The residents, including panch Jasvir Singh of the village, immediately came to their rescue and nabbed the two assailants, while the third accused managed to flee from the scene.

All three assailants were in their mid-20s. While the two have been identified as natives of nearby Batari village, one is reported to be of Abdullapur Basati of Ludhiana, said Shawinder. He also told the accused put up a fake number plate on the vehicle, as the original number plate was recovered from the car. Piara Singh sustained injuries during the fight and was rushed to a hospital.

As per information given by the police, the two assailants, Hardeep Singh and Balwinder Singh, who are now in police custody, belong to Batari village. Doraha police station SHO Ashwani Kumar confirmed the development and further stated that since he was out of town, he could not share any information.

Yesterday, the accused had fled with a car belonging to a doctor in Shastri Nagar.

The first incident took place yesterday afternoon, when Dr Raghubir Singh Bajwa, who runs a private clinic in Gurdev Nagar, was returning home and made a stopover at Shastri Nagar.

Hira Lal, the driver of the vehicle, said two armed assailants approached his vehicle and pointed a pistol at him.

He immediately stepped down from the vehicle and handed over the keys to the accused.

The accused trio made a quick exit from the scene and later during the day intercepted Vikramjit Singh, a resident of Pamal village. The victim said the car-borne assailants intercepted his motorcycle. As soon as the victim stopped the motorcycle, the accused fired a shot on his leg and then removed the gold ring, gold kara and took out Rs 16,000 cash from the pocket of the victim.

Fearing embarrassment, the police kept the matter under wrap. The matter came to light when the city police registered a case against unidentified persons for car jacking and robbing a youth in Jodha village.

Leaving no chance for hooligans
Police set to act tough with miscreants
Charu Chhibber/TNS

Ludhiana, February 13
Hooligans beware! The police will not allow you to play the spoil sport. The police is set to man all the “hot spots” and “geri routes” in the city tomorrow to avoid any untoward incident.

The miscreants will be dealt with an iron hand if they will be found indulging in eve-teasing or troubling girls or couples.

The undercover police officials will be posted in key areas of the city.

The police have stepped up security by deploying a large number of police officials in and around the city ahead of Valentine’s Day celebrations.

Security has been strengthened around all market places, shopping malls, both the universities and colleges which couples are expected to throng to for V-Day. “We have deployed some additional forces in market places, parks, outside colleges, malls as well as in residential areas to maintain law and order during Valentine’s Day celebrations. Patrolling parties, too, will be mobilised. Our aim is that no one should create any disturbance,” said ACP Bhupinder Singh.

“Trouble makers, boozers, eve-teasers and traffic violators will be dealt with an iron hand,” the ACP informed.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, February 13
Breaking away from what has become a westernised mode of celebrating special occasions, occupants of the Girls Hostel of Satish Chander Dhawan Government College, Ludhiana, have chosen inmates of the Old Age Home at Gurdwara Karamsar (Rara Sahib) as their Valentine’s today.

Students, led by their warden Manpreet Kaur Sahota, fascinated elderly men and women with their smiles and gifts. Besides presenting bouquets, flowers and eatables, the students installed a CD and DVD player in the main hall so that inmates could listen to shabad kirtan and gurbani according to their convenience and desire.

Supervised and inspired by Manpreet Sahota, students were all smiles while cleaning floor and making bed of the inmates.

Kirandeep and Inderpreet Kaur, student representatives, said they had been persuaded by their principal Jasbir Kaur Makkar. “When we went to our warden to seek permission for organising a DJ party at the hostel she persuaded us to do something that will give pleasure to others and be appreciated by all,” said Kirandeep and Inderpreet.

Ambica, who had been visiting old age homes since childhood, enjoys serving the elderly.

Dr BR Ambedkar’s statue on the Jalandhar bypass which is to be shifted to a yet to be identified location in Ludhiana.n as yeatwill be shifted. Photo: Inderjeet Verma

Got in the way

The need to shift the Dr BR Ambedkar statue from its current location was necessitated by the ongoing work of widening the National Highway-I. Installed in 1987, the statue had been a key landmark, especially for motorists entering the city from Phillaur.

Ludhiana, February 13
He may seem to be an ordinary boy living next-door, but inside this “Average young man” lies an extraordinary die-hard romantic person, who can make his love bloom that, too, in a six-feet high bouquet made of 600 red roses, chosen with utmost care and love by the man himself, to express his deep love for his lady love.

He doesn’t care much if the “Flowers” worth Rs 60,000 are sent back.

Meet Gaurav Jain, a young and dynamic jewellery designer from the city, who believes in “If you have it, flaunt it” attitude. And what better occasion can he find than Valentine’s Day to “flaunt” his intense emotions for his fiancée.

“I got engaged last evening and have a lavish plan to make my girl feel very special this Valentine’s Day,” says the flamboyant man.

“I wanted to give her something unique. So, I zeroed in on this bouquet, which is adorned by two peacocks and a heart in the middle,” Jain adds.

And to deliver the flowers on his lover’s doorsteps in Bathinda, Jain has arranged for a mini-truck.

This is not the end of surprises for the lucky girl. The lover boy has other plans as well.

He has got a custom-made rose stem in 22 carat gold, a diamond-studded heart pendant and scores of other gifts for his Valentine.

“She is 25-year-old and so the idea is to gift her with 25 exquisite pieces,” smiles Jain, disclosing his love secret.

Jain, however, has a word for caution for youngsters. “Love is all about the way you feel for someone. Materialistic things have nothing to do with it. They will wither away with time, but only true love will stay,” he says.

Romance is in the air and while the world celebrates the spirit of love, why should the city’s happily-ever-after couples be left behind? In fact, in their own words, they are the “Most eligible” people to celebrate the day. After all, they share one of the strongest bonds- the nuptial ties, which mark eternal love.

Let’s find out how do our love birds celebrate V-Day?

“Though over the past five years we have had no a chance to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a big way due to busy schedules, but this year, we are sure to have a great rocking day. We have our plans in place. The day will be spent at a theme park in Chandigarh with our four-year-old daughter, followed by boating in the evening at Sukhna Lake and finally, a lavish dinner at Taj.” — Shally and Sameer Aggarwal, directors, Pinnacle Institute of Fashion Technology

“We are married for the past five years still we feel as if it was only yesterday that we met. So, in order to keep our love fresh, we celebrate every Valentine’s Day the way we used to before we got married,” says Kunal, an employee with a private firm.” 
— Aarti and Kunal

Valentine’s Day has become popular over the years, especially for tying the nuptial knot. This year is no different as several couples from the city are set to walk down the aisle on February 14 — a day dedicated to lovers, discovers Charu Chibber

Figures reveal that out of the estimated 250 marriage palaces and resorts in the city, around 200 are already booked for February 14.

Several community centres are also said to be booked for the day. Besides, various gurdwaras across the city and public parks, too, will remain occupied with marriage functions.

Besides, caterers, band masters, florists, DJs, beauty salons, too, are booked with each one catering to over five parties.

A Thapar, from Maharaja Band, said: “My diary for February 14 is full with bookings. We had to say no to many,” he adds.

Spokesperson of Singh Caterers, too, confirmed the trend. “Our kitty is full with orders for V-Day,” he said.

With so many weddings on the anvil, beauty salons are gearing up for a busy Valentine’s Day.

“We have over 30 bridal bookings for February 14. The day is going to be really hectic as apart from brides, we have an equal number of bookings for those getting engaged on Valentine’s Day,” says Indra Ahluwalia, director, Grace Beauty Clinics.

No wedding is complete without flowers and with so many marriages set to take place on one day in the city, the local flower market is expecting a shortage. Hence, flowers are being especially flown in from Delhi and Kolkata to cater to their huge demand on Valentine’s Day. Besides, liquor traders, too, are expecting a good business.

While the city will remain busy on February 14, there are many who are in a strange quandary. “I have received at least eight wedding invitations for February 14. I don’t know which one to attend and which to skip. Moreover, with so many weddings to attend, my own plan for the day has gone for a toss,” says entrepreneur Rakhi Jindal.

Ludhiana, February 13
Irked over the failure of developmental works to start in their area, residents of the Sukhdev Nagar locality burnt an effigy of the area councillor here today.Pertinently, the councillor had, while submitting a memorandum to the Mayor threatened to resign if work was not started in a month.

Residents of the area, including Rakesh Sobti, RK Sharma, Sunil, Rajiv Sharma, Jaswant Singh and Subash, alleged that developmental works in their area had been stalled for some time. They said though they had complained about it to district BJP President Rajiv Katna and Senior Deputy Mayor Praveen Bansal, the work had not been started. Residents alleged that a newly laid road in area was uprooted by the MC authorities for relaying it, which was a sheer wastage of money. They also rued that due to the delay, they had been forced to burn the effigy of the councillor Sakshi Julka.

The residents also alleged that the councillor had misbehaved with residents of area when they had gone to lodge compliant about the non-starting of work, adding that the matter would not be resolved until she apologised to them. The residents also rued that some of them had got injured after falling in pits on road. Airing their views against the councillor, residents also said that the warning issued by her to the Mayor was a mere political stunt.

On the other hand, councillor Sakshi Julka termed the whole move as politically motivated, adding that tenders for all works of the area were already in process. She refuted all allegations levelled against her and claimed that some people were trying to mislead the public.

Angry over the non-stating of the same work, the councillor had handed over a memorandum to Mayor Hakam Singh Giaspura a few days ago. Even she had threatened to resign from her post if the work was not started within a month. 

Jagraon, February 13
Even rain failed to dampen the enthusiasm of farmers and dairy owners, as hundreds of them thronged the venue of the fifth Progressive Dairy Farmers’ International Animal Fair here on the second day. Minister foe animal husbandry Gulzar Singh Ranike inaugurated the fair yesterday.

Show of various breeds of milch animals, including Murrah buffaloes, Holstein Friesian crossbred cows, bulls and heifers remained the main attraction of the fair today. The visitors also evinced keen interest in various stalls organised by manufacturers of modern equipment used in upkeep of dairy animals these days.

A stall put up by the department of animal husbandry also drew massive crowd. Staff displayed different varieties of seeds and saplings of plants being used as fodder in the region. Handbills and pamphlets highlighting various schemes launched by the department and ideal procedure to preserve fodder remained in great demand at the stall.

A huge number of livestock farmers visited the stalls put up by companies dealing in nutrient concentrates and veterinary medicines. While some of them purchased materials in bulk, others placed orders for home delivery of cattle feed and medicines.

A large number of dairy owners were seen inquiring about prize-winner animals in various categories. Cattle lovers remained stuck to rings where animals were displayed for competition in various categories.

Daljit Singh Saddopur presided over the session and department of dairy development secretary Usha R Sharma was the chief guest.

Earlier Gulzar Singh Ranike had appealed to owners and managers of the farmers of the region to make maximum use of awareness schemes launched by the department of animal husbandry through organisation of rural fairs and cattle competitions.

Ranike claimed that a large number of dairy farmers had benefited from subsidised schemes launched by the government. Twenty-five to 30 per cent subsidy was allowed on construction of cattle sheds and other equipment, besides purchasing cows and buffaloes.

The owners of prize-winning cattle were felicitated by organisers.

Jagraon, February 13
Five persons were seriously injured when two cars had a head-on collision near Jagraon this evening.As per information,five persons travelling in a Maruti 800 car (PB-10-C-202) were going back to Ludhiana from Jagraon.

As soon as they reached near the Kacha Malak road on the Ludhiana-Ferozepur highway, their car had a head-on collision with a Ford Fiesta car (PB-38-B-2000), which was coming from Ludhiana side.

The injured were immediately rushed to the Civil Hospital, Jagraon, from where they were referred to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), Ludhiana, because of their critical condition.

Two of the injured are stated to be in a critical condition till the filing of the report.

The injured have been identified as Mandeep Singh, Sawraj Singh, Sukhwinder Singh, Surjit Singh and Avtar Singh. All injured belonged to Kot Mangal Singh village near Ludhiana.

Two of the injured, including Mandeep Singh and Sawraj Singh, got fracture in their legs in the accident.

Two other persons travelling in Ford Fiesta car had miraculous escape and they fled away from the spot after the accident.

Meanwhile, the police has registered a case at the bus stand police post, Jagraon, and started investigation.

Ludhiana, February 13
Members of the municipal corporation’s house tax subcommittee have asked civic officials to ensure recovery of a whopping Rs 3.5 crore due in houses tax from a leading mall in the city. At their meeting held at the MC’s ‘D’ zone office Saturday the members, including leader of the BJP councillors group, Gurdeep Singh Neetu, and Congress party councilor Sushil Kumar Raju Thapar, asked MC zonal commissioner BK Gupta, who is also in charge of the MC’s house tax branch, to expedite the process of recovering the arrears against Westend Mall.

Flatly rejecting a proposal on reducing house tax to be paid by the mall, both Neetu and Thapar said as the latter was conducting a “highly commercialized activity” recovery of the full house tax should be ensured, adding no rebate on the tax was provided to the public. They also asked MC officials to ensure the dues were recovered soon so that civic body could get benefit from the huge funds involved. “However, a decision on the matter has been kept pending as it was felt the MC commissioner’s consent was required before proceeding on the recovery”, said Thapar. — TNS

Ludhiana, February 13
Cotton prices may hit a double digit this summer. With the proposed hike, cotton clothing may also get expensive.One may experience synthetic linings, smaller buttons and even more polyester in the clothing, as companies may adopt these as cost cutting measures.

Vinod K Thapar, president of the Knitwear Club, said there had been an exorbitant increase in the prices of yarn.

“The prices of yarn have doubled, whereas the prices of fibre have not witnessed a proportionate increase. The unilateral rise in prices by monopolising houses creates uncertainty in the market. Similarly, companies find it difficult to sell their products, as customers cannot swallow the sudden and unbearable increase,” he said.

“Apparel makers plan to raise prices in 2011 as they struggle to absorb the impact of soaring cotton costs. At first, retailers and manufacturers tried to keep down the cost. But with cotton getting expensive, they were left with no choice but to pass on the higher cost to buyers. The prices may increase by 25 to 30 per cent,” said Santosh Sharma, a wholesaler.

“The recent price hike in cotton has left us with no other option but to raise the end price of cotton clothing in the coming months. Fashion retailers and consumers will feel the pinch of higher prices,” said R Wadhwa, a T-shirt manufacturer.

Manufacturers are examining whether a button or a thread can be replaced with a cheaper one or whether the overall material mix can be changed.