NEIGHBOURHOOD

Visits school at Bassi Pathana 
Gurdeep Singh Mann
Tribune News Service

Kharar, September 22
Rajwinder Singh, alias Titu, a resident of Ghumman Nagar, in Patiala was held today with Rs 3.70 lakh counterfeit currency near Sante Majra village on the Kharar-Banur road. This is a record seizure of fake currency in this part of the region.

Rajwinder Singh has cases of loot, dacoity, rioting, cheating and other crimes registered against him.

He was travelling from Patiala to Mohali in a Tavera today evening. The police has recovered fake currency of Rs 100 and Rs 500 notes from his possession.

SHO Dalbir Singh said as per preliminary investigations, Rajwinder had been operating a well-knit network of producing and distributing counterfeit currency. He has confessed running a printing workshop in some part of Patiala where the counterfeit currency is printed and later distributed.

On April 19 this year, the Rajpura police had held him with Rs 2.40 lakh counterfeit currency and had booked him under Sections 489 A, 489 B and 489 C of the IPC.

His name is also involved in a loot incident at Dehra Dun, an Arms Act case was lodged against him in Rajpura city police station in 2002 and he was also booked under the NDPS Act in Patiala when police had confiscated ganja from him.

Following his arrest and subsequent interrogation, the police expects to unearth a counterfeit-currency racket operating in Punjab.

Chandigarh, September 22
Taking cognizance of the controversy generated over some armed forces personnel submitting false certificates to gain admission for their wards in engineering colleges under the gallantry awards quota, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has summoned the admission records.

A Division Bench today directed the counsel for Panjab University to produce the application forms concerned along with the accompanying certificates and supporting documents before it.

Service awards like the Vashisht Seva Medal (VSM) had been termed as gallantry awards in order to get benefit of the quota. The nomenclature of the certificate’s title to be submitted for availing benefit under the quota reads “Certificate of Gallantry Award to Military / Paramilitary Personnel”. VSM is awarded for distinguished service and is not a gallantry award.

What is worse is that these incorrect certificates have been counter-signed by the authorities concerned at military and para-military establishments. Admission has already been granted to the wards of VSM awardees, ignoring some candidates who were the wards of real gallantry award winners.

There have also been instances where admission to the wards of recipients of the Chief of Army Staff’s Commendation for gallantry had been turned down by the university’s joint admission committee, simply over interpretation of the Hindi translation of the word “commendation”.

According to Para 2.2.5.5 of the prospectus, only gallantry awards qualifies for availing benefits under the quota. The awards mentioned in order of precedence are from Param Vir Chakra to Menton--in--Despatches, followed by “other awards”. Awards like President’s Police Medal for Gallantry and other medals given for gallantry to police, para-military and fire services personnel fall in the “other awards” category.

The contention of the aggrieved parties was with the “other awards”, a sub-category of the gallantry awards category, dealing with those gallantry awards that could not be mentioned in the prospectus. They add that given the nomenclature of the prospectus, it is incorrect to assume that “other awards” call for a separate category outside the gallantry awards category where medals like the VSM can be entertained.

Noticeably, the same university committee accepted the commendation for admission under the quota in one college in Chandigarh, but refused to entertain it for the admission in another college in the same city.

Meanwhile, the ministry of defence has already clarified to the Chandigarh administration that Chief’s commendation is an award for all purposes and recipients of commendations for gallantry should be considered for admissions in educational institutions.

Chandigarh, September 22
The cash at judge’s doorstep case has left Lok Sabha speaker Somnanth Chatterjee agonised.

Describing it as a “tragedy”, the Speaker today said he was in “great agony” over the recent developments. He also made it clear that more appalling than the issue of questioning the judges in the matter was the acceptance of corruption in the judiciary by the people - the Bar included.

Talking to The Tribune soon after addressing the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association this afternoon, Chatterjee maintained impeachment was the only recourse left for a judge found guilty of corruption.

Chatterjee was also of the view that the Bar and the general public should take upon themselves the task of identifying the “black sheep” in all fields, including the judiciary. He also called for maintaining the purity of the system.

The cash case was registered on a complaint forwarded on behalf of Justice Nirmaljit Kaur. The CBI has reportedly been granted permission to question Justice Nirmaljit Kaur as Rs 15 lakh had erroneously landed at her residence. Permission has also been granted to question Justice Nirmal Yadav as she was allegedly the intended recipient.

Justice Yadav is currently not holding the court as she proceeded on leave soon after her name surfaced in the statements of the accused. So far, the CBI has not called the judges to its office, as wrongly reported in a section of the media.

Speaking to the Bar earlier in the afternoon, Chatterjee said it was a tragedy that the circumstances had compelled the Chief Justice of India (CJI) to give permission to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to question the judges.

To him, such a development was “shocking”. But “nobody is apparently shocked over the issue of questioning the judges, and that is all the more shocking,” he asserted.

Apparently convinced that the Bar could play a constructive part in protecting the judiciary, Chatterjee said the role of the lawyers went beyond the identification of the black sheep. They should come forward and get rid of the infirmities, he suggested.

In what could be a wake-up call, Chatterjee said the contribution of the lawyers to the freedom struggle was writ large. But over the years, the reputation the lawyers once enjoyed was losing its sheen.

“Though the feeling of respect is still there for the lawyers, they have somewhat lost their position in society,” he asserted. Himself an advocate, Chatterjee insisted the lawyers had a “special responsibility” for ensuring good governance; and to remove the deficiencies and the defects that impede better administration. Before parting, Chatterjee called on the lawyers to hold high the flag of profession. 

Chandigarh, September 22
Additional district and sessions judge R.S. Attri has declined the anticipatory bail of financiers Sant Kumar and Hari Krishan keeping in view the “seriousness of their crime.” An FIR was registered against them 28 days back by city residents, who accused them of committing forgery.

Both accused are absconding even after the registration of the FIR. Pronouncing the orders, the court held: "It is not disputed that the petitioners have filed numerous cheque bounce cases in different courts. As per the verification issued by different courts with regard to pendency of cases, it is revealed that 219 cheque bounce cases are pending in the district courts. At this stage, it cannot be said that Sant Kumar and Hari Krishan have been unnecessarily arraigned in this case. Apart from this, it is not a case of mere civil liability. The police wants to recover some more blank papers and instruments. To the mind of this court, the custodial interrogation is necessary qua them."

The complainants stated that most of them were government employees and they had stood sureties guarantors for the loans obtained by different persons and at that time Sant Kumar had obtained blank cheques. Although the borrowers returned the loan, blank cheques were kept in possession of Sant Kumar. Furthermore some of the cheques had been misused and misappropriated by them.

Taking note of the complainants' plea, the court observed:

"The allegations are highly serious in nature. It is alleged that they have forged and fabricated the various documents and other instruments."

The court however granted anticipatory bail to two other accused in the case - Upma Kakkar and Kanta Rani - in case of arrest. 

Chandigarh, September 22
With the arrest of 25-year-old Sandeep Kumar, a Sector-23 resident, the local police today claimed to have worked out two cases of theft and recovered a stolen Maruti car and two motorcycles .

Chandigarh, September 22
A 22-year-old man found hanging from a tree in phase I, Industrial Area, here, this morning. Though no suicide note was found, the police ruled out any foul play behind the death, terming it a suicide case.

The death came to light at 7:15 am when some passersby informed the police that a body was hanging from a peepal tree near Modern Bread factory in Phase I, Industrial Area. The police found “Parveen” tattooed on the deceased’s right arm, but it was yet to establish his identity as no other documents was recovered.

The police said it was a secluded place and people had constructed a pedestal under the tree to perform worship. The police flashed the massage to the nearby slums for identification as the victim appeared to be a migrant labourer.

Meanwhile, the police has initiated inquest proceedings under Section 174 of the CrPC in this regard and sent the body to the Sector 16 hospital for post mortem.

Mohali, September 22
A popular rural sport, kabaddi, fascinated Rahul Gandhi, a scion of the Nehru-Gandhi family, who was in the city to launch a campaign to boost Youth Congress’ membership drive in the state.

Moments after arriving at the venue of function in Phase VIII here, the AICC general secretary bypassed the security cordon to encourage the kabaddi players.

Apparently amused by the rustic touch incorporated by the local Congress leaders, the MP from Amethi chose to bear the sun while watching the keenly-fought contest. Later, conscious of his public image, the Congress leader later chose not sit under an umbrella. He was accompanied by senior Congress leader Margret Alva, acting president of PPCC Mohinder Kaypee, Youth Congress chief Ashok Tanwar and Kharar MLA Balbir Singh Sidhu.

On Rahul’s demand, chairs were brought down from the dais in to the playing field as he wanted to have a close look at the players. After the half time, Rahul shook hands with all the players and people standing close to the security cordon.

Using the public address system, the Congress leader said the kabaddi of Punjab was different from kabaddi in Uttar Pradesh.

During his one-hour stay, Rahul, shook hands and interacted with the crowd. He was also presented a shawl and a kirpan by local leaders. 

Chandigarh, September 22
With his average knock of 33 runs in 59 balls and two wickets for 38, Saurav Ganguly could not live up to the expectations of the local crowd as well as his LIC team.

Over 200 spectators, mainly Ganguly’s fans, were present in the stadium to watch the match, which the LIC lost to India Cements by four wickets in the 15th All-India J P Atray Memorial Cricket Tournament at PCA Stadium here today.

After its two outings, the team is still at zero point in the table tally.

LIC set a target of 245 in 50 overs which the Indian Cements team overhauled losing six wickets in the course.

Though Ganguly stitched two valuable partnerships - first with Sivakant Shukla (37-run partnership) and the second with Tahir Abbas (40-run partnership) to steer the team to solid position, his fans definitely had expected more from their favourite star.

Put in to bat first, LIC scored 244 for six in allotted 50 overs. The team got off to poor start as its opener Sunny Singh (13) was caught by Varun off RMP Amarnath at the team’s total of 28. Ganguly joined Sivakanth and the two carried the score to 65 when Suresh made Sivakant (30) to give catch at extra cover to Siva Kumar.

Ganguly and Tahir stitched a 40-run partnership for third wicket before Ganguly hit was caught by Basudeba off LAS Sri Kumar Nair. Ganguly’s 33 runs consisted of three fours.

After that Rajesh Patha (43 off 54) and Tahir involved in a fourth wicket stand of 70 runs while Abir Lavasa chipped in unbeaten 32 runs. Pradeep Sahu’s 32 off 25 helped the team to reach a total of 244.

Suresh Kumar, who returned with the figure of 2 for 38, was the main wicket taker for India Cements.

In reply, India Cements scored 245 for 6 in 50 overs by getting the winning run on the last ball of the match. The highlight of the innings was 126-run stand for third wicket between opener Arun Karthik and middle order batman Suresh Kumar. Man of the match Arun made 94 off 98, studded with 10 fours and one six while Suresh hit 48 in 86 balls.

Suresh’s wicket was claimed by Ganguly, who emerged the most successful bowler for LIC with his 2 for 35.

In the second match played at DAV School, Sector-8, between Air-India and Moody ICL, the former thrashed the latter by whopping 120 runs.

Batting first in the match, reduced to 40 overs, Air-India put on 236 for 4, thanks to the flying start being provided by Naman Ojha (49 off 48) and Susant Marathe (67 off 90). The duo shared 89 runs partnership for the first wicket. After Ojha, who was stumped by Harpreet Sunny off Rajinder Bisht, skipper H. Kanitkar joined Marathe and the duo took the total at 138.

Safiq Khan (40 not out) and RR Parida (38 not out) were the other notable contributors. Nitin Saini claimed two for 33 for Moody ICL.

In reply, Moody ICL were bowled out for 116 in 30.5 overs. Air-India’s spinner Ajit Chandela and Ankit snapped three wickets each for 29 and 11 runs, respectively.

Air-India got 5 points, including a bonus, while ICL Moody got minus one point.

The third match between MPCA and MRF at Sector-16 Cricket Stadium was won by MRF by six wickets.

In the match, which was reduced to 29 overs, MPCA gave the target of 168 runs by hitting 167 for five in 29 overs. The MRF team achieved the goal, losing four wickets in 28.1 overs.

Tomorrow, Ganguly’s team LIC Cricket Club will take on PCA Colts at Sector-16 Cricket Stadium while PCC will lock horns with HPCA at DAV, Sector-8. Indian Oil will face Assam at St. John’s, Sector-26 and Moody ICL will play with CM XI at Barwala Stadium.

All matches will start at 9.15 am.

Chandigarh, September 22
Second seed Navika and Mehak Sood proved a better combination as they upset top-seed pair of Rahsmi and Shreya by 21-12, 21-13 in the girls under-16 doubles final of the 20th Yonex Chandigarh State Badminton Championship being conducted by the Chandigarh Badminton Club under the patronage of the Chandigarh Badminton Association at the Sector 42 Badminton Hall here today.

Top seed Navika Thakur and second seed Manju Chahal moved into the women's singles final. Both winners were extended to three games by their respective rivals in the semi-final contest.

Other results: Boys under-16 doubles (final): Tarush and Rishab bt Kenneth Wong and Sameer 21-17, 21-14.

Boys singles under-19 (q-finals): Tushar bt Prerak 21-14, 21-10, Abhinav Thakur bt Amanpreet Singh 21-3, 21-10, Harmaninder bt Harmininder 21-6, 21-17, Mahip bt Aman Sethi 21-15, 17-21, 21-7.

Men's singles (QFs): Oscar Bansal bt Vikas Kundu 21-14, 21-18, Ashish Sharma bt Tajinder 17-21, 21-10, 21-5, Vivek Sharma bt Akshay Sethi 21-12, 21-17, Pankaj Nathani bt Tushar 21-12, 21-19. 

Chandigarh, September 22
Showing scintillating performance hosts Chandigarh XI made it a one-sided match and thrashed J and K Police by 5-1 on the second day of the 38th S.N. Vohra’s Gurmit Memorial Hockey Tournament here today at Sports Complex, Sector 42.

Vikram Singh of the CHD netted the first goal of the game in the 14th minute. After that both the squads struggled to score a goal till the 50th minute when Kamal of the CHD netted the second marvellous goal. This goal was soon followed by another by his teammate Rupinder with the help of a penalty corner. This way they scored five goals in total one after one.

While on the other side the J and K team seemed a mere spectator till the 68th minute of the game when Gurjeet netted one for their team with the help of a penalty corner.

In the second match, both the teams BSF Mohali and COE Patiala levelled the score (2-2) in the stipulated time and match was played by penalty shoots and the result went in the favour of BSF Mohali.