The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Chandigarh Stories

COURTS

PIL against nominated councillors dismissed
Saurabh Malik
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 10
The Punjab and Haryana High Court today dismissed a petition challenging the voting rights and nominations of nine councillors in the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation by the UT Administration.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice AK Sikri and Justice RK Jain dismissed the petition on the grounds of locus standi of the petitioner. At the same time, the High Court fixed for February the next hearing of a similar petition pending since 1998. The petition will be taken up on a priority basis.

The Bench has dismissed the petition, after hearing the arguments of the UT administration contending that the petition was filed by a Rajasthan resident without locus standi. It was a proxy of some political party, the Administration contended.

The public interest litigation was filed by Davinder Singh, a resident of Sri Ganga Nagar. He had argued that of the 35 councillors in the House, 26 were elected and nine were nominated by the administration. As such 25 per cent of the strength of the House was in the hands of the nominated councillors. “The same is opposed to the basic tenets of the democracy as in a democratic setup, a back-door entrant like the “nominated councillors” cannot be allowed to hold the House to ransom by constituting 25 per cent brute strength,” the petition added.

HC reserves order on Deshraj's bail plea
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 10
Vehemently opposing the bail plea of under-suspension Superintendent of Police of Chandigarh Deshraj Singh, the CBI today said he was likely to influence the complainant in the case. Taking up the matter, the Punjab and Haryana High Court reserved the order on Deshraj Singh's bail plea. The order is expected to be pronounced on December 12.

The CBI counsel, Sumit Goel, argued the case was of a peculiar nature, as the complainant in the case, Anokh Singh, was an inspector in the same department in which the accused was a senior official. The accused, therefore, would definitely try to influence the complainant.

The CBI counsel also produced before the court, four transcripts of conversations, between Anokh Singh and Deshraj Singh, recorded on four different occasions. Two of these were recorded by Anokh Singh while two others were recorded by the CBI.

Deshraj had earlier claimed that the conversation between him and complainant Anokh Singh did not reveal the demand of illegal gratification; and the bribe money was “planted”.

In his petition for regular bail filed before the High Court through counsel SK Garg Narwana, Deshraj said: “The entire alleged recorded conversation nowhere reveals that any illegal gratification was demanded by the petitioner for doing any corrupt practice in discharge of his official duty or to give any undue advantage to the complainant by taking bribe and by misusing his position”.

Describing himself as a victim of internal police politics, Deshraj said he had been falsely implicated at the instance of the complainant in connivance with the local police with a mala fide intention of harassing and humiliating him.

CRIME

Thieves steal cable; BSNL services hit
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 10
Thieves stole around 800 pairs of BSNL cables and caused inconvenience to more than 200 residents of Sector 20 last night. The theft snapped the connectivity of more than 600 telephone connections in Sector 20B and 20C. The theft came to light when agitated residents started making queries to the BSNL authorities in Sector 17.

Acting promptly on the complaints, the BSNL officials started installing fresh cables at different locations on Monday.

Around 600 telephone connections were affected and there is a possibility that around 800 pairs of cable had been stolen during the last fortnight. Prima facie, miscreants steal the cables posing as technicians of the BSNL.

General Manager (GM), Telecom, BSNL, JS Sahota, said: “The best efforts are being made to restore the connectivity and the public is requested to be vigilant, and inform the local police and the BSNL authorities whenever they noticed anyone working on cables during the night hours. The BSNL employees always work during the day hours.”

Tantrik held for abducting girl

Chandigarh, December 10
The UT police today arrested a self-styled tantrik, identified as Ashiq Qureshi, from Mumbai for abducting a minor girl and keeping her in confinement for more than 17 days. The police brought him on transit remand from Mumbai. The 14-year-old girl had mysteriously gone missing from her residence in colony number 4 on November 24 and her parents had launched a search for her.

The parents suspected the tantrik's role in her abduction. He had taken huge amounts from the girl's parents to save her from an evil. A case of kidnapping has been registered at the Industrial Area police station. — TNS

SPORTS

58th national school games
Prabhsukhan, Sumit adjudged best players
Deepankar Sharda
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 10
For Prabhsukhan Singh and Sumit Rathi, there is nothing beyond their favorite sport ‘soccer’. Before leaving their hometown, the duo had never thought of making such fame in soccer, at the age of 11.

Goalkeeper Prabhsukhan and defender Summit, trainees of Chandigarh Football Academy (CFA), have achieved laurels after bagging the title of best players, in the recently held 58th National School Games of soccer for boys (U-14). The team won the championship after defeating West Bengal, in the exciting finals that was decided in the tie-breaker.

“So far, the recent national championship was the best of the tournaments, I have participated in. The team’s fate was totally on my shoulders. I was under pressure but it was a sigh of relief after we won the finals. It’s a great feeling of having team’s fate in your hands and later become proud after justifying it,” said Prabhsukhan.

The custodian was also named as the best goalkeeper, during the Juniors’ Manchester United Football Cup. “The Manchester cup, recently concluded in Malaysia, was a real boost to me sports career. On personal front, I have face many tough strikers and managed to prove my iron in front of them. The teams’ were good but we played well although we failed to won the title clash but manage to gain a lot of experience,” said Prabhsukhan.

On other hand, his teammate stopper Summit Rathi, also marked his presence felt as he was named as the best defender in the recently held nationals. “I have joined the academy in the year 2010 and so far I am doing well, here. To attain top place among all other participating teams, is a real boost for my sports career,” said Summit. The last man down the defending line has missed the Junior’s Manchester United Cup after suffering from chicken-pox. “I was disheartened. I was part of the team since the pre-Manchester cup and after that in the main league; I was dropped out of the squad, due to chickenpox. Although the team played well but I was expecting my contribution in team’s win,” said Summit.

“The duo played well and hopefully will continue to gain level of skills. They have a right future and we can soon expect them in the Indian squad. The duo performed well and contributed a lot in team’s win,” said Sandeep Singh, their coach.

On other hand, the chief coach of the CFA added, “Just like their seniors, these young legs are making their name. They have a bright future, if they continue to play like this,” said Harjinder Singh, coach at the CFA and former skipper of Indian football team.

Athletics meet
SGGS Khalsa-26 emerge victorious
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 10
For the fifth year in a row, athletes of SGGS Khalsa College, Sector 26, made the college proud after winning the team championship during the Annual Athletics Meet of the Panjab University, here today.

The team bagged the championship in the men’s category. The SGGS Khalsa College, Mahilpur, and DAV College, Sector 10, secured second and third places, respectively, whereas the team of Post Graduate Government College, Sector 11, managed to attain fourth place in the event.

Guru Nanak Girls College, Ludhiana, successfully won the team championship of Women’s category while Khalsa College for Women, Ludhiana, secured second place. The SGGS Khalsa College, Mahilpur, and GTB Khalsa College, Dasuya, finished third and fourth, respectively.

Athlete Yudhvir Singh of SGGS Khalsa College, Sector 26, was adjudged as best athlete in men’s category while Ramandeep Kaur of Gurunanak Girls College, Ludhiana, was named as best athlete of girls’ category.

In the BEd College category, Basant Kumar of department of evening studies, PU, and Simranjeet Kaur of Doraha College of Education, Doraha, were declared as best athletes in men’s and women’s category, respectively.

Results:

Team championship for Men (BEd College)-GHG Khalsa College, Gurusar Sudhar; Doraha College Of Education, Doraha; DAV Education College, Abohar; Deshmesh Girls Education College, Badal; Team championship for Women (BEd Colleges)-LLRM College of education, Dhudike; DAV Education college, Abohar; Ghg Khalsa College Gurusar Sudhar; Lala Jagat Naryan Education College, Jalalabad; 200 mt (men)-Ranjit Singh-Sggs Khalsa College, Mahilpur; Gulsher Singh-SGGS Khalsa College, Mahilpur; Jagit-Dav College, Sector 10, Chandigarh;1500 mt (men)-Gurjit Singh of SGGS College Chandigarh; Dinesh Kumar of DAV College Sector 10; Gurjant Singh of SCD Government College, Ludhiana; 4x400 relay (men)-SGGS College Chandigarh; DAV College Sector 10; GKSM Government College, Tanda; Triple jump (men)-Maninder of SGGS College Chandigarh; Parkash of Post Graduate Government College, Sector 11, Chandigarh; Inderbir Singh of GGD SD College, Sector 32; Jevelin (men)-Amritjot Singh-SGGS Khalsa College, Mahilpur; Parvinder of DAV College, Sector 10, Chandigarh; Amritpal Singh of GN College, Killianwali; 200 m (women)-Naina Bala of GNGC, Ludhiana (26.21); Rajpreet Kaur of SGGS Khalsa College, Mahilpur (27.27); Jaspreet of GGS (w) Sector 26, Chandigarh (27.85); 1500 m (women)-Harpreet Kaur of GTB Khalsa College, Dasuya (5.03.37); Ramanpreet Kaur of SGGS Khalsa College, Mahilpur (5.28.70); Maninder of GTB Khalsa College, Dasuya (5.38.72); Triple jump (women)-Shivdeep Kaur of GNGC, Ludhiana (10.89 m); Loveneet Kaur of PU Campus, Chandigarh (10.32); Balbir Kaur of PU Campus, Chandigarh (9.75); Half marathon- Amandeep Kaur of KCW, Ludhiana (1.31.25); Harwinder Kaur of SGGS Khalsa College, Mahilpur (1.32.27); Arshdeep Kaur of DGC, Mukerian (1.35.45.); 100 m hurdles (women)-Rajni of GNGC, Ludhiana (17.95); Prem Kaur of GGS Khalsa College, Kamalpura (19.59); Sukhwinder Kaur of BS Khalsa College, Abohar (20.11); 4x400 relay (women)-GNGC, Ludhiana; SGGS Khalsa College, Mahilpur; GTB Khalsa College, Dasuya; Javelin (women)-Amandeep Kaur of DGC, Badal (36.02); Deepa of DSW, Sector 45, Chandigarh (30.63); Parminder Kaur of GCW, Ludhiana (27.58.); B.Ed category Jevelin (men)-Amanjot Singh of LLRM College Of Education, Dhudike (38.46m); Aamarjeet of DAV College of Education, Abohar (36.34m); Sandeep Kumar of DAV college of Education, Fazilka (35.85m.); BEd 200m (men)-Basant Kumar of department of evening studies, PU (24.82); Baljeet Singh of LLN College of Education, Jalalabad (25.26); Ramandeep Singh of LLRM College of Education, Dhudike (25.75); BEd; Jevelin (women)-Mamta Rani of LJN College of Education, Jalalabad (19.35m); Navjot Kaur of DGC Education, Badal (17.41m); Ravinder Kaur of GGS Khalsa College of Education, Kamalpura (14.22m); 4x100 BEd (women)-GHG Khalsa College Of Education, Gurusar Sudhar; Doraha College Of Education, Doraha; GGS Khalsa College of Education, Kamalpura.

Motocross race to begin on Dec 14
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 10
The 4th edition of Thunderbolt OYA Autocross and Motocross will be held from December 14 to 16, at the grounds of Yadavindra Public School (YPS), Mohali here. The Old Yadvindrians Association (OYA), the alumnus of Yadvindra Public School will conduct the event.

The scrutiny for the two-wheelers and four-wheelers will take place on December 14, as the event will have about 145 qualifying rounds in 13 categories on December 15. On December 16, top six qualifiers in each category will vie for the top honours of the OYA Autocross and Motocross.

The organisers of the Thunderbolt OYA Autocross and Motocross will also conduct a Padam Chevrolet Off road Challenge that will be open for four-wheel drives. The event will witness specially designed track including difficulties inclines, slushes, pits and other offroading thrills.

In Motocross, all participants are flagged off simultaneously, with each doing 10 to 12 laps. The marshals posted along the track keep a record of their performance, and the results are compiled accordingly.

Two life-support ambulances with paramedic staff are stationed at the spot during the event.

Event categories of the Thunderbolt OYA Autocross and Motocross are:

Autocross: Upto 1300cc; Upto 1600cc; Above 1600cc; Open class: Any car or SUV of any make; 4x4 class: Any 4x4 SUV or car, any cc any make; Ladies class: Any car any make, driven by a lady; Novice class: Any car any make, driven by a novice driver; OYA Class: Any car any make, driven by a OYA member; Motocross-Group A; Group B; Group C and D sub-divided into-upto 110cc;up to 160cc; above 160cc; Open class; Offroad Challenge-SUV; Extreme.

Abhijit Chadha bags PGTI's Emerging Player of the Year title
Tribune News Service

Abhijit Singh Chadha. A file photo

Chandigarh, December 10
Chandigarh golfer Abhijit Singh Chadha bagged the Professional Golf Tour of India's (PGTI) Emerging Player of the Year title after ending year with earnings of Rs 17,93,478 in his rookie season as a professional.

The lanky Chadha, one of the longest hitters on the tour, had the highest prize money earnings among all the rookies in the 2012 PGTI season.

"It has been an amazing year for me. I started well and the streak has been going on since last year. The Surya Nepal Masters was my first win and I have been consistent in my performance. I am improving and want to work on short game to keep going," an elated Chadha said. The 21-year-old has been training under coach Jesse for some time now and the results have started pouring in. " Whenever I have problem I consult my coach and work on my game. I am feeling quite confident and believe I have the game to be in top bracket. This is just a beginning and I intend to do better in the coming year," he said.

Chadha had 20 starts in the season and made the cut on 17 occasions. The 2010 Asian Games silver medallist posted his maiden professional win at the Surya Nepal Masters and had seven other top-10s during the year that helped him finish a creditable 14th on the 2012 Rolex Rankings (PGTI Order of Merit). Pranav of Delhi finished second in the Emerging Player of the Year race with earnings of Rs 1,99,181. Delhi's Bhanu claimed third position on the list while Sameer of Pune and Aditya of Delhi were placed fourth and fifth, respectively.

The quartet of Rashid Khan (72), Abhijit (76), Abhinav (72) and Rahul (72) had a combined four-day score of 10-over 874 to win a silver medal behind the Korean team in last year's Asian Games.

St Xavier’s School defeat St John’s in soccer tourney
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 10
In the first match of St Kabir Soccer Trophy, the St Xavier’s School defeated St John’s School by 2-1, here today. Tejvir put his team in a commanding position after scoring in the second minute while Udit doubled the lead in the 43rd minute. For St John’s, the Nalin reduced the margin in eth 53rd minute. In another match, the team of Saupin’s school routed Ashianaby 2-0 with Aryaman and Sujal scoring one goal each.

Later, in third match, the team of St Stephen’s overcame St Joseph School by 4-1. Although, St Joseph drew first blood in the 13th minute through Rahul but Eeshan (27th minute) and Udayvir (29th minute) brought back the St Stephen in the match. Arnav added two more goals in tally with 33rd and 39th minute.

In another match, Strawberry Fields scored a 12-05 victory over St Xavier’s with Jannat (8 points) and Guntash (4 points) scoring for Strawberry. In another match, St Joseph outplayed GMSSS-20, with a score of 49-21.

In the boys (U-16) category, the Little Flower School, Panchkula, beat St Soldier School by 32-21 while the St Kabir School overcame Strawberry fields by 20-8.