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Bag with Rs 5.45 lakh stolen from bank
Chandigarh, December 6 He claimed after a while he suddenly noticed the bag was not there. Later the bag, minus the cash, was found from Sector 18. The suspect who had stolen it had left the documents lying in the bag. The bank’s CCTV footage showed a youngster, aged between 20 and 25, was exiting the bank with the bag. The police said the suspect was probably accompanied by three or four accomplices as all of them left the bank premises one by one. Meanwhile, Jaspal stated he had collected the money today from Big Bazar in payment for security services provided by his agency. “Jaspal along with a security guard and a driver came to the bank in a car. While both the guard and driver remained in the vehicle, Jaspal went inside the bank alone,” said sources close to the police. The cops are yet to confirm whether the suspect(s) came to the bank on foot or in a vehicle. ASP Desraj Singh, who arrived at the scene son after being informed about the incident, said the theft might be the handiwork of members of the “Muradabadi gang”, who are said to be engaged in lifting bags containing cash and other items from banks and vehicles in the city. The police has sent the bank’s CCTV footage to its cyber cell to prepare sketches of the suspect(s).
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Woman found murdered in
Sector 45
Chandigarh, December 6 Injury marks were on her face and her nose was smashed. DSP (South) Vijay Kumar said circumstantial evidences indicated that she seemed to have been murdered today at some other place and the body was dumped here later. “According to her husband Nand Lal, she was wearing slippers when she went missing, but she was found barefoot,” the DSP stated. Nand Lal, who is a lab
attendant at the GMCH-32, said Vimla was not well when he came back from duty at 3.30 am on December 3. “She told me that she was going to the mobile toilet set up near the colony. When she did not come back even after half hour, I started searching for her. I found the bottle that she was carrying, but there was no sign of her,” he said. He filed a missing report in the Sector 34 police station the same day. The couple has a daughter aged 14 years and a son aged two. Asked if the victim was raped, the DSP said it would be known only after postmortem. Many onlookers, who are residents of the colony, claimed that the body was thrown there after 2 pm today. “I passed this way in the afternoon, but there was no body,” a young boy claimed, adding that he had seen a Maruti car and a three-wheeler parked a few metres away from where the body was found. Nand Lal’s neighbour Aslam, who identified the body, seconded the boy’s statement. “Around 300 residents of our colony had been searching for Vimla since December 3. We had made several rounds of this location also. It seemed that the murderer threw the body here this afternoon,” he said. The police has registered a case and the body has been sent to the GMSH-16 mortuary. The postmortem would be conducted tomorrow.
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Night food street set to wrap up
Chandigarh, December 6 The kiosk owners’ decision comes exactly two years after the union minister Pawan Bansal inaugurated the food street, which was a boon to thousands of students, PGI patients and attendants, besides the general public. At a meeting with Additional Commissioner-I TPS Phoolka, the food stall owners reiterated that cleanliness would be difficult given the limited space that was provided to them. The 8’x 8’ kiosks did not leave much space for air circulation. While the raiding team insisted that the food should be cooked in the base kitchen, it was silent on the preparation of “chappatis” as these were to be served hot to customers. In view of the broken flooring and no lighting in the kitchen area, it becomes difficult to serve food in hygienic area. Lack of proper parking for customers was another irritant, a food stall owner stated. The protesting food stall owners were also joined by the licencee of a kiosk who bagged the contract for Rs 93,000 per month a few days ago. Phoolka said a meeting of MC officials and kiosk owners would be held soon to reach a consenus on the issue. On December 3, a UT team led by ADC PS Shergill had raided the food street and found glaring violations under the Food Adulteration Act. Sanitary standards were found to be poor. Who will be affected
About 4,000 PU boarders and thousands of patients and attendants at the PGI will be affected by the closure of the food street which functioned from 7 pm to 7 am. “Food at the food street is better than roadside rehris and the authorities should find a way to restart it for the benefit of the public,” Sahil Sharma, an IT professional and a frequent visitor to the street, stated
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Music teacher accused of molestation surrenders
Panchkula, December 6 According to sources, counsel for the petitioner argued the school’s headmistress, Maneesha, along with another teacher, Geetanjali, had “hatched a conspiracy” against Thapa by “instigating” students to file the molestation complaint after his client had refused to teach music to Maneesha’s daughter at her home. Earlier, a case under section 354 of the IPC was filed against Thapa in the Chandimandir police station after the school’s officials lodged a complaint of a molestation attempt against him. After securing bail Thapa, without naming any of the school’s teachers, told The Tribune he was “totally confused” due to the “baseless allegations made against him with an intention to harass him”. “I’m being targeted as I had refused to teach the ward of one of the teachers after school hours. I had refused to teach the child at home due to my old age. Besides I suffer from heart disease”, he stated. Thapa said he always cared for the young students and even dropped them at their homes after late night programmes. “The school management should have informed me when some parents complained about their wards being molested. The school officials told me 15 students had complained against me. Later, they changed their mind and told me on five students had complained, whereas in fact the parents of only four students studying in class 5 had filed complaints against me”. Army School principal Lt Col (retd) NR Baberwal said Thapa was an honest and hardworking music teacher and was popular among the school students. “He was forced to file a complaint with the police under pressure from the school management”, he added. Unable to hold back tears, Thapa alleged the school officials did not inform him at all about the complaints filed by students’ parents. “I only came to know about the matter when the officials told me him they were going to file a case against me with the police. I wasn’t even allowed to meet the students concerned”, he averred.
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RTE: No fee for students aged 6-14 years
Ambala, December 6 According to sources, Haryana government, under the cash award scheme, would give one-time cash amount to the SC students of classes I to VIII to purchase school bags, uniforms and stationery articles. More than 7.64 lakh students benefited from the scheme last year. College principals, schools, including officials of the education department, besides sarpanches and members of block samities were present. Haryana is going ahead on a mission to provide the Right to Education to every child, he added. He further said no fee would be charged from the students in the age group of 6 to 14 studying in government as well as government aided schools. The sources said the government had also refunded Rs 9 lakh to the guardians of the students, who had paid the fee earlier.In today’s time education is not only considered a beacon of light to kindle the rays of literacy, but it is also a key component of planning for development. The state government is aware that educational opportunities are tools to bring about socio-economic changes that transform a society, he added. Renu Phulia, ADC Ambala, Nisha Sharma DEO, Harvinder Singh, project director, Mohinder Singh and Surinder Singh resource persons from education department were also present.
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Brochures for CHB
Chandigarh, December 6 Interestingly, CHB has also shortlisted three banks - ICICI Bank, Axis Bank and Syndicate Bank - as bankers for the scheme, all of which have agreed to share the processing fees with the board. However, a meeting to decide on selecting the banks will be held on Tuesday. The application form for the scheme will be priced at Rs 1,000 and any one can fill in any number of applications for the proposed two bedroom flat costing Rs 50 lakh. While the board had drawn flak on the pricing CHB officials justified it as being “competitive” and claimed the funds generated would be ploughed back into the city’s development. “The board has been criticized for charging very high prices for these flats. While CHB has always provided housing at competitive rates, it’s a sorry state of affairs that many of those who get lucky in draws of lots even sell their slips on the same day itself to property dealers, who in turn sell these flats at very high prices. If the board has fixed competitive rates, the funds will accrue to the public exchequer and not go to individuals under the garb of general power of attorney”, said CHB chairman Mohanjit Singh. To further justify its claims over keeping the pricing competitive, the board at a meeting held today decided 10 per cent of houses — 16 in number, which will be in the “assured” category would be priced after taking the average of all bids. Meanwhile, CHB officials claimed that “to set an example” the housing scheme would be put on the “fast track” and be implemented in the shortest time by the board. The department concerned has already approved the layout and there is no requirement for environment clearance. The draw of lots will take place in January and construction work allotted in March. The proposed flats are expected to be handed over by June 2012.
Panel on ‘need-based changes’
The Chandigarh Housing Board has set up a committee, comprising former mayor Harjinder Kaur, Jagjit Singh Kang, Rajesh Kumar Gupta
and Ram Swarup Maurya, to examine more “need-based changes”, including zoning regulations. The panel will look into the long standing demand of city residents to include other need-based changes in the existing list of 44 changes based on field visits and structural feasibilities. It will submit its report in three weeks’ time
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Dismissal of Constables From
Service
Chandigarh, December 6 Reversing the orders on a petition filed by Narender Singh, another constable against the state of Punjab and others respondents Justice Ajai Lamba quashed the order. At the same time, Justice Lamba clarified the order would, however, not entitle the petitioners to be reinstated in service. “It shall be open to the respondents to hold enquiry against the petitioners in accordance with law and pass fresh order of punishment”. Justice Lamba added: “The petitioners would be deemed to be continuing under suspension. What treatment should be meted out to the period of suspension shall be decided by the competent authority at the time of passing of fresh order. The Bench observed that the petitioners were dismissed from service by the SSP on October 30, 2007, after holding it was not reasonably practical to hold a regular departmental enquiry under Article 311 of the Constitution of India. The petitioners’ appeal too was dismissed vide order dated June 9, 2008, passed by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Patiala Range. Their revision petition before the Inspector-General of Police, Patiala, too was dismissed vide order dated November 5, 2008.
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Stability rules the market
Chandigarh, December 6 Among fruits, the price of apple has gone down while that of papaya has gone up. The rate of banana has remained almost stationary for a long time.
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PGI contractual workers’ strike enters third
day
Chandigarh, December 6 Though the PGI authorities claimed to have got people, both internally and externally, to cope with the situation, things largely remained a mess all over the institute. PGI spokesperson Manju Wadwalkar said regular employees deputed at the research block, administrative offices, hostels and other places had been put on duty at different places and nearly 50 securty guards had been asked to work as ward attendants. In addition, the governments of Punjab and Haryana had been requested to provide some employees and the municipal corporation had spared some of its employees to take care of santation work at the PGI, she added. Biomedical waste was disposed of properly today, she claimed. Dustbins and sacks of garbage could be seen in every corner of OPDs, emergency ward, advance paediatrics centre, cardiac care centre and washrooms. Trolleys with blood stains were abandoned near doors of the Nehru Hospital as employees were not available to clean those up. Under these circumstances, apprehensions of increase in cases of hospital-acquired infection were looming large. Though no medico said it openly, many of them admitted that the situation had deteriorated alarmingly. Hospital-acquired infections were cross-infections, with patients, hospital staff and the environment being the sources. Patients suffering from diseases were potential sources of infection. Even in developed countries, cross-infection in hospitals was estimated to be between 7 per cent and 12 per cent. With lack of cleanliness, this number could be much higher, said a microbiologist. Meanwhile, there seemed to be no indication of an end to the strike as the five employees arrested by the Chandigarh police were not released. The release of Bhagwan, Rohtash Thakur, Parveen Kumar, Gopal and Sonu, who were under arrest since Friday evening, was the main demand of the striking contractual employees, sat on dharna at the rally ground in Sector 25.
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5 paid parking lots fetch Rs 1.75 cr
Chandigarh, December 6 The second highest amount of ` 27 lakh was fetched by Shri Gurdev Studio parking, Sector 17, as against the reserve price of Rs 21.75 lakh. The auction was conducted TPS Phoolka, Additional Commissioner-I, in the presence of Pardeep Chhabra, councillor and former Mayor. The parking in Sector 22-B, opposite the Sector 17 ISBT, fetched Rs 26 lakh, as against the reserve price of ` 17.7 lakh. The Lake Club parking, Sector 5, which had a reserve price of Rs 17.25 lakh, went for Rs 19.05 lakh. The parking outside the office of Medical Officer of Health in Sector 17 was auctioned for Rs 15 lakh, according to sources. — TNS
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Police clueless in realtor’s death case
Mohali, December 6 Though the call details of the Airtel connection (purportedly in possession of the victim on the day of his death) are yet to be procured by the police, investigators have failed to find the reason behind the cause of the death. According to sources, all theories believed to be behind the death have been analysed by the police. A number of family members and some of the persons whom the deceased met on the day of his death have been questioned, but the investigators have not been able to find out the reason. Jilted lover was found dead on the day when his beloved was getting married to someone else, raising several questions behind the circumstances leading to the shocking death of the realtor. Efforts to reconstruct the circumstantial evidence at the place of the incident have not yielded much, as the vehicle was completely burnt. Remains of a mobile handset have been found in the car. The circumstantial evidence and accounts of some unconfirmed eyewitnesses had added to the confusion. The burnt vehicle was found in the middle of the road and that, too, when the road takes a sloping, indicating an abrupt turn of events in or around the vehicle resulting in the driver applying sudden brakes.
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Action against contractor sought
Mohali, December 6 The council had released bitumen for the work to the contractor on June 4, but the work had not been started even though it should have finished by November 17. Bedi further said the engineer concerned had issued three notices to the contractor, who allegedly failed to respond to the notices and didn’t even start the work of laying the premix carpet. He said the contractor, who had been allotted works of other areas of the town as well, was allegedly not interested in doing the work. — OC
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Health centre to come up in March
Zirakpur, December 6 According to sources, the two-storied health centre, with an outlay of Rs 2.92 crore, is being set up under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). The health centre will have an emergency ward, OPD, X-ray, operation theatre and computerised registration. Sources said a team of four specialist doctors, along with three emergency doctors and one SMO would be deputed for emergency services. An ambulance would also be deployed at the centre. In October 2009, Punjab Health Minister had inaugurated the construction work of the community health centre. Due to the absence of a government hospital at Zirakpur residents had to go to private hospitals and those located in Panchkula, Chandigarh and Dera Bassi. CMO Mohali Dr PK Sridhar said the work of the health centre was in progress and would be completed by March next year. He said the health department sanctioned the team of doctors and staff members for the community health centre. “This community health centre will be better than the other health centres in Punjab,” he claimed.
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NGOs, police join hands to cut road casualties
Panchkula, December 6 Stating this, superintendent of police Maneesh Chaudhary said members of the two organisations along with the police would survey all accident prone areas in the town and submit a detailed report about the causes of frequent mishaps at specific locations. “Data will be collected for identifying the accident-prone spots. This will be analyzed by technical experts of the PWD and the National Highway Authority of India to work out a solution, besides making specific changes in the road map to avoid more casualties”, he added. Chaudhary said RSO members would also be deputed as traffic marshals at various ‘nakas’ (checkposts) along with the traffic cops for conducting a drive to fine traffic offenders without any hitch as also to avoid false allegations of cops seeking bribes. “This will also save people from unnecessary harassment by the police”, he added. He announced the police would also issue identification cards to office-bearers of the RSO, which would be renewed after every six months or a year. “Other RSO members would also be issued the ID cards for two months, which would be renewed only after taking into account the actual service put in by them”, he added. Meanwhile, Chaudhary has issued instructions to all deputy police superintendents and station house officers not to harass the “Good Samaritans” who go out of their way to save the lives of road accident victims. The instructions state investigating police officials should not harass or unnecessarily question people who bring accident victims to hospitals for treatment. If the victim confirms the person has indeed helped him, the police should not question him and the person should not be forced to stay back at the hospital or disclose his identity to the cops. “The injured victim’s statement will be crucial as the police will be able to question people only if the victim identified the person as the one who was involved in the accident and sought action be taken against him. However, if the victim clarified the person had actually helped him then the police shouldn't question him”, said Chaudhary. Assuring strict action would be against any police official found to be harassing the public, he said: “If anyone faces harassment at the hands of the police, he or she can directly file a complaint with me”.
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Residents demand MC benefits
Zirakpur, December 6 Village sarpanch Bhupinder Kaur, Gurmukh Singh, Balwinder Singh and others alleged that they had asked the council to include their village in the municipal limits a few years ago, but nothing had been done so far. — TNS
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Beautification of roundabouts on
Mohali, December 6 The work has to be completed by March 31. Services of a horticulture adviser of the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority will be taken for landscaping and beautifying the roundabouts. The work in this regard has been allotted to colonisers, industrial unit owners and a hospital. Six roundabouts at YPS Chowk, Madanpura Chowk, Phases I, II and IV near barrier, Dara Studio Chowk and Verka milk plant will be given a new look under the plan. It is reported that Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, during a meeting held in Mohali, had asked the authorities concerned to develop the roundabouts of the town. The Deputy Commissioner later passed the directions in connection with the beautification plan to the civic body. The council had put up a proposal in this regard at a meeting held on September 29, but all items on the agenda were kept pending by the general house. The proposal was again tabled at a special meeting held on November 25 under the chairmanship of vice-president of the council Harpal Singh.
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Illegal hoardings, unipoles removed
Panchkula, December 6 A team of about a dozen MC officials with JCB machines removed at least three concrete unipoles and a few hoardings from Sector 10 and the surrounding area in the afternoon. Some unscrupulous advertisement companies had illegally erected iron and steel structures (unipoles) to display advertisements without seeking MC’s approval in this regard. According to sources, the MC launched the drive following the directions of Deputy Commissioner Ashima Brar who had directed MC executive officer KK Jain to take action. The sources said about 10 to 15m tall unipoles, being erected to display advertisements, had come up at several major points in the heart of the city which had not been earmarked by the MC for the same. According to officials, there are 50 points, where advertisements are allowed on huge unipoles, but violators put up hoardings at the Sectors 9-10 and 11-10 roundabouts and Mansa Devi Complex, Sector 4, T-point. However, the MC enforcement wing ignored a large number of other illegally erected hoardings and unipoles displaying advertisements. Some of these unipoles were of local leaders wishing the city residents on various festivals. City Magistrate Rajesh Jogpal while feigning ignorance about the political hoardings said all illegal hoardings would be removed within a few days.
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Violations during PU Poll
Chandigarh, December 6 The judicial inquiry had been instituted following the complaints of blatant violations during the polls by different student organisations. Goyal had contested the university elections as an independent candidate. According to sources, Amit, a supporter of the Haryana Student Association (HAS) was also quizzed by the inquiry committee. Students are being asked about the expenditure on elections, besides other issues. The next hearing is scheduled for December 13. — TNS
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Devotees submerge in divine melodies
Chandigarh, December 6 While commencing the devotional recital in laudation of spiritual saint Sai Baba, Sachidnand Appa established an instant rapport with the audience, who already submerged in devotion, savoured the popular bhajans from his albums. He was at his best with “Pather pe baithe hain”, “Sai se rista”, “Sunn lo Sai Baba”, “Leke chalo Sai Baba ham tumhaaare hain”, “Mujh pe kar do karm” and many more from his repertoire. Earlier, the 15th Swaroop Sthapna Diwas was celebrated. “The day is auspicious for us, as the sacred idol of spiritual saint Shri Sai Baba was installed in the temple fifteen years ago,” said Romesh Kalia, president, Shirdi Sai Samaj. “Kakad Arti”, “Managal Snan”, “Sai Satcharitra Prayan” and “Dhoop Arti” were performed as part of the annual event. “Sai Naam Jaap” was performed by a Hyderabad-based group.
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Awareness programme
Mohali, December 6 SS Bains, director, Industries and Commerce, Punjab, was the chief guest on the occasion. Bains commended the efforts made by the association for forming the first Bath Fittings Cluster in the region. He also appreciated the presentation given by Ideas Design Solutions on various techniques and CAD CAM technologies. KS Mahal, president of the association, said need of the hour was to adopt a new technology which was cost effective as well as energy efficient. The technologies showcased by Ideas Design Solutions would help the industry attain competitiveness in the scenario of globalisation, he added. BS Anand, director, Mohali Hitech Metal Cluster, and former president of the MIA, thanked the director. He appreciated the efforts made by the department for helping the cluster in getting Government of India’s approval for a Common Facility Centre.
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Deepak new Dean of business faculty at PU
Chandigarh, December 6 After facing a defeat in the Syndicate poll yesterday, the Dean elections’ result did not take others by a surprise. Prof Deepak Kapoor is the new Dean of the faculty of business management. He won the elections by a margin of 18 votes with a total of 54 votes to his credit. Coincidently, Prof Deepak Kapoor is related to Gopal Krishan
Chatrath, a powerful Senator. Ashok Goyal was close to Chatrath in the Senate politics, but soon differences cropped up between the two over the posts of Dean of the College Development Council and Registrar. The post of Dean of business management was also one of the reasons behind the split, sources said. Elections to all other faculties were unanimous. These included faculty of arts: Prof BS
Ghumman; faculty of languages: VK Terwari (earlier with DAV College,
Jalandhar, and education: SS Sangha.
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Examination
Chandigarh, December 6 The order will come into force with effect from the zero hour on December 7 and will be applicable till December 31, 2010. However, the order will not apply to the police or military or paramilitary personnel and government servant if called upon to carry firearms and lathis in connection with their official duties. The order will also not be applicable to others who are specially permitted by a written order for carrying the weapon(s) and customary and ritualistic procession in connection with weddings and funerals.
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PU students protest fee
hike
Chandigarh, December 6 Anil Ganghas, president of the campus unit of the organisation, said: “The university had chosen smart timing to announce the fee hike coinciding with the university examination.” Spokesperson Inder Negi said: “It was not justified to increase the fee in the middle of the academic session.”The Dean Student Welfare (DSW) also heard the grievances of the students and assured them to take up the issue with the higher authorities.
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From Schools
Mohali: The 29th annual prize distribution function of Paragon Senior Secondary School, Sector 71, Mohali, was celebrated with fervour at the school’s Sardar Manohar Singh Majithia auditorium. Around 300 students from the junior wing showcased their talent through various items. Tiny tots came in colourful dresses. They presented a fashion show. Students of LKG and UKG wore wedding costumes of different states. Janvi of Class V performed kathak. Chief guest was NK Sharma, chairman, District Planning Board, Mohali. Laurels
Alok, a student of New India Senior Secondary School, Sector 15, Panchkula, was awarded a silver medal and a certificate for helping his team secure the second position during the 56th National School Volleyball Championship held at Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, recently. Competition
Students of DAV, Mohali, participated in Shri Bhagwad Gita Shalok Competition at Banyan Tree, Sector 48, in which Jasmeet Kaur of Class VII stood first, Nandita of Class VI stood second and Charanjot of Class VI stood third. Anusiya of Class X won the first prize for reciting all chapters of Bhagwad Gita. Chandermani of Class VII won the consolation prize. International AIDS Day
Around 150 NSS volunteers of GMSSS, Sector 8-B, observed International AIDS Day by taking out a rally in the Sector 8 market. They also formed a human chain. Students interacted with passersby and made them aware of the myths regarding the deadly disease. They were carrying colourful placards and red balloons. GMSSS-33
Red Ribbon Club of the GMSSS-33 D observed World AIDS Day. Students participated in poster making and slogan writing competitions. Prizes were won by Shubham, Mansa Ram and Vishal. Cultural evening
A cultural evening was organised at Guru Nanak Public School, Sector 36-D. The event started with the recitation of shabads. Chief guest Sumit Kaur, chief architect, UT, lit the lamp. Tiny tots enthralled audience with a qawwali. An English play on “Save Environment” was staged by students of Class VI. Historical background of Punjab was depicted in Punjabi play “Maharaja Ranjit Singh”. Highlight of the day was Hindi play “Main Kaun Hoon” focusing on the importance of newspapers in the lives of youngsters. A fusion bhangra was liked by all. Fest
St Stephen’s School organised an “Environment Fest - 2010” in collaboration with Saplings Care. Eighteen schools from the tricity took part in various activities, including best out of waste, kite making and flying, poster making, scare crow making, khadi ramp walk, quiz, fancy dress, street play and PowerPoint presentation. The function was presided over by Santosh Kumar, IFS, Conservator of Forest, UT.
— TNS
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Fun-packed day at Budha Dal School
Patiala, December 6 SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar presided over the closing ceremony. Those present on the occasion included school managing committee president Sukhvinderjit Kaur, school principal Dr Amrit Aujla and school administration officer Parminderjit Kaur Brar. Annual day
Doon International School, Mohali, celebrated its seventh annual day at Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh. RJ Khanderao, regional officer, CBSE, Panchkula region, was the chief guest. Managing director of the school CS Mann welcomed all guests.
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