24022025-LT-01.qxd 2/24/2025 12:59 AM Page 1 c m y b Ludhiana tribune STUDENTS TO BE TRAINED IN IDENTIFYING MOSQUITO LARVAE ACTRESS KALKI KOECHLIN IS VERY MUCH HER OWN PERSON She identifies as an Indian, is named after 10th avatar of Vishnu, doesn’t reject her French origins. P4 MAINLY CLEAR SKY MAX 25°C | MIN 11°C YESTERDAY MAX 23°C | MIN 11°C LISA RAY KNOWS HOW TO CHARM HER AUDIENCES Nursing students from the district will be trained in identifying larvae of dengue-causing mosquitoes. P2 FORECAST In Chandigarh for Chitkara Literature Festival, Lisa Ray was looking stunning in a white and gold saree. P4 » » SUNSET MONDAY 6.18 PM SUNRISE TUESDAY 6:53 AM » MONDAY | 24 FEBRUARY 2025 | LUDHIANA Spent ~4 cr on wedding, gifted Merc, yet Youngster kidnapped, daughter subjected to cruelty, says bizman thrashed by five friends Case registered against husband, in-laws after months’ long investigation Tribune News Service Ludhiana, February 23 Spent more than Rs 4 crore on the marriage of his daughter Palak Malhotra, gifted Mercedes car to his son-in-law, yet his daughter was subjected to cruelty and harassment at the hands of her husband and in-laws, a city-based businessman, Sunil Malhotra, said while addressing a press conference here on Sunday. Malhotra said his daughter Palak Malhotra had submitted a complaint with the Ludhiana police in November last year and after months’ long investigation, a case was registered against the suspects, identified as Piyush Kapoor (husband), Pankaj Kapoor (father-in-law) and Archana Kapoor (motherin-law), residents of Bizman Sunil Malhotra and his daughter address the media in Ludhiana on Sunday. PHOTO: ASHWANI DHIMAN ‘COP CLOSE TO SUSPECTS MIGHT HAMPER PROBE’ The victim's father said despite registration of a case, the suspects were yet to be arrested by the police. Though he lauded the role of Commissioner of Police Kuldeep Chahal for ordering an FIR against the suspects, he also raised suspicion that a senior police official, who is close to the suspects’ family might affect the investigation. Sukhmani Enclave, Barewal, and owner of PN Kapoor Hosiery. A case was regis- tered on the complaint of Palak Malhotra under Section 85 (cruelty by a hus- band or his relatives towards a married woman) and 316(2) (criminal breach of trust) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The complainant, Palak Malhotra, said: “On July 11, 2024, I got married to Piyush Kapoor, my family made substantial contribution in form of gifts, dowry and wedding arrangements. On the demand of my in-laws, my father also gifted a Mercedes car to my husband. My father in total spent more than Rs 4 crore on my marriage. Still, my husband and in-laws remained dissatisfied and kept demanding more.” She said after marriage, she was subjected to cruelty and harassment at the hands of her husband and in-laws. In October last year, her father brought her home due to her rising torture. Despite her father had been urging her husband and in-laws stop torturing her, they did not budge and continued to harass her. Their sustained cruelty, dowry demands and threats inflicted severe trauma to her and family. Even the victim’s jewellery and other valuables were also forcibly taken from her, the complainant said. Her father said despite registration of a case, the suspects were yet to be arrested by the police. Though Sunil lauded the role of Commissioner of Police Kuldeep Chahal for ordering an FIR against the suspects, he also raised suspicion that a senior police official, who is close to the suspects’ family might affect the investigation. Tribune News Service Ludhiana, February 23 The Ludhiana police registered a case against five persons for illegally confining their friend and thrashing him. As per information, after mutual argument, the suspects kidnapped their friend in his car. First they took him around the city and after beating, they threw the victim on the Jagraon bridge from the moving car and fled. The youth lodged a complaint in this regard with the Police Division 2. After- Tribune News Service Ludhiana, February 23 On Sunday, Ludhiana Civil Surgeon Dr Pardeep Kumar Mohindra conducted an unannounced inspection at Sub-Divisional Hospital, Raikot, to assess the hospital’s functioning and emergency services. During his visit, he interacted with patients and collected feedback regarding the quality of medical care provided. He also reviewed the availability of essential medicines and the overall hygiene conditions on the hospital premises. Dr Mohindra emphasised the importance of patient satisfaction and directed hospital staff to ensure prompt and efficient medical services. He encouraged healthcare professionals to maintain high standards of care and address any concerns raised by patients and their attendants. Following his inspection in Raikot, Dr Mohindra pro- Civil Surgeon Pardeep Kumar Mohindra during an inspection at the Raikot Sub-Divisional Hospital. ceeded to the Community Health Centre (CHC), Sudhar, where he conducted a similar assessment. He reviewed the operational efficiency of the facility, interacted with patients, and enquired about their experiences with medical staff and services. The Civil Surgeon reiterated the significance of provid- Two arrested for hunting wild pigeons Tribune News Service Ludhiana, February 23 Two persons were arrested by the Sahnewal police for hunting wild pigeons for meat in Ludhiana’s Dream City area on Saturday. The suspects were identified as Balram, a resident of Bihar, and Ashish Sharma of Kohara. Four unidentified persons were also booked in the case and the police started a probe to identify them. A case under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act was registered against the suspects on Saturday. The two suspects were caught after a complaint was filed by Mani Singh, president of the Help For Animals, an NGO. According to Mani Singh, an animal activist Suspects were identified as Balram of Bihar, Ashish Sharma of Kohara; four yet to be nabbed informed him that some outsiders in the Dream City area were hunting wild pigeons for consumption. The activist also shared a video showing several pigeons trapped in a cage. Based on information, the police raided the area and apprehended the two suspects. The police also recovered several dead pigeons from the suspects and registered a case against them. Further investigation was underway and four other unidentified individuals were also being investigated in connection with the case. ing quality healthcare at all levels and instructed staff to maintain strict adherence to protocols. Speaking about his visit, Dr Mohindra stated: “The health and well-being of our citizens are our top priorities. Such surprise visits help us identify gaps and ensure that our healthcare facilities function effi- ciently. Our goal is to enhance patient satisfaction and provide timely and quality medical care.” Dr Mohindra assured that the administration remains committed to strengthening healthcare services across Ludhiana and urged the medical fraternity to uphold their responsibilities with dedication and compassion. Goods, machinery worth ~40L stolen from factory Ludhiana, February 23 Thieves targeted a factory and stole goods and machinery worth Rs 40 lakh. The owner, Rahul Garg, reported the incident to the police, providing CCTV footage showing the thieves breaking in. The footage revealed that on the intervening night of February 19-20, several thieves entered the factory and loaded stolen goods onto a four-wheeler. The Police Division 7 on Friday registered a case against the unidentified culprits and started a probe into the matter. Rahul has appealed to the police to recover the stolen property and machinery as soon as possible. The stolen items include three valuable machines, 2,000 T-shirts, and 135 bundles of cloth. The incident highlights rising cases of theft and burglary in the city. Police officials assured that they were investigating the matter and would solve the case soon. The police are reviewing the CCTV footage to identify the culprits. — TNS wards, on the complaint of Harvinder Singh of Jassian village, the police on Saturday registered a case against the suspects, Love, Rohit, Nitish and two unidentified persons. In the complaint, Harvinder said on February 14, he was returning from his sister’s house with his friends Love, Rohit, Nitish and their two ‘Drunk’ man opens fire at pre-wedding event, one hurt Tribune News Service Civil Surgeon pays surprise visits to healthcare facilities at Raikot, Sudhar Threw victim on Jagraon bridge from moving car and fled Ludhiana, February 23 In a shocking incident, a guest at a pre-wedding ceremony in Sidhwan Bet was injured when a bullet fired by an alleged intoxicated man hit him. The suspect, Jasman Chhina, from Tihara village was booked for attempt to murder. According to the complainant, Manjinder Singh Grewal, the incident occurred on February 15 during a Jago ceremony at the house of Jaspreet Singh, his brother’s friend, in Malsihan Bajan. Manjinder, who runs catering and tent services, said he and his family attended the ceremony, where he met Jasman, whom he knew. Later, Jasman under the influence of liquor, pulled out a revolver. Manjinder and his cousin Daljit Singh tried to stop him but Jasman fired the weapon and a bullet struck Manjinder’s belt, narrowly missing his spine. Manjinder was rushed to the Jagraon Civil Hospital, where he received initial treatment before being referred to the DMCH in Ludhiana for further care. The victim has sought legal action against Jasman. The Sidhwan Bet police on Saturday registered a case against Jasman under Section 109 of the BNS (attempted murder) and relevant sections of the Arms Act. Investigating Officer ASI Sukhmander Singh confirmed that the suspect was currently at large and the police were conducting raids to apprehend him. Meanwhile, sources said the police were reviewing the evidence and eyewitness accounts to piece together the events surrounding the incident. The investigation was going on and the police were working to ensure that justice was served. The incident has raised concerns about public safety and the need for stricter laws to prevent such incidents. Notably on February 20 ,the Jagraon City police had registered a case against a Sangrur-based man who resorted to celebratory firing during the ongoing marriage function at a hotel in Jagraon. The suspect was identified as Gurinder Singh, a resident of Ramnagar Sibia in Sangrur district. Later, he was arrested by the police. other friends. When he reached Apollo Hospital, his friends started arguing with him. Following which, the suspects kidnapped him in his car by making him sit in the rear seat. The suspects kept roaming around the city in the car and kept beating him. After beating him, they threw him from the moving car on the Jagraon bridge and fled the scene. The police said after registering a case, further investigation was launched and a manhunt was on to nab the miscreants. Villagers resume protest outside biogas plant in Bhundri Tribune News Service Ludhiana, February 23 The 11-month-long protest against the biogas factory in Bhundri village of Ludhiana district, which had seen a halt due to the recent confrontation between the police and villagers today again started with huge enthusiasm. On Sunday, the villagers staged a protest at the same place. Under the leadership of Dr Sukhdev Singh Bhundri, convener of the Struggle Committee against Cancer Gas Factories, the protesters raised slogans against the factory. A woman protesters, Bibi Harjinder Kaur, said they would not allow the factory, which was harmful to people’s health, to be built at any cost. Bhundri accused the administration of issuing an NOC to the factory owner without seeing the situation on the spot, which is illegal. He said even if the High Court gives a decision in favour of the factory, people would not accept it. Sangharsh Samiti spokesperson Manjinder Singh demanded that the gas factory should also be shut down like the Zira alcohol factory. Notably, on February 6, the police removed the protesters from outside the factory and their articles were also seized. On Friday, barricades of the police were removed by the residents. A spectacle of colours, fragrance at agri varsity gardens Tribune News Service Ludhiana, February 23 Punjab Agricultural University’s (PAU) Spring Garden, located in its landscape nursery has transformed into a floral paradise, bursting with vibrant colours and delicate fragrances. A blend of over 100 indigenous and exotic varieties that are welllabelled, this breathtaking landscape has been meticulously curated using PAU’s rich germ plasm. While an array of winter annuals meticulously arranged from dwarf to towering varieties greet visitors, the early-blooming tulips create a stunning contrast against a backdrop of lush green foliage with their striking red and cheerful yellow hues. Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, ViceChancellor of the PAU, commended the initiative, stating: “The Spring Garden is PAU HAS RESEARCH STATION IN KEYLONG Two years ago, the PAU took inspiration from the initiative of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Institute of Himalayan Bio-Resource Technology (IHBT) and came up with an idea of having its own tulip garden. The PAU also has its own research station in Keylong, Himachal Pradesh, where they multiply tulips and and re-plant them here. Tulips in full bloom are a visual delight for everyone on PAU campus in Ludhiana. HIMANSHU MAHAJAN not just a visual delight, it evidences university’s commitment to floriculture, biodiversity conservation and sustainable landscaping. We strive to create green spaces that not only beautify but also educate and inspire.” The garden’s layout and c m y b maintenance are a collective effort led by estate officer Dr Rishi Indra Singh Gill; Head, Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Dr Parminder Singh; landscaping officer, Dr Ranjit Singh; and farm manager (landscaping), Hardeep Singh. Their expertise ensures that each plant thrives in perfect harmony, adding to the scenic grandeur. Highlighting the meticulous planning behind the garden’s creation, Dr RIS Gill remarked that every section has been carefully designed to maintain balance and symmetry. The inclusion of rare and exotic varieties alongside traditional favourites makes the garden a unique learning and research opportunity, he said. Among the floral marvels, marigolds in brilliant yellow and deep orange radiate warmth while delicate nemophila, calendulas, gazanias and phlox add subtle charm. Other noteworthy additions include verbena, lupins, statice, dianthus, ornamental tobacco and sweet sultan. A highlight of the garden is the PAU Tulip Garden, featuring a magnificent array of bulbous plants, including narcissus, gladiolus, ranunculus and hyacinths. Dr Parminder Singh expressed pride in the project, stating that the tulips symbolised their dedication to horticultural excellence. He mentioned that by cultivating these exquisite varieties, they were enhancing the floriculture landscape of the region while providing a spectacular visual treat. The interplay of colours, textures and scents creates an enchanting ambiance, making this garden a must-visit destination for nature lovers and botanical enthusiasts alike.