Chandigarh, May 30, 2013: Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC), Leh-Ladakh will conduct 17 short-term silent meditation camps this summer starting from June 2 to September 11.

Each camp will be of three days duration. People seeking immediate physical and psychological relaxation can avail this opportunity in the beautiful, calm and heavenly environment of Ladakh at a nominal contribution.

The camp related enquiries can be made at 09872804369.

Narvijay Yadav, Secretary, MIMC Chandigarh Branch said, “The 3-day meditation camps will be conducted by Buddhist monk Bhikkhu Sanghasena and the programme will be based on the essence of the Buddha's teachings. Sanghasena is an experienced meditation teacher and well known internationally for his contributions in multifarious humanitatian and spiritual services. He has touched the hearts of thousands of people through his popular slogan ‘Compassion in Action and Meditation in Action’.”

Bhikkhu Sanghasena, Founder President, MIMC, Leh-Ladakh, said, “This Meditation is neither a set of religious beliefs nor a set of ritualistic practices. It is purely a scientific technique which purifies the human mind. This enlightening meditation is the fruit of a most intensive research conducted over a long period of time by a compassionate noble prince whose heart was going out to help suffering beings. This flower of mankind is the Buddha who lived and taught this wonderful scientific technique of meditation 25 centuries ago in India. This illuminating meditation has been the greatest contribution of Lord Buddha to the mankind.”

The participants of this programme will be required to keep silent for three days and will not be allowed to use phone, internet, television or newspapers. They will stay at the camp site and simple vegetarian food will be served to them.

MIMC is a great example of one man's vision turning into reality. Bhikkhu Sanghasena established MIMC in 1986 to offer both spiritual instructions as well as desperately needed humanitarian services to impoverished people in the remote land of Ladakh. A dedicated team of social workers, teachers, doctors, monks, nuns, community leaders and care-providers have created an integrated community at Devachan in Ladakh which provides comprehensive care to all segments of society including children, elderly, special needs individuals, monks and nuns, the sick, as well as those seeking spiritual development.

Ferozepur, May 30, 2013: As per the Crime Report released by SSP, Ferozepur, an (FIR No.74) has been registered under sections 9, 39 and 51 of Wildlife Protection Act 1972 (Amended Act 2006) at Police Station, Ghall Khurd on the complaint of Nirmal Singh, Range Officer, Wildlife, Hari Ke.

Giving this information, SSP said, “Nirmal Singh, Range Officer, Wildlife Hari Ke in his written complaint has alleged that on May 25, some people in the Wildlife Range in village Shehzadi, after hunting Neel Cow (Neil Gaan) had taken in the Mohinder jeep.  These persons have been identified. They are stated to be residents of Village Shehzadi.

He further said that the police after registration of the case, are investigation into the matter through Jaspal Singh, sub-inspector.

However, no arrest has so far been made in this case.

Dharamsala, May 31, 2013: Now tourist in this peak season can have more regular flights to Dharamsala , as private Aviation Company – SpiceJet (Budget passenger carrier), will start services from New Delhi to Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh from June 7.

SpiceJet's flight will take off from Delhi at 5.55am and will land in Kangra at 7.30am. The flight will return on the same day at 7.50am.

SpiceJet is the second aviation company to start air services to Dharamsala after Air India , which  started regular flights between New Delhi and Dharamsala on May 15, eight months after the last flight was operated to Himachal Pradesh, as only Kingfisher Airlines operated services between New Delhi and three airports in Himachal Pradesh - Jubbarhatti near Shimla, Gaggal near Dharamsala and Bhuntar near Kullu.

"We are excited to finally start services on the Delhi-Dharamsala route, with our flight, people will have a great choice to plan an affordable and convenient trip," said Neil Mills, chief executive, SpiceJet on phone.

He added, "With our extensive network from Delhi, travelers from Dharamsala can easily plan their travel to both international and domestic destinations on our wide network."

According to the airline, it is offering an inaugural fare of Rs.2,999 one-way inclusive of taxes on the new route.

The airline further said that it will deploy its new Bombardier Q400 aircraft on the route which can accommodate 78 passengers. Air India air ticket costs Rs. 6,000, while SpiceJet is offering the same at Rs. 4,775. On regular bases, SpiceJet has put the schedule on its website and will run services till October 2013.

With SpiceJet starting the services, the hospitality will surely be getting a boost as the movement of people has increased to the area.

Meanwhile, director, Kangra Airport, Kuldeep Sharma said they had received a communication from the company about the start of their regular flights to Kangra.

Currently, SpiceJet holds the second largest domestic market share with 19.6 percent. It operates more than 350 daily flights to over 47 Indian cities and eight international destinations with a fleet of 39 Boeing 737-800/900ER (extended range) aircraft and 15 Bombardier Q400 aircraft.

Jalandhar, May 31, 2013: The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested an Inspector of Central excise, Goa for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs. 2,700 from the complainant.   

The CBI sleuths registered a case   on May 29 this year against an Inspector, Central Excise, Bicholim, Goa, on the basis of a complaint. It was alleged in the complaint that the accused earlier had been demanding Rs.5,000 per month from the official of an export company for not disturbing the company for another six months in excise matter. He also later demanded an AC Taxi for sight-seeing for his guests. The accused also demanded a sum of Rs.2,700 towards taxi bill of his guests from the complainant.

CBI laid a trap and the accused was caught red handed while demanding and accepting the bribe of Rs. 2,700 from the complainant.

The arrested accused was produced yesterday in the Designated Court at Goa.

Jalandhar, May 31, 2013: The Special Judge for CBI Cases, Chennai has convicted  A. K. Gupta, then Major General; then Lt. Col. SS Kadian, and a private firm in a case pertaining to award for supply of Meat Tinned Kheema to Indian Army. The accused persons were sentenced to undergo two years rigorous imprisonment and the private company M/s Coasta & Co  represented by  Deepak Pereira was imposed a fine of Rs.61, 000.

This was stated by the spokesperson of the CBI, he said that a case was registered by CBI on December10,1990 based on the allegations that during 1987 when Indian Peace Keeping Force was deployed in  Lanka for “Operation Pawan”, the southern Headquarters command had established its maintenance area at Chennai for the logistic support to the IPKF sent to Sri Lanka.  During the period, A. K. Gupta, functioning as Major General, Army Supply Corps, Southern Command; Lieutenant Colonel S. S. Kadian at Army supply Corps, Margao and M/s Coasta & Co., Margao  entered into criminal conspiracy to cheat the Government of India for giving supply orders of Meat Tinned Kheema.

In  pursuance of the said criminal conspiracy, Maj. Gen. A. K. Gupta and Lt. Col. S. S. Kaidan abused their official position and favoured M/s Coasta & Co for supply of the said Meat Tinned Kheema by the way of surpassing the procedure in local purchase scheme.

Subsequent to the conspiracy, false records were created as if Meat Tinned Kheema were supplied whereas the actual supply was not made on the dates on which they were shown as received. The acts of accused persons had caused wrongful loss to the government. After completion of investigation, a final report was filed against the accused persons U/s 120 B, 420 IPC, Sec 5 (2) r/w 5 (1) (d) of PC Act 1947.

Amritsar, May 31, 2013: The Amritsar ( Rural ) police have arrested a three member inter-state gang of armed robbers involved in various incidents of gun point robberies in different states and districts of the state and recovered four pistols, two cars, one motorcycle along with Rs. 99,100 cash and other valuables.

Disclosing this here today, Manmohan Singh, SSP, Amritsar (Rural) said that after getting information of movement of this notorious gang, which was planning to commit some heinous crime in the area of Amritsar Rural, various teams were formed under the supervision of Jasdeep Singh SP/Detective to nab them.

He said that the gang comprising of Sahib Singh @ Sabha s/o Hardev Singh r/o Karmuwal, Tarn-Taran, Malkit Singh @ Meeta s/o Sukhdev Singh r/o Guru Ram Das Colony, Patti and Bikramjit Singh @Vicky s/o Jaswant Singh r/o Lohka, Tarn Taran were arrested along with weapons while they were travelling from Tarn- Taran to Beas in the area of Police Station Beas.

The SSP further said that acting swiftly various nakas were put up on strategic points and in the early morning a white colored Maruti Swift car was intercepted by the Police on Verowal- Rayya road. The Police party tried to stop the vehicle but the said gangsters instead of stopping the car tried to break away the barricading. Meanwhile, the backup teams of the district police managed to stop the car. The gang members tried to abscond from the scene by leaving behind their vehicle and firing at the Police parties. The police teams led by SI Yadwinder Singh, SHO  Kambo, Inspector Inderjeet Singh SHO Majitha, Inspector Harkrishan Singh SHO Beas, Inspector Ravinder Singh , In-charge CIA Amritsar (R) and Inspector Surjit Singh SHO Bhindi Saidan also fired in air and apprehended all the three accused.

Four pistols alongwith cartridges were recovered from the accused Malkit Singh and Sahib Singh.

An FIR u/s 307, 392, 34, 411 IPC and 25/54/59 of Arms Act was registered in this regard at PS Beas.

The district police chief revealed that all the accused was in the age group of 20 to 30 years. One Bikramjit Singh was dismissed from Indian Army; Sahib Singh is serving in the Indian Army but presently absent from duty and the third accused Malkit Singh is also serving in Army and presently posted in Arunachal Pradesh. He said that the accused used to procure illegal weapons from Lakheempur (U.P.) at the cost of 20,000 to 25000 per weapon. 

During their preliminary Investigation the accused have confessed to commit crimes in the various parts of the country.

Giving details of their crimes, the SSP said that they had snatched a Skoda Fabia Car bearing Registration No. UK-04-H-9699 from Bareilly (U.P.), robbed a salesman of Rs. 20,000 and 2 mobile phones at a liquor vendor outside Kapurthala (FIR No. 100 dated 14-05-13 u/s 382,34 Police Station City Kapurthala), robbed a mobile shop at Subhanpur on gun point (FIR No. 50 dated 15-05-13 u/s 382,34 Police Station Subhanpur, Kapurthala), robbed a liquor vendor outside Rayya and snatched Rs. 50,000 and a Mobile phone ( FIR No. 95 dated 14-05-13 u/s 382,34 IPC Police Station Beas), snatched a motorcycle on same the day from Rayya Grain Market, looted  a Liquor vendor at Khilchian and snatched Rs. 6,000 cash on gun point (FIR No. 41 dated 14-05-13 u/s 382,336 IPC 25/54/59 Arms Act Police Station Khilchian), snatched a white colour Maruti Swift car on gun point from Nanded, Maharashtra bearing Registration. No. MH-26-AF-1077, snatched a gold bracelet from a Mobile shop owner at Goindwal weighing 2.5 Tolas, snatched Rs. 10,000 from liquor vendor near Abohar on gun point, snatched Rs. 3000 from liquor vendor near Mundi Mor Kapurthala, robbed a mobile shop owner at Indore and took away 7 costly smart phones and 2 Samsung tabs, looted articles worth Rs. 20,000/- and a gold bracelet from a customer weighing 5 Tolas from a Reebok showroom on Delhi-Karnal Highway, robbed some unknown person near Village Gohalwar, Tarn Taran and snatched his purse and ATM at Gun Point and used the ATM at Alpha One Mall for Shopping of worth Rs. 20,000 approximately.

Besides this, the gang was involved in large number of snatching of mobile phones and purses from bystanders and used to run away after refilling their vehicles from petrol pumps without making payments, he added.

The police have recovered two cars, one motorcycle, Rs. 99,100 cash , 4 pistols alongwith ammunition, 7 mobile phones, two tabs (Samsung), 2 watches, army uniform, ID Card, documents of stolen vehicles etc. from the gang members up till now.

The investigation was in progress and more recoveries were expected along with arrest of other members of the gang.

The accused in the police custody.

Jalandhar, June 1, 2013: The Central Bureau of Investigation has filed a charge sheet against Ajai Kumar Pal,Vijai Kumar Pal, Sanjai Partap Singh alias Guddu Singh  and Rajeev Partap Singh alias Raju Singh, all residents from Bilaspur and Rakesh Narain Pal,a resident of Katra Vihar resident of District Pratapgarh (UP) for their role in hatching the conspiracy and alleged murder of Nanhe Yadav, former Pradhan of Balipur District Pratapgarh and recovery of illegal weapons.

Spokesperson of the CBI said that the investigation in the matter, revealed that rivalry between the deceased and the accused for dominance in village politics and a land dispute between the deceased and accused persons, were the reason behind the killing.

Jalandhar, June 1, 2013: The Centre Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered four cases relating to murder of three persons, including Ziaul Haque, Deputy Superintendent of Police of Uttar Pradesh and two other persons, namely Nanhe Yadav and his brother  Suresh Yadav, both of residents of District Pratapgarh (UP) in separate incidents on March 2 this year on the request of UP Government and after Notification by Govt of India.

CBI has taken of the investigation of these cases which were earlier registered by Uttar Pradesh.

This was stated by the spokesperson of the CBI today.

He said that Further investigation is continued U/s 173 (8) Cr.P.C. in the case.

He said that the public is reminded that the above findings are based on the investigation done by CBI and evidence collected by it. Under the Indian Law, the accused are presumed to be innocent till their guilt is finally established after a fair trial.

Ferozepur, June 1, 2013: The Punjab Mail is an Indian Railways express train which runs between Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (VT) and Ferozepur (Punjab).  Punjab Mail, earlier known as Punjab Limited is the first train to achieve distinction of entering its 100th year on Indian Railways broad gauge network. There is also a News Paper named Punjab Mail USA publishing from Sacramento, California.

The Punjab Mail between Ferozeur-Mumbai is completing its 101 years journey and railway officers, employees are happy. (See photography of old time Punjab Mail at Jhansi Railway Station)

The Punjab Mail started its first journey on June 1, 1912 when the train used to pass through Peshawar now in Pakistan, Ferozepur, Amritsar and Lahore and cover about 2496 KMs journey in 47 hours.  This train used to know as the fastest train during the British period with six car coaches, out of which three coaches were used by the postal authorities and three for the passengers and the capacity to accommodate only 96 passengers.

During 1914, this train was known as Peshawar and Bombay i VT and now Mumbai CST.  In fact, this train  used to be turn for Britishers who used to come from South Hampton for Mumbai port as from there they used to reach easily reach at Peshawar, Lahore and other cities and the fare of the train was also included in the fare of the ships.  About 16 years old than the Frontier Mail, the old Punjab Mail used to called as Punjab Mail Limited and this was perhaps the first grain having the provision for a restaurant car for the convenience of the passengers.  In 1945, first class AC compartment was also started in this train and after the partition of India and Pakistan, the Punjab Mail continue to run between Ferozepur and Mumbai and presently the electric engine has been attached with the Punjab Mail from Shatarpati Shivaji Terminus to Delhi and from Delhi to Ferozepur, diesel engine is attached.    This train is more convenient of the people of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, UP and Rajasthan to travel to Mumbai. 

According to one of the old timers, retired Principal Pritam Kaur Bhatia, whose father was Superintendent at Feroepur Railway Station at that time, have spent most of the time in railway colony and there used to fair like atmosphere at the railway station.  She further shared that in Punjab Mail, only the Britishers used to travel in the train and these used to be a spate stall for Hindus and Muslims at the railway stations. 

The most interesting feature of the train among the people was that the timings of running of the train were so punctual, people used to correct their timings on the watches.

Jalandhar, June 1, 2013: The 66th Raising Day of the Army Education Corps was celebrated under the aegis of Vajra Corps, here, on Saturday with befitting zeal.

The Army Education Corps Day celebration was attended by retired and serving Army personnel of Jalandhar Garrison.

Lt Gen AK Bakshi, General Officer Commanding of Vajra Corps was the chief Guest on the occasion.

The Army Education Corps which was re-organised on June 1, 1947 at Pachmarhi has moved forward in leap and bounds. In its illustrious history the Education Corps has carved a niche for itself in diverse spheres like betterment of human resources, Foreign/Regional Language Training, School Administration, Map Craft Training, Library Training, Enhancement of Educational Qualification of Indian Army soldiers and English Language Training for military personnel from friendly foreign countries and Personality Development Training. The Army Education corps recent endeavours like Personality Development Programs, Information and Technology Education, Emphasis on modern navigational skills and modified educational syllabi are focused towards improving the quality of human resources to meet the challenges of a transforming modern Army.

Gen Bikram Singh, Chief of Army Staff and Lt Gen Sanjeev Chhachra, Army Commander, Western Command conveyed their best wishes to the personnel of Army Education Corps on the occasion and were appreciative to the professional perfection and hard work of the ranks and file. Also being congratulated by General Officer Commanding VAJRA Corps Lt Gen AK Bakshi and Maj Gen Sunil Chandra the Additional Director Gen Army Education & Col Comdt AEC on the occasion.

Dharamsala, June 1, 2013: Balbir Thakur ,SSP Kangra  in Himachal have sounded an alert  to all SSPs  in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, J & K. Uttrakhand U.P., Assam, Himachal Pradesh and all SHOs in the Kangra district to trace one Yaspal Arya son of Bhup Singh resident of Govind Puri under jurisdiction of police station Khol in Tehsil and District Rewari (Haryana).

The alert  indicate that a case FIR (No. 03/13) dated January 3, 2013 under sections 363,366 IPC has been registered at Police Station Dharamsala for the kidnapping a minor girl allegedly by  one Yaspal Arya (25 years), who is serving in the Army.  

The copy of the alert was also sent to IGP CID-cum-Director SCRB HP Shimla.

DGP of Himachal Pardesh has declared Rs.25,000 reward for the person who will help police to find out this person. The name of informer will be kept secret.

Jalandhar, June 2, 2013: An educational Tour comprising of 27 students, 3 teachers of Kandi-Magam Bowl (Kupwara District) in Kashmir valley was organised by Army to enlighten them with the vibrant and colorful culture of our nation. 

As part of this educational tour, J & K school children visited various places of holy city Amritsar today.  The educational tours started from Tarats village of J & K on May 30 this year and today got the opportunity to visit the magnificent Golden Temple and witness Retreat ceremony at Wagah Border. 

The students also visited Jallianwala Bagh, Verka Milk Plant and Guru Nanak Dev University where students got motivated to shape their future by making efforts in fields that they aspire to work in future.

The tour is expected to meet President in Delhi on June 4 and thereafter witness Passing Out Parade at Indian Military Academy Dehradun.

The students are also likely to visit the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie.

This endeavor of Army to bring awareness among students of remote villages of Kashmir has been greatly appreciated by the parents and local administration.

Members of an educational tour comprising of 27 students, 3 teachers of Kandi-Magam Bowl (Kupwara District) in Kashmir valley organised by Army, visits Jallianwala Bagh at Amritsar.

Jalandhar, June 3, 2013: The Special Judge, CBI, AHD, Ranchi (Jharkhand) has today sentenced 10 accused persons in one of the Fodder Scam Cases tried at Ranchi.
 
This was stated by the spokesperson of the CBI today. He said that the former ten accused persons are Dr Om Prakash Diwakar, the than Regional Director, AHD, Dumka to undergo six years Rigorous Imprisonment with fine of Rs. 4 lakhs; Dr  Ajit Kumar Sinha, then TVO(M), Godda, working in the office of DAHO Godda to undergo six years RI with fine of Rs. 4 lakhs; Braj Bhushan Prasad, Retd Budget Cum Accountant officer, AHD Patna to undergo five years RI with fine of Rs. 2 lakhs; Rajesh Kumar Sinha, owner of M/s Tara Pharmaceuticals J&K Towor, Ex Hibition Road, Patna to undergo five years RI with fine of Rs. 2 lakhs.

Naresh Prasad, Owner of M/s Vyapar Kutir, Patna to undergo four years RI with fine of Rs. 1.60 lakhs, Rakesh Kumar Sinha, the then Treasury Officer, Godda, to undergo five years RI with fine of Rs. 2 lakhs; Bal Krishna Dubey, the then Accountant, Treasury Office, Godda to undergo four years RI with fine of Rs. 1 lakh; Bhanukar Dubey, the then Assistant, Treasury office, Godda to undergo four years RI with fine of Rs. 1 lakh; Dr R.K. Rana, Ex-MLA, resident of  Narayanpur, District Bhagalpur to undergo five years RI with fine of Rs. 2 lakhs and Dhruv Bhagat, Ex-MLA, resident of Sangrampur, District Munger to undergo five years RI  and the accused will have to pay a sum Rs. 2 lakhs, as fine.
 
 In the present case the CBI had filed  surcharge sheet in the court against 15 accused persons on the allegations that the accused  siphoned off an amount of Rs. 36,65,861/- from Godda(Jharkhand), Treasury on  strength of forged & fabricated allotment letters, false supply bills raised by the accused suppliers either without effecting the supply of any material, billed for or by making part supply. Out of 15, two died during trial & one pleaded guilty.  Remaining 12 accused persons were facing trial. Out of 12, Ten  accused persons  were convicted on 31.05.2013. Two persons i.e one Statistical Supervisor and other Supplier were acquitted by the Court.
 
The spokesperson disclosed that this is the 44th Fodder Scam Case so far disposed off by the  trial  Court of the  CBI at Ranchi.

Ferozepur, June 3, 2013: An incident of alleged involvement of a constable posted in CIA branch of Ferozepur in  raping a nursing student girl has come to notice, on Saturday evening. 

On the complaint of girl’s friend, a boy, police booked the constable but no arrest was made as the police were waiting for the victim to reach Ferozepur as she had left for Amritsar, her hometown, after the incidence took place on late Saturday evening.

In his complaint to the police, a nursing student of Francis Newton Mission Hospital stated that on Saturday evening, he along with his friend, also a nursing student was sitting in a park located in the Cantonment area, when police constable appeared on the scene and charged both of them for indecent behaviour at the public place.

When couple resisted his move, the cop reportedly thrashed the boy and asked him to arrange bribe if they did not want to get involve in a police case.  Frightened boy left the spot to call some help and the cop took the girl to a house and reportedly raped her.

When the victim came back and narrated the incident to her boyfriend, he reported the matter to the hospital authorities, who unwilling to tarnish the image of the girl and the hospital, reportedly sent the victim back to her house in Amritsar.

The matter came to light on Sunday when some delegates of Christian community met the higher police officials in the presence of local SAD MLA and lodged a complaint against the accused cop in the Ferozepur Cantonment police station.

While commenting on the issue, Ferozepur SSP Varinderpal Singh said the moment the police received the complaint, swung into action and contacted the girl’s family in Amritsar.
As per the SSP on our persistent persuasion, the victim is being brought to Ferozepur where medical examination of the girl would be conducted. Once the medical examination confirms rape, action will be immediately initiated against the suspect.

Describes it a backroom manoeuvre to erode authority of the states
New Delhi/Chandigarh, June 5, 2013: The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today strongly rejected the proposed National Counter Terrorism Centre terming it as a direct interference in the federal structure of the country besides giving a power to Centre to tactically intervene in the internal affairs of the states.
Vehemently opposing the NCTC in the meeting of Chief Minister on Internal Security held under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh here today, Badal regretted that Union Government has reduced the annual meeting of Chief Ministers on Internal Security as an annual ritual with not a single proposal or suggestion by Chief Ministers getting materialised during last four years. He said that we should not take states for a ride on the name of security as Punjab has singularly fought the decade long terrorism without NCTC and he doesn’t understand why NCTC was required now? He said that Central forces if allowed operations under NCTC would descend in the state without assessing the sensitivity, launch an operation and move out leaving the consequences of the operations to be tackled by the States alone. He said that how Central forces act in isolation without taking local situation in account can be gauged from the fact that Operation Blue Star was launched by the Central Forces on the martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev, when a large number of devotees were inside the Golden Temple resulting in the large number of causalities of innocent pilgrims. He said that this gross insensitivity by Central forces instead of tackling the situation further complicates it for the states.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that instead of NCTC the system of sharing of intelligence by Ministry of Home Affairs was effectively working. He said that instead of frittering away energy and resources the new body not acceptable to any state,. The Union Government should provide full backing to the State Governments in their modernisations plans and capacity building.
Questioning the basic purpose of annual meeting on Internal Security without any substantial result, Badal said tha instead of All India Meeting the Union Home Minister should convene State Specific meeting individually and tackle the problem of that state understanding the ground reality position in that specific state. He said that this meeting has become an annual ritual with Chief Ministers delivering five minutes speech and Union Government not accepting their a single suggestion.
Requesting the Prime Minister to pay special attention to Border States and problems being created by cross border insurgency, narco-terrorism and counterfeit currency being pushed in the country, Badal questioned the wisdom o Union Government to focus on problem when it blows on your face. He said that today after Naxal attack total energy of the Union Government was on anti-naxal operations and we would wait other problems till they blow on our face. He said that the problem of Naxal was more than two decade old and failure to tackle that problem till now suggests that we were adopting the wrong strategy in controlling that. He said that Prime Minister should also convene a special meeting of Border States as being done in the Naxal affected states.
Raising the issue of increased inflow of drugs, counterfeit currency from across the border, Badal said that the record seizure of drugs by Punjab Police during last few years underlines the fact that the BSF directly under the control of Union Home Ministry was failing to seal the border effectively. He said that Punjab was paying dearly this social cost of increased drug flow with Union Government being the mute spectator.
Emphasising the need for investing heavily in the modernisation and technological upgradation of security forces, Badal rued that on one hand Union Government was spending 91000 crore on Food Security Bill and 33000 crore on MGNREGS, the budget of modernisation of security forces was 1000 crore in 2000 has been brought down to meagre 300 crore with Punjab getting only paltry share of Rs. 30 crore after attachment of many strings and conditions. He said that this meeting looks a façade if we see the “importance” being given to the modernisation of forces.
Badal said that in contrast the budget of Punjab Police has been enhanced five folds in five years to meet the increased challenges on the law and order front. “We should learn from USA that has invested heavily to tackle the problem of terrorism especially after 9/11. I don’t expect that we should have modernisation budget equivalent to America but our Prime Minister can make a beginning with minimum Rs. 10000 crore allocation that could be doubled next year to modernise and technologically upgrade state forces,” he added.
Badal said that no state was asking funds for roads or infrastructure but they were asking funds for national security that has been reduced from Rs. 1000 crore to Rs. 300 crore despite spectre of militancy assuming unimaginable proportion. He said that we have to fight this battle collectively and it was the duty of Centre Government to liberally helps the states in technological upgradation of security forces.
Reiterating the resolve of Punjab Government to maintain peace and tranquillity in the state, Badal congratulated the Punjab Police in taking primitive steps in busting two militant modules with large quantity of RDX before they could create any problem in the state. He said that Centre must support Punjab in its battle against Counter Border Terrorism, Smuggling of Drugs, Counterfeit Currency and Web Based Militant Propaganda.
Demanding a Security Package for the border state of Punjab, Badal said that though we have been able to eliminate militancy from the state but efforts were on from forces across the border to foment trouble in the state. He said that we should invest early rather than waiting for investing on fire fighting operations after the problem assumes dangerous proportion.
Ruing Centre’s apathy towards Punjab that has fought nation’s war against militancy, Badal said that what to call off ‘Special Package’ the state was burdened with Special Term loan of Rs. 5800 crore provided by Centre during trouble time that grew to Rs. 7723 crore with interest component.
Badal said that The State of Punjab paid a heavy price to successfully fight the nation’s war against a violent secessionist movement. He said that the cost in terms of loss of innocent lives, including civilians, members of security forces and family members of the police personnel cannot be calculated.
Badal said that the cost of rebuilding a battle scarred society and economy, in all its dimensions, cannot be quantified. “It is an irony that instead of willing and ready financial and other assistance from the GOI, the State had to pay Rs.2694 Crores for the nation’s war”, he said.
Informing about Punjab’s efforts to strengthen police force, Badal said that during last three years alone 16000 police personnel including 2800 women constable taking the strength of force to 75600. The five training centres have been upgraded.
Emphasising the need for protecting the women, he said that Punjab has taken unique measure to prevent crime against women and to ensure speedier trials. He said that Punjab has constituted Mobile Women Commando Squads and Quick Reaction Teams for speedier police response. The percentage of conviction in such cases has gone up and 7 Fast Track Courts have already been setup and 13 in the process of establishment.
Focusing on community policing, Badal informed about the SAANJH project initiated by Punjab Police to bridge disconnect between community and police. He said that SAANJH kendras are successfully working in 114 Sub Divisions and 363 police stations.

Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab participating the meeting of chief ministers meeting on internal security presided over by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh at New Delhi on Wednesday.

Jalandhar, June 5, 2013: The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered a case against Development Officer (Marketing), Oriental Insurance Company Limited, CBO-III,  Akashdeep Building, Transport Nagar, Jaipur  U/s 420, 467, 468, 471 of IPC and section 13 (2) r/w 13(1)(d) of PC Act, 1988 for allegedly causing loss of about Rs. 27.06 lakhs to the company.

In a statement issued here today, It was alleged by the spokesperson of the CBI (HQ) that the FIR, that during the period 2004 to 2006, the Development Officer(Marketing) had abused his official position and thereby created & operated a dummy agency under agency code number 309/1100.

He used this dummy agency to divert the direct business procured by him for the company into this agency. He dishonestly and fraudulently obtained wrongful gain of Rs.27,06,427 in the form of commissions, thus causing corresponding wrongful loss to the company.

Searches were conducted  by the CBI sluths on Jun 4.2013, at his residential premise in Anand Vihar, Jagatpura, Jaipur and office chamber at City Branch Office-III, OICL, Transport Nagar, Jaipur. During the course of searches, incriminating documents pertaining to various allegations in the case; investments made by him and expenditure statements belonging to him have been recovered.

Jalandhar, June 5, 2013: The Special Judge for CBI Cases, Chennai has convicted  D. Pugazhendhi, then Divisional Manager United India Insurance Company, Chennai and his wife in a disproportionate assets case. D. Pugazhendhi was sentenced to undergo two  years Rigorous imprisonment and his wife  Shanthi was sentenced to undergo one year Rigorous Imprisonment. A total fine Rs.15,000 was also imposed on him. The court has also ordered for attachment of immovable properties available in the hands of the accused persons to the tune of Rs. 37,98,752.

A case was registered by the CBI on 31.12.2009 against  D. Pugazhendhi, Divisional Manager United India Insurance Company, Vadapalani, Chennai and his wife  Shanthi on the allegations that during the period 2002 – 2009, Pugazhendhi and on abetment by his wife  Shanthi, committed criminal misconduct and abused his official position and acquired assets disproportionate to his known source of income.  During investigation, it was established that during the check period i.e. during 2002- 2009, Pugazhendhi, had acquired total assets both movable and immoveable to the tune of about Rs.1,02,47,991 and incurred an expenditure of about Rs.36,52,024 as against his total income of about Rs.78,00,799. The disproportionate assets held by him against his known sources of income was Rs.60,99,216 i.e 78.18 %. 

CBI filed charge sheet against D. Pugazhendhi and his wife Shanthi u/s 109 r/w sec 13(2) r/w 13(1)(e) of PC Act, 1988 .

On completion of the trial, the Special Judge for CBI Cases, Chennai, pronounced judgment convicting D. Pugazhendhi, and his wife

Jalandhar,June 6, 2013: The Central Bureau of Investigation has filed a chargesheet before the Special Judge, CBI cases, Patiala House Courts, New Delhi against two private persons; and official of a Switzerland-based defense firm for offences punishable u/s 120-B PIC  r/w Section 8 of P.C. Act, 1988.

In a statement issued here today by the Spokesperson CBI (HQ) New Delhi, said that a case was registered by CBI on June 5, 2012 on the allegation that a Switzerland based defense firm was recommended for blacklisting and the process of the same was underway.
Meanwhile, a private person got in touch with the firm and assured them for stalling the process of blacklisting.
For this purpose, he allegedly obtained gratification of USD 5,30,000 which was routed to India via a USA-based firm.
After thorough investigation, CBI sleuths filed a Charge sheet.
The spokesperson made it clear that the public is reminded that the above findings are based on the investigation done by CBI and evidence collected by it.  Under the Indian Law, the accused are presumed to be innocent till their guilt is finally established after a fair trial, he concluded.

Chandigarh, June 6, 2013: The Union Human Resource and Development Minister M. Pallan Raju took assured a delegation of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) to probe the complaint of embezzlement in the funds of Sarb Shiksha Abhiyan and Rashtriya Madhyamic Shiksha Abhiyan by Punjab Education Minister Sikandar Singh Maluka.

Raju was shocked to know the facts of the case and assured that matter would be probed. The Punjab Congress leaders led by CLP leader Sunil Jakhar submitted a memorandum to the Union Minister signed on behalf of PPCC President Partap Singh Bajwa. The PPCC has demanded a CBI probe into the infamous book scam running into crores of rupees. The minister said he would send fact finding committee to Punjab.

The Congress delegation told Raju that scam in the Punjab Education Board has rocked the state and all major national and vernacular newspapers had highlighted the matter after conducting thorough investigation at their own level. The investigation has brought to light brought to fore Rs. 9.28 crore embezzlement   in supply of library books to government schools, flouting all norm laid down under the Sarb Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) funds. Similarly, a whopping Rs. 7.56 crore has been misappropriated under the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) in the supply of science kits to 756 govt. schools.

 The memorandum stated, “The modus oprendi in siphoning off, embezzling and misappropriating both central funds is similar, under the written instructions of the Education Minister, Punjab”.

It further said that the Education Minister bypassing the Director General School Education (DGSE) Punjab, appointed a there member committee comprising his loyal officers and directed them to proceed with tendering for books as well as science kits. Tenders were floated in a very low circulation local newspaper, without mentioning the heads of the SSA or RMSA central schemes.

“Dubious firms who had no experience in dealing with books were awarded the tenders at costs much more than that of the market, both of the books as well as the science kits for students”, the memorandum stated.

PPCC delegation brought to notice of HRD Minister that forced to act under immense public pressure, the Chief Minister Punjab, has now ordered a judicial inquiry headed by a retired judge. It is also astonishing that while the government continues to shield the accused Education Minister, it has chosen to suspend the three officials appointed by the Minister for the wrongful tendering process. Why has the Minister not been punished, who is responsible for appointing the committee that indulged in embezzlement, they pointed out, and said, “Our contention is that the so called judicial inquiry is a farce, and an attempt to procure a clean chit for the Minister, after making some junior level officials as scapegoats”.

PPCC leaders said that there was no chance that the Punjab government. would take any concrete action against the minister. Therefore, for the truth to emerge, it is highly imperative that initially a fact finding team of your department be sent to Punjab, to uncover the scandal.

The other members of the delegation were Ravneet Singh Bittu MP, Gurpreet Singh Kangar Vice President, Charanjit Singh Channi, Vice Presidents PPCC and MLA, Tarlochan Singh Sond Vice President, MLAs Jagmohan Singh Kang, Sadhu Singh Dharamsot, Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa, Brahm Mohindra, Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, Joginder Singh, Mohammad Sadiq, Parminder Singh Pinki, Charanjeet Kaur Bajwa, Guriqbal Kaur, Harchand Kaur, State Congress Spokesman and former MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira, Jagbir Singh Brar, Makhan Singh former MLAs.

Case relates to alleged malpractice in Rajya Sabha biennial elections in Jharkhand

Jalandhar, June 7, 2013: The Central Bureau of Investigation filed a chargesheet earlier this week against two independent candidates of Rajya Sabha Election 2012; the agent of one candidate; a MLA; her father and her associate in the court of Special Judge, Ranchi in a case relating to alleged malpractice in Rajya Sabha Biennial Elections during March, 2012 in the State of Jharkhand.

According to the spokesperson og the CBI (HQ) New Delhi, this case was registered by CBI on a reference from the Election Commission of India with the directions of Jharkhand High Court relating to an alleged malpractice in Rajya Sabha Elections during March, 2012 in the State of Jharkhand. CBI took over investigation of Namkum Police Station Case No. 58 of 2012 dated March 30, 2012, on April 19, 2012 in which cash of Rs. 2.15 crores was recovered by Income Tax Department of Ranchi on March 30, 2012 from the relative of the independent candidate of Rajya Sabha Election 2012. The FIR of the case, alleged transportation of cash for payments to the voters who were the Members of Jharkhand Legislative Assembly.

He said that during the investigation, searches were conducted on the premises of Independent Candidates; their contacts and conduits and some Members of Jharkhand Legislative Assembly.

As many as  About 100 witnesses were examined. Following recovery of the cash and registration of the case, Election Commission of India countermanded the election and issued fresh notification.

Further investigation in respect of others is in progress.

The public is reminded that the above findings are based on the investigation done by CBI and evidence collected by it.  Under the Indian Law, the accused are presumed to be innocent till their guilt is finally established after a fair trial, the release said.