B A T H I N D A    E D I T I O N

9 Faridkot jail inmates get remission in sentence
Faridkot, November 1
Nine life-time prisoners were released ahead of the completion of their sentence from Faridkot Central Jail today. The authorities concerned wanted them to celebrate Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas with their family members after a long time.

Month on, no action against doc found running ‘pvt clinic’
Muktsar, October 31
It has been more than a month since the "private clinic" of a former Senior Medical Officer (SMO), Gidderbaha, was sealed by the district administration, but except for transferring him the authorities concerned have not taken any action.

Jakhar gets onions as Diwali gift
Abohar, November 1
BJP Yuva Morcha workers marched to the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Sunil Jakhar’s residence here today. They offered packed onions as Diwali gift to the CLP leader.

Nabha palace sale case
BJP state chief meets accused at police station
Patiala, November 1
Punjab BJP President Kamal Sharma today allegedly visited a police station in Nabha to meet a key accused in the erstwhile Nabha king's palace sale case.

Bid to encroach on forest land, 3 booked
Ferozepur, November 1
Three persons have been booked on the charge of making an attempt to encroach upon forest land near Bhagwanpur village along the Left Marginal Bund in this region.

9 Faridkot jail inmates get remission in sentence
Balwant Garg
Tribune News Service

Faridkot, November 1
Nine life-time prisoners were released ahead of the completion of their sentence from Faridkot Central Jail today. The authorities concerned wanted them to celebrate Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas with their family members after a long time.

The jail authorities decided to release these prisoners before the completion of their term keeping in view the good conduct of these prisoners, said Jail Superintendent Kulwinder Singh.

As per the Punjab Government's policy issued on July 8, 1991, a life convict becomes eligible for premature release after completing 10 years in jail. Keeping in view the good conduct of some prisoners who were close to completion of their jail term, the Faridkot jail authorities had sent the request for premature release of these prisoners as per the policy provisions.

Bandi Chhor Divas is important for all Sikhs as this day is celebrated with Diwali. On this day, Guru Hargobind, the sixth Guru, was released from prison with 52 other princes in 1619. Guru Hargobind was imprisoned by Mughal emperor Jahangir. Sikhs celebrated the return of the Guru by lighting lamps at the Golden Temple.

This tradition continues till today.

Prisoners who were released here today were Gurmeet Singh, Hari Singh (who were granted three-month remission in their jail term), Gurjant Singh (15 days remission), Sukhdev Singh (21 days remission), Buta Singh (one-month remission), Jagdish Rai, Gobind Singh, Hakam Singh (four weeks remission each) and Gurmukh Singh (6 weeks remission).

Month on, no action against doc found running ‘pvt clinic’
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Muktsar, October 31
It has been more than a month since the "private clinic" of a former Senior Medical Officer (SMO), Gidderbaha, was sealed by the district administration, but except for transferring him the authorities concerned have not taken any action.

On September 19, the family members of a Gidderbaha resident, Jagsir Singh, had lodged a complaint with the district administration wherein they alleged that Jagsir, who complained of chest pain, had visited Dr Hari Narain's house. The doctor conducted an ECG and gave him some medicine with an advice to take rest, but he died within a few minutes. They had even lodged a protest seeking action against the doctor by placing the body on road.

Thereafter, the local Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) KS Raj went to inspect the site and sealed the ground floor of Dr Hari Narain's house.

He had even found an ECG machine, three beds, medicines and some other equipment there.

Speaking to The Tribune, Muktsar Civil Surgeon Dr Gulshan Rai said, "The district administration has submitted a report stating that there were ample evidences which established that the doctor was doing private practice. The report has been sent to higher officials. We had transferred Dr Hari Narain about a fortnight ago. Further action will be taken by the higher ups after following the legal procedure."

SDM KS Raj, when contacted, said he was awaiting some more information, which he was about to get, to conclude the probe and file a detailed report. Earlier, Dr Hari Narain Singh had refused to comment in this regard.

Jakhar gets onions as Diwali gift
Our Correspondent

Abohar, November 1
BJP Yuva Morcha workers marched to the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Sunil Jakhar’s residence here today. They offered packed onions as Diwali gift to the CLP leader.

Led by district president Vinod Jangid and secretary Sikander Kapoor, the party workers raised slogans blaming the Congress-led UPA Government for skyrocketing prices of onions, tomatoes and other vegetables, which formed essential part of daily meals. Protesters said the UPA was under political compulsions to defer action against the hoarders and powerful lobby of onion growers.

Jangid said the protest was in response to state-wide call given by the party.

Nabha palace sale case
BJP state chief meets accused at police station
Aman Sood
Tribune News Service

Patiala, November 1
Punjab BJP President Kamal Sharma today allegedly visited a police station in Nabha to meet a key accused in the erstwhile Nabha king's palace sale case.

The BJP president's visit was kept under wraps by the local police. The SHO concerned refused to comment on the issue.

The police had arrested Om Parkash Jindal and Vikas Jindal in the case, wherein 'Hira Mahal' was sold by the revenue officials, who allegedly tampered with records in lieu of money.

"The two are considered close to BJP leaders and some RSS bigwigs," claimed a senior SAD leader.

Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) HS Mann said he would verify the facts from the police station as only family members of the accused could meet them after taking requisite permission. "The BJP president is not allowed to meet the accused inside the police station," he said.

Bid to encroach on forest land, 3 booked

Ferozepur, November 1
Three persons have been booked on the charge of making an attempt to encroach upon forest land near Bhagwanpur village along the Left Marginal Bund in this region.

The accused have been identified as Ujagar Singh, Gurmukh Singh and Sattu Singh, all belonging to Bahadur Singh Wala village.

The complaint in this connection was lodged by Forest Range Officer Rashpal Singh, who alleged that the accused set the plants afire and thereafter, tried to usurp forest land. The accused also felled the trees erected on the land, the forest official said, adding that even the forest staff was mistreated and threatened by them. Police officials said one of the accused has been arrested while others were still on the run. — OC