On Jan 26 and Aug 15, 50 autorickshaw drivers ferry freedom fighters to Sabarmati Ashram for free and senior citizens at a discount
DILIP PATEL
Patriotism doesn’t always have to be songs blaring from roadside pandals, painting/pasting the tricolour on shop display windows or hoisting the national flag. Fifty Amdavadi autorickhaw wallahs have given it a new definition. On January 26, a group of 50 auto drivers, all members of the Ahmedabad Autorickshaw Drivers Association, ferried nearly 200 senior citizens and freedom fighters in autorickshaws to the Sabarmati Ashram at discounted fares or for free.
“Love for one’s country does not end at flag-hoisting. After a brainstorming session, it was decided to take the the elderly to Gandhi Ashram. Freedom fighters commute free while others get a flat 50 per cent discount on the fare,” said association president Imtiaz Landha. The ‘drive’ began on August 15, 2009.
“We had ferried 150 senior citizens, including two freedom fighters to the ashram that day,” he said.
Fifty-five-year-old Hamidaben living in this city for 35 years didn’t know how the ashram looked like. “On Tuesday, I got to see the famous ashram, thanks to the rickshaw wallah who ferried me on discounted fare and also was my guide there.”
Sunday, January 31, 2010
GIDC plans to acquire three more villages in Sanand
Even as farmers of four villages continue protest against land acquisition, GIDC sends proposal to revenue dept to acquire 1500 acres at Makhia, Khoda and Kalana villages
DILIP PATEL
Even as farmers of the four villages continue to protest against proposed land acquisition by Gujarat industrial Development Corporation (GIDC), it has come up with a proposal to acquire land from three more villages.
GIDC had initiated the process to acquire around 6,000 acres of land in villages such as Haripura, Charal, Bol and Siyawada near Sanand, where Tata’s Nano car plant is under construction. The move had met with stiff resistance from 600 farmers of the four villages.
GIDC has now sent a proposal to the revenue department to acquire 1500 acres of land from three more villages: all of Makhia and parts of Khoda and Kalana.
Farmers’ leader Kamsi Patel said, “Collector Harit Shukla had told us at a meeting on January 20 that farmers’ land will not be taken away against their wish. But they seem set to acquire land from three more villages. Why is the procedure to acquire Haripura, Charal, Bol and Siyawada still on? No space has been left in the area surrounding the villages for future development. A 500-metre area sold be left vacant.
“We have decided that we will go to jail, but not give up our land. We will fight for our livelihood. We have sent an application to CM Narendra Modi.”
Meanwhile, a notice was sent to Bor village by GIDC announcing a meeting on February 9, where GIDC officer on special duty N D Jhala will go to Sanand and listen to the panchayats and farmers’ objections to the proposed acquisition.
Jhala said, “Never in GIDC’ history has land been forcibly acquired, even though the government has the power to take away land for public projects.”
“The farmers will receive a fair price for their land. Though there is no system in place to determine the value, we will study the land sale records registered in the Collector’s office in the past four years. Based on the average of these, we will determine the compensation for the land,” he added.
DILIP PATEL
Even as farmers of the four villages continue to protest against proposed land acquisition by Gujarat industrial Development Corporation (GIDC), it has come up with a proposal to acquire land from three more villages.
GIDC had initiated the process to acquire around 6,000 acres of land in villages such as Haripura, Charal, Bol and Siyawada near Sanand, where Tata’s Nano car plant is under construction. The move had met with stiff resistance from 600 farmers of the four villages.
GIDC has now sent a proposal to the revenue department to acquire 1500 acres of land from three more villages: all of Makhia and parts of Khoda and Kalana.
Farmers’ leader Kamsi Patel said, “Collector Harit Shukla had told us at a meeting on January 20 that farmers’ land will not be taken away against their wish. But they seem set to acquire land from three more villages. Why is the procedure to acquire Haripura, Charal, Bol and Siyawada still on? No space has been left in the area surrounding the villages for future development. A 500-metre area sold be left vacant.
“We have decided that we will go to jail, but not give up our land. We will fight for our livelihood. We have sent an application to CM Narendra Modi.”
Meanwhile, a notice was sent to Bor village by GIDC announcing a meeting on February 9, where GIDC officer on special duty N D Jhala will go to Sanand and listen to the panchayats and farmers’ objections to the proposed acquisition.
Jhala said, “Never in GIDC’ history has land been forcibly acquired, even though the government has the power to take away land for public projects.”
“The farmers will receive a fair price for their land. Though there is no system in place to determine the value, we will study the land sale records registered in the Collector’s office in the past four years. Based on the average of these, we will determine the compensation for the land,” he added.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
HAVE PRINTS CAN’T READ
The Directorate of Forensic Sciences has 7.37 lakh files of fingerprints to be read and digitalised, but doesn’t have enough manpower
DILIP PATEL AND VIPUL RAJPUT
The Directorate of Forensic Sciences, Gandhinagar, is faced with a huge and increasing backlog of fingerprint files to be cleared. As many as 7.37 lakh files of fingerprints reading are yet to be cleared, delaying arrests, trial and conviction in cases, some of them involving serious offences.
The number of new prints to be read has seen 70 per cent drop between between 2006 and 2008. Figures provided by home department sources show that every year, 30,000 to 35,000 new prints land in the directorate, but only 50 per cent of them are read and digitalised. The reason: Lack of manpower.
The government reduced the staff inducted in 1985 by 20 per cent citing over-staffing and cost cutting, and has also been ignoring the directorate’s six-year-old demand for fresh recruitment. Of the 259 staff required, the directorate has only 173, say home department sources. SM Joshi, the director of AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System) at the directorate confirmed the lack of staff.
“Every year, the AFIS section alone gets 2.5 prints to match. Of this, 1 to 1.5 lakh prints are cleared,” he said, adding that though the AFIS was a good system, lack of manpower was affecting work.
“We can’t digitalise all the prints and thus, give them priority according to crime. Those involving serious offences, are obviously taken up first,” Joshi said. According to Joshi, of the 32 posts for fingerprint experts in the AFIS section, 10 are vacant.
The making of a fingerprint expert is not easy, Joshi said. A graduate from any discipline once inducted begins with a one-year probation followed by three years of learning thorough practical and theoritical training. He then is required to take the exam
conducted by the All India Fingerprint Expert Examination Board, New Delhi where the minimum grades to be secured are 75 per cent. The opinion of a qualified expert is considered final in all courts, Joshi said.
Files pending in 2008: 7.37 lakh
Files pending 2009: 7.37 lakh
Of 2 lakh new prints received in 2006, 63,000 were read
Of 38,000 new prints received in 2008,
30,000 were read
DILIP PATEL AND VIPUL RAJPUT
The Directorate of Forensic Sciences, Gandhinagar, is faced with a huge and increasing backlog of fingerprint files to be cleared. As many as 7.37 lakh files of fingerprints reading are yet to be cleared, delaying arrests, trial and conviction in cases, some of them involving serious offences.
The number of new prints to be read has seen 70 per cent drop between between 2006 and 2008. Figures provided by home department sources show that every year, 30,000 to 35,000 new prints land in the directorate, but only 50 per cent of them are read and digitalised. The reason: Lack of manpower.
The government reduced the staff inducted in 1985 by 20 per cent citing over-staffing and cost cutting, and has also been ignoring the directorate’s six-year-old demand for fresh recruitment. Of the 259 staff required, the directorate has only 173, say home department sources. SM Joshi, the director of AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System) at the directorate confirmed the lack of staff.
“Every year, the AFIS section alone gets 2.5 prints to match. Of this, 1 to 1.5 lakh prints are cleared,” he said, adding that though the AFIS was a good system, lack of manpower was affecting work.
“We can’t digitalise all the prints and thus, give them priority according to crime. Those involving serious offences, are obviously taken up first,” Joshi said. According to Joshi, of the 32 posts for fingerprint experts in the AFIS section, 10 are vacant.
The making of a fingerprint expert is not easy, Joshi said. A graduate from any discipline once inducted begins with a one-year probation followed by three years of learning thorough practical and theoritical training. He then is required to take the exam
conducted by the All India Fingerprint Expert Examination Board, New Delhi where the minimum grades to be secured are 75 per cent. The opinion of a qualified expert is considered final in all courts, Joshi said.
Files pending in 2008: 7.37 lakh
Files pending 2009: 7.37 lakh
Of 2 lakh new prints received in 2006, 63,000 were read
Of 38,000 new prints received in 2008,
30,000 were read
State to provide fruits, milk to anganwadi kids
Move aimed at reducing cases of malnutrition among kids aged between 3 and 6
DILIP PATEL
To reduce cases of malnutrition among kids aged between 3 and 6, the state women & child development department has decided to serve fruits and milk in childcare centres, commonly known as anganwadis.
The department’s commissioner, Sunaina Tomar, said that more than 75,000 children were suffering from malnutrition in Ahmedabad district.
These kids, Tomar said, would be fed fruits and milk twice a week. “Our objective is to provide such children in anganwadis 800 calories of extra nutrition,” she said. “This programme will begin in 10 days.” Over 2,800 anganwadis, which are run either by the state government or NGOs, will be covered under the scheme.
According to Tomar, 2.08 lakh kids study in anganwadis in Ahmedabad district. Of these, 1.32 lakh children are healthy, while 40,661 are suffering from severe malnutrition.
“Fruits will be served to malnourished children every Monday and Thursday, while milk will be provided on Tuesday and Friday,” the official said.
Under this programme, distribution will take place in the presence of either an MLA, corporator or a panchayat member. There are 35.25 lakh children aged between 3 and 6 across Gujarat. Of these, 15 lakh have been termed fit, while 6.52 lakh are not receiving normal levels of nutrition.
GRIM OUTLOOK
75,000
The number of malnourished kids in A’bad dist
6.52 L
The number of malnourished kids in Gujarat
DILIP PATEL
To reduce cases of malnutrition among kids aged between 3 and 6, the state women & child development department has decided to serve fruits and milk in childcare centres, commonly known as anganwadis.
The department’s commissioner, Sunaina Tomar, said that more than 75,000 children were suffering from malnutrition in Ahmedabad district.
These kids, Tomar said, would be fed fruits and milk twice a week. “Our objective is to provide such children in anganwadis 800 calories of extra nutrition,” she said. “This programme will begin in 10 days.” Over 2,800 anganwadis, which are run either by the state government or NGOs, will be covered under the scheme.
According to Tomar, 2.08 lakh kids study in anganwadis in Ahmedabad district. Of these, 1.32 lakh children are healthy, while 40,661 are suffering from severe malnutrition.
“Fruits will be served to malnourished children every Monday and Thursday, while milk will be provided on Tuesday and Friday,” the official said.
Under this programme, distribution will take place in the presence of either an MLA, corporator or a panchayat member. There are 35.25 lakh children aged between 3 and 6 across Gujarat. Of these, 15 lakh have been termed fit, while 6.52 lakh are not receiving normal levels of nutrition.
GRIM OUTLOOK
75,000
The number of malnourished kids in A’bad dist
6.52 L
The number of malnourished kids in Gujarat
SANDALWOOD TREES FELLED ILLEGALLY IN OLD SACHIVALAYA
Rajasthan gang suspected behind the attempted theft on Sunday night; forest dept inquiring into the matter
DILIP PATEL
Two sandalwood trees in the old Sachivalaya complex were cut down by miscreants late on Sunday night.
The 25-year-old trees near Principal Conservator of Forest Pradip Khanna’s office were at least 20 feet tall. Someone noticed the chopped trees and alerted the forest department.
Range Forest Officer Kishore Trivedi said, “Forester S Khant is inquiring into the incident. The attempted theft of sandalwood might be the handiwork of a Rajasthan-based gang. Four years ago, eight sandalwood trees behind the Circuit House were felled illegally by such a gang.” Sandalwood trees are often under threat because their wood fetches a high price in the market at Rs 1,000 per kilogram. Gandhinagar Ayurvedic Garden has 100 sandalwood trees.
District Forest Officer said, “I inspected the site. Feeling and attempted theft of sandalwood trees from inside the government complex is a serious matter. We are on the lookout for the culprits.”
Forest officials taking possession of the chopped trees. The 25-year-old trees near Principal Conservator of Forest Pradip Khanna’s office were at least 20 feet tall
DILIP PATEL
Two sandalwood trees in the old Sachivalaya complex were cut down by miscreants late on Sunday night.
The 25-year-old trees near Principal Conservator of Forest Pradip Khanna’s office were at least 20 feet tall. Someone noticed the chopped trees and alerted the forest department.
Range Forest Officer Kishore Trivedi said, “Forester S Khant is inquiring into the incident. The attempted theft of sandalwood might be the handiwork of a Rajasthan-based gang. Four years ago, eight sandalwood trees behind the Circuit House were felled illegally by such a gang.” Sandalwood trees are often under threat because their wood fetches a high price in the market at Rs 1,000 per kilogram. Gandhinagar Ayurvedic Garden has 100 sandalwood trees.
District Forest Officer said, “I inspected the site. Feeling and attempted theft of sandalwood trees from inside the government complex is a serious matter. We are on the lookout for the culprits.”
Forest officials taking possession of the chopped trees. The 25-year-old trees near Principal Conservator of Forest Pradip Khanna’s office were at least 20 feet tall
SC order will open Pandora’s box
Political undercurrents gain mileage after SC decision on Sohrabuddin case; Congress hopeful name of ‘prime conspirator’ will be exposed
DILIP PATEL
The SC decision to hand over Sohrabuddin case to the CBI has set the political chessboard, with Congress moving the first pawn against the state government.
The apex court order has come as a blow to the Modi government that had been maintaining all this while that the state police was conducting the inquiry in an impartial manner. “We have been demanding a CBI inquiry for the past three years now. Rajneesh Rai investigation had enough evidence against the state government.
But he was taken off the probe as the government feared it will be exposed. Now with the SC decision it is quite possible that Vanzara will undergo a narco test,” said Arjun Modhvadia, state Congress spokesperson.
The Gujarat Special Investigating Team (SIT) has been till now conducting the probe into the alleged fake encounter in which as many as 14 policemen including IPS officers DG Vanzara, an inspectorgeneral and police superintendents, Rajkumar Pandayan and MN Dinesh of Rajasthan.
The decision of apex court to hand over the inquiry of fake encounter and subsequent alleged killing of Soharabuddin’s wife Kausar Bi has come as a setback to the Gujarat government, which had been maintaining that the state police was conducting the inquiry in an impartial manner.
“The Rai investigation of the case had a CD of call records of political leaders and cops during that period. But these had vanished mysteriously. Now with tables turned, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a police officer handing over a copy of that CD to the CBI. There are officers who have kept silent since they felt that the reins of the investigation lay in the hands of the government,” a police officer said on condition of anonymity.
The Congress is hopeful the inquiry will now expose the role of several politicians from Gujarat and Rajasthan in the case.
SOUNDBYTES
This is a very significant decision as many details about the killing of Sohrabuddin and his wife, Kausarbi, are yet to emerge (in public).
—Fr Cedric Prakash, a leading human rights activist
I hope the inquiry will find out who the main conspirator was. We all want to know the truth
—Former CM Suresh Mehta
The state government has tried its level best to suppress the matter. But with CBI, there will be an impartial investigation. Political bigwigs will now lose their sleep over the Pandora’s box that will be opened. Tulsi-encounter case will also be investigated
—Former CM Shankersinh Vaghela
The court has not given its final judgement in the encounter case. In today’s order, the court has asked the CBI to investigate the case.We will take appropriate action after studying the order
— Jaynarayan Vyas, Govt spokesperson
The Supreme Court’s decision to hand over the probe into the fake encounter to CBI is a victory for truth.The BJPruled government’s attempt to win people’s sympathy by branding petty criminals as terrorists and killing them has been exposed
— Shaktisinh Gohil, leader of opposition in assembly
SC ORDERS CBI TO PROBE SOHRABUDDIN’S KILLING
The central agency has been asked to complete the probe into the case within six months
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday transferred the probe into the killings of Sohrabuddin Sheikh and his wife, Kausarbi, to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). A bench of Justice Tarun Chatterjee and Justice Aftab Alam ordered the CBI to investigate afresh the couple’s killing, and divested the Gujarat police of the inquiry.
Sohrabuddin was shot dead near Vishala circle in a fake encounter carried out allegedly by officers of Gujarat ATS and Rajasthan police on November 26, 2005. Kausarbi and the couple’s friend, Tulsiram Prajapati, who was a witness to gunning down of Sohrabuddin, were also reportedly killed by cops. Fourteen cops, including D G Vanzara, have been accused of staging the encounter. They are lodged in the Sabarmati Central Jail.
BLOW TO GUJARAT GOVT
ASKING THE Gujarat police to hand over to the CBI all documents and reports pertaining to the killings, the bench directed the central agency to complete its investigations preferably within six months. The apex court handed the probe to the CBI following a lawsuit by Sohrabuddin’s brother, Rubabuddin, who had expressed distrust of the state police and pointed out several lapses in the investigation.
“In the facts and circumstances even at this stage, police authorities of the state are directed to hand over the records of the present case to CBI within a fortnight from this date and thereafter the CBI authorities shall take up the investigation and complete the same within six months...,” the bench ruled. “Authorities (of the CBI) shall investigate all aspects of the case relating to the killing of Sohrabuddin and his wife Kausarbi, including the alleged possibility of a larger conspiracy.”
“We expect that police authorities of Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan shall cooperate with the CBI in the investigation,” the bench said. The court gave the probe to the CBI despite the fact that the Gujarat police have already completed the probe and filed a charge sheet in the case.
“Considering the nature of crime that has been allegedly committed not by any third party, but by Gujarat police personnel, the investigation concluded in the present case cannot be said to be satisfactorily,” the bench said. “Since senior police officials of Gujarat are involve... we are of the view that to instil confidence in the minds of the victims as well as of the public, it will not be sufficient to allow state police itself to continue with the investigation.”
The 14 cops accused of carrying out the fake encounter had described Sohrabuddin as a Lashkar terrorist on a mission to assassinate Chief Minister Narendra Modi. AGENCIES
HOW THE CASE UNFOLDED
November 22, 2005: Sohrabuddin Sheikh, his wife Kausarbi and Tulsi Prajapati board a Sangli-bound bus of M L Tours & Travel from Hyderabad.
November 23, 2005: In the wee hours of the day, officers of Gujarat ATS intercept the bus and stop it near Tandola. They allegedly force Sohrabuddin and other two out of the bus and bundle them into their car.
November 24, 2005: Officers of Gujarat ATS bring Sohrabuddin and Kausarbi to Gujarat, and take them to Disha farmhouse near Adalaj.
November 25,2005: Cops reportedly go into a huddle, discuss plan to kill Sohrabuddin.
November 26, 2005: Gujarat ATS officers, including the then DIG D G Vanzara and SP Rajkumar Pandyan, allegedly gun down Sohrabuddin near Vishala circle.They go on record, terming him a terrorist on a mission to kill CM Narendra Modi
November 26-28 2005: Kausrabi and Prajapati are also killed
January 21, 2006: Sohrabuddin’s brother, Rubabuddin, files a writ petition in SC, accusing Vanzara and co of murdering Sohrabuddin in a staged encounter to win praise from the state govt.
2006: SC asks Gujarat DGP to probe the allegation. The state police chief asks CID (crime) to start probe.
March 2007: The state govt admits Sohrabuddin was killed in a fake encounter
April 24, 2007: DIG Rajnish Rai arrests Vanzara, Pandayan and Rajasthan cop Dinesh Kumar M N
April 25, 2007: A metropolitan court sends the three to 14-day police remand. Later, 11 other cops are arrested in the case
May 2007: A metropolitan court refuses to give permission for a narco test on the accused cops
July 7, 2007: CID (crime) files a charge sheet against the tainted police officers
September 28, 2008: The Gujarat HC rejects bail application of the accused
September 30, 2008: SC stays trial
January 11, 2010: SC hands probe to CBI
DILIP PATEL
The SC decision to hand over Sohrabuddin case to the CBI has set the political chessboard, with Congress moving the first pawn against the state government.
The apex court order has come as a blow to the Modi government that had been maintaining all this while that the state police was conducting the inquiry in an impartial manner. “We have been demanding a CBI inquiry for the past three years now. Rajneesh Rai investigation had enough evidence against the state government.
But he was taken off the probe as the government feared it will be exposed. Now with the SC decision it is quite possible that Vanzara will undergo a narco test,” said Arjun Modhvadia, state Congress spokesperson.
The Gujarat Special Investigating Team (SIT) has been till now conducting the probe into the alleged fake encounter in which as many as 14 policemen including IPS officers DG Vanzara, an inspectorgeneral and police superintendents, Rajkumar Pandayan and MN Dinesh of Rajasthan.
The decision of apex court to hand over the inquiry of fake encounter and subsequent alleged killing of Soharabuddin’s wife Kausar Bi has come as a setback to the Gujarat government, which had been maintaining that the state police was conducting the inquiry in an impartial manner.
“The Rai investigation of the case had a CD of call records of political leaders and cops during that period. But these had vanished mysteriously. Now with tables turned, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a police officer handing over a copy of that CD to the CBI. There are officers who have kept silent since they felt that the reins of the investigation lay in the hands of the government,” a police officer said on condition of anonymity.
The Congress is hopeful the inquiry will now expose the role of several politicians from Gujarat and Rajasthan in the case.
SOUNDBYTES
This is a very significant decision as many details about the killing of Sohrabuddin and his wife, Kausarbi, are yet to emerge (in public).
—Fr Cedric Prakash, a leading human rights activist
I hope the inquiry will find out who the main conspirator was. We all want to know the truth
—Former CM Suresh Mehta
The state government has tried its level best to suppress the matter. But with CBI, there will be an impartial investigation. Political bigwigs will now lose their sleep over the Pandora’s box that will be opened. Tulsi-encounter case will also be investigated
—Former CM Shankersinh Vaghela
The court has not given its final judgement in the encounter case. In today’s order, the court has asked the CBI to investigate the case.We will take appropriate action after studying the order
— Jaynarayan Vyas, Govt spokesperson
The Supreme Court’s decision to hand over the probe into the fake encounter to CBI is a victory for truth.The BJPruled government’s attempt to win people’s sympathy by branding petty criminals as terrorists and killing them has been exposed
— Shaktisinh Gohil, leader of opposition in assembly
SC ORDERS CBI TO PROBE SOHRABUDDIN’S KILLING
The central agency has been asked to complete the probe into the case within six months
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday transferred the probe into the killings of Sohrabuddin Sheikh and his wife, Kausarbi, to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). A bench of Justice Tarun Chatterjee and Justice Aftab Alam ordered the CBI to investigate afresh the couple’s killing, and divested the Gujarat police of the inquiry.
Sohrabuddin was shot dead near Vishala circle in a fake encounter carried out allegedly by officers of Gujarat ATS and Rajasthan police on November 26, 2005. Kausarbi and the couple’s friend, Tulsiram Prajapati, who was a witness to gunning down of Sohrabuddin, were also reportedly killed by cops. Fourteen cops, including D G Vanzara, have been accused of staging the encounter. They are lodged in the Sabarmati Central Jail.
BLOW TO GUJARAT GOVT
ASKING THE Gujarat police to hand over to the CBI all documents and reports pertaining to the killings, the bench directed the central agency to complete its investigations preferably within six months. The apex court handed the probe to the CBI following a lawsuit by Sohrabuddin’s brother, Rubabuddin, who had expressed distrust of the state police and pointed out several lapses in the investigation.
“In the facts and circumstances even at this stage, police authorities of the state are directed to hand over the records of the present case to CBI within a fortnight from this date and thereafter the CBI authorities shall take up the investigation and complete the same within six months...,” the bench ruled. “Authorities (of the CBI) shall investigate all aspects of the case relating to the killing of Sohrabuddin and his wife Kausarbi, including the alleged possibility of a larger conspiracy.”
“We expect that police authorities of Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan shall cooperate with the CBI in the investigation,” the bench said. The court gave the probe to the CBI despite the fact that the Gujarat police have already completed the probe and filed a charge sheet in the case.
“Considering the nature of crime that has been allegedly committed not by any third party, but by Gujarat police personnel, the investigation concluded in the present case cannot be said to be satisfactorily,” the bench said. “Since senior police officials of Gujarat are involve... we are of the view that to instil confidence in the minds of the victims as well as of the public, it will not be sufficient to allow state police itself to continue with the investigation.”
The 14 cops accused of carrying out the fake encounter had described Sohrabuddin as a Lashkar terrorist on a mission to assassinate Chief Minister Narendra Modi. AGENCIES
HOW THE CASE UNFOLDED
November 22, 2005: Sohrabuddin Sheikh, his wife Kausarbi and Tulsi Prajapati board a Sangli-bound bus of M L Tours & Travel from Hyderabad.
November 23, 2005: In the wee hours of the day, officers of Gujarat ATS intercept the bus and stop it near Tandola. They allegedly force Sohrabuddin and other two out of the bus and bundle them into their car.
November 24, 2005: Officers of Gujarat ATS bring Sohrabuddin and Kausarbi to Gujarat, and take them to Disha farmhouse near Adalaj.
November 25,2005: Cops reportedly go into a huddle, discuss plan to kill Sohrabuddin.
November 26, 2005: Gujarat ATS officers, including the then DIG D G Vanzara and SP Rajkumar Pandyan, allegedly gun down Sohrabuddin near Vishala circle.They go on record, terming him a terrorist on a mission to kill CM Narendra Modi
November 26-28 2005: Kausrabi and Prajapati are also killed
January 21, 2006: Sohrabuddin’s brother, Rubabuddin, files a writ petition in SC, accusing Vanzara and co of murdering Sohrabuddin in a staged encounter to win praise from the state govt.
2006: SC asks Gujarat DGP to probe the allegation. The state police chief asks CID (crime) to start probe.
March 2007: The state govt admits Sohrabuddin was killed in a fake encounter
April 24, 2007: DIG Rajnish Rai arrests Vanzara, Pandayan and Rajasthan cop Dinesh Kumar M N
April 25, 2007: A metropolitan court sends the three to 14-day police remand. Later, 11 other cops are arrested in the case
May 2007: A metropolitan court refuses to give permission for a narco test on the accused cops
July 7, 2007: CID (crime) files a charge sheet against the tainted police officers
September 28, 2008: The Gujarat HC rejects bail application of the accused
September 30, 2008: SC stays trial
January 11, 2010: SC hands probe to CBI
Get this loud and clear: Chinese, plastic threads are banned
The government put an end to the confusion among traders regarding sale of these by reiterating the ban. Since an earlier govt notification did not mention the word ‘ban’, traders were still selling the threads
DILIP PATEL AND VIPUL RAJPUT
Is there a ban on Chinese and plastic thread or not? That was the milliondollar question doing the rounds on Wednesday, more than 20 days after the forest and environment department imposed the ban. Such was the confusion that government spokesperson Jaynarayan Vyas had to intervene. “Sale of Chinese and plastic threads has been banned. There should be no confusion about this. Strict action will be taken against anyone selling it,” he told Mirror on Wednesday evening.
The manja traders, who were under the impression that there was no ban — the government notification dated December 4 never mentioned the word ‘ban’ — gave an advertisement in the vernacular papers on Wednesday stating there indeed was no prohibition in the sale and purchase of Chinese and plastic thread. To add credibility to their claim, they even mentioned the notification number ENV-10.2009-400-E in their ad.
This notification, issued by the forest and environment department, only recommended “necessary measures and actions” to ensure that plastic and Chinese thread is not used and that kite-flying is avoided between 6 and 8 am and between 5 and 7 pm. There was no mention of the word ‘ban’ or ‘prohibition’, giving traders an impression that the notification recommended only an awareness programme to sensitise kite-flyers. “We were not aware of the ban at all. The sale of Chinese manja is still on,” the trader said. The notification was forwarded to the district collectors and the municipal commissioners in the state.
A group of traders even met Principal Secretary S K Nanda few days ago to talk him into allowing the sale of Chinese and plastic twines.
They said would suffer huge losses as material worth Rs 7 crore had already been purchased by retailers like them across the state.
“They were requesting me to let them do the sale this year, promising me that the ban will be implemented from next year onwards. But there was no way one can backtrack on this. It is a question of safety and there can’t be a compromise,” Nanda said. Nanda reiterated that Chinese threads are good conductors of electricity because of polymer content. “Besides electrocution, they can trigger blasts,” he said. Plastic and Chinese thread are popular among Uttarayan revellers because these can easily snap the traditional manjha. Recently, a child succumbed to burn injuries he sustained while tugging a Chinese thread hanging from a hightension wire.
COLLECTORATE ISSUES BAN
THE DISTRICT collectorate also announced the ban loud and clear. B R Patel, district magistrate and additional collector told Mirror: “We have issued a notification stating the Chinese and plastic thread cannot be manufactured, sold or used by anyone.”
The collector’s office will pursue action against those found violating the notification in non-AMC areas like Daskroi, Sanand, Bavla, Viramgam and City taluka.
Police commissioner S K Saikia too issued a notification on Wednesday stating: “From January 8 to 31, no one should fly kites in a manner that it poses a threat to life and property. Kites should not bear graffiti that would hurt the sentiments of people. Music should not be played too loudly. Kindly refrain from running after and catching hold of cut-off kites.”
DILIP PATEL AND VIPUL RAJPUT
Is there a ban on Chinese and plastic thread or not? That was the milliondollar question doing the rounds on Wednesday, more than 20 days after the forest and environment department imposed the ban. Such was the confusion that government spokesperson Jaynarayan Vyas had to intervene. “Sale of Chinese and plastic threads has been banned. There should be no confusion about this. Strict action will be taken against anyone selling it,” he told Mirror on Wednesday evening.
The manja traders, who were under the impression that there was no ban — the government notification dated December 4 never mentioned the word ‘ban’ — gave an advertisement in the vernacular papers on Wednesday stating there indeed was no prohibition in the sale and purchase of Chinese and plastic thread. To add credibility to their claim, they even mentioned the notification number ENV-10.2009-400-E in their ad.
This notification, issued by the forest and environment department, only recommended “necessary measures and actions” to ensure that plastic and Chinese thread is not used and that kite-flying is avoided between 6 and 8 am and between 5 and 7 pm. There was no mention of the word ‘ban’ or ‘prohibition’, giving traders an impression that the notification recommended only an awareness programme to sensitise kite-flyers. “We were not aware of the ban at all. The sale of Chinese manja is still on,” the trader said. The notification was forwarded to the district collectors and the municipal commissioners in the state.
A group of traders even met Principal Secretary S K Nanda few days ago to talk him into allowing the sale of Chinese and plastic twines.
They said would suffer huge losses as material worth Rs 7 crore had already been purchased by retailers like them across the state.
“They were requesting me to let them do the sale this year, promising me that the ban will be implemented from next year onwards. But there was no way one can backtrack on this. It is a question of safety and there can’t be a compromise,” Nanda said. Nanda reiterated that Chinese threads are good conductors of electricity because of polymer content. “Besides electrocution, they can trigger blasts,” he said. Plastic and Chinese thread are popular among Uttarayan revellers because these can easily snap the traditional manjha. Recently, a child succumbed to burn injuries he sustained while tugging a Chinese thread hanging from a hightension wire.
COLLECTORATE ISSUES BAN
THE DISTRICT collectorate also announced the ban loud and clear. B R Patel, district magistrate and additional collector told Mirror: “We have issued a notification stating the Chinese and plastic thread cannot be manufactured, sold or used by anyone.”
The collector’s office will pursue action against those found violating the notification in non-AMC areas like Daskroi, Sanand, Bavla, Viramgam and City taluka.
Police commissioner S K Saikia too issued a notification on Wednesday stating: “From January 8 to 31, no one should fly kites in a manner that it poses a threat to life and property. Kites should not bear graffiti that would hurt the sentiments of people. Music should not be played too loudly. Kindly refrain from running after and catching hold of cut-off kites.”
Health Minister Jaynarayan Vyas’s office in Sachivalaya serves tea in thermocol
Health Minister Jaynarayan Vyas’s office in Sachivalaya serves tea in thermocol cups, which the GPCB wants people to give up for environment and better health
DILIP PATEL
The Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) has started a campaign to urge people to give up, or minimise, the use of plastic bags and polystyrene containers, including cups. It has, in fact, distributed several copies of a booklet that warns of harmful effects of drinking tea or coffee from polystyrene cups, commonly referred to as thermocol cups.
Surprisingly, the state government, which reportedly suggested the launch of such a drive, is not practising what it wants the GPCB to preach. On Wednesday, Mirror found the state health minister, Jaynarayan Vyas, sipping tea from a polystyrene cup (see picture) at his office in Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar.
When Mirror drew Vyas’s attention to this, he said: “These cups are used because they are convenient. However, I will ensure that they are not used in my office again. I also urge people to avoid such containers.”
The GPCB launched the drive against use of plastic bags and thermocol cups 15 days ago. The body’s chairman, C L Meena, and its member secretary R G Shah visited vegetable markets in Gandhinagar, and urged sellers to switch to eco-friendly containers and bags for storage and sale of vegetables. Later, 1,500 copies of the booklet were distributed among people.
Though the adverse effects of polystyrene cups — which are non-biodegradable — on environment are widely known, there is little substantive information about their impact on our health. However, according to environmentalist Mahesh Pandya, recent studies have indicated that sipping beverages from such cups can prove to be harmful in the long run.
When Mirror contacted Principal Secretary (environment) S K Nanda, he said: “Some studies suggest thermocol containers should not be used. Soon, we will start our own research into this, and then issue new guidelines on the basis of its findings.”
The commissioner of Food & Drugs Authority (FDA), C K Koshia, said tests would be conducted on such containers sold in the market. “We will test them in our laboratory, and check if they are safe,” he said.
DILIP PATEL
The Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) has started a campaign to urge people to give up, or minimise, the use of plastic bags and polystyrene containers, including cups. It has, in fact, distributed several copies of a booklet that warns of harmful effects of drinking tea or coffee from polystyrene cups, commonly referred to as thermocol cups.
Surprisingly, the state government, which reportedly suggested the launch of such a drive, is not practising what it wants the GPCB to preach. On Wednesday, Mirror found the state health minister, Jaynarayan Vyas, sipping tea from a polystyrene cup (see picture) at his office in Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar.
When Mirror drew Vyas’s attention to this, he said: “These cups are used because they are convenient. However, I will ensure that they are not used in my office again. I also urge people to avoid such containers.”
The GPCB launched the drive against use of plastic bags and thermocol cups 15 days ago. The body’s chairman, C L Meena, and its member secretary R G Shah visited vegetable markets in Gandhinagar, and urged sellers to switch to eco-friendly containers and bags for storage and sale of vegetables. Later, 1,500 copies of the booklet were distributed among people.
Though the adverse effects of polystyrene cups — which are non-biodegradable — on environment are widely known, there is little substantive information about their impact on our health. However, according to environmentalist Mahesh Pandya, recent studies have indicated that sipping beverages from such cups can prove to be harmful in the long run.
When Mirror contacted Principal Secretary (environment) S K Nanda, he said: “Some studies suggest thermocol containers should not be used. Soon, we will start our own research into this, and then issue new guidelines on the basis of its findings.”
The commissioner of Food & Drugs Authority (FDA), C K Koshia, said tests would be conducted on such containers sold in the market. “We will test them in our laboratory, and check if they are safe,” he said.
CM afraid of losing in 2010 local elections
Critics of Modi’s recent move to make voting compulsory say it is a political gimmick to ensure voters ‘disenchanted with BJP’ turn up
DILIP PATEL
Who will gain from the compulsory voting system? Critics of Chief Minister Narendra Modi’s recent move to make voting compulsory say — BJP will be the only beneficiary.
The Gujarat Assembly on Saturday passed the Gujarat Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill, 2009, making voting in local elections mandatory. It also cleared way for 50 per cent reservation for women in local bodies.
However, political pundits and the Congress termed the legislation to make voting compulsory in local bodies as an “act of fear and caution” before the local bodies elections in 2010. According to political pundits, BJP may find it tough to lure disenchanted voters to the polling booth considering the lack of work done in local self-governing bodies. And with around 3.5 crore voters in various local bodies in the state to go to vote in seven municipal corporations, 225 taluka panchayats, 167 municipalities and 27 district panchayats between September and December 2010, the BJP is not willing to take any chances. “Any loss in these elections will erode the popularity of the chief minister,” a leader said.
VOTING BILL WILL FACE CONSTITUTIONAL HURDLE
A Congress leader claimed that the decision has been taken for two reasons. “The BJP has failed to deliver in the governance of local self bodies and may suffer reverses if the disenchanted voter does not vote. And second, the chief minister is fond of such gimmicks and publicity stunts to stay in the news at the national level.”
Given the majority that the BJP enjoys in the state Legislative Assembly, the legislation has become a law, but it is likely to face Constitutional hurdles. Former chief minister Suresh Mehta, an expert in Parliamentary laws, said, “The Bill cannot stand legal and Constitutional scrutiny because voting, as per the Constitution, is “voluntary”. The Constitution will have to be amended if the Bill is to be legislated. The Bill faces the prospect of being returned by the President for the same reason.” Congress spokesperson Arjun Modhwadia said, “Congress has die-hard voters. They will go and vote, law or no law. Compulsory voting law hardly makes a difference to Congress in the state. It is the BJP voter that is disenchanted with them. Past trends show that whenever the voting percentage is poor in local self bodies, the BJP has lost. That is why the chief minister has created an environment to compel the BJP voter to vote. It is the BJP that will gain out of this law.”
FORCE HAS NO PLACE IN A DEMOCRACY
HEAD OF the political science department in MS university Prof Priyavadan Patel is not in favour of this piece of legislation. “Such a legislation should be preceded by a “none of the above” legislation where a voter can convey that none of the candidates are worthy of his vote. Moreover, there cannot be a compulsion or force in a democracy. Awareness should be created to make a citizen responsible enough to vote.” Prof Patel added that political calculations are always there in every such legislation. “Even the act to lower the age of voting during the Rajiv Gandhi era was to get more votes.”
DILIP PATEL
Who will gain from the compulsory voting system? Critics of Chief Minister Narendra Modi’s recent move to make voting compulsory say — BJP will be the only beneficiary.
The Gujarat Assembly on Saturday passed the Gujarat Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill, 2009, making voting in local elections mandatory. It also cleared way for 50 per cent reservation for women in local bodies.
However, political pundits and the Congress termed the legislation to make voting compulsory in local bodies as an “act of fear and caution” before the local bodies elections in 2010. According to political pundits, BJP may find it tough to lure disenchanted voters to the polling booth considering the lack of work done in local self-governing bodies. And with around 3.5 crore voters in various local bodies in the state to go to vote in seven municipal corporations, 225 taluka panchayats, 167 municipalities and 27 district panchayats between September and December 2010, the BJP is not willing to take any chances. “Any loss in these elections will erode the popularity of the chief minister,” a leader said.
VOTING BILL WILL FACE CONSTITUTIONAL HURDLE
A Congress leader claimed that the decision has been taken for two reasons. “The BJP has failed to deliver in the governance of local self bodies and may suffer reverses if the disenchanted voter does not vote. And second, the chief minister is fond of such gimmicks and publicity stunts to stay in the news at the national level.”
Given the majority that the BJP enjoys in the state Legislative Assembly, the legislation has become a law, but it is likely to face Constitutional hurdles. Former chief minister Suresh Mehta, an expert in Parliamentary laws, said, “The Bill cannot stand legal and Constitutional scrutiny because voting, as per the Constitution, is “voluntary”. The Constitution will have to be amended if the Bill is to be legislated. The Bill faces the prospect of being returned by the President for the same reason.” Congress spokesperson Arjun Modhwadia said, “Congress has die-hard voters. They will go and vote, law or no law. Compulsory voting law hardly makes a difference to Congress in the state. It is the BJP voter that is disenchanted with them. Past trends show that whenever the voting percentage is poor in local self bodies, the BJP has lost. That is why the chief minister has created an environment to compel the BJP voter to vote. It is the BJP that will gain out of this law.”
FORCE HAS NO PLACE IN A DEMOCRACY
HEAD OF the political science department in MS university Prof Priyavadan Patel is not in favour of this piece of legislation. “Such a legislation should be preceded by a “none of the above” legislation where a voter can convey that none of the candidates are worthy of his vote. Moreover, there cannot be a compulsion or force in a democracy. Awareness should be created to make a citizen responsible enough to vote.” Prof Patel added that political calculations are always there in every such legislation. “Even the act to lower the age of voting during the Rajiv Gandhi era was to get more votes.”
Vote, Amdavad, vote. You really have no choice
If you fail to exercise your franchise in the AMC election in October 2010, state election commission will serve you a showcause notice
DILIP PATEL
Beginning October 2010, 35 lakh voters in 56 wards of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation will have to vote. Compulsorily. In a first-of-its-kind decision in the country, the state government has set the ball rolling to make it mandatory for all voters to cast their vote in local self bodies elections.
The state government has already legalised the framework for the same and will present it during the two-day Vidhan Sabha session to start on Thursday. The law will also have a no-vote provision for voters who do not find a candidate worthy of their vote.
The state government has proposed a law granting 50 per cent reservation for women in local self-government bodies’ elections, Urban Development Minister Nitin Patel told Mirror.
“The decision to make voting mandatory will be the first of its kind in the country. We are also taking a lead in 50 per cent reservations for women in local self government body elections,” Patel said. He said that voters who do not exercise their franchise will be served a show cause notice by the state election commission and asked to give a clarificaition in 30 days. If the voter fails to safisfy the state election commission than he will be declared a defaulter.
The state government is in the process of framing the rules for penalty or punishment for defaulter voters.
The state government will amend three laws under the Gujarat Local Authorities Law Amendment including the BPMC ACT, the municipalities act and the panchayat act to accommodate the new law.
The Gujarat local self government bodies have 3.5 crore voters. There are 13,000 gram panchayats, 225 taluka panchayats,167 municipalities and 27 district panchayats besides seven municipal corporations. All of these will go for an election between September and December 2010. The state government is also in the process of forming a Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation following the high court order.
DILIP PATEL
Beginning October 2010, 35 lakh voters in 56 wards of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation will have to vote. Compulsorily. In a first-of-its-kind decision in the country, the state government has set the ball rolling to make it mandatory for all voters to cast their vote in local self bodies elections.
The state government has already legalised the framework for the same and will present it during the two-day Vidhan Sabha session to start on Thursday. The law will also have a no-vote provision for voters who do not find a candidate worthy of their vote.
The state government has proposed a law granting 50 per cent reservation for women in local self-government bodies’ elections, Urban Development Minister Nitin Patel told Mirror.
“The decision to make voting mandatory will be the first of its kind in the country. We are also taking a lead in 50 per cent reservations for women in local self government body elections,” Patel said. He said that voters who do not exercise their franchise will be served a show cause notice by the state election commission and asked to give a clarificaition in 30 days. If the voter fails to safisfy the state election commission than he will be declared a defaulter.
The state government is in the process of framing the rules for penalty or punishment for defaulter voters.
The state government will amend three laws under the Gujarat Local Authorities Law Amendment including the BPMC ACT, the municipalities act and the panchayat act to accommodate the new law.
The Gujarat local self government bodies have 3.5 crore voters. There are 13,000 gram panchayats, 225 taluka panchayats,167 municipalities and 27 district panchayats besides seven municipal corporations. All of these will go for an election between September and December 2010. The state government is also in the process of forming a Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation following the high court order.
AMC’s neglect prompts pvt water project
Juhapura residents drill borewell, lay pipelines themselves for drinking water
DILIP PATEL
After tolerating the negligence of the civic body for years silently, residents of three societies in Juhapura reeling from acute water crisis have taken the onus of drawing running water to their homes on themselves. Sinking a borewell, they are laying pipelines under private land.
The 400 feet borewell was initially drilled by Abdul Qarim (32), a resident of Juhapura, for personal use. But the residents of the nearby Gulab Park, Golden Park Society and Hill Saz Park societies approached him for water. Qarim could not turn down their repeated requests.
A deal was struck between them. Each house owner of the societies agreed to pay Qarim Rs 100 a month for water twice a day. They also decided to bear the expenses of laying pipelines, estimated to cost Rs 85 per feet.
Twenty of the 700 houses have started getting running water. The rest will get water connections in 10 days.
Qarim is going ga ga over the project. “It’s win-win deal for me. I am doing a social work. The residents of the societies will bless me for my goodwill gesture. Besides, their monthly contribution will help me recover a portion of Rs 1.75 lakh I have spent in installing the borewell.”
The beneficiaries of the project are also just loving it. Noorjahan Ansari, a resident of Golden Park, said: “I had to fetch water from a hand-pump. But now I’ll get running water.”
The people’s solution to water crisis in Juhapura triggered a few posers on its legitimacy. But Nadeem Syed, a social worker, said the project did not flout any norm of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) because no Town Planning (TP) scheme had been made for Juhapura, in the New West Zone, till date.
Deputy Municipal Commissioner (New West Zone) MD Modiya said: “Laying pipelines under TP roads is illegal. There is nothing wrong if a borewell is drilled on a private land and pipelines pass through private land.”
DILIP PATEL
After tolerating the negligence of the civic body for years silently, residents of three societies in Juhapura reeling from acute water crisis have taken the onus of drawing running water to their homes on themselves. Sinking a borewell, they are laying pipelines under private land.
The 400 feet borewell was initially drilled by Abdul Qarim (32), a resident of Juhapura, for personal use. But the residents of the nearby Gulab Park, Golden Park Society and Hill Saz Park societies approached him for water. Qarim could not turn down their repeated requests.
A deal was struck between them. Each house owner of the societies agreed to pay Qarim Rs 100 a month for water twice a day. They also decided to bear the expenses of laying pipelines, estimated to cost Rs 85 per feet.
Twenty of the 700 houses have started getting running water. The rest will get water connections in 10 days.
Qarim is going ga ga over the project. “It’s win-win deal for me. I am doing a social work. The residents of the societies will bless me for my goodwill gesture. Besides, their monthly contribution will help me recover a portion of Rs 1.75 lakh I have spent in installing the borewell.”
The beneficiaries of the project are also just loving it. Noorjahan Ansari, a resident of Golden Park, said: “I had to fetch water from a hand-pump. But now I’ll get running water.”
The people’s solution to water crisis in Juhapura triggered a few posers on its legitimacy. But Nadeem Syed, a social worker, said the project did not flout any norm of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) because no Town Planning (TP) scheme had been made for Juhapura, in the New West Zone, till date.
Deputy Municipal Commissioner (New West Zone) MD Modiya said: “Laying pipelines under TP roads is illegal. There is nothing wrong if a borewell is drilled on a private land and pipelines pass through private land.”
GHOSTS BANE DOST
In eight years, crime rate in Sanand has fallen by 50 per cent. Installing tombstones of warriors who had laid down their lives protecting their village led to drop in crime rate, say ‘humble’ policemen
DILIP PATEL
In the past eight years, the crime rate in Sanand has dropped by half. Hold on. Don’t applaud the cops just yet. The real crime-fighters are some friendly ghosts. And before you start slamming us, this is what the cops themselves claim.
The story dates back to July 29, 1988 when the Sanand police seized a truck smuggling antique goods being out of Rethal village. They had been tipped off by Pravinsinh Vaghela, a resident of Rethal, who later identified the goods that had been stolen. Among the booty were nine tombstones almost 200 to 300 years old. According to Pravinsinh, these tombstones belonged to men who had laid down their lives trying to keep the village safe from dacoits and pillagers.
GRAVE ERROR
THE STONES were dumped in the station’s backyard. In 2003, the crime rate in Sanand began shooting up. Two policemen from the station got suspended.
The constables and PSI felt the ill-luck was being brought about by the disrespect shown towards the tombstones. They restored the tombstones and conducted a havan. Lo and behold, the situation began to improve.
IDOL WORSHIP
AND NO less than the police inspector backs this claim with figures. Inspector M M Jhala, said, “The then inspector N J Jhala got the tombstones installed at one spot and got a havan done to appease the offended spirits. Since then, every morning, ASI Vishalsinh Vaghela conducts pooja and applies tilak on the idols.
“The crime rate has dropped by half in the past 7-8 years. In 2001-02, we registered seven loots in Sanand. In 2008-09, there were just two. The murder rate dropped from six in 2001-02 to three in 2008-09. No case of rape has been registered in the past two years.”
He adds, “The staff here feels that since the stones have been installed here, the atmosphere has filled with positive vibes.”
PROOF POSITIVE?
MEANWHILE, Rethal villagers are trying to retrieve the tombstones, but to no avail. Said Pravinsinh, “The case ran in court for 14 years. Till then, the police had custody of the antiques. To retrieve it, we need to furnish proof that the tombstones belonged to our village.
We also need to give a bill copy. But the tombstones were not bought.
After so many years, how do we prove that they belonged to our village? As we do not have the necessary documents, we can’t claim the tombstones.”
=======
OTHER SPIRITED STORIES
COPS RUN SCARED OF GHOST
The Ramol police station,referred to by villagers as bhoot thana, was set up on a rented premises on October 5, 2007.The Ramol police claimed a ghost, believed to be a woman poltergeist, used to overturn furniture and shove cops working in the night shift at the police station.Some police officials even complained they felt someone was strangling them.The ghost was “contained by a tantrik” a few days before Diwali in 2008.‘Ghost trouble’ at the police station has ended, but cops continue to be a bit leery of the premises.
HAVAN TO TACKLE SPIRITS
Policemen living at Danilimda quarters opposite Ganjshouda Kabrastan faced a ‘grave’ problem.Their families believed the houses were built on part of the graveyard, bringing bad luck to residents.The quarters were built four years ago.However,the families shifted here only a couple of years ago.The presence of the graveyard opposite the houses fuelled a lot of rumours which gained strength after the death of two people.To put all rumours as well as spirits, if any, to rest, the cops conducted a havan and a urs on October 2, 2009.
KALIGAM OUTPOST’S CLOSED
A police outpost in Kaligam near Ranip was closed about four years back after a constable apparently spotted a ghost. Sources in the Sabarmati police station, which managed the outpost, say the constable — Joravsinh — left the outpost claiming that he was slapped by a ghost.They say eventually all officials of the outpost stopped working there.A senior official at the Sabarmati police station said that outpost was closed following reports of “suspicious activity”.
ARMY’S GHOSTLY LEGEND
It is not just local policemen who harbour superstitious beliefs.The Indian Army has its own dear ghost: Harbhajan Singh of the Dogra Regiment. Harbhajan Singh drowned in a glacier during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. His body was found three days later and cremated with full military honours. It was said Harbhajan led the search party to his body, and later, through a dream, instructed one of his colleagues to build and maintain a shrine after him.A camp bed is kept for him and his boots are polished and uniform kept ready every night.The sheets are reportedly crumpled every morning and boots muddy by evening.The soldier continues to draw a salary and takes his annual leave. Every year on September 14, a jeep departs with his personal belongings to the nearest railway station, New Jalpaiguri, where it is then sent by train to the village of Kuka, in Kapurthala district in Punjab.Presently the late soldier is treated as honorary captain.
DILIP PATEL
In the past eight years, the crime rate in Sanand has dropped by half. Hold on. Don’t applaud the cops just yet. The real crime-fighters are some friendly ghosts. And before you start slamming us, this is what the cops themselves claim.
The story dates back to July 29, 1988 when the Sanand police seized a truck smuggling antique goods being out of Rethal village. They had been tipped off by Pravinsinh Vaghela, a resident of Rethal, who later identified the goods that had been stolen. Among the booty were nine tombstones almost 200 to 300 years old. According to Pravinsinh, these tombstones belonged to men who had laid down their lives trying to keep the village safe from dacoits and pillagers.
GRAVE ERROR
THE STONES were dumped in the station’s backyard. In 2003, the crime rate in Sanand began shooting up. Two policemen from the station got suspended.
The constables and PSI felt the ill-luck was being brought about by the disrespect shown towards the tombstones. They restored the tombstones and conducted a havan. Lo and behold, the situation began to improve.
IDOL WORSHIP
AND NO less than the police inspector backs this claim with figures. Inspector M M Jhala, said, “The then inspector N J Jhala got the tombstones installed at one spot and got a havan done to appease the offended spirits. Since then, every morning, ASI Vishalsinh Vaghela conducts pooja and applies tilak on the idols.
“The crime rate has dropped by half in the past 7-8 years. In 2001-02, we registered seven loots in Sanand. In 2008-09, there were just two. The murder rate dropped from six in 2001-02 to three in 2008-09. No case of rape has been registered in the past two years.”
He adds, “The staff here feels that since the stones have been installed here, the atmosphere has filled with positive vibes.”
PROOF POSITIVE?
MEANWHILE, Rethal villagers are trying to retrieve the tombstones, but to no avail. Said Pravinsinh, “The case ran in court for 14 years. Till then, the police had custody of the antiques. To retrieve it, we need to furnish proof that the tombstones belonged to our village.
We also need to give a bill copy. But the tombstones were not bought.
After so many years, how do we prove that they belonged to our village? As we do not have the necessary documents, we can’t claim the tombstones.”
=======
OTHER SPIRITED STORIES
COPS RUN SCARED OF GHOST
The Ramol police station,referred to by villagers as bhoot thana, was set up on a rented premises on October 5, 2007.The Ramol police claimed a ghost, believed to be a woman poltergeist, used to overturn furniture and shove cops working in the night shift at the police station.Some police officials even complained they felt someone was strangling them.The ghost was “contained by a tantrik” a few days before Diwali in 2008.‘Ghost trouble’ at the police station has ended, but cops continue to be a bit leery of the premises.
HAVAN TO TACKLE SPIRITS
Policemen living at Danilimda quarters opposite Ganjshouda Kabrastan faced a ‘grave’ problem.Their families believed the houses were built on part of the graveyard, bringing bad luck to residents.The quarters were built four years ago.However,the families shifted here only a couple of years ago.The presence of the graveyard opposite the houses fuelled a lot of rumours which gained strength after the death of two people.To put all rumours as well as spirits, if any, to rest, the cops conducted a havan and a urs on October 2, 2009.
KALIGAM OUTPOST’S CLOSED
A police outpost in Kaligam near Ranip was closed about four years back after a constable apparently spotted a ghost. Sources in the Sabarmati police station, which managed the outpost, say the constable — Joravsinh — left the outpost claiming that he was slapped by a ghost.They say eventually all officials of the outpost stopped working there.A senior official at the Sabarmati police station said that outpost was closed following reports of “suspicious activity”.
ARMY’S GHOSTLY LEGEND
It is not just local policemen who harbour superstitious beliefs.The Indian Army has its own dear ghost: Harbhajan Singh of the Dogra Regiment. Harbhajan Singh drowned in a glacier during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. His body was found three days later and cremated with full military honours. It was said Harbhajan led the search party to his body, and later, through a dream, instructed one of his colleagues to build and maintain a shrine after him.A camp bed is kept for him and his boots are polished and uniform kept ready every night.The sheets are reportedly crumpled every morning and boots muddy by evening.The soldier continues to draw a salary and takes his annual leave. Every year on September 14, a jeep departs with his personal belongings to the nearest railway station, New Jalpaiguri, where it is then sent by train to the village of Kuka, in Kapurthala district in Punjab.Presently the late soldier is treated as honorary captain.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Sunday, January 3, 2010
ENVIRONMENT Gandhinagar, barren land into a green oasis
ENVIRONMENT
Green, it’s his favourite colour
Dilip Patel
Not very long ago, Gandhinagar was a barren expanse only visited by hot dusty winds. Difficult to believe that in just 18 years’ time, we first associate greenery — more than politics and governance — with our state capital.
All thanks to the tireless efforts of former chief conservator G A Patel. Without batting an eyelid, he accepted the then chief minister Chimanbhai Patel’s challenge of making Gandhinagar a green city. The project began in 1989. And in two years, he planted 36 lakh trees in 58 sq km area of the city. Even when Ahmedabad simmers in the scorching heat, Gandhinagar stays warm and pleasant. G A Patel earned accolades for executing this mammoth task. After all spreading a green carpet on what was a wasteland in just two years, only happens in cartoon movies. Patel was hailed as a green crusader after carrying out this Herculean task.
With 32 lakh trees — made up with 35 species including neem, gulmohar, banyan, pipal, mahua and rhine — for a population of 1.5 lakh, Gandhinagar has an enviable 22 trees per person and 425 trees per hectare. That is not the only feather in Patel’s cap.
The 52-acre land where Chetna Kendra stands today was earlier with the Public Works Department. Patel fought with the PWD which later handed it over to the forest department. Similarly, the 150-acre land where Indroda Natural Park has come up could have been a garment park, had it note been for Patel’s intervention.
But things weren’t as easy as writing the paragraph you just read. He faced several obstacles in his career and was pitted against some of the most powerful policy makers. He even stopped setting up of industries in the area in Jamnagar where Marine National Park today stands. “Professional hazards, what to do,” says Patel adding, “It pains me to see people treating nature and wildlife with disrespect. We should learn to live and let live.”
Green, it’s his favourite colour
Dilip Patel
Not very long ago, Gandhinagar was a barren expanse only visited by hot dusty winds. Difficult to believe that in just 18 years’ time, we first associate greenery — more than politics and governance — with our state capital.
All thanks to the tireless efforts of former chief conservator G A Patel. Without batting an eyelid, he accepted the then chief minister Chimanbhai Patel’s challenge of making Gandhinagar a green city. The project began in 1989. And in two years, he planted 36 lakh trees in 58 sq km area of the city. Even when Ahmedabad simmers in the scorching heat, Gandhinagar stays warm and pleasant. G A Patel earned accolades for executing this mammoth task. After all spreading a green carpet on what was a wasteland in just two years, only happens in cartoon movies. Patel was hailed as a green crusader after carrying out this Herculean task.
With 32 lakh trees — made up with 35 species including neem, gulmohar, banyan, pipal, mahua and rhine — for a population of 1.5 lakh, Gandhinagar has an enviable 22 trees per person and 425 trees per hectare. That is not the only feather in Patel’s cap.
The 52-acre land where Chetna Kendra stands today was earlier with the Public Works Department. Patel fought with the PWD which later handed it over to the forest department. Similarly, the 150-acre land where Indroda Natural Park has come up could have been a garment park, had it note been for Patel’s intervention.
But things weren’t as easy as writing the paragraph you just read. He faced several obstacles in his career and was pitted against some of the most powerful policy makers. He even stopped setting up of industries in the area in Jamnagar where Marine National Park today stands. “Professional hazards, what to do,” says Patel adding, “It pains me to see people treating nature and wildlife with disrespect. We should learn to live and let live.”
ON DUTY Happily married to work R J Patel Asst Road Transport Officer
Dilip Patel
Happily married to work If you are looking for the office of RJ Patel, assistant road transport officer at the RTO headquarters, it is rather simple. Look for the longest queue inside the building and that is where it is. R J Patel, 57, is a workaholic. He enters his office at 11 am sharp. His day begins with processing 1,500 applications related to traffic police, recovering of penalties, vehicle registration, post registration work, collection of fines and penalties. He looks into 5,000 papers attached to these documents and attests at least 2,500 signatures. And while he does all that, he never cribs. Patel loves his work and that is exactly why he takes it on with gusto. Also, with just 14 months for him to retire, one can understand his hurry.
When he locks his desk at 5 pm, there’s nothing pending. Patel never carries forward his duties. “My work is like that of Lord Hanuman. I handle problems no one else wants to take up,” Patel says.
The average applications he receives daily includes 200 for release of detained vehicles, 50 for issuance of international driving licences to Indians going abroad, 50 of foreigners seeking Indian licences and applications for cancellation of vehicle registrations. He even issues no objection certificates.
“My policy is clear. Finish your day’s work and leave. That is what you are paid for. Not a single paper is left unattended when I leave my office.” His efforts put Rs 30 lakh every day in RTO’s kitty.
However, Patel rues the fact that most people who come to his office are illiterate. “They don’t know what they need to submit. It annoys me. I tell them to at least learn how to read and write.” We already know what this married-to-work man is going to do after he retires.
R J Patel Asst Road Transport Officer
Happily married to work If you are looking for the office of RJ Patel, assistant road transport officer at the RTO headquarters, it is rather simple. Look for the longest queue inside the building and that is where it is. R J Patel, 57, is a workaholic. He enters his office at 11 am sharp. His day begins with processing 1,500 applications related to traffic police, recovering of penalties, vehicle registration, post registration work, collection of fines and penalties. He looks into 5,000 papers attached to these documents and attests at least 2,500 signatures. And while he does all that, he never cribs. Patel loves his work and that is exactly why he takes it on with gusto. Also, with just 14 months for him to retire, one can understand his hurry.
When he locks his desk at 5 pm, there’s nothing pending. Patel never carries forward his duties. “My work is like that of Lord Hanuman. I handle problems no one else wants to take up,” Patel says.
The average applications he receives daily includes 200 for release of detained vehicles, 50 for issuance of international driving licences to Indians going abroad, 50 of foreigners seeking Indian licences and applications for cancellation of vehicle registrations. He even issues no objection certificates.
“My policy is clear. Finish your day’s work and leave. That is what you are paid for. Not a single paper is left unattended when I leave my office.” His efforts put Rs 30 lakh every day in RTO’s kitty.
However, Patel rues the fact that most people who come to his office are illiterate. “They don’t know what they need to submit. It annoys me. I tell them to at least learn how to read and write.” We already know what this married-to-work man is going to do after he retires.
R J Patel Asst Road Transport Officer
PARTIES UNITE FOR STATE’S PROGRESS
DILIP PATEL
In a rare show of unity, political leaders from different hues on Friday vowed to bury their differences and work together for the progress of the state.
As many as 520 former and present MLAs and MPs of Gujarat, including Chief Minister Narendra Modi, and his predecessors Madhavsinh Solanki and Keshubhai Patel, took pledge to not to allow petty politics halt Gujarat’s development at Swarnim Gujarat Legislative Conference held at Assembly hall from 2.30 pm.
They also said year-long Swarnim Gujarat celebrations, which will tee off on May 1, 2010, would be an apolitical affair — for Gujaratis, of Gujaratis, by Gujaratis.
Addressing the conference, Modi said: “Every Gujarati has contributed to the development of the state. If all Gujaratis take a step forward, there will be 5.5 crore steps towards development.”
Going a step ahead, Leader of Opposition Shaktisinh Gohil said: “Development is present in the gene of every Gujarati. There are 6.5 crore Gujaratis, including NRGs. If we work together for the development of the state, nothing is impossible.”
He also said: “There should be mass participation in Swarnim Gujarat celebrations. It should not be a show of strength of any political outfit.”
Former chief minister Solanki said: “Gujarat has given birth to several national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel and Purushottam Mavlankar. If we give up politics, Gujarat will develop fast.”
Patel, another predecessor of Modi, said: “If we are united, we can go a long way. Uplift of the standard of life of the poor will herald true development of Gujarat. Our target should be high.”
Veteran BJP leader LK Advani said: “Hardly one can see all political parties working together for the development of a state. Gujarat has set an example through Swarnim Gujarat for others to follow.”
Lauding Gujaratis’ zeal to succeed, Governor Dr Kamla said: “Gujaratis don’t give up any task mid-way. If they take up an assignment, they complete it successfully.”
She added, “Every political party contributed to the state’s progress. I’m from Rajasthan. It has adopted several things practised in Gujarat.”
Total 750 former and present MLAs and MPs, including five former chief ministers, were invited to Swarnim Gujarat Legislative Conference. Barring 230, the rest turned up. Of the five former chief ministers invited, two showed up at the event that continued up to 4.15 pm. Speaker Ashok Bhatt, BJP state president Purshottam Rupala, three Union ministers Dinsa Patel, Bharatsinh Solanki and Tusar Choudhry, and two former governors Viren Shah and Kumud Joshi were present among others. Pictures of all the late chief ministers and speakers were unveiled at the exhibition hall in the Assembly during the
In a rare show of unity, political leaders from different hues on Friday vowed to bury their differences and work together for the progress of the state.
As many as 520 former and present MLAs and MPs of Gujarat, including Chief Minister Narendra Modi, and his predecessors Madhavsinh Solanki and Keshubhai Patel, took pledge to not to allow petty politics halt Gujarat’s development at Swarnim Gujarat Legislative Conference held at Assembly hall from 2.30 pm.
They also said year-long Swarnim Gujarat celebrations, which will tee off on May 1, 2010, would be an apolitical affair — for Gujaratis, of Gujaratis, by Gujaratis.
Addressing the conference, Modi said: “Every Gujarati has contributed to the development of the state. If all Gujaratis take a step forward, there will be 5.5 crore steps towards development.”
Going a step ahead, Leader of Opposition Shaktisinh Gohil said: “Development is present in the gene of every Gujarati. There are 6.5 crore Gujaratis, including NRGs. If we work together for the development of the state, nothing is impossible.”
He also said: “There should be mass participation in Swarnim Gujarat celebrations. It should not be a show of strength of any political outfit.”
Former chief minister Solanki said: “Gujarat has given birth to several national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel and Purushottam Mavlankar. If we give up politics, Gujarat will develop fast.”
Patel, another predecessor of Modi, said: “If we are united, we can go a long way. Uplift of the standard of life of the poor will herald true development of Gujarat. Our target should be high.”
Veteran BJP leader LK Advani said: “Hardly one can see all political parties working together for the development of a state. Gujarat has set an example through Swarnim Gujarat for others to follow.”
Lauding Gujaratis’ zeal to succeed, Governor Dr Kamla said: “Gujaratis don’t give up any task mid-way. If they take up an assignment, they complete it successfully.”
She added, “Every political party contributed to the state’s progress. I’m from Rajasthan. It has adopted several things practised in Gujarat.”
Total 750 former and present MLAs and MPs, including five former chief ministers, were invited to Swarnim Gujarat Legislative Conference. Barring 230, the rest turned up. Of the five former chief ministers invited, two showed up at the event that continued up to 4.15 pm. Speaker Ashok Bhatt, BJP state president Purshottam Rupala, three Union ministers Dinsa Patel, Bharatsinh Solanki and Tusar Choudhry, and two former governors Viren Shah and Kumud Joshi were present among others. Pictures of all the late chief ministers and speakers were unveiled at the exhibition hall in the Assembly during the
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