Ludhiana, August 13
A 38-year-old iron trader was shot by unidentified assailants in the Dugri Phase-II area here last night.

The incident took place at around 9.45 pm when the victim, identified as Shiv Kumar, was returning home from his office located at Gill road.

The police said the victim was on a scooter and the accused probably shot him in the back first. Evidence gathered from the scene of the crime indicated that the victim tried to flee after sustaining a bullet shot, but the assailants chased him and shot him on the chest from close range.

Some commuters spotted him lying in a pool of blood and rushed him to hospital where doctors declared him brought dead.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP-II) Sushil Kumar said it was suspected that a .32 bore weapon was used for the murder. The police was going through call details of the victim to get a lead in the case.

The area is thickly populated, but no one saw the assailants or heard gunshots.

“The incident does not seem to be a case of snatching or robbery as the victim was carrying around Rs 20,000, but it was not taken. The victim was not murdered for money,” the ADCP said, adding that personal enmity might have been the reason.

The victim was cremated at Model Town today. Tragic scenes were witnessed as his wife, two children and mother were inconsolable. “My son did not have personal enmity with anyone. Why was he killed? God will not spare those who did this to my son,” his mother said, wailing.

Ludhiana, August 13
Kulwinder Kaur, a resident of Neelon and owner of a Toyota Land Cruiser, outbid all others to secure the registration number, PB-10-CW-0001, for Rs 4 lakh during an auction of fancy numbers here today.

A representative of Kulwinder Kaur, who offered the bids on her behalf, declined to comment further. The number 0009 in the same series went for Rs 2.5 lakh to Harwinder Singh, a city resident.

The craze for fancy numbers has anything but waned as was evident from the jampacked auditorium where the auction of the PB-10-CW series and the left over numbers of previous series was conducted.

It turned out to be a marathon affair as more than 300 fancy numbers of CW and other series were put under the hammer as bidders could be seen fiercely trying to outbid one another.

Ludhiana, August 13
Taking cognizance of dumping of garbage and toxic industrial effluents in vacant plots and parks in the industrial belts by dyeing factories and other industrial units, the Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC) has sought a detailed report from the Secretary, Punjab Pollution Control Board, and the Deputy Commissioner, Ludhiana, by December 7.

Gursimran Singh Mand, a resident of Housefed Flats in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, who also happens to be the general secretary of the Rajiv Gandhi Panchayti Raj Sangathan of the All-India Congress Committee, had in a complaint lodged with the rights panel stated that the industrial waste and toxic effluents were being dumped in public parks and vacant plots in the Focal Point and other industrial belts of the city, posing a serious threat of the outbreak of diseases.

Similarly, the dyeing units at the Tajpur road were discharging toxic effluents in sewers, which keep overflowing due to the rains and could cause skin infection to the people residing in its vicinity. “While the erring industrial units continue to violate the norms with impunity, the regulatory bodies like the Punjab Pollution Control Board and the Municipal Corporation seem to be hand in glove with the defaulters by taking no action against them,” the complainant alleged. Justice LR Roojam and Justice Baldev Singh, members of the commission, had in their orders dated July 27, had placed the complaint lodged by Mand on record and served notices on respondents for seeking reports from them.

The rights panel members said, “A copy of the complaint and that of the order be sent to the Secretary, Punjab Pollution Control Board, Patiala, and the Deputy Commissioner, Ludhiana, for compliance.

Ludhiana, August 13
The department of health and family welfare has instructed private hospitals not to disclose details of any cases pertaining to swine flu, malaria and dengue to avoid the setting in of panic among the public. As a result, the private hospital authorities are even reluctant to share details that are in the larger interest of the public.

Terming it as “gagging” of private hospitals, a senior physician stated that the health department was not able to take preventive measures due to inadequate staff.

In a recent case of swine flu from Ludhiana, the authorities at the Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) refused to divulge any details, stating that they had been instructed by the health department not to share any information with the media.

The health authorities had also refrained them from giving daily reports of gastroenteritis cases in slum areas across the city.

The information is not even available from the department of health and family welfare as officials are not ready to reveal the number of cases or other details.

The “missing” information give private hospitals a chance to fleece people in the name of charges for platelets, medication, bed, ventilator and ward. “Reports in the media regarding diseases act as a check on the working of private hospitals, but in the absence of any information from the health authorities, these hospitals take the liberty to exploit people in the name of critical illness,” a senior health official stated.

Mandi Gobindgarh, August 13
At least nine labourers sustained injuries due to the over boiling of iron scrap in the furnace at Oasis Enterprises Private Limited today. This unit is located on the Talwara road.

Five out of nine injured labourers are stated to be serious. They were referred to Rajindra Hospital in Patiala.

Senior police officials who reached the factory soon after the incident are inquiring into the matter.

This incident took place at around 12 noon while the labourers were trying to melt iron scraps in a furnace for preparing ingots. The scrap is boiled at more than 1,500 degree Celsius for making ingots. These are further sent to rolling mills for making iron rods and other materials.

The injured have been identified as Sone Lal, Harhangi, Raju, Gama, Satinder Sharma, Arjun Singh, Tun Tun, Panis Das and Ravinder Kumar.

Fatehgarh Sahib DSP Amarjit Singh Ghuman, SDM Amloh Gursewak Singh, SHO Harpal and other senior police officials reached the spot. The police officials said the iron scrap, laced with chemicals, should be dropped into the furnace after boiling it mildly in another furnace. The over boiling occurred as a cold piece of scrap entered into the furnace unnoticed.

The factory owners said they would bear all expenses of those who sustained injuries in the accident.

Ludhiana/Mandi Ahmedgarh, August 13
It seems that security personnel guarding financial organisations, including nationalised and cooperative banks, have failed to learn lessons from the past.

While guards employed by banks are rarely equipped with sophisticated weapons and ammunition, those hired from uniformed forces do not care much about the instructions given by managers of these banks. With reports of snatchings and robberies pouring in from various banks, it seems that nothing concrete has been done so far to check such incidents.

Security guards on duty are often seen talking on phone, performing other duties and entertaining guests.

Situation was even worse at banks’ branches situated in rural parts of the region.

Sources said security personnel had a casual attitude towards safety and most of them did not even bother to search visitors for weapons.

In the absence of proper checks, passersby have started sheltering themselves from scorching heat and showers in these banks.

Referring to observations made after conducting checks at banks falling under his jurisdiction, the SHO of the area regretted that the officials of certain branches instead of reprimanding security men for dereliction of duty ordered them to do miscellaneous jobs.

The SHO said a majority of guards deployed on main gates of banks were found using mobile phones on duty. “These guards are unprepared to tackle any untoward incident, as they do not carry weapons. Fearing accidental fire, a majority of guards keep their guns unloaded,” he added.

Narinder Pal Singh Ruby, Assistant Commissioner of Police, said he had directed all SHOs to coordinate with managers of various banks and advise them accordingly.

Ludhiana, August 13
Teej or Teeyan-the festival of swings, singing, dancing and feasting has the city drowned in colours of Sawan.

While women and girls flock markets to get their palms and feet adorned with henna to celebrate the spirit of Teej; for children and men folk, there is nothing more exciting than relishing kheer-malpooras, ghewar and gulgule, the traditional food of the festival.

For newly married girls, it’s the time to get pampered with gifts from loved ones; while those about to marry, too, can be seen enjoying special attention from their in-laws.

Clubs, social organisations, schools, colleges and other educational institutions are hosting Teej functions and organising lavish Teej parties even as there is no dearth of private events to celebrate the month of monsoon.

Religious establishments, too, wear a festive look, with scores of city residents thronging temples to worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, especially on Mondays, as it is considered auspicious to fast during the five Mondays of Sawan.

“The month of Sawan and Teej are eagerly awaited by all of us, especially young girls. Every year we organise a party to celebrate Teej. The entire family gets together and celebrates the onset of Sawan. From feasting to dancing, every colour of the festival is enjoyed. There is also a mehandi ceremony for all women in the family,” says housewife Ruchi Ahuja, flaunting her hennaed palms.

Another city resident Brij Bala adds, “This is the time when married girls come to their parents’ home and celebrate Sawan with their friends. Swings are hung on tree branches and Teej melodies fill the air. The atmosphere is full of sweetness, which make Teej a memorable event for Punjabis.”

“We have been enjoying kheer-malpooras with our family and friends ever since the onset of Sawan,” remarked another housewife Kiran Sharma.

Samrala, August 13
The Malwa College Bachao Action Committee continued its dharna for the second consecutive day in front of Malwa College, Samrala, demanding the removal of suspension orders of Prof Baljeet Singh.

They alleged that Prof Baljeet Singh was suspended without any reason and was implicated in a false case. Jasmel Singh Bondli said, “The dharna will continue till Prof Baljeet Singh is reinstated.”

College principal Jagmohan Singh and director Prof Baldeep Singh of Malwa College said Prof Baljeet Singh was suspended after proper verification. They alleged that the professor had tampered with college records. They said the dharna was bringing a bad name to the college.

Ludhiana, August 13
Ludhiana MP Manish Tewari led a delegation of the industry on Thursday to meet Union Minister for Commerce Anand Sharma. Additional secretary, department of commerce, PK Chaudhary, was also present on the occasion.

Industrialists representing organisations like the United Cycle and Parts Manufacturers Association, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Auto Parts Association and the Chamber of Industrial and Commercial Undertakings urged the union minister to extend the technology upgradation fund (TUF) scheme to the bicycle industry since it formed the cornerstone of the industry in Punjab.

The bicycle industry needs new technology to move ahead in the competitive world. Since modern bicycles were in great demand, latest technology was the need of the hour. In case the TUF scheme was extended to the bicycle industry it will be better placed to compete in the world market and earn foreign exchange for the country, they added.

The delegation also demanded that the Industrial Focal Point in the city was in dire straits and needed special grant for development. They pointed out that it was here where maximum number of industries was based, which generated employment for lakhs of people. Still this area lagged behind in development.

The minister while assuring all possible support to the delegation asked the industrialists to submit the written proposals for both demands. He said, “I will ensure that maximum possible help was extended to the industry in Ludhiana.”

Ludhiana, August 13
At least for once, both the Congress and BJP councillors got together and walked out of a meeting convened by the Deputy Commissioner to hike the collector’s rate, which will subsequently lead to an increase in stamp duty on registration of sale deeds, here today.

All elected councillors, block, zila parishad and panchayat members were present at the meeting where the administration put forth the proposal to hike the collector’s rate by 35 per cent. The rate was increased by 10 per cent just six months ago.

BJP’s district president Rajiv Katna said their party had always supported the interest of residents.

“Increasing the rate arbitrarily by 35 per cent is not justified. Only six months ago, the rate was increased by 10 per cent and it was decided that it would be increased every year by 10 per cent. Increasing the price by 35 per cent is too much for public,” he asserted.

BJP councillor Sarabhjeet Singh Kaka said they would not let the rate hiked by 35 per cent. “We have registered our protest at the meeting today and will not let the price hiked irrationally,” he added.

“If the price is increased to such an extent, it will only lead to corruption. People will avoid getting registries done and instead go in for power of attorney. It will in turn lead to revenue loss. Only six months ago, the rate was increased by 10 per cent and there is no point in hiking it again,” said Sanjay Talwar, a Congress councillor.

However, calling the BJP councillors’ claim of standing up for the common people’s cause a pretense, he said: “If they are so concerned about the common man, they should take up the matter with the government,” he said.

“It was decided to increase the rate by 10 per cent every year. The urban population is already paying hefty taxes and the hike in the rate will only add to their woes,” added Rakesh Parashar, another Congress councillor.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, August 13
Unable to provide and maintain pollution-free environment and proper sanitary conditions in the town, officials of the local municipal council are forcing residents and visitors to inhale poison emanating from the litter rotting on roads and streets.

Schoolchildren, devotees paying obeisance at religious places and patients admitted to various hospitals, are worst affected, as dumping of garbage near these places is a routine affair.

Civic officials are evading the responsibility by arguing that the required space for dumping of the solid waste was not available.

Alleged unconcern of the authorities toward the sanitation has affected the lifting of garbage in the city. Huge piles of waste can be seen lying in many areas as the residents complained that stench was emanating from all over the town. They claimed that the repeated complaints to the authorities concerned had failed to wake them up from slumber.

Garbage has not been lifted from the Thana road near MGMN Senior Secondary School and numerous other points for past many days. As a result, the garbage could be seen littered on roads.

Stench of decomposing waste was all around and nobody was able to pass through these roads without covering one’s nose. Though sanitary workers were asked to lift the garbage the leftover and stench continue to threaten the health of the residents.

Claiming that he had impressed upon the authorities concerned to find some permanent solution to the problem, Bimal Kumar Sharma, councillor, regretted that the officials, including the executive officer, have ignored his suggestions and appeals.

Ludhiana, August 13
An all-round performance by Abhinav Bhatia, a student of Kundan Vidya Mandir, Ludhiana, (103 runs and 2 for 8) steered PAU Zone to a comprehensive 106-run victory over Jagraon Zone and secure a berth in the final of the Ludhiana District Inter-Zonal Cricket Tournament (u-19) being organised by the eduction department at Government Model Senior Secondary School, Punjab Agricultural University, ground here today.

Put in to bat, the PAU Zone amassed 176 runs for the loss of just two wickets in 16 overs.

Abhinav Bhatia faced 48 deliveries and hammered 103 runs with the help of six sixes, while Yovanjit Singh contributed 42 runs to help their side reach a comfortable position.

For Jagraon Zone, Harman and Rupinder scalped one victim each for 22 and 30 runs, respectively.

Chasing the target, Jagraon Zone’s essay culminated at 70 in 14 overs.

For winners, Abhinav Bhatia grabbed two wickets for eight runs, while Mrinal Partap Singh accounted for two wickets for 13 runs. Also, Abhijit Randhawa grabbed two wickets for 15 runs and Piyush Likhi claimed one wicket for four runs.

Ludhiana, August 13
The District Badminton Association, Ludhiana, will conduct trials to select probables (boys and girls U-13 and U-16) at Punjab Agricultural University on August 14 from 9 am onwards.

Players born on or after January 1, 1995, are eligible to take part in U-16 category, while those born on or after January 1, 1998, can participate in the U-13 category. The selected shuttlers will take part in the Punjab State Badminton Championship scheduled to be held from August 21 to 24 at Raizada Hansraj Stadium, Jalandhar. — OC