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Bank heist: Rs 25,000 reward offered for info on suspects
Ludhiana, April 6 City police commissioner Ishwar Singh announced the reward here today. The images of the bank robbers captured on CCTV footage were also released. When asked whether the move resulted from an apparent lack of confidence among the police, the Ishwar said: "Our motive is to catch the culprits and, if a reward helps us in reaching the suspects, I see no harm”. He added police teams have been formed to crack the case. ‘‘They (suspects) would soon be caught. We’re leaving no stone unturned”, he asserted. The decision to announce a reward has also brought to the fore the police department's rising dependence on citizens in solving even petty crimes like the one in question. Eight armed men looted Rs 2.8 lakh in cash from the State Bank of India branch in Kohara in broad daylight yesterday, attacking and injuring three bank employees. The masked robbers were armed with sharp-edged weapons and countrymade pistols, which they tried to fire but did not work. They then inflicted injuries on the bank’s security guard, cashier and peon with daggers. They suspects ransacked the bank premises and damaged the CCTV cameras with a view to destroy evidence. However, the main camera was not damaged, which helped the police in getting vital clues and images of the suspects. A case under section 395 of the IPC was filed at the Sahnewal police station and the injured were admitted to Christian Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana.
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‘Powerless’ mornings, ‘gearless’ life
Ludhiana, April 6 The power cut in the morning has disturbed the daily routine of a majority of people because water supply is also affected during this period. Till Sunday, the Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) used to impose a power cut in most parts of the city from 9 am to 11 am and from 1 pm to 3 pm. This ensured uninterrupted water supply from 5:30 am to 9 am and did not affect the daily routine of residents badly. They could also fill overhead tanks during this period. “The one-hour power cut in the morning has upset our morning routine. There was no prior intimation of the revision in the power cut schedule. We did not have sufficient water in the overhead tank for the bathroom and the kitchen on Monday and Tuesday,” complained Jagtar Singh of Civil Lines. Many residents asserted that any change in the power cut schedule ought to be widely publicised much in advance so that the people are not caught unawares. “When the power went off at 6:30 am on Monday, I thought it was a breakdown and kept trying to contact the complaint office of the PSEB, but got no response. It was only this afternoon that somebody at the PSEB office told me about the change in the power cut schedule,” said Rajesh Aggarwal of Haibowal. Highly placed sources at the PSEB headquarters at Patiala said the demand for electricity was going up in the region with the rise in mercury. The existing gap between demand and availability of power was between 150 and 200 lakh units, which necessitated four-hour power cuts, they added. Though it could not be officially confirmed, senior officials revealed on the condition of anonymity that in the wake of the World Cup kabaddi matches from April 5 to 12, it had been decided not to impose any power cut in the afternoon, when the matches were scheduled. Instructions to this effect had come from the ‘very top’, a PSEB official said, adding that the revised schedule would remain in effect only till April 12. |
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NGO to donate refrigerated mortuary to hospital
NGO with a difference
Ludhiana, April 6 The health & family welfare department has till now failed to provide a fully equipped mortuary at the hospital, which caters to a population of about 4 million. Despite repeated reminders sent by the hospital staff as well as the public to provide proper refrigeration at the mortuary, department officials have instead slept over the matter. Looking at the high accident rate in the city and lack of facilities at the Civil Hospital, Samvedna trust had begun a free ambulance service in the city for accident victims as well as for other emergencies within a radius of 40 km. The NGO had chosen to cater to patients coming to the hospital as most of them belong to lower income groups and are unable to afford treatment at private hospitals. However, the lack of infrastructure at Civil Hospital has hampered the NGO’s efforts. Nevertheless, Samvedna’s initiative has helped a large number of people in terms of getting accident victims to the hospital. Also, the NGO has stationed an airconditioned mobile mortuary in the hospital, which is being used by city residents from time to time. Said Vikas Jindal, general secretary of the NGO: "The Samvedna trust has set up a control room at the Civil Hospital with 24 hours administrative control to meet with the emergent situation. Those requiring of an ambulance or a mobile mortuary can contact the control room number - 950-1500-101”. |
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Demolition drive at Akalgarh market
Ludhiana, April 6 There are about 700 shops in the Akalgarh market and about hundreds of “farries” are put outside shops, encroaching on the already congested streets. The market is said to be highly “sensitive” as printing of cloth and small pantries are managed on gas stoves in the market. The councillor, Parminder Mehta, said the market was constructed in an unplanned manner. “We keep on requesting them to remove encroachments for their own safety, but they refuse to listen to our pleas. If something happens to one shop, the entire market would be affected. In case of a fire, the losses would be irreparable. By removing encroachments, at least people can move about easily,” he said, adding that the team had removed hundreds of “farries” in the morning, but by afternoon, many of them had returned. The MC’s tehbazari wing had to come back again in the evening to remove them. Some shopkeepers tried to intervene and argued with the officials, but they removed the encroachments anyway. |
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Six judges assume charge
Ludhiana, April 6 Additional Sessions Judge Mandeep Kaur Pannu joined here in place of Additional Sessions Judge AS Grewal, who has been transferred from Ludhiana. Additional Sessions Judge Karamjit Singh joined here in place of Additional Sessions Judge Kishore Kumar, who stands transferred to Gurdaspur. Meanwhile, fast-track court judge AS Narula relinquished the charge on his transfer to Jalandhar. Judicial Magistrate Deepti Gupta has joined in place of Judicial Magistrater Amita Singh; Judicial Magistrate Vikrant Kumar in place of Judicial Magistrate Pooja Andotra; and Judicial Magistrate Gupreet Kaur in place of Judicial Magistrate Ashok Chouhan. Meanwhile, Judicial Magistrates Amit Thind, Jagdeep Sood and Randhir Verma relinquished their charge today on their transfer to other stations. |
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MC mulls metered water supply to cut waste
Ludhiana, April 6 Senior deputy mayor Parveen Kumar Bansal said despite fining offenders regularly wastage of water continued in the city. "People waste water in times of crises (summers) by washing their vehicles - sometimes three to four in number - as well as the porches of their houses in the morning. Hundreds of litres of water are wasted daily. We’re now thinking of issuing metered water-bills to residents. When they will be provided with metered -supply they will definitely not waste this most important natural resource", said Bansal. He added though there were about 500 to 600 tubewells in the city they could not be operated on generators in the absence of power-supply in summer. "City residents have to act wisely to store water. It’s not viable to run tubewells on gensets as the cost of one generator is about Rs 2 lakh", he observed. During summer residents are often faced with the problem of water scarcity. Protests against the civic body for not providing them with sufficient water are held regularly in one ward or another. And, the situation worsens when the Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) begins imposing power-cuts for 8 to 10 hours a day. The civic authorities provided water to residents for about eight hours - between 5 am and 9 am and 5 pm and 9 pm. However, during the time water is supplied in the morning a power cut is imposed for about an hour in different areas and the supply gets hit. Parminder Kaur, a Field Ganj area resident, rued in the absence of electricity people are unable to store water. "In summer residents use much more water than they do in other seasons. However, PSEB keeps on changing the power cut schedule. Power shouldn’t be snapped at least during the hours when the MC supplies water”, she stressed. |
Institute or Garbage Dump?
Doraha, April 6 Due to the lack of adequate space for the disposal of the garbage and sewerage water, this prime piece of land has been conveniently turned into the dumping ground. This has not only made the life of the passersby (as the waste water flows from above the road) and the residents a hell but could also prove to be detrimental to their health. “The process of turning the land into the garbage dump began at slow pace. But, soon due to no objection from any quarter, the waste and garbage of the town was allowed to spread in acres. The situation is becoming all the more alarming day by day. If the government has literally forsaken the land meant for a good cause, why at all should the committee be bothered? More so, the residents, too, at this stage, seem to be ignorant of the fact that they are digging their own graves” rued a senior citizen. Soon this problem is going to aggravate further. Reason: Widening of the road along the canal and the resultant narrowing down of the drain along it where partial sewage water drainage was hitherto being drained. “The dumping and the drainage problem are going to multiply, of which the committee and the authorities concerned seem to be less bothered,” said another resident. “The lack of adequate drainage space is one of the major problems being faced by the residents of Doraha for a number of years but no permanent solution has been sought as yet. The waste is readily being dumped in this open space without realising its repercussions. Due to the lack of any solid plan for disposal of the sewerage water, the residents of Doraha shall have to face major problems regarding its disposal. During the rainy season or under normal circumstances, too, the water gets accumulated in the streets thus aggravating the problems further,” residents rued. The residents have demanded setting up of a water treatment plant, which they think is the only solution to the problem being faced by them and the committee at large. BS Rana, enforcement officer, Doraha, said, “I have recently taken over the charge. I will be able to comment only after going through the file.” Dinesh Nijhawan, director, advanced training institute, said that they had urged the local municipal committee to stop the further dumping of drainage and waste into the land. We have already taken over the land and accomplished the mutation in July 2009 and are planning to erect a boundary wall so that no garbage isn’t dumped any further,” he added.
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Felling: Eyebrows raised after contractor let off
Ludhiana, April 6 While quoting (Chapter-II, Article-V, Rule no. 2.33-A) of the Punjab Financial Rules, a former employee of the forest department said the department was liable to lodge a complaint with the police if the government property of more than Rs 200 was damaged. “It is beyond my comprehension why the department freed the offender by levying a minor penalty. The forest department impounded the trolley for three days but did not take any action,” alleged the former employee. On March 31, a team of the forest department raided the forest near Amaltas on the GT road and impounded the trolley, which was found loaded with logs at night in contravention of the forest rules. According to the forest officials, the trolley, weighing around 100 quintals, was being taken to an undisclosed location. District forest officer Vishal Chauhan said: “We conducted an inquiry after the trolley loaded with the logs was impounded near Amaltas. The JCB, which was used by the contractor for felling mistakenly, fell three eucalyptus trees. The contractor stated that due to the traffic the driver decided to take the trolley in the evening.” A senior official said a few department employees and wood traders who wanted to settle scores with a Malerkotla-based contractor, were putting pressure on the authorities of the forest department to register a case against him. However, the offence is not of such magnitude that a contractor should be booked for it.
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Death Penalty to 17 youths in UAE
Ludhiana, April 6 Grewal said: “Since the laws are based on religion in the Arab countries so we thought the best way to solve this problem is to meet Muslim religious head in the country and urge them to appeal for the release of these youths.” “Today we met the Shahi Imam. We have already talked to the head at Malerkotla and after this we will meet the Shahi Imam of Delhi,” he added. The federation will be getting the appeal letter signed from all the Muslim religious leaders and forward it to the government and a court at the United Arab Emirate. Shahi Imam after signing the appeal letter said this issue was not only limited to Punjab but had become the matter of concern for the entire country. “It is very sad that while the case was going on in Dubai, the Indian government has failed to take any step to help them,” he added. Shahi Imam said a panel comprising Muslim lawyers should be formed so that they could fight cases for the Indians living in Arab counties. He also appealed Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, to help the youth convicted in the case. Further he said if the government decides to send a delegation to Dubai in this regard then, one representative from Jama Masjid should be included in it. Meanwhile, Manjit Singh and Lakhwinder Singh, both cousins of Kulwinder Singh and Manjot Singh, urged Shahi Imam to help them in the hour of crisis. “We hope our brothers would have never gone there,” the duo said.
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Taking the long walk to relieve oneself
Ludhiana, April 6 Students in the reading room have to go to departments nearby for the purpose. The authorities had locked the doors on the pretext of repairs a month and-a-half ago, but nothing had been done so far. Said H Singh, “The authorities are least concerned about these small needs, which cause inconvenience to students, especially on days when we do not have lectures.” Requesting anonymity, a Class IV employee said nobody had come to inspect the condition of the public conveniences. “Before March 31, the officials concerned were taking the plea of the closing of the financial year as they could not dispense with any amount for the repairs. Nothing was done even after that,” he said. Pointing to ongoing activities in other parts of the university, including plantation, a student stated that anything pertaining to amenities should be taken on a priority basis by the university authorities. Efforts to give the PAU a facelift stood defeated till the time officials concerned did not look into such small matters concerning students. Despite repeated attempts, Dr PS Lubana, director student welfare, was not available for comment.
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New status symbol set to storm city homes
Ludhiana, April 6 The figurines, introduced in a limited edition collection by Lladro, the world-class luxury porcelain brand; are customised and special pieces, designed for the Indian market. Lladro has introduced the collection, known as ‘Spirit of India’, in association with Ethos Swiss Watch Studios. "Possessing these figurines is set to become the latest fad and status symbol for city residents as these will no longer be souvenirs from the last foreign trip. Because, keeping in mind their great demand and the rich taste of Ludhiana crowd, the company has launched these figurines here in the region," remarked Sandeep Dutta, area manager, Ethos. He added that many city residents are known to shop abroad for designer stuff, including decorative items. "Thus, to cater to such shoppers, we have come out with this collection that will enable them to buy their favourite high-quality porcelain figurines from the nearest store," remarked Dutta. "These figurines are a true depiction of the great attraction that Lladro has always had for the rich culture of India and are a demonstration of the company's commitment to India," Dutta said. Talking about the collection, Dutta said it reflects the intricate beauty of India's most revered Gods and Goddesses, including the highly sought after figurines like Lord Shiva, Nataraja, Veena Ganesha, Bansuri Ganesha, dancing Ganesha and Radha-Krishna. The price range of these figurines varies from Rs 2-7.5 lakh. "For example, the Radha-Krishna piece is for Rs 3 lakh while that of Goddess Lakshmi is for Rs 7.5 lakh," revealed Dutta. Along with the special limited-edition collection, Lladro has also introduced its generic range of decorative pieces in the forms of angels, Cupid, fairies and the likes. "This collection is aimed at the luxury-loving segment that likes quality and is fond of brands but keeps expenditure on such items limited," said Dutta. The collection is reasonably priced between Rs 6,000-10,000 and is easily affordable. "The best part is, besides lending a chic look to the shelf in your drawing room, it also gives you a status symbol, attached to foreign luxury brands," added Dutta. Meanwhile, excited at the launch of her favourite brand in her own city, entrepreneur Sheena Kochhar said, "I am very fond of Lladro range of products and used to pick up items on every overseas trip. Now, I will not have to wait to go abroad to buy them, neither will I have to worry about their safe transportation."
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Farmers warned against downy mildew
Ludhiana, April 6 Muskmelon is sown in central Punjab and farmers make a lot of money from the crop in summer. The varieties sown by farmers include Punjab hybrid (developed by PAU), Punjab Sunehri, Punjab anmol (hybrid) and Punjab Raseela. The head, department of plant pathology, Dr HS Rewal, said humid weather and rains could lead to the spread of downy mildew, which could harm the yield of muskmelon. The size of the muskmelon shrunk and the fruit lost sweetness once affected by the disease, the expert
stated. He said the disease could be recognised with the formation of water soaked lesions on the lower side of the leaves which appear yellow from above. The lesions developed a fungal growth of grey colouration, especially during the early hours when moisture and humidity was more, Dr Rewal said. The lesions turned brown with time and if cloudy weather prevailed, the lesions grew and made the leaf blight. The experts advised the farmers to keep the disease under check with sprays of Indofil M-45, 300-600 gm dissolved in 100-200 lt water per acre. Dr Rewal suggested that the spray should be given before the onset of disease symptoms and repeated at weekly interval so as to give five-six more sprays. The growers could seek clarification from the PAU, Krishi Vigyan Kendra or a PAU research station
near them.
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Checking of Register
Khanna, April 6 “We are protesting against the officials who misbehaved with aanganwari workers while they were checking the registers in centre”, said Harinder Kaur, one of the protesters. The protest began at around 4 pm and continued till the filing of this report. The agitating workers were demanding action against the officials responsible for the misbehavior. Narinder Kaur, another protester, alleged that similar treatment was meted out to the workers in the past as well but they did not raise the issue. However, this time they are trying to set the things right by raising their voice against the alleged officials. The workers threatened to intensify their agitation if the officials failed to initiate an action in this regard.
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Affected families leave for New Delhi
Raikot, April 6 He started his campaign from Aitiana village near Raikot where mothers and other relatives of the six accused were present along with large number of villagers from the surrounding areas. The gathering ended up with a candlelight march. Today, families of Kulwinder Singh of Bansipura near Sidhwan Bet, Daljit Singh, Kuldeep Singh of Khukhrana village near Moga, Sukhjot Singh of Sanghera village near Malerkotla, Navjot Singh of Raikot and Satguru Singh of Ghanaur Jattan village had gathered at the house of Avtar Singh Mullanpur of the Lok Bhali Party and left for Delhi for staging a protest at Janter Manter. Avtar Singh said they were upset over the indifferent attitude of the Indian government. The 17 youths, as per the court’s order will face the gallows on April 14. They could file an appeal in this case by 5 pm of April 12.
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Jagraon-Hardwar bus service this week
Jagraon, April 6 He said the transport department had added 644 ordinary buses, 61 air-conditioned buses and 16 super air-conditioned deluxe buses to its fleet. He said bus service would be started from Jagraon to Hardwar, Paonta Sahib and Katra from this week. He announced a grant of Rs 5 lakh for the municipal council. He gave appreciation certificates to Balraj Singh Gill, Maninder Pal Singh, TP Singh, Bhagwan Dass Jindal and Gurinder Singh Sidhu.
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Factionalism in SAD-BJP govt exposed
Phillaur, April 6 Talking to mediapersons here yesterday, Mehta alleged that only lust for power was stopping the BJP from the ministerial berths, while the BJP had now lost its voice. He alleged that Sukhbir Badal and others were ruling the state and senior Badal was seen keeping mum, as he had become the rubber stamp of Sukhbir Badal and others. Mehta said the law and order situation in the state had been collapsed, prices of essential commodities were increasing, but the SAD-BJP government was working only to encourage corruption in the state.
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Leech therapy!
Mandi Gobindgarh, April 6
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Auto-part makers highlight problems
Ludhiana, April 6 Ranjodh Singh, general secretary of the association, talked on the grim power situation and rising prices of steel and sand, besides other problems being faced by the industry. Prabhjot Kaur of the Small Industries Development Bank of India explained their micro, small and medium finance schemes and stressed on modern technology measures.
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Woman dies in mishap, 2 daughters serious
Khanna, April 6 They were returning from Pathankot after attending a
wedding. The deceased has been identified as Gagan Kalra, her two daughters Gurpriya and Preet Rani and driver Sukhpal. Another relative Abhi Kumar also sustained injuries in the accident and he is stated to be out of danger. According to police officials, Scorpio overturned after being hit by an unidentified vehicle. A few passersby informed the police about accident. The injured were rushed to the local civil hospital. The woman was declared brought dead. A case has been registered in this regard.
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Rs 3.5 lakh stolen from ceramic factory
Phillaur, April 6 Injured
Manjit Singh was attacked by a few armed robbers at Mahal village in the Phillaur subdivision last night. He sustained serious injuries in this regard. The assailants snatched a mobile phone and Rs 1,900 from him. He sustained injuries and was admitted to a local civil hospital. Run over
An unidentified middle-aged man was run over by a train near the local railway station last night. The body has been sent to a hospital for a post-mortem examination and kept in the hospital’s mortuary for identification.
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Stolen cash recovered
Ludhiana, April 6 Cash worth Rs 2 crore, that was lying in the safe of the industrial
unit since the last two days, was yesterday found to be missing by the
owner of the firm Jaswant Singh. He immediately informed the police
which rushed to the spot. Following a thorough inspection of the
premises, Rs 1.99 crore of the missing cash was found from beneath the
machinery installed in the firm. A case under Section 380 of the IPC
has been registered at the Division no 6 police station and three
workers of Sagar Engineering Works have been taken into the police
custody for interrogation, informed ADCP Harsh Bansal, during a press
conference here today.
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BKU(E) seeks arrest of 4 accused
Ludhiana, April 6 The union leaders demanded immediate withdrawal of the Sukhbir-Kalia committee report. Besides, the BKU (Ekta) members demanded the cancellation of the “unbundling” of the PSEB. — TNS
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Septuagenarian found dead
Ludhiana, April 6 They informed the police, which reached the spot and found the body lying on the bed. He had been a tenant for the last four months and used to drink heavily. The neighbours had no information about Jeet Singh’s family. He was last seen on Friday. Investigations were on under Section 174 of the
IPC.
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Tennis Meet
Jagraon, April 6 Other HTA trainees to enter the prequarterfinals were Jaspreet Kaur, Rajbir Kaur, Vishwesh Sinha, Manish Kumar, Tushar Jaitly and Sandeep Choudhary. Sandeep of Rajasthan ousted fourth seed Siddharth Rawat of Uttar Pradesh 6-4,6-3. After losing the first set 2-6, Asha forced her way back, winning the second set 6-0. Rimpledeep won the deciding set 6-2. Results: men’s singles’ first round: Nitten Kirrtane (Mah) beat B Sai Reddy (AP) 6-1, 6-1; Vishwesh Sinha (Mah) beat Pulok Bhattacharya (Del) 3-6, 6-2, 7-6(5); Gurvinder Singh Mann (Del) beat Arvind Vishnu Bestha (AP) 6-3, 6-4; Rynold Tomithy (Ker) beat Siddharth Sivakumar (TN) 5-7, 7-6(3), 6-3; Ajay Yadav (Har) beat Digvijay Singh Naruka (Chd) 6-1 (retd); Maninder Singh (Har) beat Rishabh Dev (Pun) 6-3, 3-6, 6-4; Kshitij Kamal (Del) beat Garry Singh Amor (Chd) 6-3, 6-4; Arjun Singh (Del) beat Vandan Mehta (Guj) 6-1, 6-1; Manish Kumar (Del) beat Murtaza M Lohani (TN) 6-4, 6-2; Vilasier Khate (NTA) beat Sagar Manjanna (Kar) 6-3, 6-2; Sandeep Choudhary (Raj) beat Siddharth Rawat (UP) 6-4, 6-3; Kamal Surana (Kar) beat Pavan Surya (AP) 2-6, 7-6(5), 7-5; Tushar Jaitly (Pun) beat Pradeep Deswal (Mah) 4-6, 6-2, 6-4; women’s singles’ first round: Rimpledeep Kaur beat Asha Nandakumar (Kar) 6-2, 0-6, 6-2; Jeni Patel (Guj) beat Amala Amol Warrick (Kar) 6-2, 7-6(2); Shruti Archita (Mah) beat Baljinder Kaur (UP) 6-0, 0-6, 6-1; Nehal Sahni (Del) beat Priyanka Rawat (Utk) 6-1, 6-1; Eetee Mehta (Guj) beat Akshitha Basavaraju (Kar) beat 6-0, 6-1; Rajbir Kaur (Pun) beat Shilpa Dalmia (Del) 6-1, 6-1; Supriya Mallaya (Mah) beat Gundeep Kaur (Pun) 7-5, 6-2; Jaspreet Kaur (Pun) beat Kavita Mishra (Mah) 6-0, 6-1; Ruchita Ugalmugle (Mah) beat Madhuri Patere (Mah) 6-2, 6-2; Vaibhavi Trivedi (Guj) beat Prabhamrit Kaur Sandhu (Chd) 6-2, 6-4; Ravnoor Kaur (Pun) beat Tejaswani Surya (AP) 6-1, 6-1; Kirandeep Kaur Kotade (Guj) beat Deepshikha Gupta (Raj) 6-2, 6-1; Deepna Vazirani (Mah) beat Niku Amin (Guj) 7-5, 6-2.
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Cricket trials on April 11
Ludhiana, April 6 The team will take part in the Punjab State Inter-District Cricket Championship for the FC Mittal Trophy in May, according to Vinod Chitkara, honorary general secretary, Ludhiana District Cricket Association.
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