Ludhiana, August 19
Succumbing to public pressure, the city police today booked four tipsy youngsters who were involved in the alleged molestation of a girl. The case was registered after 41 days.

Dr Arun Mitra, noted social activist of the city, said various NGOs came in support of the molestation victim. The victim, a promising BSc-II non-medical student was allegedly molested by a group of youngsters while she was watering the plants outside her house at Chand Colony in Rishi Nagar on the evening of July 9.

She narrated the incident to her mother who reprimanded the tipsy youngsters for passing nasty comments about her house. The youngsters misbehaved with the victim's mother as well and beat her up. Gurcharan Kochar, president of the Punjab Istri Sabha, Ludhiana, said the molestation victim's parents reached the PAU police station to report the matter.

"After receiving a complaint, the police officials asked the victim's parents to visit the police station again. The next day, when the victim's parents reached the police station, they were arrested for indulging in a fight. The girl's father told me that the police had forced him to enter into a compromise with the youngsters. The girl's parents were released after they agreed to take back their complaint," said Gurcharan Kochar.

The incident caused a lot of resentment against the police. On July 16, the Station House Officer (SHO) visited the spot and three days later Rajesh, alias Sheru, and his three accomplices were booked for assault.

Dr Narjit Kaur, convener of the Working Women Forum, and Randhir Singh, secretary of the Teja Singh Swatantra Mohalla Sudhar Committee, said the registration of case was mere eyewash. The police did not include the section of trespass on a house and molestation in the case, said the social activists.

Finally, the area residents met ACP- West Gurpreet Purewal, who conducted a probe into the matter and today booked Sheru and his accomplices under section 354 of the IPC for assault or use of criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty.

The social activist questioned the women's safety in the city where it took 41 days to get a case registered in against the culprits. The victim said she was shattered and had lost confidence in the police, which was supposed to protect women. When her mother was put in the lockup, there was no woman police around.

The action taken so far in the case is incomplete. "I was called to the police station to give a statement even though my father had requested the SHO to record my statement in my house," said the molestation victim. 

Ludhiana, August 19
A day after the death of Amrik Singh (45), who was killed in a clash over the cremation a former sarpanch's mother at Sahnewal yesterday, the city police has booked seven persons, including two women, in this case.

While the addition Station House Officer (SHO) has been suspended, a Sub-Inspector (SI) was sent to the Police Lines for dereliction of duty.

The accused have been identified as Ram Murthy, former sarpanch of the village, Sarabjit Singh, Sikander Singh, both sons of Jetha Singh, Ladi, Jaspal Kaur, Ram Murthy's wife, and Jassi, Sarabjit Singh's wife, and Sukhwinder Singh, Ram Murthy's son-in-law, all residents of Khagat village.

According to Balwinder Singh, the deceased's brother, the land being used as cremation ground was a disputed property. Yesterday, when, he along with Amrik Singh and Balwinder Kaur, tried to prevent Ram Murthy for performing his mother's last rites on the disputed land, the latter, along with his accomplices, pelted them with stones and bricks. Amrik Singh and Balwinder Kaur suffered injuries. They were rushed to the Civil Hospital where Amrik Singh succumbed to his injuries. Balwinder Kaur is still undergoing treatment.

Meanwhile, additional SHO Satnam Singh has bee suspended while SI Satnam Singh sent to the police lines for dereliction of duty.

Tension gripped the village as Ram Murthy's mother Amar Kaur was cremated amid tight security. 

Ludhiana, August 19
Despite tall claims by the Health Department that everything is going well at the government health institutes, patients continue to complain of shortage of medicines. A majority of the patients complain of bad attitude of the staff towards them.

Patients complain of the lack of medicines and rude attitude of the health staff in government hospitals of the state. Saroj Rani, a visitor to a community health centre, said: "Some of the medicines are still prescribed by the government doctors. We have to buy these medicines from private chemists."

A government doctor said: "Sometimes when we have to prescribe a combination of medicines. But now many medicines are available."

Patients visiting these institutes usually complain that instead of counselling the staff behave as if they were interrogating them. Himmat Singh, the attendant of a patient, said: "Whenever we visit a government hospital, instead of counselling, most of the time the staff behave as if they are to interrogate us. They give you a miserable feeling."

The Civil Surgeon, Ludhiana, Dr Subhash Batta, said: "Whenever I inspect any government health institute in Ludhiana district, I always instruct my staff to speak politely with patients under all circumstances." 

Ludhiana, August 19
Bhupinder Kaur, who claims herself to be the wife of Congress leader Amarjit Singh Tikka's brother, started a dharna along with her two children and relatives outside the Police Commissioner's office here this evening.

She alleged that Tikka and his relatives, who were facing charges of assault, were given preferential treatment by the police. She alleged that the police was succumbing to political pressure and planning to cancel the FIR against Tikka and his relatives.

Bhupinder Kaur is fighting a paternity battle of her children.

She said Tikka's brother Charanjit Singh, who is in coma, was the father of her two children.

On the other hand, Congress leader Amarjit Singh Tikka termed the allegations as baseless. He said the woman, who is supported by her political rivals, was levelling baseless allegations to defame him and his brother. She just wants to usurp the property, said Tikka.

Ludhiana, August 19
The controversy involving the Knitwear Club has reached the court. Since both the groups have called their annual general meetings on August 22, president Darshan Dawar has filed a suit in the court. He says according to the constitution of the club, only general secretary can call such meetings with the consent of the president.

"We will go by the constitution of the club. The chairman of the club has no right to call a meeting. Only general secretary with the consent of the president can call a meeting. Now, the other party will have to give an explanation in the court," said Dawar.

"Only the meeting conducted by us will be considered valid. We have suspended the chairman of the club in the last meeting and in the coming meeting his membership will be terminated. They might call the meeting but it holds no importance," said Dawar.

Meanwhile, the premises of the club was locked (two locks) by both the groups and nobody is ready to back down. "We have replied to the notice sent by the other group and nobody can prevent us from holding the meeting. A meeting of the club will be held on August 22," said Vinod Thapar, chairman of the club.

Amid this controversy, it is the knitwear industry, especially the MSME sector, which is suffering. "Industry is already passing through a tough time due to labour and power shortages. In this time when we should have been together to solve these problems, the club members are indulging in mud slinging, which is very unfortunate," said Santosh Aggarwal, a small manufacturer.

Ludhiana, August 19
A 22-year-old drug addict man attacked his father with a sword after he stopped him from purchasing drugs at New Subash Nagar in the Jodhewal Basti area here today.

Yadwinder Singh (47) was rushed to a hospital with critical head injuries after his son Baljinder Singh attacked him with a sword.

Yadwinder said his son had demanded money for buying drugs last evening, but he denied.

Later at midnight, Baljinder stole money lying in the almirah. In the morning, Yadwinder came to know that Baljinder had stolen money. When he confronted his son, a heated argument ensued between them. Baljinder Singh pulled out a sword and attacked his father and fled the scene. 

Ludhiana, August 19
Perturbed over the daily applications by the Elementary Teachers Training (ETT) staff working under the zila parishad, seeking transfers at certain blocks/villages, the authorities seem to have found a way by which almost all the teachers will feel happy and focus entirely on the studies of the students in government schools of the district.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Kanwalpreet Brar said everyday teachers were coming for transfers. "Besides, the teachers gave references of political leaders too. The female teachers wanted certain new adjustments while some others wanted to be near their blocks. I have contacted the president of their union for a list of the teachers seeking adjustments,” said the ADC.

She said within next week she would visit all the blocks and get feedback about the vacancies/adjustments. "We will try to provide them places which they want so that next two to three years they work religiously for the betterment of the students in schools. If they will be tension-free only then they can completely focus towards the studies of students,” said Brar.

There are about 1,000 ETT teachers working under Zila Parishad in various government schools of the district. Satvinder Singh, one of the teachers, said: “With this step, teachers will be accommodated near the places they want and this will make them stress-free. They will focus on students and their studies.”

It is expected that transfers will be done within next 10 days by the department.

Ludhiana, August 19
Education Department has transferred and sent about 50 teachers against the vacant posts here in various government schools of the district. The District Education Department got the list today.

District Education Officer (Secondary) Paramjit Kaur Chahl said: “The department has got the list of about 50 teachers. These teachers were of different subjects, including English, Hindi, Maths, Punjabi and Science. The posts for various subjects were lying vacant in many schools. This was a long awaited step and the quality of education will see further improvement with the teachers joining the schools against the vacant posts.”

One of the principals of a government school said the schools cannot bring good results till they have sufficient teachers for the students. With the new postings may be things would change and results would improve. 

Ludhiana, August 19
On the fifth day of the agitation today, students of Punjab Agriculture University boycotted their classes. A large number of students led by the Punjab Agricultural University Students Association (PAUSA) organised a rally and raised the slogans outside the Thapar Hall.

Earlier, the students of the College of Agriculture Engineering and College of Agriculture have been not attending classes as they were protesting against the Vice-Chancellor's decision of rusticating three engineering students.

Parents of the rusticated students also met the Vice-Chancellors of the PAU. According to the vice-president of the PAUSA, Karanvir Singh Sandhu, the Vice-Chancellor did not exempt the punishment of the students in the 
meeting.

Today, PAUSA issued the list of problem being faced by the university students.

Sharanbir Singh, president, PAUSA, said: "The attitude of university authorities is arrogant and they do not want to listen to the genuine problems of the students. Apart from rustication of three students, the students have been facing a number of other problems. There is no channel between the authorities and students to discuss the problems. So agitation is the only way to convey the problem to authorities."

Karanvir Singh, vice-president, PAUSA, said: "Accommodation at hostels is insufficient for the students. The hostlers are residing in pathetic conditions. The unwanted restriction has been imposed by the authorities in the colleges and hotels."

"We did not get any response from the university authorities after five days. Now, we have decide to start the chain hunger strike from Tuesday," said Sharanbir.

Ludhiana, August 19
Third annual function of Santushti Vidya Niketan, Chander Nagar, was celebrated yesterday.

On the occasion, students presented a cultural programme. A play titled 'Chandi Ki Dibiya' was staged to emphasise on the importance of education. A choreography named “Rangeele mere Bharat” was presented by the students. Performances on patriotic songs like “Nanha Munna Rahi” were presented by the students. Students also gave demonstration of “surya namaskar” and the health benefits of practicing Yoga. They also recited “gayatri mantra” on the occasion.

Various members, including those from Bharat Vikas Parishad talked about the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and the importance of mother.

Devi Maharaj, present on the occasion, blessed the students. Kiran Jain, Aruna Khanna, Veena Soni, Vina Adya, Sumit Sareen, Dr Kamlesh Bela Manocha, Dr Lokesh Khanna were present on the occasion. Mridula Jain from Shingora Shawls was the chief guest on the occasion. 

Ludhiana, August 19
A programme to celebrate Raksha Bandhan and Janmashtmi was organised by the Gayatri Ladies Club at a city hotel today.

Club members performed on songs, including “Megha Re”, “Sawan mein log”, “Barso re Barso”. To celebrate Janamashtmi, Ananya played the role of Lord Krishna. A game of tambola was organised on the occasion. Surprise gifts were given to club members on the occasion. Raksha Bandhan was also celebrated on the occasion. Rakhis were tied on the wrist of the child playing the role of Lord Krishna on the occasion.

Ludhiana, August 19
As many as 21 farmers from Baramula district of Jammu and Kashmir, who are currently on a visit to Amritsar and Ludhiana, today visited the Punjab Agricultural University where they were given information on how to increase the crop productivity by Dr TS Riar and Dr Rakesh Kumar.

The farmers were taken around the campus and shown the functioning of drip irrigation system.

Expressing his views, Ghulam Mohidin Wani, residence of Chinnad village in Baramulla, said the tour has provided them an excellent exposure to the agriculturally rich regions of India and interactions with the local farmers has given him valuable inputs which he would put to use once he returns back. 

Doraha,August 19
"When is Rakhi?" everyone is confused as to when should the festival of Raksha Bandhan be celebrated i.e. on August 20 or 21.

The festival is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Sravana which falls in the month of August. Many people believe that since the full moon is on August 20, so the Raksha Bandhan should be celebrated on August 20. "According to the Hindu calendar festival will be celebrated only on August 20," said a local resident.

But there are a good number of people who believe that Rakhi is on August 21. "My sister who resides in Delhi will tie Rakhi on August 20 while the one in Amritsar will be doing so on August 21. There is utter confusion over the date of Rakhi celebrations," said a shopkeeper.

Even the educational institutes are confused when to give a holiday to the students. "I am working in a college and we have Rakhi holiday tomorrow while my children are getting the same on August 21. I have planned to tie Rakhi on my brother's wrist tomorrow but my children will not be able to become a part of the celebrations as they are supposed to attend their classes tomorrow," said a school teacher.

"I simply do not understand as to why now-a-days every function, celebration, occasion or festival generally carries two dates with it. Why can't we fix one particular day unanimously. Such confusion literally mars the festivity spirit. While some of the people will be celebrating the festival on August 20, others will do the same on August 21," said a student. 

Mandi Ahmedgarh, August 19
Timely action by the police and passers-by saved the occupants of a school bus that overturned in fields along a link road near Rangiana village near here today morning. Four out of a total of 20 students were reported to have received minor injuries.

Sudden collapsing of a kutcha portion of the road due to illegal encroachment and erosion following heavy rains was cited as a major reason for the accident.

At least 20 students of Victoria Public Senior Secondary School, Lehra, were travelling in the bus that overturned in fields along the Ghungrana-Rangoowal link road. The students were rescued almost unhurt by villagers and staff from the Dehlon police station.

The incident took place about 7.30 am when the bus was returning after picking students from Ghungrana village. Though normally about 35 students travel in the bus, the number of occupants was lower as several parents did not send their wards due to rain.

Parminder Singh Rangia, Zila Parishad member, who supervised the rescue operation, said a majority of the students did not sustain injuries as the villagers had rescued them without causing panic.

A police party supervised by SHO Satinder Pal Singh reached the spot immediately after receiving information and the students were shifted to the Civil Hospital, Dehlon. No occupant was reported to have received serious injuries. While medical aid was provided to four students, others were allowed to go with their parents.

Dev Raj Sofat, chairman of the trust running the school, said the loss could have been more had the bus been fully loaded and villagers not extended prompt help. Acknowledging the problem of constricted link road, Sofat said he had directed the transport contractor to advise the drivers to be extra cautious during the rainy season.

Khanna, August 19
Newly appointed SP (Detective) Khanna Rajwinder Singh Sohal today took over his charge of office.

He has replaced Bhupinder Singh who has been transferred to Moga. Before his appointment here Rajwinder Singh Sohal was DSP Nabha and he was promoted recently. 

Ludhiana, August 19
The annual general meeting of the United Cycle and Parts Manufacturers Association (UCPMA) was held here today amid tight security. The police in civil dress and uniform was deployed in and around the office of the UCPMA to avert any incident.

The last meeting of the UCPMA was not pleasant as the members indulged in a brawl. Keeping this in mind, the association requested to deploy the police. ADCP BS Sidhu was also present during the meeting.

During the last meeting, a tiff was created among the members over the appointment of presiding officer for the election. Two major factions have emerged in the association; one is led by the present president, Gurmeet Singh Kular, while the other is led by its past president, Charanjit Singh Vishivkarma.

Charanjit Singh Vishivkarma had alleged that on the day of the appointment of presiding officer for the forthcoming elections, outsiders were present in the meeting instead of its executive members.

“Two names, Lalit Sharma and Manjit Singh Khalsa, were proposed for the post, but the other faction insisted on electing Lalit Sharma as the presiding officer. When we argued over the same, the members from both the factions indulged in a spat. It was first time in the history of the association that members went to the extent of throwing chairs and other furniture at each other,” said Vishivkarma.

Now, an election committee comprising Kamlinder Singla, Ravi Mahajan and Rajan Gupta has been formed, who will elect the presiding officer among themselves and will make sure that the elections are conducted in a fair manner.

During today's 46th annual general meeting, the annual financial balance sheet for 2012-13 was read out and was approved by the General House. Gurmeet Singh Kular told the House about the main achievements of the association.

Bicycle Udyog awards were given to industrialists who had shown various achievements and innovation for the betterment of the bicycle industry.

Innovation category

1. JJ Industries (low cost automation in mig welded frame lugs)

2. Bhogals Pvt Ltd (innovation of ball less freewheels)

Women entrepreneur category

1. Ralson (India) Ltd: Rachna Pahwa

2. K.W Engineering Works: Bhupinder Kaur

3. Appu International: Meenu Paul

Largest manufacturers

1. GS Mankoo and Co: Largest manufacturers of BB Shell in India.

2. Seth Industrial Corporation: Largest in house manufacturers of 8 major bicycle parts.

Ludhiana, August 19
Onion priced between Rs 60 and Rs 70 per kg is bringing tears in eyes of people.

It has been for three weeks that the price of onion is hovering between Rs 60 and Rs 80 per kg, making people loosen their purse strings to buy onion, which usually is sold at Rs 20 per kg.

The current price of onion has surprised everyone. There have been reports that this year's crop in Maharashtra was damaged in some pockets because of heavy rain.

Hiking price is prompting consumers to buy more and advance purchases. “I bought 100 kg onion as the prices are set to rise further. No dish is possible without onion, and we cannot escape buying it,” said Rashmi, a homemaker.

“Sensing that the demand was strong despite the price rise, vendors started charging more. The difference between retail and wholesale prices has soared. Today, people may be crying about high prices, but nobody is cutting on the demand that is further increasing the prices,” said Santokh Singh, a senior citizen.

Even restaurateurs have stopped giving onion in salad and have substituted it with cucumber and cabbage.

“We are not giving onion in the salad, which is served free, till the prices come down. I keep a special check on cooks preparing dishes. We are not giving them onion in bulk as it is priced highly. Two days ago, it was priced at Rs 80 per kg. We need to control its use as we cannot increase the prices of dishes all of a sudden," said Kamaljit Singh, a restaurant owner.

Ludhiana, August 19
The Punjab Congress today alleged that the Akali Dal-BJP government headed by Parkash Singh Badal was responsible for the industrial flight from this border state, and the “belated under-pressure denial” of two leading industrial houses spoke volumes about the “dismal investment” climate in this border state.

In a joint statement issued here today, MLAs Rakesh Pandey, Surinder Dawar, Bharat Bhushan Ashu alleged that the state government had pressured the industrial houses to deny that they were setting up units in other states.

The situation indicated the “deep rot afflicting the industrial and financial condition” of the state, which was once known for its strong small and medium enterprises sector, alleged the leaders.

The Punjab Congress leaders asked how come that in spite of the new industrial policy of 2009 and its repeat avatar in June last announcing a slew of incentives and VAT retention up to 80 per cent of investment, no new investment worth its name had come by in the state whereas delegation after delegation of various sectors like machine tool and hand tool sector, furnace operators and textile, etc., had been visiting Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat to set up units there.

The Punjab Congress leaders said instead of getting into a blame game, the state government should introspect about the "mismanagement" of the economy.

The Punjab Congress leaders said Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Partap Singh Bajwa was right in claiming that major industrial houses had chosen to expand and diversify outside Punjab since entrepreneurs had to contend with an “unfriendly regime” in the state and a much better enabling climate was available in other states.

They said the share of the manufacturing sector in the state's GDP had remained “stagnant” at 25 per cent in the past six years and even shrunk if adjusted for inflation. They said the proof of deindustrialisation of Punjab was evident from flight of 274 industrial units to the neighboring hill states from 2004 to 2010, resulting in capital flight of Rs 3,674 crore.

Despite repeated attempts, Punjab Chief Minister's Advisor Maheshinder Grewal could not be contacted for his comments.

Ludhiana, August 19
The computerisation of entire treasury offices in Punjab ensuring all government payments online proved a success with Punjab becoming first successful state in the country to disburse more than Rs 7,281 crore to about 14 lakh beneficiaries in the first quarter by online system.

Disclosing this here today, Punjab Public Works Minister Sharanjit Singh Dhillon said crediting online payments was successfully running in the whole state.

He said through this recently implemented system of online payments to various departments, authorities, besides salaries of government officials/employees, Ludhiana district has credited about Rs 372 crore in a short span of three months.

Dhillon said the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) has been monitoring the system of online payments from its inception on April 1, 2013, and Punjab has become the country’s first state to start this programme.

He said all government payments from April 1 were being deposited directly in the bank accounts of concerned departments and authorities.

Dhillon said in Ludhiana district, 1,46,319 people were directly benefited with this scheme.

According to information, in Ludhiana treasury, the total amount disbursed was Rs 301.87 crore and the number of beneficiaries was 1,10,779. In Jagraon treasury, the total amount disbursed was Rs 38.2 crore and the number of beneficiaries was 12,780. In Khanna, Rs 20.77 crore was disbursed to 8,716 beneficiaries. Similarly, in Raikot treasury, the total amount of Rs 16.49 crore was distributed. In Samrala, the total amount disbursed was Rs 15.58 crore and the number of beneficiaries was 6,793.

Ludhiana, August 19
A book titled “Sikhs in World War-I” was released at Ramgarhia Girls College. The book, penned by Bhupinder Singh Holland, is a historical account of the role Sikhs played during World War-I.

SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar released the book. He proposed to purchase 1,000 copies of the book to donate to various Sikh libraries, gurdwaras, embassies and Sikh institutions around the world.

Bhupinder Singh Holland had earlier written books like “How Europe in Indebted to Sikhs”, “Role of Sikhs in Europe during World War-I 1914-1918”, “Role of Sikhs in Europe during World War-II 1939-1945” and “The Dutch Sikhs-A Brief History”.

The book has been published by Ranjodh Singh’s publication House, Wisdom Collection. The next book by Bhupinder Singh Holland about the role of “Sikhs in World War II” would be published by the SGPC.

During the book release function, SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar proposed to donate Rs 1 lakh to the college. He is a staunch supporter of women education, he said.

Ranjodh Singh, president, Ramgarhia Educational Council, said it was an honour for his publication house to publish the encyclopedic work of the Sikh history.

Ludhiana, August 19
Irked over the promotion policy, veterinary officers working in the Animal Husbandry Department, Punjab, boycotted the ongoing cattle census, cattle insurance and field work in the villages of the state from today.

The Punjab State Veterinary Officers Association has decided not to perform these duties in the protest of the government's decision on changing the promotion policy.

There are around 750 veterinary officers working in the Animal Husbandry Department in the state.

Gulzar Singh Ranike, Minister of Animal and Husbandry Department, has asked veterinary officials to visit the rural areas thrice a week and interact with farmers.

The veterinary officers have been facing inconvenience in this job so they have decided to boycott it.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government has initiated the cattle insurance and census of animals in the state.

“The department has adopted one cadre system for the promotion of veterinary officers. But instead of placement, the government is going to start promotion channel system. So, we have decided to boycott some work. We will organise protest rally at Minister Gulzar Singh Ranike's resident in Amritsar,” Ashok Sharma, president, Punjab State Veterinary Officers Association.

Ludhiana, August 19
The mobile wing of the Excise and Taxation Department today seized 85 consignments from the railway station.

The consignments were coming from Delhi and consisted mainly of hosiery and electronic goods.

“We have seized 85 parcels from the railway station, which were coming from Delhi and were without bills. The verification of the goods will be done tomorrow. Then, we will come to know about the exact value of the goods,” said Jaskaran Brar, AETC, Mobile Wing.

Ludhiana, August 19
Lakhwinder Singh got the better of Amit Bhasin 21-11, 21-17 to book a place in the semifinals in the men's section on the penultimate day of the Ludhiana Open District Badminton Championship being played at Shastri Badminton Hall near Guru Nanak Stadium here today.

Chanpreet Singh toiled hard to outwit Gurbaksh Singh in three sets 21-14, 11-21 and 21-18, while Puneetinder Singh overpowered Akash Mahajan 21-9, 21-18 and Anand Tiwari defeated Raghav Aggarwal 21-8, 21-11 to complete the semi final line up.

The quarter final matches in the boys’ U-19 category, too, turned out to be a well fought. Surya Goel along with Mitash Jain, Sanath Jain and Sachin Kumar registered victories in their respective matches to earn berths in the last four stage.

Surya beat Lalit (21-11, 21-11); Mitash outclassed Aditya Gupta (21-17, 21-13); Sanath sweat it out to edge out Amit Bhasin (17-21, 21-17 and 21-12) while Sachin Kumar outplayed Guranjan Singh (21-9, 21-11).

Other results: Boys’ doubles (U-17) quarterfinal: Mitash Gandhi and Dhruv Vashisht bt Kashish Gupta and Paramveer Singh (21-7, 21-14); Arpit Vaid and Lakshya Singla bt Aayush Gupta and Rohan Dhanda (20-22, 21-8 and 21-16); Rachit Gupta and Kushfateh bt Kapil Puri and Raghav Pabbi (21-11, 21-19); Adiya Gupta and Shubham Kukreja bt Vigish Vohra and Rahul Chopra (21-13, 21-17).

Girls’ singles (U-10) semifinal: Arunima Pal bt Navleen Kaur (22-20, 19-21 and 21-4); Somaya Jain bt Manya Oswal (21-15, 21-14).

Girls’ singles (U-13) semifinal: Simanjit Kaur bt Manmeet Kaur (21-10, 21-15); Prerna Dawar bt Tanvi Kaushal (21-10, 21-7).

Girls’ singles (U-17) semifinal: Aditi Mahajan bt Dhriti Vohra (21-7, 21-11); Simranjit Kaur bt Neha Rani (21-8, 21-17).

Girls’ doubles (U-10) semifinal: Somaya Jain and Arunima bt Bhavneet Kaur and Diksha Sharma (21-2, 21-4); Navleen and Manya Oswal bt Samridhi Bhardwaj and Palika Jain (21-16, 21-5).

Girls’ doubles (U-13) semifinal: Simranjit Kaur and Prerna Dawar bt Shreya Bhatia and Simar Saluja (21-4, 21-12); Suvidhi Jain and Tanvi Kaushal bt Manmeet Kaur and Manroop Kaur (21-11, 21-17).

Boys' singles (U-10) semifinal: Jasmehar Birdi bt Chirag Sharma (21-16, 19-21 and 21-15); Lakshya Sharma bt Arman Jain.

Boys' singles (U-13) semifinal: Agrim Kapila bt Lakshya Sharma (21-18, 21-14); Arsh Gupta bt Sanidhya (21-19, 17-21 and 21-19).

Ludhiana, August 19
Trials to select probables for the Ludhiana cricket team (senior) will be held at the Arya College ground here on August 21 from 4.15 pm onwards.

Vinod Chitkara, honorary general secretary, Ludhiana District Cricket Association, said the district squad would be selected from these probables to take part in the upcoming Punjab State Inter-District Cricket Tournament for Katoch Shield.