Ludhiana, June 10
The city’s cafeterias, many of which remain open late into the night, are proving to be a source of insecurity for people residing in their vicinity.

In the second such incident near a café in the past two days, over a dozen armed assailants fired shots in the air near a cafeteria located in Leisure Valley late last night. This led to panic among Sarabha Nagar residents, who were seen complaining against the café staying open till early in the morning.

Sources close to the police said a youth, whose father is one of the city’s leading transporters, and who the cops said had gained notoriety for his criminal activities, fired gunshots near the cafeteria. The sources added the assailant “owes allegiance” to a senior SAD leader.

Eyewitness claimed the shots were fired following a brawl between two groups. The incident took place at about 12:30 am when members of a gang said to be having the backing of a senior Akali leader came to know about the presence of a rival group at the cafe.

Nearly a dozen member of the gang riding in a Ford Endeavor SUV and a Suzuki Swift car arrived there and attacked members of the group sitting at the cafe.

The gang members, who were carrying sharp-edged weapons, confronted their rivals following which the transporter’s son opened fire.

Sensing trouble, both the groups later fled the scene. Soon after the shots were fired the cops arrived at the scene. Though police officials confirmed the incident they refused to give any details about the incident.

Ludhiana, June 10
Putting apprehensions to rest, Powercom abstained from enforcing long power cuts in the domestic and industrial sectors despite giving eight-hour regular supply to the agricultural sector in the wake of paddy season, that began today.

Powercom had made long-term and short-term power purchase agreements to avoid long power cuts in the domestic and industrial sectors.

The demand for power had gone up to 2,000 lakh units per day during the paddy season last year. This year’s expected average demand was 1,700 lakh units per day.

XEN Pradeep Gupta, nodal officer for Powercom in Ludhiana, stated that during the paddy season, power cuts in the domestic sector would be restricted to three hours a day while the industrial sector would have a weekly day off.

Another official of Powercom said the recent rain had reduced the load in the domestic sector, reducing the gap between demand and supply.

Powercom established a banking system, wherein Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra took power from Punjab during winter and returned it Punjab during the paddy season.

Starting from today, Powercom was taking 150 lakh units of power from outer states under the banking system.

Ludhiana, June 10
Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University has different rules for different "cheaters", while one students was rusticated for a year after he was caught cheating in the examination a fortnight ago, no action was taken against 10 students who were also caught cheating during examination yesterday.

The matter came to light when Jaideep Sohi, a first year Bachelor of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry student, who was facing the axe of GADVASU authorities after he was caught cheating during the examination alleged that the university authorities were giving preferential treatment to 10 students, who were also caught cheating in the examination.

The incident took place two days ago, when 10 students, who were appearing for external practical examination of biochemistry, were caught with paper slips by invigilators.

The sources in the university said Dr Sanjiv Gupta recoded the video of entire cheating episode. But Sohi said no

action was taken against the students as majority of them were well connected. Sohi was sacked for one year by the university after he was caught with a mobile phone during external examination 15 days ago.

"I brought the matter to the notice of Dean GADVASU Simrat Saggar and asked him why I was given such harsh punishment, while other students who were also caught for similar offence were let off," complained Sohi.

Sohi said Saggar told him that professors had not yet reported the incident to him.

Shelving the allegation of Sohi as baseless, Dean Simrat Saggar said: "Don’t listen to these allegation. Who says we are not taking action. I would take action once the matter is reported to me."

Ludhiana, June 10
A four-day educational trip to Narkanda, near Simla, organized by a school located near DMCH here turned into a nightmare for the 80 students after they were asked to move into a small hotel that had only four bathrooms.

The matter came to light when the students returned home and narrated their ordeal to their parents. The group, consisting of 35 boys and 45 girls from classes 10, 11 and 12, left for the trip on June 6.

The school reportedly charged Rs 3,900 from every student, with another Rs 150 being collected from each student at the time of boarding the bus for Narkanda.

The weary and exasperated students returned to the city at about 12:30 am today morning. The boys complained they were crammed into the rundown hotel and were forced to make do with only two bathrooms. The 45 girls faced a similar situation.

According to the students, when they were heading back home the schoolteachers did not offer them any food. Instead they had to shell out money from their own pockets to buy some eatables. Some of the students even had to go without food as they had spent all their money on shopping.

Due to the summer vacations the school staff was not available for comments.

Ludhiana, June 10
The sensational Rs 7.68-lakh robbery involving two collection agents of Cash Management Services had never happened. It was a stage-managed crime, scripted and executed by the duo and six accomplices.

Though they executed the plan cleverly, they were done in when they failed to corroborate their claims with evidence.

Claiming to have cracked the crime within 48 hours of its occurrence, Deputy Commissioner of Police Parmod Ban said the collection agents, Varinder Singh and Aman Sharma, and their six aides enacted a drama and made everybody believe that they were robbed.

The truth was that they planned the robbery for 10 days along with Navdeep Singh, alias Navi, Jatinder Singh, alias Pappu, Inderpreet Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Parminder Singh and Jatinder Singh Minhas, and offered to give their bag if chased.

They decided to commit the crime on June 7. As luck would have it, they were able to collect Rs 7.68 lakh. When they reached the Kitchlu Nagar chowk, they were chased by Navi and Pappu.

They enacted a robbery drama on the road so that passersby could be their witnesses. They offered their aides resistance and tried to run after them.

To make it look real, Varinder and Aman called up their manager five times, asking him to send a four-wheeler and a security guard to avoid being suspected.

Navi and Pappu took the money to a hideout at Shimlapuri, where they distributed it among themselves.

The police cracked the case after Aman claimed that he was dragged by the robbers and his shirt was torn in the process. The police did not find a single injury mark on his body and his shirt appeared to have been torn by him.

When the police took Aman’s help to prepare sketches of the accused, one of the sketches matched Navi, due to which the police got suspicious.

When it interrogated Varinder and Aman, they cracked soon. The police named all six in the FIR.

Jagraon, June 10
Following the intensified crusade against drug peddlers by the SSP Ludhiana (rural) on the orders of DIG Ludhiana, Dr Jatinder Jain, the Dakha police yesterday nabbed a youth, along with unaccounted 11,100 tablets of various salts and 12 bottles of cough syrup.

The accused, identified as Harpreet Singh, a resident of Bhamipura village, was arrested by SI Mukhtair Singh, in charge of Chowkiman police post, when he was on patrol near Sohan village.

In another case, ASI Davinder Singh, in charge of Lohatbaddi police post under the Raikot police station, on Tuesday nabbed Amrinder Singh, alias Bawa of Rachhin village, from Lohatbaddi and recovered 740 tablets of various salts, 120 pain killing capsules and three bottles of cough syrup from his possession.

The Dakha and Raikot police registered a case against the accused under Sections 22, 61 and 85 of the NDPS Act.

In yet another case, the Jodhan police nabbed Didar Singh of Dhurkot village during routine patrolling and recovered 5,700 tablets of habit forming salts, 80 pain killing capsules used by addicts and 40 bottles of cough syrups from his possession. Besides this, the police also recovered 3-kg poppy husk from his possession. The Jodhan police registered a case against the accused under Sections 15, 22, 61 and 85 of the NDPS Act.

Meanwhile, the Jagraon Sadar police nabbed Gurdeep Singh, alias Gippy of Ghall Kalan village near Moga, from Sherpur Kalan village, along with 15,180 ml of illicit liquor on Tuesday evening during routine patrolling, while another person identified as Ram Singh of Malout was nabbed, along with 18,130 ml of illicit liquor from Galip Ran Singh village near here.

In both cases, the Jagraon Sadar police registered a case against the accused under Sections 61, 1 and 14 of the Excise Act.

Ludhiana, June 10
After ruling the hearts of Punjabis with 1,500 songs and 200 albums, singer Pooja is all set to make a “double” debut in Punjabi movie “Panjaban - love rules hearts”.

The movie is set in the backdrop of rural and urban Punjab. Pooja was in the city today at PVR for promotion of her film “Panjaban”. Ask her about her entry into films and she attributes it all to her fans. Lately, she had been getting enquiries from her fans about her acting in movies, “so here I am”, she quips. Though she had some experience for acting while working in music videos, but working in films and music videos are entirely different. “Expressing emotions through dialogues was a new to me,” she said.

“My character in the film portray youngsters in today’s time and highlights cultural values that are getting lost in today’s consumerist and mechanical life,” she said. “I am just experimenting with films, but singing is what I always want to do. I am sure viewers who have given me enough love and support as a singer will also appreciate me as an actress,” she adds.

The movie explores different shades of relationships in present times. The story is based on conflict arising from clash of human values and cultural values and these characters rise above it. The plot has realistic approach with unpredictable situations that make it interesting and entertaining.

Ludhiana, June 10
Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Vice-Chancellor, Dr VK Taneja, today stressed on setting up biogas plants in the operational dairy units of Punjab.

Dr Taneja, while addressing the monthly meeting of Progressive Dairy Farmers’ Association (PDFA) revealed that it would be an added advantage to the dairy farmers, as it could provide methane gas, which could be used for cooking purpose, carbon dioxide for making soda, along with the production of slurry, which could be used as farm yard manure, an ultimate backbone of organic farming.

The university has already established a biogas plant at GADVASU dairy farm, which is a live example for the farmers. Further Dr Taneja assured the livestock farmers that the university is striving hard to provide various facilities to the livestock farmers like modern diagnostic laboratory with latest gadgets for testing, infertility improvement programme, health services, quality semen production, along with the transfer of technology to far flung areas, including the border area.

PDFA president Daljit Singh Gill highlighted various problems and demands of the PDFA members and requested the Vice-Chancellor for their suitable solutions. Dr HK Verma, head, department of veterinary and animal husbandry extension education, said GADVASU was publishing and providing the livestock related literature in Punjabi language at nominal rates.

The farmers can acquaint themselves with the scientific rearing of livestock from these books.

He further revealed that the university was running a farmer helpline no. 0161-2414005, the farmers can avail this facility on any working days.

Doraha, June 10
A two-week summer camp, organised at Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Doraha, concluded here today.

Students from class nursery to X participated.

According to camp organiser, “In order to provide an opportunity to bring out hidden talents of students, they were given options like music, bhangra, spoken English, acting, dance, art and craft and cooking”.

Besides, students of primary wing enjoyed pool party, including water games, taking dip in water and splashing water on each other etc.

Arranging outings for kids, providing beauty tips, personality development, yoga and computers were also conducted. A grand finale was held on the concluding day of the camp. Karamvir Singh, school director, was the chief guest. In the show, students presented cultural programme, including bhangra, giddha, song, dance and debate.

An exhibition of art and craft items prepared by the students was also organised. Principal Manjushaw Vinayak lauded the efforts of teachers and parents for their support in making the camp a success.

Amloh, June 10
Punjab government has taken steps to promote games in the state and Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal has reserved Rs 29 to fund youth clubs and special grants would be given to clubs for their performance in sports, said Youth Development Board chairman Gurpreet Singh Raju Khanna at the concluding function of the 18-day summer hockey coaching camp at Government Senior Secondary School Playground here today.

A total of 60 senior and junior hockey players were given coaching in the game by Harbans Singh Neellon.

Fifteen players were given sports kits and all players were given refreshment. The camp was organised under the supervision of district sports officer Uttam Kaur.

SAD city chief Darshan Singh Cheema, Gurdwara Singh Sabha chief Harbhajan Singh, Land Mortgage Bank chairman Baltej Singh Mehmoodpur, Sheller Association Secretary Rakesh Kumar, Dharampal Bhari PA YDB chairman, Satwinder Singh Sattu Sarpanch, Yadwinder Singh law officer and Happy Sedha were appreciated for their co-operation.

Jagraon, June 10
Restrictions imposed on the mining of sand by the Punjab and Haryana High Court seem to have no binding on sand mafia of the area. The sand mining is going on unabated in the Sidhwan Bet, Bhundri, Humbran and other villages of the area located on the banks of the Satluj. The only visible effect of the High Court’s ruling is that the prices of sand have increased manifold. Even the rates of transporting the sand by tractor-trolley owners have doubled, as there is a risk involved in transporting it illegally.

The Sidhwan Bet police has recently arrested a sarpanch of Akkuwal village and tractor driver Gurnam Singh of Bhaini while they were illegally transporting the sand out of the village. The cops have also impounded a tractor used by them.

The SHO of the Sidhwan Bet police station said the blanket ban on the mining of the sand had failed to stop the mafia as they were getting returns out of it. He said, earlier, people used to be fined for indulging in the mining activity without proper documents. Now, they have started registering cases against the offenders under Sections 379 of the IPC.

The situation of the agricultural land along the Satluj is grim. The farmers have dug their land about 50-foot deep. About 20-to-30-foot ditches can generally be seen on this side of the riverbanks. This has not only destroyed the lands of the farmers greedy enough to earn an extra buck by compromising the status of their land, the farmers having their lands nearby are also in danger as there is always a threat of erosion and crop into the ditches dug nearby.

Gurcharan Singh Deol, senior industries promotion officer, Department of Industries and Mining, said they had sealed all points of the sand mining. Besides taking stringent steps, they have started calculating the quantity of sand mined from the fields of private parties and started imposing penalties worth Rs 1,000 per tonne of the sand. A trolley carries around 3-tonne of sand. At this rate farmers will have to pay a penalty worth lakhs per acre now. He said a trolley of sand, which was available for just Rs 2,000, was now available for more than Rs 5,000 in the black market. He added that a trolley with equivalent sand was available in Harayana for more than Rs 15,000 per trolley as the state had banned the sand mining about six months ago.

Vishav Bandhu, General Manager, Department of Industries and Mining, said the mining mafia in this area was an organised one. But, they were short of staff to keep a check on illegal mining.

However, the mafia is still carrying on with the mining activity in the evening.

Doraha, June 10
The Revolutionary Punjab Sabha, Democratic Rural Labour Sabha, Punjab, BKU (United) and the Jamhoori Kisan Sabha organised a protest rally in front of the SDM’s office in Payal today to protest against the dictatorial attitude of the government towards the Gail pipeline issue.

Those who attended the rally, which was especially organised under presidentship of Gurcharan Singh Lapran, convener, Anti-GAIL (India) Ltd, revolted against the tough stand taken by the government as far as the issue of the laying of the Gail pipeline through the farmers’ land was concerned.

Pawan Kumar Kaushal, Kranti Kari Dehati Mazdoor Sabha, Punjab, criticised the accusation of lands by Gail India Limited and the literal snatching of their right to use their own lands. “These policies of the government are destructive for the farmers who have no other source to depend upon”, he said. He opposed the forceful acquisition of farmers’ land against the Supreme Court’s decision for the purpose of laying gas pipe line by GAIL (India) Ltd. from Bhawna Dadri to Doraha, Doraha to Bathinda and from Doraha to Nangal”.

The members asked the Gail authorities to lay the gas pipeline along the National Highway No.1, banks of canals, drain and waste lands, from Doraha to Bathinda and Doraha to Nangal so that the agricultural land is saved.

The members said if the response from the government's side happened to be negative, all organisations needed to unite for fighting the anti-farmer and anti-worker policies of the government.

Ludhiana, June 10
“The way to man’s heart is through his stomach,” believes 75-year-old renowned cooking expert Tarla Dalal. Narrating her own tale she says: “My experiments in kitchen began soon after I discovered that my husband was an avid food lover. He was instrumental in encouraging me to try cooking different kinds of cuisines at home.”

Tarla was in the city at Sutlej Club to take cooking classes in the on going summer camp at the club.

She began her research to convert non-vegetarian food to vegetarian food so that vegetarians don’t miss the tasty flavors. Soon Italian, Mexican, Chinese recipes were all converted into vegetarian, which was unheard that time.

In 1966, she started cookery classes from her home. Her classes became a phenomenal success with a long waiting list of students, who wish to join her classes. “It was also said if you want to get your daughter married, send her to Tarla's classes,” she laughed.

This was because students attained guaranteed cooking expertise after attending her classes. Due to space constraints, she had to stop cookery classes some years ago. She has demonstrated her cuisine a healthy and tasty creative option through her cooking demonstration in large parts of India and major cities of the world such as Tokyo, Jakarta, Honkong, Singapore, Brussels Antwerp, lisbon, Zurich, Nairobi, London, Toronto, New York etc.

Tarla stresses on cooking with “one teaspoonful of oil”. She can make Punjabi dal and paneer with just one teaspoonful oil. “Health comes first and we should cook by using as less oil as possible,” she adds.

Lately, there has been a new addition to the list called the Total Health Series. These are health related cook books with recipes and information on various subjects like The Pregnancy Cookbook, Baby and Toddler food, Delicious Diabetic Recipes, Fast foods made Healthy, Healthy Breakfast, Healthy Soups and Salads, Cooking with 1 Teaspoon of Oil, Healthy Soups and Salads, Healthy Breakfast and Calcium Rich Recipes has been her best selling books recently.

Ludhiana, June 10
The transplantation of the paddy has got delayed due to the harsh winds that lashed the state during the past 10 days. Though, it was scheduled to start from today onwards. Majority of the farmers in the district have postponed the paddy transplantation till next week, as the crop has not gained the required height.

Harbhajan Singh, a farmer from Lalton village, said, “It’s not the right time to transplant paddy which is why we have delayed it by 10 days. We will transplant paddy on June 20 as it will be ready for transplantation by then,” the farmer added.

The shortage of labour is another problem that the farmers are facing. Despite having taken their wages in advance, the labour force is reluctant to return to work. “We can’t afford the technology and have to depend on the farm labour for transplantation but most of them have got work under NREGA and this is worrying us,” rued a group of farmers from Sidhwan Bet.

PAU Kisan Club president, Pavittar Pal Singh Pangli, said, “PAU 201 was the choice of the farmers as it gave good yield and straw but now that it has been derecognised by the government. It will be unfortunate if the farmers go in for hybrid varieties as they are not recommended for sowing in Punjab.”

However, PAU Kisan club members will transplant paddy on May 15 and majority are going in for the varieties like PR 113, PR 118, PR 115 PUSA 1121(Basmati variety). 

Ludhiana, June 10
Residents of street number 7 in the Deep Nagar area are without potable water for the past one week.

At least 70 families living in houses located at the tail-end of the supply line catering to the area claim that all they get in the name of supply was a dribble every day.

All their complaints to the authorities concerned have gone unheeded and they are forced to request the residents of other streets to allow them to have a few buckets of water for their everyday needs.

‘‘We are sick of carrying water in buckets. It is an everyday toil that we have to go through. If the Municipal Corporation cannot help us, it should make it clear. We will get our private submersible pump installed,’’ said Sudhir Mudgal, a resident.

He said they faced a similar problem in summers every year. ‘‘Two months ago, the tubewell had developed a snag. We complained to the area councillor and he got it rectified. Then we were getting water for all these days. But now we are facing the similar situation again.’’

Sanjeev Verma, another resident of the area, said the tubewell was working well but their houses were only not being supplied. ‘‘It seems the residents of other streets have installed motors illegally. That is why the pressure drops at the tail end. The MC needs to check these illegal motors,’’ he said.

Raju Thapar, area councillor, said he had received a complaint from residents in the afternoon yesterday. He had passed it on to SDO Nacchhattar Singh to ensure that the snag was rectified. Thapar said the problem was due to a leakage in a pipe that developed when the masons were working on laying a road in Jandu Chowk.

The supply would be restored within a few hours, he said.

Ludhiana, June 10
With the arrest of four youths the Jamalpur police claimed to have busted a gang that robbed people travelling in autorickshaws.

The suspects have been identified as Babbu Gupta, a migrant from Uttar Pradesh, Kuldeep Singh Partap Nagar, who resides near Dholewal, Deepak Kumar of Simlapuri and Parkash Thapa of Dholewal. They were nabbed following a tipoff late last night. The police recovered 32 stolen mobile phones and a digital camera from their possession.

Assistant commissioner of police Balraj Singh Gill said during questioning the suspects soon broke down and confessed to have committed the crimes. They admitted they used to indulge in snatchings in crowded places including the city’s bus and train stations and busy markets. Besides, they confessed they robbed people travelling in autorickshaws. Describing their modus operandi, the police said the suspects used to park their autorickshaws near the railway station or bus stand and hunt for - preferably rich - targets. When a victim hired an auto driven by one of the suspects, the others sat along with him. The auto driver then took the vehicle to an isolated street where the suspects robbed the victim.

Meanwhile, a woman faced a harrowing time after snatchers fled with her handbag on Ferozepur Road last evening. The incident took place when Kamal Sawarn, a resident of SBS Nagar, was returning home on a rickshaw after visiting a shopping mall.

She said when she entered a street opposite PAU Gate No 1, two men on a motorbike came from behind and snatched her purse containing Rs 13,000 cash, her cellphone and house keys. "I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t have a phone to contact my husband nor did I have money to hire someone who could open the door locks of my house”, Kamal added.

A Good Samaritan eventually came to her help offered her his phone. She called up her husband and narrated the entire incident to him.

Ludhiana, June 10
Superb fielding coupled with fine batting by Nakul (22) and Hitesh (16) steered the Pankaj Club to 40-run win over the Coaching Centre on the fifth day of the 15th Chaman Lal Malhotra Cricket Cup Tournament (U-14) being played at MGM Public School, Dugri, here today.

The Pankaj Club won the toss and opted to bat first.

They could not survive for the full quota of 35 overs, as their innings folded at 100 runs in 26 overs.

The main scorers were Nakul and Hitesh, who made 22 and 16 runs, respectively, while Kashish chipped in with 10 runs. For the Coaching Centre, Pranav Bajaj accounted for four wickets for 17 runs.

The Pankaj Club fielders did a commendable job as they got six Coaching Centre batsmen run out and restricted them to a meager total of 60 runs.

Scores:

Panjak Club: 100 all out in 26 overs ( Shubham 9, Hitesh 16, Bhuvnesh 6, Nakul 22, Kashish 10, Pranav Bajaj 4 for 17, Jaish 2 for 13, Raghav 1 for 7 and Parnoor 1 for 19).

Coaching Centre: 60 all out in 17 overs (Raghav 6, Jaish 7, Akshit 7, Parnoor 7, Nakul 1 for 10, Hitesh 1 for 6 and Manik 1 for 3).

Ludhiana, June 10
Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) World Cup may not be the choice of old cricket aficionados in the city, but it’s the most awaited event for young footballers in Ludhiana, who are eagerly waiting for the event scheduled to start from June 11.

A young footballers’ club in Ludhiana is enthused over the event, as club members have decided to watch the match together as a team. "We are fans of Lionel Messi, captain of Argentina team, thus we will extend support to his team in the World Cup," said Navi, a young football player.

Gearing up for the event, city restaurants will come up with innovative menu to go with the World Cup. Special snacks, main course of Indian curries and desserts have been dedicated to FIFA.

Hot Breads, cake outlet in the city, went to the extent of baking a cake in the shape of a soccer ground with its boundary earmarked with miniature footballs.

Unable to their admiration, consumers coming to the outlet expressed their desire to get a similar cake baked for their birthdays and anniversaries.

Ready to cheer up "Christian Ronaldo", captain of Portugal team, Shaurya, another football enthusiast, has taken print out of player's pictures and pasted it on his T-shirts. "Though I play cricket, but soccer has always been my second favourite game and I will not miss even a single match of the 19th FIFA World Cup," said a young cricketer.

Robinho from Brazil and Rossi from Italy are two other players, whom the youngsters in the city are vouching for. However, there is disappointment among women soccer fans following the absence of David Beckham of England and Michael Ballack of Germany, who will miss the FIFA World Cup due to injuries.

Ludhiana, June 10
Punjab cagers emerged champions in the 37th National Youth Basketball Championship held from June 2 to 8 at Tiruchi in Tamil Nadu.

In the final, Punjab team comprising six players from the Ludhiana Basketball Academy, namely Gaurav Deep Singh, Satnam Singh, Arjun Prasad, Loveneet Singh, Moneypal Singh, and two boys from Ludhiana district- Sameer Jain and Ajay Kumar, beat Chhattisgarh 64-42 to bag the title.

In the quarterfinal, Punjab overpowered Delhi 60-52 and in the semifinal, they outperformed Madhya Pradesh 69-54 to storm into the final.

Punjab Basketball Association president RS Gill and general secretary Teja Singh Dhaliwal congratulated the team and their coach, Dr S Subramanian for their outstanding performance.