Background of the Case

A head constable named Ram Kumar from the UT Police was convicted for corruption. The Chandigarh Head Constable Convicted received a sentence of seven years. The case was handled by a special judge, Alka Malik, in a CBI court in Chandigarh

The case began when a woman named Anita, along with her neighbor Swaran Kaur and another person named Satya Tiwari, filed a complaint against Kumar. They said he demanded bribes during his work. These three people were important witnesses in the case.

What Happened in Court?

Recently, Judge Alka Malik initiated perjury proceedings against Swaran Kaur and Satya Tiwari. Perjury is when someone lies after taking an oath in court. It is a serious offense in the legal system.

The judge issued show-cause notices to both witnesses, asking them to explain why they misled the court with false evidence. They were told to appear in court on September 1 for further investigation.

Details on the Testimonies

Witness Testimony from Swaran Kaur

Swaran Kaur claimed she went to the CBI office at Anita’s request. She said people from her village pushed her to complain. They wanted to avoid paying any money to Kumar for expenses related to his work in Chhattisgarh.

However, during cross-examination, she couldn’t stick to her story. She admitted that her claim about the written complaint being dictated by CBI officials was false. Judge Malik pointed out that it made no sense for her to wait for eight years without telling anyone the complaint was false. This raised serious doubts about her credibility.

Witness Testimony from Satya Tewari

Satya Tewari also testified. She accompanied Anita to the CBI office on May 19, 2017, when the complaint was filed. However, she claimed Kumar did not ask for bribes. The judge found her statement inconsistent.

The court noted that Satya’s testimony was full of contradictions. Even though she was supposed to tell the truth, she did not maintain her oath. Judge Malik stated it was clear from her testimony that the complaint made by Swaran and Anita was not coerced but was falsely represented during the trial.

The Importance of Witness Credibility

This case highlights serious issues with witness reliability in Chandigarh and Punjab. For many years, corruption has been a big problem in these areas. Anti-corruption agencies like the CBI face challenges in getting truthful information and reliable witnesses.

Judge Malik emphasized the need to address perjury seriously. She stressed that courts should take stronger action against false testimonies to protect the justice system from being manipulated.

The Role of Law in Corruption Cases

Corruption affects many people in Punjab. Cases like Ram Kumar’s reveal a troubling trend in public trust towards law enforcement. When witnesses do not tell the truth, it can lead to wrongful convictions or let guilty people go free.

Numerous high-profile corruption cases in Punjab have raised questions about how effectively the CBI can do its job. Trust in law enforcement is key for a just society. If people believe they cannot rely on the witnesses or the legal system, they may be less willing to report corruption.

Conclusion

However, the CBI court’s actions against Swaran Kaur and Satya Tewari send a strong message in the case where the Chandigarh Head Constable was Convicted of corruption. It shows that lying under oath has serious consequences. It also highlights the importance of honest testimonies in ensuring justice.

Moreover, as the case goes forward, it serves as a reminder of the need for a transparent and trustworthy system. Only with reliable witnesses can we hope to tackle corruption effectively in Punjab and beyond.

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Bridge Danger: A Warning from IIT Roorkee

LUDHIANA: The Shaheed Bhagat Singh Memorial Bridge is important. It connects the Malwa and Doaba regions of Punjab and helps vehicles travel to Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. However, recent reports have declared the Sutlej Bridge Unsafe for Heavy Vehicles, raising serious concerns about safety and transport.

Sadly, a recent report from IIT Roorkee says the bridge is not safe. They found out that the bridge slab has serious problems. The Public Works Department (PWD) has confirmed these findings. The bridge is located on the border of Ludhiana and SBS Nagar District (also known as Nawanshahr District).

History of Issues

The bridge has been facing problems for a while. Cracks appeared in the bridge slab in 2016, 2018, 2021, and again in 2024. The cracks have raised worries about the safety of the bridge. Many heavy vehicles travel over this bridge. After the cracks were detected, officials decided to ban heavy vehicles from using it.

Himanshu Nahar, the Sub Divisional Engineer in Nawanshahr, says the engineering team from IIT Roorkee investigated. Officials asked IIT Roorkee engineers to look at the damage and suggest solutions, and the team shared their report last month. A senior government team will now decide what to do next.

Details of the Report

The IIT Roorkee report points out that the top deck of the bridge has a lot of damage. It mentions, “The bridge over the River Sutlej at Machhiwara indicated distress of the top deck.” During the inspection, the team saw that parts of the deck were breaking down.

The report concludes that fixing the bridge may not be possible. It suggests dismantling the critical spans of the bridge. The team also recommends evaluating the remaining parts to see if they can be saved for a new design.

Impact on Local Traffic

Because of this situation, heavy vehicles have been banned from using the bridge. Now, only small vehicles, like cars, can use it. This situation causes a lot of trouble for local transporters.

• The bridge is 716 meters long.
• Heavy traffic stopped, forcing transporters to use longer, more expensive routes.

Balwinder Singh is a transporter from the Machhiwara area. He used to send his vehicles through this bridge regularly. Now, he has to take longer paths to reach Himachal Pradesh and other nearby areas. Balwinder is worried. He says, “The authorities need to fix this bridge. We need a safe way for heavy vehicles again.”

Another local resident, Shiv Kumar, feels the impact too. He explains the problem clearly. “Commercial vehicles now take longer routes, which means we burn more fuel and spend more money,” he says. This makes life harder for everyone who relies on this bridge.

The Call for Action

The local community wants the government to act quickly. They hope to see either repairs to the bridge or a new structure built soon. This will help many people who depend on this important link. Transporters face extra costs and travel time because of the ban on heavy vehicles.

As discussions continue, it is clear that the local users and authorities must work together. The safety and convenience of transport must be the priority. The Shaheed Bhagat Singh Memorial Bridge is not just a crossing; it is a vital connection for many lives.

The Way Forward

The government is now facing a challenge after reports declared the Sutlej Bridge unsafe for heavy vehicles. They have to decide how to make the bridge safe again. It needs careful planning and consultation with engineering experts. Any plans must consider the needs of local transporters and residents.

Community input will be important in the coming days. Feedback from users like Balwinder and Shiv Kumar can guide the decisions made by officials. A successful outcome will benefit the entire region, ensuring smooth transportation and a safer route for everyone.

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Introduction

Lord Swraj Paul, a well-known industrialist and philanthropist, passed away in London at the age of 94. He died on Thursday evening surrounded by his family.

Early Life

Lord Swraj Paul was born in Jalandhar, Punjab. His journey to success began when he moved to the UK in 1966. He went there to seek medical treatment for his daughter, Ambika, who was diagnosed with leukaemia. Sadly, she passed away, which left a significant mark on his life.

Career and Achievements

After facing personal loss, Lord Paul focused on building a future for himself and his family. He founded the Caparo Group of Industries, which grew into a global business. This group became well-known for its work in various fields such as:

• Steel
• Engineering
• Property

Under his leadership, Caparo expanded its reach and became a significant player in the industry. Lord Paul’s keen business sense helped him achieve great success.

Political Influence

In 1996, Lord Paul was honored with a life peerage. This means he became a member of the House of Lords, which is part of the UK Parliament. While there, he took part in important discussions and decisions. He worked on various committees focused on:

• Trade
• Education
• Entrepreneurship

His insights contributed to shaping policies that affected many people in Britain and India.

Promoting Indo-British Relations

Lord Paul was dedicated to strengthening the relationship between India and Britain. He understood the importance of these ties. Through his work, he promoted cultural exchanges and business partnerships. He believed that both countries could benefit from each other.

Philanthropy and Community Work

In addition to his business achievements, Lord Paul was committed to helping others. He donated generously to causes related to:

• Education
• Healthcare

His philanthropic work aimed to improve the lives of many people. One of his notable contributions was to the London Zoo. When the zoo faced the risk of closure, he stepped in to help. His support was crucial in saving the children’s section and other areas of the zoo.

A Legacy of Inspiration

Lord Swraj Paul was not only a successful businessman but also a role model. He rose to become one of Britain’s richest Asians. His journey from Jalandhar to the House of Lords is an inspiration for many. He showed that with determination and hard work, anyone can achieve their dreams.

Over the years, he remained an influential figure in business, politics, and philanthropy. Many people looked up to him, and his work continues to make a positive impact.

Conclusion

The passing of Lord Swraj Paul leaves a void in both the business and philanthropic communities. His life story connects India and Britain. He showed that compassion, dedication, and hard work can truly change lives. He will always be remembered for his contributions and the legacy he leaves behind.

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