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City bus service comes to grinding halt
Shivani Bhakoo
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, July 23
Within 24 hours of the City Bus Service issue being raised in the Vidhan Sabha by Congress MLA Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Pune-based company Prasanna Purplehas decided to stop its operations in the city.

Reason: “Since April, no payment has been made to the company by the Municipal Corporation and fuel stations have declined to provide fuel. The operations are being stopped till further decision,” stated a company official.

Company’s maintenance in-charge Vinod Kumar said fuel stations at Samrala Chowk and near Jalandhar Bypass had stopped the supply to buses as their outstanding dues were over Rs 40 lakhs.

The Municipal Corporation has not cleared these bills since April, due to which we are unable to continue the service.

“To date, the company was meeting all these expenses on its own. Now, however, it has become difficult for the company to operate the buses till the payment is released by the civic body,” said Vinod Kumar.

Drivers’ strike the real reason?

The “threat” given by drivers whose salaries were deducted by the company could be another reason behind the sudden decision, said sources. The drivers had threatened to once again go on strike from July 25 if their salaries were not paid in full. Vinod Kumar, however, maintained that the decision had nothing to do with the drivers’ strike. He said the strike was an internal matter of the company, involving groups of drivers. He said those not enrolled with the company were creating the “nuisance”.

City Bus Service drivers’ union president Parijit Singh, meanwhile, alleged that yesterday the company officials informed him that his services were no longer required. “They forced me to resign, but I did not sign the letter. Other drivers supported me and we all decided to discontinue work.”

Eyebrows being raised

Eyebrows are being raised over the sudden decision taken by the company to stop its operations. As per the agreement, after nine years of plying the buses, the vehicles were to be given to the company permanently. An MC official said, “Around 60 buses were to be given to the company after nine years. Also advertisements were being displayed in the buses; still, the company has expressed unwillingness to operate? It is very strange.”

Jolt for commuters

The sudden move has come as a jolt to commuters who feel the bus service is a basic facility they deserve. They say it is the only means of commuting for those who cannot bear exorbitant fares of auto-rickshaws and taxis. “The authorities should do something to start the bus service,” said Anita, who commutes between her house and workplace on city buses.

Talked to firm officials, says MC chief

Municipal Corporation Commissioner Pradeep Aggarwal said he had spoken to the company officials in Pune. “I assured them that pending payments will be released as in the past,” he said.

Co. fears probe: MLA

Bharat Bhushan Ashu, who during the concluding Assembly session on Tuesday had demanded a probe into the “scam”, said: “The financial state of the MC is known to all. The company had been managing all the affairs till Tuesday. Why did they take this sudden decision? Why are they running now? If they have nothing to hide, they should be confident enough to face any probe.” He said similar bus service in Amritsar was generating profit for the city’s civic body. “Here, however, we are running losses to the tune of Rs 2 lakh everyday,” said Ashu. The MLA had also alleged that the papers on which the contract of the City Bus Service was signed did not bear signatures of any government official. “The contract was signed between the company and two MC officials who themselves were on contract. One of them has already left the service,” said Ashu. 

Running in losses

The City Bus Service has been running in losses since it was handed over to a private company. For the first year, when the municipal corporation was running the service, it did generate some profit. Since then, it has remained in losses and courted controversies for one reason or the other. Presently, it is running losses to the tune of Rs 2 lakh per day.

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Khanna cops crack scribe’s murder
Unable to pay debts, two joined hands to eliminate the reporter
Our Correspondent

Khanna, July 23
The Khanna police claimed to have solved the murder of a scribe of Samrala with the arrest of four persons, including a woman.

At a press conference here today, Khanna SSP Harsh Kumar Bansal the scribe, identified as Sant Parkash Kalra, had gone missing a day before yesterday. A special team was constituted to crack the case. During investigation, the police found many clues to the murder and arrested four persons, including a woman. They have confessed to the crime, he added.

The SSP said a Khamano resident Alok Gupta, who at present lived at Khanna, borrowed money (in lakhs) from Kalra. A resident of Saloudi village, Rajinder Singh, also borrowed money from Kalra.

On the evening of July 21, Alok Gupta and Rajinder Singh called Kalra to Gupta’s house at Khanna. Alok, his wife Dilpreet, and a friend of Rajinder, Deepak Kumar Deepu, were also present.

Deepu accompanied Kalra on a motorcycle to Samrala on the pretext of giving him money there. When they reached near Saloudi, Deepu asked Kalra to stop to answer the nature’s call. When Kalra stopped his motorcycle, Rajinder came from behind and hit Kalra with a hockey stick on the head. When Kalra tried to escape, both Deepu and Rajinder attacked him with the hockey stick and a knife and killed him.

The SSP said they had tried to kill Kalra about 15 days ago also. He said the police had recovered the deceased’s purse and diary from the accused.

Dilpreet, accused Alok Gupta’s wife, ran a beauty salon at Khanna where Rajinder Singh’ wife worked. Soon, both of them came to know that they both were to pay back money to Kalra. They hatched a conspiracy to eliminate Kalra.

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Park developed at cost of Rs 37.79 lakh in a shambles
Shivani Bhakoo
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, July 22
The public park at Salem Tabri, near Sabzi Mandi, which falls in Ward Number 25, is a picture of neglect. This despite more than Rs 37 lakh “spent” on the annual repair, maintenance and development of the park.

As per information obtained under the RTI Act, a total Rs 37.79 lakh was “spent” on the maintenance of the park between 2007 and 2009. An estimate of Rs 13.16 lakh was passed for the annual repair of the park on June 22, 2007, while another estimate of Rs 12.63 lakh was passed on February 25, 2009. Yet another amount of Rs 12 lakh for the repairs at the park was passed on May 20, 2009.

An office-bearer of the Save Punjab Foundation, an NGO, which procured the information, said: “The public park is a shambles. A huge chunk of government land has become a haven for drug addicts and gamblers.”

Madan Lal Bagga, who was councillor of Ward Number 25 from 2002 to 2007, said the place was like a jungle earlier. He got all encroachments removed from the land, turned it into a public park with fountains and benches, etc. “The residents complain there has been no development since then,” said Bagga.

RD Sharma, Deputy Mayor and present councillor of the ward, said the money was spent on the maintenance of the park. He added: “After four or five years, you are asking me about the money spent on the park. It is very difficult to remember each and everything. Footpaths were laid and grills were installed at the park. It was a well-developed park. But no money has been spent on its maintenance for a long time,” said Sharma.

Sarabjot Singh (name changed), a shopkeeper at Sabzi Mandi, said he had been running business in the market for the past many years and was well aware of the condition of the park. “It witnessed development way back in 2006-07 but after that the park has been in a miserable condition. If lakhs were spent on it, it should be visible to the naked eye,” said the shopkeeper.

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Bus operators oppose the move 
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, July 23
Small Scale Bus Operators Association opposed the move of traffic police to challan the buses for wrong parking at bus stops. Office-bearers of the association alleged that the buses of political giants go unchecked and no officer challan them.

The office-bearers of the association wrote to the Deputy Commissioner and Police Commissioner to intervene in the matter.

Jaswinder Singh Grewal, general secretary, Small Scale Bus Operators Association, stated that it has become a routine affair. “The traffic police challaned the buses on bus stoppages for violating the traffic rules. It is an injustice with bus operators. We have Stage Carriage Permit and it is our duty to pick the passengers from every point. If any old, child or woman stop our bus we have to facilitate them,” said Grewal.

“There is no demarcation of bus stops in the city. We urged to the Municipal Corporation to mark the lines. In the absence of shelters on bus stops the passengers stand anywhere. So the bus drivers have to stop where the passengers stand. The role of traffic police is negative, instead of making passengers aware to wait for the buses at proper bus stops, they are more interested to challan the buses”, added Grewal.

He alleged that the police adopt the pick and choose policy. The police do not challan the buses of political giants. “The operators patronised by politicians can take the passenger from anywhere. They dominate on routes so it is hard to earn livelihood for small operators.”

Harjeet Singh, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) refuted the allegation.

“We challan all the violators and there is no pick and choose policy. If the operators have been facing inconvenience we will try to redress their grievances,” said ACP Singh.

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Bridge sans railings poses threat to commuters 
Our Correspondent

Jagraon, July 23
Absence of railings on the both sides of the bridge on the link road connecting Raikot Road with Ludhiana-Ferozepur Highway puts the lives of commuters to a serious threat.

This road also serves as bypass for the commuters travelling from Ludhiana to Raikot and a large number of vehicles ferrying hundreds of people travel on this road every day. The railings installed on both the sides of the bridge have vanished with time. Besides this, the bridge is narrow, due to which the commuters are always under constant fear of meeting an accident.

The bridge is considered as highly accident prone area as it is situated on a sharp curve and the drivers of the vehicles coming from both the sides fail to negotiate the curve. The situation becomes more dangerous during the night when it becomes almost impossible to spot the sides of the bridge due to which the commuters always remain on high risk of falling into the drain.

A large number of accidents have taken place on this bridge in absence of the railings. A few days back one person got injured when the car he was driving fell into the drain. Prior to this, several other accidents had taken place yet the authorities concerned have not bothered to install new railings on the bridge.

The residents of nearby areas have been demanding from the administration to install new railings on the bridge but all administration has taken any action so far.

Punjab Mandi Board secretary Jaswinder Singh said a proposal for installing new railings on the bridge has already been sent to the department and the railing would be installed very soon.

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Cong up in arms against state govt
Gurvinder Singh
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, July 23
To register their discontent over the state government’s failure on “various fronts”, Congress leaders and workers staged a dharna here today.

Chaos prevailed as the workers tried to accompany party leaders who were on their way to submit a memorandum to Deputy Commissioner Rajat Aggarwal.

District Congress leaders and All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary Harish Choudhary took part in the four-hour long dharna against drug menace and power crisis in the state.

Local MP Ravneet Singh Bittu and other leaders alleged that the name of Congress MLA Amarinder Singh Raja was dragged into drug peddling case by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Mansa, to hide the “deeds” of Cabinet Minister Bikramjit Singh Majithia.

The AICC secretary said although the state government boasted of providing electricity to Pakistan, it could not provide adequate power to the state.

Party leader Pawan Dewan said drugs were killing more youths that those killed during the dark period of terrorism.

“Rather than putting those responsible for drug peddling behind bars, the government is arresting the victims of drug addiction,” said MLA Bharat Bhushan Ashu.

Jassi Khangura said the Treasury had Rs 872 crores when the Badal government came to power, but today the state was under debt.

Party submits memorandum to SDM in Samrala

The Congress party also protested outside the Sub-Divisional Magistrate office in Samrala. Under the leadership of Lakhvir Singh Lakha, party workers raised their voice against power cuts and sale of drugs.

Party leaders said while the government had raised the power rates, people were not getting adequate power supply.

They also accused the state government of shielding drug peddlers.

Samrala MLA Amrik Singh Dhillon, Khanna MLA Gurkirat Singh Kotli addressed the gathering. — OC

Assembly poll on mind

‘Sink differences’

Many leaders, while addressing the party leadership, said they all needed to work together by “sinking their differences” for the next Assembly elections in 2017. Congress leader Ram Lal Jassi said that infighting in the top leadership of the state unit was affecting the party’s performance in Punjab.

‘Tackle AAP threat’

Ravneet Singh Bittu said that the Aam Aadmi Party caused a dent in the party’s vote share. Earlier, it was the People’s Party of Punjab that caused a loss of votes to the party, he said. Another leader said the party had to compete against AAP as well.

Capt finds favour

Most leaders rooted for former Chief Minister and Amritsar MP Capt Amarinder Singh. Punjab Pardesh Congress Committee president Partap Singh Bajwa’s name was rarely taken during the protest.

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Finally, LIT conducts draw
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, July 23
The Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) today conducted a draw of lots for the allotment of residential plots to nine locally displaced persons (LDPs). In the wake of a controversy and the draw, scheduled to be taken out earlier on July 14, 2014, having been stayed by the Punjab Government, the Engineer-in-Chief, Local Government, Manmohan Singh, attended the draw.

Eight plots of 500 square yards each, seven at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar and one at Maharishi Valmiki Nagar, and one plot measuring 200 square yards at Maharishi Valmiki Nagar, were allotted to the eligible LDPs, whose land was acquired by the LIT for the development of the 256-acre Maharishi Valmiki Nagar, Model Town Extension Part II, Sarabha Nagar, and 475-acre Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar schemes.

The draw of lots, earlier scheduled to be taken out on July 14, 2014, on the basis of orders issued by the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, was mired in controversy.

There were complaints that the plots were being allotted to non-eligible persons under political and administrative pressure. It was also alleged that some of the LDPs had since died and their cases for allotment of plots were being pursued by certain politically connected property dealers and some conniving employees and officials of the Trust.

The fact that most of the applicants or their legal heirs had failed to turn up at the LIT office along with supporting documents despite being informed through registered letters gave credence to the charges of foul play in the allotment of plots, which command a very high premium in the market.

The LIT Executive Officer, Jiwan Bansal, said the Local Government Department had given a go-ahead for the draw of lots when it was pointed out that the claims of the LDPs were being considered on the basis of the directions issued by the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, which were binding on the Trust. To make sure that the draw was conducted in a fair and transparent manner, the government had also deputed an observer to supervise the proceedings.

According to Bansal, the LIT had filed a special leave petition (SLP) before the Supreme Court of India, challenging the orders of the commission. “The allotment letters to the successful applicants will be issued only after obtaining legal opinion and approval of the draw by the Punjab Government,” he said.

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ASI suspended for inaction 
Mohit Khanna
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, July 23
Commissioner of Police Pramod Ban today suspended Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Blajeet Singh for dereliction of duty after it was found that the latter had failed to act on time in a case pertaining to assault on a former sarpanch.

Confirming the development, the Commissioner of Police said the ASI was suspended for dereliction of duty.

Former sarpanch of Jartauli village, near Dehlon, Jagwinder Singh said on July 16, he had heated arguments with some youngsters loitering around the village under the influence of drugs.

Jagwinder said the youngsters threatened him with dire consequences and left the scene. On the same night, the youngsters barged in his house and attacked him with sharp weapons. They also manhandled Jagwinder’s father Darshan Singh, the former sarpanch said.

He said the Dehlon police washed their hands of the matter by merely registering an assault case.

“I kept on saying that the youngsters were under the influence of drugs but the police did not pay any heed to my complaints. Finally, I lodged a complaint with the 181 police helpline number,” said Jagwinder Singh.

“Yesterday, we received a feedback call from the 181 customer care centre. They asked us whether we were satisfied with the inquiry. I told them that I was not at all satisfied as after the incident I was living under the constant fear of being attacked again. The customer care executive told me to report the matter to the Commissioner of Police (CP),” said Jagwinder Singh.

Today, Jagwinder Singh, along with Sarabjit Singh Dhillon, president of the Brick-klin Owners Association, met the Commissioner of Police.

“The Commissioner of Police listened to our complaint and issued a verbal order to suspend ASI Baljit Singh. He also issued a show-cause notice to the Dehlon SHO,” said Sarabjit Singh Dhillon. 

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Relatives block traffic after patient’s death 
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, July 23
A high drama was witnessed at a local nursing home after a woman’s death. Relatives of the deceased blocked the traffic on Shingar Cinema road and raised slogans against the nursing home authorities.

The woman, Jyoti, was undergoing treatment at Arora Nursing Home.

“I had told the doctors that I will be depositing the treatment charges tomorrow, but they stopped my wife’s treatment, leading to her death,” he said.

The nursing home authorities, however, refuted the allegation. They said the patient was suffering from acute asthma and the family had already been told to shift her to Christian Medical College and Hospital as the case had gone out of our control.

“She got a severe asthma attack in the morning and as a result lost her life. Her treatment was not stopped in between,” said a doctor.

Newlywed couple has narrow escape

A newlywed couple had a narrow escape after the car they were travelling in rammed into a stray cow near Baddowal village here today.

Karamjit Singh and his wife escaped with minor injuries. The cow was killed in the accident and the car was badly damaged.

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No end to water contamination in city localities
Three deaths in a day at Parkash Nagar raise questions over MC, Health Dept’s arrangements
Manav Mander
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, July 23
Water contamination continues to haunt people residing in some localities of the city. Every summer, the same story gets repeated: people losing their life due to diarrhoea and other waterborne diseases.

Three deaths in a single day Parkash Nagar have once again raised questions over the arrangements made by the Health department and Municipal Corporation.

A fortnight ago, four lives were lost at Siroha village, and in May, a five-year-old boy of Phambran village became the first victim of diarrhoea this year.

Civil Surgeon Dr Subhash Batta said the Health Department keeps surveying the sensitive sensitive and also hold medical camps from time to time.

“We also educate the people of these areas and distribute pamphlets regarding safety measures to be adopted. The problem occurs due to contaminated water supply and the Health Department is not at fault this time. Now, we have also distributed chlorine tablets to the people,” said Dr Batta.

After the three deaths were reported from Parkash Colony, area councillor Tanvir Singh Dhaliwal said: “Residents are being provided safe drinking water through tankers. Those who are suffering from diarrhoea might have using water from some other source.”

Chanderbhan Singh, a resident of Parkash Colony, said that no health official ever visited their colony. “It was only after three deaths were reported that everyone is rushing to the area and advising us on the dos and don’ts,” he said.

Suman, a resident of Jawahar Nagar, said that couple of months ago, many people from the area complained of contaminated water supply and some even fell ill.

“Medical camps were held in the area after which the situation was brought under control,” she said.

AAP leader HS Phoolka, meanwhile, sought the Mayor’s resignation. He said the party had been raising the issue of water contamination for long.

Diarrhoea prevention

Diarrhoea is caused by germs that get swallowed. This happens due to unsafe disposal of faeces, poor hygiene practices or a lack of potable water. If infected, children tend to dehydrate rapidly, leading to death if not treated on time. To prevent it, wash hands properly, keep children’s body clean, prepare food with care and dispose of all refuse in a sanitary way.

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Cops throwing us out of business: Sand miners 
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, July 23
Accusing police officers of carrying out illegal sand mining, hundreds of persons involved in sand mining business today protested near Ladhowal Toll Plaza.

Ratta Mitti Karobari Sangharsh Committee president Rashpal Singh Bali said policemen, instead of preventing illegal mining, had themselves entered the business.

“There are several persons who are police officers during the day and illegal sand miners at night,” said Bali

He alleged several policemen were taking “cuts” from the illegal sand miners to allow them to operate at night.

“The government should conduct free and fair investigation in the matter. It must find out how many police officers and their kin are involved in illegal sand mining. I know several police officers who own tractor-trailers used for ferrying illegally mined sand. They have thrown us out of business and are minting money themselves,” sad Bali.

The committee president said that four days ago a tractor-trailer belonging to a woman police officer’s relative was caught by the police. When the policemen on duty came to know that it belonged to a police officer’s relative, the sand-laden vehicle was freed.”

Bali said the government should rationalise taxes so that poor villagers and small traders could sell sand. He blamed the government and the Mining Department for the rise in sand prices.

“Only those having political or police connection are allowed to work. Marginal farmers who used to earn their living by selling sand lifted from the riverbed have been thrown out of the business. The government policies are encouraging hoarding of sand, which has further led to the rise in price and construction cost,” said Bali. 

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Building branch gets 3 days’ time
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, July 23
With the next date of hearing in the building violations case round the corner, the Municipal Corporation Commissioner today met the concerned officials to discuss the pendency of challans.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court will be hearing the civil writ petition 8801 of 2012 on August 11.

The civic body has given an undertaking to the HC that by July 31, all challans issued till 2012 will be accessed.

With many challans still pending in all zones, Aggarwal directed the building branch officials to complete the work in next three days. In Zone A, 55 challans are pending, while in Zone B, C and D, 87, 89 and 230 challans are pending, respectively. 

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ICAI organises certificate course on IT 
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, July 23
A certificate course on Forensic Accounting and Fraud Detection was organised by the Committee on Information Technology, The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, and hosted by the Ludhiana Branch of NIRC from July 16 to 22 at ICAI Bhawan, Pakhowal Road, Ludhiana.

Rajesh Kumar Jain, chairman of the Ludhiana branch, informed that 40 CAs joined and successfully completed the above certificate course.

The Committee on Information Technology has been established by the institute to identify information technology challenges facing the profession and to convert them into gainful professional opportunities for members by conducting conferences, seminars, practical workshops, training programmes, courses apart from practice guides, training aids, softwares and publications on information technology for the benefit of members. 

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NACC cadet brings laurels
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, July 23
Once again, it was an occasion of pride for No 4 Pb Air Sqn NCC when one of their girl cadets brought laurels to the unit.

Cadet Corporal Sarita Kumari of the locally based unit was adjudged third in the 'Akhil Bhartiye Hindi Lekha Pratiyogita', a national-level event conducted at New Delhi.

The event was conducted by DGNCC and carried a total cash award of Rs 5,000 for the winners.

In a felicitation ceremony held at NCC Group HQs today, she was handed over the winner's cheque by Brig RPS Sandhu, SM, Group Commander of NCC Group HQ, Ludhiana.

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Day 2: 61 turn up for medical stream 
Charanjit Singh Teja
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, July 23
Sixty-one applicants appeared during the second day of counselling of applicants for admission to medical stream at Senior Secondary Residential School for Meritorious Students.

Total 98 students have applied for 100 seats of medical stream but only 61 came for counselling. A student having 96.46 per cent marks got the admission.

The girl students have been showing more interest in residential school than male students.

According to the education officials, out of 61 applicants 55 were girls and 6 were boys. Today, two more girls came for the counselling for admission to commerce stream.

Charanjit Singh, Deputy District Education Officer, informed that the students who were interested to take admission could come for counselling in the next three days.

Out of all, 54 applicants were from Ludhiana district. Five applicants were from Moga and two were from district Sangrur.

Requesting anonymity, one of the students said, “It is quite strange that when the government is providing all the facilities free of cost to students then uniforms and books would not cost much. If the government claims that it is for the poor students then why they are they burdening them. The books and uniforms should also be provided by the government. 

School will not provide uniforms, books

The Society for Promotion of Quality Education for Poor and Meritorious Students of Punjab will provide free accommodation, food and education to all the students getting admission. Ironically, the society will not provide uniforms and books to the students. On Wednesday, the officials of the Education Department informed the applicants that they had to arrange their uniforms and books themselves. 

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Teachers’ unions stage protest 
Condemn suspension of 3 staff members of govt school
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, July 23
As many as six teachers’ unions today staged a protest outside the office of the District Education Officer in Mini Secretariat condemning the Education Minister’s orders of suspending three schoolteachers after the alleged rape of 11-year-old girl in Government High School at Sunet village.

While condemning the Education Minister, Dr DS Cheema, for suspending three women teachers, including the headmistress, of Government School, Sunet, in the wake of the rape of a minor girl during the school hours on July 5, the teachers said if the three teachers were not reinstated till July 28, then they would carry out a massive protest against the government.

The also condemned the government’s move for ‘forcibly’ transferring the teachers and posting new teachers in place of them.

Union leaders included Hardev Mullapur and district president Charan Singh Noorpura from Democratic Teachers’ Front, Praveen Kumar from Government School Teachers’ Union and Harpreet Singh from Computer Teachers’ Union. They said: “The teachers have been unnecessarily victimised for no fault of theirs.”

The representatives of teachers union said when the preliminarily medical reports were denying the occurrence of rape with the victim then why the teachers were being made the scapegoats.

The Education Minister suspended headmistress Joginder Kaur and two teachers Tarwinder Kaur and Yojna Sharma after the incident. 

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Striking fishery students meet DC
Request him to seek an appointment with Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, July 23
The striking students of the Fisheries Department of GADVASU went to meet the Deputy Commissioner, Rajat Aggarwal, today and requested
him to seek an appointment from the Punjab Chief Minister, Parkash Singh Badal.

Aggarwal said students had come to him today and had requested him to seek an early appointment with the CM. “I will forward their request to the CMs office,” the DC said.

The students are on strike from June 2 against government ‘non-assurance’ on providing them with government jobs.

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PAU notes

Ludhiana
Farm engineer awarded fellowship:
Er Rupinder Pal Singh, assistant professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), has been awarded a prestigious fully-funded fellowship by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Netherlands. He will go for a four-week advance training on ‘cooling technology, water supply management and solar energy’ at the PTC+ International Training Centre of Refrigeration and Engineering Technology, the Netherlands. This training programme is spread over various modules ranging from the basic cooling installation such as cold stores to advance solar cooling and cryogenic systems.

3-month training on agriculture from Aug 1

The Directorate of Extension Education, PAU, will organise a three-month training programme on various agri-aspects from August 1 to October 31. The rural youth from various parts of Punjab will participate in the course. Giving details, Dr HS Dhaliwal, Director of Extension Education, said the matriculate youth in the age group of 20 to 40 years from Punjab were eligible for the training. The interested candidates can collect the application form from the Directorate of Extension Education or the Kairon Kisan Ghar (KKG), PAU, or send their application, stating their particulars, on plain white paper, he told. — TNS

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From schools

Ludhiana
Plantation week:
The third day of Plantation week was observed in Green Land Senior Secondary Public School on Wednesday. Jute-bag making was organized for Classes VI and VII whereas in the junior wing, students of Classes I to V performed dances and skits. A poetry recitation competition was also organised for students of Classes I to V.

Investiture

An investiture ceremony was organised at Saraswati Modern Senior Secondary School, Ludhiana, on Wednesday. The function started with the lighting of the lamp by the chief guest. Students of Class V rendered a motivational song. The ceremony of allotment of sashes and oath taking was performed by the dignitaries for all the members of the student council. The chief guest congratulated the council members and advised them to perform their duties sincerely and diligently.

Folk-song competition

An Inter-House Folk Song Competition was organised at MGM Public School on Wednesday. Participants of all the four houses i.e. Ajmer, Hemkunt, Jagannath and Vatican came dressed in Punjabi attires. Hemkunt House was adjudged the winner followed by Vatican House that got the second prize while Jagannath House was the third in the queue. Principal Poonam Sharma and director Gajjan Singh Thind felicitated the winners and inspired the students to nurture the culture with such sincere efforts.

Saplings planted

To sensitise students about the importance of trees, Vanamahotsava was celebrated on the campus of Saraswati Modern Senior Secondary School. Senior students planted saplings and pledged to safeguard their Blue Planet. Students of middle wing designed posters. Students from primary wing participated in a plethora of activities related to environment. A quiz on environment and 'Nature Walk' were some of the highlighted activities of the day. Principal Mona Thakur motivated students to plant trees and be the saviours of their environment. — TNS

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Ludhiana scan

City gets new health officer

Dr Kulwinder Singh has joined as the new District Health Officer. Earlier, he was posted at Fathegarh Sahib. While Dr Abnash Kumar who was the present DHO, Ludhiana, has been transferred to Fatehgarh sahib.

Eye check-up camp

A free eye check-up camp was held at Kular village in collaboration with the Punarjot Eye Bank Society. Twenty patients were operated upon while 173 were given spectacles free of cost.

Protest

Residents of Punjab Mata Nagar have submitted a memorandum to the DC regarding a mobile transmission tower being installed in the area.They staged a dharna against the installation of the tower. The residents of the area said installation of the tower in the area was dangerous and would prove to be harmful to the health of the residents of the area.

Birth anniversary

Nation Panther Party, Punjab Unit, organised a programme to celebrate the birthday of Chander Shekhar Azad and Bal Gangadhar Tilak at Salem Tabri on Wednesday. Kamlajeet Singh Papu president, Nation Panther Party, Punjab Unit, shared the life history of martyrs.

Appointed

Dr Sukhpal Singh Sekhon Issewal has been appointed as the Chief Agricultural Officer of Ludhiana. After taking over, he said he would do his duty with utmost honesty and dedication.

Founder’s day

Municipal Workers’ Union celebrated 69th founder’s day of the Bhartiya Workers’ Union on Wednesday. A large number of workers along with leaders from different cities participated in it.

Applications invited

Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle invited applications for scholarship for students belonging to religious minorities to continue their studies. Sukhdev Singh, president Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle, informed that the last date to send the applications was August 30. — TNS

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Earrings snatched as cops sleep nearby

Ludhiana, July 23
Two youngsters on a motorcycle snatched the earrings of a senior Akali leader’s sister-in-law near a park at Upkar Nagar early morning today.

The victim has been identified as 65-year-old Narinder Kaur, a resident of Prem Nagar, near Upkar Nagar. She is sister-in-law of senior Akali leader Shivtar Singh Bajwa. The incident took place at 6 am while she was going to a public park for morning walk.

She said two youngsters on a motorcycle accosted her. The youth riding pillion held her by the ear and warned her that if she raised the alarm, they would shoot him. Before she could understand the situation, the youngster pulled her earrings and fled the scene.

Narinder Kaur raised the alarm and soon the local residents gathered at the spot.

High drama was witnessed when the residents found two members of a PCR team (motorcycle No. 12) sleeping barely 100 metres from the spot.

Kanwarjatinder Singh Bajwa, nephew of Narinder Kaur and general secretary of the Youth Akali Dal, took up the issue with the inspector of the PCR Gurbachan Singh.

“The police officer has assured us of appropriate action. The incident would not have occurred if the policemen were not sleeping on duty,” said Bajwa. — TNS

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Man killed friend over SMSes to girlfriend
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, July 23
The city police have arrested a man on charge of murdering 19-year-old Prakash Singh Rana. Rana’s body was found in a hotel room on July 18. He was strangulated to death.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Nilamberi Jagdale said the accused, identified as Dewan Singh, Gaind village, Tehri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand, was arrested. He has confessed that he killed Rana.

He told the police that he killed Rana in a fit of rage. Both of them were having drinks in a room of the hotel. Suddenly, Dewan picked up Rana’s mobile phone and was shocked to find that Prakash had sent messages to his girlfriend and was trying to develop relations with her. In a fit of rage, Dewan strangulated Rana with a shirt.

After killing Rana, the accused, along with the woman who accompanied them to the hotel, fled the scene.

The police arrested the woman two days ago. A court sent her to judicial remand.

While hiring two rooms at the hotel, Rana had told the hotel authorities that the man and the woman accompanying him were his brother and sister-in-law.

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Five booked for duping man of Rs 20 lakh 
Our Correspondent

Jagraon, July 23
The Jagraon police have booked five persons, including a Canada-based NRI woman for duping a man of Rs 20 lakh. The accused have been identified as Canada-based NRI Manpreet Kaur along with Gurcharan Singh, Kaur Singh, Jatinder Singh and Deepak Kumar.

The case was registered on the complaint by Paramjit Singh, a resident of Hathur town near Jagraon. In his complaint to the police, Paramjit Singh alleged that Manpreet Kaur and others duped him of Rs 20 lakh on the pretext of taking his son to Canada after marriage.

According to Paramjit Singh, it was Gurcharan Singh who introduced him to Canada-based NRI Manpreet Kaur in the second week of June. “Gurcharan told me that Manpreet was searching for a boy for marriage following which we met her and some of her relatives living in Kila Raipur. Manpreet demanded Rs 20 lakh for marrying my son Bhupinder and taking him to Canada to which I agreed,” stated Paramjit Singh.

He further stated that a deal was struck and the marriage of his son Bhupinder was solemnised with Manpreet Kaur on July 6. “But two days after the marriage, we learnt that Manpreet Kaur was already married. After being exposed, Manpreet managed to flee from our house,” stated Paramjit Singh.

Following this, the victim’s family lodged a complaint with the SSP, Jagraon, Ravcharan Singh Brar. After an inquiry, the police have now registered a case against Manpreet Kaur, Gurcharan Singh, Kaur Singh, Jatinder Singh and Deepak Kumar at Hathur police station. However, none of the accused has been arrested so far. 

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Assault case: Retired teacher alleges police inaction 
Lovleen Bains and Gurminder Grewal

Doraha/Samrala, July 23
A retired mathematics professor from Government College, Ludhiana, who was assaulted by attackers thrice, has alleged police inaction in the matter. Kawar Ranbir Singh is presently admitted to Sidhu Hospital, Doraha. He said he had informed the police about threat to his life but the pollice took no action.

The victim stated that he owns a dairy farm and agricultural land at Neelon. He entered into an agreement to buy two acres of land from a party of Amritsar. He had paid Rs 40 lakh to the owners. The cost of one acre was 80 lakhs and he asked the party to register half of the acre in his name. He had, however, taken the possession of the land from the latter.

The victim said, “On June 3, 20 to 25 armed people came to take the possession back from me. I reacted and their attempt failed. Sensing danger in future, I informed the Samrala police and asked them to register a case against Gurmail Singh of Lal Kalan who has the power of attorney along with Babu Singh, Jora Singh, Avtar Singh and Gogana of the same village, Kashmir Singh of Bhammaddi village, Balbir Singh of Katani Kalan and Hardeep Singh of Kot Gangu Rai but to no avail.”

“On July 5, the other party forcibly levelled the standing crop and ran away. I again went to the police station but to no use. I even forwarded my complaint to the SSP, Khanna, who marked it to SHO Samrala but there was still no action. On July 14, the attackers armed with kirpans, forcibly entered my home, attacked me and left me badly injured by striking me on my head and hand. I fell unconscious and recovered consciousness after nine days,” he said. At that time too my son had informed the police and as usual the police failed to take any action.

SHO, Samrala, Bhupinder Singh said, “The matter is still under investigation. It will be solved soon.”

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