Mohd Rafi's native village remembers the legend

 

Chandigarh, July 31

Legendary playback singer Mohammed Rafi's native village Kotla Sultan in Punjab's Amritsar district remembered him on his 32nd death anniversary today, with scores paying a tribute to him.

"We organised a function in the village. A number of people and Rafi sahab's fans thronged to pay tribute," Rafi's childhood friend Bakshish Singh's grandson Jodh Singh Samra told PTI.

Samra, district president of the Youth Akali Dal and SGPC member, said village sarpanch Kuldeep Singh along with sarpanches of some neighbouring villages took part in the function, that also had many school children participating.

"A singing competition was also organised for the children," Samra said.

He said that government should help the villagers set up a library, which will have a collection of Rafi's songs.

Rafi was born in Kotla Sultan village, about 30 kms from Amritsar in Punjab and about 250 kms from here. Born on December 24, 1924, Rafi died of a heart attack in Mumbai on July 31, 1980. He was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1967.

Rafi, who began singing by chanting the notes that a fakir sung in his village, went on to lend his voice to Bollywood megastars including Amitabh Bachchan, Shammi Kapoor, Dharmendra and Dev Anand in his career as a successful playback artist.

He has numerous hit songs to his credit including several duets with famous playback singers Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle.

Working with music directors like OP Nayyar, Laxmikant Pyarelal and RD Burman, Rafi delivered some evergreen hits including 'Yeh duniya yeh mehfil', 'Chura liya hai tumne', 'O Haseena', 'Tum jo mil gaye ho' and 'Aaj mausam bada beimaan'.

Samra recalled that Rafi was a simple man who used to speak from his heart and help everyone in need.

He said that the village is trying to do its own bit to keep the memory of the singer alive. 

HP, Punjab sign pact on Naina Devi ropeway

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and his Himachal counterpart PK Dhumal exchange a copy of the pact in Shimla on Thursday.

Shimla, July 26
In about three years, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab will be able to achieve what the pilgrims to Naina Devi and Anandpur Sahib have prayed for: A ropeway to link the two shrines.
The two states on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding committing them to build a 3.75-km aerial ropeway.
The ropeway, to be constructed within three years, is a joint-venture. Of the 3,751 metre-long link, 274.582 metre lies in Punjab and the rest in Himachal. The project cost is Rs 85 crore.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal and his Punjab counterpart Parkash Singh Badal termed the MoU as historic. Arun Sharma, director, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Himachal, and Karamjit Singh Sra, director, Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Punjab, signed the agreement on behalf of the two governments.
"The aerial ropeway will not just connect the two shrines by providing easy access and promoting tourism, but will also bring the two states closer in terms of regional understanding," Dhumal said.
Badal said though the project took long to take off despite the keenness of both states, it would be completed within three years. "Today will go down as a red letter day in the history of the two states," he said.
Of the 70 lakh pilgrims who visit the Naina Devi temple in Bilaspur district every year, 90 per cent are from Punjab. "The ropeway will help provide an easy, safe, economical and comfortable mode of transport to reach the hilltop temple. It will also greatly reduce the pollution and traffic congestion caused by the huge number of pilgrims," the Punjab CM said.
The ropeway will have three terminals -- one in Punjab and two in Himachal. It would carry at least 800 persons per hour in one direction.
The two states will set up a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to act as a concessioning authority. It will pay for land acquisition and the compensation accruing to land owners.

The project

Length 3.75km
Project cost `85cr
Will link Anandpur Sahib with Naina Devi temple in 3 yrs
The ropeway will have three terminals — one in Punjab and two in Himachal — and carry at least 800 persons per hour in one direction
Of the 70 lakh pilgrims visiting the Naina Devi temple in Bilaspur district a year, 90% are from Punjab.

President Pranab takes charge as 13th President of India

At impressive swearing-in, new Prez focuses on tackling poverty, pushing growth

President Pranab Mukherjee waves from his horse-drawn carriage at Rashtrapati Bhawan after his swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday.  

DIDI COMES FOR DADA

After bitterly opposing Pranab Mukherjee’s candidature, key UPA ally Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee attended his oath-taking ceremony. Mamata, who reached Delhi on Tuesday night in a special plane sent by the Centre, went straight to Mukherjee’s residence and the two reportedly chatted till midnight. Actor Mithun Chakraborty, who is said to be Mukherjee’s mascot, was among a host of persons who came to witness the swearing-in of the country’s first Bengali President.

THE POMP AND THE BIG SHOW

Before the swearing-in, Pranab was driven to the Rashtrapati Bhawan in a black limousine  Both Mukherjee and Pratibha Patil were given the national salute by members of the three Services lined along the road leading to Raisina Hill  The two then left for Parliament House in a cavalcade. After the function, Mukherjee inspected his first guard of honour in a horse-driven buggy  Later, the new President escorted his predecessor to her new residence at Tughlaq Lane. Patil will stay there for some months before she moves to her residence in Pune

New Delhi, July 25
After five decades in active politics, Pranab Mukherjee today began a new innings when he took oath of office as India’s 13th President at an impressive ceremony in the historic Central Hall of Parliament. As he himself later put it, it is a journey “from the flicker of a lamp in a small Bengal village to the chandeliers of Delhi.”

Attired in a black sherwani and white churidar, 76-year-old Mukherjee was administered the oath by Chief Justice of India SH Kapadia in the presence of a huge gathering which included Prime Minister Manmohan Singh,

Congress president Sonia Gandhi, all ministers, UPA partners, Opposition leaders, Governors and many Chief Ministers. Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar were among the Opposition leaders who especially flew down for this occasion.

The ceremony began with the arrival of Pranab Mukherjee along with outgoing President Pratibha Patil, Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar and the Chief Justice. Soon after being seated on the dais, the veteran Congress leader took oath.

Pranab then exchanged chairs with Pratibha Patil while a thunderous applause echoed through the high dome Central Hall. As soon as he assumed the top Constitutional post, a 21-gun salute was offered to Pranab. It was an announcement that the country had got a new President.

In his acceptance speech, Mukherjee underlined that his high office demands that he must rise “above personal or partisan interests in the service of the national good” and vowed to “to preserve, protect and defend our Constitution.”

Touching upon issues ranging from hunger to global terrorism, Mukherjee unveiled his vision of a modern India, which, he said, is built on fundamentals of secular values, economic equity and gender equality.

The speech bore Mukherjee’s distinctive imprint as he made a passing but telling reference to the touchy issue of tackling poverty and pushing growth. Stating that there is no humiliation more abusive than hunger, the new President underlined, “Trickle-down theories do not address the legitimate aspirations of the poor. We must lift those at the bottom so that poverty is erased from the dictionary of modern India.”

Mukherjee, who was the Finance Minister till last month, was known for his conservative views which have been at variance with those of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who believes in economic liberalisation. While those with socialist moorings contend that people at the bottom of the pyramid have to be pulled out of their poverty stricken condition by adopting a “bottom-up” approach, others pushing for economic reforms maintain that poverty can be erased by pushing for high growth as its benefits would percolate down to the poorest.

Mukherjee’s remark did not go unnoticed by Congress leaders who believe he will not be a “rubber stamp” President but will carefully scrutinise all the legislations sent to the Rashtrapati Bhawan for approval.

With Team Anna beginning another indefinite fast to press for the passage of the Lokpal Bill and action against tainted ministers, corruption too found a mention in Mukherjee’s speech. “Corruption is an evil that can depress the nation’s mood and sap its progress. We cannot allow our progress to be hijacked by the greed of a few,” he said.

Not forgetting that as President he is also the supreme commander of the armed forces, Mukherjee made a special reference to their role in the battle against terrorism.” I am proud of the valour, conviction and steely determination of our armed forces as they have fought this menace on our border,” he said.

1,100 teachers on foreign jaunt face the sack

Termination process begins for failing to report for work

Chandigarh, July 24
Punjab has initiated the process of terminating the services of at least 1,100 teachers who have failed to return from foreign trips. The absence of teachers has affected classroom teaching in different schools and also blocked fresh recruitment. These teachers have been missing from work for periods varying between six months and 11 years.
Kahan Singh Pannu, Director General, School Education, said: “The department has decided to terminate the services of teachers who have overstayed abroad for long periods without informing the authorities. The department has already started the proceedings to this effect. The aim is to overcome the shortage of teaching staff.”
“We have compiled the data of teachers missing from work for long periods of time. These teachers have not bothered to cite reasons for delay in reporting back for work and have also not cared to send any communication regarding possible dates of return,” Pannu said.
A senior teacher said “a sizeable majority of our colleagues who get a chance to go abroad were doing petty jobs there. Since the system allowed them to stay on rolls back home, they did not resign”.
Lakbhir Singh, vice-president, Jalandhar District Government School Teachers Union, said: “We have learnt about the action being initiated against the erring teachers who have failed to return from foreign trips. But there has been no formal communication in this regard. In the process, they are blocking job opportunities of hundreds of educated youth.”
Karnail Singh Sandhu, former president, State Government Teachers Union, said: “Those guilty of going abroad and earning their livelihood there while maintaining their service benefits in India do not deserve to be spared. They are blocking the career prospects of a large number of youngsters.
“The government should initiate a similar action against employees of all departments. A perusal of official records will reveal that officials from many other departments have also gone missing while on trips abroad,” he added.
The newly appointed teachers will now be required to file an affidavit saying that their leave application may be considered as resignation letter on failure to return to work within the approved vacation period.

Teaching blues

The absence of teachers has affected classroom teaching in different schools and also blocked fresh recruitment.

Police, villagers clash in Mansa; two killed

Mansa, July 24
Two persons, including a minor boy, were killed and several others injured after being hit by teargas shells fired by the police to control an irate mob that was trying to lynch a “thief” in Akalia village of Mansa district today.
The deceased have been identified as Neetu (16), a resident of Kanakwal village, and Pritam Singh (52).
The police said angry villagers first hurled brickbats at cops who were trying to rescue the “thief” and later set a police jeep afire. The mob also reportedly attacked and seriously injured an assistant sub-inspector and two constables who had taken shelter in a house. A quick response team was sent to the site which fired teargas shells at protesting villagers. Ram Singh, a farmer leader, however, alleged that the policemen opened fire on the mob, resulting in the deaths.
IGP (Bathinda Range) NS Dhillon rushed to the site and denied firing by the police. He said the quick response team was armed only with teargas shells.
DC Amit Dhaka said the situation went out of control after the mob started pelting the cops with stones. Additional police force has been rushed to the area to prevent further violence. Angry over police “firing”, the villagers reportedly blocked the Mansa-Barnala highway by placing the bodies on the road.

Pranab Mukherjee elected new Indian president

 

NEW DELHI: Former finance minister Pranab Mukherjee was elected Indian president on Sunday after votes from national and state lawmakers were counted in the race for the mainly ceremonial post.

Some analysts believe Mukherjee, a veteran from the ruling Congress party, may take a more active approach to the job than his predecessors as India struggles with a parliamentary deadlock and slowing economic growth. Mukherjee, 76, collected 69 percent votes, easily beating his only rival P A Sangma, 64, a former lower house speaker and tribal leader from the remote northeast who was backed by the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

"I would like to thank the people of this great country for conferring this distinction by electing me to this high office," Mukherjee told crowds of cheering supporters gathered outside his residence in New Delhi.

India's president, who takes up residence in a 340-room palace built in the capital for the British viceroy during colonial rule, is chosen by legislators from the two houses of parliament and state assemblies.

The next general election, due to be held in 2014, is predicted to be close, which could lead to a period of complex horse-trading between numerous national and regional parties trying to form a stable coalition government.

"It's in this turbulent scenario Mukherjee as a president will be able to steer the ship of the state. He's a troubleshooter," said Sanjay Kumar, an analyst at India's Centre for the Study of Developing Societies.

Mukherjee may also try to use the presidential position to foster a behind-the-scenes deal between warring parties who have reduced parliament to a stalemate in recent sessions. He has a reputation as a canny negotiator, and was described by leaked US embassy cables in 2009 as "the ultimate Congress Party fixer and operator" with clear ambitions at that time to become prime minister.

Mukherjee commands widespread respect across party lines, but his performance as finance minister was criticised for his failure to push through reforms to further liberalise India's economy.

His exit from the ministry raised investors' hopes that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who took over the finance portfolio, could embark on long-awaited moves. Mukherjee's success on Sunday was a welcome victory for the embattled the Congress party, which has been beset by a string of graft scandals, policy reversals and a raft of disappointing economic data.

Sangma congratulated his opponent but criticised the Congress for running an "exceptionally partisan and political" campaign for the head of state. Mukherjee will be formally sworn in on Wednesday, taking over for a five-year term from Pratibha Patil, India's first woman president. 

'Achcha to hum chalte hain': Remembering Rajesh Khanna

Rajesh Khanna: Bollywood first Superstar

From the dizzying heights of fame to quiet shadows behind the arclights, Rajesh Khanna's life had a theatrical sweep, almost like one of his films. Bollywood's original superstar - simply the phenomenon to some - died in Mumbai Wednesday, leaving behind memories cast in celluloid of that famous crooked smile and head tilt. He was only 69.

In an era long before this age of instant connect of mobile phones and internet, Rajesh Khanna was the man who sparked a frenzy never seen before and never since, not even by the likes of Amitabh Bachchan.

His very name spelt magic in the 1970s. He sparked hysteria, particularly amongst his legions of women fans, who would line the road for a glimpse, chant his name, cover his car with lipstick marks and even write him letters in blood. They got married to his photograph, cut their finger, let the blood flow and applied 'sindoor'.

Truly, "O mere di ke chain"!

Kaka, as he was popularly known, was one of the highest paid actors of his time, his record of consecutive solo super hits still unbroken. Who can forget the years between 1970-1979 when he starred in mega hits like "Safar", "Kati Patang", "Sachaa Jhutha", "Aan Milo Sajna", "Anand", "Amar Prem" and "Mere Jeevan Saathi". Ever the urbane, suave romantic who wooed like few others.

Glory and fame galore came his way with the two 1969 films - "Aradhana" and "Do Raaste" - where he teamed up with two of his best co-stars, Sharmila Tagore and Mumtaz, respectively. Both the films were super hits. Hindi film's first superstar was born.

Between "Aradhana" in 1969 and "Prem Kahani" in 1975, Rajesh enjoyed god-like status.

It was all about charisma - a certain something that went beyond the art of acting. He had that unique way of delivering a dialogue, of crinkling his eyes and that interesting head tilt that were all his own - and designed to get fans swooning.

Describing the charm of Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh once said: "I got famous purely because I was working with Rajesh Khanna in 'Anand'. People asked me questions like, 'How is he to look at? What does he do?'"

The mega story had a small beginning in Amritsar. Born Jatin Arora on Dec 29, 1942, he was adopted and raised by foster parents.

He went from being Jatin to Rajesh, thanks to his uncle who changed his name, when he decided to join films.

In 1965, the journey to filmdom started after he won the All India Talent Contest organised by United Producers and Filmfare. He made his debut with "Aakhri Khat" in 1966.

It was a fairly easy road to superstardom after that.

He became the heartthrob of the nation, singing timeless melodies like "Mere Sapnon Ki Rani..." in "Aradhana", "Zindagi Ek Safar" in "Andaaz" or "Yeh Shaam Mastani" in "Kati Patang". Singer Kishore Kumar and composer R.D. Burman were amongst his closest friends.

In his four-decade career, he appeared in about 160 films, of which 106 had him as the solo lead hero and 22 were two hero projects.

Rajesh proved his mettle in offbeat films too. He teamed up with Hrishikesh Mukherjee for the critically acclaimed "Bawarchi" and "Namak Haram". The quintessential romantic also did the intense "Avishkar", directed by Basu Bhattacharya.

But then age caught up and the star began fading away.

He moved to television and played the main lead in two serials - "Ittefaque" and "Apne Paraye" during 2001-02 and also featured in "Raghukul Reet Sada Chali Aayi" between 2008-09.

The decline to B-grade films was inevitable. There was also the sorry "Wafa" with Laila Khan, who was found murdered this July.

He dabbled in politics, being Congress MP from the New Delhi constituency from 1991-1996.

Like the Hollywood legends of yore, the personal life also had a larger than life dimension.

He fell in love with Dimple Kapadia, who was only 16 and whose first film "Bobby" was yet to release. She was 15 years younger to him but the pull was strong and they got married after a whwhirwind romance in 1973.

It was the stuff of tabloid headlines. They had two daughters Twinkle and Rinke. The marriage lasted only 11 years.

It was a lonely life for Rajesh after that. He disappeared from the headlines and appeared to be a shadow of his former self in his rare public appearances.

But the family came together in his last days. His estranged wife was the one who took care of him during his illness. Son-in-law Akshay Kumar was also a great comfort.

Rajesh reappeared in an ad a few months before his death, and once again became the talk of town - he was clearly unwell but the zest in his voice was intact as he intoned "Babumoshai" from his much loved film "Anand".

Like Anand from the film, the man is gone. But the memories will live on.

Rajesh Khanna Filmography

• Do Dilon Ke Khel Mein (2010)
• 6th December A Love Story (2010)
• Kaashh... Mere Hote (2009)
• Wafaa (2008)
• Blackmailer (2007)
• Kaash... Mere Hote (2007)
• Tum Mere Ho (2006)
• Kyaa Dil Ne Kahaa (2002)
• Pyaar Zindagi Hai (2001)
• Aa Ab Laut Chalen (2000)
• Ghar Parivar (1991)
• Rupaye Dus Karod (1991)
• Swarg (1990)
• Main Tera Dushman (1989)
• Paap Ka Ant (1989)
• Ghar Ka Chiraag (1989)
• Woh Phir Aayegi (1988)
• Awaam (1987)
• Aakhir Kyon (1985)
• Alag Alag (1985)
• Awara Baap (1985)
• Babu (1985)
• Bewafai (1985)
• Durga (1985)
• Hum Dono (1985)
• Insaaf Main Karoonga (1985)
• Oonche Log (1985)
• Paar (1985)
• Awaaz (1984)
• Dharm Aur Qanoon (1984)
• Maqsad (1984)
• Naya Kadam (1984)
• Papi Pet Ka Sawal Hai (1984)
• Aaj Ka M.L.A. (1984)
• Asha Jyoti (1984)
• Agar Tum Na Hote (1983)
• Avtaar (1983)
• Jaanwar (1983)
• Nishaan (1983)
• Souten (1983)
• Ashanti (1982)
• Dharam Kanta (1982)
• Dil-E-Nadaan (1982)
• Rajput (1982)
• Suraag (1982)
• Dhanwan (1981)
• Fifty Fifty (1981)
• Kudrat (1981)
• Naukari (1981)
• Dard (1981)
• Aanchal (1980)
• Bandish (1980)
• Phir Wahi Raat (1980)
• Red Rose (1980)
• Thodisi Bewafai (1980)
• Amardeep (1979)
• Chakravyuha (1979)
• Janata Hawaldar (1979)
• Muqabla (1979)
• Bhola Bhala (1978)
• Prem Bandhan (1978)
• Anurodh (1977)
• Chailla Babu (1977)
• Chalta Purza (1977)
• Karm (1977)
• Palkon Ki Chhaon Mein (1977)
• Aashiq Hoon Baharon Ka (1977)
• Bandalbaaz (1976)
• Maha Chor (1976)
• Mehbooba (1976)
• Tyaag (1976)
• Prem Kahani (1975)
• Aaina (1974)
• Aap Ki Kasam (1974)
• Ajnabi (1974)
• Hum Shakal (1974)
• Namak Haram (1973)
• Avishkar (1973)
• Daag (1973)
• Amar Prem (1971)
• Andaz (1971)
• Badnam Farishte (1971)
• Chhoti Bahu (1971)
• Dushman (1971)
• Haathi Mere Saathi (1971)
• Mehboob Ki Mehndi (1971)
• Aan Milo Sajna (1970)
• Anand (1970)
• Kati Patang (1970)
• Khamoshi (1969)
• Aradhana (1969)
• Bandhan (1969)
• Do Raaste (1969)
• Doli (1969)
• Ittefaq (1969)
• Aurat (1967)
• Baharon Ke Sapne (1967)
• Raaz (1967)
• Aakhri Khat (1966)

Filmography As Producer

• Alag Alag (1985)

Some unknown facts about Rajesh Khanna

Here are some facts about Rajesh Khanna's films which most of the articles fail to notify, especially his critically acclaimed superhits and award worthy performances but commercially unsuccessful movies of the period 1976-1991. Aaina, Maalik and Raja Rani were good films which unfortunately flopped.
Aaina was remade by Balachander of his award winning Tamil hit. Plus Mahachor and Shehzada were huge hits at the box office. Shehzada elevated Surinder Kapoor's production house to A grade level(Anil Kapoor's father).Khanna had 35 Golden Jubilee hits in 1967-1975 period and 35 more Golden Jubilee hits in 1979-1991 period. In 1976-78, he had 7 critically acclaimed films which flopped at the box office(especially Tyaag, Mehbooba, Chakaravyuha, Naukri, Palkon Ki Chhaon Mein  though flopped have excellent performances by Khanna and were unfortunate flops.
Even directors of these films accepted this fact) and had 2 more flops which was panned by critics in 76-78 and the 4 commercial hits of 76-78 were Chhaila Babu, Anurodh,Mahachor and Karm. To say that after Namak Haram, Khanna's career went downhill is rubbish, as Aap Ki Kasam, Roti, Prem Kahani, Prem Nagar all came only after Namak Haram.
In 1979, he had Punjabi hit film Til Til Dalekha and Amardeep in Hindi as hits, with which he bounced back. Media does not highlight the solo hit movies of Khanna of 80's properly - Aanchal, Phir Wohi Raat, Bandish , Kudrat,  Dard ,Dhanwan, Prem Bandhan,Fiffty Fiffty,Ashanti,Souten,Avatar,Agar Tum Na Hote,Awaaz, Angaarey,Naya Kadam, Hum Dono,Akhir Kyun, Babu, Bewafai,Adhikar, Shatru, Anokha Rishta, Nasihat, Amrit, Awaam etc..and multi star hits like Rajput, Maqsad , Zamana, Dharm Aur Qanoon  etc....he had 22 silver jubliee hits in 1966-1991 period and 73 Golden jubliee hits in 1966-1991(3 golden jubliee hits in 76-78 period).
Khanna remained a favorite with producers throughout his career. Films like Redrose and Aaj Ka MLA Ram Avtar though flopped were critically acclaimed and Khanna has performed well even in them. Infact every producer has repeated Khanna in their films atleast 3 times...in his career, at different times with author backed role for Khanna eg- BR Chopra had 3 hits with Khanna (Ittefaq -1969, Karm in 1977, Awam in 1987) same goes the case with D Rama Naidu, Shakti Samanta, Yash Chopra, Narinder Bedi, K. Raghavendra Rao, Narayana Rao Dasari, J.Om Prakash, Mohan Kumar etc...So story of big producers shying away from approaching Khanna is a fiction and Khanna has minimum of 4 films releasing every year from 1970-1991.
Another highlight of Khanna's career was" his record in 1985 - 8 superhits off the 11 released as the lead hero" and in year 1985 he also made special appearance in Aar Par(a flop) and had unreleased film Bayen Hath Ka Khel, which had its musical release in 1985. Also his 15 consecutive solo superhits was in period 1969-1971 - and the name of 15 films are Aradhana, Doli, Bandhan,Ittefaq ,Do Raaste , Khamoshi, Safar,The Train ,Kati Patang,Sachaa Jhutha ,Aan Milo Sajna , Mehboob Ki Mehendi,Dushmun ,Anand ,Haathi Mere Saathi.
The 2 hero films like Andaz,Maryada were blockbusters too but not included in 15 consecutive solo superhits and same goes with Choti Bahu, Shehzada and Mere Jeevan Saathi which were given tag of superhits but were released in 1972 after special appearance made by Khanna in Badnaam Farishte had flopped so not inlcuded in calculation of 15 solo superhits.
Khanna was awarded Filmfare Special award in 1991 for having starred in 101 films as the solo lead hero and just 21 two hero films in short span of 25 years.By 2011, he now holds record for actor with most number of author backed lead hero films - 106 solo hero films and only 22 two hero films . Khanna has done 163 feature films and 17 short films (so his total film tally comes to 180 in 40 years as told by Khanna in IIFA awards).

Rajesh Khanna passes away

Mumbai - According to a TV news channel superstar Rajesh Khanna is no more after being critical ill from last few months. Latest reports suggest that all his family members have gathered at his Bandra house and the house has been cordoned off by police officials. The funeral time is 4.30 pm in Mumbai today.

Khanna had been suffering from bad health since some time and buzz had it that the actor's liver had been damaged due to his alcohol addiction.

He breathed his last in the presence of his wife Dimple Kapadia, daughters Rinkie and Twinkle, son-in-law Akshay Kumar, grand children and close relatives.

Rajesh Khanna's last screen appearence

 

TIPPA MURDER CASE

Accused gets life term 
Chandigarh, July 17
The court of Additional District and Sessions Judge Shalini Nagpal, based on a dying declaration, today awarded life sentence to 30-year-old Minkel Bajaj, alias Balwinder Singh, a businessman from Muktsar, for killing a youth Akali leader from Muktsar in the Sector 9 market here. The court also slapped a fine of Rs 25,000 on Bajaj.
Tripat Deep Singh Sekhon, aka Tippa Sekhon, a youth Akali leader from Muktsar, was shot at the busy Sector 9 market on July 13, 2010.
The court said: “A dying declaration enjoys almost a sacrosanct status, a piece of evidence as it comes from the mouth of a person who is about to die and at that stage, he is not likely to make a false statement. The three proved circumstances in the case -- oral dying declaration of the deceased, call details of the deceased and an established motive are sufficient to bring home the guilt of the accused. There is also evidence in the shape of witnesses that there was political rivalry between the accused and deceased who belonged to the Akali party.”
When Tippa was rushed to hospital, the Akali leader told his sister, her friend and Sub-Inspector Dharampal that Bajaj had shot at him as he wanted to take revenge.
Tippa along with some others had allegedly made an obscene MMS of Bajaj’s sister and circulated it. Though he was initially booked in the case, his name was later dropped from the chargesheet. Bajaj then decided to eliminate Tippa.
The police had arrested Bajaj 15 days after the crime and recovered a .32 revolver and four cartridges from him.
On the day of the murder, Tippa had come to the Sector 7 house of his cousin Paramjit Kaur. At 4.10 pm, he received a call on his mobile phone asking him to come to the Sector 9 market. Bajaj then shot at Tippa, who was rushed to the Sector 16 hospital. He was referred to the PGI where he died.

I am innocent

There is no scientific evidence with the prosecution to prove that I committed the murder. I had met senior Akali leaders seeking an inquiry into the MMS scandal regarding my sister, but that was all. I did not kill Tippa and will appeal before the High Court. The CFSL report proved that the weapon which the police recovered from my possession was not the one that was used to shoot him. There is no eyewitness to the murder and I was not even in the city at the time of the murder. It was a sensational case and the police framed me as they were under pressure to solve the case. 

Man drugs wife, sets her ablaze

Chandigarh, July 17
A 32-year-old man employed with a fast food joint in the city murdered his wife in connivance with his girlfriend and then dumped her body in the bushes in a deserted area in Hoshiarpur. The victim, Pooja, was given a heavy dose of sedatives and was strangled thrice while being taken in a car from Chandigarh to Hoshiarpur. She was unconsciousness and a seat belt was fastened around her. They set her afire and dumped her body in the bushes.
The incident occurred on July 13. A case was registered today after the police investigated the missing report lodged by the victim’s family and found that the 30-year-old woman, Suresh Kumari, alias Pooja, a resident of Sector 20, was killed due to strained relations with her husband.
The police arrested her husband Vajinder, who is employed as a manager in Nik Bakers in Sector 35, and Renu, his girlfriend, who stays as a paying guest in Sector 20. Pooja’s partially charred body was recovered by a police team from Hoshiarpur today.
Renu hails from Hoshiarpur and was looking for a job. She is also married, but is not living with her husband.
The police said Vajinder married Pooja in 2008 and it was a love marriage. Relations between the couple turned sour and they used to fight often. Vajinder had an affair with Renu, whom he met while they were working together at Dominos in Jalandhar two years ago. Vajinder was forcing Pooja to divorce him so that he could marry Renu, but Pooja refused to do so. Vajinder then planned to eliminate her in connivance with Renu.

‘Missing’ report

Pooja was employed as a computer data operator at a shop in Khuda Alisher village. She had set off to work on July 13 and failed to return home. Her father-in-law Balwinder Pal lodged a missing person report at the Sector 19 police station.

The family also launched a hunt to look for their daughter-in-law. Interestingly, Vajender, too, accompanied the police and his family to look for his wife on July 14 and 15.

The co-accused

Renu hails from Hoshiarpur and was looking for a job. She is also married, but is not staying with her husband.

The breakthrough

On July 16, Pooja’s brother Prem Chand, a resident of Rampur in Shimla, reported to the police that he suspected that Vajinder had killed his sister and disposed of her body. The police rounded up Vajinder and on sustained interrogation, he disclosed that he had murdered her as he was having an affair with Renu.

The confession

The accused told the police that at 10 am on July 13, he picked up Pooja from the road separating Sectors 19 and 20. He then took her towards Sector 9 and gave her a soft drink laced with sedatives. After she fell unconscious, he picked up Renu and set off for Hoshiarpur. Both of them strangled her thrice on the way and bought a litre of petrol. They then set her afire near Nisrala choe at Meghowal village in Hoshiarpur. before dumping the body in the bushes. The accused will be produced in court tomorrow.

Ludhiana Municipal Commissioner suspended

Guilty of gross misuse of power

Ludhiana, July 17
Ludhiana Municipal Commissioner Malvinder Singh Jaggi has been suspended after a speedy one-hour inquiry by Punjab DGP Sumedh Singh Saini found him guilty of gross misuse of power in demolishing the shop of a vegetable vendor who did not “attend to his wife properly”.

Sources said Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal directed the Chief Secretary to proceed against the Municipal Commissioner last night after an inquiry by the DGP found the Commissioner at fault. This is the second instance when a bureaucrat has been taken to task for misusing power. Earlier, Patiala Deputy Commissioner Vikas Garg was suspended for allowing the sale of government land.

The sources said the Deputy CM decided to take a firm action Jaggi to send a message to the bureaucracy that such behavior would not be tolerated. Senior IAS officer Anurag Verma, who has served as Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner earlier, has been appointed the new Commissioner.

Jaggi’s wife was apparently peeved at a vegetable vendor in Dandi Swami area of Ludhiana for not attending to her properly. It is alleged that the vendor asked her to pay for the vegetables. This charge is denied by the Commissioner. However, the DGP’s report found that the officer’s wife did leave the vend in anger, threatening to teach its owner a lesson.

Following the incident, a corporation demolition squad pulled down the vend. The perplexed owner was asked by a corporation employee to apologise to the Commissioner’s wife, if he wanted to resume business.

Nod to Ludhiana Metro project

 

Corridor I: Ayali Chowk to BBMB Power House Length: 15.798 km Stations: Ayali Chowk, Rajguru Nagar, Aggar Nagar, Verka Milk Plant, PAU, Aarti Chowk, Bharat Nagar Chowk, Guru Nanak Stadium, Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib, Civil Hospital, Samrala Chowk, Vardhman Mills, Jamalpur, BBMB Power House Corridor II: Gill village to Rahon octroi post Length: 13.035 km Stations: Gill village, GNE College, Shimlapuri, ATI Chowk, Kartar Singh Sarabha Market, Gill Road, Gill Chowk, bus stand, railway station, Daresi Ground, Guru Nanak Nagar, Basti Jodhewal, Rahon octroi post

Chandigarh, July 17
Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today approved the Rs 10,300 crore Ludhiana Metro project, which will be completed in five years.

A detailed presentation on the project was made by the Local Government Department and Punjab Infrastructure Development Board in a meeting here, an official release said. It was decided that the land required for execution of the project would be provided by the state government with minimum displacement of people.

Emphasis would be on to execute the underground Metro corridor, especially in densely populated areas, though it was capital intensive as compared to fully or partly elevated corridor. But, the prime objective was to avoid undue harassment of people on account of dislocation, officials said.

Badal approved the proposal of the Local Government Department for setting up of Special Purpose Vehicle for the smooth and effective implementation of the project.

He said Metro would be the only viable solution to provide fast, safe and economic transport system for the public.

It was informed in the meeting that two corridors of the Metro will be covering the entire city — one from Ayali Chowk to BBMB Power House and another from Gill village to Rahon Road Chungi — in a total length of about 29 km.

The meeting also deliberated upon legal provisions in the Metro Railways (Construction of Works) Act, 1978, Metro Railways (Amendment) Act, 2009 and Delhi Metro 

Excise Dept accused of trying to open liquor vend despite ban in Changal viilage, Sangrur

Satyamev Jayate

SANGRUR: On a day Changal village became famous after it was featured by Bollywood actor Aamir Khan in his television show "Satyamev Jayte" for its self-imposed liquor prohibition, the villagers on Sunday alleged that the excise department was trying to open a liquor vend there.

The villagers of Changal, which removed its liquor vend two years back, said that the excise department has also registered a false case of smuggling in their village, which would make their case of opening the vend in the village stronger. 

People of Changal village, Sangrur interacting via video conferencing with host Amir Khan

"The excise department has registered a case of liquor smuggling in the village and are trying to deter us, but we are determined not to open vend even if authorities register more cases using tactical moves", said village sarpanch Paramjit Singh, who also got the chance to interact with Khan.

Paramjit said the excise authorities wanted to put forward the smuggling case for denying its no liquor vend resolution next year. The Punjab panchayati Raj Act states that, if the excise and taxation commissioner is of the opinion that illicit distillation or smuggling of alcohol has been carried on or connived at within two years preceding the date of passing of resolution, in such local area, such resolution shall not be binding upon.

Section 40 gives panchayats powers to go in for no liquor vend in the village. However, Sangrur assistant excise and taxation commissioner Darbara Singh denied using unfair means in registering liquor case. He said "every case related to liquor smuggling is registered only on merit".