NEIGHBOURHOOD

Zones for property tax finalised

Patiala, March 7
A three-day international symposium, being organised by the department of forensic science, Punjabi University, on “Emerging Paradigms in Forensic Science” commenced on the university campus today.

Prof Vladimir Klevno, department of medical forensic, Moscow State Bereau of Forensic Medicine, Russia, inaugurated the symposium. Dr Kate Storey-whyte from England presented the keynote address. Vice-chancellor of the university Dr Jaspal Singh presided over the symposium.

Dr Jaspal Singh said developments in majority of the fields, particularly digital technologies, DNA profiling, speaker identification and education in forensic science has changed the whole scenario in past two decades. Unlike other research and analytical materials, forensic scientists work with limited quantity and amount of materials generally left behind by criminals.

Later, the Vice-Chancellor felicitated the visiting dignitaries with mementos. He also released a souvenir on the occasion. —TNS

Dera Bassi, March 7
The police has arrested four persons with loaded tractor trailers of sand on a charge of illegal sand mining.

All accused have been booked under the Mining Act. The police said the booked persons were caught at Mubarkpur railway crossing today. They had loaded their trolleys with sand from Ghaggar River near Mubarkpur village. The booked persons have been identified as Kamaljeet Singh and Gurcharni, residents of Bohri village, and Gurcharn Singh and Kamaljeet Singh, residents of Pragpur village. —OC

Chandigarh, March 7
A lower court has summoned former nominated councillor of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation Dr AP Sanwaria, and Anarkali, a sweeper, in a defamation case.

The complainant, PC Sanghi, in his complaint, had mentioned that Sanwaria had used unethical means through circulation of a manifesto containing objectionable and defamatory remarks against him. As per the complaint, the manifesto also included that he (Sanghi) was unanimously appointed as the Protem Mayor of the Municipal Corporation in May 2007.

Sanghi stated in the complaint that the claims made by Sanwaria were false and were meant to mislead the voters. Sanwaria contested the election for the post of president of the Citizens' Association, Sector 21, against Sanghi.

Sanghi alleged that Sanwaria exploited the dismissal of a woman sweeper, Anarkali, who was earlier working with the association, and got her to lodge a complaint with the police and other authorities against Sanghi, saying that he had passed casteist remarks against her.

The DSP who investigated the case had submitted a report to the Governor of Punjab and the Administrator UT through the SSP and the IGP in May, 2007. The report stated that the complaint filed by Anarkali was false and confirmed the influence of Sanwaria. She had also given a complaint under the SC and ST Act in the court, which was dismissed.

The complaint filed by Sanghi against Anarkali and others was dismissed by a lower court in August 2009 on technical grounds. Sanwaria has been asked to appear in the court on April 22. — TNS

Chandigarh, March 7
The cricket field of Panjab University witnessed visually impaired cricketers of Chandigarh and Rajasthan, vying to win the match during the blind cricket tournament, here today. Standing tall against all odds, these visually impaired players showcased a real sportsmanship.

“I always wanted to be a cricketer. But fate had something else in store for me. I am visually impaired since my childhood,” said Chandan Lal, who scored 132 runs off 47 balls for Chandigarh team. “Presently, I am living in Jalandhar’s blind institute. Our group is among the best of the batches for the game. At our institute, we organise weekly matches and go outstation to showcase our skills. People support us and appreciate our step to play, which remains the main motivation for us,” he added.

A player form Rajasthan team added, “We have faced a tough time in justifying our presence in this world. Playing cricket or any other game remains a stress buster for us. We feel happy after playing and getting appreciated by people,” said Faizal Khan, who scored 140 off 46 balls for Rajasthan side.

The players also received applause from the students of UIHMT (University Institute of Hotel, Management and Tourism) department, who preffered to attend cheer these players, during a free lecture. “At a first look, it seems like a normal cricket match. But soon we realised that these players were visually impaired. It’s their dedication towards this game,” said Arzoo Mahajan and Monica.

“We are amazed to witness their talent. These players are real motivators for a layman. Without even seeing the ball, they are able to hit hard and gather cleanly. We hope some of them would make to the Indian blind team,” said Gurmohan and Nikhil.

Earlier, Rajasthan team defeated Chandigarh by 10 wickets. Batting first, the local side posted 232 runs with Chandan Lal (132 runs) and Harpreet Singh (10 runs) scoring the lion’s share. In reply, Faizal Khan (140 runs) and Islam Ali (33 runs) enabled the visiting side to achieve victory. Faizal Khan was adjudged as the man of the match.