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Stamp duty evasion worth Rs 11 lakh
Ludhiana, September 8 The farad and girdawari (dated August 7, 2009) of the land on the Tajpur road at Bhammian Kalan village issued by a patwari, Gurjeet Singh, too, has come under scanner as both revenue documents show the land as agricultural and also shows paddy standing on the land. The case came to light when the Sub-Registrar (East), Jagsir Singh Sran, came across a sale deed presented by Gurmeet Singh and Surinder Singh for the registration in favour of a private company. In the sale deed, the price of the land was shown to be worth Rs 9.18 lakh since the agricultural land was sold cheaper. Stamp duty worth Rs 73,550 at the rate of 9 per cent of the total price of the land had been paid. The Sub-Registrar grew suspicious as Bhammian Kalan village was near the city and since land prices had skyrocketed, Rs 9.18 lakh was too less a price for this piece of land. He visited the spot and was shocked to find that a multistoreyed building was coming up there and no crop could be seen. He assessed the price of the land to be at least Rs 1.5 crore. This amounted to a sale duty evasion of Rs 11 lakh. He brought the matter to the notice of Deputy Commissioner Vikas Garg, who ordered the confiscation of the sale deed. The matter is now in the court of the Collector-cum Additional Deputy Commissioner.
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Worn-out bus makes escape easier
Mohit Khanna Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, September 8 In June, two dreaded criminals facing murder charges, besides more than 12 cases of theft and robbery, fled from the vehicle while being taken to the district court complex for hearing. Interestingly, the same bus was used to ferry these six undertrials, who escaped from police custody by throwing red chilli powder into the eyes of the cops. It is learnt that the accused hatched the conspiracy in the jail. They knew that they could easily escape from the bus due to its worn-out condition, a cop said. Ruing over the poor condition of the bus, a cop said the department was reluctant to spend money on its repair. Even the hole through which the two criminals fled three months ago has not been repaired yet, instead two cops have been assigned the task to sit on a wooden slab meant to cover the hole. It has been more than a year when seven members of the Bangala gang, notorious for their criminal activities across the state, fled while they were being taken to jail after a court hearing. The state jail authorities also failed to prevent the escape of wanted criminal, Rajiv Raja, earlier this year. However, he was nabbed by the Haryana police a few months ago. The broken floor of the bus is an apt example of the lackadaisical attitude of the jail authorities. A jail cop, on the condition of anonymity, said three months ago, an undertrial fled in a similar manner when the jail bus came to a halt at a light near the Bharat Nagar chowk. “What is the fun of nabbing them if they are being given an easy escape route?” a cop wondered in disgust. “This reflects the attitude of the authorities and the police has to pay a price for it. Instead of repairing the damaged vehicle, police officials take action against the cops to wash their hands off any responsibility. Had the department of jails taken care to maintain the buses, the incident would not have occurred,” a cop who was part of the combing operation last night to nab the undertrials said. Despite repeated attempts, SP headquarters Harish Kumar was not available for comments.
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5 held with cocaine worth Rs 20 crore
Khanna, September 8 The accused have been identified as Kammo, a resident of Sangrur, Vijay Masih, a resident of Phillaur, Sunil Kumar of Khanna and Gurcharan Singh, a resident of Jalandhar. They all were arrested from Samrala and the cocaine was seized from their possession. An Indica was also impounded. Sukhwinder Singh Sukhi, a resident of the Amloh Road, Khanna, was also arrested with 1 kg cocaine and a case was registered against him at the Sadar police station at Khanna. Police officials investigating the matter said the accused were searching for prospective customers in various villages of Khanna and the naarcotics cell of the Khanna police got a tip off from these villagers. A trap was laid to arrest the accused who were arrested from Khanna and Samrala areas late last night. Sources said two different cases under the NDPS Act had been registered against all five accused at Samrala and Khanna Sadar police stations. The police is interrogating the accused to get more clues about their modus operandi. While one of the arrested accused, Sukhwinder, has been involved in selling cocaine in the past as well and was booked by the Rajasthan police last year, the others were caught for the first time.
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Gold loses glitter; jewellers worried
Ludhiana, September 8 City jewellers complained of losing business to the tune of 75 per cent. Several jewellers feel if things remain like this for another couple of months, they may have to close down their businesses. Though during shraadh, a majority of customers prefer not to buy anything new, but jewellers feel if there was a decline in the prices of gold, people would rush to make purchases despite the ongoing shraadh. The president of the Jewellers Association of Ludhiana, Anand Sekri, said the yellow metal had touched an all-time high of Rs 16,000 per 10 gm. There were absolutely no customers in the market for purchasing gold in recent times. “Things are not going to improve even in Navratras. The rates are expected to increase further. It is not the shraadh or the Navratras which matter, but the business is dependent on the purchasing power of the customer. People do not find it viable to spend on
gold now. “The guinea, which was Rs 9,000 last Diwali, is now available for Rs 12,000. Why should people spend so much on gold?” he said, adding that the commodity exchange of gold by the government had deteriorated their businesses. Sekri said due to losses in the business, many reputed brands had shut their outlets in the city. “If things remain like this, we will not be able to survive,” he said. Dimple Khosla, a homemaker, said she liked to invest in gold, but it had virtually become impossible to make huge investments in gold in recent times. “Whatever money I save, I buy shares. Trading is easier and if you invest wisely, you get good returns. And if I want to buy jewellery, I prefer diamonds over gold as certified jewellery. Jewellers just cut 10 per cent of the total amount,” she said. |
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MC chief stalls 15 transfers
Ludhiana, September 8 According to sources, the decision has come following a complaint by Mayor Hakam Singh Giaspura that the transfers were not discussed with him. Besides, legalities too were given the go-by. The transfers had led to controversies. When Sinha was asked about the development, he confirmed it, stating that the transfers that had been ordered had been stalled for the time being. He, however, said these had not been cancelled. |
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Gang war in college over leadership
Jagraon, September 8 On July 31, Jaspinder Singh Malli accompanied with many private gunners reached the college in broad daylight and pasted the posters declaring himself as college president. The armed supporters Jaspinder Singh Malli disrupted the traffic in front of college for over one hour. The police lead by SHO Navinpal Singh reached the spot but Malli and his supporters managed to flee. The police, however, did not take any action. VK Sharma, principal of the college, suspended Malli for 20 days but reinstated him after a few days when he tendered his apology. The College authorities removed the posters of Malli. After two days, the other group in support with SOI declared Gurvinder Singh Ginda as the president of the college and pasted his posters on the college campus. They also submitted a memorandum in this regard to the college principal. On Sunday last, as per the statement of Mohinderpal Kaur, Malli and his armed accomplices kidnapped her son Jagdish Singh from her residence at Gulabi Bag area. Meanwhile, the supporters of Ginda group then first attacked Malli’s house followed by Gurpreet Singh’s house at Salempur village. In this attempt, the group of about 15 students, fired in the air and even on the house of the Gurpreet Singh. They demanded the early release of Jagdish Singh. A case has been registered by the police under Sections 365, 148 and 149 of the IPC and 25, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act against Jaspinder Singh Malli and his five unidentified accomplices on the statement of Mohinder Pal Kaur whereas the Sidhwan Bet police on the statement of Lehmberjit Singh of Salempur registered a case against Nachhatar Singh, Simran, Gurvinder Singh, Sarba, Inderjit Singh, Happy, Kali, Gaunan and a others under Sections 452, 336, 427, 506, 148 and 149 of the IPC and 25,27,54 and 59 of the Arms Act. The Jagraon police has also registered a cross case against the supporters of Ginda under Sections 336 of the IPC and 25, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act. Jaspinder Singh Malli has accused Gurvinder Singh Ginda responsible for the incident.
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Potable water tops Sinha’s priority list
Ludhiana, September 8 Sharing his vision with mediapersons, he said: “The project is already in operation in Chandigarh and I’ll visit there to check its effectiveness.” Taking a serious note of the death of a sewerman recently, Sinha said: “A proposal would be forwarded for an insurance policy for workers. Besides, a special team would be set up to enter manholes using 18-kg kits so that the risk could be minimised.” He added that the final decision would come once it was discussed by the finance and contracts committee. On corruption and vigilance inquiries against MC officers, he said he was not in a position to comment on it but added that it would take some time. He, however, assured that officials would be under pressure to mend ways. On political pressure, he said he had clear instructions on taking up any issue relating to it. “Even residents can approach me with their grievances without fear.” On his priorities among civic amenities and big projects, he said: “Roads et al are regular works, while RoBs are major projects, but both will get equal importance. We’ll soon convene a general house meeting to discuss the priorities.” Sinha held a meeting with officials of the building branch and sanitary inspectors to assess their working style here today. According to sources, sanitary inspectors were warned against exploiting safai karamcharis and directed to take steps to keep the city clean. Similarly, during a meeting with building branch officials, the officer said he would report matters pertaining to corruption against officials to the state vigilance department. He also urged officials to work for the welfare of people. “Out of the total cases coming for building plan sanction, 25 per cent do not get approval from the municipal corporation because the system is not people-friendly, leaving them harassed. Technical points must be simplified for better comprehension of the common man,” said the MC Commissioner.
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IT dept to scrutinise 2,500 returns
Ludhiana, September 8 The central board of direct taxes has forwarded 2,500 cases from the city to the local IT department. The cases have been selected through computer assisted scrutiny system. The list sent by the board cannot be altered and every taxpayer whose name is on the list will have to furnish extra information. Currently, no document is being attached with the new income tax return form. Sources in the department said the taxpayers who figured on the list would have to provide information pertaining to the sources of income, investments, number of family members, home expenses, foreign tour, loans and gifts and movable and immovable property. Jatinder Khurana, president of Taxation Young Lawyers Association, said the IT department considered the return filed by the taxpayer as true and accurate. “But some cases are scrutinised to verify the facts furnished during the filing of the return. Taxpayers whose names are on the list cannot escape and will have to provide the information required by the department,” he said. Raghubir Singh, a taxpayer from the city, said providing information while the filing of the return was a better option. “The department should seek all necessary information when the return is filed. Asking only select taxpayers to provide the information gives jitters to all. Everybody is trying to know if their name is on the list,” he added.
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PSEB cracks down on defaulters
Our Correspondent
Ludhiana, September 8 The PSEB has issued hundreds of disconnection orders (DCOs) during the past few days and a large number of power connections of defaulting consumers have been cut in different areas, including Aggar Nagar, Model Town, City West, Focal Point, CMC, Estate, City Central and Janta Nagar divisions. Power supply was disconnected on residential and commercial premises of least 60 consumers in Haibowal and Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar localities. Another 20 consumers had their power cut in Model Town, while 22 DCOs were given effect in Aman Nagar and Karabara localities during the past two days. Senior officials of city (East) and city (West) circles here made it clear that the recovery drive would continue and no one defaulting in payment of energy bills or other charges would be spared. Meanwhile, staff of the operations wing of the Focal Point division have unearthed power theft at a commercial establishment in a locality falling under the Sunder Nagar division on Monday where a high-frequency electronic circuit was being used to stop the electronic energy meter. According to HS Randhawa, deputy chief engineer, city (East) circle, the gadget to render energy meter non-functional was found during a spot inspection of the premises of a photo studio in Subhash Nagar locality. “The energy meter has been removed for inspection in the ME lab and a penalty of Rs 77,000 has been imposed on the erring consumer,” he added.
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Key witness alleges threat to life
Mohit Khanna Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, September 8 Sukhwant Singh claimed that Bittu had allegedly offered him money through a former inspector and suggested him to step down from the Shinghar bomb blast case. When he declined to comply with Bittu’s proposal, the latter threatened him of dire consequences. “He told me to backtrack from my statement against Gurpreet Singh, prime accused in the Shinghar bomb blast case, in court. When I refused he threatened me of dire consequence. I even complained to the DIG and the SSP in this regard,” claimed Sukhwant Singh. He rued that the cops took very long to act on his complaint. “The authorities told me that the investigation is on in the case. Now, as the police has nabbed Bittu, I would request them not to free him soon as he is responsible for the death of many innocent youths during the dark days of terrorism,” alleged Sukhwant.
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PAU teachers continue protest
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, September 8 The university teachers are protesting against the delay in the notification by the Punjab Government for implementation of UGC scales. President of PAUTA Dr KN Sharma, said bureaucrats in the agriculture department had been keeping the case pending without any reason, which might cause friction between teachers and the state government. The notification of the government should be implemented soon, he demanded. Vice-president of PAUTA Dr Harmit Singh Kingra said, when implementation of UGC grades, had been announced for the other two universities as well as for all the government and private colleges in the state, there was no reason why it wasn’t done for PAU and GADVASU teachers. "The state is giving step-motherly treatment to PAU and GADVASU, which is not justified," he said. He was hopeful that the matter would be sorted out soon. "The protest will continue and intensified if the government failed to issue the notification at the earliest," he said.
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Investiture ceremony at BCM
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, September 8 Teachers’
training
The second day of the Nodal Teachers Training Programme organised by the CBSE on adolescent education at KVM School, was conducted by Dr Jayanti Bannerjee, counsellor, St John's School and Dr Pushpinder Singh, head of anesthesia department and critical care, in a lively and interactive manner covering topics like positive strokes, enhancing self-esteem and self awareness. Also, information about HIV and substance abuse was shared through a quiz contest. Literacy Day
International Literacy Day and World Nutrition week was celebrated at Kiddies Paradise School. Pravjit Singh Bal was the chief guest. Niti Gupta, chairperson, Ludhiana Ladies Circle 110, delivered a lecture on importance of education. The chief guest highlighted the value of nutritional food for children.
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Club adopts 7 orphan students
Raikot, September 8 The club members had visited the institute on Independence Day and moved by their plight they had decided to adopt the needy students of the school. These orphan students will be able to acquire as much education as they wish at the cost of the Lions Club. There are about 100 students in the school. The club president Mukesh Kumar Gupta, accompanied by other members of the club, including Dr Durgesh, Dr Surinder Singh, Subhash Passi, Baldev Khurana and Rajinder Goyal handed over the cheque to the school authorities Ravi Devgan, principal and Harjit Kaur, president of the school, expressed thanks to the club members.
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2 professors honoured
Ludhiana, September 8 Dr Jatinder K Gulati, associate professor, department of human development, College of Home Science, has been honoured with Professor VP Sharma Memorial Best Human Development Scientist Award for her contribution in the field of human development. Dr Tejpreet Kaur Kang, associate professor, department of human development, has been conferred with the Dr Promila Phatak Memorial Best Developmental Psychologist Award for her work in human development.
— TNS
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PFA observes forgiveness day
Ludhiana, September 8 Amrik Jain, president of Digambar Jain Sabha, said they sought forgiveness from all living beings for knowingly or unknowingly committing mistakes, hurting anybody by thoughts and words.
— TNS
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IT surveys at units
Ludhiana, September 8 The surveys were conducted under the supervision of the Additional Commissioner, Range-V, at Kohara, Overlock Road, Miller Ganj and Focal Point. Sources in the department revealed that they were expecting to unearth undisclosed income worth crores. Surveys were still being carried out till the filing of the report.
— TNS
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Snatching cases on rise in Civil Lines area
Ludhiana, September 8 The police suspects two motorcycle snatchers (one turbaned Sikh) behind the incidents. According to the police, these youths target middle-aged women who travel on rickshaw. With rising incidents of snatching, the police in Kitchlu Nagar, Civil Lines and Ghumar Mandi areas has now instructed rickshaw-pullers to open the canopy of their rickshaws before ferrying their customers. A majority of snatching incidents have taken place during late evening hours when it is difficult to identify snatchers. In most cases, snatchers grabbed the purse when the rickshaw passed through a deserted street. The youths then sped towards the main road to mingle with the crowd. In a recent incident, two bikers snatched a purse containing gold jewellery weighing 300 gm and Rs 25,000 in cash from Poonam Dhawan, a resident of Kailash Chowk, near Civil Lines. According to Poonam, the incident took place when she was returning on a rickshaw along with her sister-in-law from Ghumar Mandi. Poonam said when she reached Fountain Chowk, two youths came on a scooter and snatched the purse from her and sped away. This is not a stray incident. Recently, youths with similar appearance snatched the purse of a middle-aged woman, who happened to be the mother of a journalist. However, the police claimed that they were very close to nabbing the snatchers.
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One booked for abducting minor
Raikot, September 8 Balbir said his daughter was missing since the intervening night of August 24 and 25. After searching for her at all possible places and the information of Sukhdeep being missing from the village since the same day, he complained the matter with the police. Neither the whereabouts of the girl nor the boy are known till date.
— OC
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350 liquor boxes seized from oil tanker
Mandi Gobindgarh, September 8 SP(D) Shamsher Singh Boparai said an oil tanker (GJ 12 S 0640) was intercepted at a checkpoint and was found carrying 162 boxes of Bagpiper, 84 boxes of Aristocrat, 53 boxes of Officer’s Choice and 51 boxes of gin. The police has registered a case under Section 61 of the Excise Act and arrested the tanker drive, Tulsi Ram, and the owner, Ramesh, both residents of Hema Gora village, Jalaur district (Rajasthan). During interrogation, Ramesh revealed that a person, Lamboo, had booked the tanker to carry goods from Chandigarh to Ferozepur for Rs 30,000. He had directed the driver to take village roads and after reaching Ferozepur inform him on his mobile phone. The police has impounded the oil tanker.
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