Illegal construction continues to haunt Mussoorie”s beauty

Mussoorie (Uttarakhand), May 12 (ANI): Despite the Supreme Court”s ruling in 1994 banning illegal constructions, the illicit constructions in Uttarakhand”s Mussoorie city is reportedly affecting the beauty of the hills.

The illegal construction here had stopped after the apex court”s verdict, but the rich and prosperous businessmen and hoteliers coming from other states continue to indulge in illegal construction.

“Common man is not involved in the illegal construction going on in Mussoorie. They cannot act against the Supreme Court ruling. The illegal construction going on the in the valley is mostly done by the hoteliers and businessmen,” said Anuj Tayal, a resident of Mussoorie.

“They have settled here from other states and it is affecting the beauty of Mussoorie. Environment is also affected by it,” he added.

The residents here claimed the illegal constructions are going on because of the collusion between the government officials and violators of law.

“After the supreme court ban on construction in Mussoorie, illegal construction has increased. Only the locals follow the ruling and for those coming from outside for business and are rich enough it has no meaning,” said Rajat Aggarwal, another resident of Mussoorie.

“Even the government is unable to stop these constructions especially in cases where rich businessmen belonging to other states are involved,” he added.

Mussoorie is a hill station, situated in the foothills of the Himalaya ranges, about thirty-four kilometers from Dehradun. It is also known as the ”Queen of the Hills”. (ANI)

After Ladakh, Chinese incursions now reported in Uttarakhand

Dehradun (Uttarakhand), Sep.13 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal has reportedly informed the Central Government about possible incursions by the Chinese in his state.

Pokhriyal, quoting reports from locals in Rimkhim in Chamoli district, said the Chinese entered the state on September 5 and left behind biscuit packet wrappers and cigarettes.

He informed both Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and the Home Ministry about this development and sought their help in curbing what he calls frequent incursions in his state.

He said, “We have shared the information with the Centre and we have demanded for more patrolling force at the Indo-China border.”

About a fortnight ago that the Chinese had ventured as far as the Pangong Lake in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir. According to reports, Chinese military helicopters had air dropped food packets in the region.

In another provocation, Chinese troops entered 1.5 kilometres into Indian Territory near Mount Gya-recognised as International border by India and China. Chinese troops painted rocks, boulders in Indian Territory red and labeled them “China”. The Chinese Government, however, has denied this charge through its foreign ministry.

Private television channel TIMES NOW quotes the Leh Deputy Commissioner as mentioning in a letter every instance of Chinese incursion and threats to sheperds in the region. The letter states that the Chinese are not only disputing territory, they are actually claiming the land as their own.

China has also raised a stink over proposed visit to Tamang in Arunachal Pradesh by Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. (ANI)

BJP’s ongoing crisis a cause of serious concern, says Khanduri

Dehradun, Aug 25 (ANI): B C Khanduri, senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) here on Tuesday said that the ongoing crisis in the party is a cause of serious concern.

“Keeping in view the BJP’s past record, its discipline, love for the country and people’s faith in the party, whatever is happening right now is a cause of concern. I pray to god that the party regains it past glory and people’s faith be restored like in the past,” Khanduri said.

When asked if the retirement of Atal Bihari Vajpayee from active politics due to ill health may have influenced the functioning of the party, he agreed that it might have affected in some way.

“I have been fortunate enough to have worked with Vajpayee and had his blessings. But as far as the question is concerned that due to his ill heath the BJP has suffered a setback, it’s obvious that if a senior leader stays away from active politics due to ill health or some other reasons, it’s bound to make a difference in the functioning of the party,” he added.

The ongoing turmoil in the BJP has deepened further with senior leader Arun Shourie attacking party president Rajnath and senior leader L K Advani in full media glare.

The party had earlier expelled Jaswant Singh for praising Jinnah in his book “Jinnah – India, Partition, Independence”. (ANI)

HNB Garhwal University ~ H.N.B. Garhwal University PG/Diploma Admissions 2009 ~ Garhwal University

HNB Garhwal University ~ H.N.B. Garhwal University PG/Diploma Admissions 2009 ~ Garhwal University

H.N.B. Garhwal University invites applications from the candidates for admission into following Post Graduate and Diploma Courses for the academic year 2009-10.

A. THROUGH ENTRANCE TESTS CONDUCTED BY THE UNIVERSITY:

Integrated 5 Year M.Sc. Biotechnology, 2 year courses in M.Sc. Microbiology, M.Sc. Environmental Science, M.Sc. Remote Sensing and GIS Application, M.A. Mass Communication, M.A. Yoga and Alternative Therapies, Master of Social Work (MSW), L.L.M., B.P.Ed. (1year), LLB (6 Semesters) and BHM & CT (8 Semesters).

B. THROUGH COUNSELING BASED ON MERIT IN ALL INDIA ADMISSION TESTS:

MBA and MBA Tourism based on MAT Score, B. Pharm and MCA based on UKSEE Score, B. Tech based on AIEEE Score and M. Sc Biotechnology based on JNU-DBT Score.

General Information :

(i) For information regarding syllabii of entrance examination, eligibility, age , nature of courses (general or self finance) candidates may visit the University Website www.uttara.in/hnbgu
(ii) The University reserves the right not to run a Course. Mere appearance at the entrance exam does not entitle a candidate for admission into a course unless the stipulated conditions are satisfied .
(iii) Reservation & Relaxation will be applicable as per Government of India and UGC rules.
(iv) Entrance Examinations will be held at Srinagar (Garhwal), Dehradun and Delhi. The University reserves the right to cancel any of the centers and allot nearer centre for applicants of the centre cancelled.
(v) Cost of Application Forms:
· Rs 500/- for General Candidates & Rs 300/- for SC/ST.

Application Forms with Information Brochure can be obtained in person from University Cash Counter, HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar Garhwal and University Sub-Office, Bindal Bridge, Dehradun, Uttarakhand against cash payment or by sending a crossed demand draft drawn on any Nationalised Bank in favor of Finance Officer, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Srinagar (Garhwal) -246 174 (Branch Code 10583) Request for all the application forms by post should be made along with a (30x 25 cm) self addressed stamped envelope bearing postage stamp of Rs 30/- for Registered/Speed Post.

The application forms can also be downloaded from the University website www. uttara.in/hnbgu. Duly filled in such applications can be sent enclosing a DD of Rs 500 & Rs 300. Cheques / Money Orders/ Postal Orders shall not be accepted for the purpose. Incomplete applications and forms received after the last date will be rejected. Duly completed applications should be sent to: Dean Student Welfare (DSW), H.N.B. Garhwal Universit y, Srinagar (Garhwal)-246 174, Uttarakhand

Important Dates:

Commencement of counter sale of Application Forms 15 June, 2009
Last Date of Submission of Application Forms 11 July, 2009
Date of Entrance Exam for Category A 26 July, 2009
Counseling Date for B Category To be intimated by the respective departments
For more info Contact No. 01346-252210, 252175, 252328 /0135-2625694

Murder case filed against 14 policemen involved in alleged fake encounter

Dehradun, July 7 (ANI): The Uttarakhand Police on Tuesday registered a murder case against all policemen allegedly involved in the recent encounter death of Ranbir Singh, a 24-year-old management student in the state capital.

Singh was killed in the encounter that took place in Dehradun, the provincial capital of Uttrakhand state on Friday.

A case under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was registered against all the policemen on the basis of complaint lodged by RP Singh, the victim’s father.

“First it will be our aim to investigate the case in a transparent manner. Government has already ordered a CID (crime investigation department) probe in this case which has been registered yesterday… we have already sent our permission for CID investigation,” said Abhinav Kumar, senior superintendent of police, Dehradun.

The post-mortem report said there were 12 bullet marks on Singh’s body, indicating that he was fired at from a close range.

Meanwhile, a 15-member team of provincial Crime Investigation Department (CID) has started investigations.

“The investigation of the case has been handed to CID (crime investigation department) and a 15-member team has started its investigations,” said Vimla Gunjyal, assistant superintendent of police, CID.

Ranbir was riding a motorcycle with his two friends when a police team stopped him at a check post.

Police alleged that the three men got into an altercation with a sub-inspector who had asked them to stop and then fled into a nearby forest after snatching his service revolver.

In the ensuing encounter, Ranbir was gunned down while the other two managed to escape, police said. (ANI)

Dehradun encounter: Case registered against six policemen

Dehradun, July 7 (ANI): A case has been registered against six policemen involved in the alleged fake encounter that resulted in the killing of Ranbir Singh, a 24-year-old MBA student.

An FIR under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was registered against them.

On the basis of a complaint by Ranbir’s father, Rabindra Pal Singh, an FIR has also been registered against two-DSPs Ajay Kumar and G C Tamta.

Ranbir’s family has demanded a CBI inquiry into the incident. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhariyal Nishank has said the State Government is ready to undertake a CBI investigation.

Earlier, Nishank had ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident.

The body of Ranbir bore 12 bullet marks and 27 other injures, suggesting that he may have been tortured before his death.

According to the post-mortem report, the 12 bullet marks revealed that Ranbir was fired at close range.

Ranbir was riding a motorcycle with his two friends when the police stopped him at a check post.

Police alleged that the three men got into an altercation with a sub-inspector who had asked them to stop and then fled into a nearby forest after snatching his service revolver.

In the ensuing encounter, Ranbir was gunned down while the other two managed to escape. (ANI)

Dehradun encounter victim may have been tortured: Post-mortem report

Dehradun, July 5 (ANI): The body of Ranbir Singh, a 24-year-old MBA student, who was killed in the encounter by the Dehradun Police, bore 12 marks of bullets and 27 other injures, casting doubts that he may have been tortured before death.

According to a post-mortem report, 12 bullet marks revealed that Singh was fired from close range.

In another development, Singh’s family today demanded a CBI inquiry. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhariyal Nishank had ordered a high-level inquiry into the killing of a MBA student in an encounter by the Dehradun Police.

Showing its support, the Congress also sought an inquiry by the central agency.

Ranbir Singh was killed in the encounter that took place here on Friday. He was riding a motorcycle with his two friends when the police stopped him at a check post.

Police alleged the three men got into an altercation with a sub-inspector who had asked them to stop and then fled into a nearby forest after snatching his service revolver.

In the ensuing encounter, Ranbir was gunned down while the other two managed to escape. (ANI)

CB-CID inquiry ordered into Dehradun’s police encounter case

Dehradun, July 5 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhariyal Nishank has ordered a high-level inquiry into the killing of a MBA student in an encounter by the Dehradun Police.

“We are considering a high-level inquiry. I had ordered a magisterial inquiry and handed it over to the Additional District Magistrate. We will hand over the inquiry to the Crime Branch-Crime Investigation Department,” said Nishank.

Ranbir Singh, a 24-year-old MBA student, was killed in the encounter that took place here on Friday.

The body was handed over to his relatives after post mortem on Saturday.

Ranbir’s brother said that the victim was innocent and was framed.

“Now when the police is returning the body, they had marked the body as a criminal, but later they corrected it. This means, he was not a criminal. They had framed him,” said Sandeep, Ranbir’s brother.

Police had earlier claimed Ranbir to be a criminal.

Ranbir was riding a motorcycle with his two friends when the police stopped him at a check post.

Police alleged the three men got into an altercation with a sub-inspector who had asked them to stop and then fled into a nearby forest after snatching his service revolver.

In the ensuing encounter, Ranbir was gunned down while the other two managed to escape. (ANI)

Parents cry foul over police gunning of their MBA son

Dehradun (Uttaranchal), July 4 (ANI): Parents of an MBA student who was allegedly shot dead by police in an encounter, are crying foul.

Twenty-two year-old Ranbir Singh’s parents said on Saturday that there son had no criminal background and his killing was a clear case of mistaken identity.

Singh was shot dead on Friday in the Ladpur jungles.

The state’s Principal Secretary (Home), Subhash Kumar, said that a magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the incident.

Senior Superintendent of Police (Dehradun) said Singh was riding a motor cycle along with two others and snatched the revolver of a constable when their two-wheeler was stopped during a checking of vehicles in view of president Pratibha Patil’s visit.

His inconsolable parents maintained his innocence and demanded that his criminal record be shown to them.

The police just killed him to get (gallantry) medals. And the police are threatening me now,” his father said.

Uttarakhand Inspector General of Police N A Ganapati said the three boys were asked to stop by G D Bhatt, a sub-inspector at Dalanwala area. When the police searched their bag, a weapon was found in it, he said, adding that the boys overpowered Bhatt, snatched his revolver and fled.

When the SI flashed a message over the wireless, the boys were intercepted at another place and there was an encounter in which Ranbir was killed, Ganapati said.(ANI)

President to inaugurate golden jubilee celebrations of IAS academy today

Mussoorie, July 4 (ANI): President Pratibha Patil will inaugurate the golden jubilee celebrations of the Lal Bahaddur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie today.

The Lal Bahaddur Shastri National Academy of Administration is the apex training institution for civil service officers.

The President reached Dehradun on Friday for her three-day visit to Uttarakhand state. Governor and B.L. Joshi, Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal welcomed her at the Jolly Grant airport.

The President will attend a dinner hosted by Uttarakhand Governor B L Joshi in her honour this evening.

On Sunday, Patil is scheduled to visit the Badrinath and Kedarnath shrines before returning to New Delhi. (ANI)

50 railway stations to be of world standard

New Delhi, July 3 (ANI): Presenting the Railway Budget 2009-10, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee today said that about 50 stations are to be developed into world class stations with international level facilities.

Banerjee said that these stations would be developed through innovative financing and in Public Private Partnership mode.

Some of these stations are: CST Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Howrah, Sealdah, Bhubaneswar, New Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Amritsar, Kanpur, Guwahati, Jaipur, Chennai Central, Tiruvananthapuram Central, Secunderabad, Tirupati, Bangalore City, Baiyapanahali (Bangalore), Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Habibganj, Gaya Jn., Agra Cantt., Mathura Jn., Chandigarh, Kolkata, New Jalpaiguri, Majerhat, Mangalore, Porbandar, Anand Vihar, Brijwasan, Ajmer and Puri.

Banerjee also announced the construction of Multi-Functional Complexes (MFCs) in station premises for providing rail users facilities like shopping, food stalls and restaurants.

The MFCs will also have book stalls, PCO/STD/ISD/Fax booths, medicine, budget hotels and underground parking.

She said that during this year, 50 such railway stations would be developed in places of pilgrimage, industry and tourist interest. “The responsibility for development of Multi-functional Complexes would be entrusted to IRCON and Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA),” she added.

The 49 identified stations to be developed as MFCs are: Alipurduar, Allahabad, Anandpur Sahib, Banspani, Bikaner, Bilaspur, Cuttack, Darjeeling, Dehradun, Digha, Durg, Ernakulum, Gandhidham, Ganga Sagar, Ghatsila, Gwalior, Hajur Sahib, Hubli, Hyderabad, Indore, Jabalpur, Jammu Tawi, Jasidih, Jhansi, Jodhpur, Kanyakumari, Kathgodam, Katra, Khajuraho, Madurai, Manmad, Mysore, Nanded, Nasik, Palakkad, Parasnath, Raebareily, Raipur, Rajgir, Rameshwaram, Ranchi, Shirdi, Silchar, Tarapith, Tiruchirapalli, Udaipur, Ujjain, Vadodara and Visakhapatnam. (ANI)

300,000 flowers will blossom in Delhi during Commonwealth Games

New Delhi, July 1 (IANS) Colourful and fragrant flowers will make Delhi bloom during the Commonwealth Games next year. Scientists at the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun are busy developing new species of over 300,000 flowering plants for the games.

The FRI has been entrusted with the job by the Delhi government to make the city look beautiful during the games. India has already declared it will host the first ever green Commonwealth Games (CWG) in 2010.

“We are in the process of developing special species of flowers for the games. We have been given the task of providing over 300,000 potted flowering plants. The work of developing new species of flowers has already started,” S.S. Negi, director of FRI, told IANS over phone.

The institute has selected the species of flowering plants keeping in mind the climatic conditions in the national capital in the month of October, when the games next year are scheduled.

“Our prime focus is to develop species that can flower in a month’s time and stay fresh for long. The work is on at our central nursery in the FRI and we will test the samples in Delhi this year,” Negi said.

The FRI is also developing a bamboo park called ‘bamboo-setum’ near the games village.

“The bamboo park will have more than 75 varieties of bamboo found across the globe. The plantation work has already started in 60 hectares of land just behind the Rajghat in Delhi,” said Negi.

The FRI has also been assigned the task of giving clearance to the green games village being developed by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).

“The Ministry of Environment and Forests has entrusted the FRI with the job to check the DDA’s green games village project. We have received a detailed layout from the DDA and have suggested some modifications like plantation in open spaces, lawn area and in some more areas,” explained Negi.

The Commonwealth Games Organising Committee has a strategic understanding with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to fulfil the Green Games mandate.

The committee has already started work on various aspects for making the sports extravaganza carbon free.

“Each one of us has a role to play to ensure that India hosts the first green Commonwealth Games. There have been green Olympics but this has not been the case with the Commonwealth Games. We have begun with the Thyagaraj stadium and Games Village and will make sure that every stadium in the country is environment friendly,” Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi said.

Some of the measures being instituted include energy conservation through energy efficiency means, bio-diverse afforestation, an anti-litter campaign, waste management and spreading general awareness about environmental issues.

Uttarakhand ministry expanded

Dehradun, July 1 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank on Wednesday inducted eight new ministers, including four Cabinet ministers. This has taken the strength of the Uttarakhand Ministry to 12.

State Governor B.L. Joshi administered the oath of office and secrecy to Prakash Pant, Diwakar Bhatt, Trivendra Singh Rawat and Rajendra Singh Bhandari (all Cabinet ministers) and Vijaya Barthawal, Govind Singh Bist, Khajan Singh and Balwant Singh Bhoryal (all ministers of states).

Bist and Barthawal have been inducted as Ministers of State with independent charge.

Major Gen (retired) B C Khanduri resigned as chief minister owning moral responsibility for the party’s poor performance in Uttarakhand in the recent general elections. (ANI)

Ramesh Pokhariyal sworn-in as Uttarakhand Chief Minister

Dehradun, June 27 (ANI): Ramesh Pokhariyal was sworn-in as the fifth Chief Minister of Uttarakhand today.

He was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor BL Joshi at a function organised at Raj Bhavan here.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Rajnath Singh, senior party leader M M Joshi, Yoga guru Baba Ramdev and Chidanand Muni of Parmarth Niketan ashram were also present during the ceremony.

Three MLAs-Matbar Singh Kandari, Bishan Singh Chufal and Madan Kaushik-also took oath as cabinet ministers.

Pokhriyal was elected leader of the BJP Legislative Party after the resignation of B C Khanduri.

He staked a claim to form the new government after Khanduri resigned on Thursday owning moral responsibility for the BJP’s poor performance in the recent general election in Uttarakhand. (ANI)

Pokhriyal to assume office of Uttarakhand Chief Minister today

New Delhi, June27 (ANI): Ramesh Pokhriyal will be sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Uttarakhand today.

The writer – journalist turned politician, will be the state’s fifth chief minister. He will be sworn in by state Governor B L Joshi in Dehradun.

Pokhriyal was elected leader of the BJP Legislative Party after the resignation of Maj. Gen (Retd) B C Khanduri.

He staked a claim to form the new government after Khanduri resigned on Thursday owning moral responsibility for the BJP’s poor performance in the recent general election in Uttarakhand. (ANI)

Civic body employees’ strike disrupts normal life in Uttarakhand

Dehradun, June 19 (ANI): Normal life has been badly disrupted following an indefinite strike by civic body employees, causing acute water shortage and leading to growing garbage dumps in various parts of Uttarakhand.
Tourists and local residents are bearing the brunt of the ongoing strike as there is acute water shortage and accumulation of garbage dumps in the city.

“We are facing lot of problems. Water comes in the morning and that too for one hour. After one hour it stops coming and the water pressure is also very less. We don’t get any water to drink. There is growing garbage dump and no cleanliness. Also, there is power shortage. What should we do in such condition?” said Sushma, a local resident in Dehradun.

Even the supply of drinking water bottles in the market has run out due to heavy demand.

On Thursday, striking employees gathered at Gandhi Park in Dehradun city and raised anti-government slogans.

The agitating employees demanded implementation of Sixth Pay Commission recommendations and pledged to continue the strike until their demands were met.

“Our demands are first, that there should be no disparity in the payments or salaries of employees and recommendations of sixth pay commission should be implemented. Second, daily wage workers and PTC workers should be regularised. Third, pension and other allowances of all civic body workers should be at par with the state employees. Fourth, appointment should be made for all vacant posts that are vacant for past several years,” said Bhupindar, State President of Local Bodies Association.

The employees belonged to Uttarakhand civic bodies Dehradun Municipal Corporation, Jal Sansthan, and Panchayats. (ANI)

Five swine flue suspects quarantined in Dehradun

Dehradun, June 19 (ANI): Five more people on Friday were quarantined in Dehradun for showing swine flu like symptoms.

A couple and their three children, had just returned from a South Asian tour.

“We first went to Singapore, then to Malaysia and then via Thailand came to New Delhi on 17. My children complained of sore throat. So I came here for a precautionary check up. When I told the hospital authorities that I have come from aboard, then they asked us not to leave and stay in the hospital,” said J. S. Rathod, a swine flue suspects.

The doctors said they have admitted them as a precautionary measure and have sent their test reports for examination.

“They have swine flu like symptoms and we have called as precautionary measure admitted them in isolation wards in the hospital. We have informed the CMO (Chief Medical Officer). They have sent pathologists National Institute of Communicable Disease and the report is awaited by the evening, ” said K. C. S. RAWAT, chief of medical superintendent.

The total number of positive cases in the country has gone up to 44.

Earlier, the World Health Organisation had said that world was closer to a pandemic.

Reportedly, H1N1 has infected almost 30,000 people in over 70 countries including 145 fatal cases. (ANI)

Drugged foreign tourists discharged from hospital

Panchkula (Haryana), May 27 (IANS) Two British women, who were drugged by unidentified men in a Dehradun-Chandigarh train Tuesday, were discharged from a hospital here Wednesday, an official of the Government Railway Police (GRP) said.

According to officials, two sisters, Sophie, 22, and Charlotte, 25, who are in India on tourist visa, were coming from Haridwar in the train when they were drugged by co-passengers.

“The girls were offered tea laced with sedatives by their co-passengers near Ambala. On reaching Chandigarh, one of them fainted while her companion informed the GRP officials. Subsequently both of them were admitted to a hospital in Sector-6,” Tirath Ram, investigating officer of the case, told IANS.

“After treatment, they have been discharged by the doctors today (Wednesday) and we have recorded their statements. Their luggage is intact,” said Ram.

There were two more women in the train who were also drugged. They are also admitted to the same hospital, he added.

“We are waiting for the other two women to regain consciousness so that we can record their statements,” Ram said.

Uttarakhand CM Khanduri likely to resign over poll debacle

Dehradun, May 19 (ANI): After the disastrous performance of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Uttarakhand in the Lok Sabha polls, State Chief Minister B. C. Khanduri is likely to resign from his post.ccording to BJP sources, a section of party MLAs led by former Chief Minister Bhagat Singh Koshiyari has launched a renewed move against Khanduri to remove him from the state’s top job.

Earlier, Khanduri had come under fire from various quarters, including state party leadership and MLAs soon after BJP’s debacle in Uttarakhand where it lost all the five Lok Sabha seats to Congress.

It is still not clear as to who would be the choice for the next Chief Minister in case Khanduri resigned.

State Health Minister Ramesh Pokhariyal Nishank, State Tourism Minister Prakash Pant and Koshiyari are among the front-runners for the state’s top job. (ANI)

Violent incidents mar final phase of polling

New Delhi, May 13 (ANI): On the final day of polling for the Lok Sabha elections, incidents of violence were reported from 24-Parganas district of West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnore and Uttarakhand’s Dehradun.

A Trinamool Congress worker, Shaminul Haque, was killed hours before polling began and at least 10 others were injured in clashes with CPM activists at Baliguri under Barasat Parliamentary constituency.

Workers of the BJP and the Congress clashed in Dehradun.

The BJP MLA from Tehri, Dinesh Joshi, had allegedly brought army officials to cast their votes.

“The Representation of People Act says that you cannot get people to vote like that. The use of government vehicles is prohibited even if it is an army vehicle. This is a clear-cut violation of the code of conduct,” said Congress candidate Vijay Bahuguna.

The polling had to be stopped for over an hour because of the clash.

“They think that the army vote is going to the Bharatiya Janata Party. So they are thinking it will be their loss. The voting has been stopped since then, for an hour almost,” said, Dinesh Joshi of BJP.

An incident of breaking of an electronic voting machine was reported in Bijnor district of Uttar Pradesh. (ANI)