Ludhiana, May 30
New Commissioner of Police RK Jaiswal’s priority will be the drive against drugs. He said the police were preparing a list of the drug peddlers, suppliers and smugglers operating in Ludhiana. “Very soon, we will identify all chains in the drug network. And launch a crackdown on the drug suppliers.”

Jaiswal said the rehabilitation of the drug addicts is high on his agenda. “We will take the help of the Health Department and NGOs to rehabilitate the addicts.”

A special drive against drunken driving is also on the anvil, the Police Commissioner said. “Traffic is the biggest challenge in Ludhiana. Drunken driving is one of the leading causes of road accidents.” He said the police would take strict action against those driving under the influence of alcohol. “You (the public) will see the results in the days to come.”

Jaiswal, who served in Ludhiana as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), said he’s familiar with the city, its topography and also the crime patterns. This, he said, would help him in tackling all kinds of crime efficiently and effectively.

Replying to a media query, the Police Commissioner said it’s a misconception to equate the seizure of a haul of drugs with ‘better’ performance of the police.

Jaiswal said the drug trafficking network needed to be smashed. “The addicts should not be able to get drugs. Initially, drug peddlers give free drugs to potential users. Once addicted, the users start spending big sums on drugs. To meet the expenses they incur on procuring drugs, the addicts resort to drug peddling.”

The Commissioner said he would focus on making the city safe for women. Crimes like eve-teasing and snatching will be dealt with stringently. “A sense of security needs to be instilled among the city residents. It should not be that some posh localities are safe and the rest of the city areas are unsafe.”

Answering a query, he said he had a track record of not letting criminals go scot-free.

Ludhiana, May 30
In yet another change made by the state government, Pradeep Aggarwal, a 2006 batch IAS officer, has been posted as Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana. The new orders were released in Chandigarh late this evening.

Aggarwal has served on various posts, including SDM of Sangrur and Balachaur. He has also served as Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development), Ludhiana. Three days ago, he was posted as DC, Bathinda, while Dr Basant Garg was posted as MC Commissioner here. But as per the new orders, Dr Garg will be the DC, Bathinda, and Pradeep Aggarwal will be the Commissioner, Ludhiana MC.

Talking to The Tribune, Aggarwal said: “I will be joining on June 1. I will try to come up to the expectations of the residents and will serve in the best possible manner,” he said.

Ludhiana, May 30
Around 100 chairs, sofa-sets, tables and vital documents were burnt to ashes in a fire that broke out at the Sales Tax Bar Room of the Mini-Secretariat here last night. The incident took place around 11:30 pm and three fire brigades were pressed into service.

Mohit Aggarwal, an advocate, said important documents, including VAT returns and papers pertaining to excise tax were kept in the lockers by the advocates, were reduced to ashes. The cause of the fire was a short-circuit.

Aggarwal said they came to know about the incident through the police. “They immediately called up the Fire Department. They also called up the electricity office and asked them to cut the power supply to area to check the spread of fire. Fire brigades reached the spot and it took them two hours to douse the fire. Thank God! There was no casualty,” said Aggarwal.

The advocates, however, said there were no fire extinguishers in the room. Besides, the room was locked.

"We have employed a peon, who locks the office in the evening," said another advocate.

Ludhiana, May 30
A recklessly driven tractor-trailer, laden with sand, claimed the life of a 48-year-old woman and injured her 52-year-old husband early this morning. The tractor-trailer rammed into the wall of their house at Talwandi Kalan village, about 2 km from Ladowal. The impact was so strong that the ceiling of the room came crashing down on Debo and her husband, who were sleeping.

The incident took place at around 3:45 am when this “illegal” sand mining was being carried out along the Sutlej.

The villagers and members of the deceased’s family blocked the national highway near the toll plaza between 4 pm and 5 pm, demanding arrest and strict action against those responsible for the incident. After ADCP SS Atwal assured them of action, they lift the dharna.

The police have registered a case against five persons under sections 304, 379, 120 and 21 of the Mining Act. While the owner of the tractor-trailer, Rashpal Singh Bali, and driver Bikram Singh have been arrested, three others, Hans Raj, former Sarpanch, Dharam Singh and Surjit Singh, all Akali leaders, have absconded.

The investigation officer, Mohinder Singh, said sand was being transported on tractor-trailers early morning. One of the vehicles rammed into the wall of a house in the village and turned turtle. The ceiling of the house collapsed. The villagers raised the alarm and a JCB machine was brought to clear the debris. The body of the woman was retrieved and her injured husband Harbans Singh was rushed to the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital. He has reportedly suffered a fractured one of his leg besides other injuries.

One of the sons of the couple was sleeping in a nearby house when the incident took place. The house is situated along the Sutlej.

One of the villagers said illegal mining of sand on the banks of the river continued throughout the night. “Nobody dares to confront them as they are politically well connected and keep weapons with them. In fact, we avoid the route where illegal mining is going on during the night,” said the villager.

Ludhiana, May 30
Reacting to the allegations levelled by the state unit of Shiv Sena against the son of PWD Minister Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, Mayor Harcharan Singh Gohalwaria said there was no truth in the allegations and the MC did not bear any financial losses in any ‘advertising scam’. At the same time, chairman of the Advisory Committee on advertisements Inder Aggarwal asked the MC authorities to produce the receipts, through which it could be proved that the minister’s son had paid all the dues.

Gohalwaria said that as per the advertising policy by the state government, it had been allowed to put advertisements/hoardings on malls, multiplexes and for this the MC would get the revenue. “It is not just the minister’s son who has got the contract, five other players are also there but no allegations have been levelled against them. Then why only a single person has been targeted? Anyone can do business anywhere as far as the person is following the rules, there should not be any objection,” said the Mayor.

Ludhiana, May 30
Tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing nearly six million people a year. More than five million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use. Approximately one person dies every six seconds due to tobacco, accounting for one in 10 adult deaths. This was said by Dr JS Sekhon, director, Medical Oncology, Fortis Hospital, Ludhiana, while addressing a press conference here today on the eve of World No Tobacco Day. Dr Harish Matta, senior consultant and HOD, General Surgery, and Dr Parveen Kaur, senior consultant, Radiation Oncology, were also present there.

Dr JS Sekhon said, “Now days a lot of girls are taking up smoking as it has become a social status and being in fashion influences young girls to do so. Some girls also fall for the myth that smoking reduces weight, which is absolutely wrong; on contrary it damages the body.”

Dr Harish Matta said, “Tobacco use affects youth activities and athletic performance by narrowing blood vessels and putting strain on heart. It also leads to lack of oxygen and shortness of breath. Even passive smoking reduces lung function, triggers asthma attacks and reduces coronary blood flow.”

Emphasising on the need to spread awareness about cancer, Dr Parveen Kaur, senior consultant, Radiation Oncology, Fortis Hospital, Ludhiana, said the heaviest burden of this monstrous increase in cancer cases would be on the developing countries. “Developing nations are the least prepared to detect and treat the disease,” she warned.

Dr Sekhon further elaborated about major disease like coronary heart diseases, and various cancers like lung cancer, head and neck cancer (cancers of larynx, pharynx, oral cavity, lips) and esophageal cancer caused due to tobacco.

Meanwhile to commemorate the day, Dr Anil Kumar Kashyap, associate professor, Pulmonary Medicines, DMCH, addressed the gathering at Hero Cycles, said, “Parental smoking, availability of tobacco products and household acceptance towards smoking are some of the additional factors that could encourage a child to take up tobacco smoking. Today, there are children who begin smoking as early as 9 -10 years of age in India.”

Ludhiana, May 30
The theme for this year’s World No Tobacco Day is “Raise taxes on Tobacco”. The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated this theme for the day to create a more unified global message. Majority of the people from the city believe that raising taxes on tobacco can be helpful in cutting down the number of smokers.

Civil Surgeon, Dr Subhash Batta commenting upon the theme for the day this year said, “Since use of tobacco cannot be stopped completely initiatives have to be taken to reduce its consumption through increasing tax on tobacco. Increasing taxes on tobacco can lead to considerable cut in the consumption of tobacco,” he added.

“For World No Tobacco Day-2014, WHO is calling on countries to raise taxes on tobacco as research shows that higher taxes are especially effective in reducing tobacco use and preventing young people from starting to smoke. It is a good initiative and India should follow this,” said city-based Dr Karamveer Singh.

Another city resident, Reema commenting upon this year’s theme said the idea to raise taxes on tobacco will be a good initiative. “But it is also important to deliver a powerful social message. We need to motivate schoolchildren to become anti-tobacco messengers. We need to convince tobacco users of the ill effects of its consumption,” she said.

“Initiatives should be taken to raise the tax on tobacco giving importance to public health, not revenue collection. Essential goods like petrol, LPG should be made cheaper while high taxes should be imposed on tobacco and alcohol. Steps need to be taken by the government in this regard and it can actually help in curbing smoking to some extent. At least children will not get hooked to it if it will not to be easily affordable for them,” says Jagtar Singh, a retired government employee.

Ludhiana, May 30
Tobacco consumption in any form resulting in loosening of teeth, following which one loses teeth and even the dental implants prove to be a failure. Dr Jindal, Member of Dental Council of India, and a renowned dental surgeon of the city said, “Consuming tobacco affects the bones, loosens teeth as blood supply is compromised and results in tooth loss. In such a case when a person wants to get it replaced with fixed implants, there remains every possibility of losing implants. I have come across many such patients between the age group of 25 to 45 years.”

He said both, smoking as well as chewing tobacco in one form or the other, is equally dangerous for health. He said, “Unlike yesteryears now-a-days even Punjabis are also becoming an easy prey to sub mucous fibrosis a disease in which a person is unable to open his mouth and thus become a victim of oral cancer. In last one year, I received more than 15 such cases.”

The inner side of the mouth gets infected due to tobacco consumption and causes oral cancer, said Dr Manish Sani Prabhakar, director and principal of Sarabha Dental College. She said, “About 15 per cent Punjabis are suffering from the disease.”

Dr Kapil Dua, professor and head of department, Endodontic, CMCH, Ludhiana, said Smoking is disastrous for health. The dental health gets totally damaged. One also suffers from bad smell called “Halitosis”, discoloured teeth and of course oral cancer also.”

Ludhiana, May 30
Now the applicants of learner’s license will not have to run here and there to get their medical done, which is mandatory, as now this facility is available at Children’s Park, Model town. The applicants can apply online for the licence at the same office.

Confirming this Anil Garg, District Transport Officer, Ludhiana, said, “We started this facility only two days ago. Now, anyone who applies for learner’s licence can also get his medical done here. A crew of three members has been deployed here for catering to the service of applicants.”

The crew includes Dr Samanjeep Kaur, Gaurav, a laboratory assistant, and a clerk. Dr Samanjeep Kaur, a medical officer, said, “We have a laboratory technician here for blood testing. The test of vision will also be done here and after verifying all the facts related to the health, the medical certificate will be issued to the applicant on the spot.”

She further said that as many applicants are still not aware of this facility, so we received only 10 applicants in two days. She said, “All the tests required for this medical certificate are conducted free of cost here.”

It is pertinent to mention here that earlier applicants used to get their medical done from any MBBS doctor and submitted the form afterwards. But now this facility has brought a lot of relief to the applicants.

Sumankant, who wanted to apply for his son’s license, said, “It is an appreciable step that now all the requirements can be completed under one roof. Earlier, it was a very cumbersome job.”

Ludhiana, May 30
The government may have transferred dozens of IAS and IPS officers for ‘better governance’ in the state, but things can be managed well at the political level. Though, the principal secretary, Local Government, Ashok Gupta, placed the Assistant Town Planner (Zone D), Rajinder Sharma, under suspension during his visit to the city on May 28 as the higher officials of the civic body ‘complained’ against the ATP, but Anil Joshi, the minister for Local Government, has transferred the official to Pathankot by giving a last warning.

Highly placed sources in the Municipal Corporation (MC), some of whom were ‘witness’ to the suspension orders signed by the principal secretary, Ashok Gupta, said that the minister had intervened into the matter and the official had been transferred.

Anil Joshi, talking to Ludhiana Tribune, confirmed the news. On being asked that several complaints were filed against the official, Joshi said there were no charges framed against the official in the fire and it was just written that he did not move the files to higher-ups. “So we gave him warning and transferred to Pathankot,” said Joshi.

One of the official said unless strict action was taken against the erring officials of the civic body, things would not improve.

It may be mentioned that several complaints were filed against the said ATP for ‘favouring’ a person in constructing ‘illegal’ building in posh area in the city.

The Assistant Town Planner, did not adhere to the instructions given by the Local Bodies Department and the higher-ups at the Municipal Corporation had reportedly complained in writing that departmental action be taken against the official for dereliction of duty. Following which, the principal secretary had put him under suspension recently.

Ludhiana, May 30
Despite sending five online reminders to the schools affiliated to CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) and ICSE schools of Ludhiana district for submitting the forms under “Safe Vahan Scheme”, only 30 out of 86 schools turned up. Seeing the dilly delaying attitude of these schools Ghanshayam Thori SDM (Payal) and Chairman of district level Inter-departmental Committee instructed District Education Officer (Secondary) to issue instructions to the remaining 56 schools to fill the required form within 3 days or face the music.

Anil Garg District Transport Officer, Ludhiana said,”Yesterday a meeting of district level Inter-departmental Committee was held under the Chairmanship of Ghanshyam Thori SDM (Payal).

It was more than a month ago when all these schools were issued instructions to fill the form under “Safe Vahan Scheme” having all the details as which norms they fulfill in compliance with Punjab and Haryana High Court guidelines. But only 30 schools turned up. There are 350 schools affiliated to Punjab School Education Board, Mohali. These were issued instructions for filing this form about a week ago.

Ghanshayam Thori SDM (Payal) said, “We will review the forms submitted by 30 schools on June 12 at the office of motor vehicle inspector at Dana Mandir and will also physically examine the school buses to see as if their particulars filled in the form exist in reality or not. During this meeting we will also include the schools who will submit their forms by that time. We will submit our compiled report to Punjab and Haryana High Court before June 20. In case any school failed to submit this form, we will write about it in the report to be submitted to Punjab and Haryana High Court. An FIR can also be registered against the defaulter school and education department will also write to the higher authorities for cancelling their affiliation.”

DTO said there are more than 15 norms specified by Punjab and Haryana High Court, which these school buses are supposed to comply with. It needs to be mentioned here that many school buses are flouting these norms with impunity.

Ludhiana, May 30
Special children gave a performance dressed in Sufi attires and danced in perfect harmony with one another and in sync with music of the song Maula. It was difficult to guess that the children can not listen and speak. About 90 children gave performances during the programme organised at the conclusion of their 15-day free workshop at School for Deaf and Dumb Children, Hambran Road today. The children were trained in dancing by choreographer Happy. He said this time during the workshop, he made these children dance with the normal children. “So this not only helped in increasing their self-respect, but also drew admiration of other children. I think all the schools must regularly visit the school and admit such children to their school for inclusive education,” he said. Moreover, children enjoy more every year during the workshop, and wait intently to learn and participate in the workshop, he added.

Permod Dada, Member of Ludhiana Education Society that manages the school said the children from other schools including DAV Public School attended the programme and admired the performance of the children. “It is a great achievement for the children, but more important for hearing and speech impaired children. Performing before an audience also helps in increasing their confidence,” he said.

Doraha, May 30
Good samaritans of Doraha, one of whom is a student of Guru Nanak National College Doraha, saved an injured crane at the grounds of Guru Nanak Stadium here today.

Hardeep Singh spotted a bird with broken wing in Guru Nanak Stadium today. As he looked around another bird of the same species was lying dead. Hardeep Singh, who is doing his post graduation from GNN College and comes to the ground regularly shared that the cause of death seemed to be cut by China string which was stuck in its right wing.

Jaswinder Singh Nagi, who assisted Hardeep in saving the bird, said that they tried to dress the wounds of the bird in their own way but the condition of the bird was serious. They decided to take it to emergency of GADVASU.

Dr Mohindra with the help of another doctor pulled out the string which was about 4 inches long. “So strong was the string that even doctor’s surgical blade was unable to cut the string so he had to pull it out of bird’s feather,” told Jaswinder. The bird was treated with medications and suggested to be handed over to DFO (District Forest Office) to Parmeshwar Singh there. Dr. Mohindra said it was an exotic or migratory bird but according to District Forest Office it is of Indian species of Crane (Bagla).

Jaswinder said, “The sale of China string in Doraha goes on without check. There is simply no check on it and children and adults both prefer to use it for its non- breaking feature. But it creates serious problems for the poor birds, once entangled either they die or loose there flight forever. Its usage is continuing despite ban.

“It is because of this string that the poor bird lost his life and another got seriously injured .Had it not been rescued in time, it would also had breathed its last within a few minutes. The sale of string continues unabated and the administration seems to be least bothered about giving it a serious thought” he added.

SHO Doraha Rajneesh Kumar said it is no kite flying season at this time and the sale of china string should not be at such rapid pace as is being assumed. “I have joined recently and will definitely conduct raids so that no shopkeeper has such a string in possession and the guilty will be definitely brought to book”, he assured.

Ludhiana, May 30
Looking at ‘The Birds’ that won him the first prize in the sculpture category at the national art exhibition, organised by the All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society amongst art workers from across the country, one can only wonder that this artist at a tender age of 11 years was struck with partial paralysis.

But it was his grit and passion for art that saved Harminder Singh Boparai from the malaise. Working his fingers to the bone, he learnt welding, putting together metal. One rung after another, he climbed the ladder of acclaim.

Though he has shaken off the paralysis, but still feels its aftermath in his voice not being very clear. But he is filled with positivity. “It is his benevolence that I can speak. I probably would have survived even if devoid of voice, with art and creativity he blessed me with,” says the sculptor.

Around 100 works of art in the competition were chosen out of 4,600 entries from across the country for exhibition in Delhi. The metal sculptures that won him the prize are made of bullet motorbike tanks and cycle parts that he made to resemble ostriches.

“When I find something fascinating, I start thinking of how it can be turned into an art and sculpture,” he says. Hailing from Ghudani Kalan village, he began sculpting in different media, but the metal scrap sculpture won him the most admirers and encouraged him to work in this direction.

He has clinched the Punjab Lalit Kala Award and Best Art Work Award in Delhi International Film Festival apart from other appreciation awards. 

Khanna, May 30
The Maloud police of the Khanna Police District have booked a retired Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of the Punjab Police on the charges of defrauding a woman. The alleged accused has been identified as Dhram Singh, a resident of Doraha.

As per the complaint lodged by a woman named Shamsher Kaur of Uksi village, she came in contact with the ASI in 2013 and requested him to sort out his martial dispute with her husband.

She further stated that she tied a knot with Dev Singh 15 years ago and after his death she again tied knot with Jagtar Singh of Samrala, but due to some reason their marriage life became hell and it turned into routine clashes. When she failed to tolerate the atrocities of her in-laws she returned to her native village, she said.

Shamsher Kaur further revealed that amidst this she filed a case against her husband. She added that the ASI called elders of the village who decide that her husband would pay her Rs 7,50,000. But the alleged accused gave her only Rs 5 lakh while the remaining amount of Rs 2,50,000 was pocketed by him.

Ultimately she approached the police and after enquiring the matter, a case was registered against the ASI.

SHO, Maloud, Harjinder Singh said search was on to nab the alleged accused. — OC

Samrala, May 30
Samrala Police have arrested a man and recovered 20 gm smack from his possession. A police party was on patrolling duty. When the police team reached near Seh village on Bardhalan- Gagra canal way, they spotted an Indigo car in which a youth was sitting in suspicious condition.

Ludhiana, May 30
The Anti-Narcotic Cell of the police seized 260 grams of heroin from a couple near Greenland School on the Jalandhar bypass here last evening.

The police were patrolling in the area when they got suspicious about the movement of 26-year-old Karan Thapar, a resident of Indira Colony, Green Field, and a 25-year-old woman, a resident Sultan Vind village, Amritsar district. Their search yielded about 260 grams of heroin from Karan Thapar and 55 grams of some contraband from the woman’s handbag. A case under section 22, 61 and 85 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act has been registered against them. 

Ludhiana, May 30
Trainees of the Jarkhar Hockey Academy joined the members of the Mata Sahib Kaur Sports Club, Jarkhar, to wish good luck to the Indian hockey team for the 13th World Hockey Cup to be held from May 31 to june 15 at Hague in Holland.

A meeting was organised today at the main stadium, Jarkhar village, where the young players of the academy along with the office-bearers of the Jarkhar Hockey Academy prayed for the success of the team in this mega event.

Joginder Singh Grewal and Surinder Singh Khanna, president and chairman, respectively, of the club announced that if the team wins the cup, the members of the squad would be felicitated during the 29th Annual Jarkhar Sports Festival in addition to a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh would be given.

Chief coach of the academy, Harminder Pal Singh, whose trainee Sardara Singh is the captain of the Indian team said he would present a motor bike to him if the team won the cup.

Ludhiana, May 30
The two-day match between Ludhiana and Amritsar ended in a draw and both the teams shared one point each in the ongoing Punjab State Inter-District Cricket Championship (U-25) at Punjab Agricultural University.

In reply to Ludhiana’s first innings score of 318 runs, Amritsar was 228 for 5 when two skippers agreed to call it a day. The main feature of their innings was an unbeaten 129 knock by Rohan Marwaha.

After two matches, Ludhiana has earned two points. The first match played against Patiala too could not produce any result and the two teams had to content with one point each.

Yesterday, in their first essay, Ludhiana had scored 318 runs in which skipper Geetansh Khera along with Vaibhav Narang and Abhishek Talwar played a pivotal role. Geetansh contributed 78 runs while Vaibhav and Abhishek scored 60 and 46 runs, respectively.

For the visitors, Vinay Thakur was a noticeable bowler scalping six wickets for 103 runs.

Ludhiana, May 30
Three shuttlers from the city have received an invitation to participate in an international badminton tournament scheduled to be held on June 7 and 8 in Germany.

Aditya Gupta, Arnam Jain and Lakshya Sharma, trainees of the NIS qualified, and national junior coach, Mangat Rai Sharma, have got an opportunity to showcase their skills in front of world’s top badminton players from across the globe during the International Badminton Youth Tournament for Oliver Junior Cup Hamburg-2014.

According to Mangat Rai, who will accompany the boys as coach, the achievements of these players in the district as well as state level tournaments were sent to the organisers of the international tourney, who invited them to take part in the event in Germany.

Lakshya Sharma (8), a student of Class IV at Sacred Heart Convent School, Sarabha Nagar, and Arnam Jain (9) of Class V at Sat Paul Mittal School, Dugri, created waves in the badminton arena recently. Lakshya emerged champion in the U-10 category in the district championship and then clinched the title twice in the state championships.

Similarly, Arnam stamped his superiority bagging top honours in the district tournament and also in the Punjab State Badminton Championship. Aditya, student of Class XII of Kundan Vidya Mandir won home championship in the sub-junior section. He also gave an impressive performance in the Punjab State School Games.

“The boys are very excited for their maiden foreign tour. They are aspiring to make their presence felt at the international level competition.