12112024-JTR-01.qxd 11/11/2024 10:34 PM Page 1 c m y b Jalandhar tribune SPECULATIONS RIFE OVER SIDHU’S SHOWBIZ COMEBACK After five years, Cong leader Sidhu is back to entertainment business with ‘The Kapil Sharma Show’. P2 » SCIENCE FICTION RADUAA SEQUEL IS ONE AMBITIOUS OUTING SCIENCE FICTION PEPPERED WITH ROMANCE & COMEDY Trust Punjabis to be where nobody is and nobody can… The latest to join this bandwagon is Raduaa Returns. P4 Trust Punjabis to be where nobody is and nobody can… The latest to join bandwagon is Raduaa Returns. P4 » FORECAST FOGGY MAX 28°C | MIN 17°C YESTERDAY MAX 28°C | MIN 17°C SUNSET TUESDAY 5.30 PM SUNRISE WEDNESDAY 6:53 AM » TUESDAY | 12 NOVEMBER 2024 | JALANDHAR INBRIEF 22-DAY FARMER DHARNA ENDS Phagwara: A 22-day-long symbolic protest of the BKU (Doaba) at Sugar Mill Chowk, Phagwara, was ended on Sunday. BKU (Doaba) president Manjit Singh Rai and general secretary Satnam Sahni said it was decided that wherever farmers faced problems of lifting, the local farmer group would protest outside the grain markets. Sahni said it was also decided that local farmer groups would organise protests against sheller owners if they refuse to lift the paddy. OC ENCROACHED LAND VACATED Phagwara: The Nakodar SDM Lal Vishwas has vacated panchayat land encroached by Nurpur Chatha village residents. SDM said Gian Singh, Gurdial Singh Balvir Singh and Satnam Singh of Nurpur Chatha village had encroached on panchayat land 15 years ago. Village panchayat had filed a case in the court of the DDPO which issued the order to vacate panchayat land. The encroachers approached the High Court which ordered demarcation of land and further action. OC 3 BOOKED FOR FARM FIRES Phagwara: The police have booked two villagers for burning paddy. The suspects have been identified as Baljit Singh of Kot Badal Khan village and Sukhdev Singh of Shamshadbad village. The police received reports from cluster officer Kulvinder Kumar and revenue patwari Bhola Singh on paddy burning fields in the villages. Cases have been registered against the suspects. Meanwhile, the Mehatpur police have also booked Baljit Singh of Baaloki village for burning paddy. OC BIKER BOOKED FOR RASH DRIVING Phagwara: The police have arrested a motorcyclist on charges of rash driving and endangering life. The accused has been identified as Harjot Singh of Manguwal village. Jagwindar Singh of Mohalla Dhumana complained to the police that his mother Charan Kuar (60) was coming home from Manguwal Dera on February 12 evening when the accused in an inebriated condition hit his mother who fell on the road and was rushed local hospital with a fractured leg. OC 3 NABBED WITH ILLEGAL FIREARMS Phagwara: The police have arrested three miscreants with illegal firearms and ammunition. The accused have been identified as Jaswindar Singh of Mullewal Khehra village, his brother Amandeep Singh and Jaskaran Singh of Sidham Dona village in Kapurthala. He was on duty at Giddar Pindi toll plaza when a car came from Makhu side and on checking vehicle two pistols along with magazines, 6 cartridges and three magazines were recovered from them. oc RALLY AGAINST DRUG ADDICTION Phagwara: MLU DAV College, Phagwara, held a rally against drug addiction under the guidance of Principal Dr Kiranjeet Randhawa. Participants also marched to Mehtan village of Phagwara. oc Dengue surge exposes Civil Hospital’s healthcare system Inadequate facilities, unhygienic conditions plague hospital Avneet Kaur Tribune News Service Jalandhar, November 11 Dengue cases in the region have reached the alarming levels, with 105 confirmed cases being reported since July. Amid the rising number of patients, the Civil Hospital is facing a barrage of complaints over inadequate facilities, unhygienic conditions and an apparent lack of care. One patient’s platelet count dropped dangerously low to 12,000 on Sunday. His family has been tirelessly searching for a Single Donor Platelet (SDP) kit, essential for his treatment, but the hospital’s blood bank has none in the stock. Private hospitals have demanded Rs 11,000 for the kit, an amount beyond the family’s means. “We’ve been running from pillar to post for four days. There’s no support from the hospital and we’re helpless,” said his family member. Even as the medical staff at the hospital claimed that the SDP kit issue was being addressed and would be provided free of cost, the delay has raised questions about the Health Department’s preparedness. Sources revealed that despite a proposal being sent to the department over a month ago about the shortage of SDP kits, no action had been taken to supply the kits to the hospital. Meanwhile, complaints about the hospital’s deteriorating conditions are mounting. Attendants have criticised the unclean A patient under treatment at dengue ward in the Civil Hospital, Jalandhar. PHOTO SARABJIT SINGH environment, citing overflowing garbage, dirty washrooms and a lack of basic hygiene. “The washrooms are filthy and the wards are no better. Nurses and medical students visit occasionally, but no senior doctor checks on the patients. It’s as if the patients have been abandoned,” said one frustrated attendant. Adding to their troubles, patients and their families have reported that essential medicines are often unavailable at the Civil Hospital. This forces them to purchase medicines from private pharmacies at high costs. “When the hospital can’t even provide basic medicines, how can we trust them to treat serious conditions?” asked one patient’s relative. The hospital’s inability to process timely blood tests and provide platelet-rich plasma Illegal ‘dabba’ trading gang busted, 5 held Tribune News Service Jalandhar, November 11 In a crackdown on tax pilferage, the Jalandhar Commissionerate Police, led by Commissioner of Police Swapan Sharma, has dismantled a gang operating an illegal trading network known as ‘dabba trading’. Five persons have been arrested in connection with the scam. Explaining the modus operandi, Commissioner Sharma described dabba trading as an unregulated and illegal form of trading that bypasses official stock exchanges and regulatory bodies. Transactions in such trading are conducted internally by operators, avoiding oversight from the SEBI. This not only cheats investors but also evades government taxes, he said. The arrested persons have been identified as Jatish Arora, alias Gori, Karan Dogra, alias Karan, Anil Anand, alias Monu, Darpan Seth, alias Rinku Seth and Tarun Bhardwaj, alias Kannu, all residents of Jalandhar. Two other suspects, Gurdyal Singh, alias Raju, and Mangal have also been named in the case. The police investigation revealed that the gang kingpin Jatish Arora began learning about the stock market in 2019 at Bear Bull Office in Dana Mandi here in Jalandhar. By 2022, he started his own unregistered operation under the name “Sai Share Broker” and conducted illegal trading Money seized from a gang operating a trading network, known as dabba trading. using the Angel Broking app. “Arora reportedly installed APK files on clients’ phones, allowing them to buy and sell commodities without regulatory approval”, CP Sharma disclosed. He said the illegal operation came to light following a tip-off about the activities under “Sai Share Broker.” An FIR has been registered at Police Station Division 1, under the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act. Commissioner Sharma emphasised that the accused profited by adding more clients and offering unauthorised stock tips. Further investigations are underway and additional details are expected to emerge as the case progresses. “This operation underscores the police’s commitment to addressing financial crimes and ensuring regulatory compliance in trading activities”, he said. (PRP) has further compounded the crisis. The standard ELISA test used to confirm dengue and prepare PRP is time-consuming, causing critical delays in treatment. Thus, the hospital has raised the demand for rapid kits from the government in case of emergency cases, to ensure timely treatment. Moreover, there are also reports of the hospital’s blood bank grappling with a shortage of platelets, particularly for groups like B positive, A negative, AB negative and O negative. Platelets expire within five days and, while regular blood donation camps have been providing relief, the daily demand of 350 units far exceeds supply. Patients and their families have demanded immediate government intervention to improve hospital conditions, 2 held with 105 narcotic pills Jalandhar, November 11 The Jalandhar Rural Police today arrested two persons and recovered 105 narcotic pills, six mobile phones and Rs 2000 cash in two separate operations. Those arrested have been identified as Sukhjinder Singh of Kotla village and Karanjit Singh of Awadan village. Both areas fall under the jurisdiction of Lambra police station. SSP Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh said the operations were conducted under the supervision of SP (Investigation) Jasroop Kaur Bath and DSP Surinderpal Dhogadi. Acting on a tip-off, a police team led by SHO Balbir Singh and ASI Subhash Kumar nabbed the accused near the Kalyanpur Canal bridge. The accused was riding a motorcycle when he was intercepted by the police team. During search, the police recovered 105 narcotic pills from his possession. In another case, the police arrested Sukhjinder and Karanjit who were wanted in multiple robbery cases. The police recovered six mobile phones, Rs 2,000 in cash, and a sharp-edged weapon from their possession. Two separate cases have been registered. For the drug seizure, an FIR under the NDPS Act has been registered at police station Lambra, Jalandhar. Preliminary investigation reveals the accused were involved in multiple criminal activities in the area.— TNS c m y b ensure the availability of critical medical supplies and medicines and hold officials accountable for the healthcare system’s failures. Meanwhile, Civil Surgeon Dr Gurmeet Lal said around 75 teams had been working tirelessly to raise awareness and provide proper treatment to dengue patients. He said the situation was under control and concerns were addressed about platelet shortages. However, he added that the demand was being met through regular blood donation camps. Regarding complaints about cleanliness and unavailability of medicines, Dr Lal noted that these areas fell under the purview of the Medical Superintendent, but said instructions would be issued to ensure that everything was in order. Ban on guns during marriage celebrations Tribune News Service Jalandhar, November 11 In a move to curb the display of firearms at wedding celebrations, the Jalandhar Rural Police have launched a crackdown across the district. Following stringent directives from the Chief Minister, senior police officials today held marathon meetings with marriage palace operators, warning them of strict action for any violations. SSP Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh said the initiative covered 89 marriage palaces in various subdivisions. “We have made it clear that no firearms will be tolerated on the marriage palace premises. The owners have been served copies of the DC’s prohibitory orders,” said Khakh. The meetings, chaired by police officers, including Mukhtiar Rai (Adampur and Kartarpur), Manpreet Singh Dhillon (Phillaur), and Jasroop Kaur Bath (Nakodar and Shahkot), saw participation from marriage palace representatives. “Senior officers will conduct checks during the wedding season. Any violation will invite immediate FIR against palace owners,” a senior police official said.— TNS MD of construction firm held for fund embezzlement Money was allocated for court complex Tribune News Service Nawanshahr, November 11 The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested Lakhwinder Singh, MD of Tung Builders, Gurdaspur, for misusing public funds allocated for the construction of District Judicial Complex in Nawanshahr. He had been absconding for more than three months. Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau said the PWD had issued tenders in 2017 for the construction of the judicial court complex in SBS Nagar and it was awarded to Tung Builders on August 3, 2017. The project was to be completed within 18 months at a cost of Rs 35,19,18,620. Later, the PWD had increased the project’s scope by adding parking and residential quarters for judges within the complex, raising the cost to Rs 65,91,47,000. However, the contractor failed to complete the work within the stipulated timeframe. Despite this, the offi- cials/employees of the PWD, Nawanshahr, colluded with the accused Lakhwinder Singh, the MD of Tung Builders, and made payments of approximately Rs 53,00,00,000 up to March 2023. He further said due to the non-completion of the project within the timeline, the allotment was terminated in May 2023 by the department, and a four-member committee was constituted to investigate the misuse of allocated funds. The spokesperson added that the committee report had revealed that due to the negligence of eight officials/employees of the PWD, an excess payment of Rs 11,50,00,000 was made to Tung Builders. A case has been registered against eight officials/employees of the PWD along with the said contractor of Tung Builders Private Limited at Sadar police station, Nawanshahr. Raids are being conducted at the residential and other locations of the remaining absconding accused, the Vigilance Bureau spokesperson said. SHRC seeks report on hospital staff shortage Hoshiarpur, November 11 The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has summoned report from the Civil Surgeon, Phagwara, regarding the shortage of doctors and medical equipment in the Civil Hospital for past the several months. The SHRC has taken cognizance of the matter after a com- plaint was sent to the SHRC in this regard on October 16. Former BJP Rajya Sabha MP Avinash Rai Khanna told this correspondent that he had recently raised this matter with the SHRC to resolve the problems being faced by patients as 50 per cent staff posts being vacant in the Civil Hospital of Phagwara. Khanna had complained that 60 posts of medical and paramedical staff were lying vacant. Chairperson of the SHRC Justice Sant Prakash has asked the Civil Surgeon to look into the matter and submit his report one week before the next date of hearing that is February 24. — OC No let-up in pollution With the maximum AQI of 317 (very poor) and average AQI of 220 (poor), Jalandhar was choked yet again on Monday with a layer of smog enveloping the district all through the day . TRIBUNE PHOTO: SARABJIT SINGH Traffic diversions for Nagar Kirtan Tribune News Service Jalandhar, November 11 The Jalandhar Commissionerate Police has announced extensive traffic diversions across the city to facilitate the Nagar Kirtan on the occasion of Gurpurb. The diversions will be in effect from 9am to 10pm on Tuesday, to ensure the smooth movement of the religious procession and avoid traffic congestion. The Nagar Kirtan will commence from Guru Singh Sabha, Mohalla Gobindgarh and will pass through prominent locations, including SD College, Bharat Soda Factory, Railway Road, Mandi Fentonganj, Gurdwara Deewan Asthan, Central Town, Milap Chowk, Phagwara Gate, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Chowk and Panj Peer Chowk. The procession will also cover Khingra Gate, Guru Singh Sabha Adda Hoshiarpur, Mai Heeran Gate, Bhagwan Balmiki Gate, Patel Chowk, Sabzi Mandir Chowk, Jail Chowk, Basti Adda Chowk, Bhagwan Balmiki Chowk and Rainak Bazaar and will conclude at Gurdwara Shri Deewan Asthan Central Town. In addition to the main procession route, diversions have been planned at major traffic points, including Madan Floor Mill Chowk, Alaska Chowk, T-Point Railway Station, Ikhari Puli Damoriya Flyover, Kishanpura Road, Doaba Chowk, Patel Chowk, Workshop Chowk, Kapurthala Chowk and Nakodar Chowk. Other affected locations include Skylark Chowk, Preet Hotel Morh, Makhdoompura Gali, Plaza Chowk, Company Bagh Chowk, Milap Chowk, Shastri Market Chowk and Football Chowk among others. The authorities have urged the public to plan their journey in advance and follow the suggested alternative routes to avoid inconvenience. With a large turnout expecting, commuters are requested to cooperate and exercise patience during the procession hours to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted event. Fire averted on Ajmer train Phagwara, November 11 A major accident was averted between Goraya and Phagwara when the Jaipur-Ajmer train, number 19611, running from Ludhiana to Jalandhar, suddenly encountered a fire in S4 coach on Sunday. The incident was reported to Station Master, Mauli, Sandeep Kumar, who informed Pointsman Deepak Roy. Upon stopping, the railway staff swiftly extinguished the fire. Passengers in the S4 coach experienced a wave of panic as news of the fire spread, but fortunately no injuries were reported. After a delay of about an hour, the train resumed its journey safely. — OC