Ludhiana, July 23
Unruly scenes were witnessed today in the district court complex here after a senior advocate allegedly tried to attack an ‘ahlmad’ (clerk) and hurled insults at him. The lawyer also reportedly abused District Bar Association (DBA) president Naval Kishore Chhibber in the presence of a sessions judge.

The incident occured at about 11 in the morning when the lawyer, Ashok Mittal, visited the office of the court ‘ahlmad’, Chaman Lal. Both reportedly entered into an argument over an issue following which Mittal barged into the court of sessions judge SP Bangarh.

Mittal complained to the judge that Lal had “manhandled” him, even picking up a chair to hit him, when he enquired about the bail application of another advocate, Jaskaran Singh, against whom a court official had filed an FIR for obstructing the latter in performing his official duty.

After listening to Mittal’s complaint, the judge summoned Lal in the court. However, the latter had a different story to tell. He claimed Mittal had abused him and even tried to attack him with an icepick. He further stated he had “somehow managed to save himself from the assault”.

At this juncture another lawyer along with his colleagues intervened.

Mittal reportedly lost composure after Lal narrated his account of the incident before the judge. At that time Chhibber and former bar association head Parupkar Singh Ghumman were present in the court. The situation took an ugly turn when Mittal allegedly insulted Chibber who had tried to intervene in the matter.

"When I tried to pacify Mittal he hurled abuses at me and even jostled me in the open courtyard. He crossed all the limits of decency”, said Chibber.

Out of regard for the sanctity of the court, lawyers immediately came out of the premises and entered into a verbal duel there.

Following the incident Lal moved a complaint before city police commissioner Ishwar Singh seeking action against Mittal. The lawyer was detained but later released by the police.

Later, lawyers supporting Mittal expressed strong resentment over the latter’s detention in the court police post to the police as well as DBA office-bearers.

Ludhiana, July 23
Two persons, including a child labourer, received electric shocks after they came in contact with the overhead high tension wire near Kochar Market here today.The victim identified as Raju (22) and Krishan (12) were rushed to DMC hospital by shopkeepers of the area. While Raju is stated to be out of danger, the condition of Krishan is critical.

This incident took place at 9. 30 A.M. when Raju, a peon with Eloquent Institute of English Learning, and Krishan, who washes utensils of a tea vendor, were removing a hoarding installed at the institute.

According to an eyewitness, the hoarding, which was installed by institute’s authorities, fell on the high tension wires which led to sparking.

The duo also received electrical shocks. The commuters and residents witnessed the incident and rushed for help.

So far two persons have died due to the electrical shock with the onset of the monsoon. 

Ludhiana, July 23
Goods worth lakhs were gutted in two fire incidents at different places in the city.Fire broke out at Kohli Textiles at New Madhopuri late last night and at the Fountain Chowk branch of the State Bank of India today morning. The two-storey building of Kohli Textiles caught fire at around 2 am and soon it spread to both the floors. It took seven fire tenders nearly four hours to douse the flames. A fire official said the exact reason for the outbreak of fire was yet to be ascertained.

SK Kohli of Kohli Textiles said he came to know about the fire at when the watchman called him up. “Fire had spread on both the floors of the factory. The material ready for dispatch and machines were completely destroyed in the fire,” Kohli said.

In another incident, a sportsperson noticed smoke coming out of the Fountain Chowk branch of the State Bank of India and informed the fire brigade.

Fire broke out on first floor at around 5 am and it took three hours for six fire tenders bring the fire under control. A senior official from the bank said the reason behind the fire was yet to be known. The customer area on the first floor was gutted.

Though no record was lost, computers and air-conditioners installed in customer area were completely burnt, said an official.

Ludhiana, July 23
Perhaps for the first time after the Tobacco Control Act, 2003, was given effect in the state last year, the district health authorities today challaned those found smoking and using other tobacco products at public places in the city and imposed penalty on the offenders.

Dr Daljit Sigh Kochar, who led the drive, said that team of officials caught more than 10 more persons smoking at public places at Ferozepur Road and Pakhowal Road. He said the officials imposed a penalty of ` 2,200 on the violators.

Health officials said the drive for implementation of the Tobacco Control Act would continue relentlessly. Under the provisions of the Act, smoking or use of other tobacco products at public places including schools, colleges and religious institutions, as also sale of tobacco products within 100 meters of such institutions, is a punishable offence. Sale of tobacco products to those below the age of 18 years is also prohibited under the said Act.

Ludhiana, July 23
City residents danced to the tunes of Punjabi pop singer Shankar Sahawney during the “Sound for India” campaign launched by Panasonic at Westend Mall.The lobby of the mall was crowded with people who were shaking a leg with the pop singer.

Shankar has kept his fingers crossed and is all excited for the launch of his album “Return of the melody” with Asha Bhonsle. “It is the first time that I am doing a ghazal album that has four duets with the veteran singer,” said Shankar

He has over a 100 albums to his credit with a chunk of them as a guitarist. He is quick to appreciate the benefits gained by the vast experience in the recording studio. “I am glad that happened. You learn what exactly goes in the recording studio,” said Shankar.

Commenting on the mushrooming of singers in the industry, he said: “Everybody who comes out with an album has some degree of talent. But you can only tell if they're a success if they come out with more than one album. The music company will only back you for the second album if they believe that you have the talent.”

With his father and grandfather being classical musicians, for him learning music was not just another option but a requirement. “When I was three and had to learn music, I didn't like it at all. I used to look out of the window and see the other kids playing. And when I was ready to play, they had all gone home,” he said.

That reluctance changed eventually. “Once I grew older, I really enjoyed it. With all performances in school and college, I saw people appreciating me. And the live shows are continuing till date with some on foreign shores as well,” he said.

The “Sound for India” caravan of Panasonic will travel to 70 cities in the country and create a bank of distinctive sounds of each of the regions it travels to.

The “Sound for India” caravan and exhibition will invite local talent for the on-the-spot recording of a sound with a synthesiser. The most interesting sounds, as judged by the jury at the end of the contest on September 11, will be rewarded.

Doraha, July 23
The government schoolteachers have disapproved the time and mode fixed for bringing into effect the rationalisation policy of the Panjab government.“As per the letter issued by the department of director general, secondary education, to district officers in December 2009,the latter were supposed to send the details of the district-wise requirement of teachers falling under the rationalisation scheme by February 28, but the task of rationalisation was so slow that it was not before June 29 that the consent of the teachers was obtained after which two public notices were served upon teachers to give their non-approval, if any, by July 25,” said a government school teacher.

“Presently, when due to semester system, the students have to take their examination in September, it will prove adversely on their studies,” they opined.

“It can take another month or so for the process to be completed and the actual implementation to take place. Now, since these teachers are to be shifted, they are not able to give their 100 per cent, as they are under the pressure of being shifted and that, too, at the time when students have adapted to the style of their teachers,” they further rued.

“We are not to deal with files, we are to deal with students who have an adaptability. Change of teacher every time may not be acceptable to the students, who are now used to their old teacher and that their change at this time can upset them,” said a teacher.

“Most teachers, who fall in this category have already been adjusted at new places during the general transfers. They are yet to adjust themselves at their new place, but the sword of being shifted to still another one, hangs heavy on their heads,” said another teacher.

Ludhiana, July 23
Trees are symbol of selfless and dedicated life. Besides providing oxygen, wood and clean environment, they motivate us to serve even the unknown. These views were expressed by Dr VK Taneja, Vice-Chancellor, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University while launching a plantation drive by GADVASU Green Club.He appreciated the cause by students’ community. He said if youth would take responsibility only then we would be able to save our planet.

About 80 saplings of Neem, Arjun, Pulmeria and Jamun were planted. All the dean, directors and officers of the university planted saplings. The president of the club Harsukhmanpreet Singh Maan said they would take care of all trees in their studentship and will hand over the baton to our successors. Some plants were dedicated to the senior students who were about to pass out. He said they were raising funds for an orphanage home.

Dr Darshan Singh Aulakh, co-ordinator cultural activities, who organised the campaign, said students would plant more than 1,000 saplings this season. 

Mandi Ahmedgarh, July 23
Jasdeep Kaur Ratol of Phallewal village near here has brought laurels by securing a top position in MBA (tourism and hospitality) of Lovely Professional University, Phagwara.

Though she understands that a career in the Hotel Industry will earn her more money than being in education field, Jasdeep values teaching more than wealth.

Hailing from a middle class peasant family from Phallewal village on the Ludhiana-Malerkotla road near here, Jasdeep topped the LPU by securing 9.34 CGPA (cumulative grade point average). Besides, showing gratitude to her school teachers she acknowledged contribution of Anjali Khanna, head of hotel management department, who not only motivated her to strive hard, but helped in preparing presentations and seminars, too.

After being selected as a lecturer in English by the parent university, Jasdeep is undergoing induction course on the campus.

Ludhiana, July 23
Zila Parishad chairman Manpreet Singh Ayali, who also heads the district health monitoring and planning committee, today inaugurated a "rural preventive healthcare mission" at SPS Apollo Hospitals here.

The aim is to spread awareness of the benefits of "preventive health checks” among rural masses.

Dr GL Avasthi, director of medical services at Apollo, said in coming years, chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, cancer and HIV/AIDS would account for over 65 per cent of deaths in India compared to 53 per cent in 2005. “Preventive health is best described as warding-off disease. It’s a process of making small regular decisions and taking positive action on health, diet, exercise and lifestyle. These actions give your body the best chance of remaining free from disease.”

Emphasising the need to create awareness on preventive healthcare and periodic health check-ups among village residents, he added, "There are 6,38,365 villages in India and about 74 per cent of Indian population lives in these villages. Preventive, as opposed to curative, healthcare can help reduce the burden of the cost of the treatment of preventable diseases."

According to Dr Kapil Chib, manager, medical affairs, the hospital will cover sarpanches and panches in the next stage and after implementation in Ludhiana block, the programme will be replicated all over Punjab in phased manner. He asserted that any successful initiative for villages must be formed on a community-backed platform, which is equally supported by a community-wide understanding of health education issues.

Jugdiep Singh, managing director, said the hospital was setting up a separate building for preventive health checks with an investment of Rs 6 crore with an aim of making basic preventive healthcare services as an integral part of an equitable, comprehensive healthcare plan, accessible to all.

Dr RS Bhatia, consultant neurologist delivered a talk on health awareness and a telefilm on healthy living was exhibited to drive home the need for preventive healthcare. Health check-up membership files of hospital were distributed by the chief guest to all those present.

Ludhiana, July 23
Dressed in Punjabi attire, Poonam Dhillon looked as gorgeous as ever. Belonging to Chandigarh, she loves to be in Punjab. “I got excited the moment I entered Punjab and felt like coming back to my roots,” she smiled. Poonam Dhillon, along with actor Aasif Sheikh, is in the city for “Pyar Mein Kabhi Kabhi” to be staged tomorrow.

In a life full of tension and stress, comedy gives us some relief. “I love to be part of the plays that are comical and the comedy should be clean with any double meanings so that the entire family can enjoy it together,” she added.

In the plays, one gives his or her best performance as there are no re-takes, feels Poonam Dhillon, who is part of both mediums. “Your best comes out instantly when you know you will not be getting another chance,” she quips.

Sharing her experience about Big Boss she added, “I did not know what I was expecting from the show as I confirmed it just a couple of days before the show started. It was a very difficult show and I am glad I came out with my respect intact. I managed to get a lot of respect from the audience, the reason I lasted till the last episode of the show.”

Poonam quit films, as her priorities shifted towards her growing children. Now that they are grown up, Poonam is once again back to be part of the film industry. “Audience will see me in a movie titled “One and Only” with Vinod Khanna and she does not mind doing TV serials as well. She was last seen in the serial “Kitty Party” at Zee TV.

Ludhiana, July 23
With no fresh case of gastroenteritis reported in the city during the past 24 hours and the number of patients admitted in Civil Hospital, private hospitals and nursing homes getting down to 45, health officials today claimed that the infection was on the wane.

"There is no need for panic and the situation is well under control," maintained Dr GP Mangla, district epidemiologist.

He said with the population the mega city has, the number of those hospitalised with gastric infection was "near normal" and manageable.

However, there is no let-up in the health awareness campaign to educate the people about preventive steps against gastroenteritis and other water-borne diseases, door-to-door survey to detect new cases, distribution of chlorine tablets and holding of health check-up camps in sensitive areas, especially residential colonies like Tilak Nagar, Indra Colony, Tajpur Road, New Kundanpuri, Tibba Road and Kabir Nagar from where quite a few cases of gastric infection were reported, Dr Mangla added.

Meanwhile, a delegation of district-level office bearers and councillors of the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), led by district president Rajiv Katna met MC commissioner AK Sinha in his office today to apprise him of the miserable condition of residents of gastro-affected localities like Tibba Road, Subhash Nagar, Tilak Nagar and Kabir Nagar.

BJP leaders, including senior deputy mayor Parveen Bansal, deputy mayor Sunita Aggarwal and group leader of BJP councillors Gurdeep Singh Neetu, focused on the pathetic insanitary conditions prevailing in these localities where safe drinking water was also not available to people.

According to Katna, the MC commissioner issued explicit directions to the sanitation staff to streamline their work, pay special attention to problems of gastro-affected localities, and specifically not to overload the garbage trucks passing from Tibba Road which ought to be covered during the transportation of garbage.

He said the BJP functionaries had went round the residential localities on Thursday where the outbreak of gastroenteritis had been reported and the problems being faced by disease-prone areas had been conveyed to the civic administration for remedial measures at the earliest.

Ludhiana, July 23
Perturbed over the “callous” attitude of the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation officials towards the problems of general public, BJP leaders and councillors today lodged a complaint with MC Commissioner AK Sinha.

Talking to The Tribune, BJP district president Rajiv Katna said: “The civic body always gives an excuse of fund crunch for all the problems in the city. Though the MC may be facing financial crunch, but for all the problems, this was not the only reason. Leakage in sewerage lines, waterlogging, non-functional streetlights, miserable roads, garbage dumps, the problems are many, but they are not due to paucity of funds.” He added that the “callous and apathetic” attitude of MC officials was the root cause of the problems being faced by city residents.

They alleged that some officials were least bothered about the wastage of public funds in the city. "Streetlights in some areas in the city are on during the day but nobody pays attention to it. The sewerage lines are not being properly cleaned in many areas. Had they been serious, things would have been much better,” said Harbans Fainta, another BJP councillor.

The BJP councillors also demanded early construction of Lakkar flyover. Senior Deputy Mayor Parveen Bansal and Deputy Mayor Sunita Aggarwal accompanied them.

Ludhiana, July 23
The rural branch of Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC) was yesterday inaugurated at Dewatwal village. H Rathnakara Hegde, executive director, Oriental Bank of Commerce, visited Ludhiana and inaugurated the rural branch at Dewatwal village.

The branch is well equipped with latest technological banking facilities.

Hegde reiterated the bank’s commitment towards total customer satisfaction and financial inclusion.

Raikot, July 23
Four persons, including two travel agents, were booked today while they were trying to procure a passport on the basis of fake documents. SHO Wariam Singh said Balwinder Singh Bagga Patti of Kalsan village wanted to go Kuwait. He approached travel agents Johny and Bhatti through Malkait Singh Brar, a middle man, for getting a work permit and VISA for Kuwait. The deal was struck for `1.25 lakh.

The travel agents asked him to get a Class X certificate, but Balwinder Singh had studied till Class VIII only. When Balwinder Singh could not arrange a fake matriculation certificate, they forged one and submitted documents at the Regional Passport Office in Chandigarh for getting a new passport.

The passport officer suspected that matriculation certificate to be a fake one and forwarded the same to PSEB authorities for getting it verified. The board authorities declared the certificate to be fake.

The Regional Passport Officer lodged a complaint with the Raikot police on July 13. A DSP conducted an inquiry and indicted all four in the forgery case. 

Ludhiana, July 23
Kunwardeep Singh from Amritsar survived a scare against Patiala lad Anmoldeep Singh before romping home as champion in the junior section on the sixth day of the Punjab State Snooker Championship being held at Sutlej Club, here today. Top seed Kunwardeep overcame stiff challenge from his rival whom he drubbed with a narrow margin (4-3).

 Kunwardeep started on a dismal note, losing the first frame without waging a battle (44-90). He bounced back into the game by winning the second frame at 55-41 and went on to wrap-up the third frame at 57-40 to read the scorecard 2-1. Anmoldeep came back with a vengeance to gain the lead again as he won the next two frames easily 77-10 and 82-24 to make it 3-2.

However, Anmol failed to keep up the momentum in the sixth and seventh frame, respectively, and lost these meekly 34-75 and 6-102 which cost him the match.