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NEIGHBOURHOOD

Eyebrows raised on ‘fraudulent’ sale of MC land
Ownership issue mired in controversy
Megha Mann
Tribune News Service

Kharar, September 22
The incident of 2 kanals of land in Desu Majra, under the municipal council, being sold off to private builders took a new turn today, with ownership controversy getting murkier.

The market value of this piece of land on the NH-21 at Desu Majra village, ward number 3, is around Rs 5 crore. Villagers claim that the land has been fraudulently sold despite the fact that on August 17, the municipal council Kharar had passed a resolution, stating that the land’s possession be taken and boundary wall be erected around it.

“On August 17, the MC Kharar passed this resolution, and by August 20, the deal had been sealed,” rued Rajwinder Singh, a resident of the village and chairperson of Milkfed Punjab.

A copy of the registry with the TNS reveals that the land in question has been sold by three families, all of whom are descendants of same persons in the village.

Interestingly, the registry mentions that cheques given to buy land have been issued from the Bank of Baroda dated December 20, 2009, a date that is yet to come.

In yet another anomaly, against cheque number 474115, five payments of Rs 2.37 lakh each have been shown in the name of five different persons of the village.

Rajwinder Singh claimed that the land in question belongs to around 15 houses who used to dump their agriculture waste on it.

Villagers alleged that instead of roping in lambardar of the village and the area municipal councilor Himmat Singh as well, the Kharar tehsildar roped in lambardar from Kharar while signing the registry. They alleged government officials of being hand in glove with the private builders.

This piece of land lies within the lal dora limit of the municipal committee and, hence, does not have any revenue record. As per rules, the owner of such land is that person who has possession over it.

SDM Kharar RK Gupta said the case would come up for hearing before him on September 24. “ The main question is that of ownership of land. The MC has no technical proof of its ownership. Except for passing a resolution, the committee has not been able to produce any document claiming its ownership,” he said.

Meanwhile, executive officer, MC Kharar, Vijay Gupta said the committee would not sanction any plan of the land in question unless and until its entitlement issue is settled.

Farmers threaten to move court
Warn against amendment in notification regarding direct payments being made to them for their produce
Umesh Dewan
Tribune News Service

Patiala, September 22
Ahead of Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal’s scheduled meeting with the Arhtiya Association tomorrow, representatives of the Indian Farmers’ Association (IFA) have threatened to knock the doors of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, in case the government makes any attempt to amend the notification issued by the previous Congress regime regarding the direct payments being made to the farmers for their produce.

IFA state president Satnam Singh Behru said it was surprising that none of the farmers’ representatives had been invited for the meeting.

“When the matter pertains to the farmers and arhtiyas, some of the representatives from among the farmers should have been invited for the meeting,” he rued, while cautioning the government to refrain from taking any decision that adversely affects the farming community.

Elaborating the entire issue, Behru disclosed that then chairman of Punjab State Farmers’ Commission, Dr GS Kalkat, had submitted his report on February 27, 2006. He further added, “Dr Kalkat had clearly mentioned in his report that agricultural crops are the only commodities in the state, whose payments are not made to the sellers by the buyers but to the third party’s commission agents. The report clearly recommended that it is imperative to make payments direct to the farmers of the state through account payees cheques.”

IFA leaders further said based on the Kalkat report, the previous Congress government had issued a notification but so far Badal government had not enforced it. “The state government had made a couple of attempts to amend the notification. We are apprehensive that in the tomorrow’s meeting, the government may take one-sided decision, favouring the arhtiyas. If that happens, we will be compelled to launch an agitation, besides taking legal recourse,” said Behru.

Meanwhile, leaders of Bhartiya Kisan Union, Lakhowal, have urged the state government that apart from wheat, paddy, sugarcane and cotton, the Punjab farmers must get minimum support price (MSP) for Basmati produce as well.

“Basmati produce must get MSP of Rs 3,000 per quintal. Besides, the government should also make arrangements for the direct procurement of Basmati from the farmers,” demanded union members.

Bikram eves, Modi lads emerge TT champs
Tribune News Service

Patiala, September 22
Government Bikram College of Commerce eves defeated Punjabi University, Patiala, team in the finals of the Punjabi University Inter-College Table Tennis Tournament, which was held at Government College, Roopnagar.

Giving a remarkable performance, Bikram College team comprising Ankita, Pratibha, Kavita, Charu Sharma and Kamaldeep defeated their opponents in a tough match.

Prof PS Rekhi and vice-principal Neelamjit Kaur informed that three girls, namely Ankita, Pratibha and Kavita, from the college have also been selected to represent Punjabi University in the All-India Inter-University Table Tennis Championship.

In the men’s section, MM Modi College lifted the title defeating Punjabi University team. Deputy Commissioner Priyank Bharti, Roopnagar, and Government College principal Paramjit Kaur Pasricha presented the trophy to the winning teams.

Modi College principal, Dr Satish Bhardwaj, lauded the efforts of team in charges, Prof Nishan Singh and Mandeep Kaur, for their continuous support and hard work.

Advocacy workshop for teachers
Tribune News Service

Patiala, September 22
A four-day NTT/advocacy programme for teachers and principals began at Buddha Dal Public School, Patiala, today.

CBSE under the ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, is conducting the programme from September 22 to 25. As many as 49 CBSE schools are participating with two teachers and a principal from each school. The workshop from September 22 to 24 will be conducted for teachers and on September 25 for principals. The programme aims at counselling adolescents.

Dr R Sachdeva, principal of DAV College, Sector 15, Chandigarh, and Manisha from KVM, Ludhiana, will be the resource persons and the topics that will be discussed include growing up and changes during adolescence, substance abuse, understanding and coping with peer pressure, living positively and enhancing decision making skills.

Dr Jayanti Banerjee, counsellor from St John’s School, Chandigarh, will address the principals where important issues of advocacy workshop will be discussed.The programme aims at facilitating teachers and the institutional heads to deal with the problems faced by adolescents and to guide them.

Jharkhand man held with 5-kg opium
Tribune News Service

Ropar, September 22
In its campaign against the rampant drug abuse in Majari village on Punjab - Himachal Pradesh border, the police arrested a resident of Jharkhand with 5 kg opium.

SSP LK Yadav said acting on a secret tip-off, the police rounded up one Rajesh Kumar from Zori village of Gaya area in Jharkhand near the Ropar railway station while on his way to the bus stand. On conducting a thorough check, the police found that Rajesh was carrying 5 kg of opium.

“His interrogation is expected to yield many important results,” Yadav said. Rajesh has been booked under Sections 18, 61, 85 of the NDPS Act.

Thieves’ gang busted
Tribune News Service

Ropar, September 22
As many as seven members of a thieves’ gang were arrested today and Rs 6 lakh were confiscated from them.

The gang entered into the house of an excise inspector Gurdeep Singh on June 28 and had stolen 455-bore revolver, eight cartridges and 40 tolas of gold.

Besides, the police has also recovered 32 tolas of gold and a laptop from them.

SSP Ropar LK Yadav said the CIA staff cracked the case. On September 21, CIA staff ASI Balwinder Singh, head constable Sita Ram and others had put up a naka opposite the Ropar police station.

The police stopped a car coming from Holy Family School to Sadavart village area and arrested the accused.

Those arrested have been identified as Hakim Kumar alias Rocky from Ghumar mohalla, Ropar, Rajesh Kumar alias Bheema from Saspura village, Ropar, Harjinder Singh alias Mangal from Thali village, Ropar, Pawan Kumar from Ghanauli, Gurpreet Singh from Swara Kharar village, Sushil Kumar alias Sheela from mohalla Phool Chakkar, Ropar, and Jaswant Singh from village Kotla Nihang.

All of them have been booked under Sections 379 and 411 of the IPC and Sections 25, 54, 59 of Arms Act.

Yadav said the CIA staff involved in operation would be honoured.

Man dead, son hurt in mishap
Tribune News Service

Dera Bassi, September 22
A 55-year-old resident of Dhanoni village died while his son sustained serious injuries after being hit by a tractor trolley near Chandiyal village on late last night.

The deceased was identified as Prem Singh, a resident of Dhanoni village, and injured as Sikander Singh, son of Prem Singh.

According to the police, the incident took place around 8 pm when Prem Singh, president of the block Kissan Union Ekta and Sikandar Singh were going back to their home where a tractor trolley, coming from the opposite direction, hit the motorcycle leaving them seriously injured.

The police said the injured were rushed to the Civil Hospital, Dera Bassi, where Prem Singh was declared brought dead while Sikander was referred to GMCH 32, seeing his critical condition. The driver of the tractor trolley fled the scene.

The body of the deceased has been handed over to the family members after conducting post-mortem. A case has been registered against the driver of the tractor trolley and the police has started further investigations.

Gang leader arrested
Tribune News Service

Patiala, September 22
The police today achieved another milestone by arresting Bakshish Singh, leader of a group that was responsible for various robberies and snatchings in the nearby areas.

Five persons of the group- Anand Singh, Amarjeet Singh, Avtar Singh, Harmeet Singh and Ravinder Sood were arrested on September 18 under Sections 399, 402-25, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act.

They revealed that Bakhshish was their leader and all robberies were conducted under his directions.

Under the instructions of SSP Patiala Arpit Shukla, a team of DSP (rural) Devinder Singh Dhuri and SHOs of Sadar and Julkian police station arrested Bakshish.

Bakshish was also involved in kidnapping of Babu Ram, owner of Gursahay Petrol Pump.

Meanwhile, the police also arrested Rajinder Pal, Vicky Kumar, Amit Kumar and Baljinder Kumar from a village near Kakrala with a pistol and other arms.

Acting on a tip-off, the police arrested them and recovered arms from their Scorpio car (No. CH03-0124). A case under Section 399, 402, 25, 54 and 59 of the IPC has been registered against them.

Girl hangs herself to death
Tribune News Service

Grieving relatives of Preeti (inset), who committed suicide, in Rajpura on Tuesday. A Tribune photograph

Rajpura, September 22
Preeti (17), a resident of Mugalsarai village, today committed suicide by hanging herself with a ceiling fan due to bad behaviour of her father.

Kamaljeet Kaur, mother of Preeti, in her complaint alleged that Preeti’s father, Varinderpal Singh, used to beat her up without any reason and never gave money to run the house.

Kamaljeet further alleged that Varinderpal’s sister, Satwant Kaur, had also been terrorising Preeti over one pretext or the other.

The police has booked Varinderpal and Satwant Kaur on the complaint of Kamaljeet. No arrest has been made so far. The police is investigating.

Training programme on rheumatoid fever
Tribune News Service

Ropar, September 22
A training programme for pharmacists of the district on rheumatoid fever was organised by the PGI, Chandigarh, on Sunday.

Civil surgeon, Dr Arjan Singh Gill, said the pharmacists were imparted training through lectures and were apprised of the symptoms of the fever. He said the pharmacists were also made aware of different schemes under various projects.

He added that if symptoms of sore throat, joint pains and fever due to streptococcal bacteria were reported among children, then they should be administered B penicillin injection on the second Saturday of every month at the primary health care centres and civil hospitals, as the infection could lead to heart ailments in the children.

The children studying at government schools can get free treatment. An echocardiography test is conducted free of cost every Thursday at the PGI, Chandigarh.

Ex-SBoP officials’ directory released
Tribune News Service

Patiala, September 22
The State Bank of Patiala Retired Officers’ Association held a meeting, which was attended by 350 retired SBoP officials from all over the country. Associate Banks Officers’ Association general secretary Amar Singh lauded the efforts of the retired officials and assured his full support to them. He released new edition of the retired officials directory.

COURTS

High Court
Lecturer released from Nari Niketan
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 22
The road to matrimony, meandering through legal terrain, has finally taken Mandeep away from Nari Niketan.

Married, separated and got together with her husband, the young lecturer with a local college was sent to the Nari Niketan by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. But she was, this evening, released from the institute after satisfying the court that she was not a minor and was married.

Before parting with her release orders, Justice Rakesh Kumar Jain directed the authorities concerned to provide adequate security to the petitioner for the protection of her life and liberty.

Appearing before the court, Mandeep had earlier said she was “married” and wanted to go and stay with her “husband” Amardeep Singh Gill, a statement in complete variance with the one made earlier before the court.

Mandeep Kaur had initially claimed she had tied the knot with Gill after severing family ties in May this year. Soon after she moved a petition before the high court seeking protection for the couple from the groom’s family. But with the passage of time, it is believed that resistance to the marriage changed into acceptance and the boy’s family agreed to the match.

Mandeep Kaur came to Chandigarh on May 22 and stayed with her parents till June 11, but was disallowed to meet her husband. Her counsel Lakhwinder Singh Sidhu told the court that subsequently, Mandeep Kaur, under tremendous pressure, made a statement before the court that she was not married, and the boy was blackmailing her. The “groom” also made the same statement before the court under similar circumstances.

But the “bride” again moved to the court for protection against her family. As the matter came up for hearing, Justice Jain was not entirely satisfied with the “bride’s conduct” and sought explanation for the changing stands from time to time.

Appointment challenged

The appointment of Dr Raj Bahadur as principal-director of the Sector-32 Government Medical College and Hospital has come under the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which was today challenged on the ground of his continuation on the post even after attaining the age of 58 years.

Taking up the petition, Justice Jasbir Singh issued notice of motion to the Union ministry of health and family welfare, UT administration and Dr Bahadur for October 21. They have been asked to file replies to the issues raised by local lawyer Ranjan Lakhanpal in his petition.

Lakhanpal has asserted that Dr Bahadur was selected and appointed as principal-director on December 1, 2007, and was to continue till November 30, 2008. After the completion of his tenure, Dr Bahadur was given another extension contrary to the rules, even though he was to retire on June 4 on attaining the age of 58 years.

Seeking his removal, counsel for the petitioner alleged that the UT administration’s decision to extend the tenure beyond June 4 was illegal and should be removed from the post.

Rs 1,000 fine on Sec-26 shop
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 22
The District Consumer Disputes and Redressal Forum has directed Harri Hyperstore, Sector 26, to pay Rs 1,000 to a complainant as she fell sick after consuming a wafer bought from it. The complainant, Karnica, a resident of Sector 18, had purchased various items on February 18, 2009, from Harri Hyperstore. On February 22, she opened Tiffany Orange Cream Wafer and consumed one wafer, she found some peculiar semi-sold substance in her mouth along with the wafer. To her utter dismay, when she checked the wafer, she was shocked to found that it contained a rubber band of which she had consumed a considerable part. After sometime, she started feeling dizzy and vomited thrice. She felt uncomfortable with persistent diarrhoea. She was rushed to Sector 16 General Hospital Emergency Ward where after check-up, she was given medical treatment for vomiting diarrhoea and allergy. It was alleged that the wafer was adulterated and contained a rubber band which was contaminated and severely injurious to health, thus, making it utmost unfit for human consumption.

In its reply, the store denied that these products were purchased by the complainant. It was also denied that the wafer, which she allegedly bought from the shop, contained any rubbery semi solid substance.

CRIME

Man booked for cheating
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 22
The police has booked a man on the charges of cheating for allegedly practising ayurvedic medicine in Sector 47 on a fake degree. Assistant director homeopathic DIR, Ayush Rajeshwer Rana, DIR of ayurvedic dispensary, Sector 24, filed a complaint against Om Parkash for allegedly practising on a fake degree from a booth in Sector 47.

The police has registered a case of cheating under Section 420 of the IPC and Section 15 (3) of the India Medicine Council Act, 1956, and under Section 6 of the Indian Medical Degree Act, 1916, and Sections 17/4 of the Indian Medical Central Council Act, 1970, against the accused.

Liquor seized

The police has arrested a man and a woman from different parts of the city on the charges of illegally possessing liquor. The police arrested Vicky of Sector 56 from near his residence last evening and recovered 90 quarters of country made wine from him.

In another incident, the police arrested Rajni from the road separating Sectors 55 and 56 last evening while allegedly carrying 25 nips of country made liquor.

Two separate cases under the provisions of the Excise Act have been registered against the accused.

Theft

Sammy Singla of Sector 38 reported that someone had stolen his gold chain from his residence today. A case of theft has been registered.

Burglars decamp with valuables worth Rs 30,000
Tribune News Service

Mohali, September 22
Burglars decamped with valuables worth around Rs 30,000 after breaking into three shops in Sector 66 here late last night.

Gulab Singh Gupta, owner of a grocery shop, told the burglars held the chowkidar of the market and tied him up and ransacked the shops while looking for cash and valuables.

In a complaint lodged with the police, shopkeepers while referring to the statement of the chowkidar stated that the burglars were armed with two pistols and threatened the chowkidar to keep mum otherwise they would kill him. Only after the burglars left the scene, the chowkidar freed himself and informed the shopkeepers about the incident.

The police said a case had been registered.

Two held in accident case
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 22
The police arrested two persons, who were staying as paying guests in Sector 22, for allegedly ramming their car into another car in an inebriated condition in the locality in the wee hours today.

No one from the locality lodged a formal complaint against the miscreants, said the police, which ultimately booked them under the provisions of the Police Act.

Sources said the miscreants, Dinesh Kaul and Ajay Kumar, were returning after attending a late night party. On their way back home, their Ford Ikon car met with an accident in Sector 11.

The youth, however, managed to reach a compromise and went ahead driving in an inebriated condition to their residence in Sector 22.

When they reached their locality, the driver of the car lost control over his vehicle, which was rammed into a car before hitting fence of a park in the locality. The residents called the police, which reached there, but no one reportedly lodged a formal complaint.

In-charge of the Sector-22 police post said the accused were arrested and booked under Section 34, 5 and 61 of the Police Act. Both the accused are working with a private company in Panchkula.

SPORTS

CBSE Badminton
Shivalik lads thrash JK school
Tribune News Service

Gaurav of Sachdeva Public School plays during the North Zone Badminton Tournament in Mohali on Tuesday. A Tribune photograph

Mohali, September 22
Hosts Shivalik Public School, Mohali, beat JK Public School, Jammu, in the under-14 boys’ category and reach in the quarterfinals with a spectacular win in the CBSE North Zone-I Badminton Tournament with a score of 2-0 here.

In the under-14 girls’ category, Hansraj Public School, Panchkula, thrashed New Era Public School, Delhi (2-0).

A total 56 teams in the three categories for boys and girls under-14, under-16 and and under-19 categories are participating in the tournament.

Results:

Girls’ U-14: Hansraj Public School, Panchkula, beat New Era Public School, Delhi, singles (21-12, 21-18) doubles (21-12,21-14); Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School, Chandigarh, beat Bhawan Vidyalya Senior Secondary School, Chandigarh, singles (21-04, 21-14) and doubles (21-03, 21-04).

Girls’ U-16: Birla Vidya Niketan, Delhi, beat Shivalik Public School, Mohali, singles (21-08, 21-07) doubles (21-07,21-05); DC Model School, Panchkula, beat MCL Saraswati Bal Mandir, Delhi, singles (21-15, 21-10) doubles (21-08,21-15); BL Central Public School, Himachal Pradesh, beat Manav Mangal Smart School, Mohali, singles (21-11, 21-13) doubles (21-04, 21-12).

Girls’ U-19: MCL Saraswati Bal Mandir, Delhi, beat JK Public School, Jammu, singles (21-05, 21-05) doubles (21-09, 21-01); Chaman Lal Senior Secondary School, Panchkula, beat Shivalik Public School, Mohali; Birla Vidya Niketan, Delhi, beat Lawrence Public School, Mohali, singles (21-08, 21-13) doubles (21-07, 21-04).

Boys’ U-14: Shivalik Public School, Mohali, beat JK Public School, Jammu; Bal Bharti Public School, Rohini, beat Birla Vidya Niketan, Delhi, singles (21-05, 21-10) doubles (21-11, 21-17); BL Public School, Himachal Pradesh beat St Marks Senior Secondary School, Delhi, singles (21-17, 21-17) doubles (21-12,21-10); Chaman Lal Senior Secondary School, Panchkula, beat Guru Nanak Public School, Nalagarh, singles (21-03, 21-07) doubles (21-01,21-03); Shivalik Public School, Mohali, beat JK Public School, Jammu, singles (21-10, 21-18) doubles (21-07, 21-14).

Boys’ U-16: Manav Mangal Smart School, Mohali, beat Bal Bharti, Rohini, Delhi, singles (21-13, 21-18) doubles (21-13, 21-12); St Marks Senior Secondary School, Delhi, beat JK Public School, Jammu, singles (21-15, 24-22) doubles (21-11,21-06); Moti Ram Arya Senior Secondary School, Chandigarh, beat Lawrence Public School, Delhi, singles (21-08, 21-10) doubles (21-17, 21-16); MCL Saraswati Bal Mandir, Delhi, beat Shivalik Public School, Mohali, singles (21-15, 21-10) doubles (21-16, 21-12).

Boys’ U-19: DPS, Chandigarh, beat Gem Public School, singles (21-10, 21-7) doubles (21-09, 21-08); Hansraj Public School, Panchkula, beat Shivalik Public School, Mohali, singles (21-12, 21-08) doubles (21-17, 21-14); ASN Senior Secondary School, Delhi, beat Geeta Adarsh Vidyalya, Solan, singles (21-01, 21-06) doubles (21-05, 21-08); Chaman Lal Senior Secondary School, Panchkula, beat MCL Saraswati Bal Mandir Delhi, singles (21-02, 21-10) doubles (21-08, 21-10).