Ludhiana, February 11
In a sensational case, a 50-year-old Khanna-based woman, who posed as the widow of a deceased farmer of Sahibana village, pocketed Rs 1.63 crore by selling 10.5 acres of his agricultural land by preparing fake documents.

She also made a youth and an orchestra dancer pose as the farmer's children.

The woman, Varinder Kaur, posed as Baljit Kaur, wife of the farmer, Tara Singh, who died two years ago.

She got a ration card prepared in the name of Baljit Kaur and her children, Narinderjit Singh and Amandeep Kaur and even got a bank account opened in their names in Mohali.

The fake ration card, a copy of which is with the Tribune, was also prepared in Mohali.

Varinder roped in a 24-year-old orchestra dancer, Himani Saggar and a youth, whose name is still not known to the police.

The woman and her six accomplices were arrested by the police today, and the fraud came to the light when she had come along with them to sign the sale deed of the rest of 15 acres worth Rs 2.5 crore, after the buyer PACL India, got suspicious, investigated their documents and reported the matter to the police.

According to Gurinderjit Singh, SHO, Division No 2, Gurvinder Singh, alias Laddi, was the mastermind behind the fraud, who was a servant with Tara Singh.

He was also a witness in the documents of the sale deed, when Tara Singh had purchased the land.

Laddi, along with his accomplices Amrik Singh, Bikar Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Maninderjit Singh, Varinder Kaur and Himani were arrested by the police. Laddi also handed over a copy of passport bearing Baljit Kaur’s name, but Varinder’s picture. Similarly, a copy of her voter’s ID card, Himani’s ID card and the youth’s driving license and ID card were also handed to the buyer party.

The SHO said they were still investigating the matter. ‘‘We are shocked the way things have happened and are investigating the matter. Meanwhile, all the accused have been booked for fraud and conspiracy,’’ he said.

Ludhiana, February 11
Politicians love to flout rules by flexing political muscle, a testimony to which is that BJP leaders flouted norms by stealing electricity, blocking the road without permission and putting loudspeakers in prohibited areas for making the rally for inauguration of a project successful.

The rally organised for starting work of covering the drain from Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran to Shingaar Cinema witnessed how politicians misused their power by flouting norms.

At the rally organised along the periphery of the local Civil Hospital in order to get their propaganda regarding development heard, BJP leaders had installed loudspeakers.

This was despite the fact that it was violation of norms as such, heavy loudspeakers were not permissible along the hospital area, which was usually a silence zone.

Not only this, to run these loudspeakers, the organisers had stolen electricity by putting an illegal connection from main wires.

Though employees of PowerCom were seen in the area for regular checking, none of them dared to take action against these politicians who were misusing their power.

In the rally, BJP leaders were making tall claims that the project would facilitate the movement of traffic, but were hindering traffic by putting tents on the road.

Sources revealed that BJP leaders had not obtained permission for blocking the road. A special contingent of the police was deployed, to keep political bosses happy, to divert traffic and not allowing others to commute.

Senior MC and police officials who were present chose to turn a blind eye to it.

Councillor GS Neetu, who was the chief organiser, said they had given the payment for all arrangements. Asked whether they had permission for blocking the road, installing loudspeakers and putting a connection on main wires, he said he had to look into it.

Ludhiana, February 11
High drama was witnessed outside Atam Public School, Atam Nagar, this afternoon when the parents of some students staged a protest against alleged eve-teasing outside the school by some motorcycle-borne youths.

The parents alleged that the youths had even thrashed the parent of a girl student and injured him seriously before threatening some others with dire consequences if they raised the issue.

Talking to Ludhiana Tribune, Gurmit Singh, a parent, said: “Eve-teasing outside the school has been a nuisance for a long time. We have even protested against it but to no avail.”

He alleged that the youths had also been indulging in hooliganism.

“Whenever the police has been called in to look into the matter, the erring youths have been let off after a verbal apology in the presence of parents from both sides.

However, no strict action has ever been taken against them.”

Gurmit Singh alleged that things went out of hand yesterday, when these youths started teasing girls after the school hours. “When the parents protested, these boys started misbehaving with them.

However, they later fled. Later in the afternoon, they barged into the house of Harish Chandra, whose child studies in Atam Public School.

The boys thrashed Harish Chandra, a resident of Vishwakarma Town, and inflicted a grievous head injury on him with a sharp-edged weapon,” Singh alleged.

The victim was taken to the Civil Hospital where his medical examination was carried out.

Following the incident, some parents got together and complained to the area DSP.

“We were assured of quick action but nothing has been done so far,” he complained.

“Several parents have complaining that eve-teasers have been threatening them with dire consequences in case they lodge a complaint against them,” he alleged, adding that he had also received similar threats.

The parents, however, failed to name the youths involved in the case.

They said they had written to the Commissioner of Police in this regard and sought strict action against the troublemakers.

Ludhiana, February 11
The haunting memories of the failure of earlier project of covering of drain from Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran to Shingar Cinema has forced the SAD-BJP leaders to remember God for ensuring completion of this work for which they performed havan and are even taking help of astrologers.

The project, initiated during the previous Congress regime in 2006, was installed after spending Rs 1.5 crore due to its faulty design, as MC officials had undertaken the work ignoring the advice of the Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board. But in order to avoid any trouble this time, the SAD-BJP leaders are remembering God for help.

All the leaders, including Deputy Speaker Satpal Gosain took part in the path of Sukhmani Sahib at a gurdwara.

Besides, they also conducted a havan near the project site so as to ensure that work does not get stalled.

However, considering the advice of astrologer, the leaders of ruling alliance also started the construction work after 12.30. And it was only after 12.30 that top BJP leaders, including Satpal Gosain, Deputy Chairman of the Planning board Rajinder Bhandari and others started the work of covering of drain.

Amit Gosain, officer on special duty, confirmed that efforts are on to invoke God, but said there was nothing bad in remembering God in such events. “It’s part of our culture to seek God’s blessings.” he added.

Ludhiana, February 11
Even as the police are still to register a criminal case against those who made forced entry into 85 LIG flats of Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) on the Dhandra road at Dugri’s Phase II yesterday, and Surjit Singh, president of the Danga Peerit Welfare Association, who instigated the mob to unlawfully occupy government flats, members of riot-affected families now set their eyes on another 600 LIG flats at Dugri’s Phase III, where more than 150 riot victims, including women, were squatting, while police deployment continued in the area today.

GLADA officials, along with a strong presence of police, were camping at the LIG colony to prevent a repetition of what happened at the residential colony on Dhandra road yesterday, where 85 flats, which were already allotted to riot victims by GLADA after verification and recommendation of the district administration, were forcibly occupied by the mob led by Surjit, who claimed that the state government had taken a policy decision to allot these flats to riot-affected families.

After the police showed no sign of intervening and stopping the forcible entry into the GLADA flats on till last night, Surjit and his supporters proceeded to Dugri’s Phase III, where more than 600 LIG flats constructed by GLADA were lying vacant.

Though the police and GLADA officials prevailed upon the mob to stay away from the flats till this evening, Surjit and his supporters were squatting on the road.

“The riot victims, including women, are testing our patience and a game of who blinks first is on,” said a police official present at the scene, adding that they had instructions not to use force to disperse the migrants, which spoke volumes of political connections of Surjit and the significance of sizeable vote bank of riot-affected families.

According to GLADA officials, the LIG flats at Phase III had not been allotted so far and the government had decided to rehabilitate Sikh migrants by allotment of these flats to those eligible.

“The due process of allotment has to be followed and claims of applicants have to be verified before allotment is done. We cannot simply let these people, who may or may not be eligible, take possession of government property,” was the official stand of GLADA.

Ludhiana, February 11
Battlelines have been drawn between partners of the ruling SAD-BJP alliance over the issue of giving sewerage connections to villages, with the MC Mayor justifying the move while the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission claiming that it was not permissible under the rules.

The issue was raised by Senior Deputy Mayor Praveen Bansal in front of Local Bodies Minister Manoranjan Kalia in Chandigarh a few days ago. However, it took a new turn on Friday when Mayor Hakam Singh Giaspura confirmed that they had passed the proposal to give sewerage connections to villages from sewerage lines laid under the Jawahar Lal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).

While coming under sharp criticism that the corporation had done this under political pressure even when the sewerage facility had not been provided to all areas of the city, the Mayor said it was justified as without it lines could not be laid.

He also trained his guns at the Senior Deputy Mayor for raising the issue. He questioned Bansal signing the proposal that was sent to the state government. “If he had some problem, he must have talked to us and lodged his dissent,” he added.

On the other hand, the BJP has rallied behind its leader, with former president of the state unit and Deputy Chairman of the State Planning Board Rajinder Bhandari saying that the move of the MC was not permissible under the rules.

He said separate agencies carried out development works in rural and urban areas and the rules did not permit the civic body to lay sewerage in villages.

He added that he was not sure of the feasibility of such an endeavour by the civic body and it must consider the objection raised by the Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board (PWSSB) on the matter.

“We will resolve this issue amicably by discussing it with leaders of the SAD,” he added.

Ludhiana, February 11
Putting an end to the woes of the pensioners, the state government has chosen Samrala block from Ludhiana district and Mansa block of Mansa district for the pilot project of the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Scheme.

The pensioners of the two blocks categorised under old age, handicap, widow and destitute pension schemes will be dispensed pensions on their doorstep through smart cards.

Of the total 6,500 pensioners in the Samrala block, 5,500 have already got their smart cards and will get their pension for February at their home.

Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Rahul Tewari said: “The remaining smart cards will also be made soon as some pensioners were non-traceable.”

He added that depending on the success of the scheme in the first phase, it will be initiated simultaneously in the other 15 blocks of the district covering 1.43 lakh pension beneficiaries in the district.

The smart card scheme will benefit the state government as it will keep a check on fake beneficiaries, he added.

ICICI Bank has been roped in for the project wherein one official has been given the charge of 500 pensioners. The respective bank officials will take electronic machines to the beneficiaries and dispense pensions at their home.

Till now, child development project officers (CDPOs) were the facilitators for dispensing pension to the pensioners in urban blocks, while pension in rural blocks was being through district social security officers (DSSOs). The entire process was cumbersome and caused inordinate delay. Sudarshan Singh, a beneficiary, said: “The scheme is in the best interest of widows and the disabled who were at the mercy of others to get their pension.”

Ludhiana, February 11
An amount of Rs 5 lakh was looted at gunpoint from a young man in broad daylight at Model Town here today.

As there were some doubts, the police was still investigating the case. Naresh Kumar, a coal trader at the Radha Swami road, informed the police that two young men looted Rs 5 lakh from him near the ICICI Bank at Model Town around 12:30 pm.

Police officials reached the spot to verify facts. During the investigation, Naresh told the police that he was going from his office to the bank to deposit ` 5 lakh.

He added that when he parked the car near the bank, two unidentified youths, about 25 years of age, entered his car, pointed a knife and a pistol at him and told him to move the car.

Naresh said after driving the car about 5 kilometres towards the Ferozepur road, they called up their accomplice to come near Deepak Hospital at Sarabha Nagar. After their third accomplice came near the hospital, they asked Naresh to stop the car.

They boarded the motorcycle and fled with ` 5 lakh, he added. Naresh also showed a wound on his neck, which he claimed was caused by the knife. Police officials had some doubts regarding the incident and were investigating the matter.

Driving from the bank to the hospital, Naresh had come across police parties in a PCR van and on motorcycles. The police were surprised why he had not informed them and sought their help.

Asked to comment, Manjinder Singh, Model Town police station station house officer, said they were still investigating the matter and a case would be registered after inquiry. Asked if they had some doubts, he said he would be able to comment only after an inquiry.

Ludhiana, February 11
With the Chief Minister giving consent to meet the agitating students of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) on February 14, the students heaved a sigh of relief here today.

The CM, Parkash Singh Badal, will meet the students at 10 am on Monday.

Students will take up the issue of vacant posts in various departments with the CM. The mood was upbeat among the students, but the strike will continue till the demands of the student are met. Earlier, student leaders also met Manpreet Singh Ayali, who promised to take up the matter with the CM.

He assured all possible help and cooperation and said the Akali government was a pro-farmer government and the jobs were a necessity for agriculture in the state to flourish.

He also enlisted the achievements of the Akali Government and said the government was sensitive to the needs of the students.

Students said the new Director Student Welfare, PAU, was extremely cooperative and helpful. Dr AS Aulakh, who has joined as the director, said no teacher in the world would like to see his/her students unemployed.

Meanwhile, continuing with their agitation, Inderjit Singh, Gurlabh Singh, Opinder Singh, Yuvraj Singh and Rajdeep Singh sat on the hunger strike at Gate No 2 of the university.

Ludhiana, February 11
Ludhianvis are known for their love for designer homes, swanky cars, hi-end luxury brands and finest of the world’s cuisines. But one thing that the world does not know about the residents of “Manchester of India” is their love for adventure.

The adventurous spirit of the city residents forced the vice-president of Discovery Channel’s marketing department to come to the city and know more about it.

“I have travelled across the globe and one peculiar thing that I have noticed here is that Ludhianvis just love adventures,” said Rajeev Bakshi, vice-president, marketing, Discovery Networks Asia Pacific, India.

“While travelling, I often heard people talking about Discovery’s most popular adventure show Man v/s Wild. I realised that people of Ludhiana simply love the extremes shown in the show. Therefore, I decided to interact with the city residents," Bakshi added.

He said Ludhiana was the only city of Punjab that ranked high on the viewer list of the channel’s adventure shows and the number was growing rapidly.

He went on to add: “What surprises me the most is that girls here are keen on knowing more about extreme adventures. Not only this, they even want to try their hand at it which is amazing and heart-warming.”

Bakshi is responsible for the brand management of Discovery’s portfolio of six networks in India-Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo and Discovery HD World.

He is responsible for developing and implementing the networks' consumer marketing strategies, integrating on-air promotions and ad sales marketing.

In addition, he leads the PR and corporate communications department as well.

Bakshi was in town to announce the fresh season of Man v/s Wild which starts at 9 pm tonight.

Ludhiana, February 11
Sumedha walked away with the crown of Miss College Ludhiana-2011. For Sumedha, winning this crown was like a dream come true. “This was the first time that such a contest was held in the city. The exciting part was that only college students were a part of it,” said a visibly elated Sumedha.

Guru Nanak Dev Bhawan, the venue of the contest was full to capacity.

Manish and Jasmeet finished as first and second runners-up, respectively. The title of Miss Graceful was won by Palki, Miss Catwalk was given to Puravshi, Miss Beautiful Smile went to Ayushi, the title of Miss Confident was given to Manisha, while the title of Miss Personality went to Navneet. Punjabi singers Shanker Sawhney and Jasbir Jassi enthralled the audience. — TNS

Ludhiana, February 11
Irked over the non-completion of development works in her ward and the non-removal of a liquor vend from a slip-road on the Chandigarh road, a councillor of the BJP has threatened to resign.

At the function on the inauguration of work to cover a drain from Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran to Shingar Cinema, ward number 10 councillor Sakshi Julka, along with her husband and BJP leader Rajesh Julka, handed over a memorandum of demands to Mayor Hakam Singh Giaspura and the BJP top brass.

In the memorandum, councillor Julka pointed out that the liquor vend had been constructed by illegally encroaching upon public land at Vardhman Chowk and though they had lodged a number of complaints with the municipal corporation (MC), no action had been taken.

She also raised the issue of development in her ward, observing that though orders for conducting work in the Sukhdev Nagar locality had been issued more than six months back, work had not been started yet.

Demanding that it be stated immediately, she threatened that if work was not started and the liquor vend not removed within a month, she would resign. The Mayor assured them that he would look into the matter. They said the Mayor should ensure that things were done in a time-bound manner.

Ludhiana, February 11
Rising prices of yarn have become a cause for concern for the textile industry. Alarmed at the development, the Knitwear Club has submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner in this regard here.

Vinod K Thapar, president of Knitwear Club, in the memorandum submitted said around a month ago, the office-bearers/activists of various organizations had held a meeting to take stock of the situation arising from the exorbitant increase in the prices of yarns.

Everybody expressed anguish and concern over the manipulative tactics of a handful of persons leading to a hike in the prices of yarn without any increase in the prices of the raw material.

“We have now thought of direct negotiations with the mill owners to tide over the situation. But unless some well-meaning and influential dignitary with impeccable credentials is associated with the proposed negotiations with the mill owners, no miracle can be expected to happen in our pursuit for fruitful results. We request the Deputy Commissioner to take up the matter,” he said.

The club has requested the Deputy Commissioner to guide them as to how to proceed further to convene a meeting between the SMEs and the Mill owners.

Ludhiana, February 11
Both India and Australia are the hot favourites to win the ICC World Cup to be hosted jointly by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh from February 19 to April 2.

This observation was made by cricket commentator Charu Sharma, who was in the city to promote T-10 Gully Cricket Season 3 here.

“After, India and Australia, this time, South Africa also stand a chance to lay their hands on the World Cup. Also, the cricketers from the island nation and co-hosts Sri Lanka are known fighters and may spring a surprise due to their excellent fielding,” said Charu.

He added that though India had the home advantage as the team’s had performed well in front of the home crowd lately, the expectations of millions of fans could put tremendous pressure on the team.

On ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat’s recent remarks to legalise betting in cricket in India, Charu said he endorsed the suggestion as lotteries being run by many state governments also amounted to betting.

“Saurav Ganguly has played enough cricket and it is better for him to hang his boots now. The stylish batsman should also say goodbye to the Indian Premier League,” Charu advised.

Ludhiana, February 11
Ramandeep Kaur of BA-III hogged the limelight by grabbing five titles on the opening day of the annual sports meet of Guru Nanak Girls College, Model Town branch, here today.

She wrapped up top honours in the 400m and 800m races, in addition to high jump, long jump and 4x400m relay race to stamp her superiority.

Sat Pal Singh, district sports officer, Ludhiana, declared the meet open in which students of all streams are taking part. He unfurled the games flag and released colorful balloons to mark the opening of the games.

Guru Nanak Education Trust president Gurbir Singh, college principal Dr Charanjit Kaur Mahal, faculty members and a large number of students were present there.

Results: 800m race: 1 Ramandeep Kaur, 2 Rajni Bala and 3 Prabhvir Kaur; javelin throw: 1 Shivdeep Kaur, 2 Kiranjeet Kaur and 3 Alka; 1500m race: 1 Rajni Bala, 2 Kiranjeet Kaur and 3 Ramandeep Kaur.

Shot put- 1 Mandeep Kaur, 2 Reetika and 3 Manjot; High jump- 1 Ramandeep Kaur, 2 Kulwinder kaur and 3 Kiranjit Kaur; 200m race- 1 Nalini Bala, 2 Ramandeep Kaur and 3 Shivdeep Kaur; discus throw: 1 Avneet Kaur, 2 Navneet Kaur and 3 Lovepreet Kaur; long jump: 1 Ramandeep Kaur, 2 Shivdeep Kaur and 3 Ramandeep Kaur; three-legged race: 1 Manjinder Kaur and Chanpreet Kaur, 2 Arvinder kaur and Kirandeep Kaur, 3 Harpreet Kaur and Savita; 400m race: 1 Ramandeep Kaur, 2 Ramandeep Kaur and 3 Prabhver Kaur; skipping race: 1 Karanjit Kaur, 2 Navpreet Kaur and 3 Charanpreet Kaur.

Ludhiana, February 11
Three upcoming cyclists, enrolled with the Sports Wing and Speed Fund Academy, Ludhiana, under the Punjab Sports Department’s scheme to promote games, cornered glory in the National Track Cycling Championship held between February 1 and 6 at Patiala.

Three lads from Ludhiana — Nagender Kumar, Gurpal Singh and Prhalad Soni — bagged seven medals, including four gold, between them.

Participating in the boy’s under-19 group, Nagender Kumar, a student of BA-I of Satish Chander Dhawan Government College, finished ahead of others in the 1500m team time trial event to lift the gold medal. He also clinched a silver in the 6-km massed start in the same age group.

Another rider from Ludhiana, Prhalad Soni, student of class XI of Nav Bharti Public School, Civil Lines, competed in the u-17 category and came out triumphant in the 1500m team trial and 2-km team pursuit events. In the 2-km team pursuit, he clocked 2.30 minutes to establish a new meet record. The existing record of 2.32 minutes was set in the 2008-09 by a participant from Punjab at Hyderabad.

Gurpal Singh, a class XII student of the same school, won one gold, one silver and one bronze medal in the under-19 section to make his presence felt.

Gurpal won gold in 1500m team time trial, silver in the Olympic team sprint besides a bronze in the 1-km individual time trial disciplines.

The boys, along with their coach, Satinder Singh were accorded a warm welcome at Guru Nanak Stadium, here today. District Sports Officer, Ludhiana, Sat Pal Singh, coaches and other staff members of the local office of the sports department were there to congratulate the players and coach for their achievement.