Ludhiana, October 15
Armed robbers decamped with Rs 3.8 lakh after overpowering four watchmen, leaving one of them injured, from SCD Government College, Ludhiana, in the wee hours today.

The injured watchman, identified as 54-year-old Teja Singh, was rushed to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) in a critical condition. He sustained stab injuries on his neck.

The incident came to light this morning when one of the watchmen, who was tied, was able to free himself and informed the college principal about the incident.

According to the police, the robbery took place at around 1:30 am. It is learnt that except Teja Singh, all other watchmen were fast asleep.

The watchmen alleged that 14 youths, with their faces covered, entered the college premises by scaling a wall. Sahukar, a watchman, who was deputed at the main gate, said: “They entered my room and tied my hands and feet with ropes. They then rushed towards the administrative office.”

The robbers, who spoke Hindi and Punjabi, then entered the old hall of the college and overpowered two other watchmen, Jaghmohan and Om Prakash. After tying the duo, the robbers entered the administrative hall and attacked Teja Singh, who tried to stop the robbers from entering the office of the superintendent of accounts, where the cash was kept.

The robbers then broke open the locks, ransacked the office and took the keys of he safe where the cash was kept.

College principal Jasbir Kaur Makkar said: “On reaching the college, I realised the gravity of the situation and informed the police. A few professors who accompanied me to college rushd injured Teja Singh to hospital.”

Talking to The Tribune, DSP Raj Kumar said there were around eight robbers. They decamped with Rs 3.8 lakh by breaking open the locks of the accounts room. “We have recorded the statements of the watchmen and a case has been registered against unidentified robbers,” said the DSP.

Expressing concern over the incident, a senior professor said, “I have been associated with this college for the last 38 years. First, I studied in this college and later I joined as a professor, but I have never witnessed such a bizarre incident.”

The students, who had submitted their fee, were also anxious after the incident. “What will happen now, will the college authorities again demand money from us? How will we be able to pay the fees again,” said some students of MA-I.

Ludhiana, October 15
With Diwali shopping at its full swing, the city roads have virtually become a madhouse for the last about two weeks.

The traffic management and enforcement being pathetic in the mega city, the crowd of shoppers, vehicles, coupled with illegal extension of shops, kiosks and even leading showrooms to display their merchandise, both in the old city and the posh commercial areas, have wreaked havoc on the flow of traffic.

In many congested markets, especially in the wholesale markets in the old city, it is very difficult to even walk or cross the road during the day. Traffic jams for hours together in most of the shopping areas have become a routine and at times, brawls between drivers, caught in the traffic jam, or other road users take an ugly turn.

The biggest culprits to add to the traffic woes of city population, feel a majority of the residents, are shopkeepers and vendors, who encroach upon the footpaths, or verandahs in front of the busy markets to display their goods. Most of the shopkeepers stack their wares outside their shops, causing major obstruction to the flow of traffic with no consideration to the inconvenience that their unlawful acts cause to the people.

“Even if allowances are made for inadequate parking space in most of the shopping centres or busy markets, the total lack of road sense among the drivers is another major factor traffic condition on the roads, which seems to be worsening by the day," says a septuagenarian social activist, who has seen the immense growth of people and motor vehicles in the city over the period.

“As the population has increased manifold and the vehicle population is bursting at its seams, the people have failed to develop the road sense or learn even the basic rules for safe driving on the roads or parking of vehicles,” he said.

Many shopkeepers in congested bazaars in the old city, or even posh showrooms in upmarket commercial areas like Sarbha Nagar, Ghumar Mandi and Mall Road, feel that traffic congestion has become a part of the city culture and people have to learn to live with this necessary evil. “The customers have to make purchases from a particular showroom.

If there is no parking space available, they have no other choice but to park the vehicles on the roadside,” remarked owner of a textile showroom in Ghumar Mandi.

Traffic cops, most of the times, find the situation beyond them to intervene and set things right, so they just give in. “At times, it is the right thing to do," justifies a police official, requesting not to be quoted. 

Ludhiana, October 15
Even as the earthen diyas and traditional candles are fast losing out to artificial colourful lights, the impact of Chinese gadgets can be easily felt in city markets.

Chinese products are dominating Diwali shopping this year. From gifts, candles, lights and flowers, everything is “Made in China”. Due to their low rates and easy availability, Chinese products are becoming popular in the city.

Even the traditional lampshades, a symbol of festivity in every house during Diwali, have been replaced by Chinese ones. People find Chinese lampshades more attractive and cheap. Besides, decorative lights, flowers and even idols of Gods and Goddesses are Chinese.

These coloured lampshades that are usually hung outside the house during Diwali are made of coloured transparent sheets. While the Indian lampshades are usually made of paper, the Chinese ones are available in various attractive colours. Available in different hues like red, yellow, blue, orange, magenta and pink, these lampshades are more attractive than the Indian ones.

Same is the case with artificial flowers and decorative lights. Chinese products are more fancy. “Lights in the shape of candles and lamps are a hit. People buy these for decorating the place near the idols,” said a shopkeeper selling fancy lights.

“Though the Chinese lampshades and lights seem to be costly, but they are available at very nominal rates. Starting from Rs 30, these shades go up to Rs 250. While the traditional lampshades are used only during Diwali, but Chinese lampshades also serve the purpose after the festival is over,” said Ramesh, a shopkeeper at Ghumar Mandi.

While the Chinese traders are making quick bucks, the Indian artists are bearing the brunt. “It is only during Diwali that we use to make some extra money by selling colourful lampshades, but now with the invasion of Chinese products, we have lost our share,” said Kishore Chand, an artist sitting at a roadside at Ferozepur Road.

A customer buying Chinese lampshades agrees that though a few years back she was fond of the traditional lampshades but now she has switched over to the Chinese ones. “These lampshades do not look odd even if they are hung after Diwali. The rich and fast colours with laces and dragons make them more attractive," she said.

Ludhiana, October 15
As far as celebrating festivals are concerned, residents in the city make no compromises to celebrate each festival with religious fervour. The festival of Dhanteras was celebrated with similar spirits by residents today. Huge rush was witnessed outside shops selling utensils, silver and gold items and traffic congestions were witnessed throughout the city.

Dhanteras or Dhanwantri Jayanti is celebrated by Hindus all over India and across the world in the month of October or November, on 13th day of the month of Ashwin. It marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali celebrations.

People consider it auspicious to purchase gold, silver, iron, copper, brass and new utensils on Dhanteras.

Generally, people purchase gold and silver idols of Lord Ganesha and Lakshmi. Those who cannot afford to purchase expensive products, buy ordinary utensils for home, which are worshipped on Diwali by entire family.

Subhash Aggarwal, dealing in steel and brass utensils at Ghumar Mandi, said, “Dhanteras is the occasion, when shopkeepers got very good returns. Starting from steel plates to bowls and glasses, maximum utensils are purchased on the occasion. Religious sentiments are attached with such festivals,” said Aggarwal.

Huge rush of customers was witnessed since morning in several markets, including Ghumar Mandi, Model Town, Chaura Bazaar, Sarabha Nagar, Dandi Swami and College Road.

Geeta Chandok, a housewife, whose husband gifted her a 50 gram gold coin, said, “Though I had already purchased silver idols of Ganesha and Lakshmi, this surprise was something additional. This means Ma Lakshmi will shower her blessings on us throughout the year. It is a good sign,” she added.

Ludhiana, October 15
Despite having seized more than 700 quintals of spurious khoya and other sweets from various sweetmeat shops and cold stores in the city and its adjoining areas, the Department of Health and Family Welfare has refused to disclose their names.

Out of the total 46 samples taken by the health officials in the past two weeks, the department has disclosed the results of only three samples, which were taken during a raid conducted on a sweetmeat outlet in Doraha.

However, the results of remaining 43 samples collected from other sweetmeat shops, cold stores are awaited, which has added to the dilemma of the people who are uncertain about the "quality" of the sweets available even in the leading shops.

When contacted, Civil Surgeon, Ludhiana, Dr Maninderjeet Singh said the names would be revealed from the department's head office in Chandigarh.

Amarjit Singh Tikka, director, food processing industry, who is also a Congress activist, said the Congress workers would hold a protest outside the office of the Civil Surgeon tomorrow. “It is in the public interest to disclose the names of the sweetmeat outlets as spurious sweets can lead to multiple health problems.” 

Ludhiana, October 15
In order to clear the rush of passengers for the concluding function of Guru-ta-gaddi samagam being held in Nanded in Maharashtra), the Railways will run special train from Amrtisar and Chandigarh from October 16.

According to railway officials, the Amrtisar-Nanded Superfast Express will run from Amritsar on October 16 and 21, while the up train will run from Nanded on October 18 and 23.

The down train, with stoppages at Jalandhar Cantt, Ludhiana, Sirhind, Ambala, Delhi Safdarjung, Agra Cantt, Jhansi, Bhopal, Itarsi, Khandwa, Bhusawal, Akola and Purna, will depart from Amrtisar at 13.40 hrs and reach Nanded at 00.30 hrs the next day. From Nanded, the train will leave at 13.00 hrs to reach Amrtisar at 23.00 hrs the next day.

The train will have 3-tier AC, sleeper and general class accommodation.

Similarly, the Garib Rath special train will run between Nanded and Chandigarh, leaving Nanded at 07.45 hrs on October 15, 19 and 23. From Chandigarh, the train will leave on October 17, 21 and 25 at 09.25 hrs.

With 3-tier AC accommodation, the train will have stoppages at Ambala Cantt, Panipat, Delhi Safdarjung, Agra Cantt, Jhansi, Bhopal, Itarsi, Khandwa, Bhusawal, Manmad and Aurangabad.

Ludhiana, October 15
An Industrial meeting of the Small Scale Industry Development Board (SSIDB), Punjab government, was held at Udyog Bhawan, Chandigarh, yesterday.

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal chaired the meeting. Inderjit Singh Pardhan, chairman of SSIDB, Vinod Jain, vice-chairman of SSIDB and members of the board, along with senior officials from state government took part.

Several issues and problems of small scale industries were discussed. Pradhan said as there was no clarity about House Tax on industry, CM directed the officers concerned to have a meeting with the industry and submit a report.

The industry also requested to extend the date of e-filing of VAT returns.

"About electricity power load for micro and small category of units, the load of 100 KW was requested to be granted upto 150 KW. The CM has formed a three-member committee to consider the issue and report to him within 15 days,” said the chairman.

On behalf of the Chamber of Industrial & Commercial Undertakings (CICU), Upkar Singh, joint secretary, represented the chamber in the meeting. It was also decided that such meetings should be held quarterly in Chandigarh.

Ludhiana, October 15
The Zila Parishad has launched a pilot project at Rurka village, around 20 km from here, to clean stinking rural ponds.

Each pond will be partitioned and cleaned by draining out the water, according to zila parishad chairman Manpreet Singh Aiyali.

This will not only help clean ponds, but will also help facilitate a hygienic and healthy environment for the villagers.

Urging gram panchayats to adopt the technique, he has added that the feasibility of using this water for irrigation can be studied.

Ludhiana, October 15
Constituents of about 40 branches of State Bank of India falling under the jurisdiction of Region I of Punjab vowed to tackle growing menace of fake currency notes.

Oath was taken in response to a call given by S Kaul, assistant general manager, issue department, Reserve Bank of India, during a special workshop at the zonal office in Ludhiana here today.

Tarun Sood, assistant general manager, Regional Business Office, Region (I), said various officials from different branches of the SBI had vowed to play an active role in curbing the menace by spreading awareness about essential, security and distinguished features of currency notes among masses.

Claiming that his office had already initiated process for procurement of required number of electronic note sorting machines, Sood said he had directed all concerned that periodic reports on tendering of fake notes at counters and their disposal should be submitted according to the directives of the RBI.

Special awareness camps would be organised at public places, including educational institutes and meeting places of trader’s associations, he added.

Earlier, S Kaul illustrated various features of currency notes of various denominations to members of various financial and constitutional organisations.

Doraha, October 15
Students of Guru Nanak National College, Doraha, brought laurels to the institution by securing 21 prizes (group and individual) in the Ludhiana Zone-A Youth Festival of Panjab University being organised at Kamla Lohtia Sanatan Dharam College, Ludhiana.

Events, which were placed at the first position were group shabad, light music (gazal), group dance (general), drama and skit, while students, who won the first prizes were Karam Singh (shabad), Shaunki (group singing and light music gazal).

Events, which secured the second position, were group singing (Indian), gidha and mimicry.

Students bagging second prizes were Karam Singh (classical music vocal), Rajvir Kaur (group dance general), Karamjit Kaur (play entitled “Ishq Baaj Namaaz Da Haj Nahi”) and Manpreet Kaur (poem recitation).

The third prize was won by the quiz team of the college and individual prizes went to Gurmit Singh (skit), Mandeep Kaur (short story writing), Beant Kaur (on-the-spot painting), Manjit Singh (group shabad), Kanak Gupta (cartooning) and Kuldip Singh (histrionics).

Students of the college ensured their active participation in various events like instrumental (percussion and non-percussion), orchestra Indian, group folk orchestra, folk instruments, embroidery, pakhi designing, crochet work, knitting, mehndi designing, traditional songs and ritualistic songs of Punjab and Punjabi folk dance during the fest.

Rope Barer, president of the college, Prof Belinda Singh Pangali, general secretary, director Jaswant Singh Gill and principal Narinder Singh Sidhu congratulated winners.

Ludhiana, October 15
Bal Bharati Public School celebrated Diwali with gaiety and fervour today. The whole campus was adorned with colourful rangolis and diyas. The celebrations started with spectacular dance performance by tiny tots of Mont-I on the song “Happy Diwali”.

Diwali is celebrated throughout India without any distinction of caste, creed and religion. Mont-I children gave different reasons to celebrate Diwali. Utsav of Mont-I B conveyed the message that Diwali not only signified Lord Rama's victory over demon Ravna, but it also celebrated Mata Laxmi's birthday welcoming her in everyone's home and life.

Siya of Mont-I F conveyed the message that Pandavas also returned from exile on the same day, while Hardik of Mont-I D said the great king of Hindus Vikramaditya was coronated on Diwali. Jasraj of Mont-I C said it was a Red Letter Day for Sikhs. The foundation stone of The Golden Temple was laid on Diwali in 1577.

The day is also special, as the sixth Guru Hargobind was released, along with 52 kings. Dhriti of Mont-I F said Maharashi Dayananda Saraswati, one of the greatest reformers of Arya Samaj, attended “Nirvana” on the day of Diwali. Kriti Jangra of nursery C recited a poem on Diwali.

Laaqusha, Srishti Saini, Bhavya, Diya Singla, Pragya, Manveer, Khushal narrated Ramayana in the form of a short poem. Siddheshwar of Mont II D enthralled everybody with his poem on Diwali. Music teacher Parveen also presented a song on the festival of Diwali.

A rangoli competition was also held. Rajni Batra of Mont-II C, Shalini of Nursery C, Simran of Mont-I F, Ritu of I-B, Manju of I-A and Ruchika of Class III emerged winners.

Ludhiana, October 15
“Bad Man” of the film industry, Gulshan Grover today visited Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). The Open Air Theatre at PAU was abuzz with activities as cast and crew of the Punjabi film "Chhevan Dariya" were here to shot a few scenes for the film.

Entirely different from his villainous image, Grover is a down-to-earth and humble man. Grover's modest nature came as a surprise to students, as he shook hands and gave autographs to everyone who approached him.

He is playing the role of a retired professor, who takes extra classes of students and wants to teach them some moral values.

Speaking fluent Punjabi, he said, “I am a born Punjabi and Punjabi language is very close to my heart.”

"I am contented with the title "Bad Man" given to me by the industry. I am known for this and those who are close to me know me how good and bad I am," he adds.

"The message given through the film will be very loud. Punjab originally has five rivers and the title of the film points towards the sixth river, which has many connotations. It can be drugs, which is taking a toll on youngsters," he adds.

Binnu Dhillon, who has played several roles in films and serials will also be seen in this film. Hailing from Patiala, films were always his first choice and he termed working with Gulshan Grover as a lifetime experience for him.

Ludhiana, October 15
The work on the railway under bridge (RUB) at the Shastri Nagar railway crossing would be once again started from square one, as the Municipal Corporation has to conduct a feasibility survey from RITES again.

The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Municipal Commissioner AK Sinha in the presence of Municipal Corporation and railway officials at the Circuit House yesterday.

According to sources, the Municipal Corporation and the Railways differed in opinion as far as depth of the bridge was concerned.

The Railways had increased the depth of the under bridge by around 4 to 4.5 metres and had changed the dimensions, which were prescribed by the civic body experts in the detail project report (DPR) submitted by them.

Finally, it was decided among technical experts that a new survey needed to be done by RITES again to check the exact feasibility and work would be allotted soon.

The project if materialised would be a big relief for residents, as it is one of the major traffic bottlenecks in the city due to the railway crossing.

Ludhiana, October 15
The robbery incident that took place on October 3 at Bajwa Nagar, in which two robbers decamped with cash and demand drafts worth Rs 12 lakh after robbing a city-based trader, turned out to be a conspiracy of cousins, who run a business of cash for demand drafts (DDs).

Interestingly, one of the accomplices Jaswinder Singh Jassi, a resident of Khud Mohalla, who stage-managed the robbery along with his maternal cousin Gurderep Singh (Deepa) of Amritsar, was the complainant in the robbery case.

The startling fact came to light after the Division no. 4 police today, arrested Gurmeet and recovered Rs 2.50 lakh and stolen DDs of Rs 7.50 lakh.

During interrogation, Gurmeet said Jassi and Deepa planned the robbery and involved him in the conspiracy. Both Jassi and Deepa are on the run following the incident.

According to the police, Jassi, recently suffered loses in business and was planning to regain his financial status.

"After meeting Gurdeep, both of them planned to rob Rakesh Kumar, a trader in Bajwa Nagar," said SSP SS Gill.

It is learnt that Deepa, who met Gurmeet in Amritsar, four months ago, involved the latter in the conspiracy and offered him huge amount of money.

The SSP said, according to the plan, when Jassi handed over the cash to Rakesh, at his shop in Bajwa Nagar and collected the DDs, Jassi than called on Deepa's mobile phone. A few minutes later, both Deepa and Raju posing as robbers entered the shop and decamped with Rs 4.75 lakh and DDs worth Rs 8 lakh.

"We were quizzed as to why they thrashed Jassi before leavening the office, as there was no need. This raised suspicion and we called Jassi for inquiry but he never turned up," the SSP added.

Jassi and Deepa are still absconding. However, Gurmeet was produced before the court and was further sent to police remand.

Jagraon, October 15
The matches of AITA National U-18 Tennis Tournament, being played on campus of the Harvest Tennis Academy at Jassowal village near here were easy win for the seeds.

Result:

Girls U-18 singles (pre-quarters round):

1st Sharmada Balu (KAR) beat 15-Jaspreet Kaur (PB) 6-4, 6-1; 6-Ikttesh Chahal (CHD) beat Rutuja Bhosle (MAH) 6-2, 3-6, 6-4; 4-Mehak (CHD) beat 14-Gundeep Kaur (PB) 2-6,6-4, 6-2; 10-Samriti Joon (HAR) beat 5-Amrita Mukherjee (WB) 6-2, 6-3; 12-C Sai Samitha (TN) beat Teertha Iska (AP) 6-2, 6-1; 3-Shweta Rana (DLI) beat 13-Harnoor Kaur Maan (CHD) 6-2, 6-1; 8-Ravnoor Kaur (CHD) beat 9-Ankita Bhatia (DLI) 6-2, 6-3; 2-Prathana Thombare (MAH) beat Simran Kaur Sethi (DLI) 6-3, 6-1.

Boys U-18 singles (quarter finals):

1st Mohit Mayur Jayaprakesh (TN) beat 11-Irfan Hussain (TN) 6-3, 6-4; 4-Ramkumar Ramanathan (TN) beat 7-Rohit Bisht (DLI) 6-3, 6-1; 5-Vinod Gowda (KAR) beat 3-Shahbaaz Khan (MAH) 6-3, 6-2; 2-Ronit Bisht (DLI) beat Shaikh Abdullah (AP) 6-2, 6-0.

Girls U-18 doubles (semifinal):

1st Sharmada Balu (KAR) and Shweta Rana (DLI) beat Ikttesh Chahal (CHD) and Shilpa Naruka (CHD) 6-2, 6-2; Iska Teertha and Prarthana Thombare (MAH) beat 3-Smriti Joon (HAR) and Ankita Bhatia (HAR) 6-2, 6-2.

Boys U-18 doubles (semifinal):

1st Ronit Bisht (DLI) and Vinod Gowda (KAR) beat 3-Digvijay Singh Mehta (HP) and Shahbaaz Khan (MAH) 6-2, 6-1; 4-Arjun Kadhe (MAH) and Ramkumar Ramanathan (TN) beat 2-Rohit Bisht (DLI) and Mohit Mayur Jayaprakash (TN) 6-4, 4-6, 10-7.