Ludhiana, May 6
Four persons were injured in a bloody clash between two groups over a petty issue in Chander Nagar here today. Shots were also reportedly fired in the incident.

The incident took place around 10. 15 am, after Lucky Sood, who enjoys support of political groups, came to his shop and later visited the house of his uncle, Kapil Duggal, located behind his shop.

According to an eyewitness, Lucky entered a heated argument with Arvinder Naggar, a property dealer and brother of MC councillor Satish Naggar.

The heated arguments soon led to blows. In the meantime, Kapil Duggal and his son Amit Duggal came and joined Lucky in the assault.

Arvinder freed himself from the clutches of the three and took out an ice pick from his shop.

Eyewitness claimed that he attacked the three with the ice pick and injured Lucky. Amit and Kapil then hit Arvinder with sluggers.

A resident informed Satish Naggar about the incident, who along with his men reached the scene.

Pardeep Naggar, younger brother of Satish Naggar, who is involved in the murder case of Babbu and is an alleged extortionist who used to charge money from vegetable vendors, arrived at the scene along with his accomplices.

Pardeep and his men allegedly entered the house of Kapil Duggal and thrashed him. However, Amit fled the scene. The armed men then ransacked the house 
of Duggal.

The clothes of the men involved in the fight were soaked in blood. However, no woman was injured in the incident.

Lucky, Kapil and Arvinder sustained multiple injuries from sharp-edged weapons, while Satish Naggar sustained a leg injury.

High drama was witnessed at the DMC Hospital where the injured were taken for treatment.

Satish Naggar along with his supporters stopped a police vehicle and threatened to immolate himself after his brother Pardeep was apprehended by the police for attacking Kapil and Lucky.

However, after the intervention of a senior police official, he was “allowed” by the police to take his brother.

Showing a call made by Lucky on his mobile, Satish Naggar said: “It was Lucky who had called me and told me that he had thrashed my elder brother Arvinder. When I reached the scene and asked him the reason, Lucky assaulted me.”

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Paramjit Singh Pannu said the police was investigating the matter and recording the statement of both groups.

No case was registered till the filling of the report. The police denied the firing of any shot in the clash. However, swords, sluggers and sharp-edged weapons were seized by the police.

Ludhiana, May 6
Tightening its noose around those “illegally” occupying a prime land in Ghumar Mandi, Ludhiana Municipal Corporation (LMC) officials today marked the area and asked the former to either vacate it by May 10 or show the stay-order documents, which they claim to be possessing for the past several decades.

At least 20-odd shopkeepers, who have constructed their shops in 2,200 square yards of the Municipal Corporation’s land, marked for a park in Ghumar Mandi, met Assistant Town Planner SS Bindra and other officials in the Zone D office today. “The price of this prime land is about Rs 22 crores, which was basically earmarked for the park. The land has been encroached upon by these shopkeepers, which needs to be vacated”, said Bindra. He also added that if the shopkeepers showed them the stay-order documents, then there was no problem. “We have asked them to submit their documents or face the music. In case they fail to do so, we will be bound to take action”, he added.

But the shopkeepers claimed that they were the “owners” of the land since 1975 and were in possession of all necessary documents from the High Court and the Supreme Court, which proves that authorities could not get the land vacated from them. At least nine big and 11 small shopkeepers have constructed their shops at this particular land. “We are here for more than 30 years. Why did they (Municipal Corporation) not get-up before? We have the documents and if need be, we will submit these”, said Sushil Kumar (name changed), a shopkeeper.

Ludhiana, May 6
The refusal to provide copies of medico-legal reports (MLRs) to patients who have suffered injuries in various mishaps and crimes by officials of the city’s Mahavira Civil Hospital has apparently encouraged a group of doctors - the so-called ‘medico-legal mafia’, said to be operating at the hospital, in preparing fake reports.

Hospital officials arbitrarily rejects requests for medico-legal report copies by victims of assault, accidents, falls, burns, drowning and other cases on the pretext the reports have been forwarded to the police station concerned. The victims are told they should procure them from there.

In a written complaint to the Punjab health minister and principal health secretary, Kuldeep Singh Khera has stated the victims are not given copies of MLRs, which he said “hindered legal proceedings". He has called upon both the minister and the secretary to intervene into the matter at the earliest to “ensure people’s interests are safeguarded”.

In his complaint Khera has specifically pointed out as victims were denied copies of medico-legal reports, they were unaware of the facts and ended up giving a version of the injuries sustained that differed from the one entered in the MLR.

"This leads to demolition of the prosecution’s case in court and the consequence is injustice. Also, the practice is an encouragement for antisocial elements who are the beneficiaries in the whole process”, he added in his complaint.

Another, complainant who suffered on account of the ‘MLR mafia’ at the Civil Hospital alleged his statement was not recorded by hospital officials as the ‘mafia’ sided with the culprits who had injured his son. He further questioned the role of employees of the hospital canteen and cycle stand. 

Ludhiana, May 6
The Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) organised a 12-day "Specialised Training Course on Dairy Farming" for the farmers.

Dr HK Verma, head of the department, Veterinary Animal Husbandry and Extension Education, said 23 farmers, including one woman trainee, from different parts of the state participated in this training course.

Experts from the College of Veterinary Science delivered lectures on various aspects of dairy farming. The farmers were advised to have proper planning in connection to land, funds and availability
of loans etc.

Further, they were guided to keep high yielding dairy animals in their herds. They were instructed to construct cheap but comfortable sheds for their animals, which would help the farmers to maintain better hygienic conditions and excellent management.

Major part of the expenditure in dairy farming is on feed and fodder. The farmers were guided to make the green fodder available to their animals throughout the year. They were also encouraged to make concentrate feed and prepare the silage at the farm itself.

The farmers were trained to differentiate between healthy and sick animals. Role of regular vaccination, de-worming and hygiene in prevention of diseases was stressed upon. The first-aid methods for various ailments were taught and practical demonstrations were held. Tips for timely detection of heat, timely artificial insemination and care of pregnant and newborn animals were emphasised upon.

They were also exposed to practical conditions and management practices adopted at the GADVASU dairy farm and a visit to the Ludhiana milk plant for clean milk production and value addition of milk was also organised.

Dr OS Parmar said diversification is only possible through dairying which is the old and tested profession of rural people and distributed the certificates to the successful trainees. Verma said after getting such training from the university, the unemployed youths could start their own enterprise, which on one hand could provide the needed employment and on the other hand bring diversification in agriculture.

Ludhiana, May 6
A large number of pensioners led by Dr SS Johl, former VC of Punjabi University, attended a meeting organised by the PAU pensioners’ welfare association on the PAU campus here today.

The pensioners decided to file a case against the PAU and the State Bank of India, PAU branch, in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, alleging that the chief bank manager and Comptroller of the PAU were “conspiring” against them.

They stated that a notification of the Comptroller for revision of pension to the employees who retired before 2006 had been issued in March 2010, but had not been implemented.

The members of the association also alleged that no concrete steps had been taken to regularise the payment of pension.

Ludhiana, May 6
Residents of Dugri Urban Estate (Phase II) are up in arms against the GLADA (Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority) over their failure to get a vacant plot cleaned which has turned into a garbage dump as also a safe haven for anti-social elements for the past more than two and half years.

The harried residents claim that they have been repeatedly pleading with the authorities for remedial measures, as the filthy plot (property number 2001, measuring 250 square yards) poses a grave health hazard and threat of an outbreak of an epidemic, but without any positive result so far.

BR Kaushal, president, Urban Estate Residents Welfare Society, and a retired PCS officer says that their written communications and personal meetings with senior GLADA officials have evoked nothing but assurances till now and in the absence of remedial steps, the residents are made to put up with heaps of garbage and the bad stench emanating from the litter, proliferating growth of weeds and shrubs. Not only this, the threat of snakes and other poisonous insects and reptiles also looms large among the residents.

Kaushal is particularly sore with the GLADA estate office, which he maintains, tried to put him down each time he took up the matter of the nuisance created by the garbage dump, which the plot has been turned into. Although a bit upset over the indifferent and apathetic attitude of the authorities towards the plight of the residents, he asserts to carry on the fight till the grievance is addressed.

In response to representations made by the society, the Divisional Engineer (C-II) of GLADA had written a letter to the Superintending Engineer in September 2008 with a request that the estate office be asked to take steps for disposal (of the plot) through allotment or auction as per the rules, and further that in the intervening period, a fencing around the plot be erected to solve the problem being faced by residents. However, no follow up action has been taken up in this regard till now.

GLADA estate officer, stated to be in Chandigarh in connection with a court case, was not available for comments.

Ludhiana, May 6
The local unit of the Ved Prachar Mandal organised a homeopathic medical camp at Thareekay village today. Dr Tejinder Pal Singh, director, Guru Nanak Homeopathy College, Ludhiana, inaugurated the camp wherein a large number of villagers were examined and given medicines free of cost.

He appreciated the initiative taken by the Ved Prachar Mandal and stated that his college would extend all possible help for organising such camps in future.

Ludhiana, May 6
Death sentence awarded to Pakistani terrorist Mohammad Ajmal Amir Kasab, prime accused in the 26/11 terror attack case has been welcomed by the public at large. Newspapers offices were flooded with the phone calls from citizens hailing this court verdict.

Hailing the verdict given by a special court of Mumbai, Naval Kishore Chhibber president, District Bar Association, said: “It will give a clear cut signal to Pakistan that we (Indians) will not tolerate terrorism sponsored by them at all''.

Surinder Dawar, a senior Congress leader, hailed the decision of the special court. He said the court verdict had shown that the judiciary in our country was independent and impartial. That's why two persons facing accusations in this case were acquitted, as the court did not found them guilty.

BJP president Rajiv Katna said it was like waging a war against our country. Those who tries to threaten the security of our country deserves captial punishment. It would give a clear message all over that how Indians respond peacefully, in a democratic manner.

BK Goel, former chairman, Punjab and Haryana Bar Council,said it was the right sentence for Kasab because he did not deserve less than this. He along with his accomplices had taken lives of a few Indians and foreigners.

Senior lawyer Raj Kumar Talwar said the most important aspect was that the case was decided in such a short span of time. Hundreds of witnesses were examined in this case and all accused were awarded full opportunity to defend themselves. The trial was fair and impartial.

Samrala, May 6
Residents of Ghulal village staged a dharna in front of the local police station and blocked traffic on the Ludhiana-Chandigarh road for the second consecutive day today, demanding action into the kidnapping and killing of a youth of their village who had gone missing some days ago. The protesters kept the body of the youth in the middle of the road as a mark of protest.

The body of Dr Satnam Singh, was yesterday recovered with multiple wounds from the Sirhind canal after he had gone missing five days ago.

The villagers alleged foul play and demanded action against a doctor and his companions, blaming them for the kidnapping and killing of the youth.

The police had to divert the traffic through other routes as protesters refused to lift the dharna till a case was registered against the accused.

Dr Satnam Singh (27), an ortho-surgeon, was abducted from Khanna on April 30 when he had gone there to meet another doctor known to him. He was carrying Rs 50,000 with him.

While the police claimed it had been searching for the missing doctor, the villagers were of the view that the police had failed to react promptly.

Yesterday, a relative of the family informed them about the finding of a youth’s body in the Sirhind canal. The police sent a team and recovered the body with the help of villagers.

The villagers raised slogans against the police, demanding immediate action against the accused.

Police officials, including the DSP and the SHO, tried to pacify the protesters and later registered a case under Sections 364, 302 and 201 against a doctor of Mukandpur village and two of his companions. The body was handed over to the guardians yesterday after a post-mortem examination.

Ludhiana, May 6
The industrial city has been severely hit by water shortage notwithstanding the claims of the municipal corporation. Although the corporation authorities claim that 90 per cent population remains covered under the potable water supply, the ground reality suggests otherwise.

A large number of outer colonies are without adequate water supply and sewerage system. Even some newly developed colonies have been badly affected by the shortage of water.

Residents have also been complaining of contaminated water supply, resulting in spread of diseases like gastroenteritis and jaundice.

The areas inhabited by migrants like Daba Road, Dhandari Kalan and Focal Point are the worst hit on account of contaminated water supply. In some areas, water supply pipes and sewerage pipes are broken, resulting in mixing of both sewage and water.

Interior areas like Purana Bazar, Daresi road, Waitganj, Iqbalganj, Madhopuri are faced with a severe shortage of water supply as well.

Tubewells installed in the old city have lost their utility and there is no replacement for the same.

Residential areas of Haibowal, Jassian road, Chander Nagar, Noorwala road and New Subhash Nagar have also been severely affected. The sewerage system in these areas remains choked.

Posh residential areas like Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar, Sarabha Nagar, Udham Singh Nagar and Civil Lines face the same predicament.

Residents in these colonies, however, have their own submersible pumps to meet the water requirement.

While the corporation claims of covering 90 per cent population in terms of water supply, the actual percentage stands at around 60.

The corporation claims that at least 468 tubewells are in operation to supply potable water to the population. Another 55 tubewells are proposed to be installed during the current financial year. The daily per capita water supply is 350 lt and there are 63 overhead water reservoirs to store it.

Joint Commissioner AS Sekhon, who is the in-charge of water supply, says a daily supply of 10 hours is being maintained in the city.

The tubewells are operated around 3.30 am every day in view of the power shortage. However, residents are unable to make the full use of the supply.

Also, the authorities seldom get the water reservoirs cleaned. However, Sekhon claims that cleaning of reservoirs has been undertaken this year.

Similarly, the corporation does not have any alternative arrangements to run tubewells in case of power cuts, as their number is very high.

Residents allege that tubewells are not operated at fixed timings, as councillors have employed their own men to run these. These operators have further employed “part-time” operators to run tubewells. The councillors allegedly pocket the money.

Councillor Parminder Mehta has urged the municipal authorities to have regular tubewell operators.

Chlorination of water is another area that needs attention. Sekhon says they have started gas chlorination, which is better than liquid chlorination.

Ludhiana, May 6
With holidays fast approaching, it a great time to break the monotony of life. Holidays are heavenly and become pure fun with friends and family together. This is the best time to relax, rejuvenate and refresh oneself. One can plan a holiday around the world and if the pocket doesn’t permit, numerous options in India are there to explore.

“This is the best time of the year when the whole family can be together. We are planning to go to Switzerland this year. One can go there in summer or winter. Switzerland is a perfect holiday destination for every season and occasion,” says Ritu Grewal, working in an insurance company.

The UK is unique, traditional, refreshing, imaginative, surprising and much more. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, action, relaxation or discovering hidden treasures, you can explore Britain your own way. “There are seaside, countryside and town destinations in Britain to explore,” says a travel planner in the city.

Singapore is another vibrating holiday option. It is one of the most gorgeous and prosperous countries in the world and home to busiest port in the world. Singapore and Malaysia are the most preferred destinations by Indian tourists, he adds.

In India, people prefer going to the hills during summer. Himachal Pradesh is a land of snowy mountains. The state is dotted with countless tourist destinations.

Offshore

UK: Isle of Wight, Blackpool, Whitby, Skegness, Poole, Whitehaven

Switzerland: Gimmelwald, Diemtigtal, Brienz, Aeschi

Malaysia: Sarawak, Sabah, Langawi Island, Kuala Lumpur

Dubai: Desert safari, Jumeirah beach, Wildwadi water theme park

Singapore: Sentosa, The Orchard Road, Butterfly Park, Jurong Bird Park.

Indian

HP: Shimla, Kullu-Manali, McLeodganj, Kasauli, Dalhousie, Chamba, Lahul and Spiti

Kerala: Kovallam beach, Chowara beach, Munnar hills, Kumarakom backwaters, Alleppey houseboats, Kochi, Periyar

Goa: Beaches, churches, museums, forts, wildlife and bird sanctuaries

Ludhiana, May 6
The Ludhiana Sportsmen Welfare Association has decided to organise a hockey tournament for sub-junior boys in the memory of penalty corner specialist and hockey star Prithipal Singh at Mata Sahib Kaur Hockey Stadium, Jarkhar, near here, from May 20 to 25.

This was informed by Amrik Singh Minhas and Prithipal Singh Batala, chairman and president, respectively of the association.

Malwa Academy from Ludhiana, Mehta Gurukul Academy of Doraha, Randhir Academy of Dhamot, Shahbad Markanda Academy besides other major hockey outfits of the region will be seen in action during the six-day tournament. Matches would be played on league-cum-knock-out basis and six-a-side tournament for men in the age group of above 35 years would also be held, they added.

MLA Darshan Singh Shivalik will inaugurate the tournament on May 20. Charanjeet Kaur, wife of former Olympian Prithipal Singh, and his daughter Jaspreet Kaur would be the guests of honour at the inaugural function.