Bathinda, July 29
Once again the security arrangements at the Bathinda Central Jail have come under the scanner following the recovery of a mobile from a prisoner.

A checking was carried out by the jail authorities during which the mobile phone was recovered from a soap dish under the bedding of the prisoner. The inmate from whom the mobile was recovered has been identified as Kuljit Singh, alias Ruby, a resident of Jalandhar.

Drugs and mobile phones have been recovered from prisoners in the recent past. A mobile phone battery was recovered from an inmate on May 30. The prisoner from whom a mobile phone was recovered had been identified as Gurlal Singh, a resident of Sidhana Phul in Bathinda district.

Another mobile phone was recovered from a prisoner on May 10. The inmate from whom the mobile was recovered has been identified as Guriqbal Singh, a resident of Kapurthala.

The problem is on the rise in all prisons across the state. Cellphones help criminals in threatening witnesses beside planning their escape from the jail. Sometimes, they extort money while staying in the jail. The issue had come to the fore when two groups clashed inside the Bathinda jail on May 15. They blamed each other for using mobile phones and supplying drugs in the jail.

Source inside the Central Jail said in many cases, the relatives of the prisoners give mobile phones to them during their hearing in the court.

Similarly, narcotics and other communication devices sneak into the jails through construction material such as cement blocks and bricks.

Mobile phones and narcotics were also found in the food of many prisoners. Notably, the state government had decided to install jammers in all jails but the project is yet to begin in the absence of funds. However, Rs 4 crore was earmarked to provide modern communication devices to the jail staff in 2012. 

*A checking was carried out by the Central Jail authorities during which the mobile phone was recovered from a soap dish under the bedding of a prisoner

*A mobile phone battery was recovered from an inmate on May 30 while a mobile phone was recovered from a prisoner on May 10

*Notably, the state government had decided to install jammers in all jails but the project is yet to begin in the absence of funds. However, Rs 4 crore was earmarked to provide modern communication devices to the jail staff in 2012 

Bathinda, July 29
The city and its adjoining areas heaved a sigh of relief on Tuesday after heavy rain brought down the temperature and gave the residents much-needed relief from the hot and humid weather prevailing for the last two weeks. The area received 3.2 mm of rainfall this afternoon. The city woke up to a partially cloudy sky and the weather turned pleasant in the afternoon.

A child wades through a waterlogged street in Parasram Nagar; and commuters brave the showers in Bathinda on Tuesday. Photos: Vijay Kumar

The cloud cover didn’t disappoint the residents as several parts of the city received rainfall at around 1.30 pm. The rainfall lowered the temperature by several notches. As per the Agri-Met Department of Punjab Agricultural University Regional Centre in Bathinda, the maximum temperature came down by six degrees. While the maximum temperature was recorded at 36.5 degree Celsius on Monday, it came down to 30.6 degree Celsius today. The minimum temperature was recorded at 27.2 degree Celsius.

While the rainfall brought the much-needed respite, it increased the humidity level. On Tuesday, the maximum humidity was recorded at 85-90 per cent and the minimum humidity was recorded at 55-60 per cent.

As per the forecast, the region may experience rainfall in the next two days.

Driest July in seven years

This July remained the driest in the past six years. Bathinda received around 20 mm of rainfall this July.

In 2008, the region had received 37.4 mm rainfall, the second lowest in the past seven years.

In 2009, the region received 130.6 mm rainfall in July and in 2010, it received 100.9 mm rainfall. Around 115 mm of rainfall was recorded in 2011 while the region witnessed 95.6 mm of rainfall in July, 2012. Last year, the region received 145.3 mm rainfall. 

Business affected

*Though the rainfall brought much-needed relief, the problem of waterlogging came back to haunt the residents. Parasram Nagar remained waterlogged and shopkeepers in Sirki Bazar derided the Municipal Corporation and the district administration over poor preparations to deal with the rainy season 

Bathinda, July 29
A couple who was returning home from a temple was attacked by some persons. After receiving the information, relatives of the couple reached the spot and a verbal duel ensued between them and the attackers. Later, members of the victims' family staged a dharna, demanding action against the accused. Immediately, after getting the information, SHO Kotwali reached there and pacified the protestors.

Rekha Rani, the victims' relative, said on March 11, 2013, she had filed a case against Satpal Grover at the Kotwali police station, and the case is still pending in the court. She had gone to the court complex for some work on Monday.

Satpal Grover was present there and he started abusing and beating her up. She stated that she immediately informed the police regarding the incident.

Rekha said Satpal Grover forced her not give statement against him in the court. She also stated that her brother Pav Kumar and his wife Neetu had gone to a temple on Tuesday morning when Satpal Grover’s goons attacked them.

She alleged that Satpal Grover was troubling them but the police did not take any action. SHO Mahesh Saini said the police were investigating the matter and action would be taken as per the law. 

Bathinda, July 29
A facility for the stay of the relatives of the poor cancer patients undergoing treatment in the empanelled hospital in Bathinda seems to be a distant dream despite the completion of the building a long time ago.

The Deputy Chief Minister had inaugurated the cancer short-stay home in Bathinda ahead of the General Election this year. The cancer short-stay home was constructed for the relatives of the patients undergoing treatment under the state government scheme.

The short-stay home was constructed at a cost of Rs 3.15 crore on four kanals adjoining the Bathinda Civil Hospital. Having 24 rooms with attached bathrooms and 15 dormitories, it was supposed to come into existence in December, 2013. However, it is waiting for final touches and inauguration.

The short-stay home is for the relatives of the poor cancer patients who visit Max Hospital under the Chief Minister’s Cancer Relief Fund Scheme for treatment. Max Hospital is one of the 16 empanelled hospitals in the state. The Civil Hospital has the cancer control unit, a Centre–state project, where patients are treated free of cost but because of the unavailability of radiotherapy facility, the state government did not include it under the empanelled hospitals. The Bathinda Development Authority (BDA) was supposed to hand over the building to the Red Cross Society sometime ago but the society took charge of the CSS home this week only.

The honorary secretary of the Red Cross Society, Ramesh Chander, said, “We took the charge of the building this week and have invited bids to run the stay home. Preference will be given to NGOs while individuals can also apply. Our motive is to run the stay home on no profit, no loss basis.” The charges for stay and food will be nominal. About Rs 50 may be charged for staying in a general room while Rs 300 can be charged for a special room. 

*The Deputy Chief Minister had inaugurated the cancer short-stay home ahead of the General Election

*The short-stay home was constructed at a cost of Rs 3.15 crore on four kanals of land adjoining the Bathinda Civil Hospital

*Having 24 rooms with attached bathrooms and 15 dormitories, it was supposed to come into existence in December, 2013. However, it is waiting for final touches and inauguration 

Bathinda, July 29
Continuing surprise checks at elementary schools under the Zila Parishad, Chairman of the Bathinda Zila Parishad, Gurpreet Singh Maluka, visited the Jandwala village school today. The aim of the surprise visit was to see if the changes suggested during the last visit had been introduced or not.

During the checking, it was found that though the attendance of teachers and the number of students had improved, the standard of education remained low.

While interacting with Class V students, he found that of the 24 students, only eight could correctly write the names of the days in a week while the rest either didn’t know the names or committed spelling mistakes.

The Zila Parishad Chairman pulled up the teachers for the poor quality of education at the school.

The teachers also demanded the installation of an RO plant on the school premises. Interestingly, instead of asking for desks and chairs, the teachers told the Zila Parishad Chairman that the school didn’t have adequate number of mats for the students.

Maluka assured that their demands would be fulfilled soon. He said the surprise checking of the schools was being carried out to raise the standard of education.

The Zila Parishad Chairman informed that disciplinary action would be taken against the teachers found absent without prior notice during the surprise check. 

Bathinda, July 29
The Bathinda police claimed to have arrested two persons with illegal weapons today. Those arrested have been identified as Sukhmander Singh, alias Bhusi, a resident of Salbrah, and Harneik Singh, alias Neki, a resident of Bhagta Bhai Ka. The police have also recovered a .32 bore pistol and three live cartridges from them.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said the SHO, Nehianwala, along with a police party was checking vehicles at the Gill Pati village bus stand when they came to know about them. Notorious gangster Ranjodh Singh, alias Jodha, who is in the jail in a murder case, supplies ammunition to them. "So, if other members of their gang fall in our hands, the illegal ammunition and stolen material can be recovered," the SSP added.

The SSP said a case had been registered under Sections 384, 382, 506 of the IPC and 25, 54, 59 of the Arms Act at the Nehianwala police station. 

Mansa, July 29
Selling adulterated milk, spurious ghee and other spurious food items in Mansa would now cost those found guilty dear. The administration has pledged to conduct regular raids and impose fines on defaulters.

On Monday, Mansa ADC (General) Isha Kalia, the adjudicating officer, held three accused guilty of adulteration and imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 each.

Sita Ram of Banke Karyana Store who sold Shishu brand mustard oil, Ravinder Kumar of Dharampura who sold poor quality mustard oil and Satpal Singh of Ahmdpur, who sold adulterated milk, were nabbed by Food Safety Officer Sanjay Katyal.

Last month, the accused Satpal Kumar of Budhlada, who was running a dairy in his home, was caught on the wrong foot as he was allegedly supplying sub-standard milk to the consumers. To increase the fat content in the milk, the accused used to add a powder.

The then Mansa Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Gurpreet Singh Khaira had imposed a fine of Rs 2 lakh on the defaulters. In May, the ADC (G) imposed a fine of Rs 4.5 lakh on four defaulters in separate cases.

Taking stringent action against the defaulters to control food adulteration, the ADC (G) instructed the health officials to conduct regular raids in the entire district. The Health Department has also been instructed to complete the process of compilation of files against those who have been declared defaulters after the chemical confirmation of adulteration reports from the laboratories.

Mansa Deputy Commissioner Parveen Kumar Thind said, "Food adulteration is a blot on our system and it should be curbed. The defaulters were booked under the various sections of Food Safety Act and a fine was imposed on them."

Bathinda, July 29
Residents of Bhucho Kalan village in the district today protested against the firing of a gun shot after some villagers tried to leave some stray animals in a gaushala.

The villagers said two gun shots were fired by some people associated with the gaushala and a case should be registered against them.

The police post in-charge of Bhucho Kalan, Anil Pawar, said one shot was fired by someone and that too in the air. "We are trying to investigate the matter and action will be taken as per the law," he said.

The Bhucho Kalan villagers said they were upset over the rising stray cattle menace and had tried to get rid of the animals by sending them to the gaushala, which lead to the brawl. Further probe is on.

Bathinda, July 29
A mega science exhibition, Srijan, was held at RBDAV Senior Secondary School here today. Over 350 students from 40 schools participated in the exhibition. Dr HS Gill, Chancellor of Adesh University, inaugurated the exhibition and Dr P Rama Rao, Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Punjab, gave away the prizes.

The exhibition commenced with the recitation of Vedic hymns and a song on the theme of saving the environment. At the exhibition, students showcased models on topics like agricultural technology, environment, green energy and disaster management. Students also participated in a science quiz.

Dr GS Gill expressed his delight over the young innovative ideas of the students. In the science model making competition, DAV School was adjudged the winner, while DPS won the prize in mathematics model making. DAV School, Kallianwali, won the competition in model making. Students of St Joseph’s School won the super brain science quiz, DAV Abohar won the caption contest and poster-making, St Xavier’s School won the debate contest, RBDAV Bathinda and HMDAV Ferozepur won the power-point presentation contest. DAV Bathinda also won in cartoon making while Lord Rama School won the photography contest.—TNS

Bathinda, July 29
Various unions have decided to intensify their protest against the state government just before the crucial Talwandi Sabo bypoll in Bathinda.

The protesters are again up in arms in support of their demands against the state and the Union Government. The Elementary Teachers Training (ETT) union has announced it would hold a protest outside the house of Panchayat Minister Sikander Singh Maluka in Model Town on July 31.

The ETT activists are also protesting against the state government on a regular basis. Yesterday, they burnt the government’s effigy.

Private and mini-bus operators announced they would put up black flags on all buses from August 1 as a mark of protest. They said they would not deposit any tax and observe black day on August 15 by keeping their buses off roads. They also announced a separate timetable of buses on their own if anomalies are not removed.

Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) and the Punjab Khet Mazdoor Union have also opened a front against the state government. They are protesting against the state government by holding a rally in the villages of the Talwandi Sabo block.

Gurjit Singh Jassi, leader of the ETT Union, said they would embarrass the SAD at every moment during their campaigning in Talwandi Sabo, as during the elections, they make tall claims and promises but after coming to power, they do not fulfill any such commitment.

He said before the 2007 elections, CM Parkash Singh Badal promised that after coming to power, he would bring them under the Education Department as they were under the Zila Parishad. But after coming to power for a second term, they have not fulfilled their promise.

Before the Vidhan Sabha elections in 2012, the city had become the protest capital and there were quite a large number of unions that protested against the state government.

The police official said their demands were genuine. But if they try to take law and order in their hands, they would not be spared. 

Bathinda, July 29
To keep Peeping Toms away from the swimming pool, the Bathinda Development Authority (BDA) has decided to raise the boundary walls of the pool further.

The swimming pool employees had raised their concerns over the group of youngsters from the rural and urban areas thronging the pool area every day. "They ogle at the females through the lean walls fitted with iron grills every morning and evening,” said an employee working there.

He said a group of young boys and even the elderly were driven out of the pool premises but to no avail.

The number of people turning up for swimming increases during the months of May and June when summer vacations start and then reduces with the opening of the schools.

During the timings for women, different groups of youngsters, even from far-off places, come in their vehicles to peep at the pool. "The females feel harassed and had been regularly complaining about the problem. Many of the girls have left swimming and some others have changed their timings," said Gurman Brar, a regular swimmer.

"Earlier, I used swim in the pool with my daughter. Otherwise, I had to sit idle in view of my child's swimming practice. But ever since the onlookers made a beeline at the boundary wall, I was forced to discontinue," said an anxious mother concerned over the crowd of onlookers at the pool.

She pointed out that during the evening hours, only couples are allowed till 10 pm and individuals may swim during the day hours starting from 6 am.

BDA, XEN, Vasudev Anand said it would take not more than a week to raise the boundary wall of the swimming pool. He admitted that the wall was being raised to keep the onlookers away.

"Rs 2.25 lakh is being spent to raise the boundary wall and also to repair the toilets, exhaust fans and other electric appliances,” said Vasudev.

Expressing satisfaction over the work on the boundary wall initiated by the BDA authorities, the visitors said now women would feel free to visit the pool for swimming in view of the raised height of the boundary wall.