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Police under scanner after Roadways
employee dies in custody
Rain continues to batter Kumaon region
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Kanhaiya Ji Ki Doli
Nepali women celebrate Haritalika Teej
Gwal Sena activists to unite village youth
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Police under scanner after Roadways
employee dies in custody
Haridwar, September 5 In view of the sensitivity of the matter, the state government has ordered a CB-CID inquiry into this matter. The district police has sought a 24-hour deadline to look into the matter with senior police officials assuring of stringent action if the involvement of police personnel is found in the death of the Roadways employee during the investigation. District Magistrate R Meenakshi Sundaram has also written to the state government for sanctioning an amount of Rs 5 lakh as compensatory relief to the deceased family as well as a government job to a member as Rajendra (58) died during service period. In protest, the Haridwar-Dehradun national highway was blocked by relatives, roadways employees and local people demanding the dismissal of the policemen involved, including CO, City, Pankaj Bhatt, as according to Mithun, son of the deceased, Bhatt had
personally beaten up his father in the lockup and also arrested him. Hundreds of people sat near Shantikunj on the national highway as Rajendra’s family lives at Gangotri Vihar. Aggrieved family members and relatives had also gheraoed the Kotwali Police Station and district hospital blaming conspiracy in the whole episode with Rajendra having to give up his life for no fault of his, while the police had failed in nabbing the
real culprits. Notably, on August 30, a theft of Rs 9.72 lakh took place in the roadways workshop in which two guards were suspended and along with Rajendra seven others were being interrogated on suspicion of being involved in the theft. But the death in mysterious circumstances put several questions on the police team that was investigating the case. Family members of the deceased allege police personnel had been threatening Rajendra as well as them to accept involvement in the theft or face dire consequences. Pooja Arora, daughter of the victim, after the death of her father wanted to lodge an FIR. According to her, she was desisted initially, but later it was lodged as pressure mounted from the Roadways Employee Union and a case coming into light through media personnel forced the district police to order a complaint be registered against the accused police personnel. Senior Superintendent of Police Sanjay Gunjiyal has assured of severe action as per law if police personnel are found guilty pacifying the family members and protestors of 24 hours to look into this matter. “We had been in pressure since the very day the theft occurred from local police to accept involvement in the theft. We were refrained to meet our father in custody and have been warned of dire consequences if we speak to the media,” said Pooja besides her father’s body in the district hospital. Other family members too openly blame local police of killing and later trying to conceal the heinous act by relating the death to cardiovascular disease. ASP Janmayjay Khanduri said Gajendra complained of heart pain and instantly he was taken to hospital for the treatment but later died but added that if any police personnel was found guilty adequate action will be taken against them. “Police personnel seem to be behaving liking tyrant with no control over them, the state government has failed so has the higher officials of the department. People are living in fear of khakhi in Haridwar and it’s quite ironic that people come here to seek peace, religious and spiritual solace,” said Sanjay Sharma leader of opposition in municipal committee who accompanied the victim’s family
in hospital.
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Rain continues to batter Kumaon region
Nainital, September 5 At Neusela village in Dharchula, five houses were damaged as debris was washed into the premises by seasonal streams. Similar reports have been coming in from Doba, Dhari and Gadiya village of Bageshwar district. A large number of roads, including Didhat-Adichaura and Didihat-Thal roads, continued to be off bounds for traffic movement. Meanwhile, the dengue panic continues to spread in the Terai, where there has been massive water logging. The rivers and season streams across the region continue to flow in full spate causing extensive damage to the roads and houses, besides washing away large tracts of agriculture land. According to reports, health officials have been collected more than 150 blood samples in the Gadarpur area of Udham Singh Nagar district. This follows the panic emanating from the death of a resident of Pipaliya village on Friday from the dreaded fever. Separate wards are already being set up to treat patients showing symptoms of dengue in various hospitals. Meanwhile, the Health Department officials in Bindukhatta have been told to resort to fogging to check the spread of malaria. In Haldwani, the Sushila Tewari Hospital, which is the best equipped to treat cases of dengue, has prepared itself to administer platelets to patients of dengue round the clock. The decision was taken following a meeting of the district administration officials with those from the Health Department yesterday. Meanwhile, fresh reports of five patients showing symptoms of dengue have been received from Ramnagar. Outbreak of diseases has also been reported from Khatima in Udham Singh Nagar district where more than 30 villages have been affected on account of floods. Cases of diahorrea, typhoid, jaundice and viral fever are being reported on a large scale at various health centres. The Health Department is distributing medicines in various localities, particularly the slums, free of cost. The areas of Shaktifarm and Sitarganj once again bore the brunt of Baigul and Sukhi rivers whose water levels rose yesterday considerably. The rivers went on to damage a large stretch of embankments and the floodwater entered a large number of houses forcing the residents to take shelter in safer locations. Large amounts of silt were also deposited by the rivers on farmlands. The Kailash river also continues to wash away large tracts of fertile land. The river washed away temporary arrangements to save a power sub-station on its banks.
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Dhoni to protect wildlife in Corbett
Dehradun, September 5 Dhoni was at the Chief Minister’s residence in the state capital today to participate in the Save Our Tigers campaign of an English news channel. He handed over a letter pertaining to conservation of tigers and Corbett National Park, Tiger Agenda,
to Nishank. “I am lending my support to the Aircel NDTV Save Our Tigers campaign. Uttarakhand has amongst the best forests of the country. I have come especially to Dehradun to request the Chief Minister to do whatever is in capacity to ensure a safe environment for tigers and commend him on the work done on tiger protection,” Dhoni said in a press statement here. He will be a honorary wildlife warden like eminent conservationist Brijendra Singh. Dhoni expressed happiness at the given responsibility. “I look forward to the corridor of the Corbett-Rajaji being widened and strengthened at the earliest. I am delighted to accept the Honorary Wildlife Warden post of the Corbett National Park, which has been offered to me by the Uttarakhand Chief Minister,” he added.
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Captain Cool disappoints Doon media once again
Dehradun, September 5 Neither could shutterbugs click Dhoni nor could reporters interview him. The Indian team captain just waved to the media from behind the black glasses of his van as he left the CM’s house. This was the first time Mahi came to Doon with his wife Sakshi Rawat after they tied the nuptial knot here. Even during his marriage, that was held in July at a resort of Selaqui in Dehradun, Dhoni kept the media at bay. He was at the CM residence in the state capital today to participate in the Save Our Tigers campaign of an English news channel. As per the sources, the swashbuckling batsman had to take several re-takes during the shooting of the campaign at the residence of the Chief Minister. Well-placed sources also informed that Dhoni landed in the capital early this morning from Delhi with his wife. The couple rested at a guesthouse in Visranti to later head to CM’s residence for a shoot of the Save Our Tigers campaign and meet Nishank. His wife left for her parents’ house at the Nemi Road after about an hour, while Dhoni stayed there. After the shoot and meeting the CM, he left for his wife’s house, following which they went to the Jolly Grant airport to leave from here at about 4:20 pm.
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Kanhaiya Ji Ki Doli
Mussoorie, September 5 The overnight rain that continued till late afternoon created doubts in the minds of the organisers, but to their astonishment the sky cleared moments before the palanquin, popularly called Kanhaiya Ji Ki Doli, began its journey from the Tehri bus stand in Landour as if the Lord had answered the prayers of the devotees who had assembled to witness the colourful and beautifully decorated doli of Lord Krishna donated by a good Samaritan from Muzzafarnagar. The procession falls on the first Sunday after Krishan Janmashtami and this year was no different. The devotees from Mussoorie, Jaunpur, lined up on the roadsides to seek blessings of Lord Krishna. The doli, made of “asht dhatu” (eight metals), was bathed in the Ganga jal and after customary rituals and prayers at the Sanatan Dharm Temple in Landour Bazar, began its journey from the Tehri bus stand, along with the kirtan mandali singing and dancing in praise of Krishna. Adding colour to the procession were tableaux depicting the life of Lord Krishna and other ancient mythological scenes from the Hindu scriptures. A brass band provided the musical element to the procession. Local businessmen also participated and provided prasad at various stopping points. Foreign tourists enthralled by such a gathering and performance of artistes joined in and danced along with joy and enthusiasm. English tourist Sophia, speaking to The Tribune, said she was amazed at the scale of the event. For her it was a picture perfect moment and would cherish it for a long time. The government should identify such festivals on the international tourism calendar so that more tourists could come to witness the procession and the Hindu way of life, she said. The procession also bears historical antecedents. According to Rakesh Kumar Aggarwal, an official of the Sanatan Dharm Mandir Sabha, the Krishna procession began around 1870-1900 during the British rule. The present Radha-Krishan temple was a small tin shed. Temples of Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna were situated near the Nag temple at Hathipaon. The British had banned worship at this temple, and Hindu devotees one day clandestinely installed the Krishna idol at the Radha Krishan temple. They brought the statue of Lord Krishna in a wooden doli or palanquin in a procession. Since then, the procession is carried out to mark the day and it has turned into an annual feature. This act attracted many freedom fighters and Sanatan Dharam Mandir was formed with assistance of a devout Hindu and great Indian leader Mahamana Madan Mohan Malviya, who incorporated the Mandir Samiti into the Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Sangathan in 1936. The samiti also runs a girl school and a Sanskrit Vidyalaya at Landour Bazar. The doli was later plated with silver and now it is of asht dhatu. The presence of the villagers from around the region is significant as they worship the elder brother of Lord Krishna. They bring a traditional mela feeling and children enjoy their favourite milk and jalebi traditional delicacies on the occasion apart from seeking blessing of the Lord. However, this year the presence of the villagers was less due to continuous rain and landslides in the region. Earlier, the women use to attend the procession dressed in traditional attire, which was not scene this year, as the new generation has discarded the old tradition of “ghagra and dhantu” and prefer jeans, etc. The absence of Valimiki Samaj, that has been the part of the festivities since time immemorial, from the procession mystified many this
year.
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Nepali women celebrate Haritalika Teej
Dehradun, September 5 Governor Margaret Alva was the chief guest of the cultural event of this monsoon festival celebration that was conducted at the Shaheed Durga Mall Park here. Every year during the pious month of saawan (monsoon) married as well unmarried women get together to rejoice as well as fast, offering prayers to Lord Shiva for the well-being of their spouses. Women observing fast have to follow strict rules to perform it while having bhajan kirtan throughout the night. The occasion holds the significance of dedication, love, affection and sacrifice of women for her husband as Goddess Parvati did years of worship to get Lord Shiva as the groom. “For many years we are celebrating this festival and apart from offering prayers, we also conduct cultural programmes showcasing the folk dance and songs of the Nepali origin. Women in Nepali attires have gathered to perform rituals of the festivity,” said Binita Thapa, member of the club. The samiti also conducted a cultural programme and various contests for its members. The women clad in colourful saris and jewellery danced, sang and entertained the audience. From songs to food, people thoroughly enjoyed the function. “We are happy that not only people of our community has enthusiastically participated, but people from other communities are also equally enjoying in the company of traditional food, songs and dance,” added Binita. The club distributed “poteh” (traditional Nepali necklace) and mementoes to the women gathered at the festival. The winners of the contest were also entitled with Teej Queen and Teej Princess. Alva appreciated the efforts of the club and thoroughly enjoyed the programme. She also congratulated the women for conserving the age-old tradition of the festival in modern times too. “The efforts of Gorkhali Mahila Haritalika Teej Utsav Mela will bridge the gap between generations and keep it alive for many years to come," asserted Alva.
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DEHRADUN DIARY
In politics, to survive one has to make strange compromises. One such political compromise in the Uttarakhand Congress politics was much talked about this week. It was a shock for Congress leaders of the state when it was revealed that two stalwarts of the state Congress, namely Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment Harish Rawat and Tehri Garhwal Lok Sabha MP Vijay Bahuguna, had joined hands.
Both of them, along with Pritam Singh, Congress legislator from Chakrata, had gone to Congress President Sonia Gandhi to press for making Pritam Singh the new state Congress chief.
It was strange, since Bahuguna was supporting present incumbent Yashpal Arya for the post and did not see eye to eye with Harish Rawat in the past. The news created a furore in various Congress camps, and, if true, could signal a new political alignment before the crucial Assembly elections of 2012, in which both Bahuguna and Rawat would be strong contenders for the post of the Chief Minister. Later, it was learnt that Bahuguna had not joined hands with Rawat, but his political compulsion to support Singh, who is a legislator from the Tehri Garhwal parliamentary constituency. According to the Congress grapevine, it was Rawat, a shrewd politician who maneuvered things in such a way that Bahuguna had no option but to go with them to Sonia. Singh, who is in the Rawat camp, caught hold of Bahuguna in Parliament and took him along with Rawat to Sonia for his own support. Bahuguna had no option but to go with Singh since he could not afford to annoy a powerful legislator of his Lok Sabha constituency. Bahuguna had been supporting Arya for the post in the past. Interestingly, two other senior Congress leaders, namely Leader of Opposition Harak Singh Rawat and Shoorveer Sajwan, were present in Parliament and came to know of the new development. Much to the embarrassment of Bahuguna, they were quick in telling all and sundry about this new alignment in the state Congress. After this encounter, Bahuguna had been pleading with each and everybody that he requested Sonia that a consensus candidate should be made the state Congress president. Arya also became uneasy after these developments. In the absence of any consensus amongst senior Congress leaders, it was believed that state Congress would authorise national party President Sonia Gandhi to choose a new president. Indications are there that despite opposition from the Rawat camp, Arya, who is a Dalit face of the party in the state, will again make it. The party will not like to disturb the Dalit-Muslim combination that helped them win 32 Assembly segments in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections in Udham Singh Nagar, Haridwar, Dehradun and Nainital districts. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), which earlier held sway in these areas having eight legislators, is also keenly watching the developments in the Congress. Nishank camp
confident of victory While Congress camps were busy lobbying for the post of president, there was also a lot of activity in the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of the state. The arrival of Saudan Singh, general secretary and in charge of the state, both camps were reportedly ready with their grievances against each other. The combined camp of two former Chief Ministers, namely BC Khanduri and Bhagat Singh Koshiyari, were busy impressing upon the senior leaders that there was need to do something to win the state Assembly elections that are fast approaching. On the other hand, the Nishank camp was confident of doing well at the hustings in his leadership. Rain creates havoc
in U’khand Incessant rain during the ongoing monsoon has created havoc in the state. As per official records, a total of 85 persons have lost their lives in natural calamities triggered by floods, heavy rain and cloud bursts. The worst incident was at Sumgarh in Bageshwar district, where 18 tiny tots lost their lives when their school building was hit by mudslide followed by a cloud burst nearby. Most of the roads in the state have been badly damaged, particularly in the hilly areas. The Char Dham Yatra has been worst hit due to incessant rain as for many days pilgrims could not moved due to damage to the roads. A total of more than 900 roads in the state are believed to have been damaged. According to state government officials, a total of 1,571 houses have been damaged out which 137 houses totally collapsed. Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank has asked the Union government to provide aid to the tune of Rs 5,000 crore to deal with the situation. His government claimed that a sum for Rs 45 crore had already been spent as a relief to the affected population. The state government claimed that it was unprecedented rainfall that led to such colossal damage to life
and property. Interestingly, Meteorological Department officials have a different take on the rainfall. They consider the rainfall as normal above average and not a record-breaking rainfall this monsoon. “It has been nearly 19 per cent plus rainfall in the state, but not a record-breaking as portrayed in the media due to damage it has caused this year. There could be various other reasons for damage to life and property,” said Dr Anand
Sharma, Director of Meteorological Department. Till September 5, the state has received 1,260 mm of rainfall, but there are indications that it would surpass the rainfall of 2007 which was 1,564 mm. But this year three hill districts of Chamoli, Champawat and Bageshwar received nearly 30 per cent more rain than normal, while Dehradun, Nainital, Udahm Singh Nagar and Haridwar received 18 per cent more rain and rain in five remaining districts was normal. It was found that haphazard urban development on the beds of natural rivulets and seasonal rivers in most of the cities of the state during the past decade added to the problem of water logging and floods in the low-lying areas. Weathermen are predicting that still sunny days are far away as monsoon has even not yet receded from Rajasthan. Uttarakhand could have brighter days after September 15, it was predicted.
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University of Petroleum and Energy Studies Society of Petroleum Engineers
Dehradun, September 5 This campaign is a brainchild of the UPESSPE, Student Chapter, who have taken this initiative with the intent of helping the underprivileged by spending time with them so as to spread the message that humanity truly has no boundaries. “Put a Smile on Someone’s Face” through its campaign will give an opportunity to all those who wish to show their care towards humanity. The volunteers will gain invaluable experience by working in tandem with the various social organisations operating in and around the Doon valley. The Student Chapter underscores the fact that helping is not simply a matter of dispersing money, but of making a deep, long-term commitment and casting a hard eye on results. Sustainability, social equality and environment are now business problems. And corporate leaders can't depend on governments to solve them. Principles of Peter Senge, founder of the Society for Organisational Learning (SOL), find an echo in the ideologies of the Student Chapter formed in 2009 by a young group of college students who decided to work not just towards helping underprivileged children, but also wished to make society aware of the concerns of the aged and promote a better understanding of ageing issues. Today’s event saw a young enthusiastic group of students spending time with members of Prem Dham, an oldage home in Dehradun, carrying out various daily responsibilities. Speaking on the occasion, Sister Anjali stated, “We all were overwhelmed not just to see how enthusiastic the students were, but were also impressed by the kind of sincerity and dedication with which they helped us out”. When asked about the motive of the visit and the experiences gained, the students had a lot to say. Shruti Rohilla, one of the members, voiced her opinion as: “We all are aware of various problems happening across the country and it is very easy to sit and judge the effectiveness of the government. But what does it lead to in the end, nothing whatsoever. All of us wanted to stand up and show others just how easy it is to bring about a change when you want to. No doubt there is a long way to go, but, like they say, a journey of 1,000 miles begins with one step. Sugandh Aggarwal, president, discussed the society’s plans for the future and said, “We plan to carry forward this campaign all across the Doon Valley by associating with various organisations as well as the concerned members who wish to work towards creating awareness in society. Thus, also ensuring that we are able to help the elderly become aware of their own rights, so that they get their due and are able to play an active role in society”.
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Kathak exponent kids impress all in contest
Haridwar, September 5 Held annually, little kathak danseuse impressed not only the judges, who are noted exponents of this art form, but also the audience present in a large number. Examiner Dr Rajendra Krishna Aggarwal from the Mathura-based Music Research Institute lauded the talent of the participants, specially the movements of body parts particularly the face, eyes and hands in sync
with music. Participants Nehal Garg, Aditi Tomar, Sagarika Aggarwal, Vanshika Gupta, Shrishti Jetli, Lakshi Nayyar, Diya Singh, Ashi Garg, Suhani Doliya, Tanya Arora, Khushi Arora, Anushka, Mansi, Ananya, Megha, Bhoomika, Udita, Preeti, Indu and Prachi got special appreciating comments from the judge. Director of the Nrityanagana group Guru Bhawani Singh, who accompanied the participants on the tabla, said the result of this practical examination would be revealed in October and meritorious students given merit certificates. “The Nrityanagana group has been involved in the city for years in the kathak dance form with dozens of students enrolling, learning and passing out the annual examination with merit. Dedication and hard work is needed which city kids are having in ample measure and which is seen in their performance of kathak,” said Guru Bhawani Singh. Among others who coordinated in the event were Indu Singh, Alok Garg,
Sanjay Aggarwal, Deepak Gupta, Verendra Dutt Sharma, PK Shrivastav, Ajit Jetli, Kirti Arora, Bhawna Gupta, Seema Arora and Arti Nayyar.
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Gwal Sena activists to unite village youth
Pitthoragarh, September 5 “Established on December 6, 2009, the Gwal Sena has been formed to check the activities of land mafias, corrupt public distribution system and migration of youth from the region,” said Puran Singh Mahra, founder of the sena, who was here in connection with the tour of sena to introduce his outfit in the remote areas of the region. “We started from Nainital and reached Lohaghat and Champawat, and after crossing Pitthoragarh district we will reach Almora on September 9 via Bageswar district. We conveyed our message of uniting the village youth where the land mafia is disturbing the traditional establishment of Kumoani villages,” said Mahra. According to the sena activist, they want to develop it as a forum for the common man through which they can air their grievances. “During a short time of less than one year there are many achievements in our account. We successfully opposed the shifting of some factories from the Bhimtal area and saved the jobs of local youths,”
said Mahra.
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St Joseph, GRD, Moravian School win
Dehradun, September 5 In another match, GRD Niranjanpur defeated Marshall School 2-0. Gautam (42nd) and Anurag (16th) netted a goal each to help their side register an
easy win. Moravian School edged past Col Brown School 1-0 with a fine goal effort by Tenzin (42nd). This was the lone goal of the match as both sides had neck-to-neck competition. While another match between Aryan School and Selaqui International School ended on 2-2 draw.
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Doon School continue winning spree, beat Army School 5-0
Dehradun, September 5
The results of the matches played today are:
1. Doon School vs Army School Clementown. Result: Doon School won 5-0. Scorers: Wahin Khosla - 3, Yuv Khosla -1,
Shiva - 1. 2. Asian School vs Selaqui World School. Result : Asian School won 7-0. Scorers: sunil-2, Phoski-2, Ayush - 1,
Arjun-2. 3. St Georges vs Wood Stock. Result: St georges won by 1-0. Scorers: Bhrigu. 4. Assam Valley Public School vs Moravian Institute. Result: 3-2 Assam Valley Won. Scorers: Nishant-2 (AVS), Samraj-1 (AVS), Teanzin- 1 (MI), Aufred- 1 (MI). 5. Tibetan Nehru Memorial vs Scholars Home. Result: 3-2 TNM won. Scorers: Nangyal Dorjee- 2 (TNM), Kalsung- 1 (TNM), Jigmat Nanagyal (SH), Neguri Pal (SH). 6.Doon International School vs Doon Valley Public School. Doon International won 1-0. Scorers: Shape (DIS). 7. St. Joseph’s Academy vs Welham Boys School, St Joseph’s won 3-1. Scorers: Abhay Dora (SJA), Arya Savan (2), Shaivesh-1.
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