World’s Largest Chain of Eye Care Hospitals

Group plans to open 5  more hospitals in Punjab

Ludhiana, 31st October, 2011:The Chennai based Vasan Eye Care group promoted by Dr A.M. Arun, which is world’s  largest  network of eye care hospitals, is opening up another Superspeciality eye hospital in Ludhiana . The group  has plans to open 5  more hospitals in Punjab including Chandigarh, in the first phase. This was stated today by Mr. S. Sudheer, Director Operations , on the  Pooja ceremony organized at  Ludhiana site to mark the opening of the Hospital.
According to Dr A M Arun, Chairman, Vasan Eye Care,  this is the first step in a series of launches that will make Vasan Eye Care’s services available to every person in the region. Ludhiana being a hub of intense industrial activities, we hope our affordable eye care solutions will benefit the society. We plan to expand our service to the rest of the regions of North India, bring the Vasan Eye Care brand to a 125 hospitals strong enterprise,” He also said that the group has massive expansion plans across Punjab, in both urban and rural areas so as to enable different sections of society to get world class eye care at their neighborhood. Hospital projects in  Jalandhar and Amritsar are also on the verge of completion and the operations will start soon.

Mr. Sudheer, informed that the new  hospital at Ludhiana is spread across 18200 sqft space and is strategically located on Ferozpur road opposite Punjab Agricultural University Gate No-1 . It will be  a super specialty hub with cutting edge technology and super specialist doctors. The hospital will have 7 super specialty ophthalmologists and host all the technology for eye care. The centre will have 5 state of the art Operation Theatres, diagnostic stations, optical outlet, various clinics and Pharmacy, etc. The hospital will have services spanning across 38 eye care specialties and include treatments for Cataract (MICS), advanced treatments for Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy, Lasik Laser Treatment for freedom from glasses and contact lens, Computer Vision Syndrome Clinic, Cosmetic Clinic, and much more. There will be exclusive departments for Diabetic Eye Care, Pediatric Eye Care.

Dr. Bedi was awarded the prestigious best paper award

Vascular disease is a major health problem in India
The total number of cases over 42 million

Dr Harinder Singh Bedi – Head of the Cardio  Vascular & Thoracic Surgery Department of the Christian Medical College & Hospital – was awarded the prestigious best paper award at the Vascular Society of India Conference in Mumbai .
Dr Bedi told that numerous International & National Experts from UK, USA, Germany and all over India gathered at this conference to discuss the latest in the management of vascular diseases.  Vascular disease is a major health problem in India . 1 in 20 people over 50 years of age have vascular disease -  the total number of cases being over 42 million. Vascular disease is not just "poor circulation." Vascular disease comes in various forms: peripheral arterial disease affects the arteries taking blood to the arms and the legs, carotid artery disease affects the arteries taking blood to the brain, and renal artery disease limits the blood flow to the kidneys causing high blood pressure or renal  failure.

Prof Peter McCollum – Prof of Vascular Surgery from UK - led the eminent panel of 6 International judges.  45 papers had been chosen for the Challenging case session. Dr Bedi spoke about a very challenging case of renal failure – Mr Suwinder Singh a 65 year old gentleman - who had previous shunt procedures -  in various hospitals in Chandigarh and Delhi -  for hemodialysis . He developed complications due to which the dialysis shunt had to be modified many times so that finally it produced the complication of gangrene in the hands . The dilemma was how to save the hand and at the same time have a functioning shunt as the patient needed twice a week hemodialysis to keep him alive. An innovative hybrid endovascular procedure was done and a stent put in his hand artery to prevent amputation . A new shunt using an imported graft was constructed in the leg. This functioned well and the dialysis was successfully carried out via this graft in Chandigarh.  Dr Bedi told that the CTVS Dept of CMC & H was referred complicated cases of dialysis graft failures from all over Punjab  - but this case was the most challenging. The judges panel and the audience appreciated the paper and it was awarded.

Dr Abraham G Thomas – Director of CMC & H – told that the CTVS Dept of CMC was one of the oldest in the country and treatment of all vascular disorders was being done here with the latest techniques including endovascular ones.

Libyans Must Make a Complete Break From Culture of Repression and Abuse, with End of Gaddafi Regime, Says Amnesty International

"Colonel al-Gaddafi’s death must not stop his victims in Libya from seeing justice being done

(New York) – Libya must make a complete break from its past culture of abuse and repression, and demand a full accounting of decades of human rights abuses, with the reported death and end of the regime of Colonel Mu'ammar al-Gaddafi,  Amnesty International said today.
“The legacy of repression and abuse from Colonel Mu'ammar al-Gaddafi's rule will not end until there is a full accounting for the past and human rights are embedded in Libya's new institutions,” said Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, deputy director of the  Middle East and North Africa program at Amnesty International.

"Colonel al-Gaddafi’s death must not stop his victims in Libya from seeing justice being done. The many Libyan officials suspected of serious human rights violations committed during and before this year's uprising, including the infamous Abu Salim prison massacre in 1996, must answer for their crimes."

"The new authorities must make a complete break from the culture of abuse that Colonel al-Gaddafi’s regime perpetuated and initiate the human rights reforms that are urgently needed in the country."

Amnesty International called on the transition authorities to disclose publicly how Colonel al-Gaddafi died, making the full facts available to the Libyan people.

The organization said it was essential to conduct a full, independent and impartial inquiry to establish the circumstances of Colonel al-Gaddafi’s death.

Amnesty International called on the NTC to ensure that all individuals  suspected of human rights abuses and war crimes, including Colonel al-Gaddafi's inner circle and family members, are treated humanely and, if captured, given fair trials. 

Amnesty International is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning grassroots activist organization with more than 2.8 million supporters, activists and volunteers in more than 150 countries campaigning for human rights worldwide. The organization investigates and exposes abuses, educates and mobilizes the public, and works to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied. 

# # #

Dr. Sunaina from CDC brings laurels to the State

“Best All India Post Graduate Student at the Annual BiteIn Awards 2011”Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria
Ludhiana// October 19, 2011 // 
In the second season of the BITEIN DENTAL AWARDS, held at Melhua, The Fern an ecotel at Hiranadani Gardens, Powai, Mumbai on October 2011, eleven awards were given to outstanding people in the field of dentistry. Dr. Sunaina Jodka MDS, who just completed her post-graduation from Christian Dental College, CMC, Ludhiana was one of the final four nominees in the category of the “Best All India Post Graduate Student at the Annual BiteIn Awards 2011”.

On this occasion, Dr. Abi M. Thomas, Principal, Christian Dental College congratulated Dr. Sunaina and said that, “to be among the top four post graduate dental students among more than two thousand post graduates from all over the country is a remarkable achievement”. The criterion for selection was based on the overall performance during the post graduate course.

Christian Dental College, CMC is running the post graduate programme in the field of Pediatric Dentistry since 2002 and is catering to specialized dental care for children. Dr. Sunaina had also won the best paper award at the National Pediatric Dentistry (ISPPD) conference held at Hyderabad at 2009.

More than Two Million Bogus Students on role

VJAS moved PMO for CBI probe in fact finding report
Rs.20 thousand crore scam
Nagpur –18th October 2011:

Vidarbha Janandolan Samiti (VJAS ) has moved PMO urging him for the CBI probe on the shocking fact finding report of mega survey done by Maharashtra Govt. from 3rd October to 5 october of this year which was being tabled before the Maharashtra Govt. cabinet on 19th October in order to check the truth strength of students and to know the exact truth of the role of the students on which state is spending more than Rs.10,000 crore as grant-aid after the Maharashtra cabinet took decision on report submitted by as Dr Shrikar Pardeshi—District Collector of Nanded in Maharashtra who undertook such survey in his district from 6 to 10 september and found more than 1 lakh 40 thousand as bogus and school are getting the aid on the basis of this fraudulent students ,it is estimated that final report of state level survey revealed the shocking fact that in a progressive state like maharshtra has made completely mockery of “Sarwashkisha Abhiyan” and ther are more than 2 million student found missing from school and they in fact bogus and shown in order to get aid and staff salary which is practice continued since 1985 after state Gvot flooded the Govt. aided school opened by MLA/Ministers of ruling parties and more than Rs.20 thousand crore is amount of mega scam which likely to be largest scam of the Maharashtra after it’s formation since 1960, Kishore Tiwari of Vidarbha Janandolan Samiti informed in press release today.
“We are following the survey since it was initiated in Nanded District popularly known as ‘Pat Tapasani’ and ,we are finiated with the response of state Govt. after the report Nanded was submitted to state cabinet who decided to conduct it throughout state and it was done in Maharashtra with help of more than 1 lakhs staff and police force between 3rd and 5th October even after lot of efforts of local politicians ,final report shows that in Maharashtra more than 2million students are bogus and each year the school management are getting bogus grant to tune of more than Rs.2200 crore amounting to tune of Rs.20 thousands crore in last 15 years hence only CBI probe can bring truth and book all culprit who have mockery of education in Maharashtra. we are expecting the Maharashtra chief minister prathiraj chavan who has ordered such massive survey and brought the truth before nation will ask centre for the CBI probe in alleged irregularities and this bogus student scam” Tiwari added.
In a representation it is allged that initial district administration of Nanded conducted school wise survey to find out the exact number of students in government-aided schools in his district, little did he know that the statistics would be a shocker. In the 3,475 schools inspected, about 140,000 students were found to be bogus and nearly 4,000 excess teachers were found to be catering to these students. The loss to the government exchequer in the district was Rs 150 crore. What’s more, most of this money seems to have gone to the owners of these educational institutions, who are politically influential.
The exercise was undertaken in early September this year. Later, in early October, a similar survey was conducted across the state. Of the 20 million registered students in state-aided schools, 2.1 million turned out to be bogus. There were 65,000 teachers in excess and the loss to the state exchequer stood at Rs 4,000 crore. This included money for mid-day meals and books drawn in the name of these bogus students.
In the past there have been numerous school inspections by the education department, but never one on this scale. The exercise had to be undertaken because rampant corruption and bribery among education officials had led to the suppression of facts about school enrolment in the state. That was until Dr Pardeshi decided to risk it, a risk because three-fourths of the schools surveyed belong to political heavyweights of the Congress and Nationalist Congress Party.
After the school education department realised that there were bogus students and teachers registered across the state and huge sums of money was going into the coffers of institution owners, it decided to implement a pilot project in one district. Nanded was chosen because it had made headlines for cracking down on cheating in SSC and HSC exams.
The district collector planned the entire exercise, and shared it only with a handful. The district’s borders were sealed on the appointed day and Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code was imposed. At the pre-decided time, officials raided the schools and verified each student of all 3,475 schools. The survey involved 466 Class I and II officials and took four days to complete. When the school managements felt the noose tightening, they started ‘importing’ students from neighboring districts. However, these students were easily identified because of the imposition of Section 144 in the district.
On the completion of this survey, Dr Pardeshi made a PowerPoint presentation before the state cabinet. Though the cabinet was divided over accepting the ‘Pardeshi model’, as the exercise is being called, Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan is adamant that it be implemented.
It is a common practice among educational institutions to ‘import’ students from other schools when inspections are conducted. According to information available on previous inspections, school owners knew of these inspections in advance. Once a school was inspected, students and furniture would be taken to the next school on the survey list. Though officials did realise that they had seen the same students in other schools (often in multiple schools), no one dared take on the politicians.
The Chief Minister has threatened stringent action against erring schools. But when schools are owned by relatives of ministers, it is an open secret that few would be booked. So far, the names of school owners involved in this fraud have not been revealed. But it is only a matter of time before they become public.
Education malpractices in the state have increased alarmingly. There has been a steady decline in the quality of students and teachers. With excessive political intervention in the education sector, the education department had become ineffectual. “In a coalition government, no hard decisions can be taken. It is bound to hurt one of the coalition partners. Let us see what action is taken now. Even if registrations are cancelled, owners of such institutions make sure their political godfathers get it revoked. It is a win-win situation for such institutions,” says an official of the education department.
Many in the state’s education department believe that successive governments have lacked the will to clean up the education system in the state.
“We are planning move in high court once PMO reject our demand ,we are hopeful that state Gvot . Will take step to curb this massive corruption in next cabinet” Tiwari added.

11 years old boy with chronic kidney disease

Ludhiana, October 18, 2011 : Master Aniket, a 11 years old boy (Unit no: C7153608) from Ludhiana presented with symptoms of chronic kidney disease stage 5. His primary diagnosis was posterior urethral value and underwent surgery at the age of 8 months. For the last 2 years, he has been on dialysis (initially hemodialysis and subsequently on peritoneal dialysis). He developed recurrent episodes of peritonitis due to which his peritoneal dialysis catheter had to be removed.

He is presently still critical. I would request all those who are able to generally contribute to his treatment without which he will not be able to sustain life. His father, Anil Kumar is working with an employer in a small shop and in view of his son’s ill-health has not gone for work for 2 months. His father has 4 children, 2 daughters and 1 more brother younger to Aniket.

Kind hearted philanthropists and well-wishers can help this poor and deserving patient by sending in their contribution to the Medical Superintendent, CMCH, by a crossed cheque in favor of “CMC Ludhiana Society” with Aniket’s name mentioned at the back of the cheque, along with a covering letter. Kindly do your best to support this family in their time of need and May God help in recovery.

For further details or enquiry Please contact Dr. Timothy Rajamanickam : 9646500156

Dr. Timothy Rajamanickam,
Associate Professor

Department of Nephrology

"Food and Nutrition for Nurses” was released in CMC

The book was the need of the hour

Ludhiana, October 17, 201:  A book titled “Food and Nutrition for Nurses” was released in Christian Medical College & Hospital Ludhiana, an embrasure for the people to understand the subject through nurses. An another step forward to bring the subject to the masses . The book was released by the Director, Dr. Abraham G. Thomas. The book was the need of the hour. This book is first of its kind in North region.

The Author, Mrs. Ruma Singh, is working as a Chief Dietician and has been serving the institution for last 25 years and teaching the students ever since. She says that the book is an asset to the students of Nutrition & Dietetics, Paramedical students and students of Nursing and it will serve as a practical guide to one and all. She further adds that a lot of rich experience and hard work has gone in this project.

Published by JAYPEE Brothers Medical Publishers, New Delhi, was appreciated by the management and the students of B.Sc. Nursing at CMCH. Mr. Bhupesh Arora, General Manager, from the publisher’s end was also present to grace the occasion.
The program was started with a word of prayer by Rev. Stanley Thomas. It was attended by the Principal, College of Nursing, Mrs. Ponnamma Singh and the Nursing Faculty, Principal, Christian Medical College, Dr. S. M. Bhatti and all the Hospital Administration and guests.--Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria 

Swamy announces panel against corruption

CHENNAI: Janata Party President Subramanian Swamy on Friday announced forming of anAction Committee Against Corruption in India (ACACI) with special focus on illegal money flow in and out of the country. 

The ACACI consists of members including former Haryana DGP and former CBI joint director BR Lall, academician MD Nalapat and former IAS officer V Sundaram among others.

"The ACACI will leverage existing national and international laws and move internal and global institutions to discover and recover illegal funds deposited in secret banking channels in about 77 countries," he told reporters here after a meeting of the committee.

"Our areas of focus would include nationalisation of illegal accounts in foreign banks and plugging tax evasion. ACACI has been set up to fight corruption in the space left vacant by two major movements against corruption, led by Anna Hazare and Baba Ramdev," Swamy said.

While Hazare's efforts were focused at revamping present laws and making them free of loopholes, Ramdev concentrated on mass mobilisation, Swamy noted.

"The ACACI will focus on specific action against macro corrupt acts, especially in the criminal misconduct of high level public officials and illegal money flow in and out of the country," he said.

Asserting that he had no differences with Hazare or Baba Ramdev, Swamy said he would participate in the yoga guru's proposed padayatra. "We will work in harmony," he added. --Abhishek Joshi 

Lynn: Cut Defense, But Learn From Past Disasters

By Karen Parrish American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2011 - The United States is "0 for 4" in managing defense drawdowns, and can draw four lessons from those past failures, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said today on his final full day in office. Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III answers questions after giving a keynote address on defense budget challenges at the Center for American Progress in Washington, D.C., Oct. 5, 2011. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo  Lynn, who will turn over the job to Ashton B. Carter tomorrow, offered advice on national security in times of budget austerity in a keynote speech at the Center for American Progress here.Security begins with a strong economy, Lynn said, and the nation's current deficit crisis demands action. Strong measures and painful cuts are called for, and defense cuts must be part of a solution, he acknowledged. The central challenge, Lynn said, is managing a defense slowdown without endangering national security. "Our ability to exert global influence will be threatened if we do not reduce the deficit," Lynn said. "No great power can project military force in a sustained manner without the underpinnings of a strong economy." While the economy is the wellspring of the nation's military might, past efforts to strengthen the nation's budget through defense cuts have resulted in fiasco, he said. Military drawdowns after World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and during deficit-reduction efforts in the 1980s all caused disproportionate loss of military capability, Lynn said, citing the first engagement of the Korean War: the 1950 Battle of Osan, better known as "Task Force Smith." Less than five years after the defeat of the Axis powers, Lynn recounted, "Teenagers fresh from basic training, led by officers who lacked combat experience, found themselves facing a numerically superior North Korean force. With only 120 rounds of ammunition each, two days of C-rations [and] six antitank shells, our forces were simply unable to stop the North Korean advance." The resulting debacle led to the deaths of many young Americans, he added. "Each time we reduced the defense budget, we created holes in our military capabilities that we had to buy back later at great cost," he noted. "When we were lucky, that cost was in dollars; when we were not lucky, that cost was in the lives of our troops." Lynn said he draws four lessons from previous large defense cuts: -- Make hard decisions early; -- Admit the need to eliminate missions and programs; -- Keep reductions balanced among force structure, operating accounts and investment accounts; and -- Don't cut too much too fast, especially in core mission areas. Postponing cuts to lower-priority programs in hopes of higher budgets later is "reckless and intemperate behavior," Lynn said, and would divert precious resources from higher-priority needs. "The net result is wasted spending and less capability," he said. "It is better to have a smaller, but more ready, force and fewer, but healthier, programs." Accommodating current budget reductions, which Lynn identified as "north of $450 billion over 10 years," will force difficult choices in force structure, modernization and personnel, he noted. The deputy secretary said the Defense Department must reduce troop levels while retaining the ability to configure forces for emerging threats, trim modernization programs while preserving key cybersecurity and long-range strike capabilities, reduce the civilian workforce while avoiding demoralizing furloughs, and make sensible adjustments to military pay and benefits without breaking faith with military members and their families. Defense leaders acting judiciously can make those cuts without endangering the nation's security, Lynn said. Under the Budget Control Act of 2011, the so-called congressional "supercommittee" -- the Joint Select Committee on Budget Reduction -- must by Nov. 23 recommend steps to reduce the deficit by $1.5 trillion over the next 10 years. If the committee doesn't make such a recommendation, a sequester mechanism built into the act will trigger $1.2 trillion in additional spending cuts. DOD would then face more than $1 trillion in cuts over 10 years, which would be "catastrophic," the deputy secretary said. "Sequestration would leave us with the smallest Army and Marine Corps in decades; the smallest Air Force in history, and the smallest Navy since [William] McKinley was president," he noted. McKinley's administration ran from 1897 to 1901. "The mindless process of sequester would force us to make equal cuts to every program, regardless of their impact or the priority of that program," he added. Having served at the Pentagon as director of program analysis, comptroller and deputy secretary, Lynn said, he has learned one thing above all else: "Serial and disproportionate reductions to discretionary spending have disastrous results. You cannot plan a defense program and build a strategy around a moving target." �

Biographies: William J. Lynn III Related Articles: Panetta: Budget Cuts Will Boost Risk to Nation at War  Debt Reduction 'Sequestration' Concerns Panetta, Mullen

The Caregiver Village Experience

Caregiver Village is excited about their team of Book Club Hosts Book Club Hosts
As you may be aware, the number of unpaid family caregivers in North America is 50 million and growing every day. I’d like to introduce you and the readers of The Eagle Eye News to Caregiver Village, an online community designed exclusively for those who provide care for anyone with special needs. Caregiver Village members connect with friends, participate in book clubs with celebrity authors, journal, play mystery games, solve puzzles, and learn valuable information about caregiving. The founders of Caregiver Village have also just put aside a portion of the launch funding to support caregiving organizations. For every person that joins Caregiver Village, they will donate $1 to that persons organization of choice. I've created a page which explains everything:
Sheila Watson
caregivervillage.com
facebook.com/caregivervillage
twitter.com/cgvillage

Vicki Schmall, PhD, noted educator and family caregiver speaker, hosting "Driving Decisions." Driving challenges is the point where many families first become involved in their parents’ lives as caregivers. Vicki is the author of the widely-used family guide book, Powerful Tools for Caregivers and is an expert in the field of helping families cope with stress and the life changes that occur when families begin caregiving.

Lisa Cerasoli, actress and author of new book, "As Nora Jo Fades Away," hosting "It's HIP to Care."  Caregiving from a funny, hip perspective – with serious solutions. Lisa is currently making a series of films about her caregiving experience and has already won numerous awards for her story and her films.

James Waterman, Certified Care Advisor and entrepreneur involved in creating services for caregivers hosting "Real Men are Caregivers."  Caregiving is not just for women anymore – men are becoming  increasingly involved in caregiving, too. Jamie shares his personal story about his relationship with his dad, giving him personal and professional credibility.

B. Lynn Goodwin, Journaling coach and author of "You Want me to do What?" hosts "Journal your way to Joy."  Journaling can be hard to start, but so very rewarding once you get the flow.  Caregiver Village’s very own "Journaling Guru" will lead the way. Lynn is a frequent speaker on the power of journaling in the caregiver's life.

Barbara Pursley, genuine Southern Gal and author of "Embracing the Moment" hosts "Caregiving with Divine Love."  Caregiving is an experience for the soul as well as the mind and body, no matter your religion or beliefs. Barbara shares her personal story and her belief in the power of the divine through her frequent lectures and tours.

Facts

The societal problem:

Despite millions of government dollars and hundreds of dedicated websites, family caregivers are in trouble.  With over 60 million family caregivers in the U.S. alone, many caregivers become sick (with nearly twice the rate of chronic illnesses as their non-caregiving peers); they’re depressed (40-70% report significant feelings of depression), they face a significantly increased risk of stroke, and they’re frustrated, unable to find resources or solutions they need to help with the enormous burden thrust upon them. They’re also costly to our economy accounting for an estimated $33.6 billion in lost productivity.   

The caregiver’s problem:

Family caregivers are exhausted, stressed to the point of illness and frustrated by their isolation.Caregiver Village’s virtual village creates a close knit community where caregivers can discover a sense of deep personal satisfaction – and escape – from the hard, intense work of family caregiving; while simultaneously learning how to handle their stress and building online connections with people in exactly the same situation as them.

How to Detect Hidden Camera in Trial Room?

Poetess RAJNI telling you the secret: from an important message 

Read This Message.....!!!!
In fron...t of the trial room take your mobile and make sure that mobile can
make calls........
Then enter into the trail room, take your mobile and make a call.....
If u can't make a call......!!!!
There is a hidden camera......
This is due to the interference of fiber optic cable during the signal
transfer......  
Please forward this to your friends to educate this issue to the
public......To prevent our innocent ladies from HIDDEN CAMERA...........

Pinhole Cameras in Changing Rooms of Big Bazaar, Shoppers Stop?

A few days ago, I received this text message:
Please don't use Trial room of BIG BAZAAR there are pinhole cameras to make
MMS of young girls.
So, please forward to all girls. Also forward to all boys who have sisters
and girlfriends.

Don't be shy in forwarding this message. Because its about protecting the
integrity of all girls & ladies.

HOW TO DETECT A 2-WAY MIRROR?

When we visit toilets, bathrooms, hotel rooms, changing rooms, etc., How
many of you know for sure that the seemingly ordinary mirror hanging on the
wall is a real mirror, or actually a 2-way mirror I.e., they can see you,
but you can't see them. There have been many cases of people installing
2-way mirrors in female changing rooms or bathroom or bedrooms.

It is very difficult to positively identify the surface by just looking at
it. So, how do we determine with any amount of certainty what type of Mirror
we are looking at?

CONDUCT THIS SIMPLE TEST:

Place the tip of your fingernail against the reflective surface and if there
is a GAP between your fing

Poetess RAJNI

PUCL strongly condemns the high handed police raid

Kavita Srivastava is the  National Secretary of PUCL

1. People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) (National) strongly condemns the high handed police action in raiding and searching the house of Kavita Srivastava, a respected social activist who is the  National Secretary of PUCL and President of the Rajasthan State unit of the PUCL on the morning of 3rd October, 2011.

2. The police purportedly raided her house to search for a `naxalite’ whose identity is not clear. The search was led by the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Rajendra Singh Shekawat. It was apparently done on the request of Chhattisgarh Police which was led by one Memon in plain clothes. The raid was calculated to intimidate and create fear as a truck load of Special Task Force Police were stationed outside her house. Police were positioned out side the PUCL office as well. Kavita was not present in the house during the raid. Despite the fact that the family members of Kavita fully co-operated with the search party, Kavita’s 80 year old father who is on a pace maker was shoved around. Her sister and a guest who had just left the house were detained outside the house for more than an hour. The family’s domestic helpers were also not spared and were harassed and intimidated. The search party obviously did not find any fugitive from law taking refuge in her house.

            3. Kavita and her family are old residents of Jaipur and are well known and respected . As an office bearer of PUCL she has been continuously interacting with the local police as well as the State authorities on several issues concerning the poor and the oppressed in Rajasthan. Thus her bonafides are well established and a search of this nature is completely un- warranted and uncalled for.  It is most disconcerting how a search warrant against her could have been so casually issued

when the Supreme Court has cautioned against it and observed that “issuance of a search warrant is a serious matter and it would not be advisable not to dispose of an application for search warrant in a mechanical way by a laconic order. Issue of search warrant being in the discretion of the Magistrate it would be reasonable to expect of the Magistrate to give reasons which swayed his discretion in favour of granting the request. A clear application of mind by the learned Magistrate must be discernible in the order granting the search warrant.”

            4. It is well known that Kavita Srivastava, in her capacity as the National Secretary of the PUCL has been active not only in the campaign for release of Dr. Binayak Sen but has also been in the fore front of raising issues of rights violation with impunity by the State of Chhattisgarh and its police force. In the recent past she has been spear- heading the campaign against the arbitrary BPL criteria set by the Planning Commission and the attempts of the Central Government to exclude vast sections of the poor from receiving any of the PDS and other services.  She had also taken up the issue of recent attacks on the minority community in Rajasthan.

            5. It is thus evident that the early morning raid in her house is nothing but an act of harassment and an attempt at intimidating not just Kavita Srivastava as a person but PUCL as an organization and all other human rights and social activists who dare to raised issues of rights violations. The PUCL states that the action of police authorities is in violation of article 12 of the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders which mandates that States shall protect human rights defenders from pressure and arbitrary action as a consequence of their legitimate actions to defend and protect human rights.

            6. The PUCL demands that the States of Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan and their respective Police Officials refrain forthwith from pursuing such intimidating tactics in future against Kavita Srivastava and other human rights activists and to carry out their obligations under the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders .

--------------

D. Nagasaila, Advocate
Dr. V. Suresh, Advocate
National Secretary, People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL)
Hussaina Manzil, III Floor, 255 (Old No. 123), Angappa Naicken St., Chennai 600 001
Ph.: +91-25352459 / 42621386-87 / Mobile: +91-94442-31497