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Kidnapping case or drama?
Fog hits rail traffic
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Truck driver crushed to death
Amritsar: A truck driver, Basant Singh, was killed while the cleaner of the truck was injured when another speeding truck hit them near Tangra late last night. Sources said Basant Singh and his cleaner had alighted from the truck when they were hit by another truck (PB-12M-9250) coming from Jalandhar side.
Looters stab woman, decamp with jewellery
Second arrest in murder case
Need to redesign education policy, says UGC Chairman
Excellent career, not just patriotism, driving youth to join Army
College teachers’ unions form JAC to intensify stir
Govt to emphasis on increasing milk yield, says Ranike
Science exhibition
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Kidnapping case or drama?
Amritsar, November 24 However, the police authorities remained tightlipped in the case saying that they are verifying facts before coming to any conclusion. But the statement of one of the accused before the media raised many eyebrows. Ritish Sharma, a resident of Nawa Kot and Class XI student at Hindu Sabha College, went missing yesterday afternoon.
They demanded Rs 2.50 lakh as ransom to release the youth and threatened to kill him in case they informed the police or failed to give the money to them. Giving details, RP Mittal, Police Commissioner, said the police formed a special investigation team, headed by Baljit Singh Randhawa, ADCP special operations, after we came to know about the kidnapping. The kidnappers asked the family members to leave a bag containing the money in a garbage trolley near Saint Francis School. The police laid a trap by deputing several policemen in plain clothes at the spot. However, the accused got a hint of this and did not turn up at the spot. They rebuked the family members and threatened to kill their son. Later miscreants asked them to leave the bag near Cantonment Park chowk in the cantonment area just few metres away from the earlier spot ie Saint Francis School. "This time the police party was deputed far away from the spot. At about 12.40 AM, three persons came on two motorcycles. Two of them picked up the bag and tried to flee towards Ram Tirath Road side," he said. However, the police parties nabbed two of them while their third accomplice managed to flee. Surprising, out of the two arrested one of them was Ritish himself. The other arrested was identified as Rinkle Masih of New Partap Nagar. Their third accomplice was identified as Manu Chopra of Beri Gate locality. "During the search, police officials have recovered an indigenous pistol of .12 bore from Rinkle. Interesting, the police also recovered 50 gram smack from Ritish's possession," said Mittal. Rinkle has been booked under Section 364 A of the IPC for abduction and Sections 25, 51, and 59 of the Arms Act. A case under Sections 21, 61 and 85 of the NDPS Act has been registered against Ritish. Meanwhile, when the police team was taking Ritish and Rinkle to the court, Rinkle told mediapersons that all the conspiracy of kidnapping was masterminded by Ritish himself. When asked about this, Mittal said they have been investigating into this. Nothing concrete can be said at this moment, he added.
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Fog hits rail traffic
Amritsar, November 24 The Dadar Express arrived late by 3 hours and 18 minutes. The Tata Moori train arrived late by 10 hours and 14 minutes. The Sialda Amritsar train was delayed by one and half hours. The Katihar Express was late by 10 hours. It is expected that late arrival of trains would also upset the departure schedule of the trains from Amritsar. While talking about the problem faced by passengers due to the late arrival of trains, Sukh Ram, who was at the station to receive his daughter coming from Delhi, said, "The late arrival of trains has caused great inconvenience to passengers and their relatives who had come to receive them. We came after every hour to check the arrival time of the train." A large number of the visitors said that railways must carve out a plan to ascertain timely running of trains. Joginder Gupta said, "The railway is claiming that it is the fog that has cause the delay. But weather is going to worsen in coming weeks and the authorities must come out with a plan to overcome the problem." The people were seen jostling at the inquiry counters to get updates on train arrivals. Harpartap Singh, a passenger, said, "If there is no surety of reaching your destination on time, people would prefer road transport instead of railway." Station Superintendent KS Teji said, "The delay was caused due to weather conditions. There is nothing which can be done at our end to solve the problem."
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Amritsar: A truck driver, Basant Singh, was killed while the cleaner of the truck was injured when another speeding truck hit them near Tangra late last night. Sources said Basant Singh and his cleaner had alighted from the truck when they were hit by another truck (PB-12M-9250) coming from Jalandhar side. The unidentified driver escaped leaving the truck behind. A case under Sections 304-A, 279, 337 and 38 of the IPC has been registered at Tarsikka police station on the statement of Sawinder Singh, a resident of Chhajalvaddi village. — TNS
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5 days on, city turning into garbage dump
Amritsar, November 24
Also in the absence of lifting, people continue to burn garbage in collection bins against norms. Meanwhile, the officials of the company said all the drivers and garbage lifting men have refused to perform their job as their wages have not been revised by the company for quite sometime. The company officials also met the Commissioner of the Amritsar Municipal Corporation today to find a solution to the problem. But the strike may continue for days as the officials said no breakthrough has been achieved till now. However, the MC Commissioner, Dharampal Gupta, said the matter is almost resolved. Company supervisor Sahil Deep, said, “It’s been over four days, when our drivers and other supporting staff are not lifting garbage in protest against the non-fulfilment of their demands, including wage hike. I do understand the apathy of residents, but we are helpless. The matter has been conveyed to our higher level officials at Mumbai and some solution can only be expected after their intervention.” It is estimated that over 1,500 tonnes of garbage must be lying on various localities of the city. The company collects 300 tonnes on an average in a day. Conditions have worsened because the refuse could be seen spilling over from the containers of the MC for collection. Amritsar Tribune team took rounds of various corners of the city only to find garbage scattered on the roadsides or the refuse set on fire in garbage bins. The key areas like Lawrence road, Mall road, Queens Road, Circular Road and Basant Avenue areas, which are also frequented by tourists, were also found to be littered with garbage. Burning of garbage?
The issue of burning of garbage on the roadside and in the bins itself remained unsolved. Earlier, it was being viewed that the AMC sanitary staff might have set the garbage afire in the bins just to ease their job of lifting it. On this, the AMC officials had said the garbage piled up outside the walled city is looked after by Antony Waste Company only. Now, question is when the Antony workers were not on job for last few days, who burnt the garbage stack located in different parts of the city? Risk factors
With the threat of dengue looming large, the corporation should make some alternative arrangements. The smoke emanating from the burning of garbage also poses a health hazard for residents. “The huge garbage dumps could be a serious health hazard. Filth attracts mosquitoes and flies that could lead to typhoid, cholera, malaria, dengue, jaundice and water-borne diseases. Similarly, smoke from burning trash in a barrel contains particulate
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Looters stab woman, decamp with jewellery
Amritsar, November 24 The Chatiwind police has registered a case under Sections 392, 452, 324 and 34 of the IPC against the accused, identified as Jagir Singh, a resident of Pandori village, and his unidentified accomplice. Amritpal Kaur in her statement to the police said the accused barged into the house and looted the gold jewellery which she was wearing. When she put up a fight, the looters took out a dagger and stabbed her nine times. Sikander Singh, SHO, Chatiwind police station, said Jagir Singh was known to the victim and her family. "Jagir Singh used to come to their house seeking monetary help. However, at the time of incident, Amritpal was alone at home. When the culprit demanded some money, she told him that she would be able to give the money only when her family returns," said Sikander. He said first the accused went away. However, after few minutes, they returned and attacked Amritpal and took her jewellery after seriously injuring her, he said while adding that the victim was out of danger. He said raids were being conducted at suspected hideouts to nab the culprits.
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Second arrest in murder case
Amritsar, November 24 The arrested youth, identified as Teenu, was reportedly caught by persons, known to Jaspal, when he was roaming in the court premises. Teenu was first thrashed and then handed over to Mohkampura police. Jaspal was shot dead in front of his father by several unscrupulous persons who had enmity with him. The armed youths first dragged him out of his house and then shot him dead a few yards away. The police had booked eight persons, identified as Shelly, Jeeta, Billa, Teenu, Monu Bhahia and three unidentified persons, on charges of murder on the statement of deceased's father Mohinder Singh. All the accused had criminal background and were involved in many petty crimes in the area. They had formed a gang headed by Monu, who was already arrested on November 19, claimed the police. Monu and his gang members had a dispute with Jaspal Singh. They had a clash with Jaspal following which he had lodged a complaint against them at Rambagh police station. Monu was pressurising Jaspal to withdraw the case. However, Jaspal was adamant not to do so. Meanwhile, Parvesh Chopra, SHO, Mohkampura police station, said the role of Teenu was yet to be investigated. "Although Teenu was member of the same gang and his name has figured in the complaint lodged by Mohinder Singh, so far there is no proof of his involvement in the murder," said Chopra.
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Need to redesign education policy, says UGC Chairman
Amritsar, November 24 While advocating the need to redesign the education policy according to the changing times, Prof Ved Prakash said, “The need of hour is to widen the axis of our universities to reach the real remote and backward areas to search for hidden talent.” He lamented that in 1984 the education policy was framed to elevate the downtrodden strata, but from the very next year, the government itself began to withdraw itself from opening new educational institutions and invited the private players thereby starting the haphazard growth of education. “The new education institutions laid more emphasises on technology, management and other applied areas, which could bring them money. These developments have relegated the basic sciences and humanities stream. Instead, there should be a collective effort to bring all the disciplines of education under one campus and curriculum should be upgraded so that apart from making doctors or engineers or IT professional, the education should also produce good human beings and the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev emphasised on this moral aspect, which is essential for the overall development of the personality of a student,” he said. He viewed that the teachers needed to imagine the shape and future of the world so that exact future requirement could be analysed. Professor AK Mahapatra, Head of the Department of Neurosurgery, AIIMS, New Delhi, and Dr Dalip Kaur Tiwana, Punjabi University, Patiala, also presented their views. Earlier, Vice-Chancellor Prof AS Brar, while welcoming the eminent speakers, said Guru Nanak Dev University was committed to spread the message of Guru Nanak Dev all over. Due to great contribution of the university in the field of research, science and technology, it had received special grants from various funding sources. Earlier, the day-long celebrations began with the bhog of akhand path at the university gurdwara, followed by shabad kirtan and ardas. Prof Ved Prakash also inaugurated an exhibition of rare books and manuscripts arranged at Bhai Gurdas Library of the university, while a folklore and painting exhibition was also organised by colleges near the Physics Block. Meanwhile, a friendly hockey match between Panjab University and GND University was also organised in the hockey stadium of the university. A kirtan darbar was also organised in the evening in the gurdwara of the university.
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Plastic waste godown gutted
Amritsar, November 24 Eight fire tenders, including one of the Sewa Samiti, an NGO, were pressed into service to extinguish the fire. They took at least five hours to douse the flames. The heat generated during the fire was so intense that it damaged the neighbouring two-storeyed building, belonging to Vijay Kumar. Official of the Fire Brigade Department revealed that a television, refrigerator and windows of Vijay’s house were damaged in the incident. However, there was no loss of life reported.
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Excellent career, not just patriotism, driving youth to join Army
Amritsar, November 24 Some even spent the whole night outside the recruitment venue, on the road, to avoid any chances of getting late for the physical screening. The aspirants stated that with an educational qualification as theirs finding a job elsewhere is impossible. “With an educational qualification as mine I am sure I would not get a job anywhere else. Most of my friends have the same dream,” said Nishan Singh an aspirant. He added that most of the youngsters in the villages try hard to win a matriculation certificate to get eligible for the job. “With this much education, I would only get eligible for the jobs of sweepers or peons. The Army on the other hand gives you respect,” he said. The minimum educational qualification for recruitment as a soldier is matriculation. Another aspirant Harkirat Singh said, “We cannot study more. The option of getting a study visa for some foreign country is not available for us.” He added that an Army job would add to his family’s reputation. A few candidates said they had been physically training themselves for months now. Gurbhagat Singh said, “It is not everyday that the Army recruits soldiers. Those who do not want to miss the opportunity train really hard.” He added that 21 youngsters from his village had come to the recruitment rally. Jaswinder Singh, said, “A job, especially government one, ends your worries for the lifetime. I would regret most of my life if I failed in meeting their standards.” He said those people in their village who are in the Army were better placed than farmers. Even as a few stated that working for the Army was their passion and it was the uniform that attracted them, there were many who said they see the Army as a better option as compared to tilling land on the agricultural fields. The Amritsar Director of the recruitment, Rajbir Yadav, said, “The job in the Army is very adventurous. Men are naturally driven towards such a job. The recruitment will continue till November 28. It was the first day today and we have got a great response. They have made ample arrangements for the aspirants,” he said.
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College teachers’ unions form JAC to intensify stir
Amritsar, November 24 Giving the reason for forming the JAC, general secretary of the PCCTU Prof HS Walia stated that as per the decision of the JAC, the PCCTU had directed all its units throughout Punjab and Chandigarh to observe “colleges bandh” on November 30. A state-level rally would be organised on December 7 at Sector 25, Chandigarh, in support of their demands. The main demands of all the constituents of the JAC are the implementation of pension and gratuity scheme as approved by the SAD-BJP government in its previous term on December 12, 2001, lifting of ban on recruitments imposed in 2005, broad-basing the 95 per cent grant-in-aid scheme, releasing arrears due on account of revision of pay scales from January 1, 2006, to March 31, 2010.
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Govt to emphasis on increasing milk yield, says Ranike
Amritsar, November 24 Punjab Animal Husbandry Minister Gulzar Singh Ranike stated this here today after inaugurating a seminar on “Recent advances in diagnosis and management of deficiencies and toxicities in dairy animals”. The seminar was organised by the Punjab State Veterinary Council in collaboration with the Animal Husbandry Department. Ranike said during the ensuing year three lakh doses of high-quality frozen semen would be imported for the improvement in the breed of local cows. Previously for the same purpose, 2.5 lakh doses of frozen semen were imported from the USA, Canada and Sweden, which had shown excellent results. The minister said the state government was committed to the welfare of livestock of the state for which new buildings of nine veterinary poly-clinics, 19 subdivision hospitals and 21 dispensaries would be raised at a cost of Rs 22.5 crore. Besides, to fight out diseases due to mineral deficiency in dairy animals, 14,000 quintal mineral mixture would be provided to livestock owners at subsidised rate. He said to improve the quality and quantity of fodder, 12,000 quintal of fodder seed would be provided to livestock owners at subsidised cost. Technical experts who spoke on the topic were Dr Charanjit Singh Randhawa, Dr Pritam Kaur Sidhu, Dr DK Sadana and Dr Vinay Mohan.
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Science exhibition
Amritsar, November 24 Organised by the Science Education Department, Punjab, under the tutelage of the Punjab School Education Board, the exhibition offered a platform to senior secondary students to exhibit their talent in science. Arjun said hydroponics was a novel way of farming to grow vegetables and fruit without using soil. A Class VIII student of the host school Banmeet Kaur showed application of mathematics in day to day life through her model. District Science Supervisor Kailash Chander Sharma said in all 29 models were exhibited.
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Amritsar, November 24
With trains running late by several hours today due to foggy weather conditions, the passengers were left stranded at the city railway station. The Howrah Express arrived at the station after a delay of 9 hours at 6.15 pm.
The present education scenario is more of a profit-making venture than to fulfil the social and economical commitments of the society. The responsibility lies with the government due to its poor vision in implementing the education policies in its true letter and spirit and paving way for the unprecedented intervention of rich business and corporate houses in the education field, which has made it
commercialised.
Amritsar, November 24
Ashwani Sharma, Ritish's father and the complainant, had said he had gone to the college but did not return. Later in the evening, his wife Pooja got a call from kidnappers from his son's mobile telling them about Ritish's kidnapping. 
Mounting heaps of garbage poses a serious health hazard for inhabitants.