Ludhiana, February 20
A 22-year-old youth paid the price for being in love. Prabhdeep succumbed to his injuries today after his beloved’s father allegedly shot him at, when he had gone to meet her on the night of February 9.

He breathed his last in the small hours today leaving the constant prayers of his parents unanswered. He could not be saved although doctors at DMC tried their best to bring this youth back to life. He remained in coma for all these days.

Prabhdeep was allegedly shot at by Gurvinder Singh, father of his beloved and a resident of Dugri, when he saw him entering his daughter’s room. The youth was allegedly hit with flowerpots also.

When the news of his death was broken to his parents in the morning today they were inconsolable. ‘‘Relationships help people in life. This relation consumed his life. I wish I had sent him abroad earlier. He would not have met such a fate had he not gone there, ’’ said his mother while crying bitterly.

According to a senior neurologist the bullet had damaged his brain and had got stuck there. They had not tried to take it out and were waiting for the wound to heal. But this was not to happen.

Heart-rending scenes were witnessed at his cremation today afternoon. ‘‘I could not even speak to him for the last time. He died while in coma, ’’ said a wailing KP Singh, father of Prabhdeep.

‘‘My son was attacked brutally. Neighbours have told me that Gurvinder had not only shot at my son in the neck, but also smashed flower pots on his head and repeatedly hit him with an iron road which resulted in grievous injuries,” he added.

The family had to undergo a lot of stress in the past also when girl’s family had objected to their relationship. His family had taken a promise from Prabhdeep that he would never meet her. But this was not to happen.

SI Amandeep Singh, in charge of the Dugri police chowki, said the police was looking for the accused and the case of attempt to murder already registered against the accused has been converted into a murder case. 

Ludhiana, February 20
Learning from the bitter experiences of the past, the city police last evening booked a sarpanch and his accomplice for removing the religious flag of a particular community that led to a clash between two communities and left six injured near Bonker village.

According to the police, nine persons, including three women, were booked for the assault.

The accused have been identified as Balwinder, Joginder, Hardev Singh Lala, Kali, Kukki, Sukhdev Sito, Veena and Debi.

Davinder Kumar, SHO, Laddowal, said timely registration of cases against the culprits did not let the situation to flare up further.

The incident took place after sarpanch Lakhwinder Singh allegedly removed the religious flag belonging to a particular community in order to take possession on an inn.

The situation turned grim after leaders of the community, backed by members of the Ambedkar Sena and the BSP, took to the streets and the GT Road to register their protest.

Lakhwinder Singh along with two other persons has been arrested while the religious flag has been reinstalled at the village dharamshala in order to pacify the agitated mob.

A police official on duty said mild cane charge was carried out to disburse the crowd so as to not let the situation to escalate further.

Police Commissioner Ishwar Singh said: “Action has been taken and both groups have been pacified. The situation is under control.”

Ludhiana, February 20
The controversy surrounding the possession of 1kg Bhagwant Memorial Gold Cup refuses to die down and if both factions of the Grewal Sports Association (GSA) would remain on the loggerheads then this year’s edition of the Kila Raipur rural game might put an end to the rural Olympics.

Gurvinder Singh Grewal, joint secretary of this year’s organising committee, has threatened the rival group led by Paramjit Singh that if the latter would not handover the gold cup to his group then they would also reciprocate in similar manner and would not allow them to use Grewal Stadium legally owned by him.

Gurvinder Singh claims himself to be the legal heir of the land where the games are being organised.

He said it is his ancestral land and he and his relative are its rightful owners.

He claimed that if in future the group led by Parmajit Singh got the opportunity to organise the rural sports festival then he would not allow them to use the 7-acre stretch upon which the games were being organised.

“I still welcome them with open arms. Come join us and help us in organising the tournament. They are the respectable senior members of the GSA and have lots of experience in organising the rural fest. If a youth like Gurpinder Singh Grewal wants to serve the association then what is the harm in it. We should all encourage the youngsters to come forward and it is important in order to keep the tradition of sports culture alive,” said Gurvinder Singh and added that hostile attitude would further breed anger and this would ultimately damage the glorious legacy.

“This is a world rural fest and it is known by its name. People throng in the stadium, to watch the games because these are organised in Kila Raipur. It would be just like other rural sports fest. If it would not be organised on this land,” said Gurvinder Singh Grewal.

Expressing concern over state of affair and the fight over the controversy of controlling the 1 kg Bhagwant Memorial Hockey Gold Cup senior hockey player of the village said the ongoing fight had put a dent on the image of tournament and if the owner would refuse to provide the land then where the games would be organized.

Despite repeated attempt none of the members from the Paramjit groups was available for comments.

Ludhiana, February 20
The sale of adulterated spices in the wholesale market near Naulakha cinema goes on unabated, putting the health of city residents at risk.

Residents are being subjected to multiple health problems. A majority of spice merchants are operating without a valid licence from the department of health and family welfare, thereby violating the provisions of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act.

Following complaints, officials of the health department yesterday initiated a drive against adulteration. Ludhiana civil surgeon Dr Maninderjit Singh also ordered ban on sale of unpacked spices at the wholesale as well as retail outlets.

Singh warned the spice traders not to sell spices without licence. “Regular raids will be carried out on spice merchants and traders selling spices without licence and those found selling species without sealed packs will be booked under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act," the civil surgeon said.

A senior city-based physician said that anybody defying the law should be taken to task. “The traders are selling open spices, which are kept in big containers without any mention of manufacturing or expiry date. Also, the traders are mixing toxic colours, saw dust, cow dung, papaya seeds to increase the quantity spices,” he said.

Shama, a resident of Fieldganj, rued: “It’s strange that merchants, who were booked for adulteration over a year back, are fearlessly running the outlets that were sealed during the raids.” 

Ludhiana, February 20
Rotary Club, Ludhiana, has established a computer lab in Shree Atam Vallabh Jain College, Hussainpura village, for rural students.

The lab is equipped with 40 computers, four printers, a LCD TV and has been established with a grant of $23,000 given by the Rotary Club of Cynthiana, USA, and the Rotary International.

Talking to Ludhiana Tribune, college principal Dr Anuradha said, "Every year, during summer vacations, we impart computer lessons to students from the adjoining rural areas at a nominal fee of Rs 100. With this lab in place now, rural students will get computer training free-of-cost."

She added, "Whosoever wants to take lessons in computer basics, is welcome." She said 10 Rotarians from the college, led by Jose Sebestian, adopted 10 students of the adjoining villages to impart computer education to them under the 'Each One Teach One' programme of the college Rotary Club.

"Every week, these students will be given computer lessons for three hours by MBA students, who have adopted them. The project is a part of the 'literacy mission' of the college Rotarians," said Anuradha.

Earlier, the computer lab was inaugurated by Rotary district governor KC Kalra in the presence of PDG Suresh Chaudhary, DG nominee Sanjiv Sethi, president Kanti Behal and former president KK Dhir.

Ludhiana, February 20
The palpitation of stock exchange brokers, which generally remains on the higher side, came to normal and they felt much relieved as Swami Dhirendra, an yoga expert from Bhubaneshwar, Orrisa, taught them some stress-relieving techniques.

A number of brokers, workers at the Ludhiana Stock Exchange (LSE) practiced meditation and yoga during a workshop conducted by Swami Dhirendra on the LSE premises.

He gave them useful tips to get relief from stress immediately. He said that by practicing yoga, especially pranayam, one could be de-stressed within minutes. The only thing is that one should know the right techniques of pranayam. “You should adopt a habit to practice yoga as the profession like yours is very stressful. Mental tensions block the thought process of the mind and one needs to get relieved from these tensions and depressions. Secondly, major ailments related to heart, stomach, respiration, skin and obesity can be cured with daily practice of certain asanas,” he said.

Since the nature of job of stockbrokers requires continuous sitting with eyes on computers and laptops, the yoga guru gave participants many tips on improving their eyesight and stamina. “Meditation comes after yoga. After paying concentration on body parts through yoga, meditation provides relief and relaxation to the mind. Control on mind and body is important in life,” he said adding that in the times of recession, meditation was of utmost importance for those dealing in shares.

Earlier, the trading in the stock exchange was done through an open-house system, but now trading, buying and selling of shares was screen-based, which require lot of attention. He said: “The brokers complain of problems related to neck, spinal chord, eyes and legs because of continuous strain. Yoga is the only answer to all these problems.” 

Ludhiana, February 20
With a view to create awareness about the ill-effects of drugs and the importance of following traffic rules, the Punjab College of Technical Education (PCTE) today organised a cross-country run.

The theme of the run was "Say no to drugs” and “Follow traffic rules". SP (Traffic) Rupinder Singh flagged off the run from campus II to campus I of the PCTE Group of Institutes. Over 1,500 students from all the colleges of the PCTE participated in the run, which was an integral part of the athletics meet of the PCTE Group of Institutes.

“The objective behind the run was to promote awareness among the people of the city regarding the ill-effects of drugs and encouraging the youth to say no to drugs,” said Dr KNS Kang, director-general of the PCTE Group of Institutes.

The run also highlighted the importance of traffic rules and tips were given to students, faculty and staff of the college regarding the same.

Results:

In the boys’ category, students of BCA-I (A) won the first position followed by BCA-I (B) and BBA-I (B).

In the girls’ section, students of BBA-I (D) won the first position followed by BCA-II (B) and BCA- I (C).

Mandi Ahmedgarh, February 20
The Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC) in Chandigarh has sought a report from the state government, Department of Home Affairs and Justice and the SSP Ludhiana (Rural), for an alleged inaction on the part of the police in connection with a complaint lodged by Paramjit Kaur of Brahampur village.

The complainant had accused at least seven persons, including her husband Gurbachan Singh of Maherna Kalan, father-in-law Malkit Singh and mother-in-law Nachhattar Kaur, for allegedly subjecting her to physical and psychological harassment and preparing fake ‘divorce papers’.

The Naujwan Bharat Sabha, an NGO, fighting for the cause of the distressed women and the downtrodden, has also launched an agitation against the police.

Denying allegations levelled against them, the defendants maintained that the complainant had left the house after entering into a compromise with her in-laws.

In a communication addressed to higher authorities, including the PSHRC chairman, Param Kaur, a mother of two daughters had accused the Ludhiana (Rural) police of acting on the behest of her in-laws, who according to her had thrown her out of the house about 10 months ago.

The suspects had also threatened to get her brother booked in a false case in case she failed to bring Rs 1 lakh from her parents. Her younger daughter died for want of proper medical care later.

Though Paramjit was called to the Dehlon police station and at the SSP office in Jagraon time and again, no action was taken against the suspects. Rather the cops had tried to pressurise her to reach a compromise with her father-in-laws who enjoyed a political clout in the region.

Taking prima facie cognizance of the contents of the complaint, PSHRC chairman has directed the SSP Ludhiana (Rural) and the principal secretary, Department of Home Affairs, to file a report under Section 17 (1) of the Protection of Human Rights Act on sequence of events leading to plight of the complainant.

Meanwhile, activists of the Naujwan Bharat Sabha lead by Bhupinder Singh Longowal and Pardeep Lohatbaddi marched through Brahampur, Rachhin, Maherna and Barundi village to mobiles people against alleged unconcern of the police towards complaint lodged by Paramjit Kaur. A protest rally would also be organised in front of the Latala Chowki, the activists added. 

Ludhiana, February 20
More than 120 patients were examined at 89th diabetes camp organised by NIMA, Ludhiana, under the community service project at Diabetes Free World in Shivpuri.

Team of the National Integrated Medical Association (NIMA) doctors led by Dr Surendra Gupta, Dr Rajesh Thapar, Dr Inder Sharma, Dr KK Kharbanda, Dr Diwaker Sharma, Dr KK Sharma, Dr Satinder Kakkar and Dr Diwaker Sharma examined the patients during the camp.

Dr Surendra Gupta said those suffering from diabetes, hypertension, blood sugar and blood pressure were examined and were given medical advice for diet, exercise and lifestyle-related modifications free of cost.

Dr Kulwant Singh, cardiologist, Kulwant Heart Institute, was also present to examine patients suffering from heart diseases.

He said diabetes and heart attacks were proving to be major killers in India. Rising incidence of diabetes, hypertension and coronary artery disease or heart attacks is directly related to modern stressful living and faulty diet pattern, he added. 

Jagraon, February 20
The district consumer redressal forum in Ludhiana has passed a judgement in favour of an old woman who was wrongly told to deposit huge amount by the Jagraon PSEB officials. Kaushalaya Devi (76), a widow and heart patient, was wrongly told to deposit Rs 39,453 in her electricity bill that she had received on June 23, 2009. She owned the electric meter No. 2121315 and her consumer A/c no. is U21CF 680235. In fact the bill of some other consumer with meter No. SP 24/0195 was shown as her billing amount.

Baffled after being told to deposit such a huge amount, she approached senior local PSEB officials and in Ludhiana but to no avail. Having no other option, she moved the district consumer redressal forum against the PSEB officials’ highhandedness. As per the law she deposited half of her bill worth Rs 19,772 with the department on July 16, 2009. On December 1, 2009, the forum passed the order in her favor and directed the PSEB authorities to refund the excess bill received within 45 days along with Rs 1000 as expenses of the case.

Hapless Kaushalaya Devi while talking to The Tribune said though more than two-and-a-half month have passed since the judge passed order in her favor, the PSEB officials had failed to refund the amount intentionally. The officials were referring her to one or the other officer just in order to delay her payment. Neither the XEN nor the SDO is listening to her woes. She said if she were not paid the refund, she would sue the PSEB officials for contempt of the court. However, when contacted, both SDO and the XEN said they were trying to refund the amount as soon as possible.

However, they maintained that there were some formalities to be completed by her. 

Ludhiana, February 20
Harmandeep Kaur, BA final year student, was declared the best athlete during the two-day 67th edition of annual athletics meet of the Government College for Women that concluded here today. Ramandeep Kaur came out triumphant in the 100m sprint and was named the fastest runner and in the grueling 1,500m-race, Dolly outperformed her opponents to fetch the title.

Deputy Commissioner, Ludhiana, Vikas Garg, distributed prizes among position holders. Principal RK Aulakh congratulated the winners.

Sharanjit Kaur, head, physical education department, read out the annual sports report that highlighted students achievements during the current session.

Senior PTA vice-president, Manju Vinayak, Teja Singh Dhaliwal, secretary, Punjab Basketball Association, Jathedar Golwaria, Raja Singh and faculty members were present during the prize distribution function.

Results: 100-m race-Ramandeep Kaur 1st; Pooja Kumari 2nd and Pawandeep Kaur 3rd; javelin throw-Jasdeep Kaur 1st; Mamta 2nd and Navjot Kaur 3rd; obstacle race-Dolly 1st, Pardeep 2nd and Navjot Kaur 3rd. 200-m race-Ramandeep Kaur 1st; Pooja Kumari 2nd and Pawandeep Kaur 3rd; 400-m race- Ramandeep Kaur 1st; Dolly Kumari 2nd and Pawandeep Kaur 3rd; 1500-m race-Dolly Kumari 1st; Pardeep Kaur 2nd and Harman 3rd. Sack race-Manpreet Kaur 1st; Mamta 2nd and Isha 3rd; spoon-tomato race-Kiran Rani 1st and Geeeta 2nd; Three-legged race-Maninder and Sukhdeep 1st, Simranjeet and Hardeep Kaur 2nd and Gagandeep and Gurleen 3rd. Staff race- Sudarshan Mehta 1st; Maninder Kaur 2nd and Surinder Kaur 3rd; Chatti race-Promila 1st; Rukmani 2nd and Navjot 3rd; guest race- Khushpal 1st; BS Aulakh 2nd and Kusum 3rd; Lab staff race-Sukhwant Singh 1st; Satwinder Kaur 2nd and Bhagirath 3rd; Old students race- Pritam Kaur 1st; Sarita 2nd and Dr Mohinder Kaur 3rd.

Amloh, February 20
The two-day sports meet organised by the Youth Sports Club, Uchi Rurki (Amloh), concluded today. Minister for Jails and Cultural Affairs Hira Singh Gabria was the chief guest. He also announced Rs 1 lakh grant to the club.

Results: Trolley back: 1 Kanwal Singh Salana, 2 Gursewal Singh Rurki; bench press 60 to 72 Kg: 1 Varinder Singh Ladpur, 2 Amandeep Singh Jassomajra; discus throw: 1 Amandeep Singh Rurki, 2 Amrinder Singh, Mandi Gobindgarh; Kabaddi: 1 Mundia village, cash prize of Rs 31,000, 2 Bhari Panechan village, cash prize of Rs 21,000; wrestling: 1 Gurdeep Singh, Bhutta village (Ludhiana), 2 Taaru, Malakpur village. — OC

Doraha, February 20
The 36th annual athletics meet for boys of Guru Nanak National College, Doraha, concluded here today. The athletics meet was inaugurated by Dr Tarlok Singh Sandhu, principal, MGKM Shahi Sports College, Samrala.

Himself a sportsman, the chief guest exhorted the athletes to take active part in various activities for, “it is the healthy and energetic youth that India needs in order to march ahead”. In his inaugural address he stressed that rather than getting addicted to various types of drugs, the sportsmen should get addicted to games in order to keep themselves physically, mentally and psychologically alert.

Various events like races, high jump, long jump, shot put, sack race, three legged race, 400 m relay race, 100m race, 5000m race, tug of war, hammer throw, ripple jump, 1500m race, 400m race, 200m race and javelin throw were organised. A cultural programme was organised on the occasion. The students of Guru Nanak Model Senior Secondary School took part in gymnastics and the boys of the college performed bhangra.

Principal Narinder Singh Sidhu welcomed the chief guest and other dignitaries present on the occasion. Sohan Lal Sood gave a cash prize to the best athletes of the college apart from offering them bags.

Results: 100m-Navshikha Sharma, BA II-1st; Monica Sood, B Com I-2nd; and Mandeep Kaur, BA Ist-3. 200m-Avneet Kaur, BA Ist-1st, Mandeep Kaur,BA Ist-2nd and Gurpreet Kaur, B Com II, 3rd. 400m-Avneet Kaur, BA Ist-1st; Mandeep Kaur, BA Ist-2nd and Ravinder Kaur, BA Ist-3rd. 1500m-cycle race-Hardeep Kaur, BA Ist-1st; Harmandeep Kaur, MA Ist (Political Science) -2ns and Amanpreet Kaur, B.Com Ist-3rd. 2-km walk-Ramanpreet Kaur, BA IIIrd-1st; Preeti Sharda, BA IIIrd-2nd and Mandeep Kaur BA Ist-3rd. Discuss throw-Harmandeep Kaur, MA Ist (Political Science)-1st; Ravinder Kaur, BA I-2nd and Ramandeep Kaur, BA II-3rd. 800m race-Sanoj Kumar, BA III-1st; Satnam Singh, BA IIIrd-2nd and Pardeep Kumar, BA III- 3rd.

Javelin Throw-Sandeep Singh, B.A.III-1, Tejinder Singh-II -2, Satnam Singh BA III-3. Three-legged race-Manpreet Singh, BA II and Gagandeep Singh BA III-1st; Jaspreet Singh, B Com III and Ravinder Singh BA II-2nd;Satnam Singh BA III and Hardeep Singh BA III-3rd.

5000-m race-Devinder Singh, BA II-1st; Hardeep Singh, BA IIIrd-2nd and Jaspreet Singh, BA II-3rd. Sack race-Baltej Singh, BA II-1st, Karanvir Singh, BA I-2nd and Sandeep Singh, BA III, 3rd.