C H A N D I G A R H   S T O R I E S



NEIGHBOURHOOD

Stray dog menace continues in Patiala
Gagan K Teja
Tribune News Service

Patiala, February 10
Not withstanding the tall claims of the MC, the menace of stray dogs is acquiring alarming proportions in Patiala. Despite many incidents of attacks by stray dogs in the recent past, the MC is yet to initiate any concrete action in this regard.

The authorities have not bothered to initiate any sterlisation drive in the city. As a result, there is also a threat to the passers-by.

Perturbed with the lax attitude of the MC, a woman has also filed a case in the local court against the MC and her statement has already been recorded.

During interaction with the residents of many areas, including Sewak Colony, Sant Nagar, New Mehar Singh Colony, Adarsh Nagar, Chotti Baradari, Bagichi Het Ram and Adarsh Nagar, people rued that the stray keep roaming on the roads and sometimes attack the passer bys.

Dr DS Bhullar, secretary general of the Society for Peoples’ Welfare and Awareness Patiala (SPWAP), an NGO, said that time and again we have informed about such incidents to the MC authorities but to no avail. He informed that in the past three years, the number of dog bite cases in the city was on rise and they had also handed over a memorandum to the MC. But till date, no action has been taken on their request.

Expressing his views on the matter, Ravee S Ahluwalia, president of Patiala Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PSPCA), said despite repeated requests of establishing an animal rescue centre, the civic body has failed to redress any problem. “I don’t understand why they are not concerned about the serious issue. The animal birth control (ABC) project has failed to take off in the city courtesy MC. At least now the administration should get serious about it,” he added.

Back

 

Kila Raipur to be model village
Our Correspondent

Kila Raipur, February 10
The SBI has adopted Kila Raipur village for developing it as a model village under its Community Banking Scheme.

Assistant general manager Anuradha Naraynan on occasion of the formal opening of the bank’s stall made the announcement. The stall was set up to educate members of the agrarian society about various schemes and facilities of the organisation.

Besides providing loans to cultivators, dairy farmers, young entrepreneurs and students of higher studies, the bank will also play an active role in the development of the village.

“We will coordinate with office-bearers of the civic body and Sports Association, and chalk out a comprehensive programme for residents,” said Narayanan.

Back

 

High-power jammer to come up at Ambala jail
Suman Bhatnagar

Ambala, February 10
The Haryana jail department is seriously planning to install a high power jammer in the Ambala Central Jail at Ambala City. The move has come after the recovery of 13 mobile phones and a number of SIM cards from the jail inmates, here last month. The Ambala Central Jail is the most sensitive jail of the state where a number of gangsters and hardcore criminals are lodged. Earlier, too mobile phones and SIM cards were recovered from the prisoners.

The jail authorities have recovered 13 mobile phones from 5 inmates during a search campaign in the jail on January 25. On the complaint of the jail authorities, the Baldevnagar police had registered a case against the jail inmates but even after the passing of one month, no clue of the supplier had been achieved so far. The police has been investigating the records of calls of the recovered mobile phones, a jail official said.

Two years ago, the police had also recovered a mobile phone from the death sentenced inmates who had attempted to dig a tunnel in the jail for making an escape route. A case was also registered. But the use of mobile phones in the jail continued. It was also reported that a gangster lodged in the jail had demanded a ransom from a businessman of Ambala Cantt by using the mobile phone.

A jammer was installed on the jail premises a few years ago. But its high frequency had blocked the network of cellular phones of a number of civilians and that of the residents of Officer Colony. Following which, the civilians protested against the installation of jammer as it blocked the signal of their cellphones too.

Sources said the jail authorities have sent a proposal to the department for installing a jammer so that the use of mobile phones by the inmates could be stopped effectively.

A proposal for installing the CCTV cameras in the condemned and other barracks of the jail has also been sent to check the minute to minute activities of the prisoners. After the Sonepat jail break incident, the jail department has also started reviewing the security arrangements of various jails.

Back

 

Overloaded autos a common sight in Patiala
Gagan K. Teja
Tribune News Service

Patiala, February 10
Despite the Punjab and Haryana High Court coming down heavily on the overloading of auto rickshaws, especially the ones ferrying school children, the practice continues unabated in the city. Overloaded auto-rickshaws are a common sight in Patiala. Despite the ruling that the drivers should not accommodate more than three persons at a time, one can see autos openly flouting the rule.

Auto rickshaws can be seen carrying 10-15 school children at a time. Forget the district administration, even the parents and school authorities are not paying any heed to this issue, despite the frequent news reports pertaining to such incidents.

“These drivers not only play with the lives of children but also pose a threat to other commuters on the road. One can see the kids literally hanging in the autos. My daughter used to go to school in an auto which carried more than 10 students. Even after repeated requests, the auto driver did not reduce the number of children. So, now I myself take her to school everyday,” said Manjeet Singh of Tripri.

Punjabi University student Charanpreet Kaur said, “I really don’t understand as to why the authorities do not challan these autos and remain a mute spectator. Such autos can be seen at every nook and corner of the city. If you ask as auto driver to accommodate just three persons, they would ask you to hire a special auto,” she added.

Patiala Deputy Commissioner Vikas Garg when contacted said that it was wrong to say the administration was not taking any action. “Traffic police has been directed to issue challans to such drivers and they are doing it,” he said.

Back

 

Goods worth Rs 50 lakh gutted
Our Correspondent

Sahnewal, February 10
Gift items, hosiery goods, leather products etc worth lakhs were burnt to ashes when a major fire broke out in a general store at Sahnewal last night. No loss of life was however reported.

Around 10 pm, people saw thick smoke emanating from inside the shop popularly known as Rampal Di Hatti, located in the heart of the town.

The affected owner alleged that the local fire-fighting units were late in arriving at the spot and by the time the fire tenders were really pressed into service, the blaze had already caused destruction. The total loss is estimated to be more than Rs 50 lakh.

Back

 

Fashion exhibition begins
Aman Sood
Tribune News Service

Patiala, February 10
A three day fashion extravaganza was today inaugurated at the Patiala Centre of Inter National Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD). The three day exhibition titled ‘Aaghaz: The New Beginning’ displays the designer creations of its students at the campus at Leela Bhawan Complex.

The exhibition was inaugurated today by Punjabi actor Gulzar Inder Chahal. The exhibition has been divided into different sections with themes like Valentino (Red and White), Sajaavat (Home Decor), Jack & Jill (Kids Wear), Ghar Aangan (Modern Home Décor) ets showing the culture of our country through embroidered garments in fusion (mix of traditional and western).

Speaking on the exhibition in detail, Centre Head INIFD Monika Kathuria said that such exhibitions were organised annually where the city residents can see the creations of these young designers, thereby giving them a moral boost to excel in their respective fields after passing out from the institution.

“This also gives them an idea on how to organise and display their creations when they start their own ventures or take up challenging jobs in the industry,” she added.

Back

 

Go ahead, get it done: HC
200 encroachments face MC axe
Saurabh Malik
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 10
Over 200 encroachments on “public streets and paths” may soon be hammered down by the Ambala municipal corporation (MC).

As a suo motu case on "flood-like situation" in Ambala’s Housing Board Colony came up for hearing this morning, the Bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Mahesh Grover referred to a status report filed by the MC Commissioner.

“In the status report dated December 16, 2011, it is stated that on a survey, 526 violations and encroachments have been found on public streets and paths. Such encroachments are in the shape of grills and boundary walls which have been constructed.

“According to municipal corporation, notices under Section 238 of the Haryana Municipal Corporation Act, 1994, have been issued on December 1, 2011, for the removal of encroachments within 10 days from the date of receipt of the notice.

“Pursuant to the notices, 177 encroachers have acted positively on their own and 133 encroachers have responded partially. The remaining encroachers have been issued notices under Section 368 of the Haryana Municipal Corporation Act, 1994, for demolition,” the Bench observed.

Disposing of the petition, the Bench added, “The reply dated November 14, 2011, filed by the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Ambala, indicates that the work for the new sewerage disposal system at the cost of over Rs 2 crore has been allotted, the water supply pipes are being replaced and open drains are being constructed in the nearby areas, which are likely to be completed by the end of March. In the affidavit, it is further stated that there are encroachments on the roads which need to be removed so that all necessary corrective steps can be completed at the earliest.

“The facts stated in the affidavit, as well as the status report of the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Ambala, would sufficiently indicate that requisite steps have been taken to remedy the situation in Housing Board Colony, Ambala Cantonment. “All such steps having been initiated will naturally have to be brought to its logical conclusion. We, therefore, do not find any justification to keep this public interest litigation pending any longer.

“It is accordingly disposed of by directing the Municipal Corporation, Ambala, to complete the action initiated as indicated in the reply dated November 14, 2011, and status report dated December 16, 2011, within the time schedule mentioned therein or as contemplated by the Haryana Municipal Corporation Act, 1994, as may be”, the Bench stated.

Back

 

3 of family booked under dowry Act
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 10
The UT police has registered a case under sections of the dowry Act against a family at Sector 45. Acting on the complaint of Tamana Puri, the police has registered a case against her husband Ashish Sood, father-in-law Rajesh Sood and mother-in-law Kamlesh.

In the complaint, the victim reported that she was being harassed to bring more dowry and was being beaten up by her in-laws. A case under Sections 406 and 498-A of the IPC was been registered at the Sector-34 police station. The case was under investigation.

Tamanna reported that her husband was based in Australia and he, along with his parents, used to harass her, after which she approached the police. The family had lodged a complaint in July past year and the case was being investigated by the Women and Child Support Unit of the UT police.

Back

 

Cyclist dies in accident
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 10
A day after three persons died in accidents in the city, another fatal accident was reported in the city. A cyclist died as he was hit by a speeding recovery van on the Sector 9-4 turn past night.

The mishap occurred when the cyclist rammed into the recovery van, going towards Mani Mjajra. The cyclist was rushed to the PGI, where he was declared brought dead.

Sheeshpal (41) was coming back from a wedding and was on his way back home. He was working as a cook. The driver of the recovery van, Nand Kishore was also on his way back home.

The police arrested the driver and registered a case of causing death due to negligence under Section 304-A of the IPC.

Back

 

3 commit suicide in city
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 10
Three city residents allegedly committed suicide in three separate incidents here today. In the first case, 35-year-old Parwinder Singh, said to be mentally challenged, hanged himself at his Sector-37 residence. He hanged himself from the ceiling fan inside his room. A suicide note was recovered from the spot, which held no one responsible for the extreme step. He had been taking treatment from the GMCH, Sector 32, for the past five years.

In the second case, 25-year-old Pooja Devi of Palsora village at Sector 56 hanged herself from a ceiling fan. The police said she was suffering from depression for quite some time. She was survived by her husband and two children. In the third case, 17-year-old Nirmala of Palsora village at Sector 56 hanged herself in the verandah of her house. Her mother had died two years ago and she had been suffering from depression ever since. The police initiated inquest proceedings under Section 174 of the CrPC in all three cases.

Back

 

Three thefts reported
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 10
Three cases of theft have been reported in the city today. In the first case, Renu a resident of Pinjore, reported that her bag containing cash Rs 1700, ATM card, four gold ear rings, gold mangalsutra, one gold chain, and PAN card, was stolen from counter number 24, New OPD, PGI, on February 9. A case under section 379, IPC, has been registered in Sector 11. In the second case, complainant Pushpinder Pal, resident of Sector 7, reported that someone had stolen taps and fittings from Sector-19-B on the night of February 8. A case under section 380, IPC, has been registered.

In the third case, Ajay Kumar of Sector-26, reported that his Pulsar Motor Cycle, number CH-01AF-9484 was stolen from outside his house on the night of February 5. A case under section 379 of IPC has been registered in sector 26. 

Back

 

Employee goes missing with Rs 5 lakh
Tribune News Service

Mohali, February 10
The police has booked Mandeep Kumar, an employee of a Bhagwati Steel Industry on the charges of criminal breach of trust on the complaint of Mahinder Pal, an owner of the Bhagwati Steel Industry, B-10, Industrial Area, Phase-1.

The investigating officer said that in his complaint to the police, Mahinder Pal alleged that the accused, who was working as clerk, went to the bank to deposit Rs 5 lakh on a motorcycle (provided by the company) on February 9. Mandeep, the complainant claimed, left for the bank around 11:00 am but did not reach bank till 1:00 pm. Later, after a search was conducted, the motorcycle was found near Chasma Shahi palace, Balongi.

The police official said a case had been registered and investigations are going on.

Back

 

Gurpreet declared best
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 10
Gurpreet Kaur, a BPEd student, was declared as the best athlete at the Annual Athletics Meet in Post Graduate Government College for Girls, Sector 42, here today.

The students participated in the march past.

Naunihal Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police, Chandigarh was the chief guest.

Back

 

Ritu best athlete
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 10
Ritu Joshi of BSc I was adjudged the best athlete at the Annual Athletics Meet at the Government Home Science College, Sector 10, here today.

The students lead march past. The principal of the college read the annual sports report, highlighting the achievements of the students.

Back

 

Vishwamitra wins relay race
Tribune News Service

Panchkula, February 10
The boys of Vishwamitra House won the relay race for Class IX at The Gurukul’s annual inter-house sports meet here today. The meet opened with the ceremonial march past of the four houses, namely Dronacharya, Bhrigu, Vishwamitra, and Parashar at Tau Devi Lal Stadium. It was followed by the finals of various athletics events, flat races of 100m and 200m for all categories, 4x100m relay for seniors, and obstacle races.

Fun games, like ‘Sack Race’, ‘Collect the Rings’, and ‘Ready to School’ were also held. Bhuvan and Akanksha (V), Pranav and Nidhi (VI), Sidharth and Riti (VII), Sagar and Rupali (VIII), Vishnu and Ansheeka (IX), and Shubham Arora and Simran Garg (X) won first positions in their respective categories in the 100m and 200m flat race.

Parashar House won the relay race in class IX girls’ category. Dronacharya House won the relay race in class X boys’ and girls’ category.

Back

 

Surjan, Manpreet win top honours
Tribune News Servce

Chandigarh, February 10
Surjan Singh and Manpreet Kaur were adjudged the best athletes on the concluding day of 57th Annual Athletics Meet at Government College of Education, Sector 20, here today. Sunil Bhatia, Additional Commissioner, Municipal Corporation-cum-director sports, Chandigarh, was the chief guest on the occusion.

A fancy dress competition was also organised on the premises during the annual athletics meet. The students also presented a cultural item.

Back

 

Kabaddi cup from Feb 15
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 10
In order to promote kabaddi, the sports department of Punjab will organise the Shaan-e-Punjab Kabaddi Cup a village-level tournament involving youth, across the state. The tournament is scheduled to start on February 15.

Over 300 teams from nearly 2,400 villages across the state are likely to participate in it. The matches will take place at Begowal, Kalanour, Gurhar Sahai, Rahon, Bhawanigarh and Mullanpur villages.

Back

 

Amritsar defeat Chandigarh by three wickets
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 10
Amritsar defeated Chandigarh by 3 wickets to annex the FC Mittal Trophy at the PCA Stadium, Mohali, here today.

After winning the toss, Amritsar opted to field. Chandigarh opened with Sarul Kanwar and Simrat Bawa who put on 40 runs for the first wicket in 5.2 overs before Sarul Kanwar was snapped by wicket keeper Chandan Madan off Manish Bhatia for 30 off 20 balls studded with 6 boundaries. Chandigarh kept on losing wickets at regular intervals and at one stage, it was deep in trouble with the score reading 159 for 7 off 36.1 overs in which opener Simrat Bawa had contributed 53 off 80 balls. An eighth wicket stand of 90 runs between Gaurav Gambhir and Gurinder Singh took the total to 249 for 8 in 47.4 overs.

Gaurav Gambhir chipped in with 26 off 34 balls inclusive of two boundaries. Gurinder Singh coming to bat at number 9 set the stands ablaze by hitting a whirlwind 64 off 41 balls studded with two boundaries and 7 lofty sixes. For Amritsar, Bharat Lumba 3 for 31, Manish Bhatia 2 for 39 and Vinay Chauhary 2 for 49 were the main wicket takers.

Replying Amritsar team was also in deep trouble when it lost half side for 90 in 20.2 overs. Their openers Manish Bhatia (16) and Manish Sharma (15) this time failed to give a rousing start. It was left to skipper Chandan Madan and Mohit Handa to stitch a match winning partnership of 141 runs for the sixth wicket before Mohit Handa was trapped in front by Gurinder Singh for 63 off 71 balls inclusive of 4 boundaries and the team’s total reading 231 for 6 in 42.4 overs.

Skipper, Chandan Madan, went on to complete a run a ball century 102 off 94 balls studded with 12 boundaries. Amritsar reached to 251 for 7 in 46.5 overs to record a three wickets win.

Brief Scores:

Chandigarh: 250 all out in 48.4 overs

Simrat Bawa 53, Sarul Kanwar 30, Gaurav Gambhir 26, Gurinder Singh 64

Bharat Lumba 3 for 31, Manish Bhatia 2 for 39 and Vinay Chauhary 2 for 49.

Amritsar: 251 for 7 in 46.5 overs

Chandan Madan 102, Mohit Handa 63, Siddharth Kaul 2 for 51, Bipul Sharma 2 for 58, VRV Singh 1 for 41, Vishwas Bhalla 1 for 12, Gurinder Singh 1 for 45.

Back

 


HOME PAGE | Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir | Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs | Nation | Opinions |
| Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi |
| Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail |