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assembly in session
Badal for special court to look into anti-Sikh riots
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Resolution seeks more jobs for Punjabis in Army
Muktsar villages most pampered
Capt to launch anti-Badal drive on Jat quota issue
Kejri vows help to Kutch farmers
Congress in fix over Gurdaspur candidate
Congress MLA may join SAD
Leaders favouring builders: Panel chief
Police officers from outside state to act as observers
Villagers nab head constable, two aides for felling trees
Need to dig facts before dubbing
Govt: DGP Saini allowed red beacon as he is equal to Army Chief
22 villages get nod to shut liquor vends
Graft case: Complainant turns hostile
Protest over ‘bungling’ in list of blue card holders in Jalalabad
Punjabi shot dead in the Philippines
Man stabs compatriot
in Britain
Kidney scam: Bail for five doctors
Govt order shifting employee nearing retirement quashed
Employee cannot seek promotion from the day vacancy arises: HC
Insurance company penalised
SAD leader’s son held for firing at dera man
Singer Basra found dead in Phagwara hotel room
Matrimonial dispute: 20 rounded up
Man shot dead
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assembly in session
Chandigarh, March 6 The Congress legislators were protesting the alleged anti-employee policies of the state government and selective telecast of the Assembly session with the speeches by Opposition MLAs being blacked out. Pandemonium prevailed in the House earlier after Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal said that he had received “inside information” from the Congress camp that the Opposition MLAs were planning a walkout. The Opposition benches raised a hue and cry, accusing the government of snooping on them either through phone-tapping or the CID. “It’s our prerogative to walk out of the Assembly if we disagree with government policies. The Chief Minister must explain how he knew the Congress is planning a walkout. It seems the government machinery is keeping track of the activities of the Opposition MLAs. The Chief Minister should also inform the House about his source of information,” said Jakhar. Badal had asked the Congress MLAs “not to run away from the debate”. He said the Congress MLAs should listen to his reply on the Governor's address, just as he had heard the Opposition. Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal also asked the Opposition “not to run away from a meaningful debate”. "A debate in the House cannot be one-sided," he said. During the Zero Hour, Opposition MLAs Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa (Fatehgarh Churian seat), Gurkirat Kotl (Khanna), Kuljit Nagra (Fatehgarh Sahib), Amarinder Singh Raja Warring (Gidderbaha) and Ashwani Sekhri (Batala) raised issues concerning their constituencies. It was then that Jakhar raised the issue of several contractual employees, including those in the Home Guard, getting a pittance as salary. He said employees had taken to streets in several parts of Punjab over the alleged anomalies in the salary structure and non-payment of dues. As the Treasury benches chose to not pay much heed, the Congress MLAs started raising slogans in the House and staged a walkout. While the Congress MLAs raised slogans against the government calling it “Karamchari Maaru Sarkar Murdabad”, the Treasury benches led by Inderbir Singh Bolaria (Amritsar-South MLA), Virsa Singh Valtoha (Khemkaran MLA) and Revenue Minister Bikram Majithia raised “Walkout Party Murdabad” slogans against the Congress. The Opposition MLAs returned after some time. During the debate on the Governor's address, Congress MLA Charanjit Singh Channi raised the issue of a PRTC employee attempting self-immolation in Kapurthala during a protest against the government. Channi was backed by other party MLAs. Jakhar also objected that while the speeches of the Chief Minister and other ruling party leaders were telecast live on television channels, those by Opposition leaders were blacked out. This led to another walkout -— this time not to return to the House for the remaining part of the day. Sidelights Channi blames 'putra moh' The calling attention notice by Congress MLA Charanjit Singh Channi on the failure of the government to provide effective healthcare to poor cancer patients and denial of promotion to SC employees saw the Treasury benches gunning for him. Channi said it was Dhritrashtra's "putra moh" that had led to the bloody battle in Mahabharata. His obvious reference was to the Badal family. The Akali and BJP MLAs objected to it, forcing Channi to retreat. Warring rebuffs Sukhbir's gesture Gidderbaha MLA Amarinder Singh Raja Warring took offence to the Deputy CM claiming that the former often spoke to him and was like his younger brother. At this , Chief minister Parkash Singh Badal said since his (Warring's) grandfather was an Akali, he treated Warring as his son, rather grandson. Jakhar evasive on Capt's absence CLP leader Sunil Jakhar, when asked if he was taking up the issue of former CM Capt Amarinder Singh not attending the House session, said every MLA was aware of his responsibilities. "The Akalis were dreading his presence in the Vidhan Sabha as he could have exposed them on Operation Bluestar and the 1984 riots by laying bare the truth. We will ask him what is his compulsion was for not attending the session," he said. Attack on three ministers The Congress MLAs today not only attacked ministers Anil Joshi (for his involvement in dual vote scam), Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia and Jails Minister Sarwan Singh Phillaur, but also accused the NDA leadership of betraying Punjabis and other minorities. They said NDA prime ministerial candidate had not withdrawn his government's SLP against Kutch Sikhs. None of the BJP ministers spoke and it was left to Jalandhar MLA (BJP) KD Bhandari and the CM to defend the BJP national leadership.
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Badal for special court to look into anti-Sikh riots
Chandigarh, March 6 Winding up the debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor's address, the Chief Minister said his party was also not averse to the setting up of a SIT (special investigation team). But, the SIT should only function under judicial supervision, he demanded. Badal said all closed case should be reopened and tried in fast-track courts to ensure speedy justice. He also demanded “adequate” compensation to the victims. Emphasising the need for setting up a “genuine” federal structure, he demanded states should be given more powers and financial autonomy for development works. He also demanded an early resolution of inter-state issues, including the transfer of Chandigarh and Punjabi speaking areas left out of the state to Punjab. He also raised the issue of river-water dispute and asked the Centre to settle this long pending issue as per the nationally and internationally accepted riparian principle without any delay. He also sought a special package to compensate for the losses suffered by Punjab following tax concessions to neighbouring states.
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Resolution seeks more jobs for Punjabis in Army
Chandigarh, March 6 The resolution was moved by Akali MLAs Darshan Singh Kotfatta and Maheshinder Singh. Legislators Ranjit Singh Dhillon and Daljit Singh Cheema, who too had moved the same resolution, had left the House when the issue came up for discussion. In the absence of any Opposition member, the Assembly decided not to go in for any discussion and passed the resolution unanimously. Maheshinder Singh said, “We had come prepared to show our dissatisfaction with the Centre over not recruiting Punjabis in the desired strength. History shows how bravely Punjabi soldiers have fought and sacrificed their lives for the national cause.” He said the Punjab Government should convey to the Centre that India should follow the US example of giving work, particularly related to an important sector like defence, only to “deserving” candidates. The Vidhan Sabha also passed a resolution moved by legislator Harpreet Singh to take up with the Centre the issue of global warming. None of the six other resolutions could be taken up as the members concerned had left the House. One of the six resolutions (moved by MLA Charanjit Channy) pertained to a policy for stopping stubble-burning. MLAs Navtej Singh Cheema, Sadhu Singh and Surinder Kumar Davar had sought reduction in power tariff on lines of Haryana and Delhi. Resolution passed *
Taking up with the Union Government the issue of global warming Not passed *
Policy for stopping stubble-burning * Reduction in power tariff on the lines of Haryana and Delhi
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Muktsar villages most pampered
Chandigarh, March 6 The MLA had sought information on funds released under various schemes in Doda, Kauni, Bhaliana, Madhir, Dhulkot and Daula villages of Gidderbaha between 2008- 2013. Taking up the issue during question hour, Rural Development Minister SS Rakhra said a sum of Rs 1.29 crore was released for Dhulkot; Rs 2.36 crore for Bhaliyana; Rs 1.58 crore for Madhir; Rs 1.23 crore for Daula; Rs 2.85 crore for Dauda and Rs 2.65 crore for Kauni. Warring said the government should order an audit as these funds were being misutilised. The minister said he would order an inquiry if he got a complaint. — TNS
Funds given (2008-13) * Dhulkot village: Rs 1.29 cr * Bhaliyana village: Rs 2.36 cr * Madhir village: Rs 1.58 cr * Daula village: Rs 1.23 cr * Dauda village: Rs 2.85 cr * Kauni village: Rs 2.65 cr
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Despite code, political
hoardings dot Muktsar
Muktsar, March 6 Though the Deputy Commissioner had yesterday held a meeting with the representatives of various political parties and directed them to remove their posters and banners, the latter seem to be in mood to relent. Be it national highway or any main road of the town, hoardings, stickers and posters of political parties are still visible in Malout, Muktsar, Gidderbaha and Lambi assembly constituencies, which fall in Ferozepur, Faridkot and Bathinda parliamentary constituencies. The pictures of the Chief Minister on reverse osmosis water treatment plants are also yet to be covered at some places. Similarly, overhead water tanks painted blue and yellow (colours associated with the SAD) are yet to be covered.
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Capt to launch anti-Badal drive on Jat quota issue
Chandigarh, March 6 Addressing a press conference here, he said owing to the delay, Jats and Sikh Jat in the state would not get reservation in government jobs. With the poll code in force, the decision could not be implemented at the Central Government level. He said the Punjab Cabinet had declared Jats as BCs only hours before the General Election was declared and the poll code enforced. This was deliberate and meant to befool the
Jats. He said had the Badal Government taken this decision early February, the Centre would have included Punjab Jats in the BC list as it had done in the case of Jats in nine other states. This would have benefited small and marginal farmers.
Amarinder Singh pointed out that other states, such as Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar
Pradesh, had completed all formalities well in time. The Jats in these states had now become eligible for reservation under the BC category.
"Parkash Singh Badal purposely delayed the matter as he feared that I or the Congress would get all the credit and benefit from it," he alleged. He clarified that only poor Jats would be entitled to reservation in government jobs and educational institutions. "The reservation is not for the creamy layer," he said.
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Kejri vows help to Kutch farmers
Chandigarh, March 6 Another farmer Surinder Singh Bhullar, speaking on the phone from Gujarat, said no Sikh leader from Punjab had come to listen to their grievances. He said a group of 20 farmers had held talks with Kejriwal in secrecy for fear of BJP activists. Pirthi Singh said Sikh farmers had become emotional while talking to him because he noted every point raised by the farmers. “We told him that we pay between Rs 15000 to Rs 30,000 as electricity bill for two months to operate the tube wells with power motors in Gujarat”, said Pirthi Singh. “The power is just available for 8 hours in 24 hours”, he added. Advocate Himmat Singh Shergill, who is fighting the farmers’ case in the Supreme Court, said he too had a word with
Kejriwal.
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No differences over pact with Congress: Manpreet
Amritsar, March 6 Talking to the mediapersons after paying obeisance at the Golden Temple here, he denied any division within the Sanjha Morcha over talks with the Congress. He said he had been authorised by senior CPI leader AB Bardhan and SAD (Longowal) leader Surjit Singh Barnala to initiate parleys with the Congress. Manpreet said that unity among the Opposition parties was the need of the hour. "Our grassroots workers and central committee members were of the opinion that the Opposition needed to unite to halt the SAD-BJP juggernaut," he said. On his confidant Bhagwant Mann quitting the PPP over the issue, he said: "He was in favour of a tie-up with AAP, but the latter wanted us to disband the PPP and merge with party. I did not find any logic in it." Manpreet said the people of Bathinda wanted to see SAD's Harsimrat Badal defeated. He said Harsimrat was not an "ordinary" MP. She was the wife of the Deputy CM and daughter-in-law of the CM. Yet Bathinda had not benefited in any way. "She promised the moon to the electorate, but delivered nothing," he alleged. On the Congress role in Operation Bluestar and the 1984 riots, the PPP chief said justice was yet to be delivered to the riot victims. "There is also the court of the people and above all, the court of the Almighty " he added. On Navjot Singh Sidhu, who has been at loggerheads with the SAD leadership, Manpreet said: "I feel that Navjot has a clean image and people such as him are needed in politics." Alliance Sonia's decision: Capt Chandigarh: Former Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh today said the decision to forge an electoral alliance with PPP president Manpreet Badal was that of party president Sonia Gandhi. He said he was not interested in national politics and would not contest the Lok Sabha elections. Amarinder Singh said the PPP had got only 2 per cent of the total votes polled during the assembly elections, the remaining votes being that of the Left parties. “There is a strong undercurrent of anger against the SAD-BJP alliance and it would suffer a big setbacks in these elections,” he claimed. He said he was opposed to a CBI inquiry in the drugs case . " I want that the inquiry should be completed at the earliest and the guilty be brought to justice. Criminals do not belong to any party," he added. —Sarbjit Dhaliwal
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Congress in fix over Gurdaspur candidate
Gurdaspur, March 6 On the other hand, the BJP (the seat is with the saffron party, as per its seat-sharing arrangement with the SAD), is likely to announce its candidate on March 8. Sources claim the Congress would reveal its cards only after the BJP nominates its candidate. In 2009, Bajwa, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president, had defeated Bollywood star Vinod Khanna by a wafer thin margin of 4,000 votes. However, in view of the changed political permutations, Bajwa is reportedly not keen on re-contesting. He is also facing flak from some senior party leaders, including former Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, who want the PPCC chief to be the nominee. “He is the Congress state chief and like a good general, he should lead from the front. If he decides not to re-contest, a negative message will travel amongst our workers,” a senior party leader said. For his part, Bajwa refuses to entertain any queries on the issue and all he says is: “I will abide by the high command’s decision.” If Bajwa opts out, the onus may be on one of his loyalists -- Capt Kunwar Vikram Singh, a Delhi-based businessman. Capt Vikram, who runs a security agency with offices spread throughout the country, remained internal security adviser in 1990 when Chandra Shekhar was the Prime Minister. He is also the Chairman of the Security Sector Skill Development Council, which works directly under the Prime Minister’s Office. He contested the 1996 elections from the Hoshiarpur seat but lost by more than 45,000 votes. Before that, he took on former UP Chief Minister Mayawati from the same seat in 1992. He lost then too. The vice-chairman of Nehru Yuva Kendra, Amardeep Cheema, has also thrown his hat in the ring. Belonging to Batala, which forms a part of this parliamentary seat, he spent most of his time in New Delhi. Youth leaders Vikram Joshi, who was a contender for the Sujanpur Vidhan Sabha seat during the 2012 assembly elections, and Kartik Wadhera, who had been appointed AICC youth co-ordinator for the Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan elections, are also in the reckoning. Former Minister Raman Bhalla, despite losing the assembly election from Pathankot in the last polls by more than 20,000 votes, is also aspiring for the ticket from the constituency, which comprises nine assembly seats. Likely nominees *
Partap Singh Bajwa: Sitting MP and PPCC president * Capt Kunwar Vikram Singh: Delhi-based businessman, who lost from Hoshiarpur Lok Sabha seat in 1992, 1996 *
Amardeep Cheema: The vice-chairman of Nehru Yuva Kendra, he belongs to Batala *
Vikram Joshi: Was a contender for the Sujanpur Vidhan Sabha seat during the 2012 assembly elections *
Kartik Wadhera: Appointed AICC youth co-ordinator for Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan elections *
Raman Bhalla: A former minister, he lost the assembly election from Pathankot by 20,000 votes.
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Congress MLA may join SAD
Bathinda, March 6 Senior Congress leaders today held meetings with various party men to convince them into accepting the party's alliance with the Manpreet Badal-led PPP for the Bathinda seat. An unhappy Jeet Mohinder seems to have parted ways on the issue. He was recently in the news for his role in an alleged multi-crore investment scam. He was allegedly arrested by the Chandigarh Police but let off when brought to a local police station. Jeet Mohinder's proximity with the Badals is no secret. He has always acknowledged Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal as his ‘guru’. Talking to Tribune on the phone, he neither denied nor confirmed the development. “Badal Saheb brought me into politics. I hold him in high esteem. As of now, I am with the Congress. No one knows what happens tomorrow.”
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Leaders favouring builders: Panel chief Chandigarh, March 6 In a press release issued here, Kainth said among other realtors who enjoyed political patronage was NK Sharma who was also associated with the Pearl Group. While the Pearl Group had promoted kabaddi tournaments, the others donated huge funds to political parties. Kainth alleged there were reports that former Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh had also passed Rs 1,500 crore benefits to Kulwant Singh.
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Limit on carrying cash
Ludhiana: With the poll code coming into effect, withdrawing more than Rs 10 lakh from a bank will come under the I-T scanner, say official sources. Carrying more than Rs 10 lakh in cash and more than 1 kg gold at an airport can also land you in trouble. Any suspicious movement can be reported on phone No. 18001800690, which is a toll-free. —TNS 'Belan Brigade' Ludhiana: Members of the Mahattar Sathi Jagriti Manch and the Navkiran Women Welfare Association have formed a 'Belan Brigade'. The members will use the 'belan' to thrash those caught distributing liquor or drugs during campaigning. A helpline has been started by the organisations to make people aware of poll malpractices. A member of the Navkiran Women Welfare Association said they had asked all candidates to take a pledge not to use drugs and liquor to woo voters. — TNS Making a difference Ludhiana: VMad (v making a difference), a city-based organisation has launched an "I exist campaign". It is aimed at making people aware about their voting rights. Gauravdeep Singh, a member of the organisation, said any change in Ludhiana is possible only if the youth cast their ballot in these elections. "We will collect a database of 25,000-30,000 city youths and motivate them to vote. Our organisation will also help them get their voter cards," he said. — TNS
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Police officers from outside state to act as observers
Patiala, March 6 This practice will be followed in all states as per directions of the Election Commissioner of India. For a state like Punjab where the police are always accused of playing a partisan role by the Opposition, the move is bound to keep a check on violations during the poll. The practice was followed in last assembly elections in certain states, including Punjab, and it was a success. Sources said officers of the rank of DIG and above would be deployed. They would coordinate with district-level police officials and would also be in touch with the candidates of their area. The move aims at keeping a check on the movement of illegal liquor, drugs and money and making sure that the state police act against violators irrespective of their party affiliations. Confirming the development, Additional DGP (Election Cell), Punjab, CSR Reddy said the list of police observers was awaited. "We will have one IPS officer for every constituency, but we can post more officers in sensitive constituencies," he said. A source in the Election Commission said: "As many 25 police district SSPs would be asked to coordinate with the police observers and bring to their notice any issue pertaining to violation of the election code." At present, a majority of the SSPs in the state are PPS officers. The Congress has been demanding their replacement, including that of DGP Sumedh Singh Saini. The officials said a batch of officers would arrive here in a fortnight. These officers would get report from the SSP concerned on a daily basis. They said if an observer was not satisfied with the police functioning, he could demand deployment of central police force. EC move to ensure free and fair poll *
At least 24 senior IPS officers from other states will be deputed to monitor police functioning *
Officers of the rank of DIG and above will be deployed * They will coordinate with district-level police officials *
The move aims at keeping a check on the movement of illegal liquor, drugs and money *
The observers will make sure that the police act against violators irrespective of their party affiliations *
If an observer is not satisfied with the police functioning, he could seek deployment of central police force
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Villagers nab head constable, two aides for felling trees
Hoshiarpur, March 6 The villagers seized a car (i-20 with the registration no: PB-07AH-3431), a red beacon, a gun, six live cartridges, a saw and a few axes. The other accused have been identified as Vijay’s son Rohit and Sunny, residents of Jhawana village near Tanda. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shuhil Kumar revealed the accused had been booked on the basis of the villagers’ complaint. He further said the police were verifying the fact that Vijay was attached with the Bathinda IG. Bathinda IG Jatinder Jain, however, has claimed to have asked the Hoshiarpur SSP to take requisite action against Vijay. “I have also recommended his suspension with immediate effect,” Jain said. The accused were nabbed while felling a ‘khair’ tree. They inadvertently woke up the villagers with the commotion. Soon the land owners, Arun Kumar, Narinder Kumar and Ram Singh, were alerted. Nearly an hour later, the villagers, led by the Sarpanch Ram Lal pounced on the trio. Subsequently, they smashed the windowpanes of the car, detained the accused before the police and the forest officials. Soon, a police team from Bhunga police post and a team of the state Forest Department officials, led by block officer Paramjit Singh, reached the spot. Thereafter, the car, the gun and the equipment was impounded by the police. How they were caught *
The accused woke up the villagers while chopping a 'khair tree' * Soon the land owners, Arun Kumar, Narinder Kumar and Ram Singh, were alerted *
Nearly an hour later, the villagers, led by the Sarpanch Ram Lal pounced on the trio and smashed their car
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Need to dig facts before dubbing
Amritsar, March 6 A statement issued by Gurpreet Singh of Kendri Sri Guru Singh Sabha says that Sikh bodies held a meeting at the office of International Sikh Confederation in Chandigarh on Wednesday. It mentions the participants felt that the mortal remains excavated from the well could not have been of any Sikh or Punjabi. They have demanded setting up of a committee of scholars to study the incident and put it in right perspective. It was felt that till the time a complete report on the incident is not prepared, Sikh organisations should refrain from eulogising the event as being part of the Sikh history. “The considered view is that the well was called Kalianwala Khu because it had bodies of Purbias, who had deserted the British army in favour of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the Mughal emperor of Delhi. Sikhs had been at war with the Mughals since the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas in 1704. “The British army comprising ‘Hindustani’ soldiers, including the Purbias, had attacked Punjab in 1848 (an independent kingdom then), which resulted in Punjab’s annexation to the British. Punjabis not only lost their kingdom but their women folk were also subjected to insult at the hands of these Purbias,” the release reads.
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PRTC official sets himself afire
Kapurthala, march 6 He sustained 35 per cent burn injuries and was admitted to the Kapurthala Civil Hospital. He is said to be out of danger. Jeevan, a member of the PRTC Azad Union, alleged Dhillon was corrupt. The police personnel reportedly stood as mute spectators as Jeevan poured inflammable substance on himself. Union employees have also alleged Dhillon’s goons attacked the protesting employees at the depot. Those injured are Rajmehar, Avtar and Baljinder. The incident occurred when over 20 PRTC protesting employees allegedly stopped Dhillon from joining the office as General Manager. “We were holding a peaceful protest, but the GM, who was accompanied by over 20 armed men, attacked us,” alleged Balbir Singh, union president. Union members further alleged, “Dhillon is a corrupt officer and has often harassed us by issuing transfer orders. He is hand in glove with private bus operators.” Balbir further alleged that they had apprised the Managing Director and chairman of PRTC, Transport Secretary and Transport Minister of the corrupt practices of the GM but in vain. Dhillon rubbished the allegations and accused union members of being corrupt. “Instead of stopping me from joining, they should have lodged their complaints with senior officials or the Transport Minister,” he claimed. Transport Minister Ajit Singh Kohar said, “I will hold an inquiry into the incident after verifying the ground realities.” He denied that the union members had apprised him of Dhillon’s corrupt practices. Kapurthala SSP Inderbir Singh denied that the police personnel remained mute spectators to the incident. He, however, marked an inquiry to Kapurthala Deputy Superintendent of Police in this regard. Allegations & counter-allegations Dhillon is a corrupt officer and has often harassed us by issuing transfer orders. He is hand in glove with private bus operators. PRTC Azad Union members Their allegations are baseless. They should have lodged their complaints with senior officials or the Transport Minister Harbaksh Dhillon, PRTC General Manager
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Govt: DGP Saini allowed red beacon as he is equal to Army Chief
Chandigarh, March 6 Principal Secretary (Transport) SS Channy said the DGP has been allowed to continue using the red beacon as per a notification issued recently in the wake of the directions of the Supreme Court for pruning the list of those allowed red beacon atop vehicles. Referring to the December 10, 2013 ruling, Channy said the Supreme Court had allowed the use of red beacons to dignitaries, including the President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India, Cabinet Ministers, chiefs of the three defence services and their corresponding dignitaries in the state. He reasoned though there could be no direct comparison between the Army Chief and the DGP, the latter headed the police force in a state like the Army Chief led his forces at the Centre. Therefore, the DGP could retain the red beacon. In pursuant of the Supreme Court directions on use of red beacon, the Punjab Government had earlier this week issued instructions to the field staff to "impound vehicles using the red beacon without authorisation". According to the notification issued by the Secretary, Transport, those authorised to use the red beacon with flashers included the Governor, the Chief Minister and his Deputy, Cabinet Ministers, former Chief Ministers, the Chief Justice and Judges of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Speaker, Leader of the Opposition and Vice-Chairman of the State Planning Board. - PTI Cong again demands DGP's removal Chandigarh: Sukhpal Singh Khaira, PPCC spokesperson, in a representation to the Chief Election Commissioner, has reiterated the party's demand for transfer of DGP Sumedh Singh Saini in view of the "acceptance of a secret meeting" by Chief Electoral Officer VK Singh with the DGP. Khaira alleged Saini had been charged by the CBI for kidnapping and eliminating three persons.
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22 villages get nod to shut liquor vends
Patiala, March 6 The department accepts applications from villages to shut down liquor vends if the panchayat passes resolution before September 30 with a two-thirds majority. Moreover, no case of liquor smuggling should be registered in the village. Officials in the state Excise and Taxation Department confirmed 81 liquor vends were shifted out of the villages concerned. “As many as 22 villages will not have any liquor vends as these had fulfilled all the norms,” they said. Some villagers alleged their applications were rejected as the liquor mafia had put pressure on the excise officials. AS Mann, president, Scientific Awareness and Social Welfare Forum, alleged no liquor vend had been shifted out. “We have to approach the courts several times to get the vends shifted outside the village boundaries,” he said. Rubbishing the allegations, Excise and Taxation Commissioner Anurag Verma said the applications were rejected on technical grounds. “We are not under any pressure. We shifted the liquor vends only after discussing the issue in detail with the village panchayats concerned,” he said. In 2012-13, of the 89 applications the department received, 30 were accepted and 32 rejected. A total of 27 liquor vends were shifted out.
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Graft case: Complainant turns hostile
Chandigarh, March 6 The CBI had arrested the then AIG, Internal Vigilance, while taking a bribe of Rs 50,000 to favour the complainant who had an inquiry pending against him. While deposing in the CBI court of Special Judge Vimal Kumar, Nishant stated that the recorded voice demanding a bribe from him was not his.The next date of hearing is April 16 when the complainant will be cross-examined. Nishant has been booked for cheating and forgery. During the previous hearing on February 13, a witness in the case had turned hostile. Shifting his stand, Kanwaljeet Singh, driver of the accused officer, had told the court that his cellphone was not used to make any call for bribe. Case file *n The CBI had nabbed Additional Inspector-General of Police (AIG) PS Sandhu in July 2011 *
The officer was arrested while taking a bribe of Rs 50,000 to favour complainant Nishant Sharma in a pending inquiry *
Sharma on Thursday retracted from his statements to the CBI and refused to recognise his recorded voice.
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Protest over ‘bungling’ in list of blue card holders in Jalalabad
Fazilka, March 7 The below poverty line blue card holders are provided food items at subsidised rates by the government. CPI activists and villagers held a protest march and staged a dharna in front of the Jalalabad SDM’s office. They raised slogans against the “partisan” attitude of the government in issuing blue cards. Fazilka CPI unit secretary Hans Raj Golden and Former National President, All India Students Federation (AISF), Parmjit Singh Dhaba, who led the protest, alleged that the deserving beneficiaries had been deprived of the scheme and the “influential” people had been given the cards. The protesters have demanded that the administration should constitute a sub-committee to identify the “real beneficiaries”, who are not getting the benefit of the scheme. They threatened to intensify their stir if their demand is not fulfilled within three days. Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Jalalabad, Parmjit Singh, while denying the allegations, said there were no irregularities in the list of beneficiaries and “complete transparency” was maintained while issuing blue cards. Allegation and demand *
The protesters have alleged that deserving beneficiaries were deprived of the scheme and the “influential” people were given blue cards *
They have asked the administration to constitute a sub-committee to identify the ‘real beneficiaries’, who are not getting the benefit of the Atta-Dal Scheme.
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Mentally ill boy 'beaten with stick’ by teacher
Faridkot, March 6 The incident has left several marks on the boy’s body. He has been admitted at Civil Hospital, Kotkapura. The parents and other relatives of the boy are enraged. However, the Education Department authorities said they would conduct an inquiry into the incident for necessary action against the accused teacher. Daya Ram, the boy’s father, alleged that his son, a student of a Special Resource Centre for mentally disabled children at Government Primary School in Surgapuri area of the town, was “beaten up mercilessly” yesterday by the teacher as he had not completed his homework. “He did not talk about the incident to anyone in the family until my wife saw lash marks his body,” said Daya Ram. Daljit Kaur, the school head teacher, admitted that the boy was given corporal punishment at the school but said she did not know the reason. Parminder Singh Brar, District Education Officer (Primary), said the department had asked the school head and block primary school officer to investigate the assault allegations.
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Punjabi shot dead in the Philippines
Manila, March 6 Iqbal Singh, 27, was shot dead when he was heading towards his apartment in Lumangbayan in Calapan city of Oriental Mindoro province on Tuesday, the Inquirer reported yesterday. Singh, who was single and a resident of the city for the past eight years, died on the spot after being shot by the motorcycle-borne assailants. The police suspect Singh could have been murdered over some disputes related to his money lending business. “Both gunmen wore black jackets. The motorcycle driver was wearing a helmet while the pillion rider a bonnet,” a police officer said. —PTI
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Man stabs compatriot in Britain London, March 6 Bagicha Singh, 60, has been accused of stabbing Pritpal Singh, 30, several times with the kirpan on Sunnyside Road at Ilford, a town northeast of greater London, the Ilford Recorder reported. Pritpal Singh had been drinking in South Park and he became quite aggressive after hitting his leg on a metal pole, jurors at Snaresbrook Crown Court said Wednesday. They also added that his friends tried controlling him but he said that he would hit the next person he saw. Pritpal Singh and his friends were on Sunnyside Road when he attacked Bagicha Singh who, in his
defence, attacked Pritpal.—IANS
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Kidney scam: Bail for five doctors
Chandigarh, March 6 Justice Tejinder Singh Dhindsa granted bail to Dr H.S. Bhutani, Dr Arjinder Singh, Dr S.P.S. Grover, Dr Jagdish Gargi and Dr O.P. Mahajan vide separate orders. Taking up the petitions filed by Dr Grover, Dr Bhutani and Dr Arjinder Singh, Justice Dhindsa asserted the appellants on the date of passing of the order had undergone total custody of more than four months. “The appeal preferred by him against the order of conviction is likely to take sometime to mature. It has also not been contended on behalf of the state that release of the applicant-appellant would entail any grave consequences…. Remaining sentence of the applicant-appellant shall remain suspended during the pendency of the appeal”. In Dr Gargi’s case, Justice Dhindsa added: “The applicant-appellant is stated to be 62 years old and is suffering from health ailments…. The health status report further opines that the applicant-appellant needs specialised treatment, for which a specialist is not available in this jail”. Acting on Dr Mahajan’s plea, Justice Dhindsa asserted: “The applicant-appellant is a senior citizen, aged about 70 years and is stated to be suffering from various ailments.” The case was registered on the complaint made on October 7, 2002, by Bagicha Singh. The complainant had alleged that he was abducted on the pretext of being taught driving. He had added that his kidney was removed and transplanted. He came to know about it only after the operation.
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Govt order shifting employee nearing retirement quashed
Chandigarh, March 6 Justice Rajesh Bindal asserted: “If the plea taken by the State is considered, action is required to be taken against the authorities which allowed the petitioner to remain in Patiala district for 30 years.” Justice Bindal also quashed the orders transferring Gurmeet Singh Bajwa at the fag end of his career. In his petition, Cooperative Societies Inspector Bajwa had earlier challenged the order dated October 21, 2013, whereby he was transferred from Focal Point, Devigarh, Patiala, to Focal Point, Chamkaur Sahib, Ropar. The transfer was made against a vacant post. His counsel asserted that Bajwa’s retirement was due on March 31. As such, his transfer was against the government policy. The State, on the other hand, argued the normal period of posting as per policy was three to five years but the petitioner had served in Patiala district for about 30 years. Justice Bindal in the verdict asserted: “At the fag end of the career, when the petitioner is to retire in next two months, he could not be disturbed from the present place of posting. In the impugned order of transfer, no one else has been posted at the place to be vacated by the petitioner. Even otherwise, the order of his transfer was stayed while issuing notice of motion on November 6, 2013.” State govt left embarassed The government wanted to transfer an employee on the grounds that he had stayed at one station for three decades. However Justice Rajesh Bindal asserted: "If the plea taken by the State is considered, action is required to be taken against the authorities which allowed the petitioner to remain in Patiala district for 30 years.
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Employee cannot seek promotion from the day vacancy arises: HC
Chandigarh, March 6 In a significant judgment, a Division Bench also held: “We find that a person is not entitled to seek promotion from the day vacancies arise. It is for the employer to initiate the process of promotion and to fill up the posts, keeping in view its requirements”. The Bench of Justice Hemant Gupta and Justice Fateh Deep Singh added: “However, if the decision of the employer is to fill up the promotional post is actuated by the considerations other than administrative, such action or inaction can be subjected to the judicial review, but there cannot be any direction to grant promotion from the date the vacancy arises”. The Bench further clarified: “In case an officer is given current duty charge or promoted on ad hoc basis, he shall be entitled to the pay of the promoted post”. The ruling came on a petition filed by the Chandigarh administration and other petitioners against Tarlochan Singh and other respondents. The administration had challenged in the writ petition an order passed by the Central Administration Tribunal’s Chandigarh Bench on March 15, 2012. It had held that Tarlochan Singh and other respondents were entitled to regular promotion with effect from the date the vacancies became available. They were promoted as Executive Engineers (Public Health) in February 2010. But, they were claiming promotion from the day the vacancies became available between June 2005 and June 2006. The administration moved the High Court after their application was allowed by the Tribunal. Taking up the matter, the Bench added: “In view of the consistent well established principles of law as enunciated in judgments, we find that the direction of the Tribunal holding that the applicants are entitled to be promoted from the day the vacancy arose is clearly not sustainable in law. Consequently the present writ petition is allowed and the impugned order dated March 15, 2012, passed by the Tribunal is set aside”.
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Insurance company penalised
Ferozepur, March 6 Sarabjit Kaur, wife of complainant Jassa Singh, had purchased an insurance policy from Max Life Insurance for a period of 20 years, under which she was to get fund value of the policy after 20 years or in case of her death, nominee of the policy was entitled to get Rs 6 lakh. Sarbjit died on November 27, 2012, after falling from the roof of her house. Jassa approached the insurance company but the company refused the claim on the grounds that the correct medical disclosure as required in the proposal form was not made. However after listening to both parties, the forum concluded that the repudiation of the claim of the complainant by company was not justified. — OC
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SAD leader’s son held for firing at dera man
Fatehgarh Sahib, March 6 The victim is a sewadar of Baba Ram Singh popularly known as Ganduan Wala Baba who has close proximity with Sant Baba Ajit Singh Hansali Wale. Baba Ram Singh had gone to attend a religious function at Thaplan village. While returning, he and the accused had argued over the parking of vehicles. Following this, Attarpal fired at the sevadar. Gurmeet Singh Chauhan, Senior Superintendent of Police, said Attarpal had been arrested under Section 307 of the Indian Penal Code.
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Singer Basra found dead in Phagwara hotel room
Phagwara, March 6 Phagwara Superintendent of Police Gursewak Singh Brar said the body had been sent for a postmortem to Phagwara Civil Hospital. Brar said Basra was in town to attend the wedding of an NRI friend Inder Singh and was staying at the hotel with three other friends. The cause of the death could be excessive consumption of liquor, said Brar. Basra belonged to Saloh village of SBS Nagar. He is survived by his wife and two children.
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Matrimonial dispute: 20 rounded up
Sangrur, March 6 Four persons from both sides sustained injuries and were admitted to Civil Hospital here. SHO of city police station Harinder Singh a couple had fought his evening, following which their relatives gathered at the temple complex for a compromise. However, an altercation took place, after which both the parties pelted stones and bricks at each other, he said. He said no case had been registered so far and proceedings would be initiated after recording statements of both sides. — TNS
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Man shot dead Hoshiarpur, March 6 As per the complaint lodged by Balbir Singh, the father of the deceased, Bunny along with three others came in a Mahindra Xylo at about 11.30 am and opened fire at Naresh. “Naresh died on the spot and the accused managed to flee from the spot,” alleged Balbir. A case under Section 302 and 120-B of the IPC has been registered against Bunny and seven others.
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President of the All-India Jat Maha Sabha and former Chief Minister Amarinder Singh today announced a campaign against the Chief Minister to inform the people that the latter had "harmed" the interests of the Jats in the state by delaying a decision on including them in the Backward Class (BC) category.
Congress MLA Jeet Mohinder is all set to join the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) in Chandigarh tomorrow, a senior Akali leader told The Tribune. Local Akali leaders, including the Talwandi Sabo in charge, have reportedly consented to his inclusion in the party. 
Representatives of various Sikh bodies have taken an exception to reports dubbing ‘Kalianwala Khu’ incident as part of the country’s first war of Independence.
Hundreds of villagers under the banner of Communist Party of India (CPI) took to the streets to protest against the non-issuance of blue cards to them in Jalalabad constituency, represented by Sukhbir Singh
Badal.
