R E G I O N A L   B R I E F S

PUNJAB

Student killed in mishap: A youth was killed and two others were injured as the car they were travelling in rammed into a roadside tree on the Sriganganagar-Padampur road on Tuesday. Victim Harwinder Singh (22) along with Gurpreet Singh and Harminder Singh, all students of Chandigarh-based colleges, was returning from a wedding party. The driver lost control of the car after stray cattle came in the way.

Anandpur Sahib
Holiday in schools: Mining Minister Madan Mohan Mittal announced a school holiday for Wednesday after the hosts emerged champions in the 60th National School Games that concluded here on Tuesday. Haryana emerged the first runners-up.

Phagwara
Minor raped: A 17-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a part-time astrologer Sandeep Kumar at Ranipur village on Monday night. The girl’s father Ranjit Singh told the police that his daughter was ensnared by the accused from his residence. She was found in a car parked near the accused's office after a few hours. She was admitted to the Civil Hospital. The accused, who is posted as a clerk in a local college, is absconding, the police said.

Sangrur
ASI held for taking bribe: A team of the Vigilance Bureau, Barnala, arrested Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Ajit Singh posted at the Cheema police station for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 3,000 on Tuesday. Ajit had reportedly demanded Rs 5,000 from Jagtar Singh of Sheron village in connection with a case, but the deal was struck at Rs 3,000. Jagtar approached the Vigilance authorities and a trap was laid. The ASI was caught taking bribe.

Employment fair: A "Rojgar Mela" is being organised by NGO Umeed Foundation, Sangrur. Out of 160 youths who appeared for interviews for various posts during the fair on Tuesday, 43 got jobs. Chairman of the Umeed Foundation and MLA from Dhuri Arvind Khanna said 52 candidates were given jobs on Monday.

750 examined at camp: More than 750 patients were examined by a team of doctors at a free medical check-up camp, organised on Tuesday by Baba Hira Singh Bhattal Trust in association with Sahara Global Welfare Trust at Andana village, near Moonak. Patients were given medicines free of cost. Lehragaga MLA Rajinder Kaur Bhattal distributed tricycles among the needy.

Labourer commits suicide: A 26-year-old labourer, Amritpal of Kanakwal Bhanguan village, allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself from a tree in the village on Monday. He is survived by his wife and two children.

HIMACHAL PRADESH

Anita Lerche, Danish singer

HAMIRPUR
Danish singer Anita to perform in Sujanpur: Punjabi singer Anita Lerche from Denmark will perform at a function organised by Sarvkalyankari Sanstha in Sujanpur. Anita, who sings Punjabi folk music, is the first non-Asian singer to have released a solo album in Punjabi. Her first Punjabi album “Heer from Denmark” in 2006 was an instant success. CM Virbhadra Singh will be the chief guest at the function. Rajinder Singh Rana, president of the organisation, will also be present on the occasion. —OC

SHIMLA
SJVNL to build 2,100 toilets in schools: SJVNL has stated that it will construct 2,100 toilets in the state and other areas of operation in the country under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

DEHRADUN

One held with contraband: The Sahaspur police arrested a man on the charges of carrying banned substances here on Tuesday. The police team led by Inspector Pramod Shah arrested him while he was trying to flee the spot. The accused was identified as Nizamuddin.

Indira Gandhi remembered: Chief Minister Harish Rawat paid floral tributes to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi at a remembrance ceremony held to mark her birth anniversary here on Monday. He said she played a pivotal role for the development of the nation. Rawat said Indira introduced various beneficiary schemes for the uplift of weaker sections of society.

Rajeev in charge of Ambedkar wing: Neelam Sehgal, president of the BJP Mahanagar, on Monday assigned responsibilities for the BJP membership campaign. She appointed Rajeev Sharma as in-charge of the Ambedkar wing while Sushil Gupta was given responsibility of the Pt Deen Dayal wing of the party.

Health camp: Shri Mahant Indresh Hospital organised a free health up camp on Monday. A total of 202 students availed free medical facilities. The camp was inaugurated by Agriculture Minister Dr Harak Singh Rawat. A team of doctors, including gynecologist, ENT specialist, physician and dermatologist, examined students at the camp.