NEIGHBOURHOOD

Upgraded govt schools sans infrastructure
Bipin Bhardwaj
Tribune News Service

Dera Bassi, August 11
The district police seem to have bowed before the mining mafia as no efforts were made to nab the henchmen, who attacked a police party that raided Bahaura village to stop illegal sand-quarrying on the Ghaggar river bed on Friday late night, even after three days of the incident.

While Dera Bassi SP, Anil Sharma, claimed that raids were conducted at suspected hide outs of the henchmen, sources in the village, however, revealed that no police was seen there.

Though the Punjab Government has banned mining of minor minerals here, yet the illegal quarrying is going rampant along the Ghaggar, claimed Kuljit Singh Randhawa, a senior Congress leader.

He alleged that the mining-mafia was being operated by local Akali and BJP leaders in connivance with the police. “The mafia men press heavy machinery to dig deep on government land on the Ghaggar bed and the entire exercise is going on during night,” Randhawa claimed.

The sand is available for Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000 per tractor-trailer in Chandiala, Amlala, Bahaura, Bahauri, Ibrahmpura, Kakrali, Mubarikpur and some other villages, revealed a resident of Bhankharpur.

Though, the police had booked over 12 henchmen of the mafia for attacking a police party and smashing windowpanes of a vehicle used by the cops on Saturday, yet all accused are still at large.

A case under the Mining Act and provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was registered against village panch Hari Singh, Amrik Singh, Jurjant Singh, Manjit Singh and over six other unidentified persons. 

Dera Bassi, August 11
A 22-year-old youth was crushed to death under a truck on a link road in Samgoli village near here, last night. The deceased, Mohan Singh, was returning home on his motorcycle from Dera Bassi when a truck heading from the opposite direction collided with his bike killing him on the spot.

Scores of villagers assembled at the spot soon after the accident and informed the police. The truck driver reportedly fled from the scene leaving behind the vehicle, an eyewitness said.

The villagers alleged that the truck driver was driving negligently in an inebriated condition that led to the accident.

Narinder Singh, investigating officer, claimed to have found a bottle of country made liquor from driver’s cabin after a search.

A case of rash and negligent driving causing death has been registered against the unidentified driver and efforts are being made to nab him, the IO claimed.

The body was handed over to the family after a postmortem examination at Civil Hospital, Dera Bassi. — TNS

Barwala, August 11
The district police have arrested a Barwala resident, for his alleged involvement in a gang war involving members of two notorious gangs, at a barber’s shop on August 7. A Zirakpur-based youth was killed in the gang war between WiFi gang and BR gang in Barara village near Ambala.

A police party from Barwala police nabbed Bhupesh from the town this morning. He was later produced before a local court and was remanded to judicial custody.

Bhupesh is said to be a member of a Barwala-based WiFi gang that had a clash with members of a Zirakpur-based BR gang.

After a compromise, the WiFi gang headed towards Ambala but was chased by the BR gang. Members of both the gangs again had an encounter in Barara village. The WiFi gang members opened fire at the BR gang in which Mustaq, Mohit and Ashok were injured.

Critically injured Mustaq, who was admitted to the PGI Chandigarh,
had later succumbed to bullet injuries.

Other accused in the case are still at large, the police said.

Mohali, August 11
The Permanent Lok Adalat, Mohali, directed the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) to refund an amount of Rs 48,680, deposited by the consumer, and to initiate action against its officials concerned for dereliction of duty.

The court, headed by Jagroop Singh Mahal, directed the PSPCL to refund the complainant, Baldev Singh, a resident of Dharamgarh village, an amount of Rs 48,680 within 30 days, failing which an additional interest of nine per cent per annum will have to be paid to the complainant. The PSPCL had charged the amount in question from the complainant, alleging that he had committed theft of power.

In his complaint, Baldev Singh stated that the meter installed at his house got burnt on March 23, 2011, regarding which he had informed the PSPCL and deposited the amount of Rs 320 for replacing the meter. “The official took away the burnt meter and on April 22, 2011, while issuing me a notice alleging that I was committing theft of electricity. They also directed me to deposit Rs 49,005, stated Baldev Singh in his complaint.

Baldev Singh, who had deposited the requisite amount in installments, approached the court later.

After hearing both the parties, the court directed the PSPCL to initiate action against the officials, who did not comply with the required regulations while removing/testing the meter.

Chandigarh, August 11
The CBI court today issued bailable warrants against a Rajasthan-based IPS officer, Vipul Chaturvedi, for his failure to appear before it despite repeated summons.

The officer has the authority to grant prosecution sanction against four policemen booked in a bribery case and thus, his testimony is required in the court. However, he failed to appear in the court following which bailable warrants were issued today.

The case dates back to May 21, 2010, when the CBI had arrested four Rajasthan-based police officers while taking a bribe of Rs 25,000 from a liquor contractor.

The four accused in the case are Sub-Inspector Bharat Kumar, Head Constable Shakeel Mohammed and constables Khambe Ram and Ashwini Kumar. All of them were posted in Sirohi district of Rajashtan when they were arrested from Sector 32 here.

The CBI had apprehended the cops from a liquor vend in Sector 32 while they were allegedly taking Rs 25,000 from one Praveen Chugh, the contractor of the vend.

The CBI said the accused had struck a deal with the liquor vend contractor and asked for monetary favours to save the latter from a case wherein a truckload of liquor from his vend was impounded by the Rajasthan Police.

Acting on the complaint, the CBI had laid a trap and caught the cops taking Rs 25,000 as bribe in Sector 32. The CBI said the cops had already taken some amount and were in the city to take another installment of the bribe money when they were arrested.

Earlier, warrants were issued against a Rajasthan-based IG in the case for his failure to appear in the court.

Chandigarh, August 11
The CBI today filed a chargesheet in the court of Special CBI Judge Vimal Kumar against Superintending Engineer (SE) of the Water Supply and Sanitation Department (PWSSD) of Punjab, Nirmal Kumar Dheer. Dheer is facing charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The CBI had arrested the Superintending Engineer while he was allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 30,000 from a contractor at the department’s office in Sector 34 here.

In August 2013, the contractor, Harpreet, had filed a complaint with the CBI accusing the SE of demanding bribe to clear his pending bills. After verification of the complaint, the CBI laid a trap and caught Dheer.

The SE was allegedly asking for Rs 1.3 lakh to clear the pending bills amounting to Rs 29 lakh. The bills pertained to supply of sanitary equipment such as PVC pipes for a work being done by the contractor. — TNS

Chandigarh, August 11
The police today booked the motorcyclist, who hit a former Director-General, Health Services (DGHS), yesterday, for rash and negligent driving. The former DHS, Dr SK Sharma (88), was critically injured in the mishap and is battling for life.

The police said the accused was also injured in the mishap and will be arrested after he is discharged from the hospital.

Dr Sharma was walking down to a temple in Sector 16 when in an attempt to save himself from a speedy car, he was hit by the motobike from the front side and fell with his face down. His face was disfigured and ribs and skull were fractured. He was picked up by some passersby and shifted to the GMSH-16. In the meantime, the police informed his wife, a senior citizen, about the accident.

He was later shifted to the PGI and around midnight, further referred to the Fortis Hospital, Mohali. He is currently in ICU.

A philanthropist and spiritual person, he was living in city with his wife. He was also a former member of Haryana Public Service Commission. His both sons, who are settled abroad, reached here late this evening.A“We do not know exactly how it all happened. He called up my mother (Dr Sharma’s sister) yesterday morning to wish her on Raksha Bandhan. He was all fine. Suddenly, we heard that he was hurt,” said Ritu Jhingon, Dr Sharma’s niece.

Chandigarh, August 11
The UT Estate Office today issued the final notice to the Chandigarh Golf Club (CGC) asking it to deposit 50 per cent of the outstanding lease rent, around Rs 4.30 crore, for the last six years. In the event of non-payment, the club will have to face action.

UT assistant estate officer (AEO) Balbir Singh Dhol said they have issued the final notice asking the club management to pay the amount within 15 days. If the dues are not cleared within the given period, the Administration can even seal the club, he added.

Last week, the CGC had moved the Supreme Court challenging the recent order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Meanwhile, CGC president BS Gill said they have not received any notice. They have already moved the Supreme Court and their petition will come up for hearing this week, he added.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner-cum-Estate Officer Mohammed Shayin had issued a notice to the president of the club asking him to deposit Rs 8.59 crore, as lease rent from March 16, 2008, to March 15, 2014.

Last month, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had stayed the impugned demand made by the Chandigarh Administration, subject to depositing of 50 per cent (Rs 4.30 crore) of the lease amount.

Earlier, attempts made by the High Court to sort out the lease row between the CGC and UT Administration through mediation could not succeed.

Justice Kuldip Singh was appointed as a mediator by the High Court to resolve the row over the renewal of lease between the CGC and the Administration.

In November 2012, the UT Administration had fixed Rs 1.61 crore per annum as the lease amount. Besides, the club was asked to pay Rs 9.27 crore, including interest, as rent for the period from March 16, 2008, to March 15, 2013. But last month, the UT Deputy Commissioner issued a fresh letter asking the Chandigarh Golf Club to deposit Rs 8.59 crore within 15 days as lease amount for the period March 16, 2008, to March 15, 2014.

TIMELINE

August 25, 1966: Chandigarh Golf Club (CGC) registered under the Registration of Societies Act

November 16, 2012: Administration proposes fresh lease terms for the club, demands Rs 9.27 crore

December 21, 2012: The CGC sends representation to the UT Estate Officer

December 22, 2012: The CGC sends representation to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs

January 15, 2013: The CGC approaches the Punjab and Haryana High Court

January 16, 2013: The HC directs the parties to resolve issue amicably, restrains coercive action

February 2, 2013: Former Supreme Court Judge Kuldip Singh appointed mediator to resolve the lease row

July 19, 2014: DC asks the CGC management to deposit Rs 8.59 crore as lease amount within 15 days

July 24, 2014: The Punjab and Haryana High Court stays the impugned demand made by the Chandigarh Administration, subject to deposit of 50 per cent lease amount.

August 8, 2014: The Golf Club files petition in the Supreme Court.

August 11, 2014: UT Estate Office issues final notice to the Golf Club to deposit 50 per cent lease amount.

Chandigarh, August 11
On the concluding day of the First Chandigarh Ranking Table Tennis Tournament, Kalyani and Pankaj Sidana won two titles each. Kalyani won in the youth girls and women singles category. Pankaj bagged the youth boys and men’s singles titles. The tournament was held at Trishakti Temple Hall, Sector 49, here. The tournament was organised under the aegis of Chandigarh Table Tennis Association and conducted by Players Table Tennis Club.

In the final of women’s category, Kalyani of SD College, Sector 32, struggled hard to beat Nadia of Food Corporation of India (FCI) 4-2. In a well settled final, Kalyani won the initial set 11-6 however lost last two sets 6-11 and 8-11. But when Nadia started to gain momentum, Kalyani kept her calm and registered back to back win to claim the title. Kalyani claimed last three set 11-9, 11-9 and 11-9.

In the finals of young (girls), Kalyani again maintained her performance and beat Pareen of DAV School, Sector 8, to claim the title. Kalyani blanked Pareen 3-0 (11-3, 11-7, 11-8) (3-0).

On the other hand, Pankaj Sidana claimed his right on the senior title defeating Rachit Chopra (Excise and Custom). The latter conceded the match after 11-9, 11-7, 11-8, 8-11, 9-7. In the youth final category, Pankaj beat Sahil Sharma of Ryan international School 3-0 (12-10, 11-9, 11-8).

Results

Men singles quarterfinals: Pankaj (NPS-18) beat Dev Saini (DAV-10) (11-8, 11-9, 7-11, 11-8, 11-9) 4-1; Divaksh (DAV-8) beat Deval (AG Hry) (11-8, 9-11, 11-7, 6-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-8) 4-3; Sahil Sharma (Ryan -49) beat Vikas Sharma (11-9, 8-11, 11-7, 6-11, 11-9, 8-11, 11-7) 4-3; Rachit Chopra beat Prasoon (11-8, 11-8, 10-12, 10-12, 11-3, 11-3) 4-2

Men singles semifinals: Pankaj beat Divaksh (11-8, 12-10, 11-5, 13-11) 4-0; Rachit Chopra beat Sahil Sharma (11-7, 11-9, 11-9, 11-5) 4-0

Men singles finals: Pankaj Sidana (NPS-18) beat Rachit Chopra (Excise and Custom) (11-9, 11-7, 11-8, 8-11, 9-7)

Women singles quarterfinal: Nadia beat Vasundra (11-4, 11-4, 11-9, 11-7) 4-0; Naina beat Inayat (11-5, 11-9, 9-11, 11-9, 12-10) 4-1; Pareen beat Richa Shree (11-5, 11-7, 11-9, 11-9) 4-0; Kalyani beat Rajeshwari (11-3, 10-12, 11-9, 9-11, 11-9, 9-11, 18-16) 4-3

Women singles semifinal: Nadia beat Pareen (11-7, 8-11, 11-8, 11-6, 14-12) 4-1; Kalyani beat Naina (11-9, 11-8, 11-9, 11-9) 4-0

Women singles finals: Kalyani (SD College) beat Nadia (FCI) (11-6, 6-11, 8-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-9) 4-2

Youth girls singles (semifinals): Pareen beat Naina (11-8, 11-9, 11-5) by 3-0; Kalyani beat Inayat (11-5, 11-7, 11-9) 3-0

Youth girls singles (finals): Kalyani (SD College) beat Pareen (DAV-8) (11-3, 11-7, 11-8) 3-0

Youth boys singles (semifinals): Sahil Sharma(Ryan) beat Ishu Dhingra (DAV) (8-11, 11-4, 11-6, 9-11, 11-7) 4-1; Pankaj Sidana (NPS-18) beat Prasoon (CCET-26) (11-9, 7-11, 14-16, 11-9, 11-6) 3-2

Youth boys singles (finals): Pankaj (NPS-18) beatSahil Sharma (Ryan) (12-10, 11-9, 11-8) 3-0.

Chandigarh, August 11
The basketball team of New Public School, Sector 18, won the title of Brother Kyle Basketball Tournament, by a margin of 50 points, concluded at St John’s School, Sector 26. The winning side defeated St Stephen’s School, Sector 45, 69-19 in a one-sided final. 

Amit starred in New Public School’s win gathering half of the points. He scored 35 points for his team. Parvesh also hogged the limelight with chipping in 10 points. For St Stephen’s School, Sector 26, Hemant reduced the margin with gathering most of the points. He scored five points while his counterpart Mohd. Arsh gathered four points. 

At the concluding ceremony, Aman Mehta from St John’s High School was awarded with the best fielder award while Mohd. Arsh from St. Stephen’s School was awarded as the Best Rebounder of the tournament. For leading the score chart Amit of New Public School was adjudged as the best scorer of the tournament. 

Chandigarh, August 11
The team of Strawberry Fields School, Sector 26, will face Carmel Convent School, Sector 26, in the final of girls’ (U-14) match, on the concluding day of inter-school basketball tournament for girls, at the basketball courts of Sports Complex, Sector 46, here, on Tuesday.

In the semifinals played today, both the finalists won their respective matches, by a healthy margin. In the first semifinal, Strawberry Fields School defeated Gurukul Global School, Manimajra, 30-10. In the second semifinal, Carmel Convent School got better off St Anne’s School, Sector 32, 26-17 to confirm their place in the title clash. On other hand, in the semifinals of the boys’ category, Bhavan Vidyalaya School, Sector 27, and New Public School, Sector 18, logged win to set the title clash. Cagers of Bhavan Vidyalaya School, Sector 27, struggled hard to win their match 35-20 against St. Joseph’s School, Sector 44. In the second match, New Public School, Sector 18, registered a 40-20 victory over SGHM Senior Secondary School, Sector 38. — TNS

Chandigarh, August 11
In yet another case of showing disrespect to the medal winners, the Punjab Government failed to felicitate Patiala-based deaf tennis player Parul Gupta.

She submitted her credentials of her achievements to the Deputy Commissioner, Patiala, to get a state award, under deaf category, on August 15. However, after submitting 10 files carrying details of her achievements, she was refused any felicitation following unknown reasons.

Parul, besides winning medals for Punjab state in national and local circuit, recently bagged silver medal in double’s category of International Youth Tennis Cup in Hamburg (Germany) held from May 28 to June 2. Later, she participated in the USA Dresse and Maere World Deaf Tennis Championship.

Avinash Gupta, Parul’s father, said they had applied for getting commendation on August 15. They were asked to submit documents related to her achievements. However, after the Deputy Commissioner approved the files they were handed over to them.

“I had submitted 10-set of files, having all documents, to the Deputy Commissioner on June 24. After four days, Parul’s police verification was done. And on July 9, a clerk handed over me all the files citing that Parul cannot be honoured. If there were no chances of getting the appreciation letter then why they had asked us to follow the entire procedure,” asked Avinash.

The family struggled hard to get the required funds to facilitate their daughter’s International trips and purchasing sports kits. Although she was given cash prize of Rs 2 lakh by Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia in 2013.

Ignoring all this, Avinash maintained that Parul will participate in the 8th Asia Pacific Games of the Deaf, to be held in October, in Taoyuan (Taiwan).

“ I will look into the matter as I am not aware of the exact situation. An applicant should follow all the criteria under a specific deadline. The applications for state awards are approved by our department; we will surely check where the fault was, if she deserves an award,” Priyank Bharti, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Patiala.

Chandigarh, August 11
The team of SGGSC Public School, Sector 26, lifted the title of inter-school baseball championship for girls’ (U-19) by defeating Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 35, being held at Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 35, here today. 

In the final of girls’ (U-14) category, the team of Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 10, defeated Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 15, to claim the title. The winning side registered a 8-3 victory over their rivals. In the match for third place, the team of Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 35, got better of St. Anne’s School, Sector 32, 12-02.

Results

Boys (U-14 years) semifinal: GMSSS-35 bt GMSSS-15 5-1; GMHS-37 bt St Anne’s School-32 01-00

Boys (U-17) semifinal: GMSSS-35 bt GMSSS-33 03-00; GMSSS-10 bt GMHS-39 12-00; Boys (U-19 years) semifinal: SGGSCPS-26 bt DAV Senior Secondary School-8 03-02; GMSSS-35 bt GMSSS-44 04-00. 

Chandigarh, August 11
The boys’ handball team of Guru Nanak Khalsa Senior Secondary School, Sector 30, and Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 23, registered a win, in their respective semifinal matches, held at Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 23, here, today.

In the match to attain third spot, in the girls (U-19 years) category, Government Model Senior Secondary School Sector 19, registered a 8 goal victory (12-4) over Government Girls Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 20.