Amritsar, June 16
One person died while two sustained injuries when a roof collapsed on the premises of the Durgiana Temple today. The deceased was identified as Gursewak Singh (30), a resident of Harsha Chhina village. He is survived by his wife Nirmal Kaur and their two children.

The injured include Kuldeep Singh and Surjit Singh, both residents of Harsha Chhina village. They were immediately rushed to Guru Nanak Dev Hospital and their condition is said to be stable. They sustained head injuries besides minor injuries on legs and arms.

Harjinder Singh, a contractor, who had employed them, said the building collapsed suddenly while the three labourers were demolishing the lintel of the structure which comes under the Durgiana Temple beautification plan.

Surjit Singh, one of the injured persons, said they were on the fourth floor of the building when they were razing the lintel. The building was old and suddenly collapsed. They also fell down with the lintel and suffered injuries. Gursewak Singh died on the spot.

The police said the family members of the deceased and the injured had refused any police action in the case. He said they would take action as per the statements of the family members of the victims. 

Amritsar, June 16
The Congress lashed out at the SAD-BJP dominated Municipal Corporation for failing to rope in a private firm for the solid waste management project. The Congress alleged that the MC is finding no takers for its project as it had failed to make the payment to the private firm engaged for it in the past. They also alleged that the MC failed to negotiate with the lowest bidder for the project.

Leader of the Opposition Councillor Raj Kanwal Preet Pal Singh Lucky of the Congress said that in response to the tenders invited for the execution of the solid waste management plant, a Mumbai-based company ESSL had asked for the lowest price of garbage processing at Rs 1,185 per tonne after negotiations. But this too was quite exorbitant compared to a firm which is processing the garbage at the rate of just Rs 365 per tonne in Jalandhar.

"The question arises as to why did the firms quote such a heavy price? The reason was that no one wanted to take up the task because in the past it was the Amritsar Municipal Corporation which had stalled the payment of around Rs 1.5 crore due to the Antony waste firm. This was the reason why the firm had backed out of lifting the city garbage. The MC authorities had failed to negotiate with the firm then too. This episode had made Amritsar a blacklisted place to work. Now that the time span granted by the High Court too has lapsed, someone may file a contempt of court petition and the project may linger on further," he said.

After that, the private players were roped in to lift the garbage. Each trolley was being paid between Rs 1,800-Rs 2,000 for lifting the garbage to the dumping site at Bhagtanwala. "Here, the catch was that most of these garbage lifting trolleys belonged to BJP leaders. Nothing could be done in the larger interests of residents of the holy city as the leaders themselves have adopted a game plan to fix their blue-eyed BJP leaders," said Gurinder Rishi, councillor, ward 24.

The Congress leaders resented that due to an unprecedented delay in setting up the plant, its installation cost too has escalated. Earlier, it was around Rs 72 crore whereas the revised DPR (detailed project report) has estimated the project to be of Rs 95 crore.

All this money would be from the pocket of the public, they said. 

Amritsar, June 16
An Amritsar-based NGO, Khuda-i-Khidmadgaran, has completed a major project by planting saplings on Guru Gobind Singh Marg starting from Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib to Takht Sri Damdama Sahib in Talwandi Sabo.

The drive under the leadership of environmentalist and chief of the NGO, PS Bhatty, was flagged off by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh on June 4 from Batala road here. The stretch covered during the plantation drives measures up to 1,080 km. Sharing his experience, PS Bhatty said the Guru Gobind Singh Marg is 534 km in length but its actual length, the probable path which the Tenth Sikh Guru Gobind Singh had taken in those days, is about 1,083 km (connecting all those points from where Guru Gobind Singh must have passed or stayed). "Our motto is to connect all those points where Guru Gobind Singh must have passed or stayed. Our team members planted trees like awla, haradh and reetha on this route from June 4 to 12. We were flagged off by the Singh Sahib, Sri Akal Takht, from Amritsar," he said.

At Anandpur Sahib, the Singh Sahib of Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, Giani Mal Singh, inaugurated the plantation drive and there after, the missionaries moved to Naulakha Bagh of the seventh master at Kiratpur Sahib.

"Actually, this Bagh is at a distance from Kiratpur Sahib where rare plants were planted. Since it was fully occupied, we could find no space left for planting more saplings and we moved on from there," he said. Then the missionaries reached Gurudwara Bhatha Sahib near Ropar and on their onward journey, they tried to travel probably on that already said route on which Guru Gobind Singh had travelled and reached Talwandi Sabo through ‘kacha’ routes via the famous Lakhi jungle.

"At Talwandi Sabo, Singh Sahib of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Giani Balwant Singh Nandgarh, spent hours with us to go around all the sacred places where the rare plants were planted right in front of the Takht Sri Damdama Sahib. For us, there was spade work left and we did that," he said. Earlier, missionaries of Khudai-Khidmadgaran started planting of around 10 lakh trees worth Rs 1.2 crore on the call of Sri Akal Takht on March 14, 2011 which was completed in two years and seven months in different pockets of the state and its closing ceremony was performed on March 14.

Under the programme, Bhatty said the volunteers have been preparing different species of plants mentioned in the Guru-Granth Sahib, Janam Sakhis, Sikh theology and folklore of the entire region. "Everything is being planned scientifically and shall be executed accordingly," he said.

Bhatty said the government's move to destroy the green belt in the name of development would harm the environmental balance.

"It was not proper to chop off the fully grown rare trees. As a replanting compensation, ornamental trees like dates would serve little purpose. The authorities should keep in mind that the trees which have medicinal values should be given priority. It is a matter of great concern that in Amritsar which has been ranked among 14 most polluted cities in the world and under the present circumstances, we need to go for dense plantation of shady trees," he said. 

Amritsar, June 16
The fate of the proposed state-of-the-art diagnostic centre at the Jallianwala Bagh Martyrs Memorial Civil Hospital here hangs in balance as the private firm roped in by the Health Systems Corporation has failed to show any interest.

The construction of building of the said centre was completed in December last year. Even after six months, the Mumbai-based firm, which had to set up diagnostic centres across the state in the public private partnership mode, has failed to respond to the numerous requests for inspection.

The land for the diagnostic centre was provided by the local civil hospital over which the Punjab Health Systems Corporation had constructed the building at a cost of around Rs 50 lakhs. The hospital authorities said, "The building is complete except for the flooring as it was to be done after installation of the machines. A lock at the main entrance of the newly constructed building is seen hanging ever since it was constructed."

The sources in the Health Department claimed that the firm had probably backtracked from the project as it wants to re-negotiate the terms and conditions of the project with the Health Systems Corporation. Although the private firm was to install the machinery and run the centre, the rates for the various tests were to be finalised by the Health Systems Corporation.

The proposed centre was to have all the latest diagnostic tests at subsidised costs for which the patients have to spend huge amounts at private diagnostic centres. In public sector, at present, diagnostic tests like the MRI and CT scan are available at Guru Nanak Dev Hospital only. The addition of a new centre would be a boon for the public.

Senior Medical Officer at the hospital, Dr Hardip Singh Ghai, said, "The building is complete but we have not received any new communication about the future of the centre from the senior officials."

Amritsar, June 16
The bail plea filed by BJP councillor Prabhjit Rataul, who was arrested by the police in connection with advocate Vaneet Mahajan assault case, has been deferred till June 19.

Considered to be a close aide of Cabinet Minister Anil Joshi, Rataul was arrested by the police earlier this month and is currently in the judicial remand.

The case which was earlier being heard in the court of Ashok Kapoor, Additional Sessions Judge, has now been shifted to the court of the Additional Sessions Judge, Manish Arora, after Kapoor went on leave.

Though advocates from both the sides had completed their arguments on the bail plea during the last hearing, additional sessions judge Ashok Kapoor had secured the judgment on the bail.

Later, he went on leave and now a decision would be made after holding the arguments again.

Advocate Pardeep Sain, who appeared on behalf of Rataul, demanded the deferring of the case for the next date while Sandeep Gorsi, appearing on behalf of Vaneet Mahajan, contended against deferring the case. However, additional sessions judge Manish Arora deferred the case till June 19. 

Amritsar, June 16
A man, identified as Joginder Singh, was killed after several persons attacked him at his residence leaving his sons Gurjinder Singh and Moni injured.

The incident occurred last evening. A murder case has been registered against nine persons in this regard. Gurjinder Singh, in his statement to the police, alleged that he got married to Manpreet Kaur a few years ago. He said he had a marital dispute with his wife and their families were to get together today for mutual separation. He alleged that yesterday his brother-in-laws, Onkar Singha and Jassa and along with a friend Pintu, barged into his house. They were armed with sharp weapons. They attacked him, his father Joginder Singh and brother Moni. He said his father Joginder died on the spot while they were admitted to the hospital. Gulneet Singh Khurana, SHO, B-division police station, said the couple did not enjoy good relationship for the last couple of years. A couple of times, they had a mutual compromise after prominent citizens of the area and the two families intervened. He said around a fortnight ago, the family of the girl had also approached the police. He said the two families had decided for mutual separation and Gurjinder's family had made all the arrangements for this. The two families along with a local political leader were to meet today for this. However, the accused attacked Gurjinder and his family last evening. He said a case under Sections 302, 148 and 149 of the IPC has been registered against Onkar Singh, Jassa and Pintu, besides six unidentified persons in this connection. Onkar Singh has been arrested.—TNS

Amritsar, June 16
The city is grappling with the problem of garbage lifting and disposal. The Municipal Corporation (MC) is also facing difficulties in setting up its proposed municipal solid waste management plant (MSWMP) in Amritsar.

The firms, which had responded for the execution of the plant and providing garbage lifting as additional service, have quoted exorbitant rates, which are beyond the paying capacity of the MC.

It was the Amritsar-based NGO, Punjab Pollution Control Committee, which had filed a writ petition in 2006 in the High Court seeking directions for the state government to set up the waste management plant for the city.

The holy city is in dire need of solid waste management project as it will be the ultimate solution to the garbage disposal problem being faced by the civic authorities.

Things got worse when Antony Waste Handling Pvt Ltd withdrew its machinery since August 7, 2012, following a tussle with the MC over the payment of dues. Till date, the MC is facing tough times in maintaining the cleanliness in the city.

The MC officials had engaged private hands for garbage lifting and disposal, but this exercise was not enough to set the ball rolling.

Amritsar, June 16
The Khalsa College Governing Council (KCGC) has appointed a Punjabi scholar, Dr Mehal Singh, as new principal of the local Khalsa College.

He was selected by a committee of experts from Guru Nanak Dev University and the DPI, Punjab Government. He will replace principal, Dr Daljit Singh, who retired in March and was continuing on the post till further orders.

Dr Mehal Singh, a PhD and MA (Punjabi), has 16 years of working experience as principal. Presently, he is posted as principal, Guru Nanak Dev University College, Verka, with additional charge of the Patti College of the university. He has served as principal of Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa College, Sarhali.

Dr Mehal Singh will shortly be joining the new post after completing the formalities of his present assignment.

KCGC president Sardar Satyajit Singh Majithia and honourary secretary Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina congratulated Dr Mehal Singh. They said they hoped that Dr Mehal would work to the best of his abilities to take the historic college to the new heights.

Dr Mehal thanked the management and selection committee for imposing faith in him. He said he was proud to head the 122 years old premier educational institution of the north India.

Apart from books, including ‘Dalit Sarokar’, ‘Swaran Chandan Da Naval Saman’, ‘Punjabi Naval Da Samaj Itihasik Vigyan’, Dr Mehal has written hundreds of research papers and articles for various journals.

Amritsar, June 16
Perturbed over the insult by her daughter-in-law and her relatives, a local resident committed suicide by hanging herself with the ceiling fan in the Haripura area, here today.

Kavita Bhaskar, the deceased left a suicide note in the house blaming her daughter-in-law, Aditi, and her parents for taking the extreme step of ending her life.Sushil Kumar, SHO, Islamabad police station, said as per the suicide note and statement of her husband, Avinash Bhaskar, her daughter-in-law did not enjoy good relation with their son.

Giving details, he said her son Rajan was married to Aditi around one-and-half year ago. After few months of the marriage, differences cropped between the couple, which remained a bone of contention between them. Avinash said around 10-days ago, there was a quarrel between Aditi and Rajan. Aditi left the house and went to her relatives place in the Lohgarh area. He said later the family, including Rajan and his parents went there and brought her back after a mutual compromise.

File photo of the deceased Kavita Bhaskar.

He said Rajan went to Delhi to bring his sister. Aditi again quarrelled with them and went to her relatives place, alleged Avinash. He said he along with his wife went there and tried to pacify her and urged her to return home. However, Aditi along with her relatives threw them out of the house and insulted them, alleged Avinash.

SHO Sushil Kumar said after returning home, Avinash went to his construction material shop while Kavita was alone at home. After sometime Avinash rang home, but there was no response from the other side. He rushed home and found Kavita hanging from the ceiling fan.

The SHO said in the suicide note Kavita had alleged that her daughter-in-law used to threaten them that she would lodge a complaint with the police. Perturbed over this, she committed suicide.

He said a case of abetment to suicide was being registered against Aditi and her parents, Pawan Kumar and Seema, both residents of Panipat. He said Aditi has been taken into custody. 

Amritsar, June 16
The disciplinary committee of the Government Medical College (GMC) met here today to discuss the course of action in the complaint of alleged ragging, filed by a first year student.

The committee decided to put on record all the documents and evidence collected during the preliminary stage before its chairman, Dr Sudhir Khichi, who could not attend the meeting reportedly due to his busy schedule.

Meanwhile, politics has started over the issue as the state president of the PCMS Specialist Doctors Association, Dr Kashmir Singh Sohal, said few teachers on the campus were favouring the complainant.

Dr Sohal said as per norms, an incident like the one which was reported after 10 months of the start of academic session could not be termed as ‘ragging’. He said a teacher in the college had close affiliation with the group, which had lost the students’ body elections.

“It is a tussle between the two groups competing for students’ body and some people are trying to inflame it,” said Dr Sohal. Interestingly, Dr Sohal’s son Navpreet Aulakh is the president of GMC’s student body at present.

Taking an action on the complaint earlier last week, the medical college had suspended four students, including vice-president and general secretary of the students’ body. It has been learnt that one of the accused was already expelled from the hostel for nine months in April and suspended from college for two months.

A junior student had earlier in a complaint accused seniors of slapping him and using foul language when he refused to follow their instruction. The complainant had alleged that the seniors were in an inebriated condition when the incident had occurred. An audio recording of the whole incident was also submitted to the enquiry committee.

A copy of the audio recording done by the junior students at the time of incident was procured by The Tribune in which a few people can be heard threatening and using foul language.

feedback.asr@ gmail.com They can also send their views to: Feedback, Amritsar Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh - 160029. Letters sent by post must mention 'Feedback for Amritsar Tribune' on the envelope and it should be signed and must contain the address and telephone number of the sender. It should not be more than 150 words.