04062025-CT-01.qxd 6/3/2025 11:58 PM Page 1 c m y b Chandigarh tribune HC TELLS MC TO GRANT WATER CONNECTION TO PGI CENTRE Temporary connection to be be given to Advanced Neurosciences Centre within three working days. P3 » ACTOR MALIK SHARES HOW FITNESS FUELS HIS CRAFT ASSN MUM ON APPOINTMENT OF RETD OFFICIALS AS SELECTORS Central Govt employees and retired officials aged above 60 appointed selectors for local squads. P3 MAX 35°C | MIN 22°C YESTERDAY MAX 36.2°C | MIN 21°C SUNRISE THURSDAY 5.21 AM » WEDNESDAY | 4 JUNE 2025 | CHANDIGARH PARTLY CLOUDY SUNSET WEDNESDAY 7.20 PM Known for his roles in Love Hostel, Heropanti 2, The Freelancer, etc, actor reveals his fitness regimen. P4 » FORECAST /THETRIBUNECHD FACEBOOK/CHANDIGARHTRIBUNE Man gets death penalty for Now, owners liable to pay relief for dog bites rape, murder of 8-yr-old girl MC approves Pet and Community Dogs Bylaws-2025 WHAT’S ON Convict a menace to society, shall be hanged: Judge CHANDIGARH Art exhibition: The Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi, in collaboration with Shailja Art Gallery, will hold ‘Lines Between Us’, Sobha Singh Art Gallery, Punjab Kala Bhawan, Sector 16-B, 5.30 pm Ramkrishan Upadhyay APNI MANDI Chandigarh: Sectors 15, 40, 46 Panchkula: Sector 25 Please send information about events in tricity at: whatson@tribunemail.com Two Covid-19 cases in city Tribune News Service Chandigarh, June 3 While several regions in India are witnessing a fresh rise in Covid-19 cases, Chandigarh has remained relatively unaffected, with just two active cases currently under monitoring. Both patients are recovering at home isolated from other family members, said health officials. Dr Suman Singh, Director of Health Services, said the city was fully prepared to respond to any rise in cases. “There is no cause for panic. All necessary arrangements are in place and we are keeping a close watch on developments,” she said. Medical experts at the PGIMER have reiterated that most recent cases are mild in nature. However, they have urged caution for high-risk individuals, including senior citizens and those with compromised immunity. In anticipation of any potential surge, the PGIMER has reactivated its specialised COVID wards, including ICUs and High Dependency Units. Critical infrastructure such as oxygen supplies and ventilators have been tested and are ready for deployment. A Covid patient had died at the Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32 (GMCH-32) last week. The continued on page 3 Tribune News Service Chandigarh, June 3 The Fast-Track Special Court here today awarded death sentence to 41-year-old Heera Lal Guddu for the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Hallomajra last year. The court said he would be hanged by neck till death. This is the first capital punishment awarded by the court since its inception here in 2020. The convict is a menace to society and shall continue to be so. He cannot be reformed. Hence, this case falls in the “rarest of rare” category, said the court. The police registered a missing person case on January 19 last year on a complaint filed by the victim’s mother. She told the police that her daughter aged about 8 years and 11 months had gone to a shop around 11 am but did not return home. On January 21, the child’s body, with the throat slit and multiple stab wounds, was found hidden in a heap of garbage. In the CCTV footage of the area, the accused was spotted carrying THE ‘RAREST OF RARE’ CASE The convict had stooped so low as to unleash his monstrous self on the innocent, helpless and defenceless child. This court is of the opinion that the convict is a menace to society and cannot be reformed. Hence, it’s the “rarest of rare” case, said the Judge. a handbag. The police arrested him from Ara district in Bihar on January 25. The police said the accused had shifted to Chandigarh from his native place in Uttar Pradesh, and was living in the victim’s neighbourhood in Hallomajra. Finding a prima facie case, the court framed the charges against the accused under Sections 201, 302, 363, 366, 376, 376(3), 376 AB, and 511 of the IPC, and Section 6 of the POCSO Act. He appealed for leniency saying that he is a poor person and has to look after his parents, who are aged and suffering from various ailments. He has two children and his family is totally dependent on him. However, the special public prosecutor said the minor girl was brutally raped and murdered by the convict. Given the brutal nature of the crime, it was the rarest of rare case. Hence, death sentence is the only befitting punishment for the convict, he added. Dr Yashika, Additional Sessions Judge, convicted the accused under Section 302 of the IPC and 6 of the POCSO Act, and awarded him death penalty. The court said the blood and semen samples taken from the clothes of the deceased as well as the body conclusively con- Sector 10 elderly woman loses ~2.5 crore in digital arrest fraud Tribune News Service Chandigarh, June 3 Another senior citizen has fallen prey to a digital arrest fraud, losing Rs 2.5 crore to swindlers posing as officials from various government organisations. The victim, an 82-year-old woman resident of Sector 10, had on May 3 received a phone call from someone posing as an official from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), falsely claiming her mobile number was linked to illegal activity. Over the following days, the victim was contacted via WhatsApp and video calls by individuals impersonating senior officials from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and even the Supreme Court. To make their story appear credible, the accused showed her forged Supreme Court documents and arrest warrants, alleging her name was linked to a money laundering case involving Jet Airways CEO Naresh Goyal. Claiming she was under “digital surveillance”, they pressured her into a secrecy oath and demanded she transfer her funds to a “secure government account” for verification. Over several days, she complied, ultimately losing Rs 2.5 crore. In a separate incident, two individuals were arrested for cheating another city resident of over Rs10 lakh through a fraudulent online job scheme. The police arrested Sunny, 40, and Vijay Kumar, 43, both residents of Nayagaon, Mohali. The complainant, a resident of Sector 11, reported being lured via WhatsApp with offers of part-time work. After completing small paid tasks, she was added to a Telegram group and convinced to make larger payments with the promise of higher returns. She eventually lost Rs 10.99 lakh. The police said Sunny had received Rs 50,000 in his account. Vijay facilitated the fraud by connecting Sunny to the network of scammers. IRS officer, aide held for bribe were biz partners with complainant Tribune News Service Chandigarh, June 3 It was a business partnership turned sour that led to the dispute and animosity between a senior Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, Dr Amit Kumar Singhal, his close associate Harsh Kotak, and complainant Sanam Kapoor, who is a leading businessman, claim officials of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The CBI on Saturday arrested both the IRS officer and his aide for allegedly demanding and accepting bribe. A resident of Zirakpur in Mohali, Kapoor was partner and director of M/s Copenhegen Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., and also the owner of the pizza franchisee under the name of M/s La Pino’z Pizza owned nect the convict with the rape and murder. The convict never showed any guilt or remorse for perpetrating the crime. The victim suffered nine major injuries. The motive for which the girl was murdered reflects depravity and meanness. The convict had stooped so low as to unleash his monstrous self on the innocent, helpless and defenceless child. This court is of the opinion that the convict is a menace to society and cannot be reformed. Hence, it’s the “rarest of rare” case, said the Judge. The legal heirs of the victim deserve to be granted maximum compensation, as per The Victim Compensation Scheme, 2018. The court has also convicted the accused under Sections 366, 363 and 201 of IPC and sentenced him to undergo seven years of rigorous imprisonment for each offence. All these sentences shall run concurrently. The court has also imposed a fine of Rs 50, 000 on the convict. This is the first case in which the Fast-Track Court of Chandigarh has awarded death sentence since its inception in August 2020. After partnership turned sour, businessman got Income Tax Dept notice by M/s Copenhegen Hospitality, which has around 750 outlets across India. In December last, the 2007batch IRS officer, who was posted as Additional Director General, Directorate of Taxpayer Services in New Delhi, and his aide Kotak snapped business ties with Kapoor following which a notice from the Income Tax Department was issued to the complainant. In his two-page complaint submitted to the Superintendent of Police (SP) of the CBI Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Chandigarh on May 30, a copy of which is with The Tribune, Kapoor wrote that in 2019, Dr Singhal, who was then posted as Joint Commissioner, Customs Department, in Mumbai, approached him and after a few meetings, he (Dr Singhal) entered into master franchisee with M/s La Pino’z Pizza in Mumbai through his partnership firm M/s Parker Impex in the name of his mother Ranjna Singhal and Amit Rattan. “This was followed by other agreements regarding franchisee for two more outlets/stores with M/s Flevaco (partnership firm of Kotak and his mother Godavariben Amulakhbhai Kotak) and an agreement for another outlet/ store with M/s Mohini Hospitality, owned by Komal wife of Kotak,” Kapoor said. He informed the CBI that in 2020, Kotak, who, he said, wasa friend of Dr Singhal, replaced Rattan as partner in the firm. “However, due to unprofessional conduct and material violations of the agreed terms, I had to terminate the agreements with the aforesaid entities in December 20204,” the businessman submitted. Kapoor bought back three outlets and accordingly, his entire business association with the IRS officer and Kotak ended after making full payments and settlements. However, a security amount cheque, which Kapoor claimed was supposed to be returned, was not given back continued on page 3 Dushyant Singh Pundir Tribune News Service Chandigarh, June 3 Owners will be liable to pay compensation in case of dog bite or any damage to property caused by their pets. For better pet management and public safety, the Municipal Corporation (MC) House today approved the final draft of the “Pet and Community Dogs Bylaws 2025”. Laying down stringent responsibilities for the dog owners, the bylaws also restrict access of dogs to several hightraffic and public spaces in the city, including Sukhna Lake, Rock Garden, Leisure Valley, Rose Garden, Fragrance Garden, Shantikunj, Terrace Garden, Mini Rose Garden, Shivalik Garden and any green belt of 20 acres or more. Pet walking will be allowed in regular parks, with a strict requirement for owners to carry poop bags. Registration of pet dogs will also be mandatory and the number of dogs a house can have has also been restricted. A family in a fivemarla house can keep only one pet dog. However, people living on first or second floors can also have one dog each. Similarly, houses measuring from six marla to 12 marla can Congress and AAP councillors hold a protest during the MC General House meeting on Tuesday. TRIBUNE PHOTO: RAVI KUMAR CAP ON NUMBER OF PETS A family in a five-marla house can keep only one pet dog. However, people living on first or second floors can also have one dog each. Similarly, houses measuring from six marla to 12 marla can keep two pets. A family living in a kanal house can have two dogs and one stray dog. The owners of two-kanal houses can have two pets and an equal number of stray dogs. keep two pets. A family living in a kanal house can have two dogs and one stray dog. The owners of two-kanal houses can have two pets and an equal number of stray dogs. Under the new rules, all dogs must be leashed in public spaces, with ferocious breeds also required to wear muzzles. When walking aggressive dogs, the owners must carry a stick as an additional precaution. Failure to control a dog’s behaviour, YEARS IN PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION Estd. 1972 (Chandigarh-Ambala National Highway) DERABASSI, Mohali ADMISSION OPEN ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY SRI SUKHMANI Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Mechanical, Civil, Computer Science, Electrical INTERNATIONALSCHOOL NURSERY TO 10 + 2 (CBSE) M.TECH SWARN PUBLIC SCHOOL, NEW DELHI Computer Science DIPLOMA (CBSE) PARA MEDICAL SRI SUKHMANI INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT, NEW DELHI Mechanical, Civil, Computer Science, Electronics, Electrical B.Sc. MLT M.Sc. MLT B.Sc.Medical Tech.- anesthesia & Operation Tech. B.Sc. Radiology Imaging and Technology PHARMACY PGDM - AICTE Approved INTERNATIONAL POLYTECHNIC FOR WOMEN, NEW DELHI Fashion, Textile, Interiors, NPTT Beauty Fine Arts, Office Management, Media IT AICTE Approved B. Pharmacy D. Pharmacy NURSING GNM. B.Sc. Post Basic M.Sc. LAW BA. LLB. (5 Years). LLB. (3 Years). BDS Bachelor of Dental Surgery MANAGEMENT MBA, MCA, BBA, BCA, M.Com, B.Com (Prof.) HOTEL MANAGEMENT B.Sc. HMCT SPECIAL FEATURES Scan QR Code Multi Speciality Hospital & Medical Facilities Available in Campus High Speed Internet Connectivity 24x7 & Wi-Fi Campus Teaching through Latest Technology Spacious & Air-Conditioned Library AC Class Rooms & Labs State-of-the-art Seminar Halls & Conference Rooms Oldest Group of Colleges in the Region Separate A/C Hostel for Boys & Girls Bank, Café, Medical, Gym, Library & Transportation Facility Collabroration with Foreign Universities Academic-Industry Interaction for Research Students Training and Placement Services Ragging Free Campus CHANDIGARH HEAD OFFICE: SCO 339-340 (Second Floor) Sector 35-B 01762-524805, 506445, 98780-34562, 95010-99999 Email: principal@srisukhmanigroup.edu.in www.srisukhmanigroup.edu.in DELHI OFFICE: A-3, Ring Road, South Extension-I, New Delhi-49 c m y b including acts of aggression or damage, can lead to authorities seizing the pet and imposing penalties on the owner. The bylaws prohibit the disposal of deceased pets in public bins or municipal areas, mandating cremation at authorised facilities or respectful private burials instead. The regulations maintain the existing ban on seven aggressive dog breeds, as per the 2023 Animal Birth continued on page 3
The Tribune, now published from Chandigarh, started publication on February 2, 1881, in Lahore (now in Pakistan). It was started by Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia, a public-spirited philanthropist, and is run by a trust comprising four eminent persons as trustees.
The Tribune, the largest selling daily in North India, publishes news and views without any bias or prejudice of any kind. Restraint and moderation, rather than agitational language and partisanship, are the hallmarks of the paper. It is an independent newspaper in the real sense of the term.
The English edition apart, the 133-year-old Tribune has two sister publications, Punjabi Tribune (in Punjabi) and Dainik Tribune (in Hindi).