NEIGHBOURHOOD

Wheat procurement begins

The wheat procurement process was inaugurated at the Grain Market in Sirhind on Thursday. Photo: Surinder Bhardwaj

Fatehgarh Sahib, April 12
The process of wheat procurement by the state government agencies has started in the Asia's second biggest grain market, Sirhind, today.

Prof Prem Singh Chandumajra, general secretary of SAD, accompanied by officials of the procurement agencies inaugurated the process by making a purchase. He also inspected all the heaps of wheat brought by the farmers. He called upon the farmers to bring wheat as per the specification of the government.

He also inspected the arrangements made by the Mandi Board for the convenience of the farmers. He directed the officials to make proper arrangements for drinking water, lights and boarding facilities to be made in mandis for the farmers.

He said the government has directed to make payment within 24 hours and loading of purchased wheat within 72 hours. While talking to the media, he said the Central government under a planned conspiracy was not lifting the procured wheat and paddy from the godowns in the state, which is causing storage problem.

He said despite of the meeting held between the chief minister, prime minister and agriculture minister, nothing has happened so far. — OC

Dera Bassi, April 12
Three youths decamped with Rs 5 lakh cash from a property dealer today after calling him for a deal in Daffarpur.

The police had started investigations after registering his complaint.

In his complaint, Randhir Singh, a resident of Daffarpur near Fun city, said somebody called his brother thrice and said he wanted to sell his plot in Daffarpur colony.

He went to the said colony and as he was watching the plot, two youths attacked him with batons and decamped with the money.

SHO Gurdial Singh said investigations were in progress.

Chandigarh, April 12
A 12 bore rifle of a security guard employed with a Mani Majra-based jeweller went off accidentally here this morning, critically injuring two persons.

Gheesi Yaman Yadav, the security guard of Sethi Son Jewellers adjoining the Housing Board light point, was on duty when the loaded gun went off while he was cleaning the weapon.

Two persons identified as Ajay Kumar, a resident of Vasant Vihar and Narinder Kumar, a resident of Rail Vihar, were injured and rushed to the PGI. Ajay Kumar, who was waiting for a bus at a near by bus stand, was hit by splinters in the head while Narinder Kumar, who works in a cosmetic shop on the first floor of the same building was hit in the arm.

The police was informed and both the victims were rushed to the PGI where their condition is said to be stable. The guard was arrested and later released on bail.

A case of act endangering life of others under Section 336 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) has been registered at the Mani Majra police station.

Mohali, April 12
Thirtyone-year-old Balbir Kaur allegedly committed suicide by hanging herself at her residence in Phase 7 at around 5.30 am this morning. The police has registered a case of abetment to suicide against her husband Sham Lal and mother-in-law Bimla Devi on the basis of a complaint by the victim’s mother Naseeb Kaur.

Sources said Balbir Kaur was under pressure to clear the IELTS exam. She had failed thrice and was allegedly being pressured to clear the exam this time. Sham Lal runs a furniture business and is also a yoga instructor. At the time of the incident, he had left for Panchkula for a yoga class, police sources said. The incident came to light when the victim’s mother-in-law went to wake her up to study for the exam. The couple has a six-and-a-half-year-old son. — TNS

Mohali, April 12
As the sun begun to set, audience started pouring in the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) stadium to cheer the home team Kings XI Punjab in their first home match against the Pune Warriors, here.

Although a few seats remain empty throughout the first innings, the audience present cheered the home team. “I just came to watch Sourav and Gilchrist bat. I have asked for a terrace block ticket but failed to get access through it however I managed three tickets for my family,” said Aneesha.

On other hand, the home team after elected to field first gave the home crowd a reason to cheer. “We hope that the home team will take its revenge. After yesterday’s storm, we thought we will miss the action, but the clear sky today gave a chance to cheer for our Punjab team,” said Anuj. “I wanted to be the part of the audience during the Pakistan and India clash but failed to buy a ticket. I am here to buck up the local cricket team and hopefully they will win the game,” said Anshul.

Chandigarh, April 12
The Chandigarh administration distributed kits among the teams participated in the gully cricket at the Sector 16 cricket stadium, here this evening.