Ludhiana, October 4
More than one dozen samples collected by the district health department in last three months have failed the purity test.

Disclosing this, district health officer Dr Kulwinder Singh said: “We collected 84 samples of eatables from different parts of the district from July to September. Out of these, 13 samples have failed the purity test.”

The health department collected 884 samples of eatables in the past 21 months (from January 2011 to September 2012). Out of these 55 samples failed the purity test.

However, the department collected a few samples from roadside eateries. The district health officer said: “We collected 54 samples from hotels and restaurants, 58 from dairies, 161 from sweets shops, 17 from school canteens, 14 from canteens of hospitals and cinema complexes and 11 from rehries or roadside eateries. A total of 569 samples were collected from grocery stores.”

Roadside eateries selling golgappas, chaat, tikkis and south Indian food have mushroomed in the city in the past few months. Most of these vendors sell eatables in unhygienic conditions. They usually carry eatables along with a bucket of water in which they clean used utensils repeatedly. Moreover, many rehari owners also carry used paper plates in the dustbin.

When questioned, the DHO said samples from roadside eateries were being collected. “We will soon start a campaign against roadside eateries,” he said. 

Ludhiana, October 4
The state government maybe "dreaming" of starting the Metro project and coming up with "Mission Ludhiana" in the industrial city, but the reality seems to be totally different. The government has been announcing to come up with new projects worth crores, but the municipal corporation here seems to be struggling hard to overcome the "financial crunch" phase.

As per information, a majority of the petrol-filling stations in the city have "stopped" filling fuel in the official vehicles as the MC has failed to clear pending bills worth several crores.

Owners of the petrol-filling stations maintained that the bills had been pending for the past several months and even then there was no assurance from the authorities, so they had to stop filling the fuel.

Kamal Sharma from the Bansal Filling Station here said bills worth Rs 1.25 crore were pending. "As per agreement, we had to give them 15 days' advance credit. But our bills for the past thee to four months have not been cleared by the authorities and the accounts department maintains that due to scarcity of funds, the payments will not be made. An amount of Rs 40 lakh is still pending with the MC," lamented Sharma.

Raju Sharma, another petrol station owner near Rishi Nagar, said he had to stop filling fuel in the MC vehicles as payments were not made on time. "I have to get Rs 20 lakh from the municipal corporation," he said.

Parminder Mehta, former Congress councillor, said the MC had empty coffers. "These days, there is a dire need of fogging in the city due to dengue threat. But when people complain and we ask the authorities to send fogging machines, they say due to unavailability of diesel/petrol in the vehicles, fogging cannot be done. This is simply unfortunate. We have come to know that bills worth several crores are pending with the petrol stations and they have stopped filling the fuel. Government needs to take care of such serious matter," said Mehta.

Bills worth crores are pending with all the petrol-filling stations in the city and many owners have stopped filling fuel in MC official vehicles.

The MC Commissioner did not respond to calls. 

Ludhiana, October 4
While development of unlicensed colonies as well as commercial exploration of land in the mega city continues with impunity, slack enforcement of existing laws and the absence of a regulatory mechanism are no less responsible for the malady.

If the intervention of the judiciary in the process of unregulated infrastructure development in the urban areas is becoming more and more frequent, it is the failure of various government departments to take timely regulatory measures that has led to the prevailing chaos.

The directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on marriage palaces, operating unlawfully across the state, is the latest example of utter failure on the part of civic bodies or the concerned local area development authorities to take cognizance of the development of these complexes at the time of their initial stage of construction.

"Scores of marriage palaces and banquet halls having come up over the years all across the city have obtained electricity connections, sewerage and water connections, and those within the MC limits are also assessed for the payment of house tax. If all these commercial establishments are unlawful, then the departments and officials who permitted amenities to be provided to these entities are also equally responsible," asserts Onkar Singh, owner of a marriage palace.

However, officials of the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) point an accusing finger towards the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) for releasing electricity connections indiscriminately to marriage palaces and other commercial complexes in gross violation of the Electricity Supply Regulations (amended up to 2011).

“Power connections under non-residential supply (NRS) category to buildings along scheduled roads, including national and state highways, are supposed to be released after the applicants produce a no objection certificate from the MC or the development authority for buildings located within city limits or outside respectively," says a GLADA official while pointing out that almost without exception all marriage palaces in or outside the city were located either on national or state highways.

The ambiguity over registration of sale deeds and release of new electricity connections in unauthorised colonies as well as grant of power connections under NRS category (commercial) without taking in to account the master plan of the city was another major factor that was encouraging illegal construction activity and unregulated development in the city, according to Rajesh Walia, a real estate developer. 

Ludhiana, October 4
As World Space Week is being celebrated to the delight of astronomy enthusiasts and stargazers, youngsters in the city have no choice but to gnash their teeth in frustration.

As the city has little to offer for astronomy learners and hobbyists, the time of momentous celestial events and occasions become particularly pinching for them as they have nothing in the city to quench their curiosity about space and stars.

"Even in Bangalore and other cities, there are telescopes and apparatus to watch the celestial events, but we are left with nothing," complains Rahul, a student.

There must be a science centre in the city. A lot of talent in the city can get inspired into the field of astronomy and astrophysics, provided we have enough infrastructure creating that temper in students from childhood, said a schoolteacher.

Vinay Sharma, principal and a physics lecturer at Don Bosco School, said" "Though Indians were perhaps the first ones to know about space, but we are lagging behind in space research because space research has not been introduced in many of the universities of the country. CBSE should also introduce the subject in the curriculum." And facilities in the city should also be updated, he says.

The city only has Nehru Planetarium, but that too is in the dire need for upgrade with the advancements in technology. Not only that, there isn't a single telescope installed in the city for watching space. According to Dr Narinderjit Singh, Coordinator at the planetarium, installation of such telescope and latest projectors can go a long way, not only in educating, and instilling the scientific temper among children, but can also be a great source of entertainment for all, watching and learning about the wonders of the universe in addition to advancing our knowledge.

Doraha, October 4
The entire cost involved in bringing back the bodies of Rajvir Kaur and her three sons, who were found murdered at their home in Belgium, would be borne by the Panjab government. Stating this, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and local MLA Charanjit Singh said, “We are with the Jhajj family in this hour of grief and whatever help the family needs will be provided by the government.”

Hs said he had talked to Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal who had further directed the Deputy Commissioner to forward the application of the family members to the Chief Secretary, who would be further submitting it to the Foreign Ministry.

Jasvir Singh Jhajj, a relative of the deceased, said SAD spokesman Balwant Singh Ramoowalia was taking a keen interest in the case and had assured the family that the matter would become clear by this night. “They have already talked to the Belgium Embassy and they expect to get a nod soon,” he said.

Although the Jhajj family of Buani was hopeful that the government would help them in this hour of need, there were apprehensions in the minds of the relatives about the time it would take for the completion of the entire process.

“We are thankful that the government has come to our rescue at this critical moment, but no wait has been as terrible in my life as this one. In all these days I have tried to cope with the tragedy, but till I hear of the news of the departed ones coming back, my mind can’t rest,” said Jang Singh, grandfather of the deceased children. He appealed to the government to act fast as there was no scope for delay in this case.

Gurpal Singh, another relative who stays in Belgium and is presently in India, too wished that the last rites of Rajvir Kaur, wife of his cousin Jasvir Singh Jhajj, along with their three children Manraj, Karman and Navjot be performed here. “I am now flying back to know about the entire situation and make arrangements for their arrival but this would not be possible single handedly. Without government’s help, we cannot make this happen,” he said.

Ludhiana, October 4
A Pakistani delegation, which had come to offer prayers at Rauza Sharif Dargah of Sheikh Ahmad Faruqui Sirhindi yesterday, visited the city today. The members of the delegation spent most of the time shopping in the city. They visited Nilibar, Lyall Book Depot, Khadi Bhandar and Sarabha Nagar market. The members included Senator Saeed Ghani, members of National Assembly Sheikh Waqas and Mustafa Shah, and Minorities Affairs Minister Ramesh Lal.

"We had a great time here and are overwhelmed by the love we received," said Waqas.

Sonu Nilibar, who accompanied them, said the delegation wanted to see the traditional markets, so we visited Chaura Bazar as well. They also bought books on Mahatma Gandhi, he said.

Ludhiana, October 4
After successful results in South India, Swarna Prashan, a unique Ayurvedic way of immunisation for infants, has now come to the city. Swaran Prashan is given to infants in the form of drops to boost their immunity.

Disclosing this, Dr Gauhar Vatsayan, a city-based ayurvedacharya who has introduced these drops at Ayurveda wing of Deep Hospital, said: "These medicated drops are given to a child from the age of three months till the age of one year in Pushya Nakshatra as per the lunar calander.” He said there was a reference of these drops in an ancient text, Kashyap sanghita, a book of paediatrics. These, however, were not an alternative to the routine immunisation, he said.

“These can be given to a child even after attaining the age of one year up till the age of 10 years, depending upon the demand of the parents,'' Dr Vatsayan said.

Swarna Prashan is a mixture of different medicinal herbs, ghee made from cow’s milk and honey.

As per the scriptures, two to four drops are given to a child once in a month.

Ludhiana, October 4
Dayanand Medical College & Hospital signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Imperial College, UK, for faculty and student exchange training programmes recently.

Prem Kumar Gupta, secretary, DMCH Managing Society, promised full support in making the MoU a success for both the institutions. He said the MoU would lead to the development of several innovative projects.

Principal Dr Daljit Singh said the basic idea behind the exchange programmes was to strengthen long-term bilateral cooperation between the two medical institutions.

While giving details about the MoU, Dean Academics Dr Rajoo Singh Chhina said both the hospitals had mutually agreed to start the exchange training programmes and exchange travelling fellowships at undergraduate, postgraduate and faculty level. 

ludhiana, october 4
A many as 37 colleges and above 1,500 students are participating in the three-day Zonal Youth Festival of Punjabi University, Fatehgarh Zone, which started at Cordia Group of Educational Institutes, Sanghol, on Thursday. A cultural rally, highlighting the colourful and diversified culture of Punjab, was taken out by the students of the various participating colleges. The events scheduled for the day included giddha, classical dance, folk songs, folk orchestra, group shabad and bhajans, classical vocal, ghazal, group song, quiz, clay modeling, rangoli and on-the-spot painting.

Workshop on IT technologies

A workshop on various IT technologies was organised in Guru Nanak Institute of Management and Technology (GNIMT), Gujarkhan Campus, Model Town, on Thursday. The resource persons from a Chandigarh-based company enlightened the MCA students about the latest technologies and programmes in the field of PHP, Java, Dot Net and Oracle. About 80 students and 10 faculty members attended the workshop.

Industrial visit

Mandi Gobindgarh: Around 50 students of the RIMT Group of Institutes went for an industrial visit to a local unit of landline telephones manufacturing company. The students belonged to the third year of the department of electronics and communication engineering.

Students bring laurels at inter-college fest

Students of SKS Sarabha Dental College brought laurels to the college at the inter-college fest organised at Guru Gobind Singh Medical College, Faridkot. As many as 20 medical and dental colleges of Punjab participated in this event. It provided an opportunity to students to demonstrate their talent in various extra-curricular activities. Students of SKS Sarabha Dental College bagged the first prize in fashion show and second prize in choreography as well as bhangra. The students also participated in skit competition, volleyball, chess, table-tennis and rangoli making. 

Ludhiana, October 4
Sahnewal Airport Authorities have released a new schedule of flights’ timings to come in force from tomorrow. These new timings will remain in force till October 26.

Amrik Singh, official concerned informed that as per the new timings, departure from Delhi for Ludhiana would be at 11.40 am and the arrival will be at 12.40 pm. In its return journey, the plane will take off at 1 pm and will land in Delhi at 2 pm.

The timings have been changed due to the change in the weather, Amrik Singh said. 

Ludhiana: With the intention to help the needy children, the Olive Kid School is observing the "joy of giving week". The students were taken on a trip to Bal Bhawan in Sarabha Nagar where they distributed gifts to the children. The school kids played with the inmates and also made some friends there. The parents also appreciated the initiative taken by the school to inculcate the habit of sharing and giving.

KVM students shine at Robot Olympiad

Students of Kundan Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School brought laurels to their institution at the Indian Robot Olympiad, held at Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, on October 2 and 3. At the event, which saw participation of 40 teams, the students were required to assemble a robot within two and a half hours. The students of Kundan Vidya Mandir went on to bag gold and silver medals in their group. The team consisting of Gaurav Setia (XI-B), Karandeep Singh (XI-B) and Rishab Gaba (XI-B) won the gold medal; and the team consisting of Akshay Dawar (XI-B), Rohan Bhargav (XI-B) and Sharan Ahuja (X-E) won the silver medal. Principal Navita Puri congratulated the winners on their achievement.

Tennis tourney at GRD Academy

Matches under boys under-14 category were held during the Sahodaya Lawn Tennis Tournament organised by the GRD Academy on the school campus here today. Prominent city schools including Kundan Vidya Mandir, BCM Shastri Nagar, Delhi Public School, DAV Public School, Bharatiya Vidya Mandir and BCM, Sector 32, along with the host school participated in the competition.

Poem recitation

Hindi Diwas was celebrated at Ryan International School here today. A poem recitation competition was organised for the students of Classes I and II on the occasion. The competition was a run-up to the final event which would be judged by the parents. The students recited poems on various topics and used props to help the audience relate to the theme of the poem.

Eye check-up camp

Nearly 1,000 students were screened during a three-day free eye check-up camp organised by a private eye hospital at BCM School, Dugri. The experts also provided tips for eye care. The doctors advised the students to undergo regular eye examination. They also advised the students against watching television for long hours. Children were told to consume green vegetables and other food items rich in Vitamin A. — TNS

Ludhiana, October 4
The transfer of a traffic police SHO Beant Juneja has snowballed into a controversy in the police department. The residents, who are unhappy over the transfer of the cop, are venting out their anger on social networking websites.

The members of the All India Anti-Terrorist Front further fueled the controversy today by claiming that the traffic SHO was transferred for taking action against an illegal auto-rickshaw.

Saurabh Kharband, district head of the organisation, said Beant Juneja's transfer was not a routine matter. In fact, the City Police succumbed to the political pressure imposed by illegal auto rickshaw associations, he said.

Kharbanda alleged the auto-rickshaw “mafia” was very well-connected and Juneja had invited their ire by taking action against them.

Juneja is known for challaning vehicles of bureaucrats including the District Revenue Officer. — TNS

Jagraon, October 4
Panic gripped the residents of Chakar village when some villagers opened fire on another group of villagers, due to an alleged old rivalry, on the outskirts of the village near here this evening.

As many as three persons were injured during the firing. The injured have been identified as Amritpal Singh, Gurpreet Singh and Arashdeep Singh. They were admitted to the Civil Hospital, Jagraon, from where they were referred to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, due to their critical condition.

According to SHO Rachpal Singh, one Harjinder Singh of Chakar village was abducted by one Yadwinder Singh of the same village along with some other persons, when he was on his way to his fields this afternoon. His nephew Jasvir Singh, who was also accompanying him, managed to escape.

When the family members were searching for Harjinder Singh, some unidentified persons started firing at them near a farmhouse on the outskirts of the village, Harpal Singh, a relative said.

In the firing, the three victims got injured.

SHO Rachpal Singh confirmed that Yadwinder Singh and his accomplices had opened fire on the search party.

Jagraon, October 4
The girls of host college GTB National College, Dakha, won the first position in giddha competition during the Punjab University Zonal Youth Festival Ferozepur-Moga Zone (A) here today. Lajpat Rai DAV College, Jagraon, secured the second position, while GHG Khalsa College, Gurusar Sadhar, and GN College, Moga, jointly won the third position.

In the individual category, Amanjot Kaur of GTB National College, Dakha, was adjudged the best dancer, while Raminder Kaur of Lajpat Rai DAV College, Jagraon, and Simran of GTB National College, Dakha, bagged the second prize. Rajbir Kaur of Lajpat Rai DAV College, Jagraon, and Harmanpreet of DM College, Moga, stood third.

Earlier, the youth festival got off to a glittering start yesterday. MLA Dakha Manpreet Singh Ayali inaugurated the youth festival by lighting the ceremonial lamp. Following this, the students of the host college presented Shabad 'Deh Shiva Bar Mohe Eh'. In his welcome speech, Principal Dr Assa Singh Ghuman explained that the motive of the youth festival was to connect the youth of with the rich heritage of Punjab.

As many as 14 colleges of the region are taking part in the festival.

Ludhiana, October 4
Tribal prints seem to have caught the fancy of many in a big way as a number of youngsters are today happily flaunting these in various modern styles, colours and silhouettes. Not only Bollywood, but also Hollywood beauties are seen spotting tribal designs.

"People are returning to the basics and social influence is always a reason behind setting a trend and fashion forecast. Today people are moving away from the modern trends and adopting the old styles. That is the reason why tribal art and culture is influencing the mind of the artist and the creator. The rural and relaxed art pleases the eye," said Bhumika, a fashion designing student.

Tribal or African prints are not only making a big comeback, but are also termed as the hot trend for 2012. They are easy to carry as they have a classic vintage feel; however the silhouettes are very modern in the form of 
mini-dresses, swimsuits, kaftan tops, maxis, halters, and rompers.

Although tribal prints in deep desert hues or earthy colours are all-time favourites, brighter hues such as orange, yellow and red have been seen as the hottest colours on the runway this season.

"Tribal trends are big, right from garments to accessories. This look should be dressed and styled with detail as the secret lies in keeping the look as an accent and not overdo it," said Neha, a local designer.

"Brooches, necklaces and belts can be best option. Also, folk or rural theme-inspired accessories are more suited such as beaded flats or feather earrings or jewellery, clips, made of bone, wood or ivory," she added.

Ludhiana, October 4
Eight more persons have tested positive for dengue. District epidemiologist Dr Puneet Juneja said,"Out of the eight patients, six are undergoing treatment at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital while two are at Christian Medical College and Hospital. Three patients are city residents, two belong to Hoshiarpur, one hails from Moga while the remaining two are residents of Sangrur and Chandigarh."

With this, the total number of confirmed cases has reached 56.

Samples of five suspected swine flu patients, who are also undergoing treatment at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, have been sent for testing. Dr Juneja said,"Anti-larval spray is being used in these localities."

Ludhiana, October 4
Thousands of refund cases pending with the excise and taxation department has blocked the industry's capital. Although the department is promising to make the refunds online from January, 2013, the traders are worried about their outstanding refunds.

"VAT refunds being made online from coming year is a welcome step but the department needs to clear the pending refunds. Refunds worth crores are lying pending with the department," said Jagdish Mehta, a re-rolling mill owner.

How will the industry progress when its money is lying with the department? "We pay VAT on time and if it is delayed we are being fined, the same pattern should be followed in the case of department also. If we are getting refunds late, the department should also pay us the interest," said Gurmeet Singh Kular, president of the United Cycle and Parts Manufacturers Association. However, officials of the department blame incomplete documents for the delay in giving VAT refunds.

Another reason being cited by industrialists for the delay is the four-stage verification of the claim while the excise department is seeking C Forms and H Forms before releasing VAT refunds.

Questioning the department, Manohar Jindal, another industrialist, said, "How will the industry progress when its money is lying with the department. Refunds should be disposed of so that traders can use the money."

Ludhiana, October 4
Giving relief to the industry, DP Reddy, Financial Commissioner (Taxation),has announced that C Forms would be available online and refunds of VAT would also be generated electronically from January, 2013, onwards.

DP Reddy and A Venu Parsad, Excise and Taxation Commissioner, were in the city to discuss the problems with the industry representative. "We don't get the VAT refunds within a stipulated time rather face various problems regarding obtaining them. On the other hand, it takes a span of one month to credit in our accounts," said Gurmeet Singh Kular, president of the United Cycle and Parts Association.

On the issue, Reddy said VAT refunds would be made online from next year and one could get 75 per cent of VAT refunds by paying indemnity bond. PD Sharma, president of the Apex Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighting the problems about e-trip said there was every a possibility that miscreants might create fake departmental website. "Transactions by way of e-tripping can be affected through this, involving the names of genuine and innocent entities without their knowledge," Sharma added.

A Venu Parsad replied that the department would be sending an SMS to a trader every time an entry was made on the lines, the banks sent their customers SMSes on the credit and debit of money from their accounts.

KK Garg, president of the Induction Furnace Association of North India, said, "C Forms are always short in supply and the department asks them to fill in the forms while sitting in their office, which is practically not possible."

Reddy stated that one would be able to download it from the department's website only after filing it completely. 

Office-bearers of the SC/BC Teachers Union, Ludhiana, have condemned the state government for increasing the school timings. In a press statement, president of the union Balwinder Singh "Latala" said: "The education experts have always considered that school timings should be between 8 am and 2 pm in summers and 9 am and 3 pm in winters. The union demanded to change the new closing time of 3.20 pm. They also demanded that the state education department should issue the grant for uniforms and scholarships for students on time.

Newsletter launched

Kelong Cafe Newsletter was launched at Kelong Cafe, Malhar Road, on Thursday. The newsletter is meant to keep everyone visiting the café updated with the latest happenings.

Child rights discussed

In case children faced any injustice, they could knock the door of the courts for redressal, said Additional District Attorney Ritu Jain, while addessing a seminar on child rights at Institute for Blind, Jamalpur. The seminar was organised on the directions of District Programme Officer Rupinder Kaur of the Social Welfare, Women and Child Development department. The seminar was also attended by sarpanches, panches, supervisors and aanganwari workerr.

Folk performances mark function

Dhamaal-2012, a cultural function, was organised by Bhangra Training Centre and Lok Naach Academy, Khanna, under the direction of Balwinder Singh Guru. Halka Incharge Ranjit Singh Talwandi and former MLA Jagjivan Singh Khirnia were guests of honor at the function. The silver jubilee function of the centre saw bhangra, giddha, jhumer and sammi performances by famous teams of the area. Famous folk singer Labh Janjua enthralled the audience on the occasion.

Unions merge

Mandi Ahmedgarh, October 4
The Dehlon police has arrested a youth of Kaind village under the Arms Act and recovered two pistols from his possession. The seized weapons include a pistol bearing manufacturing stamp of the USA.

According to Gurpreet Singh Sikand, Assistant Commissioner of Police at Gill, a police party supervised by Amandeep Singh Brar had arrested Rajbir Singh of Kaind village when he allegedly tried to flee on seeing the policemen at a checkpost on the Kaind Bridge on the Ludhiana-Malerkotla road near here today.

A 315 bore pistol was seized from his possession, and another 32 bore pistol was recovered later. Both the pistols were loaded with live cartridges.

Although no evidence of direct involvement of the suspect in any of the criminal cases was found during the investigation, the police suspects that he had been supporting some of his relatives and friends booked for several criminal cases. 

Ludhiana, October 4
The police will book a policeman involved in an accident that took place near Hathi Complex two days ago.

Investigating officer Sohan Lal said the car belonged to head constable Davinder Kumar, who is deployed in the Janakpuri police post.

Two youths, including Lekh Raj and Ajay Kumar, had sustained serious injuries in the accident. While Ajay was discharged from the hospital, Lekh Raj's condition is stated to be critical. For the past two days, he has been on ventilator. He added that Lekh Raj's statement could not be recorded and his family wanted to strike a compromise.

The family of the accident victim alleged that the police was pressurising it to affect the compromise.

Lekh Raj's cousin Gaurav said the police was mounting pressure to close the case. PAU SHO Gurbir Singh refuted the allegation and claimed that case had been registered. "The family of the accident victim is levelling false allegations. Earlier, it was trying to involve a woman who helped the accident victims and rushed them to hospital," said Gurbir Singh.

The victim's kin added that the police was trying to shield the police officials who were in the car. 

Ludhiana, October 4
On a fresh petition filed by 13 petitioners (riot victims), who were to vacate the flats by tomorrow, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has stayed the dispossession of the petitioners. The High Court has also directed the District Administration and GLADA to consider the claim of the petitioners in the light of the earlier decision of the court and pass an appropriate order in accordance with the government policies within four months.

The fresh orders have been issued today by Justice Suryakant and Justice RP Nagrath following the Civil Writ Petition number 19738 of 2012, filed by 13 petitioners.

Welcoming the decision of the court, Surjeet Singh, one of the riot victims and an occupant of the flat in Dugri, said, "This is certainly a respite to all of us. We had lost our peace of mind as the authorities had pasted notices to vacate the premises by October 5. We had moved the court again yesterday and we respect the court's orders."

In its earlier orders, issued on July 10, the High Court had directed the Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner, Ludhiana, to get vacated 20 houses at Dugri following the writ petition filed by another seven riot victims in 2011 within two months. Four out of these 20 occupants had moved the Supreme Court recently and had got the stay orders while other 16 occupants had to vacate the premises as per the court's decision. Thirteen of the 16 again filed a writ petition in the High Court yesterday and they got the stay orders today. Meanwhile, the remaining three have reportedly moved the Supreme Court.

As it was a serious matter, the Administration had deputed more than six officials on duty to take care of the "peaceful" operation to vacate the flats by October 5. Besides, the Commissioner of Police had also been asked to depute a huge number of police personnel (including policewomen) to get the possession of the flats from the present occupants. 

Ludhiana, October 4
The current champions, Indian Oil (Delhi) began their campaign with an emphatic 6-1 victory over Border Security Force (Jalandhar) on the opening day of the eighth All-India Guru Gobind Singh Gold Cup Hockey Tournament being organised by the Ludhiana Sports Welfare Association at Prithipal Singh Memorial AstroTurf Stadium at Punjab Agricultural University today.

Indian Oil XI, with as many as three Olympians in its ranks, dominated the proceedings throughout the encounter and wrapped up the issue without much resistance.

Skipper, Deepak Thakur opened the account in the eighth minute and five minutes later, Prabhjot Singh increased the lead (2-0). Two minutes before the breather, Deedar Singh sounded the board to further cement the lead (3-0).

Immediately into the second half, Roshan Minz found the target to read it 4-0 and Olympian, Dharamveer Singh struck in the 50th minute while upcoming hockey star, Gurjinder Singh converted a penalty corner to complete the rout.

Just five minutes before the long whistle, BSF scored through Lakhbir Singh to redeem some semblance of pride (6-1).

In the junior section, Mata Sahib Kaur Academy (Jarkhar) blanked Sports Wing (Kila Raipur) 5-0 in which Daljeet Singh Batala (14th, 40th and 50th minutes) scored the first hat-trick of the tournament.

Gurjeet Singh Gajjugaji added two goals (52nd and 57th minutes) to steer Jarkhar outfit to stamp its superiority (5-0).

Earlier, Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice Chancellor, PAU declared the tournament open.

Tomorrow's matches: Punjab National Bank vs BSF, Jalandhar, 10am; Punjab Police, Jalandhar, vs Bharat Petroleum, Delhi, 12 noon; Army XI, Delhi, vs RCF, Kapurthala, 2 pm and Indian Oil, Delhi, vs Punjab and Sind Bank, Jalandhar, 3.30 pm.

Jagraon, October 4
Chakar emerged champions in the rural football tournament organised by the Shere Punjab Sports Academy at Chakar. Chakar team beat Bilaspur in the final held yesterday.

Amit Kumar helped Chakar win the trophy. He was declared the best goalkeeper while Gurwinder Singh Sunny of Bilaspur was adjudged best defender. Surinder Singh of Dhudike was declared best striker of the tournament. Balwant Singh Sandhu, Chief administrator, Shere Punjab Academy, said 18 teams from various villages participated in the tournament. ADC (D), Ludhiana, Dr Rishipal Singh was the chief guest. While giving away prizes to the winners, he appreciated the efforts of the Shere Punjab Sports Academy in promoting sports in the area.