Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
Jalandhar, December 29
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MLA Pawan Tinnu today intercepted an overloaded sand tipper on the Jalandhar-Hoshiarpur highway. Even though the tipper was filled with sand almost double its capacity (25 tonnes), it had not been impounded by the police.
The vehicle belongs to Sahara Transport, a firm allegedly owned by Rashpal Singh, posted in the Punjab Armed Police (PAP) here. The modified tipper is in the name of his wife, Sukhwinder Kaur, who works with the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL). Tinnu claimed that over dozens of overloaded tippers were ferrying sand in the area.
Speaking to The Tribune, he said, “When I questioned the traffic police over inaction, I was told that the tipper belonged to a Sub-Inspector posted at PAP. The tipper driver only had a photocopy of the registration certificate. The vehicle also did not have insurance papers.”
While the capacity should not be more than 25 tonnes, the tippers are carrying sand up to 41 tonnes, he alleged.
When questioned, constable Jasbir Singh, who is posted at the Rama Mandi check point, said he had asked the tipper driver to cross the naka “due to congestion” at the check point.
“We do not have the authority to impound the tipper. The power lies with the District Transport Office. We have issued a challan only for not carrying original papers,” said Jasbir. The vehicle was allowed to go by the police.
The MLA took the tipper to the nearest “dharam kanta” at Kangniwal village and got it weighed. While the receipt issued by the mining contractor at Dhagara quarry mentioned the weight to be 41.3 tonnes, when Tinnu got it weighed, it came out to be 55.5 tonnes.
Rashpal could not be contacted. His brother, Bakshish Singh, confirmed that the tippers were owned by the family. Kuldeep Singh, ADGP, PAP, said departmental action would be initiated against the cop, if found guilty. He said Rashpal worked in the motor transport section of the PAP. If he is found indulging in illegal mining, a criminal case can be lodged, the ADGPadded.
