Bathinda, April 21
The CBI court, Patiala, while accepting the request of the CBI, sent the Commander Works Engineer, Military Engineering Service (MES), Bathinda, Col. PK Mohanti, to two days of police remand to ascertain further facts.

It may be mentioned that a team of CBI sleuths from Chandigarh had nabbed the accused officer red-handed with a bribe amounting Rs5000 from his office here on Monday.

Giving information over the phone from Chandigarh, Deputy Inspector General, CBI, Mahesh Aggarwal said, “After arresting the accused from Bathinda, our team returned by midnight. Then the accused was taken to the CBI court, Patiala, where on our request, special judge HS Madaan sent him to two days of police remand. Now, we will interrogate him at our Chandigarh office as various facts are yet to be ascertained.”

On being asked about the arrest of other accused in the graft case, he said, “Till now, no other accused could be arrested as we were much busy with the case proceedings. During his interrogation, we are hopeful of ascertaining various facts and after that all accused would be put behind the bars.”

Despite repeated attempts, no Army officer of the MES branch, Bathinda, commented on the issue.

To confirm the suspension of the accused officer, when asked, DIG CBI, Mahesh Aggarwal said, “Suspension is a matter related to the Army. But as per the service rules, once a person is arrested and is sent on police remand, he is automatically suspended.”

It is pertinent to mention that the CBI had trapped the officer on the complaint of two local MES contactors, Parveen Kataria of RK Kataria & Sons and Jagdish Rai of Shakti Builders, who had lodged a telephonic complaint against the accused for harassing them to pay bribe for clearing the previous bills and allotting new tenders.

As per the trap laid, the negotiation for the deal was recorded through a hidden camera. The case was registered under section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the CBI team took him along to Chandigarh.

Bathinda, April 21
In the much hyped Rs two crore worth stamp paper scam, the district police has booked the sub-divisional treasury officer, who was the whistle-blower, along with two other officers of the department under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

According to information available, Vijay Kumar Singla, sub-divisional treasury officer joined the office around two months back.

After taking charge, he lodged a complaint with his department that 1000 stamp papers worth Rs 5,000 each were mischievously replaced with those of Rs 5 denomination and that the original were missing from the office.

Since then, the department was on its toes to ascertain the facts.

During the inspection of around 12000 stamp papers, the probe team found another 2682 stamp papers of Rs 5,000 each of fake origin.

The counterfeit stamp papers have been sent to the Nasik-based press for laboratory test.

Meanwhile, the records were found to have been tampered with.

When contacted, District Treasury Officer SS Dhaliwal said, “The case was inspected by the sleuths of the treasury and accounts branch, Chandigarh. During the investigation, they found the sub-divisional treasury officer Vijay Kumar Singla and a cashier guilty of negligence as checking quality and control was their responsibility. On its basis, about a week back, the duo was suspended.”

“At the time of taking charge, Vijay Singla reportedly did not count the stamp papers in stock, which was primarily his duty. During the investigation, it was revealed that the records had been tampered with. We then requested the police to book Vijay Kumar Singla, senior clerk Mahinder Singh and assistant cashier Varinder Singh,” he added.

Even after the recommendation, the district police took legal advice in the matter and then booked the accused.

When contacted, DSP Phul Rupinder Bhardwaj said, “The trio have been booked under sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Indian Penal Code on the complaint of the District Treasury Officer but they are still at large.”

Hanumangarh/Abohar, April 21
District collector Naveen Jain has sought more forces to seal border with Punjab and Haryana during the Lok Sabha elections. The issue was raised during a meeting presided over by the election commission observer S.K. Virdi in Hanumangarh today. SP Mohan Singh Nitharwal was also present.

Virdi, while assuring to initiate necessary action on strengthening security on the inter-state borders, directed that separate staff for Churu and Sriganganagar constituencies should be deployed to run the control room as some segments of the district fall in these constituencies. 

He further asked to maintain separate accounts of the expenditures incurred by the candidates. He stressed on the need for more vigilance during the next seventeen days of the election period. 

Bathinda, April 21
The Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) has decided to introduce compartment system for Class V students for the first time. In this regard, a letter was sent to all DEO (Secondary) offices today, sources in the education department said.

It is worth mentioning here that the secondary wing of the PSEB had conducted Class V boards for the first time this year. Earlier, the primary wing used to conduct these exams. The secondary wing was asked to take Class V boards because it was alleged that primary teachers used to pass all the students to keep their track record good. Resultantly, the education department had passed orders that the secondary wing would conduct exams and check the papers.

The result of Class V examination this year stood at 89.8 per cent, which used to be 92 per cent or more. Parents were asked to fill up the revaluation forms. Later, the education department announced the introduction of compartment system for Class V.

The letter sent by the director general, secondary education, Punjab, stated that a student who failed in one subject would be promoted provisionally. However, he can re-appear in the first week of July and the student would have to score at least 33 per cent marks in this exam, failing which he would be sent back to Class V.

Gurdeep Singh, coordinator for Class V exams, confirmed that the letter reached the DEO (secondary), Bathinda office, in the evening today and the orders to all the schools concerned would be sent tomorrow.

Bathinda, April 21
Bahu Saheb’s life is all about pedalling his cycle to spread awareness about female foeticide, dowry and brotherhood in the country. Saheb does not carry a cell phone, is not married and does not have a job. He started off on a cycle in 1993 and since then he has pedalled across India thrice spreading the social messages.

The reason behind Saheb taking the social responsibility of carrying his message to every nook and corner of this country was his sister’s wedding, which suffered due to dowry demands. Then, Saheb decided that he would not marry and rather dedicate his life to eradicate the menace.

Starting from Mumbai, he went to the south India and then West Bengal, Bihar, Uttaranchal, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab. He would now head to Jammu and Kashmir.

“I find the people of Punjab and Haryana totally against girls. At times, I find it difficult to convey my message that female foeticide and dowry are hampering the country’s development there,” Saheb said.

Saheb, who belongs to Maharashtra, says that he would work till his last breath to achieve the aim of promoting equality among men and women.

His spirit did not give up even after remaining without food and water for four days altogether many times and chewing ice to quench his thirst while he was in Leh. He said he owed a lot to the Indian Army for its support, wherever he went.

Saheb said he would write a book on his experiences after he returns to Maharashtra.

Bathinda, April 21
In reply to a complaint filed regarding the use of a picture of Sikh Guru Guru Gobind Singh Ji in election pamphlets as a violation of model code of conduct and hurting religious sentiments, Congress leaders confessed to their mistake and sought an apology.

As per the details available, a senior leader of the BJP, advocate Mohan Lal Garg and one Neeraj Singla, today jointly lodged a complaint with the Returning Officer Rahul Tewari that Satpal Bhateja, chairman, Rajiv Gandhi Lok Bhalai Manch, a unit of the Congress, along with other leaders, had distributed some objectionable pamphlets.

The pamphlets were meant for inviting all to attend a public meeting of Raninder Singh, Congress candidate for the Bathinda Lok Sabha seat, on April 26 in the city. The complainants took exception to the fact that the pamphlet was bearing a picture of the tenth Sikh Guru and comlained that the accused attempted to gain benefit through assuaging religious sentiments.

They even objected to the words used in the pamphlets, delivered through some newspapers and personally thrown at the doorsteps.

The RO marked the inquiry to assistant returning officer, SDM Dalwinderjit Singh, who sent a notice to the accused to file their reply.

The accused Satpal Bhateja, chairman, and Surinder Mohan Bhola, general secretary of the Manch, in the evening appeared in person before the ARO. They mentioned that the photo was printed inadvertently and sought delay in action as their president was out of station.

Confirming the facts, ARO Dalwinderjit Singh said, “They have requested for a day’s relaxation but a formal reply would be given by them by tomorrow. After this, the further course of action would be decided.”

Bathinda, April 21
Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today lambasted the Congress for trying to "mislead" the people on the issue of the Fifth Pay Commission and said the state cabinet in its meeting on March 2 had already resolved to accept in principle the recommendations of the commission.

The misleading tirade of the Congress on the issue reflects the level of frustration among its leadership.

Addressing election rallies at various places in the Mansa district, Badal said it was the SAD-BJP government that implemented the recommendations of the Fourth Punjab Pay Commission and now "we have the privilege to implement the recommendations of Fifth Pay Commission."

He said the Cabinet before the elections had already resolved to accept the recommendations in principle, whenever the Commission submitted the report. The state government would implement the decision of the cabinet and process the report for early implementation.

He said the Punjab government had already cleared payment of 10 per cent dearness allowance to its employees and pensioners and the government was waiting for the nod of the Election Commission to release the payment.

Badal said the SAD-BJP government was fully alive to the welfare of its employees and it always took proactive stand on the matter.

He blamed former chief minister Amarinder Singh for delay in submission of the report as the notification for setting up the Commission was delayed during his regime. It was the SAD-BJP government that notified the terms of reference of the Commission and requested it to expedite the report.

Mansa, April 21
Congress candidate Raninder Singh had already admitted his defeat and owing to this reason, he was showing lack of interest in the election campaign, said SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal today.

Speaking to media at Ubha village, he claimed that SAD candidate Harsimrat Kaur would win because SAD leaders and workers have been intensifying the election campaign day by day. SAD-BJP had launched development and welfare schemes, which would be completed during the next three years, he added.

Meanwhile, Block Congress president of Mansa Ramesh Meerpuria and former chairman of Zila Parishad Bhagwant Kaur joined SAD in the presence of deputy chief minister.

Besides, some Akali supporters of Jagdeep Singh Nakai and Sukhraj Natt clashed at Jhabber village in the presence of Sukhbir Badal. Political secretary to deputy chief minister Paramjit Singh Sandwan pacified them.

Sukhbir Badal addressed the public meetings at Mansa Khurd, Khiala Kalan, Atla Kalan, Bhupal Kalan, Ralla, Joga, Aklia, Jhabber, Tamkot, Bhaini Bagha, Kotli Kalan, Sadda Singh Wala and Bhikhi. Parliamentary secretary Jagdeep Singh Nakai, Paramjit Singh Sandwan and Sukhraj Natt also spoke at the public meetings.

Sriganganagar/Abohar, April 21
The BJP, which had won only two out of eleven seats during the Vidhan Sabha elections in Sriganganagar and Hanumangarh seats, suffered yet another jolt as Rawatsar municipal council chairperson Neelam Saharan joined the Congress during the first election rally of the Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot in Gogameri area of Nohar segment yesterday.

Earlier, Abhishek Matoria, son-in-law of the INLD leader Abhay Chautala, was the president of the council but he had to quit upon his election to the State Assembly. Saharan had been elected president in his place.

Naresh Godara a senior BSP leader from Ratangarh also joined the Congress in the same rally. Notably, Gogameri falls in Hanumangarh district but is a part of Churu Lok Sabha constituency for which the Congress has fielded Rafiq Mandelia sending broader message to the minorities. Gehlot addressed the second rally at Gharsana of Sriganganagar district, which otherwise falls in Bikaner Lok Sabha constituency.

The Congress election managers had very carefully chosen these places since Gogameri has religious-historic importance and Gharsana had been an epic center of farmers' stir during the BJP regime. However, CM's visit to Gharsana was marked by some unpleasant happenings. Former MP Jamuna Barupal felt humiliated as cops prevented her from entering the "D" zone to have a seat on the dais. Later, senior party workers apologised and escorted her. Scarcity of drinking water and improper arrangements in the press gallery also caused annoyance.

Gehlot exhorted the electorates to reject the BJP and other forces. He reminded that his government had sanctioned Rs 460 crore for remodeling of the outlived Gang Canal but the Vasundhara Raje led government later abandoned the project fearing that the Congress would get political mileage out of it. He also claimed credit for expansion of Super Thermal Power Plant in Suratgarh of Sriganganagar district and assured that availability of the canal water would be further improved.

While seeking support for party candidate Rewat Ram Panwar in Bikaner, Gehlot tried to win hearts by assuring state recognition for Rajasthani language.

Bathinda, April 21
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) today took a decision to begin a nationwide campaign from April 23 to make the youth aware about voting rights for the coming Lok Sabha elections.

Talking to media here on Monday, Rajesh Kumar, district president of ABVP, appealed to the youth to think and consider the nation's betterment and to vote for it. He said India is proud to have a notable youth population, with 65-70 per cent of the population above the age of 35, including 45 per cent of youth voters.

He said until and unless youth observes the present situation, it is impossible to have capable and nationalist leadership. So, youth of the nation is utterly responsible, he added.

Suraj Bhardwaj, state secretary of the ABVP said that elections are an opportunity to exercise our right to franchise. 

Moga, April 21
The Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes is considering to take legal action against the concerned officials of the district administration of Moga, who are not cooperating with the Commission in investigating the cases of atrocities on Dalits.

Revealing this to The Tribune on telephone, Dalip Singh Pandhi member of the Commission said that the Commission had sought a detailed report from the district administration on the incidents of a Dalit school girl, who was first raped and then sold to many persons and alleged rape of a Dalit woman by a dairy owner in this district. 

These incidents came to light in the first week and the third week of February 2008. "I am sorry to say that the administration has so far not given any reply to the Commission even though the officials were asked to send the reply within one week from the receipt of the notice," he said.

Pandhi said that there were adequate provisions in the commission's Act to take legal action against the authorities concerned, who do not cooperate with them. "We have discussed this issue and are considering taking legal action against the officials,” he added.

Perturbed over the increasing incidents of atrocities on Dalits in Moga district, he said the commission would soon dispatch its team to Moga to monitor the situation. Last month also, the commission's team had held a meeting with the officials of the district administration, here.

He said there was no scope of any compromise in the criminal cases of sexual abuse of minor girls as per the law.

Adding that the commission would thoroughly review all the cases of atrocities on Dalit women and minor girls in the district during the past one year, he said that in case any official were found to be biased in probe, that matter could be referred to the CBI.

Bathinda, April 21
The Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) chief Avtar Singh today visited the city in his vehicle that had a red beacon atop. Seeing the Tribune lensman click the photograph of the vehicle, his driver immediately swung into action and remove the beacon light.

It may be mentioned that the chief is close to the CM and his party SAD. Even the CM and his deputy CM are moving without the red beacon light on their vehicles but the SGPC chief seemed to be enjoying the privilege.

Earlier, talking over the phone, he said, “I am chief of the SGPC by virtue of being a member of the ruling SAD. So it is my duty too to take part in the party’s poll campaign. It is this for which I am here today."

On the Dera Sacha Sauda controversy, he said, "The chief of the sect should go and seek apology at the Akal Takht Sahib, I am not authorised to grant him pardon." About the Nanhi Chaan campaign, he said, "We are now streamlining the project and nurseries are being maintained." 

Bathinda, April 21
The economic recession is likely to cast its long shadow on campaigning for the coming Lok Sabha elections with most businessmen and industrialists who finance the candidates tightening their purse strings this time.

A senior SAD leader confided on the condition of anonymity that his donors had told him that they would affect a 25 per cent to 40 per cent cut in their contribution towards the election fund as they were already reeling under the impact of the slowdown. He said he understood their difficulties as most businesses were no longer as profitable as in the past.

A local industrialist said he regularly funded many candidates in the past but his sons had told him to cut the contributions by half this time because of the slowdown.

“My sons are right. There is already a liquidity crunch. We need the cash to keep our businesses running. Besides, how can I not effect a cut in election funding when I am imposing a similar cut on employee bonuses,” he added.

However, the voters are happy. “The economic slowdown has done what the Election Commission could not do. It’s good. We will see a saner and no frills campaign,” a lawyer commented.

Fighting elections during the time of recession might prove to be difficult for most of the candidates. Even during the normal days most of the industrialists are reluctant to part with their hard-earned money. For they believe that it is simply “political extortion”. 

It seems, recession, this time has become a good excuse for the industrialists to avoid giving donations in the city.

With official funding for elections, the political parties depend solely on industrial and business houses for the money they need to run their affairs and contest elections. Every time, the election expenses multiply. 

With the polls just two weeks away, the political parties and the contestants expect huge expenditure. And it’s the businessmen who are feeling the pressure.

A leading industrialist has switched off his phone and is using an alternate number to ensure that nobody is able to get hold of him. He told The Tribune that it was difficult to avoid the fundraisers. “I started getting calls from other districts as well through some acquaintances, whom I had never met.” 

However, there are quite a few industrialists and businessmen who try to maintain a balance. One such businessman said, “This is the system prevailing in our country and we don’t mind paying as long as there are no unreasonable demands.” He pointed out that even in the developed countries like the US and the United Kingdom, there were fund-raising functions.