.

School management committee president S. Verma, and director and headmistress Tarnnum Fatma appreciated the students on their achievements. They also congratulated coach Pradeep Yogi for training the students.