Ludhiana, March 15
In a hit-and-run case, a Head Constable, who was posted at the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) 1, was killed here last night. A sports utility vehicle (SUV) hit him near the Mini-Secretariat while he was returning home. He was admitted to the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries in the morning.

The deceased has been identified as Head Constable Kuldeep Singh (41), a resident of Dugri. When the incident took place, Kuldeep was crossing the road after duty hours at the CIA-1 office housed in the Mini-Secretariat compound.

It was learnt while Kuldeep was crossing the road, a Toyota Fortuner hit him. The SUV driver, identified as Gagandeep Singh of Kadian village, fled the spot. The passersby noted down the registration number of the SUV, which helped trace the accused.

Inspector Sukhdeep Singh, Station House Officer of the Division Number 8 police station, said a case under section 279 (reckless driving) and 304-A (causing death due to negligence) of the IPC had been registered against Gagandeep Singh, who had absconded.

The police are investing whether it was just an accident or the accused intentionally hit the policeman.

Ludhiana, March 15
A man, accompanied by a woman, abandoned a newborn baby boy in the Emergency of the Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) late Thursday night after they came to know the baby had died. The duo fled the hospital leaving the body behind when the staff asked them to clear some paper work.

The hospital staff told the police that the man was about 23 years old while the woman’s age was about 36 years. The baby's body is lying in the CMCH mortuary.

After the incident, a case under sections 317 and 34 of the IPC was registered against the unidentified duo at the Division Number 3 police station. The case has been registered on a complaint of Dr Shilpa, who was posted in the Emergency Ward of the CMCH.

In her complaint to the police, Dr Shilpa has stated that it was around 10 pm on Thursday when a man, believed to be aged 22 or 23, and a woman aged about 36 reached the Emergency Ward of the CMCH.

"The newborn baby boy was wrapped in a piece of cloth. They claimed they had come from Raja Nursing Home and that the baby was having problem in breathing. When we examined the baby, we found he had died. The duo was intimated about it. When we asked them to complete some paper work, they left the Emergency Ward on the pretext of answering a phone call. They never returned," Dr Shilpa said.

The investigation officer said they had procured the CCTV footage from the hospital authorities. "The duo will be identified soon as their faces were clearly visible in the footage," he said.

Ludhiana, March 15
The toll-free helpline number of the local Municipal Corporation (MC), which was launched yesterday to help residents lodge their complaints, had remained non-functional till this afternoon.

City residents said they tried the number 1800-1800-024 several times yesterday and today but no one picked up the phone.

Rohit Sharma, a resident of the Civic Lines, said the helpline could be a great convenience to the residents as one did not have to visit the MC office to lodge a complaint. "I had tried the number till late last evening but it there was no response," he added.

The MC had launched the helpline to redress problems related to building and roads, operations and maintenance, health, tehbazaari, street lights, horticulture, etc. The complaints are forwarded to the officials concerned. After a complaint is redressed, the complainant is intimated.

At around 3 pm, a person attended a call and replied: "There was some problem with the service provider due to which the helpline was non-functional. It has become functional just now and we are yet to receive a complaint.”

Mayor Harcharan Singh Gohalwaria said it would be made sure attendants picked up the phone to register complaints. 

Ludhiana, Mach 15
If you have any queries about votes or violation of the election code of conduct, you can approach the help desks set up at the Mini-Secretariat. One desk is adjoining the office of Additional Deputy commissioner (Development) Isha kalia while the other is in the Mini-Secretariat main building near the Deputy Commissioner's Office.

Isha Kalia said: "The help desks have cell numbers of all Assistant Returning Officers. People usually face problems in getting information about their vote, voter I-card, etc. Now, anyone can approach the help desks for the redress of such problems. We have also uploaded the numbers of the AROs on the website of district administration."

Narinderjit Singh, who has been deputed on a help desk, said: "Whenever a voter or a representative of a political party approaches us, we tell him as to whom to contact, which form to fill in or which documents are required for getting permission for using anything related to the elections."

Gurcharan Singh said: "The help desk was established on March 11. We have received 15 queries from voters and representatives of different parties. The maximum queries are from voters spelling correction on their voter cards and for getting new cards issued. A few representatives sought permission for road shows or using loudspeakers."

Ludhiana, March 15
The district administration along with Ishmeet Academy today organised a musical evening at Silver Arc Mall and appealed to voters, especially youth, to cast their vote.

Deputy Commissioner Rajat Aggarwal, who is also the District Election Officer, urged voters to exercise their right to franchise on April 30.

On the occasion, artists of Ishmeet Academy launched a 'jingle' related to elections. Youngsters took pledge to cast vote. ADC (Development) and Additional District Election Officer Rajat Isha Kalia, Additional Assistant commissioner (General) Kanu Thind, director of Ishmeet Academy Charan Kamal Singh and election officers were present.

Jagraon, March 15
The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ludhiana (rural) Ashish Chaudhry is in trouble for allegedly ordering to shut down the shops of roadside vendors of Jagraon and Mullanpur Dakha areas and block the general traffic on National Highway between Ludhiana to Moga from February 20 to February 23 in view of Gujarat Chief Minister and BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi's Fateh Rally in Jagraon. A complaint was filed by a Punjab and Haryana High Court Advocate with Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC).

The Commission has issued a notice to the SSP on the basis of a complaint filed by Buta Singh Bairagi, senior Advocate at High Court of Punjab and Haryana.

In his complaint to the State Human Rights Commission, Advocate Buta Singh Bairagi had alleged that by blocking the traffic on National Highway-95 for a political rally, the police had visibly violated the Right to Movement, which is a fundamental right provided to every citizen under section 10-E of the Indian Constitution. "The commuters had to face a huge inconvenience due to traffic blocked by the police on National Highway", added Advocate Bairagi.

"Moreover, the police department forcibly shut the shops of a large number of vendors during the rally thus causing a huge financial loss to the vendors who merely survive on daily earnings", alleged Bairagi.

Following the hearing of the case on March 11, the Human Rights Commission has instructed the SSP Jagraon for disposing the complaint expeditiously and preferably within a period of 15 days.

SSP Jagraon Ashish Chaudhry said,"I have no information about any kind of notice from State Human Rights Commission but if I receive any notice, a reply will be sent on the merit of the notice. We had made an elaborate diversion traffic plan and a large number of police personals were deployed at all the required places to avoid inconvenience to the public. Moreover, this diversion plan was advertised well in advance in all the newspapers and other media outlets", added the Senior Superintendent of Police.

Ludhiana, March 15
Residents are gearing up to celebrate the Holi in a big way. Many of the city schools, colleges and clubs have already started the celebrations.

Holi colours, waterguns, sweets can be seen in the markets. New products including colour sprays, new varieties of waterguns are available this season. "Spray-colour cans, waterguns are particular being sought after by children," said a shopkeeper at Model Town.

Spray-colour cans are particularly catching the attention of residents. "I had never seen spray colours. Spraying colours at the press of a button would only add to the fun," said Akanksha, a student. "I have purchased a couple of these colour-spray cans along with the gulal and water balloons," she added.

Many of the residents prefer herbal colours. "We are using only herbal colours. Although, these are slightly more expensive than the normal colours, but it is better to play safe and take the healthier option," says Komal, a resident.

"Very interesting waterguns are there in the market. There are completely different from the resident this time," said 13-year-old Raghav. "One can just mount these on back, just like a bag while the spray canon stays with you," he grins.

Holi is always a great fun and we wait for the festival the entire year, says Trisha, a resident. "Although, some people don't like being coloured but this is the only festival when you let go of yourself and have unrestrained fun. This is true fun and perhaps the most enjoyable festival of all," she says.

Ludhiana, March 15
With Holi just round the corner, one cannot resist but drench in the colours of celebrations. And so the consequence is inevitable. But certain do’s and don’ts can keep skin allergies at bay.

City-based dermatologist Dr Manju Kalra said applying mustard oil on face, neck, ears, hands and legs a day before holi can help take out the colour from the skin easily. “Most people do not realise the importance of regularly moisturising the skin. Drier the skin is, the more susceptible it will be to damage from chemical colours,” said Dr Kalra.

Herbal and natural colours such as turmeric, tea leaves, henna and marigold flowers can be a very good choice for playing holi with, as they do not harm the skin as much as the colours with chemicals do.

If any irritation persists after the use of colours, wash the area with cold water and apply calamine lotion and a good moisturiser, said dermatologist Dr Manju Kalra.

Ludhiana, March 15
The two-day Kisan Mela concluded at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) amidst great fanfare.

Dr AK Sikka, Deputy Director General (Natural Resource Management), Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, was the chief guest while PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon presided over the concluding day function.

Dr Sikka lauded the farmers of Punjab for their contribution to the Green Revolution and the food security of the country. He gave away prizes to the winners of various competitions.

Dr Dhillon expressed happiness over the active participation of the farmers in the two-day event and their fruitful scientific interaction with PAU experts. "Your feedback counts a lot for PAU. It helps in devising and revamping research programmes of the University," he told farmers. Dr Dhillon urged them to make judicious use of agro-chemicals for conserving water, maintaining soil health and protecting environment.

Dr SS Gosal, Director of Research, and Dr HS Dhaliwal, Director of Extension Education, also addressed farmers.

In the category of women entrepreneurs, Jasdeep Kaur of Gharuan (SAS Nagar) was adjudged the best whereas Seema Kumari of Nihalsinghwala (Moga) and Narinder Kaur of Guru Kirpa Self Help Group, Kali Pati, were declared second and third, respectively.

In various competitions organised by the College of Home Science, Manveer Singh of Litra (Jalandhar) was declared winner in moral story writing, Parkash Kaur of Kotkapura in crochet making and Gurminder Kaur Grewal of Daad (Ludhiana) in low-cost nutritious recipes.

Ludhiana, March 15
Private companies used different methods to attract farmers during the two-day Kisan Mela and Pashu Palan Mela organised by Punjab Agricultural University and Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, respectively, to buy their products.

From colourful free bags, water buckets and lucky draws, the companies tried everything that could increase footfall at their stalls. Their efforts proved beneficial too.

“These are simple marketing techniques which help us attract people and by just giving them free jute bags, we manage to sell our products or at least make them aware about it,” informed a representative of one of the companies giving away free bags.

Farm literature proved to be a hit too. Visitors to the Kisan Mela went home buying literature worth lakhs and even subscribed to PAU publications. The stalls set up by private publishers also received huge response.

Sumit Gulati from Chetna Parkashan said farmers visiting the two-day Kisan Mela were interested in novels, autobiographies and poetry.

“This clearly shows that our farmer is getting aware and is interested in literature too,” he added.

More than a dozen stalls were selling literature related to religion and other subjects.

Ludhiana, March 15
The two-day Pashu Palan Mela of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana, concluded with a message to develop livestock farming as an impressive and effective option of diversification.

Dr AK Sikka, Deputy Director General, ICAR, was the chief guest. PAU Vice-Chancellor (VC) Dr BS Dhillon accompanied Sikka.

GADVASU VC Dr VK Taneja said besides contributing to the fields of education and research, the university was also promoting livestock farming and allied activities.

Farmers said the fair was a good platform to meet experts from different animal husbandry departments of the state, scientists of university and technical experts of different companies and financial institutions.

A committee of the university adjudged all the stalls put up at the fair and declared UPL Advanta as the winner. Virbac Animal Health and Paras Nutrition Private Limited were named first and second runner-up, respectively. Jagmohan Industries was awarded a consolation prize.

Ludhiana, March 15
The doctors of the Department of Cardiology of Hero Heart DMC Heart Institute in collaboration with the Department of Medicine of Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, along with the University of California have come with a breakthrough development for saving the lives of patients of celphos poisoning.

According to chief cardiologist, Dr GS Wander, Hero DMC Heart Institute (HDMCHI) patients of celphos poisoning suffer heart failure and shock. They could be saved by the circulation in body and could be supported by an artificial heart ECMO (Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation) to tide over the phase till the effect of celphos over the heart and rest of body eradicates. The idea of using this new technique was conceived by Dr Bishav Mohan and other doctors of HDMCHI including of Dr Naved Aslam(Cardiologist), Dr Sarju Ralhan (Cardiac Surgeon), Dr Vivek Gupta (Cardiac Anaesthesist).

Dr Bishav Mohan said ECMO has been used for the first time in India for treatment patients of celphos poisoning and five young lives were saved.

"The pumping activity of heart is reduced to less than 30 per cent and most of the patients die within 1-3 days with multi-organ and heart failure. No definitive treatment or antidote was available till date and these patients were managed with supportive palliative care," added Dr Wander.

Celphos or (Alumninium Phosphate) poisoning commonly used rodenticide for wheat preservation is generally proved to be fatal when young patient with suicidal attempts come to emergency with very low blood pressures and heart failure.

"In India there is no check on the sale of insecticides and pesticides and anybody can purchase it over the counter. This is the main reason for increase in the number of poisoning cases over the past few years. The commonly used poisons these days are organo-phosphorus compounds and aluminium phosphide," added Dr Sandeep Puri (Prof and Head of Medicine), Dayanand Medical College and Hospital.

Ludhiana, March 15
The flying squad team led by a deputy district education officer relieved a supervisor of charge at an examination centre of Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) Class XII.

Ludhiana, March 15
The Pensioners Association of Cooperative Agricultural Development Bank today staged a dharna at Chatar Singh Park demanding release of their pension.

The association claimed that nearly 1,200 pensioners have not been receiving pension for the past four years. "We are in a pitiable condition. Forty-three pensioners have died since the bank stopped disbursing pension," said a protester. "Many pensioners are on deathbed for want of medical aid, which they find unaffordable," he added.

Widows of the pensioners, who used to get one-third pension, are in a miserable condition. "We are living in agony, as pension was the only source of money for us. But the authorities concerned have been apathetic to our condition," rued another pensioner.

"Enervated by diseases and age, we can't even go out and find work to eke out subsistence," said SK Bhanot, a pensioner.

Many of the pensioners were working with the bank since its inception. "We have worked hard to make the bank reach where it is today. We jeopardised our lives during the times of militancy and used to go for recoveries in villages. We used to start work even before the daybreak. And this is what we are getting for the sacrifices we made to make the bank flourish," rued Harjit Singh Ahluwalia, president, Pensioners Association of Cooperative Agricultural Development.

"We worked hard and lived with honour during our lives. At this age, we are being made to beg," lamented a 76-year-old pensioner.

Ludhiana, March 15
The SAD-BJP candidate, Manpreet Singh Ayali, today interacted with the local lawyers at the District Courts Complex (DBA) today and sought their support.

The DBA president, Parupkar Singh Ghumman, extended a warm welcome to him. Former parliamentary secretary Harish Rai Dhanda, Akali Dal Legal Cell president Harkanwal Singh Meghowal, BJP Legal Cell Convener Rakesh Bhatia, BJP Youth Wing president Harsh Sharma, BJP president Parveen Bansal, Jayant Malhotra and Shiv Sharma extended support to Ayali. —TNS

Daily milk production at dairy farm of GADVASU has surpassed the 2,000 litre mark. But the sale of milk coupons has been restricted to two days a week resulting in lower sales. Consequently, a good chunk of quality milk has been supplied to another unit at a rate lower than the coupon rate. The authority should take stock of the situation and increase the accessibility to milk coupons.

Ludhiana, March 15
Satish Chander Dhawan (SCD) Government College, Ludhiana, and HMV College, Jalandhar scripted victories in the men's and the women's sections, respectively, at the ongoing IMG-Reliance Punjab Inter-College Basketball League being organised by Punjab Basketball Association at Guru Nanak Stadium here today.

In the men's section, SCD Government College faced a little challenge from Public College, Samana, whom they outclassed 56-40. In the second match, College of Agriculture, PAU, Ludhiana, got better of DAV College, Amritsar 23-14. The third match played between Public College, Samana, and DAV College, Amritsar, saw the former winning with 74-45 while in another match, Khalsa College, Amritsar proved too good for College of Veterinary Sciences, GADVASU, Ludhiana, whom they outplayed 51-38.

In yet another match, Lovely College, Phagwara, defeated College of Veterinary Sciences, GADVASU, Ludhiana, 48-24.

Two matches were played in the women's section and HMV College, Jalandhar, emerged winner in both. In the first encounter, they got the better of Government College, Amritsar, 45-14 and in the second match, Jalandhar eves beat Khalsa College for Women, Ludhiana, 34-15.