Amritsar, May 27
Two persons tried to kill policemen, who were holding a naka in the old Octroi Chowk near Guru Nanak Dev University last night.

The accused, identified as Shamsher Singh and Kuldeep Singh, residents of Mahrana village in Tarn Taran, were driving an Innova (PB-10-BX-5514).

The police has lodged a complaint on the statement of Assistant Sub Inspector Sarwan Singh who was heading the Naka party.

The ASI said the accused were rashly driving their vehicle and even tried to run over passersby. He said when the police tried to stop the duo, they first sped away from the spot. However, they turned the vehicle back and tried to hit policemen at the naka. They took out a sickle (sharp-edged weapon) from the vehicle and even clashed with the policemen, Sarwan Singh alleged. "The policemen managed to escape unhurt. They then overpowered the two who were heavily drunk. They continuously abused the police team," said Ranjit Singh, the investigating officer.

He said a case under Sections 307, 353, 186, 506, 511 and 34 of the IPC, Sections 183 and 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act and Sections 63, 68-A and 68-B of the Police Act was registered against them.

The police impounded the vehicle and sharp-edged weapon from the spot. The court has sent the duo to judicial remand.

Amritsar, May 27
The Sadar police has arrested two robbers, who allegedly looted NRI Hardeep Singh who came from the US for his dental treatment. The incident took place on May 25.

Those arrested were identified as Vaneet Kumar and Gurpreet Singh, who originally belonged to Jastarwal village and Dhianpur Kotli village, respectively, and at present were residing at Indira Colony on Majitha road here.

Hardeep Singh at present was staying in the New Partap Nagar area near GT Road. On May 25, he received dental treatment from a clinic on Taylor road and then went to Ranjit Avenue to exchange foreign currency.

Vavinder Kumar, SHO Sadar police station, said the victim, who was accompanied by Jatinder Singh, took the bypass road to reach the GT Road.

“As Hardeep Singh had come to India after a long time, he got confused on how to reach the GT Road. They asked for the way from the accused, who misled them towards 27-foot road in Greenfield area on Majitha road,” he said.

After covering some distance they reached a dead end. When they were turning their car back, Hardeep came out of the car to ask someone about the road. Meanwhile the two accused, who were hiding in the dark, came out and attacked him. They snatched his purse, mobile phone, green card, US $ 1770, Rs 7,500 and necessary documents and fled the scene.

Following this, a case under Section 394 of the IPC was registered at Sadar police station on the statement of Hardeep, who sustained blunt weapon injuries.

The SHO said a police team zeroed in on Vaneet and Gurpreet after tracking the location of their mobile phones. He said the accused has been taken on two-day police remand and further investigations were on.

Amritsar, May 27
The Gate Hakima police arrested two persons, identified as Rajwinder Singh of Ibban Kalan and Maninder Singh of Gharinda Colony, with a stolen motorcycle and 500 grams of narcotic powder.

They were arrested following a tip-off at a naka near Anngarh railway crossing.

Sub-inspector Ramesh Chander, the investigating officer, said the accused who were riding a motorcycle (PB-02-AU-6867) tried to flee after seeing the police naka near the Anngarh railway crossing.

The police team got suspicious and arrested them following a chase. The police recovered 500 grams of narcotic powder which they were hiding in a polythene bag.

A case under Sections 379 and 411 of the IPC and Sections 22, 61 and 85 of the NDPS Act has been registered against them.

During investigations, it was found that the accused had stolen the motorcycle from outside the Golden Temple, he said.

They have been sent to judicial remand. — TNS

Amritsar, May 27
An 11-year-old boy was crushed to death while his mother and cousin sustained serious injuries when a car, driven by an untrained man, hit them near Dayanand Nagar on Fatehgarh Churian Road here.

The impact of the crash was so powerful that it killed the boy, identified as Abhishek, on the spot. His mother Renu sustained serious injury on her backbone while both the legs of his cousin were fractured in the accident. They were rushed to the Civil Hospital.

The car driver fled from the scene leaving the vehicle behind. He was later identified as Jagroop Singh of Dayanand Nagar.

A case under Sections 304-A, 338, 337 and 279 of the IPC has been registered against him on the statement of deceased’s father Sanjiv Kumar, a resident of Ekta Nagar.

Avtar Singh, the investigating officer, said the boy and his mother had come to their relatives’ house at Preet Nagar at Nangli Bhatha. They were walking towards the main road to hire a vehicle to return home. However, Jagroop who was driving his Alto car (PB-02-BJ (temp) 0504) came from behind and hit them hard.

“Initial investigations revealed that Jagroop was learning to drive the car and instead of applying breaks, he hit the accelerator leading to the accident,” he said. He added the accused is absconding. He said raids were being conducted to nab the culprit.

Amritsar, May 27
Kot Mit Singh, which was established much before the Partition, besides parts of historic Sultanwind village, falling in Ward 33, are yet to get basic amenities such as water supply and sewerage connectivity.

The areas had been excluded from the ambitious JICA project under which the sewerage system is being revamped in the holy city. The areas were left out of the project due to an inordinate delay in its execution which has resulted in the increase in the project cost. “Thereafter the authorities concerned and political leaders have made no efforts to initiate new sewerage projects,” say residents.

Dilapidated conditions of the roads reveal the naked truth. Dirty water spilling over open drains is a nuisance in several parts of the ward.

The unpaved road alongside the UBDC Sultanwind Canal leading to areas of New Kapoor Nagar has failed to get attention of the authorities even after decades. Residents claimed that the road was never laid and repeated requests of the councillor of the area failed to bear any fruit.

The story of parts of Sultanwind village falling in this ward is no different.

Like Ward number 31, under which majority of the Sultanwind village falls, the conditions are no better in this part of the village that comes in this ward.

A huge pond serves as a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and insects. The consecutive governments have done little for its cleaning and de-silting.

“No plans were ever chalked out to get rid of this problem by any government which ruled the state. This way residents are forced to live in most unhygienic conditions,” said a resident of the area.

Doors and establishments were shut early in the evening in fear of mosquitoes and insects. During peak summers, the conditions worsen, residents added.

The political leaders show up during the elections only to seek votes while all through the years they remain inaccessible and don’t bother about our problems, said a resident of New Kapoor Nagar.

Other areas that fall in the ward include Kot Mit Singh, New Kot Mit Singh, Davinder Nagar, Wadhawa Singh Colony, Bhai Manj Singh Road, Khalsa Nagar, Gurnam Nagar, Kapoor Nagar, New Kapoor Nagar, Friends Colony, Akali Colony and Dashmesh Nagar.

I have been living in this area for last seven years, but there are no streets in our locality. I don't know who is the councillor of the area as he has never visited our area
— Tarsem Singh

We have been living here for past over a decade. But the authorities have not laid a road alongside the UBDC canal. We have repeatedly requested the officials concerned and councilor of the area, but we haven't got any response from them.
— Baldev Singh

Dirty water spills over the open drains in absence of proper de-silting. Foul smell makes our life a hell. The water recedes only in the nights
— Harbans Dass

Roads, sewerage or drinking water supply, there is nothing in our area. Water connections have been provided to limited residents. But there too, the supply is sufficient. There is nothing in the name of development.
— Santosh Rani

I admit that there is a problem of sewerage in Kot Mit Singh, Sultanwind and Daburji areas. A separate project of Rs 87 crore was initiated for laying the sewerage system. However, somehow it could not be materialised due to technical problems and lack of funds. But this is very much on my priority as these areas were the oldest areas of Amritsar 
— Amrik Singh Lalli

Amritsar, May 26
The outdated sewerage system, garbage burning, stray animals and encroachments on roadsides are few of the problems in Ward number 50 represented by former Improvement Trust chairman and BJP councillor Bakshi Ram Arora.

Residents said that the sewerage system in few localities need immediate attention as it has been outdated.

They said during rains, the problem becomes more severe.

They also complained about the burning of garbage by MC employees instead of lifting and disposing of garbage at proper and designated places.

"Especially the dry leaves that are collected by sweepers are burned. Smoke emanating is a nuisance for residents. We have complained many a times, but the burning has not stopped," said a resident. Burning of waste also causes breathing problems for the residents.

The area also faces a problem of stray animals.

Most of the localities as Joshi Colony, Lawrence road, Dayanand Nagar, Shastri Nagar, Tagore Colony, Brahm Nagar, Rose Avenue, Police Lines, Jammun Wali Road, Race Course Road, Maqbool Road and Circular Road though have better streets than most of the localities in city, potholes still exist on the roads.

The areas have very old sewerage system, but we are working to find a solution. The Civil Lines area needs immediate attention. We are going to install a new tube well connection in Shastri Nagar. A tubewell was recently installed in Tagore Nagar. I have asked employees to lift the garbage and not burn it 
— Bakshi Ram Arora

Amritsar, May 27
The police has geared up for the forthcoming Municipal Corporation elections which are scheduled for June 10.

At present two companies of the Punjab Armed Police, besides a company of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) comprising 200 jawans have arrived in the city. More battalions are likely to come.

Police Commissioner RP Mittal said, “We will ensure free and fair elections like SGPC and Assembly elections held recently.” He said adequate arrangements are being made for the security arrangements in the city.

“In addition to nakas in the outskirts, we have planned special barricading at vulnerable points inside the city,” said Mittal. He said six ACP rank officials would supervise all the arrangements made in the wake of elections.

He said as many as 30 designated nakas would be set up in the city where police teams headed by non gazetted officials would remain on their toes 24X7. He said 24-hour patrolling has also been planned, he said.

Amritsar, May 27
Kanwarjit Paintal entered the film industry as a comedian, but soon people recognised the actor in him. Why treat the two as separate categories in film industry? “Because in the seventies, there were actors and then there were comedians,” says the notable actor who we all know just by the last name.

Making his foray into the film industry in its golden era of the seventies, Paintal became one of the few highly successful character actors on-screen. Whether it was Salma of Raffoo Chakkar, Guruji in Bawarchi or Budh in Satte Pe Satta, the actor brought different characters to the screen each time. “That’s what acting is all about, improvisation and understanding each character. With each role I played, a different dimension of my skill was at display. If I would have sounded the same in each film, I wouldn’t have been successful,” says the FTII alumnus. While his comic timing struck perfect at the box office, winning him two Filmfare awards for best comic actor for his films Bawarchi and Chala Murari Hero Banane, his performances in films like Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar got him critical acclaim as well.

His success from the silver screen rubbed on to the small screen as well and who can forget him playing the pivotal role of Shikhandi in magnum opus Mahabharata. The seasoned actor, who moved on to teach and groom aspiring artistes at reputed institutes like FTII and IFTI was in Amritsar to look for fresh talent. And the Punjabi in him loved the experience, “It’s a fact now, that Punjabis are more successful in this industry. Their do-or-die attitude topped with their energy and enthusiasm is hard to beat. And they are good-looking as well,” he puts it straight.

Promoting and encouraging young talent from the region, Paintal takes his role as a mentor very seriously. “I find it enjoyable when I see quality performances by youngsters. This generation has the right attitude and talent, and with the right push they can be achievers. All you need to tell them is to do their own thing.” But he does have a word of advice, “Those who think that its all glamour and glitz need to set their priorities straight. It’s a lot of hard work, focused mind and fighting spirit that makes a good actor.” “And the pressure to perform,” he says, “adds to their performance.”

When not facing the camera, his only other passion is teaching. Currently he is the dean of the Indian Film and Television Institute. “I feel rejuvenated after interacting with young artistes and it’s fun.” The actor also has his hands full with offers and will be seen in two upcoming films after his last outing in Kaalo. “I am also doing a show with Rajshri Productions and a couple of other assignments.”

Amritsar, May 27
Residents have appreciated the move of the Railways to convert Duronto Express, running between Amritsar-Chandigarh, into a super fast express with halts at Jalandhar and Ludhiana.

They felt that these halts would bring in more passengers helping it come out of loss mode. Sources said the Railways incurs a loss of Rs one and a half lakh daily.

Local communist leader Amarjit Singh Assal, who had led an agitation against the Railways to implement the budgetary proposal of Amritsar-Chandiagrh duronto, said if the decision was taken early, it could have been good for the Railways.

He said passengers of the holy city would get more choice while traveling in the train. Besides, passengers from Jalandhar and Ludhiana could also board the train to travel to the state capital.

Dr AL Adlakha, a resident, said the train was proposed to provide easy and cheap travel to people of the border city who travel to the state capital to visit the Secretariat, Punjab and Haryana High Court, and headquarters of various state government departments.

He said the timing of the train, which at present departs from here at 5:25 am, is still a problem for passengers especially those coming from remote areas of the city and rural parts.

Amritsar, May 27
The shortage of staff especially senior faculty and lack of essential medicines have hit the services of Guru Nanak Dev Hospital. Worst sufferers are the people who come with a hope of getting good treatment but end up at the receiving end.

In the wake of a recent incident where relatives of a patient, who died at the hospital, went on a rampage, the faculty and public may have conflicting opinions on the matter but all are unanimous that the government should give enough funds to buy essential emergency medicines and provide sufficient number of doctors to attend to patients.

It has been seen that sometimes in emergency cases, doctors ask patients’ relatives to procure medicines from outside, a few of which are not too costly that hospitals cannot have them in its stock.

“In a welfare state it is the duty of the government to provide emergency medical care. What if the family does not have money to buy the medicine? Should the patient be left to die in that case,” said Sanjeevan Singh, a senior citizen. A stock of all emergency medicines should always be maintained, he said.

The faculty members at the hospital said it is not possible for senior resident doctors to work the entire day. In the absence of senior residents, the emergency patients are handled by junior residents, who are mostly students of postgraduate courses but are adequately trained and experienced for the duty.

Senior faculty member Dr RS Sindhu said, “The emergency cases have to be treated by junior residents. Senior residents are available in rotation. Moreover, senior doctors are called during emergencies.”

He said if some senior residents purposely miss an emergency call, he needs to be taken to task. But before that the government too needs to provide enough of manpower and finances.

Medical Superintendent Dr Satpal said, “We have set up an inquiry committee to probe the charges levelled by the relatives of the deceased patient.” He said the hospital is committed to the cause of better healthcare.

Amritsar, May 27
Shopkeepers and vendors have encroached upon most of the footpaths from Katra Karam Singh to Bhagtanwala Gate inside the walled city leaving pedestrians walk on the 'unsafe' roads.

Manjit Singh, a resident, said, "Footpaths lie illegally occupied by shopkeepers. These are for the pedestrians and not for shopkeepers to extend their shops. Sadly, authorities take no action to get these footpaths vacated."

He even approached some shopkeepers near his house to remove their materials, but it did not bear any result. But what it did was to end the old bonhomie with his neighbours.

"The administration must look into the matter to ease things for pedestrians," said another resident Rajinder Marwaha.

Meanwhile, heavy traffic on the stretch makes it unsafe for pedestrians to walk on the road. Plying of rehris on the road further reduces the width and adds to congestion.

Dharam Pal Gupta, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, said he would look into the matter.

Amritsar, May 27
Cabinet minister Bikram Singh Majithia has said the government is determined to take the drug peddlers to task and laxity in controlling drug trade on part of any government official will be dealt sternly

During a thanksgiving tour in Majitha constituency today, he said drugs are affecting every section of society. "Youth are dying and turning inefficient to earn their livelihood. They must take the lead to fight rising drugs in the state," he added.

He visited remote villages of his constituency, including Kaler Bala, Ramdiwali Musalmana, Ballowali, Nibberwind and Sadhpur.

Talking on various development works in the area, the minister said widening of stretch of road from Ramdiwali to Jhamka has been approved by the government. It would be widened from 10 feet to 18 feet at a cost of Rs 3 crore. "The work will commence very soon," he said.

He also took the opportunity to motivate the rural folk against the drug menace. He said Punjabis, who were once the icons of bravery, are now being unfortunately associated with drug addiction and female feticide. Meanwhile, the minister also presented a cheque to a youth club of Kaler Bala village.