Ludhiana, September 12
Two transformers of the power grid subdivision at Transport Nagar here caught fire last night. A transformer caught fire, which later engulfed the nearby transformer as well. Huge flames were seen coming out of the first transformer, and before fire tenders could reach the spot, fire had spread to the second transformer.

Seven fire tenders worked for nearly four hours to douse the flames. The fire broke out at 9 pm and many vehicles, which were parked near the site, were burnt to ashes. As a precautionary measure, power to the area was switched off.

Naushad, living nearby, said the fire broke out in no time. "It was so massive that even the people standing a few feet away could feel the heat. Vehicles parked nearby were burnt, but there was no loss of human life," he said.

Deputy Chief Engineer (East) said the fire had caused damage worth Rs 3 crore. "The exact reason behind the fire had not been ascertained so far," he said.

Ludhiana, September 12
DIG (Jails) Jagjit Singh, who was inquiring into the issue of an undertrial woman lodged in jail giving birth to a premature baby (who later died in jail toilet), did not submit his report despite the two-day deadline given by Jails and Tourism Minister Hira Singh Gabria.

Taking into account the alleged gross negligence on part of the Civil Hospital authorities which led to the incident, the Universal Human Rights Organisation has lodged a complaint with the Commissioner of Police, demanding the registration of an FIR against the staff members.

In its memorandum to Police Commissioner Ishwar Singh, the NGO members demanded the registration of an FIR against Alka Mittal, Dr Hatinder Kaur, Dr Anantjeet Kaur and three pathologists who were involved in conducting tests on the victim.

Despite repeated attempts, DIG Jagjit Singh was not available for comments. Even Jail Minister Hira Singh Gabria did not answer the calls despite repeated attempts.

The incident of alleged medical negligence on part of the health department came to fore September 8 when Balwinder Kaur of Nawanshahr, who was undergoing jail term in an attempt to murder case, gave birth to a baby girl in the jail toilet. The baby died on way to hospital.

The incident triggered outrage among relatives of the woman, who later staged a dharna outside Civil Hospital.

Amarjit Singh, father of the victim, had alleged that despite having conducted two scans at the Civil Hospital, she was told that she was not pregnant. Instead the jail officials levelled allegations that her daughter was making false claims to get bail in the case.

He further added that on September 7, she was taken to Civil Hospital. After conducting the ultra sound scan, the doctor said that she was not pregnant.

When she complained that she could not walk , the doctors referred her case to Government Rajindra Hospital, Patiala. He was to be taken to Patiala on Thursday, but due to labour pains, she was again taken to Civil Hospital.

Ludhiana, September 12
If revelations made by Varinder Kumar, suspended junior assistant in the office of Assistant Deputy Commissioner (Development), who was named an accused in the infamous Indira Awas Yojna Scam, are to be believed, top administrative officials obeyed “Super Boss” Laxman Singh, the kingpin in the episode.

Varinder Kumar, who was arrested by the Division No 5 police, led by Dharam Pal SHO last evening, told the police that he toed the line of Laxman Singh as he had allegedly threatened him with action by a senior official if he refused to do so.

“Everybody in the office was so scared of him that they they would obey Laxman like anything. Otherwise, he was known to have got people ticked off if they refused to do so. I put my signature on the account opening forms, fearing that he will get me sacked from my seniors in case I did not carry out his instructions, may be legal or illegal,” stated Varinder Kumar before the investigating team as he had got a current account opened in the name of ADC Davinder Singh.

Varinder even handed over the cheque books, supposed to be kept under lock and key by the account holder, to Laxman Singh.

Astonishingly Varinder Kumar, who had introduced the account holder in case of current account opened on basis of fake signatures of the ADC, was not even known to bank officials.

The arrested accused disclosed that Laxman Singh was known for his proximity to top authorities in the office and a majority of instructions by these bosses were passed on to juniors through him only. He was known as “Super Boss” in the office.

Investigations further revealed that “Super Boss” had established a wide network of his fans among political and social circles as he had mediated appointment of a large number of temporary and ad hoc employees in various sections, including Suvidha Centre. Grants for various development projects were released on his verbal recommendations.

The police is trying to establish if the accused received illegal gratification from beneficiaries for facilitating the release of grants and making fresh appointments and postings in the office. However, it is established that rosters for division of duties were prepared after receiving his nod.

The Ludhiana police had booked Varinder Kumar and Laxman Singh as perpetrators of the scam in which over Rs 50 lakh out of Rs 1.66 crore in the Indira Awas Yojna grant were siphoned off in a bizarre manner during the past several months.

The case was registered on the statement of the ADC (D) Ludhiana Davinder Singh, who had accused Laxman Singh of hoodwinking the staff of the Punjab and Sind Bank by getting a current account in his (ADC) name opened on the basis of his forged specimen signatures. Varinder was identified on the perusal of documents at the bank.

Though Laxman Singh was working under the National Literacy Mission on consolidated pay of Rs 4,000, he was enjoying status higher than many gazetted officers. Sources in his native village Dhulkot revealed that his lifestyle, routine expenses and assets were suspected to be disproportionate to his monthly income mentioned above.

Varinder Kumar, pleading innocence, admitted that he had succumbed to his (Laxman’s) pressure for obvious reasons of fear of being punished for “insubordination” to “Super Boss”.

Ludhiana, September 12
City's historic icon, Clock Tower, popularly known as Ghanta Ghar, is crying for attention. Peepal growth is posing a threat to the tower, but the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation prefers to look the other way.

Ancillary branches of peepal have grown on the top of the tower since the last some months. Since peepal is known to damage buildings as its roots make way into concrete, the 104-year-old tower may crumble if the MC authorities fail to wake up in time.

It is disappointing that the MC, entrusted with the upkeep of tower, has not been able to help matters. Residents feel that the peepal will damage the tower if something is not done immediately.

The condition of the tower is itself self-explanatory of the MC apathy. The clocks do no work properly and cracks have appeared inside the tower.

Senior Deputy Mayor Parveen Bansal said removal of peepal ancillaries was not a big issue. A single person can uproot these and tower can be saved. He said they had decided to maintain the tower well. An estimate of Rs 2.5 lakh for its preservation has been prepared. “The work would start soon,” he said.

The Clock Tower, the prime landmark of the city, was erected as a memorial to the silver jubilee year of Queen Victoria’s regime.

Dating back to 104 years, the tower named “Victoria Memorial Clock Tower” was inaugurated on October 18, 1906. The then Lt- Governor of Punjab and its dependencies, Sir Charles Montgomery, had formally inaugurated it.

In 1906, leading people of the city contributed for the tower. It was strategically erected in the heart of the city in the vicinity of Chaura Bazar, the courts and the tehsil office.

Besides commercial activities, a lot of political activity still takes place neat the tower. All political parties stage dharnas and demonstrations around the tower so that the message is conveyed to maximum people. 

Ludhiana, September 12
The disappearance of Additional Commissioner (Income Tax) Umesh Chandra (45) still remains a mystery even on the sixth day, as the police was still groping in the dark and failed to find any clue in the matter.

On the other hand, family members of Chandra were trying to downplay the issue of disappearance of senior IRS officer and maintained that he would return soon.

However, cops have launched a comprehensive search operation to locate Chandra, but couldn’t get any success.

Chandra went missing under mysterious circumstances from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) on September 7. He reportedly went for he routine evening walk, but did never returned to his quarter in Rishi Nagar.

Senior police officials said Umesh didn’t establish any contact with the family so far.

His wife, who is camping in the city following the incident have not yet complained of any foul play behind the alleged disappearance of the IT commissioner.

The 1989 batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, Umesh Chandra (45), was allegedly suffering from depression and had even undergone a month-long treatment at the DMCH.

Earlier too, he reportedly disappeared for a day but returned home. Surinder Singh, SHO of the PAU police station said all guesthouses in the city as well as in Khanna, Jagraon and even Patiala were searched.

Ludhiana, September 12
A high drama was witnessed at Chattar Singh Park here this morning when the police didn’t allow ETT teachers to board a bus that was to carry them to Amritsar to participate in a protest against the state government.

Situation turned ugly when the bus ferrying 52 teachers, including 30 women teachers, was stopped at the Jagraon bridge.

The police reportedly detained 15 male teachers, which led to a dharna. The dharna continued for nearly an hour, following which the teachers were let-off, but they were detained again by the Ludhiana police at Sidhwan Bait area.

Amandeep Singh, who was leading the group of teachers, said the police surrounded their vehicle at a patrol pump near Sidhwan Bait and detained over 52 teachers, including 30 women.

Balraj Singh Gholati, general secretary of the ETT Teachers’ Union, who managed to attend the rally at Amritsar, said even his group of teachers were detained at the Jalandhar bypass.

The incidents of detaining ETT teachers at Khanna, Jagraon, Mullapur and Raikot areas were also reported.

Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal had condemned the protest during his visit to the city yesterday.

Badal criticised Simranjit Singh Mann for fueling the unrest among ETT teachers.

Till the filing of this report, none of the detained ETT teachers were released. It is learnt that the administration was planning to take an action against the protesting teachers.

Teachers alleged that 500 of their counterparts from Ludhiana, who were going to participate in the state-level protest in front of the house of panchayat minister Ranjit Singh Bramhpura in Amritsar, were rounded up at different locations.

They claimed that over 100 teachers, including women teachers, sustained injuries following a cane charge at Kartarpur near Jalandhar this morning.

Besides, a physically challenged teacher, Paramjit Singh, president of the ETT Teachers’ Union, sustained injuries during a lathi charge.

Paramjit alleged that the police team led by Kartarpur DSP waylaid their buses and started can charging at the vehicle without any provocation.

Paramjit alleged that no women constable was deployed at Kartarpur and the police allegedly misbehaved with the women teachers while detaining the latter.

Ludhiana, September 12
High drama was witnessed at Nauharia Mal Jain School after two groups of the Punjab Teachers’ Union allegedly manhandled each other during a state-level meeting here today.

The incident occurred when a group of teachers led by Sandeep Sareen of Amritsar was not allowed to enter inside the school premises.

A group of teachers then staged a dharna outside the school and demanded the removal of the Union President Harcharan Singh Chahal.

Later, a group led by Chahal and Sandeep reportedly manhandled each other.

The police also came into action and reached the spot. However, no case was registered.

Ludhiana, September 12
Giving an impetus to “Santulan”, a campaign initiated by the Divya Jyoti Jagriti Sansthan (DJJS) against sex-selective abortions, senior citizens of Ludhiana took a pledge to save the birth of girl child on the Grandparents Day today.

It was a step taken for the social cause wherein the sexagenarian and septuagenarian couples from across the district expressed their enthusiasm to spread the message in the society.

Bhagat Ram Handa and his wife Shashi Handa feel that girls are an anchor of the society who step into the role of a sister soon after the birth and then go on to give meaning to the relations referred to as “bua, mami, chachi, massi, bhabi and so on”.

“These relationships are the basis of the close-knitted Indian families and a person opting for sex selective abortion is not just guilty of ending an unborn life, but is also responsible for depriving a family of all these relations,” feels Bhagat Ram.

Highlighting the growing disparity in the sex-ratio, another elderly, Sadhvi Harimitra Bharti, said it was not only in the case of numbers of boys and girls that the disparity is widening, but also in the values of masculinity and a feminine energy, too. The latter being marked by the love, forgiveness and compassion is indispensable to societal development, Bharti observed.

Referring to the connotation of “stri”, a Sanskrit synonym to woman derived from a Sanskrit word ‘str’ which means propagation, another grandparent stated that the role of women in the society is not just restricted to that of a propagator of human race in form of a mother but it is of the propagator of human values and values associated with feminine energy. “Thus, women should come forward to raise their voice against female foeticide,” the grandparent went on to add.

Krishan Lal and Sheela, another elderly couple from the periphery of Ludhiana, termed girls as the catalyst behind “positive” works carried out in the society. “We in the capacity of grandparents will call upon every grandparent in our circle to promote the birth of girl child,” the duo said.

Doraha, September 12
Even as mid-term examinations are round the corner, mothers are having sleepless nights while their children, who have to in fact pass through the ordeal, seem to be fairly relaxed.

Some mothers have even forsaken their family, their household activities and outings to be entirely at the service of their children, lest their children performed poorly in the examination.

“I am devoting my entire time to my child who is preparing for his examination. After he returns from tuitions, I make him sit till late in the night so that he stays as sharp as his his competitors,” says a mother.

“Grading system in no way allows you to get casual with the study of our children. I keep a strict vigil on the performance of my child, as laxity may affect his focus and reflect poorly on the result,” she adds.

“Many a time I feel I am doing no justice to my only son by pressuring him to be around the books all the time, which is telling on his health, but I find myself helpless in the wake of cut-throat competition. Almost every child yesterday seems to be in pursuit of excellence and nothing less. In such a situation, if my child does not keep that standard of performance, he may lose focus and even interest in studies. Sometimes, when my child does not live up to my expectations, I feel like punishing him, even though I feel bad about it afterward. But I want my child to be at the top and develop the habit of hard work and achieving something big, which is the dream of every parent,” says the mother of a class VIII student.

“My child is in ninth standard. I have postponed all my trips and local visits, as I want to be close to my child and give her full attention. I have even appointed an extra maid to manage my kitchen, especially during the examination days. I have also asked our relatives to limit their visit to our house, lest it should cause harm to my child’s performance. I do not let her attend any phone calls or meet friends,” says another mother.

Children feel their parents have been putting extra pressure on them to perform well in the examination.

“Although I am comparatively relaxed, as I have already prepared for the examination, my mother seems to be more nervous than I am. She is a patient of hypertension and, as always, during my examination days she doubles her medication to keep her blood pressure under control. Many a time, I have asked her to keep her calm but she dismisses it saying I am too young to know what is good or bad for me,” says a class VII student.

Similarly, a student of class V says: “My mother is no exception. She denounces everything when it comes to my score and performance. I am not even allowed to have a break. She gets real nervous during my examination. She keeps a strict watch on my activities during the examination days.”

A psychologist admits that the number of women, especially mothers of school-going children, visiting his centre has increased these days, as they are in stress due to high expectations from their children. 

Mandi Ahmedgarh, September 12
Krishana Chhat Ashtami was celebrated with fervour here today.

Devotees, particularly women, started reaching temples early in the morning. They recited devotional songs and chanted mantras to seek peace and prosperity in the region.

Volunteers of the Laxmi Narayan Sewa Dal looked after the arrangements at the Luxmi Narayan Mandir where Girish Sharma led devotees in prayers. 

Ludhiana, September 12
A free artificial limbs distribution camp was organised by the Bharat Vikas Parishad Tagore branch at Viklang Sahayata Kendra, Rishi Nagar, Ludhiana, where 44 physically challenged persons were given artificial limbs, callipers, tricycles, bearing aids free of cost.

Vijay Laxmi Kapoor, president, Tagore branch, said their branch has held camps in April, May, June, August and will continue to hold such camps to assist the physically challenged persons in future also.

Narinder Mittal, chairman Viklaang Sahayata, said that Bharat Vikas Parishad Charitable Trust has provided free artificial limbs, callipers, tricycles, wheelchairs and hearing aids to more than 32,700 physically challenged persons so far.

He said 70th free polio surgery camp was also held today where 10 polio patients were operated. Already 1,278 polio patients have been operated successfully since start of polio surgery hospital in March 2007, he said. 

Ludhiana, September 12
Even though the annual general meeting (AGM) of Nahar Industries Ludhiana is scheduled on September 30, shareholders are yet to receive the annual report.

According to rules, all shareholders should receive the annual report 21 days before the AGM.

While September 9 was the date when the copies of the annual report should have reached the shareholders, the company started the process of mailing the reports only a couple of days ago. Sources revealed that even the outstation mail was being dispatched now while the shareholders should have received the mail by now.

Although the annual report has reached the shareholders within the city, those living in other parts of the country are yet to receive the same.

A shareholder in the company said since a majority of the shareholders were living in other parts of the country, they would receive the annual report after the scheduled time. "We fail to understand why the company is posting the mail late, as the last date for receiving the annual report is already over," he added.

Mukesh, corporate secretary of Nahar Industrial Enterprises Limited, said they were mailing the annual reports and these would reach the shareholders before the AGM. When asked that the report should reach to the shareholders 21 days before the AGM, he said the outstation mail would take some time.

Ludhiana, September 12
Eminent Urologist Dr Amit Chakarbarty from the US and Dr Rakesh Kapoor form SGPGI, Lucknow, performed live surgeries for stress incontinence, cystocele and rectocele problems. More than 200 delegates attended the International CME-cum-workshop at the DMCH.

Delegates, including surgeons, gynecologists, urologists and physicians were present on the event. Almost 25 per cent women irrespective of age, suffer from some kind of urinary incontinence at some point of time in their life.

Ishwar Singh, Commissioner of Police, Ludhiana, was the chief guest. Civil surgeon Dr Satwant Bhalla, vice-president of the DMCH managing society, Gian Chand Dhawan, principal Dr Daljit Singh and Dr GS Grewal, member, Punjab Medical Council, were also present.

The organising secretary of the conference Dr Baldev Singh Aulakh (professor of urology and head, transplant unit) welcomed the dignitaries and delegates. He said the aim was to keep the healthcare professionals updated with latest scientific advances so as to deliver better healthcare for the benefit of the society.

Dr Rakesh Kapoor from SGPGI, Lucknow, Dr AK Mandal, Dr SK Singh and Dr Ravimohan Mavuduru from the PGI, Chandigarh, Dr Lakhbir Dhaliwal, Dr GRV Prasad from the PGI, Chandigarh, Dr Baldev Singh Aulakh from the DMCH discussed various aspects of stress incontinence, interstitial cystitis, overactive bladder, prolapse (cystocele, rectocele), including anatomy, etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and management.

Interesting case presentation of leakage of urine managed laparoscopically was shown to the audience.

Organising chairperson Dr BK Gill (professor and head of obstetrics and gynaecology, DMCH) said depending on diagnosis from a healthcare professional who specializes in incontinence, they could help in finding the best treatment option. Treatment may be as simple as diet changes like avoiding caffeine and alcohol. Several types of treatments are available and they range from behavioural therapy, like avoiding cigarettes or scheduled toileting, pharmacological therapy, or surgical treatment. There are more management options being developed to help incontinence, said Dr Gill.

Ludhiana, September 12
Krutika Desai is one of those sensuous glam dolls, who entered into the television industry during 1980, also known as the "booming era" of the small screen.

She was one of those early birds, who jumped into the television bandwagon and worked on several chartbusters of the small screen, including “Hungama”, “Kismet”, “Zameen Aasman”, “Superhit Muqabla”. “Chandrakanta”, “Mansi” and “A Mouthful of Sky”. Krutika Desai gets candid in an interview with The Tribune:

Q: Do you feel odd playing motherly roles?

A: Yes, when you play such a role, it takes some time to get used to it. Initially, I felt odd. Imagine playing the mother to someone who is younger to you. Now, I am used to doing such roles. These days, I see young girls, who are playing the roles of mothers and grandmothers in the beginning of their career. Thankfully, I had a chance to at least portray someone of my own age roles for quite a while before I was offered such a role.

Q: "Do Saheliyan" ended rather abruptly. Disappointed?

A: Of course. Anyone would be disappointed about it. I was a bit upset when the show went off air in just three months. As an artiste, it takes a certain amount of time settling into a particular character that you play and I was just getting comfortable in the skin of Maya. I enjoyed playing Maya, as her character had earthy feel to it and was very different from the usual glam roles that I have been used to playing in the past.

Q: Your another serial "Ram Milaye Jodi" is about an oddly matched couple. Do you know of any?

A: I think most oddly matched couple that I know of is my husband and I. Imtiaz and I are so different on so many levels. Religion, of course, has been a differentiating factor right from the beginning. Besides, we are poles apart as individuals as well. While I am a pure vegetarian, Imtiaz is a non-vegetarian; there are times when we are running late for something and you will find me in a frenzy since I am a complete stickler for time and a routine oriented person. Imtiaz, on the other hand, is a laid back and relaxed types.

Q: What according to you makes an odd match?

A: I think the definition of an "odd match" is very subjective. What may be good for someone may not work for someone else. Conventionally, some think that people of similar backgrounds get along well. For others, complete bipolar opposites may end up working better together since each individual brings something different to the table and exchanging different perspectives on life can be refreshing.

Amloh, September 12
Activists of various political parties staged a dharna at the police station gate today and raised slogans against the police for not registering a case against the in-laws of Parminder Kaur (23) who was allegedly murdered yesterday.

Activists of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) addressed the protesters and demanded action against persons responsible for the murder. After the protest, the police finally registered a case registered under Section 304-B against the in-laws of the victim.

The father of the victim Parmajit Singh resident of Khanian village told the media persons that his daughter was married to Gurpreet Singh, alias Happy, a resident of Lallon village about two years back. They were blessed with a daughter.

He alleged that after the marriage, her daughter’s in-laws demanded money from time to time and their demand was met with. Her husband had been demanding a motorcycle while her father-in-law was angry for not giving him a gold ring at the time of the marriage. Now, Parminder was living with her parents at Khanian.

The Khanian sarpanch said that Parminder was sent with her husband on September 8. Her in-laws informed her parents on September 11 that she was seriously ill and was taken to Khanna for treatment. But later, they were informed that she had died. The father of the deceased accompanied by villagers reached Lallon village and found that they had taken the body to the cremation ground. The parents objected to the cremation resulting in a scuffle.

The father of the deceased informed the police. The dead was brought to civil hospital for post-mortem which was performed today and the body was handed over to the parents.

SHO Ajaipal Singh said that an FIR has been registered against the victim’s husband, Gurpreet, father-in-law Nek Singh, mother-in-law Charno, maternal uncles Giani and Gurpreet Singh.

Ludhiana, September 12
In yet another episode of conductors “bullying” passengers, a doctor travelling in a Punjab Roadways bus was allegedly beaten up by a group of conductors in Samrala yesterday.

Dr Swarandeep Singh, working at ESI Hospital, Ludhiana, boarded the Punjab Roadways bus (PB 10-CH 3394) from Samrala bypass at 1.30 pm yesterday.

When the doctor asked the conductor to give him a ticket for Neelon, conductor Amandeep refused to do so and started abusing him.

“I told him to give me a ticket for Samrala and requested him to allow me get down at Neelon, but he asked the driver not to stop the bus before Samrala. Besides, he called some of his associates and asked them to pick me up from Samrala,” alleged the doctor.

As soon as the bus reached Samrala, a group of conductors dragged Dr Swarandeep out of the bus and attacked him. “My wife and friend Dr Balwinder Kaushal, who were on the spot tried to intervene, but conductors manhandled them,” complained Dr Swarandeep.

Soon after the incident, the doctors called the police and the bus was taken to a police station. Conductor’s union activists started blackmailing and demanded Rs 15,000, as a compensation for the “lost ticket money”, which Dr Swarandeep alleges was “cooked up” by the union.

Having received injuries, Dr Swarandeep, his wife and Dr Balwinder Kaushal went to the Samrala Civil Hospital where they got their Medico Legal Report (MLR).

However, doctors fear that the union will go for a “chakka jam”. SHO has registered a case against Dr Swarandeep Singh and Dr Balwinder Kaushal under Sections 332, 353 and 506 of the IPC.

“It’s shocking that the police never came to record our statements and the FIR registered against us is uncalled for and due to this, doctors at the Civil Hospital were unable to refer us to Chandigarh for treatment,” said the victim doctors.

The victims called upon the authorities of the Punjab Roadways to intervene in the matter, but to no avail.

Conductor Amandeep, who works at Ludhiana depot of Punjab Roadways, alleged that Dr Swarandeep refused to buy a ticket and then slapped him while getting down at Samrala. The conductor added that other passengers on the bus, too, supported him and asked him to register an FIR against the doctor and his fellow colleague, who thrashed me at the Samrala bus stop. “My department knows about the issue and is supporting me,” said the conductor.

Meanwhile, Satish Sharma, general manager, Punjab Roadways, said the matter had come to his notice. He would convene a meeting tomorrow and said that he would try to get the complaint withdrawn.

Ludhiana,September 12
The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum has ordered Reliance General Insurance Company Limited to pay up Rs 5,000 for causing harassment to a consumer by declining her claim with their arbitrary act.

The forum also ordered the company to pay Rs 2,000 as litigation cost. The orders came on a complaint moved by Seema Rani of Preet Nagar, Shimla Puri.

Forum president TN Vaidya and member Priti Malhotra directed the company to settle the claim as the company’s claim that the vehicle was being used as taxi could not be proved.

The consumer had submitted before the forum that she had got insured her Indica car (PB 10 CA 1732) with the insurance company. The vehicle met with an accident on August 5, 2009 when a scooter crossing the road collided with it.

An FIR was registered against the offending driver and a claim was filed with the insurance company.

The damaged vehicle was fixed after spending Rs 45,072, besides Rs 27,000 on purchase of spares and other material.

However, the claim was repudiated on false allegations that the car was being used for hire and reward, added the complainant.

The insurance company justified the repudiation on the ground that the vehicle was a private one. However, against the policy, the same was being used for hire. They relied upon the report of their surveyor.

After appreciating the evidence on record, the forum held that the decision of the company was erroneous.