Chandigarh, November 2
The PGIMER has given a clean chit to a doctor for allegedly using counterfeit brain shunt during brain surgery leading to an infant’s death.

The PGI ordered an inquiry after advocate and social activist Pankaj Chandgothia filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission, New Delhi, alleging large-scale malpractice at the PGI and medical stores.

The inquiry committee consisted head of department of plastic surgery Prof RK Sharma, Prof Anil Bhalla, Dr Rajesh Chabbra and Niranjan Singh.

Administrative officer Niranjan Singh filed a reply on behalf of the PGI stating that the shunt used during the surgery was original.

The committee stated that a show-cause notice for the termination of licence of the medical store was served on M/s Baby Care Chemist.

Chandgothia cited the case of the infant, who allegedly died due to fake shunt sold by M/s Baby Care Chemist. He alleged that the PGI had failed to check the fleecing of patients and attendants and even the sale of spurious and substandard medicines on its premises.

Prof Ram Samujh, the then acting head of department of paediatric surgery, had written to the PGI Director on April 8 accusing the chemist of selling the duplicate shunt. He stated that the shunt, which was used on the infant on April 2 by senior resident Dr Muneer, was not original.

The infant became the victim of the alleged counterfeit brain shunt inserted during the surgery at PGI on April 2.

The infant underwent surgery as the extra fluid had accumulated in the brain and doctors planned to insert a shunt. A shunt is a narrow tube that allows excess cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) that has built up inside the skull to drain out into another part of the body such as the heart or abdomen. 

Mohali, November 2
Three persons, including a policeman, were killed road accidents. Head constable Jaspal Singh died when he and his colleague constable Jagdeep Singh were on a patrolling duty on a motorcycle. Last night. The policemen were deputed at Phase XI police station.

The policemen fell on the road after their motorcycle hit a boulder on the road.

They were shifted to the PGI where Jaspal Singh breathed his last. He had suffered a head injury.

In another incident, a pedestrian, Hardyal Singh, a resident of Sector 71, died after being hit by a car on the airport road. He was shifted to the Phase VI Civil Hospital from where he was referred to the PGI. He died during the treatment.

Rajveer Singh, a resident of Sector 79, was killed after the cycle he was riding was hit by a truck near Landran village around 8 pm yesterday. Rajveer died on the spot. 

Panchkula, November 2
The highly-decomposed body of a 27-year-old man was found in a bed box at a flat in Mansa Devi Complex, Sector 5, Panchkula, this evening.

Burnt charcoal was also found near the body. A 20-page suicide note was found from the victim’s room, who was identified as Dinesh. He was working in a private company in Mansa Devi Complex. The police suspects that the victim committed suicide.

The body has been sent for post-mortem to the Sector 6 General Hospital. The police said the body seemed to be 10 days old. A police official said the victim might have tried to commit suicide by hanging himself as a rope was found hanging from a ceiling fan.

The incident came to light after neighbours complained of foul smell emanating from the flat. The house was locked from inside.

A tray of burnt charcoal was also found in the bed box. According to the preliminarily investigations, it has been found that youth tried to commit suicide by hanging from the ceiling fan, but after an unsuccessful attempt, he put some coal in the tray and kept it inside the bed box. He lied in the bed box and closed it,” said SHO, MDC police station, Balwant Singh.

The suicide note indicated that Dinesh was under depression as he was unsuccessful in love.

The victim, a resident of Moga, was putting up in a rented accommodation at Mansa Devi Complex. 

Chandigarh, November 2
The police has arrested a person and recovered eight two-wheelers and a car from his possession.

The accused, an auto-rickshaw mechanic, used to abandon the vehicles after using them. In-charge of the crime branch inspector Ranjodh Singh said the accused, Gursewak Singh, was arrested ner Colony Number 5 following a tip-off.
The accused, who hails from Ganganagar in Rajasthan, was working at the motor market in Sector 48.
The police said the accused used to steal vehicles to maintain his lavish lifestyle. After using the vehicles, he used to abandon them in free parking lots.

The police also recovered seven motorcycles, a scooter and a car. The accused has been sent to the police remand till November 3. 

Chandigarh, November 2
The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has failed to keep its promise. Though the MC authorities claimed that they will make all streetlights functional in the city before Diwali, but many sectors are still in the dark.

At the electricity committee meeting of the MC last month, officials claimed that city residents would be greeted to a bright Diwali. The officials had claimed that all streetlight points would be made functional ahead of the festival of lights.

However, most of the lights are still non-functional, especially in southern part of the city. The situation is somewhat better in northern sectors.

BJP councillor and chairman of the electricity committee Rajesh Gupta said he found 70 per cent of the streetlights non-functional in the southern sectors, including Sector 48, 49, 50 and 43. The situation was similar in Sector 26 and Bapudham Colony, he added.

For the past few days, MC officials were busy in repairing streetlights in Sector 17 where MP Pawan Kumar Bansal inaugurated an overbridge.

Rajinder Pandey, a resident of Sector 44, said it had become difficult to drive on roads due to non-functional streetlights. Rather than focusing only in the VVIP areas, the MC should repair non-functional streetlights of the southern sectors, he added. 

Mohali, November 2
Decked-up markets liven up balmy evenings. On the eve of Diwali, residents were seen flocking to markets.

They do not mind splurging, no matter how exorbitant the prices of merchandise are. The most crowded were the Phase VII, Phase IIIB2 and Phase V markets.

It is that time of the year when vendors make a healthy profit. “I earned Rs 10,000 today. People cannot avoid buying the essentials," said Sukhpreet Singh, who set up a makeshift stall to sell paintings and other decorative items.

Radha Rani, who was selling decorative lights, candles and artificial flowers at a stall in the Phase VII market, said she had earned good money in the past two days. “As people have got their salary, the sales have gone up," she said.

A businessmen dealing in electrical good was disappointed. “As compared to last year, the business had witnessed a 40 per cent slump," said Swarn Singh.

Most of the shopkeepers in the town were happy with the fact that residents of the town had started shopping from the local markets. “Earlier, most of the people preferred going to Chandigarh but now they buy stuff from here," said Sarabjit Singh, president of Phase VII Market Association. 

Chandigarh, November 2
Encroachments in parking lots led to chaos on city roads. With the Municipal Corporation failing to check the violations, long queues of vehicles were seen on roads opposite markets.

The chaotic areas were Sectors 17, 22, 15, 18, 19, 20, 27, 34, 35, 46 and 37. The authorities failed to designate sites while giving permission to shopkeepers for setting up stalls.

The parking lots have turned into a make-shift market. Shoppers in large numbers thronged the city markets. While many parked their vehicles on roads leading, there were a few who parked cars in residential areas and walked to the markets.

Police personnel had a tough time regulating traffic as there was no parking space. The traffic police were seen advising the visitors not to park vehicles on roads, however, their efforts proved futile.

Gurmukh Singh, SHO, Sector 11 police station, said he had written to the MC Commissioner, apprising him of the violations in the parking lots of Sector 15, but to no avail.

Komaldeep Kaur, a visitor to Sector 19, stated that lack of coordination between the MC and the police department had led to the chaos. "The MC should keep a check on encroachments in the parking lots and also provide a list of shopkeepers to the police," she said. 

Chandigarh, November 2
Inflation may have played a havoc with the plans of residents, but it has failed to deter them from throwing gambling parties.

In the past many days, the city has witnessed several such parties, often held in close quarters. AS per insiders, betting is done with high stakes on Diwali.

Not all parties are the same. Some people gamble for money while the others play for fun and entertainment.

Vinod Verma said he played for the sake of fun. "We have kept Rs 1 lakh for tomorrow," he said.

'Teen Patti' or flash, involving three playing cards, has been around for years. This year, people are playing flash with AK-46 and AK-56.

A city-based industrialist, Ashish, said in AK-46 game, if one got an ace, a king, a four or a six, the card is assumed as a joker. AK-56 also works in a similar fashion.

Industrialist Sumit Trehan said the gambling parties began in the city a fortnight ago. "We play with friends," he said. He said he was already Rs 2 lakh up and hoped for good returns tomorrow.

A city resident, Adarsh, said since the stakes could go high during gambling, they would not play a game exceeding an amount of Rs 5,000. He said the motive was not to earn money but to celebrate Diwali.

In professional parties, there is no upper limit. Glassi (dice game) and 'maang patta' are popular games. 

Chandigarh, November 2
City hospitals have braced up to deal with emergencies. Government hospitals and the PGI have reworked the rosters.

Doctors have been asked not to leave the city. The PGI has put doctors on emergency duty at the Advanced Eye Centre.

At Government Multi-Speciality Hospital (GMSH-16), eye specialists will be on duty round the clock. Besides, a dermatologist, an ophthalmologist and an ortho surgeon will be on alert.

Deputy Medical Superintendent of the GMSH Dr G Diwan said adequate medicines had been supplied to the Emergency. Three ambulances had also been deployed, he stated. He said a burn unit comprising three rooms will be put to use in case of emergency.

At Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, 12 senior doctors will attend to patients. The hospital's spokesperson said after giving first aid, the case will be referred to the respective department. 

Chandigarh, November 2
Taking cognizance of the forthcoming winter season in the region, which are usually very foggy, VK Gupta, General Manager, Northern Railways, today held a meeting to inspect the arrangements with the divisional officers of the Ambala Division. The General Manager stressed upon the need to make security arrangements and safety measures keeping in view, the ongoing festival rush and forthcoming winter season.

He said special emphasis must be laid on making efforts to minimise accidents at unmanned level crossing.

During the meeting, the GM also reviewed the performance of the Ambala Division and action plan for remedial measures in the grey areas were also discussed. The officials of the division said that the division was heading towards the target given 
to them.

He also instructed the officials that there should be early finalisation of medical de-categorised cases, settlement cases and compassionate ground appointments.

Besides this, Divisional Railway Manager, AK Kathpal, briefed about the issues which required assistance from the zonal railway headquarters.

The GM also released the first edition of quarterly Hindi newsletter named “Ambala Darpan”, featuring the achievements and innovations of the Ambala Division in the last three months.

Chandigarh, November 2
A motorist has to think twice before commuting on roads leading to the city railway station. In a dire need of repairs, the roads have been a victim of apathy and neglect.

The authorities are busy giving a facelift to the railway station are least bothered as far as the condition of roads are concerned.

Passengers have to walk towards the bus stop located nearby. The roads are full of potholes and the passengers face a tough time crossing these.

During rainy season, water accumulates on the roads, obstructing the vehicular movement.

The slip road also needs to be re-carpeted. It becomes difficult for residents to commute on the slushy road.The worst affected are the two-wheeler riders.

Potholes and caved in portions of the road are a testimony to the negligence. Chandigarh station superintendent Parveen Kumar said the repair work had been outsourced. He said the the roads would be re-carpeted soon.

Ritu Verma, IT professional, said it was sad that the authorities had failed to upgrade infrastructure and provide basic amenities to the passengers. She said their repeated pleas had fallen on deaf ears. She travels by Shatabdi twice a week and has been complaining about the pitiable conditions of the roads leading to the railway station, but to no avail.

She said the authorities only knew to wash their hands of responsibility. 

Chandigarh, November 2
Now, the municipal corporation will give compensation to the 17 truck owners, whose trucks were torched by village residents near Gurgaon, during the shifting of stray cattle from the city to gaushala to Barsana in UP.

On August 30, angry village residents near Gurgaon had set 17 trucks of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation on fire. They were carrying 195 stray cattle from Chandigarh to Barsana Gaushala in Mathura. The locals mistook them as cattle smugglers and went on a rampage and attacked them after off-loading the animals.

To seek compensation, truck owners had written to the MC Commissioner and the Mayor, thereafter, the agenda to provide compensation was tabled in the monthly house meeting of the municipal corporation on October 31.

Though no discussion takes place on the agenda, but it was passed after the majority votes of the Congress and nominated councillors.

An MC official said that MC House had passed the agenda and now the same would be forwarded to the UT Administration for final approval. As soon as they will receive the conformation from the Administration, they will provide compensation to the truck owners, he added.

Earlier, the truck owners had put the blame on MC officials for changing the route. They had maintained that the route was changed at the last moment by the officials of the municipal corporation. The drivers of the truck carrying the cattle had claimed that earlier the Chandigarh-Delhi-Barsana route was finalized, but at the last moment the officials told us to take the Gurgaon-Jhajjar route, which was unsafe due to volatile atmosphere in the area. Ultimately, the trucks were damaged.

Mohali, November 2
The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) is yet to act against a developer, who has constructed booths on the land acquired by GMADA for laying the Phases V and VI Kajauli Water Works pipeline at New Morinda.

He has developed a colony, Darpan Enclave, on both the sides of the 50 feet wide land strip (acquired for Kajauli Water Works pipelines by GMADA).

He has also constructed 11 booths on a part of the land strip.

The developer has also also allotted plots adjoining the land strip. As per norms, there must be a distance of at least 8 feet between two deep digging foundations.

The issue was highlighted in these columns on September 23 following which a report of violations was prepared by GMADA officials. But no notice in this connection has been issued to the developer so far.

An officials of GMADA said the encroachment would affect the Rs 150 crore project of laying Phases V and VI pipelines.

The deadline for the completion of the project is August 31, 2014.

“This can delay the project," said another official, admitting that no notice had been issued to the encroacher so far.

Of the total 50 feet land strip in question, a total of 33 feet has been used for Phases III and IV pipeline and for Phases V and VI pipeline, only a strip of 17 feet has been left.

“We are left with only 12 feet land. The pipeline cannot be laid without removing the encroachments," said the official. 

Chandigarh, November 2
Over 100 students from Ladakh, North East states and countries like Thailand and Bhutan, presented cultural show here at Tagore Theatre in Sector 18, here today.

Organised by the Ladakh student Association and the Sangey Menla Trust, Chandigarh, in association with the city-based NGO Yuvsatta, the cultural show saw students showing cultural diversity in India through their folk dance.

The cultural show had dances from Sikkim, Ladakh, Manipur and other North East states. All those who performed are studying in city colleges and universities, said Jigmet Angchok, president of the Ladakh Students' Association. The main purpose of the association was to connect with people of different cultures and bring more awareness about India's far-off boarder states, he said. "To add international touch, we also invited students of Bhutan and Thailand to perform along with us to give the message of wider cultural collaboration," he said. The crowd appreciated the effort of the organisers. 

Chandigarh, November 2
Diwali, the festival of lights, spread joy across various schools of the tricity. Environmental concern took the centre stage, as students pledged not to spread noise and air pollution. While the festivities began a week ago at most of the schools, the eve, today, saw their culmination, with students and staff leaving to celebrate the day with their near and dear ones tomorrow.

GHS-Dadu Majra

Government High School, Dadu Majra, organised various competitions as part of Diwali celebrations. Students presented a colourful cultural programme on the theme of “Save Environment, Green Diwali”. Dish-making competition and best-out-of-waste competition were also organised.

Tribune Model School

Tribune Model School, Sector 29-D, organised anti-crackers rally. Students were told about the ill-effects of firecrackers, including air and noise pollution.

Sharda Sarvhitkari School

In keeping with the festive spirit, Sharda Sarvhitkari Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 40-D, organised diya, rangoli and card-making competitions. An exhibition was organised to showcase the talent of these budding artists. The children carried placards bearing slogans such as “Do Not Pollute Environment” and “No Crackers”. The children were encouraged to imbibe the spirit of festival and spread the message of a clean and pollution-free Diwali.

DAV Model School

Students took part in weeklong festivities at DAV Model School, Sector 15-A. They displayed their talent in mehndi application, rangoli design, card making, diya and thali decoration, recitation and declamation contests. On the concluding day, teacher trainees presented dances, songs and a small skit based on Diwali. The principal congratulated the students and the staff.

MDAV School

An exhibition was held on the premises of MDAV School, Sector 22. Students actively participated in different events. They made pooja thalis, diyas and candles.

GSSS-Dhanas

A weeklong awareness program was carried out by the NSS volunteers and Eco Club students of Government Senior Secondary School, Dhanas, as a part of the Diwali celebrations. A rally was taken out in Dhanas and adjoining colonies to sensitise people to the need to save environment by not bursting crackers.

Banyan Tree School

An inter-house art and craft competition was conducted for Classes I to X at Banyan Tree School, Sector 48. The main purpose of the contest was to develop the creative abilities of students. The competition was divided into four categories: card making for Classes I and II, diya decoration for Classes III to V, rangoli making for Classes VI to VIII and poster making for the seniormost students on the topic “Green Diwali”.

Kids-R-Kids School

Kids-R-Kids School, Sector 42, held an inter-house rangoli-making competition on the school premises. Students covered every corridor and entrance with colourful patterns with the help of saw dust, rice flour, sequins, diyas, and footprints of Goddess Lakshmi.

GHS-32

Peace Club of Government High School, Sector 32-D, administered oath to students against bursting crackers. Students pledged not to pollute the environment. A rally was organised at the Sector 32 Market. Students staged a street play on the ill-effects of gambling and drinking.

GMSSS-20

Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 20, organised painting, poster-making and slogan-writing competitions as part of the anti-cracker campaign. As many as 200 students from Class VI to XII participated in the events.

Bal Niketan

Bal Niketan, Sector 37, organised Diwali with a lot of fanfare. Students presented various items such as dance, plays and speeches. A rally was also organised by the school to spread the message of a safe and pollution-free Diwali.

St Xavier's High School

Panchkula: A rangoli-making competition was organised in the junior wing of St Xavier's High School. The children came up with various vibrant and innovative ideas.

New India Smart School

A short skit showing ill-effects of crackers was presented during the morning assemble at New India Smart Senior Secondary School, Sector 15. Diya-making, drawing and candle-decoration competitions were held.

Jainendra Public School

Jainendra Public School organised various activities to boost the festive mood. Various activities organised on the day included diya, thali, and candle decoration besides designing door hangings and greeting cards. All the items prepared by the children were put on sale. Staff members and students whole heartedly purchased the items, the proceeds of which were donated to an orphanage.

Mount Litera Zee School

Diwali was celebrated on the campus of Mount Litera Zee School with zest and religious fervour. Students were told about the importance of the festival. They were told not to burst crackers and celebrate the festival peacefully.

Ashmah School

Mohali: Ashmah International School organised an anti-cracker campaign. The students as well as residents were educated on the ill-effects of bursting crackers. They were told to celebrate with candles and sweets.

learning the traditions

The tiny tots of Eurokids, a pre-school at Sector 18, celebrated Diwali with fervour. During the weeklong festivities, children took part in various activities. A potter, using a wheel, showed the children how clay took shape to form beautiful diyas.

Chandigarh, November 2
Stage is all set for the engineering entrance exams next year. The date of JEE (Advanced) is already out. As per the JEE (Advanced) website, the exam will be held on May 25, 2014. It will include two papers—the first to be held from 9 am to 12 pm, and second from 2 pm to 5 pm.

The questions will be multiple-choice type, which will test comprehension, reasoning and analytical ability of candidates.

The date of JEE (Main) 2014 is expected to be out in another two weeks, according to the latest circular of the Central Board of Secondary Education. It mentions that Gujarat, Maharashtra and Odisha will conduct no separate state-level entrance examination next year, and will use the JEE (Main) score.

As per the circular, the detailed information will be available on www.jeemain.nic.in by the second week of this month.

The JEE (Main), which replaced the All-India Engineering Entrance Examination (AIEEE) last year, will be held for admission to NITs, other centrally funded technical institutes and institutes under several participating state governments. Around 1.5 lakh successful candidates will appear for the JEE (Advanced) to seek admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). It will be conducted by the joint admission board of the IITs.