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Keetu’s murder: Jassa may surrender in court
Winter cheer: Ludhiana’s hosiery industry spins profit
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MURDER of
a policeman
Several Faridkot leaders facing criminal charges
DSGMC Elections CBI files fresh FIR against Mohali MLA Satguru will be remembered for his humility, compassion: CM
PCC Leadership Issue
SAD-BJP draw floor strategy
Cong MLA, councillors stage dharna
SGPC fires 3 teachers for allowing copying
Schools with poor enrolment face closure
Lehra Unit-II's maintenance over 9 days in advance
BKU to protest ‘deteriorating’ law and order from Dec 26
PGI mobile lab to examine suspected cancer cases
Badal: Issue guidelines on mandi plots
SC upholds quashing of PUDA scheme for staff
Naib Tehsildar among 6 booked for land fraud
Patiala police books Delhi man for promising MBBS seats
ASI held taking Rs
10,000 bribe
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Keetu’s murder: Jassa may surrender in court
Moga, December 13 Keetu was murdered by his three nephews and their accomplices at his house in Bilaspur village in Moga district on October 29 this year. Two of his nephews, Harpreet Singh and Gurpreet Singh and their accomplices Harpal Singh and Kulwant Singh have already been arrested. A .315 bore rifle used in the crime has also been found. Keetu’s third nephew, Jassa, and his accomplice Angrej Singh are eluding arrest. Another weapon, a .32 bore revolver used in the murder, is in their possession.The same weapon is suspected to have been used by Jassa in the Chandigarh shootout last Monday. The Moga police has arrested Beant Singh of Manuke Gill village in Nihalsinghwala sub-division, another member of the Jassa gang, and recovered a .12 bore gun from his possession. Jassa is believed to be moving about with Rashpal Singh Bhatti alias Kala, Bittu Mehalkana Wala and a couple of other youths. Jassa allegedly attacked Keetu’s domestic help two days ago, leaving him injured. When contacted, Moga Senior Superintendent of Police Surjit Singh Grewalsaid: “We are in constant touch with his family members to persuade him to surrender. Besides, we have set up special teams to nab him.”
terror trail *
Jassa was Keetu's nephew and his two brothers, also accused in the case, have already been arrested *
Jassa is also wanted in at least five criminal cases registered against him by the Barnala police *
On December 3, he was involved in a shootout at Chandigarh * On December 8, he injured Keetu's domestic help in a Moga village
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Winter cheer: Ludhiana’s hosiery industry spins profit
Chandigarh, December 13 There has been an acute labour shortage in the hosiery industry in Ludhiana, the hub of woolen manufacturing in the state. Non-availability as well as the high cost of labour — up by 80 per cent as compared to last year — have contributed to the increase in prices. Prices of different qualities of yarn too have shot up this year. While woolen yarn is costing Rs 150 a kg more this year, the prices of other qualities have gone up by Rs 25-30 per kg. These factors have impacted the production. But despite a less production, manufacturers are riding high on good domestic sales, thanks to an early winter. Knitwear Club chairman Vinod Thapar said, "Hosiery units in Ludhiana have been forced to pay Rs 90 as labour per piece of woolens manufactured as against Rs 50 last year. The total labour requirement of the hosiery industry in Ludhiana is 3 lakh, of which 95 per cent is migratory. With many of the 12,000 woolen manufacturing units in Ludhiana not being capital intensive and, thus, not being able to bear the high labour costs, they brought down their production to rein in the input costs," he said. Sunil Datt, another hosiery manufacturer, said apart from costly labour, high prices of yarn adversely impacted the industry. "With input costs having gone up, the hosiery manufacturers have been forced to either curb production or hike the prices of woolens," he said. However, he pointed out that most hosiery manufacturers had been able to recover their costs because of good sales this year. "With early winters, the demand is so good that many units have been able to offload their stocks left over from last year," he added. While domestic market for hosiery has been buoyant, exports have slumped this year. Ashok Jaidka, chairperson of Wool and Woolens Export Promotion Council, said there has been a 16 per cent decline in exports between April and September as compared to the corresponding period last year. "The reason is general weak economic sentiment across the US and Europe, which were the main export markets for hosiery. But now, we are exploring new markets in Russia, Australia, New Zealand and certain African countries," he said.
but consumers left in cold *
The prices of woolens have increased by 30 per cent this year * Manufacturers have been attributing the hike to the steep rise in cost of labour *
They say the labour rates have increased by 80% as compared to last year * They say yarn prices too have shot up
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MURDER of
a policeman
Amritsar, December 13 Sunny had accompanied key accused Ranjit Singh Rana to Chheharta where the ASI was shot dead. Three of the accused - Rana, Dharampal and Prabhjit- were arrested from Tarn Taran. The fourth accomplice, Gurbir Singh Bira, was arrested from Amritsar. But Sunny is still at large. Police Commissioner Ram Singh said that Sunny remained elusive despite several raids in and around Amritsar. “We are on the job. Sunny will be arrested soon,” said Police Commissioner Ram Singh. The police has suspended Head Constable Jasbir Singh. He was accompanying the slain ASI. He fled after the first shootout. Also, ASI Varinder Singh has been shifted to the Police Lines. A departmental probe is on against him.
Several Faridkot leaders facing criminal charges
Faridkot, December 13 A national vice-president of Youth Akali Dal in Faridkot is facing a case for assaulting a police official and tearing his uniform. A local Akali leader is in jail for allegedly kidnapping a minor girl. A senior Akali leader and a well-known transporter of Jaitu is facing a criminal case for assaulting PRTC employees. Another Akali leader is facing attempt to murder charges. A former president of the youth wing of the SAD facing two criminal cases was acquitted some days back. A former chairman of the Faridkot Market Committee is facing charges for violation of prohibitory orders. Almost all the accused posses licensed arms. However, Avtar Singh Khosa of the SAD said the party would not compromise on discipline. "If certain leaders are involved in criminal cases, it doesn't mean that all Akalis are criminals," he said. The SAD move to scrutinise the credentials of all party leaders was a step towards cleansing the party of such elements, he added.
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DSGMC Elections
New Delhi, December 13 A Bench comprising Justices RM Lodha and Anil Dave said it had granted more than three months in its September 17, 2012, order for holding the elections and there “is no justification now for granting extension of time.” Arguing for the DSGMC, senior advocate Soli Sorabjee sought time till June 30 for completing the poll process as the Delhi Government had decided to amend the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Act 1971 to increase the tenure of the committee’s president to four years, which would be equivalent to the tenure of the general house. The amendment would also ensure that the president was elected directly and not by a committee, as was done at present, it was contended. The proposed move would end the possibility of corruption and horse-trading in gurdwara affairs and also give enough time to the president to act on the agenda. Further, the president would be accountable directly to the electorate as well as the committee. Appearing for the Dashmesh Sewa Society, counsel Abinash Mishra and Gurbaksh Singh opposed the plea, contending that this was nothing but a ploy by the present president to retain his control over gurdwara affairs in his capacity as a caretaker. The Bench made it clear that it did not want to come in the way of any amendment, but the “elections must be held” within the deadline which was still more than 15 days away. The apex court also explained that the move to amend the Gurdwara Act “cannot be a ground” for seeking more time. The applicants pleaded that since the election procedure would take six weeks, the Bench should consider their plea. As the Bench was not convinced, they sought to withdraw their application, upon which the court said the plea was being “dismissed as withdrawn.”
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CBI files fresh FIR against Mohali MLA Chandigarh, December 13 Deputy Inspector General, CBI, Mahesh Aggarwal confirmed that the FIR had been registered against Sidhu, a Congress MLA, and others. Complainant Harjinder Singh had alleged that his father Rattan Singh was “brutally” murdered by Amarjit Singh alias Jeeti, Balbir Singh’s brother. Alleging blatant illegalities by the police, the petitioner had contended before the High Court that though prime accused Dilawar Singh was arrested on December 24, 2010, the weapon used in the crime had not been recovered till date. The petitioner also alleged that the Mohali police was coercing him to enter into a compromise with the local MLA and his brother. Rattan Singh was killed in a firing incident on December 18, 2010. Four persons, including the petitioner, were left injured in the incident.
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Satguru will be remembered for his humility, compassion: CM Chandigarh, December 13 In his condolence message, the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister said that Satguru Jagjit Singh was a “spiritual ambassador and an eminent social reformer who played a proactive role in eradicating social evils like female foeticide, dowry and drug addiction”. Describing him as an institution in himself, the Chief Minister said that the Satguru would be remembered for his humility and compassion. “In the death of Satguru Sri Jagjit Singh, the nation has lost one
of the most revered religious personalities,” the CM said. The Punjab Government has declared a public holiday in all the educational institutions, offices, boards and corporations in Chandigarh as well as in the state tomorrow (Friday) as a mark of respect to the religious leader. Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Capt Amarinder Singh, expressing grief, said Satguru Jagjit Singh’s demise was a great loss to humanity. He said the Satguru was the guiding force not only for the Namdhari Durbar, but the whole of mankind. “The Congress party joins the family and the Namdhari Durbar in this hour of grief. The Satguru’s death is an irreparable loss,” he said. Suba Jagir Singh, a senior functionary of the sect, has appealed to the followers to take to "naam simran" (recitation of the holy name) at this time of grief. about satguru *
Satguru Jagjit Singh was the third head of the Namdhari sect * He took over as head on August 22, 1959, after the death of Satguru Partap Singh, who was the second head and father of Satguru Jagjit Singh *
Satguru Jagjit Singh's son-in-law Sant Jagtar Singh is the administrator of SPS Apollo Hospital, Ludhiana *
The Satguru was a patron of sports and music. He had a special love for nature Cremation at 2 pm loss to humanity
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PCC Leadership Issue
Chandigarh, December 13 Sources said Rahul met a number of senior leaders, including Pradesh Congress president Capt Amarinder Singh, and senior leaders Ambika Soni, Jagmeet Brar, Laal Singh, Jagmohan Singh Kang, Sadhu Singh Dharamsot and Tarlochan Singh for a feedback on how to strengthen the party in Punjab. Rahul is scheduled to meet Congress Legislature Party Leader Sunil Jakhar tomorrow. Meanwhile, Congress president Sonia Gandhi has also given time to a few Congress leaders, including senior leader Tejinder Bittu. Sources said Rahul is moving towards taking a decision on the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president, the new PCC structure as well as the candidates for the parliamentary election. The Congress general secretary had visited Punjab in October. He had interacted with grass-roots workers as well as elected representatives and party office-bearers. The sources said while Rahul’s October visit was aimed at determining the reasons for the party’s assembly debacle, now the Congress general secretary wanted to create conditions for the revival of the party in the state. Observers say a final decision on the PCC leadership is likely to be taken before the party “chintan shivar” scheduled for mid-January.The feedback received by the party so far is in favour of retaining Capt Amarinder as PCC president and placing three regional heads under him to cater to all constituents. The three could be from different communities. However, Amarinder’s rivals are making a case for his removal. The sources said that Rahul was keen to restructure the PCC. It was being felt that the party had failed to create a second line of leadership. Rahul is also seeking a feedback on sitting MPs and prospective candidates for the Lok Sabha poll.
Feedback so far ...
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SAD-BJP draw floor strategy
Chandigarh, December 13 Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal addressed the legislators and elicited the opinion of BJP legislators. Sources said the meeting was of the view that the coalition government had taken firm action in the Shruti abduction case
as well as in Amritsar ASI’s killing. The meeting decided that in case the Congress moved an adjournment motion in the Vidhan Sabha on the issue, the coalition legislators would bring out ‘cases of injustice’ during the Congress rule in Punjab as well as at the Centre. It would also bring to the fore unresolved issues affecting the Sikh community. The Vidhan Sabha session will begin on December 17. The Chief Minister and his deputy are expected to issue a statement on the steps taken on the law and order front, including the state’s efforts to foil any attempts to revive terrorism in Punjab.
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Cong MLA, councillors stage dharna
Fatehgarh Sahib,December 13 The protesting councillors, under the banner of Sirhind Vikas Manch, alleged that the cancellation was done at the behest of Prof Prem Singh Chandumajra. They staged the dharna in front of the council office. Congress MLA Kuljeet Singh Nagra also joined the protest. They raised slogans against Chandumajra and the government. Nagra said the Railways made a payment of Rs 7 crore to the Sirhind-Fatehgarh Sahib Municipal Council for acquiring
its land and 17 councilors in a meeting had passed a unanimous resolution to initiate development project. He said the tenders were floated but tender forms were not issued to contractors. He said the Estate Officer told them that the tender process had been cancelled following instructions from higher officials. Prof Chandumajra said the MLA (Nagra) "had always misled people and distorted the facts". He said he never interfered in cancelling the development works. Estate Officer (EO) Bhushan Rana said the tendering process had been cancelled on technical grounds and new tenders will be floated soon.
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SGPC fires 3 teachers for allowing copying
Jalandhar, December 13 The SGPC has also suspended two teachers of Guru Nanak Khalsa College, Daroli Kalan, for their alleged misconduct during the examination of English (compulsory) conducted by Guru Nanak Dev University in April. Domeli college principal Kirpal Kaur has also been forced to go on long leave pending an inquiry against her. Tarlochan Singh, secretary (education), SGPC, said an inquiry would be conducted against another two teachers of Daroli Kalan college who were working on a regular basis. He said since the three teachers of Domeli college were on contract, they had been dismissed. He said a superintendent of Domeli college, who too was reportedly involved, had now retired. He would be called for the inquiry and any of his benefits, if pending, would be withheld, he said. The secretary said the action came following a news item “Principal among seven punished for mass copying” appeared in The Tribune on October 28. He said SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar had sought a stringent action on the matter. Guru Nanak Dev University has already barred all these teachers from any evaluation-related activity for five years. All 73 students involved in copying were barred from taking any examination for two years. Kirpal Kaur, however, has been claiming that it was a wrong complaint made against her and the students.
Acting tough * Three teachers of Sant Baba Dalip Singh Memorial Khalsa College, Domeli in Kapurthala, had allegedly facilitated mass copying by 73 students of BA first year *
The SGPC has also suspended two teachers of Guru Nanak Khalsa College, Daroli Kalan, for their alleged misconduct *
Guru Nanak Dev University has already barred these teachers from any evaluation-related activity for five years *
All students involved in copying were also barred from taking any examination for two years
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Schools with poor enrolment face closure
Ropar, December 13
These schools have one teacher along with a cook to prepare the mid-day meal. Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) SS Marar said the students and staff would be shifted to another school in the neghbouring area. These, however, are not the only schools in the district facing closure due to lack of students. The District Education Department has already shortlisted 41 such schools comprising 37 primary and four middle schools. Among the primary schools, 16 schools are in Ropar block while 10 are in Chamkaur Sahib. The remaining schools are in Morinda (6), Nurpur Bedi (4) and Takhtgarh (1). The middle schools facing closure are at Sohara in Nangal, Shahpur Bela (Kiratpur Sahib), Dahe (Anandpur Sahib) and Bheora at Ropar. There are eight teachers deputed in these schools while the combined student strength in all four schools stands at a meagre 69. An official said the policy of opening schools in every village has boomeranged in the state. Many feel it is because the government did not depute more than a couple of teachers at many schools which forced the parents to choose private schools for their wards. This not only rendered the scheme useless but it proved to be an unnecessary burden on the government exchequer. KS Pannu, Director General, Punjab Education Department, had issued directions last month to prepare a report at district level to make the optimum use of human resources and infrastructure, an official said. It is learnt that the district authorities will submit a report in this regard soon after a meeting is convened by the District Education Officer tomorrow.
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Lehra Unit-II's maintenance over 9 days in advance
Bathinda, December 13 The maintenance has been completed in 30.58 days against the scheduled 40 days, a spokesperson said. The plant was shut down for the purpose on November 12 and it again started generation on December 12. The early completion of work has resulted in the availability of 2.6 per cent additional power. Congratulating the power plant’s staff, Chief Engineer (operation and maintenance) SK Puri said by cutting down the maintenance period, the unit will generate 475 lakh units of extra power.
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BKU to protest ‘deteriorating’ law and order from Dec 26
Moga, December 13 The farmer body has also urged the Union Government to fix the MSP of wheat as per the recommendations of the Dr Swaminathan report. In a state-level meeting of the BKU held at Machike village in the district, the organisation lashed out at the Centre for its “insensitive attitude” towards the farmers. It has also asked the Centre to formulate a farmer-friendly policy for providing loans to the farm sector and implement the Land Reforms Act in letter and spirit for providing surplus land to the landless rural folk.
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PGI mobile lab to examine suspected cancer cases
Faridkot, December 13 The mobile lab is specially equipped for confirmatory tests of uterine (cervix) and breast cancer. These are common cancer types prevalent among women, said Pyare Lal Garg, executive director, Punjab State Health System Resource Centre, and incharge of the cancer survey project. The district was chosen for this pilot project in October to map the prevalence of cancer in Punjab. The survey detected 785 confirmed cancer cases and 2,950 suspected cases out of the population of 6.18 lakh in the district. The survey also found that 1,112 cancer deaths took place in the district in the last five years. In the second leg of this survey, all suspected cases would be examined, said Dr Sanjiv Sethi, coordinator of the cancer pilot project. Using PAP smear and mammography tests, the mobile laboratory from PGI will detect breast and uterine cancer cases. After the confirmation, the patients would be given free treatment at Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital in Faridkot, said Dr Rakesh Arora, Civil Surgeon.
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Badal: Issue guidelines on mandi plots
Chandigarh, December 13 However, a fixed price would
be charged for the construction of basement and the first floor as per the
norms from the allottees. A decision to this effect was taken by Badal in a
meeting with a deputation of the Arhtiya Association led by its president
Ravinder Singh Cheema here last evening. Responding to other issues raised by
the association relating to power cleaners’ electricity bills, relaxation in
moisture content of paddy and availability of gunny bags etc, the Chief
Minister directed the authorities concerned to look into these issues.
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SC upholds quashing of PUDA scheme for staff
Chandigarh, December 13 The apex court has dismissed the special leave petition (SLP) filed by respondent-PUDA. Information to this effect was provided to the Punjab and Haryana High Court during the hearing of another matter. In his petition against PUDA, placed before the Division Bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice RP Nagrath, Raja Abrol had challenged the decision to declare him ineligible under the housing scheme for PUDA staff. As the case came up, PUDA Chief Administrator filed a short affidavit, enclosing a copy of the order dated January 25, passed by a Division Bench, whereby the scheme was quashed as it was held to be unconstitutional. Taking up the matter, the Division Bench observed the decision had been upheld by the Supreme Court by dismissing the SLP filed by respondent-PUDA. “Since the very scheme under which the petitioner wanted to seek allotment has been set aside, the instant petition has been rendered infructuous and disposed of accordingly,” the Bench ruled.
Pherurai case
Three months after Patiala Special Judge convicted former Senior Superintendent of Police GS Pherurai in a corruption case, the Punjab and Haryana High Court today issued a notice for February 4 to hear arguments on his bail plea. Pherurai had moved the High Court alleging that the Trial Court had “erred in law and facts on the file in recording his conviction.” Pherurai was prosecuted on the allegations that he had bribed the then Punjab Public Service Commission’s former Chairman Ravinder Pal Singh Sidhu for the selection of his daughter Kuljit Kaur. Challenging the Special Judge’s judgment dated September 17, convicting him under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and sentencing him to two years of rigorous imprisonment, Pherurai said the prosecution had examined seven witnesses. “But all have not supported the case of the prosecution”. His counsel said there was no evidence on the file to connect the appellant with thealleged crime. “The witnesses have categorically deposed that their statements under Section 164, CrPC (before the Magistrate), were recorded under pressure. “From the defence evidence, produced by the appellant, it is clearly proved that the present case is one of political vendetta. But,the trial Court has not considered the defence evidence produced by the appellant.”
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Naib Tehsildar among 6 booked for land fraud
Ferozepur, December 13 The move came after Deputy Commissioner S Karuna Raju in his inquiry report recommended the registration of a case against the erring persons. Karuna Raju said one Assa Singh had moved an application to the Ferozepur SDM for a correction in the revenue record. He had claimed that his father Iqbal Singh had purchased land measuring around 120 canals 9 marlas during an open auction for Rs 18,700 in 1967. The applicant had said the warrant of possession was issued to them on August 20, 1967, and subsequently mutation No. 5198 was also executed on September 16, 1967. Raju said the applicant had claimed the said mutation was entered in the revenue record during the said year. However, later the mutation was not followed in the succeeding revenue record. During an inquiry by the then SDM Subhash Chander, several startling facts came to the fore which indicated that an attempt was by some persons to usurp prime land situated in the heart of the city in connivance with revenue officials. The matter of the land ownership remained sub-judice for around 25 years which was ultimately decided in favour of the government. The district administration had taken possession of the land in 1996.
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Patiala police books Delhi man for promising MBBS seats
Patiala, December 13 The alleged fraudster has been identified as Piyush Bharat Saini of New Delhi who runs an education consultancy firm Malik Education. "Saini allegedly issued advertisements in leading newspapers promising guaranteed admission to MBBS colleges across the country. Following this, Sangrur resident Kirandeep Singh contacted him and they met in Chandigarh earlier this year," a police official said. "Instead of getting them admission, the impostor would go underground never to return the money," reads an FIR registered against Saini at Patran a couple of days back. Another FIR is pending against the accused at Kotwali police station where he had duped a person of Rs 4 lakh. Patran SHO Ajaypal Singh said Piyush Saini allegedly demanded Rs 60 lakh for getting an MBBS seat for Kirandeep Singh's daughter at
a college. "The deal was finally struck for Rs 22 lakh and the money was handed over to the accused (Saini) in Patran. Thereafter, the accused started avoiding Singh and later sent Rs 3 lakh as refund money for not being able to get admission," the SHO said. Following a complaint by Kirandeep, an FIR under Section 420 of the IPC was registered against Saini. "During investigations, it came to our knowledge that the accused is already lodged in Tihar Jail in New Delhi as more such complaints were lodged against him in other parts of the country," said Patran SHO. Sources said the Delhi police is already holding a probing against Saini. He is believed to have duped more than 25 students on the pretext of getting them seats in various medical or engineering colleges in India and abroad. "We are looking at a wider nexus across Punjab. A professor from Chandigarh had complained that a person accepted money to get his grandson admitted to a medical college in Pune," the police official said. As many as 13 FIRs have been lodged at various police stations against the accused, he said. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Patiala, Gurpreet Singh Gill said, "The modus operandi of the accused will be probed and it will be ascertained as how many people he had duped
in Punjab." "We will further probe if he has any link with the recent MBBS admission racket busted in Chandigarh," SSP Gill said.
The fraudster * New Delhi-based Piyush Bharat Saini would issue advertisements promising guaranteed admission to MBBS colleges *
Sangrur resident Kirandeep Singh paid him Rs 22 lakh for getting MBBS seat for his daughter *
During probe, the police came to know Saini was already lodged in Tihar Jail in a similar case *
13 FIRs are lodged against the accused at various police stations
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ASI held taking Rs
10,000 bribe
Patiala, December 13 The arrested ASI, Sukhwinder Singh, is posted at Samana Sadar police station. The VB officials said the accused policeman was arrested after he accepted Rs 10,000 from Dharam Singh, a local resident. “We have procured his remand and would investigate if he had accepted money in similar cases earlier also,” a VB official said.
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The Moga, Barnala and Chandigarh police have launched a hunt for Jaspreet Singh Jassa and his associates who murdered former Akali legislator Malkiat Singh Keetu and was involved in a shootout at Chandigarh last week. Jassa may surrender before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, this week, say reliable sources.
