Jalandhar, November 8
The city police has arrested the kingpin of ‘Bholu’ gang, wanted in an culpable homicide case, last night. A notorious goon, he was heading the gang for past many years leading to fear and panic among city residents. He was arrested following a clash at Dhann Mohalla late last night as some members of his gang were making rounds of the locality in cars. The gang members were driving cars rashly to intimidate residents.

When some residents of Dhann Mohalla tried to stop members of the gang, they hurled abuses and subsequently threatened them with dire consequences and left the spot.

Residents of the area said initially they thought that the goons had finally left the locality but to their horror they returned within a few minutes along with other gang members. “This time, they came laced with sharp-edged weapons, knives and wooden sticks. We informed other residents and ran to save ourselves,” said a resident requesting anonymity.

Surprisingly, before the issue could have come to an end, the kingpin of the gang - Bholu - also reached the spot to strike a compromise between residents of the area and his gang members. Meanwhile, some residents informed the police and within no time, the ADCP, the SP (City-1), the ACP and a battery of police officials reached Dhann Mohalla.

When they reached the spot, they found Bholu trying to solve the issue in a filmy style by acting like an influential person.

ADCP City-I RK Sharma said: “It took us no time to arrest Bholu as he along with his gang members were wanted in a culpable homicide case, which took place in the district courts a few months ago. A case in this regard was registered at the New Baradari police station under Section 308 of the IPC.” Interestingly, after the police arrested Bholu, members of his gang reached the Police Division No. 3 and tried to impress upon the police that he was not involved in a culpable homicide case.

Jalandhar, November 8
Following complaints of dirty water being supplied to some houses in Gali No. 1 of Baba Budha Ji Nagar today, Municipal Corporation officials visited the area and collected more samples.

Even as jaundice cases in Rama Mandi area are on the wane and residents are satisfied with the new arrangement made by the MC and the health authorities, some houses are still not getting clean water.

Jalandhar, November 8
Kabaddi, the rustic game of Punjab, would be a spectators’ delight at Guru Nanak Stadium on Tuesday as leading kabaddi teams of Italy, Pakistan, Spain, Norway, Sri Lanka and Argentina will be seen in action to ensure their berth in the final of the World Kabaddi Cup.

Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal is likely to come as the chief guest while a battery of other politicians would also be present on this occasion.

It is expected that more than 12,000 spectators comprising different kabaddi clubs and sportspersons from villages of Kapurthala, Jalandhar and its surrounding areas will throng the stadium to catch the action live.

Guru Nanak Stadium, where the matches are scheduled to be held, has been given a facelift. The entire stadium has been whitewashed and a soundproof commentators’ box has also been set up ahead of the matches.

Talking to Jalandhar Tribune, district sports officer Gurlal Singh Riar said the first match would be held between Norway and Sri Lanka, second between Pakistan and Argentina and the third between Italy and Spain. “Special arrangements have been made for foreign guests who have come along with their respective teams to view the matches,” he added.

A separate iron barricade has been put up on the kabaddi ground in the stadium. Besides, a barricade has been put up outside the stadium boundary as a security measure. “Additional Punjab Police jawans have been deployed for a-round-the-clock vigil of the stadium. Even today, vigilance teams spent the entire day monitoring the security arrangements for tomorrow’s matches,” said an official.

Jalandhar November 8
The CIA staff of the local police today arrested five miscreants who were planning to commit a crime in the city. CIA in charge Sukhjit Singh said they had received secret information that some miscreants were planning to commit some heinous crime in the city. “We came to know that some miscreants had gathered at Burton Park and they were laced with sharp-edged weapons. A battery of police personnel reached the spot and after intercepting the miscreants, police laid a trap and arrested them.”

The police also recovered a .32 bore revolver and other sharp-edged weapons from their possession.

During interrogation, the police said, the accused confessed that they were on the way to loot some specific places in the city. The accused have been identified as Gurpreet Singh, alias Gopi, Ram Kishan, Sunny, Bretely and Sandeep, alias Nikka, all resident of Sarai Khas village in Kartarpur.

A case under Sections 399 and 402 of the IPC and 25, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act has been registered against the accused at the Police Division No. 2.

The police said a few of them had a criminal past as a case under Sections 307 and 326 of the IPC had already been registered against Sunny and Sandeep at the Kartarpur police station.

Jalandhar, November 8
Residents of Navin Abadi Santokhpura falling in Ward Number 6 today held a protest in front of the office of Municipal Corporation claiming that the slum development scheme was not being implemented in true spirit.

Most beneficiaries had the complaint that they were being asked to first get the construction work from foundation to plinth level on their own and then seek 25 per cent payment.

“We are poor daily wage earners. It is difficult for us to arrange for Rs 10,000 for the purpose at a go. We have been asked through notices to do it in a week’s time. We are all daily wagers”, said Disho, who works as a labourer in a factory.

Widow Joginder Kaur also has a similar version, “The construction material is too costly. I really do not know how to arrange for the amount. The MC has been changing policies time and again, confusing us and deliberately delaying the project”.

There were some like Rita who has been occupying a 2 marla land and has already done the first phase work in her plot. “It has been over two months that I am through with the work. I have got the photographs as proofs and all other documents required, I am still not being paid. I am told that all will be paid at the same time when everyone in will be through with the construction upto plinth level”, she complained. Balwinder Kaur, a factory worker, too had a similar complaint.

There are nearly 50 beneficiaries in the area, all women. There were some like Pali and Narinder Kaur who claimed that they too had submitted their claims but had not yet got approvals for the same.

The area where the slum dwellers reside falls in the ward of the lone BSP councillor Hans Raj Rana.

SE (B&R) Kulwinder Singh said, “There are zero per cent interest schemes for the slum dwellers regarding which I told them today. There has been a change in policy as per which the slum dwellers have to bring a proof of residing in the area for 12 years. Since many do not fall in the ambit of the scheme now, they cannot draw the benefit. We are helpless in such cases.”