Daily Despatches 8212; Chandigarh

Undertrial escapes from hospital
Patiala: Balbir Singh Bhira, a resident of Bhai Rupa in Bathinda district, who had been transferred from the Central Jail, Patiala, to Government Rajindra Hospital for treatment, made good his escape from a ward of the hospital on Saturday night. Police said he was able to break open his handcuff prior to his escape. Search parties have been deputed to nab the culprit.

Akali Dal SC wing district chief stabbed
Patiala: Sohan Lal Dukhi, district president of the Scheduled Caste wing of Shiromani Akali Dal, was stabbed to death here today when he was opening his dhaba near the local bus stand. Police have registered a case under Section 302/34 of the IPC against Rakesh and Ashok, two brothers, residents of Gandhi Nagar. The search for the killers is on, police said.

Licence of five ration depots cancelled
Roopnagar: Owing to serious irregularities in stocking and sale of essential commodities, the Food and Civil Supplies Department has cancelled the licence of five ration depots, including two cooperative societies in the district. The action follows a spate of raids conducted by the department, according to District Food and Supplies Comtroller Nishan Singh Mullani. The challaned ration depots are at Mohali, Nawangaon, Palheri, Paprala and Singhpur.