CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Police has arrested one of its own Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP) for allegedly attempting to bribe the staff of a senior official in a bid to suppress a complaint filed against him. Sources revealed that DSP Rajan Pal, posted in the Crime Against Women Cell in Faridkot, was booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act after he was caught allegedly offering a bribe of Rs 1 lakh to Assistant Sub-Inspector Jaswinder Singh, reader to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Faridkot, Dr Pragya Jain. The complaint against Rajan Pal originated from Kiranjit Kaur of Pakka village, who had filed a case related to a matrimonial dispute. Her brother, Karmtej Singh, alleged that the DSP had demanded Rs 1 lakh to act on their case. Despite allegedly receiving the money, the officer failed to take any action. When the family reported the matter to SSP Dr Pragya Jain, the accused officer allegedly attempted to bribe her staff to cover up his misconduct. A senior police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the arrest and stated that a case has been registered against DSP Rajan Pal. He has been taken into custody and further investigations are underway. Disciplinary action, including suspension, is likely. This incident comes just two days after the Punjab Vigilance Bureau arrested Head Constable Raj Kumar, who was working as the assistant reader to the DSP of Bhucho, Ravinder Singh. He was caught red-handed accepting a bribe of Rs 1 lakh. A case under the Prevention of Corruption Act was registered at the Vigilance Bureaus police station in the Bathinda range. Additionally, last month, DSP Harbans Singh Dhaliwal, posted as DSP-1 in Bathinda, was suspended for alleged misconduct in the handling of organised crime cases.
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25 Punjab jail officials suspended as government cracks down on systemic corruption, drug trade
CHANDIGARH: In a major move against corruption and drug rackets operating within prisons across the state, the Punjab Government has suspended 25 officials, including three Deputy Superintendents and two Assistant Superintendents of the Jails Department. Following reports of irregularities and drug-related activities within jails, the government said the action was to end corruption and drug networks. The big action was taken as per information received about corruption and drug networks in jails, said an official on condition of anonymity. He further stated that the suspensions aim to bring about systemic reform in prison management and ensure greater transparency and efficiency. This action is expected to significantly improve the functioning of jails and promote a more accountable system, he added. Sources said that in the last few years, there have been multiple instances of gangsters operating drug and criminal syndicates using mobile phones inside prisons, with visitors devising innovative methods to smuggle contraband and jail staff allegedly facilitating the entry of drugs and other banned items. In a recent case, jailed pastor Bajinder Singh was found in possession of a mobile phone and cash inside his cell at the Mansa district jail. A fresh case under the Prisons Act has been registered against him. Singh is currently serving a life sentence for the rape of a woman in 2018. On 9 June this year, an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) and a head constable were arrested in connection with the smuggling of drugs and other prohibited items into Ropar district jail. Prior to that, on 15 May, the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Security) at Sangrur jail was arrested for his alleged active involvement in drug smuggling. In July last year, 200 inmates lodged in various prisons were shifted to Bathinda Central Jail by the Special Task Force to curb mobile phone usage, as the facility is equipped with advanced jamming technology. Sources also revealed that there are currently around 36,000 inmates in jails across Punjab, against a sanctioned capacity of 26,000. The recent surge in inmate numbers is largely attributed to arrests made under the state governments ongoing Yudh Nashian Virudh (War Against Drugs) campaign. A screening of jail inmates conducted in 2022 found that at least 47 per cent were addicted to drugs. Of the approximately 30,000 inmates screened, 14,000 were found to be drug-dependent, with many reportedly becoming addicts after entering prison. The most commonly used substances were morphine, tramadol and buprenorphine.
Bathinda cyclist conquers Africa: 10,856 km in 221 days
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CHANDIGARH: Amritpal Singh Mehron, the main accused in the murder of Punjab-based social media influencer Kanchan Kumari, also known as Kamal Kaur Bhabi, is now being glorified as a hero in parts of Punjab. Flex-boards depicting Mehron with phrases such as Kaum Da Heera (Jewel of the Community) and Izattan De Rakhe (Protector of Honour) have appeared in Ludhiana, sparking outrage and concern. What has caused further alarm is that Malkiat Singh, the Head Granthi of the Golden Temple, has come out in open support of Mehron. Speaking on the matter, Malkiat Singh alleged that the victim had adopted a Sikh name with the intention of tarnishing the image of the Sikh community. He claimed that Kamal Kaurs name misled people into believing she belonged to a Sikh family. Sikh history is filled with examples where those engaging in indecent activities were punished, he said. According to Sikh teachings, we are discouraged from listening to vulgar songs. People spreading obscenity and defaming the community deserve such treatment. Nothing wrong has happened its not the first time such a thing has occurred. Amritpal Singh Mehron wanted for murder, threats to women influencers; Punjab Police issues lookout notice The flex-boards, however, violate standard legal requirements as they lack printer details or mention of any sponsoring individual or organisation. Despite their visibility, the Ludhiana district administration currently focused on the Ludhiana West Assembly by-election has yet to respond to the matter, according to sources. Mehron reportedly fled to the UAE just hours after the alleged murder, which has gripped the state in controversy. Malkiat Singhs position as Head Granthi of the Golden Temple makes him one of the highest religious functionaries in Sikhism, second only to the Jathedar. While the Jathedar addresses broader issues concerning the Sikh community, the Head Granthi is responsible for maintaining religious discipline and overseeing daily ceremonies. Amritpal Singh linked to murder of Sikh activist as Punjab police arrest three suspects In a significant development, the Punjab Police have issued a lookout circular for Ranjit Singh of Sohal village in Tarn Taran district, another suspect in the case. A lookout notice had earlier been issued for Amritpal Singh Mehron, described as the mastermind of the crime. Two of his alleged accomplices, Jaspreet Singh and Nimaratjeet Singh, are already in police custody. Senior Superintendent of Police, Bathinda, Amneet Kondal clarified that, according to the post-mortem report, the influencer was not raped. The post-mortem does not mention sexual assault. The body was in a highly decomposed state, making it difficult to determine any such evidence. The cause of death has been confirmed as strangulation, and the viscera report is awaited, she said. Meanwhile, Bollywood singer Mika Singh released a video message condemning the murder. Urging Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to take swift and strict action, Mika Singh said such acts of violence are deeply disturbing and go against Sikh values. True Sikhs protect women they do not harm them, he said.
Akal Takht head priest justifies murder of social media influencer Kanchan Kumari
Amritsar, Jun 17: The head priest of the Akal Takht has justified the killing of social media influencer Kanchan Kumari, saying nothing wrong has happened and nobody should listen to obscene songs. Kanchan, also known as Kamal Kaur Bhabhi, was allegedly targeted for promoting obscenity in her videos. She was murdered on June 9 and her body found in an abandoned car in Bathinda. As per Sikh religions teaching, nobody, including Hindus and Muslims, should listen to obscene songs, especially [] The post Akal Takht head priest justifies murder of social media influencer Kanchan Kumari appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
CHANDIGARH: Self-styled Sikh radical Amritpal Singh Mehron , the prime accused in the murder of digital content creator Kanchan Kumari alias Kamal Kaur Bhabhi allegedly for posting 'obscene' content has also issued threats to other social media influencers, including Simarpreet Kaur alias 'Preet Jatti' and Deepika Luthra. Punjab Police have now issued a lookout circular against Mehron, who remains absconding, and have blocked four of his Instagram handles in India, along with the account of the group he heads, Kaum De Rakhe, for allegedly posting racist content and death threats. A 30-year-old Nihang and resident of Moga, Mehron has a significant social media following. His blocked accounts amritpalsinghmehron , amritpalsingh_mehron , amritpal.singh.mehron , and kaum.de.rakhe are now inaccessible in India, displaying a message citing legal restrictions. Sources state several other accounts are under scrutiny for supporting Mehron's objectionable content. Disturbingly, some influencers from Punjab and Haryana have posted videos justifying Kanchans murder as a warning to so-called immoral elements. Punjab Police ask Tinder for details on profile linked to radical preacher Amritpal Singh On Saturday, Simarpreet Kaur, alias Preet Jatti a popular influencer from Tarn Taran with over 5 lakh Instagram followers revealed she had received death threats for promoting astrology. She stated she had been warned against posting any content and appealed for police protection, highlighting her concern for her five-month-old child. Another influencer, Deepika Luthra from Amritsar, said she too was threatened by Mehron. Though she had deleted her earlier posts and publicly apologised, she claimed to still feel endangered. Mehron allegedly warned her that there are many parking lots, and it is not necessary for a body to be found every time. The cybercrime cell of Amritsar Police has registered a case against Mehron for issuing threats to Luthra and others, warning them against posting double meaning or vulgar content. In a video posted on Friday, three members of the social media platform Pendu Jatt Records also issued an apology to Mehron, pledging to stop posting obscene content, admitting they had done so to increase their follower count. Meanwhile, Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti has come out in support of Mehron, offering him any kind of support to act against social media influencers allegedly promoting indecent content. Senior Superintendent of Police, Bathinda, Amneet Kondal confirmed that a lookout circular has been issued to prevent Mehron from fleeing the country. The state cyber cell has launched a formal investigation. Mehron, who refers to himself as a religious leader, contested the 2022 Punjab Assembly election from the Tarn Taran seat on a Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) ticket but was unsuccessful. As per his election affidavit, he studied up to Class 12 (non-medical stream) and holds a diploma in diesel mechanics. Chairperson of the Punjab State Commission for Women, Raj Lali Gill, condemned the incident, saying, Self-styled vigilantes have no right to indulge in moral policing or take the law into their own hands. However, it is also the responsibility of content creators to ensure that their material does not breach the social and moral fabric of society. There is a need to raise awareness on this issue, especially as children and youth are heavily influenced by social media.
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Police have cracked the blind murder case of 30-year-old social media influencer Kanchan Kumari, popularly known as Kamal Kaur Bhabhi, with the arrest of two nihangs who allegedly killed her as part of a moral policing act. Kanchan was found dead under mysterious circumstances inside her car parked outside Adesh University at Bhucho Kalan, along the Bathinda-Chandigarh highway, on Wednesday. The arrested accused have been identified as Jaspreet Singh (32) of Mehron village in Moga district and Nimratjeet Singh (21) of Harike in Tarn Taran district. Both are unemployed and frequently wore nihang attire. They were arrested around 1 am on Thursday. However, the key accused, Amritpal Singh Mehron, remains absconding. Canada-based designated gangster-terrorist Arsh Dalla had also allegedly threatened Kanchan earlier, warning her of dire consequences if she continued posting objectionable videos. Confirming that the murder was premeditated and executed with full coordination, Senior Superintendent of Police of Bathinda, Amneet Kondal, said, The alleged accused Jaspreet Singh and Nimratjeet Singh have been arrested for the murder, while a search is on for the third accused, Amritpal Singh Mehron, a self-styled Sikh radical leader, who is on the run. They had earlier warned the deceased Kanchan not to post her online content, which they thought was vulgar and objectionable. The main accused Amritpal Singh had earlier warned her to stop posting vulgar videos and had planned to teach her a lesson. He, along with others, then hatched a conspiracy and they strangled her to death at an isolated location on Tuesday, Kondal added. She further revealed that on June 7, Amritpal had approached Kanchan at her Ludhiana residence and sought promotional work in Bathinda. He again met her the next day and convinced her to visit Bathinda. Then, on June 9, he contacted her again, and Kanchan agreed. That night, her mother could not contact her. Later, on Wednesday night, her decomposed body was found inside her car parked outside Adesh University near Bathinda, said Kondal. The alleged accused also took her to a workshop on the pretext of getting her car repaired. During an argument, Jaspreet, who was wearing a waistband under his shirt, strangled her. Later, her body was shifted and dumped in her car to mislead the police, Kondal said. She added that the police collected CCTV footage to trace the accused during the investigation. Kanchan, who belonged to a family of migrant workers but spoke fluent Punjabi, had 2.36 lakh followers on YouTube, 3.84 lakh on Instagram, and 1.74 lakh on Facebook. She frequently posted reels and stories and was cremated in Bathinda on Thursday as her family was unable to take her mutilated body back to Ludhiana. Her mother, Girija Devi, told the police that her daughter often travelled for promotional work. The arrests came after Amritpal Singh Mehron claimed responsibility for the murder on social media, just hours after Kanchans decomposed body was discovered. A video surfaced online in which Mehron is seen justifying the crime, saying Kanchan was killed by two of his accomplices. He claimed she belonged to a non-Sikh family but used a Sikh name to create immoral content. He went on to say that his accomplices would continue to target people engaged in objectionable content creation.
Amritpal Singh Mehron claimed responsibility for the murder of social media influencer Kamal Kaur, alleging she defamed Sikh traditions. Kaur's body was discovered in a car in Bathinda, prompting a police investigation. Two Nihang Sikhs have been arrested, and authorities are exploring their connections to Mehron and the crime.
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Punjab: Influencer Kamal Kaur Found Dead in Car
Forensic evidence suggests murder; Kaur was killed elsewhere before being left in a parked car near Bathinda.
Who Was Kamal Kaur 'Bhabhi', Instagram Influencer Found Dead In Car In Bathinda?
Kaur, a resident of Ludhiana, had more than 3.8 lakh followers on social media and had allegedly received threats from Khalistani terrorist Arsh Dalla
Who was Kamal Kaur? Ludhiana-based social media influencer found dead in her car in Bathinda
A post-mortem examination is scheduled for Thursday to ascertain the cause of death.
Influencer Kamal Kaur found dead in parked car near Bathinda medical university
Kamal Kaur Death: Punjab Police are investigating the murder of Instagram influencer Kamal Kaur. Her body was discovered in a car near Adesh Medical University. The car was parked on the university premises. Locals noticed a foul smell and alerted the police. Kaur had a large following on Instagram. Police suspect she was killed elsewhere. The body was then transported to the location.
Punjabi Influencer Found Dead In Car In Mysterious Circumstances In Bathinda
Kanchan had a notable presence on social media and had been involved in several controversies online.
CHANDIGARH: The power demand in Punjab on Tuesday touched an all-time high of 16,838 megawatts (MW) amid severe heatwave conditions, with maximum temperatures in the southern and western parts of the state soaring between 46 degrees Celsius and 48-degree Celsius. With ongoing paddy transplantation further adding to electricity usage, it is anticipated that the state's power demand may soon cross the 17,000 MW mark. Bathinda recorded a sweltering 47.6 degrees Celsius while Sirsa in neighbouring Haryana registered 46.2 degrees Celsius. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Chandigarh office, these prevailing heatwave conditions are likely to continue over Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh for the next three days. As per data from the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), the state was drawing 10,243 MW from the Northern Grid, while its gross in-state generation stood at 6,600 MW. All state-run thermal and hydropower plants, including all four units of Ranjit Sagar Dam, were operating at full capacity. The breakdown of power generation at peak demand was as follows: State thermal generation: 2,020 MW Private thermal generation: 3,192 MW PSPCL hydropower generation: 950 MW Solar generation: 395 MW The current drawing limit from the Northern Grid is 10,400 MW, while the ideal in-state power availability is estimated at 6,600 MW. Meanwhile, coal stock across all thermal plants, both public sector-run and privately owned, is sufficient. At government-owned thermal plants, Lehra Mohabbat Thermal Plant has a 21-day stock, Ropar Thermal Plant has a 34-day stock, and Goindwal Thermal Plant has a 28-day stock. Among private sector plants, Rajpura has a 31-day stock and Talwandi Sabo has 23 days' worth of coal. In terms of power output, the Ropar Thermal Power Plant generated 680 MW, Lehra Mohabbat produced 830 MW, and Goindwal contributed 505 MW. Private sector plants also operated at high output, with Rajpura generating 1,325 MW and Talwandi Sabo contributing 1,860 MW. A PSPCL official said the department is prepared to take additional measures, including importing more power and optimising local generation, to meet the anticipated demand. However, an official, speaking on condition of anonymity, warned, If the power demand exceeds 16,800 MW, the consumers will start facing power cuts as it will surpass the transmission capacity infrastructure of PSPCL. Yesterday, the state had also broken its previous record by reaching 16,249 MW, surpassing the June 29 peak last year of 16,089 MW. The water level at Bhakra Dam was recorded at 1,555.4 feet, which is 28 feet lower than the 1,584.2 feet recorded on the same day last year. At Ranjit Sagar Dam, the water level was at 506.9 metres, slightly down from 507.2 metres last year on the same day. The paddy transplantation in the state, spread over nearly 32 lakh hectares, began in staggered phases from June 1 to June 9, adding further pressure on the power supply. In its afternoon statement, the IMD Chandigarh Office said, It is observed maximum temperature over southern and western parts of Punjab are in the range of 46-48 degrees Celsius with highest maximum temperature reported over Bathinda (47.6 degrees Celsius). Maximum temperatures over northern and eastern parts of Punjab are in the range of 44-46 degree Celsius. It is observed maximum temperatures over southern and western parts of Haryana are in the range of 45-47 degrees Celsius with highest maximum temperature reported over Sirsa (46.2-degree Celsius). Maximum temperature over northern parts of Haryana including Chandigarh are in the range of 44-45-degree Celsius, it added. The IMD further stated that prevailing heatwave conditions are most likely to continue over Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh during the next three days. Isolated severe heatwave conditions are also likely in southwestern districts of Punjab and Haryana during this period, with no large change in maximum temperatures expected in the next three days. A fall of 2-4 degree Celsius is likely thereafter. Whereas maximum temperature over northern and eastern parts of Punjab, Haryana including Chandigarh are likely to remain 44-46 degree Celsius during this period, the statement added.
Heatwave Persists In Punjab, Haryana; Bathinda Sizzles At 47.6 C, Sirsa Touches 46.2 C
Chandigarh, Jun 10: Haryana and Punjab continued to reel under intense heatwave on Tuesday with Bathinda recording the highest maximum temperature in the two states at 47.6 degrees Celsius, according to the weather department here. Blistering heat also swept Haryanas Sirsa as it recorded a high of 46.2 degrees Celsius. The mercury also continued to soar in Chandigarh, the common capital of the two states, which recorded the seasons highest maximum so far at 43.9 degrees Celsius, against Mondays 43.8 [] The post Heatwave Persists In Punjab, Haryana; Bathinda Sizzles At 47.6 C, Sirsa Touches 46.2 C appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
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Former DSP Bhola, convicted in Rs 700 crore drug racket case, out on bail after 12 years
CHANDIGARH: Former Deputy Superintendent of Punjab Police and Arjuna Award-winning wrestler Jagdish Bhola, an alleged kingpin of a synthetic narcotics racket worth Rs 700 crore, walked out of Bathinda Central Jail on June 1 after nearly 12 years of incarceration. He was granted bail by the Punjab and Haryana High Court on May 21. Hailing from Raike Kalan village in Bathinda, Bhola had been convicted in one of the largest drug trafficking cases in the history of the State, which involved a Rs 700 crore synthetic narcotics racket. He has been convicted in two cases, while a few more criminal cases were pending against him. In 2019, a special CBI court sentenced Bhola to 24 years in prison. Last year, he received an additional 10-year sentence following a conviction for money laundering. Confirming that Bhola has been released, Bathinda Central Jail Superintendent Manjit Singh Sidhu said that it took place in the evening of Sunday after all formalities were completed. The bail order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court came with strict conditions. Bhola was required to furnish a Rs 5 lakh bond and surrender his passport and complete a community service project (planting 100 trees within 15 days of his release). He was dismissed from the police force in 2012 after the recovery of poppy husk. Bhola was arrested by Punjab Police in November 2013 in connection with the Rs 700-crore multi-state drug trafficking network. Investigations led by Punjab Police and central agencies uncovered the illegal trade of synthetic drugs, including pseudoephedrine. The ED arrested him in 2014 and filed six charge sheets till 2017. His case became emblematic of the alleged nexus between crime and politics in Punjab. The Punjab Police had seized heroin, methamphetamine, pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, opium, intoxicating powder, and Rs 1.91 crore, besides foreign currency and arms from him. Despite being out on bail, Bholas legal troubles are far from over. His appeals in both the drug trafficking and money laundering cases are currently pending. Many FIRs have been registered against him in Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib and SAS Nagar districts of the State. Earlier he was allowed to visit his native village, Raike Kalan in Bathinda district, for five hours to perform the last rites of his father, Balshinder Singh, on July 26 last year. Earlier, he had come out to perform the last rites for his mother for a brief period in June 2023. Once celebrated as the 'King Kong' of Indian wrestling, he won a silver medal at the 1991 Asian Wrestling Championship. His dominance on the mat earned him the prestigious Arjuna Award, and he was appointed as a DSP by the Punjab Government in recognition of his sporting excellence.
Six trainee recruit constables of Punjab police dismissed for failing dope test
CHANDIGARH: Six trainee recruit constables of Punjab Police who tested positive for drug consumption at the Punjab Police Recruit Training Centre at Jahankhelan in Hoshiarpur were relieved from the basic training with immediate effect. The incident has prompted many to question the impact of the 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' program started by the AAP-led Punjab government to eradicate drug menace from state. Sources said that the trainee recruits reportedly exhibited suspicious behavior and that it was decided to conduct their dope tests. They trainees were tested on May 21 at the Civil Hospital in Hoshiarpur. Of the six trainees relieved from training, three were from Patiala district, two from Tarn Taran, and one from Ludhiana. They were all from the same batch, No. 270. All six have been sent back to their respective districts and struck off from the training program, said an official on condition of anonymity. The official letter issued by Camp Adjutant (Outdoor) Kuldeep Singh of Punjab Police Recruit Training Centre at Jahankhelan in Hoshiarpur on May 24, stated that the behaviour of the trainees indicated possible use of odourless intoxicants thus prompting the decision to subject them to a drug screening. The letter was addressed to Ludhiana Police Commissioner and senior police officials of Tarn Taran and Patiala. The office of the civil surgeon confirmed the positive results to the training centre authorities following which immediate disciplinary action was taken. The letter further stated that the names of recruits have been struck off from the ongoing training batch, and they have been directed to return to their respective districts. The district police officials concerned have been instructed to monitor and address the drug-related issues of the dismissed recruits to prevent any negative influence on other personnel. The problem of the drug abuse is prevalent in the state. Last month, a constable of the state police who rose to fame on social media as Insta Queen, Amandeep Kaur, was arrested for drug possession. 17 grams of drugs were recovered from her Thar jeep during a search on Badal Road in Bathinda last month, after which she was dismissed from service. On Monday, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau arrested her in connection with a disproportionate assets case. She was taken into custody from the residence of Raftar Khan, the elder sister of singer Afsana Khan, at Badal village in Muktsar district. Sources said that during the investigation, they found Amandeep had amassed assets worth approximately Rs 31 lakh more than her known sources of income between 2018 and 2025. Interestingly, the Punjab Government had started war against drugs Yudh Nashian Virudh to eradicate drug menace from state, and till date, 13,449 drug smugglers have been arrested in last 85 days. The state government is claiming to enforce a three-pronged strategy Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP) to eradicate drugs from the state. A few years back an assistant sub-inspector and a head constable of Tarant Taran were dismissed from service after they tested positive in a dope test. Both were posted at Patti and the Tarn Taran civil hospital had conducted their dope test.
Punjab Vigilance Bureau arrests AAP MLA Arora on charges of corruption
CHANDIGARH: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA representing Jalandhar (Central) constituency, Raman Arora (54), was arrested on Friday by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau on charges of corruption. The legislator allegedly used former assistant town planner (ATP) of the municipal corporation Sukhdev Vashisht to issue bogus notices to seal buildings and extort money from the public. Vashisht was arrested last week. Arora is the third ruling party MLA to be arrested in a corruption case since AAP came to power in the state in 2022. The sleuths of the Punjab Vigilance Bureau raided the residence of Raman Arora and arrested him on charges of demanding money in exchange for performing official duties at the Municipal Corporation, as well as issuing extortion threats. The security of Arora was already withdrawn on May 12. Sources said that Aroras name cropped up during the interrogation of Vashisht who was arrested for demanding Rs 30,000 on May 14. Vashisht had Aroras patronage. Vashisht apparently threatened owners that he would seal buildings during inspections. He also reportedly claimed that he was not afraid of any potential transfer. During interrogation, Vashisht had reportedly admitted he issued 350 notices to stakeholders from April 2022 to March 2025. He was posted in Jalandhar Central zone one-and-a-half years ago. He served in Jalandhar West zone before that for four years, said an official on condition of anonymity. It is learnt that Vashisht was arrested following complaints from commercial unit owners and others. The complainants had alleged he had been delaying file approvals and extorting money from applicants. Sources said that the officials of the bureau has confiscated files pertaining to permissions given for change of land use, notices issued to commercial and residential units to pay their dues and authorization granted to residential colonies and development of commercial hubs in Jalandhar Central and West assembly constituencies in the past two years. Arora has faced multiple complaints accusing him of accepting bribes from the public. Arora is the third AAP MLA to be arrested by the vigilance bureau in the last three years on corruption charges. His arrest comes exactly three years after the VB arrested former health minister and Mansa MLA Dr Vijay Singla for corruption on May 24, 2022 and then Bathinda Rural AAP MLAAmit Rattan Kotfatta in a corruption case on February 23, 2023. Congress MLA from Bholath, Sukhpal Singh Khaira termed it a latant eyewash and a political gimmick orchestrated by the Mann-led AAP government to mislead the public ahead of the Ludhiana West by-election. Khaira drew parallels to the arrest of former AAP Minister Dr Vijay Singla prior to the Sangrur Lok Sabha by-election in 2022, pointing out that despite serious corruption charges, no charge sheet was filed against Singla. Singla continues to enjoy the full patronage of AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal and the party, proving that such arrests are mere stunts to create a false narrative of accountability, Khaira alleged. Khaira asserted that if a genuine and impartial inquiry were conducted into the activities of AAP MLAs, most of them would have to be arrested, as they are neck-deep in corruption. He accused the Mann government of shielding its leaders while projecting a facade of being anti-corruption to gain electoral mileage. The arrest of Raman Arora is a repeat of the same script played out before the Sangrur by-election. The AAP government is desperate to divert attention from its failures and rampant corruption within its ranks, Khaira alleged.
This Uri family survived 11 Pakistani shells, but lost their house and livelihood
Four months ago, Naseem Khan and his brother Zubair, residents of Uri, purchased 35 expensive Beetal goats from Bathinda in Punjab and Hanumangarh in Rajasthan helped by a bank loan of Rs 9 lakh. The brothers, who work as labourers, had started earning a good income by selling goat milk. To manage their household more effectively, they decided that one of them would focus full-time on the milk business. However, their dreams were shattered on May 7 when shelling from across the border destroyed their home. The nearby barn was also hit, killing all the goats. The shelling came in response to Operation Sindoor, a counter-terrorism offensive launched by India on the same day targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The shelling started at 2am, recalled Naseem. When we realised the shells were hitting our neighbourhood, we went to the bunker for safety, he said. Naseems joint family has 32 members, including 11 children. Not everyone managed to escape. Naseems young niece and his father, Hamed Khan, remained trapped in the house, taking cover beneath a staircase. Amid the ongoing shelling, one of Naseems brothers braved the danger and rushed back to rescue them, only to find both unconscious. Hamed had sustained injuries to his back and leg, while the little girl was discovered under the rubble, suffering from a concussion. When one of the shells hit the side of the house, the wall collapsed inward and knocked her out, Naseem explained. Around 7am, when the shelling finally ceased, an ambulance arrived to transport the injured to the hospital. Concerned neighbours had called for help after witnessing shells strike the Khan residence. The entire family left with the ambulance. The family lives in Ramgai village which is 15 km away from the Indo-Pak border. The 80-120mm artillery shells fired from the other side of the border cover a range of 30-40 km. Hence, Naseem's village along with many other villages in the bordering district of Baramulla bore the brunt of the retaliation. A week later, Naseem and his brother returned to assess the damage. The sight of their shattered home moved them to tears. I dont want to live here anymore. Theres fear everywhere, he said. When you grow up in a house from childhood, it carries all your dreams. Now, its all gone. For the past week, the Khan family has been living with friends and relatives in Baramulla town. Naseems father and niece are still in the hospital but their condition is stable now. When asked why they did not go to the camps set up by the government, he said, Children wont be able to stay. At home, there are 30 people together. But there, it would be in the hundreds. The shelling left the children traumatised. If we shut the door or the window, or there is strong wind blowing, they would start screaming. If there is any noise outside, they will start screaming. One of the kids had to be taken to the hospital that very morning for his trauma. He was non-responsive, frozen with an expression of horror on his face. Even we (adults) are scared. Still we are thankful that we are alive, thats the big thing, he said. It truly was a lucky escape considering Naseems family was hit by at least 11 Pakistani shells that night. According to the latest media reports, at least 20 people were killed in the bordering villages by Pakistani shelling during the period of escalation post-Operation Sindoor. However, the government has not issued any official statement on casualties and livelihood losses. A portion of Naseems house was obliterated, reduced to dust and debris that blanketed everything. The kitchen floor was covered in huge chunks of wood and concrete. All the windows were shattered, and all the fabrics left in tatters. There was no object in the house not riddled by splinters from the shells. Holding an angular piece of wood, he said it was the main door of the house; a metallic box of junk was the family fridge; a shredded piece of black leather was his daughters school shoes. Holes also dotted the childrens school uniforms. Now we have to buy these things again, he said. His family in Baramulla is unaware of how bad the conditions are back home. The two brothers have not told them yet. Some of them have heart ailments, said Naseem. But both the brothers have to rebuild the house quickly. How long can friends and relatives keep us? But how will he manage? We built the house with our wages. Now, we dont have a house nor wages. I dont know what to say anymore, I feel I will tear up, Naseem said. Naseems family and hundreds of others hit hard by the shelling now pin their hopes on government support. The Centre, Jammu and Kashmir government and Punjab government have announced compensation for the families of the deceased, but not for those who lost their houses and livelihoods. But Naseem remains optimistic. We trust the government. Hope it will do something for us soon, he said.
Highest ever private procurement of wheat in Punjab this year at 10.79 LMT
CHANDIGARH: Private traders have bought 10.79 lakh metric tonnes of wheat this rabi season in Punjab, the highest ever purchase by the private sector, paying about Rs 200 more than the Minimum Support Price (MSP) to farmers. The highest purchase by private players was from Sangrur, home district of chief minister Bhagwant Mann. As per official data with the state food and supplies department, a total of 130.5 lakh tonnes of wheat have been procured across the state till May 15, the last day of procurement; government agencies purchased 119.2 lakh tonnes and the remaining 10.79 lakh tonnes were bought by private players. 2.43 lakh tonnes was purchased from Sangrur, home district of chief minister Bhagwant Mann, followed by 1.32 lakh tonnes from Faridkot, 1.01 lakh tonnes from Ludhiana (East), 70,704 tonnes from Patiala and 68,020 tonnes from Bathinda. The rise in private purchases has been seen as a positive development as the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of wheat has risen from Rs 2,425 per quintal to Rs 2,640 per quintal in a few areas of Sangrur and Patiala. An officer, on condition of anonymity, said private traders procured 7.5 LMT last year and it was 6.5 LMT in 2022-23. A total of 119.2 lakh tonnes has been procured by government agencies as per data with the department. The highest purchase was from Muktsar at 8.77 LMT, followed by Patiala with 8.50 LMT, Bathinda with 8.42 LMT, Ferozepur district with 8.38 LMT, and Tarn Taran with 7.56 LMT. But interestingly, the state government remains behind its procurement target of 124 lakh tonnes set by the Union Government. A senior official of the state food and supplies department, on condition of anonymity, said that the fact that private players are procuring and paying more for wheat is a positive step and this shows that farmers are now not entirely dependent on government purchase. Talking to TNIE , Naresh Ghai, president of the Wheat Flour Millers Association of Punjab said that millers faced problems trying to source wheat last year at the rates had peaked at Rs 3,200 per quintal as the Centre declared release of wheat under Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) in July but the wheat was released in December, disrupting operation of flour mills. It became very difficult to buy wheat from open market for those few months. This year, millers are apprehensive that the government may also delay the release of wheat under OMSS, thus in anticipation and fear, they procured their wheat stocks for six to nine months from the farmers directly. Also, production is more this season than last season and farmers have kept wheat to sell later, he said. Punjab Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said the state government has procured the entire 130.03 LMT of wheat arriving in the mandis till the closure of the procurement season on May 15 and added that the payments to the tune of Rs 28,571 crore have been credited into the accounts of over 7 Lakh farmers. With regards to lifting, he mentioned that 104.51 LMT has been lifted, and the remaining would also be lifted within a few days.
CHANDIGARH: A widening espionage net has led to 10 arrests across Haryana and Punjab in just over two weeks, with the latest being Hisar-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who was held for allegedly spying for Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Sources said Jyoti Malhotra, who runs a YouTube channel called Travel with Jo , was arrested from the New Aggarwal Extension area in Hisar. She has 3.77 lakh subscribers on YouTube and 1.32 lakh followers on Instagram, and has also posted videos about her travel to Pakistan in March this year. The Hisar Police registered an FIR and produced her before a local court, which sent her to a five-day police remand. She has been booked under Sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act and Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) on the complaint of Sub-Inspector Bijender Singh at the Civil Lines Police Station. According to the FIR, Malhotra came into contact with Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, a staffer at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. She visited Pakistan twice in 2023, and Danish allegedly acted as her handler, introducing her to ISI operatives and maintaining regular contact via encrypted platforms. She revealed that during her visit to Pakistan in 2023, she met Ali Ehwan, who arranged her stay and travel. Ehwan introduced her to Pakistani security and intelligence officials, including Shakir and Rana Shahbaz, the FIR stated. Hisar Police spokesperson Vikas Kumar confirmed her arrest, saying officials are questioning her for further details. Danish was declared persona non grata by the Indian government and expelled on May 13. According to sources, Arman, a resident of Nuh, was arrested by Haryana Police on Thursday based on secret inputs. He allegedly shared information with Danish, a staffer at the Pakistan High Commission. A case has been registered. Earlier, in a separate case, a 24-year-old youth, Nauman Ilahi from Kairana in Uttar Pradesh, who worked as a factory security guard, was arrested in Panipat for allegedly supplying sensitive information to ISI operatives. He was staying with his sister Zeenat and brother-in-law Irfan in Hali Colony, Panipat. On May 12, Devender Singh, 25, from the Guhla area in Haryana's Kaithal district, was arrested for uploading photos with weapons on social media. Singh, pursuing a masters degree in political science from a college in Punjab, had visited Nankana Sahib in Pakistan last year. During that visit, he allegedly came into contact with Pakistani intelligence officials and remained in touch after returning to India. A senior police officer claimed that Singh admitted to taking and sending photographs of the Patiala Cantonment from outside. On May 13, Raqeeb Khan of Roorkee, Uttarakhand, working as a tailor at a shop inside Bathinda Cantonment for two years, was arrested by Punjab Police for alleged espionage. Suspicious activity was reported by cantonment officials, and his phone has been sent for forensic analysis. He is the second civilian from the area to be linked to spying. On April 29, Sunil Kumar, a cobbler from Samastipur, Bihar, was arrested. He had been working in Bathinda Cantonment since 2017 and residing in Dhobiana Basti. His brother and uncle are also cobblers in the same area. Police are analysing his bank and property records, and his phone is under forensic examination. On May 11, Punjab Police arrested two individuals, a 31-year-old woman, Guzala and her associate, Yameen Mohammad from Malerkotla, for allegedly assisting a Pakistani official posted at the High Commission in Delhi. Police believe the two were part of a broader espionage network. Earlier, on May 3, two men, Palak Sher Masih and Suraj Masih, were arrested in Amritsar for allegedly taking photographs and sharing sensitive details of Army cantonments and airbases. They were reportedly in contact with ISI through Harpreet Singh alias Pittu alias Happy, an inmate at Amritsar Central Jail. Police sources say all nine individuals were allegedly in frequent contact with the ISI and actively passed sensitive information to Pakistani handlers.
Chandigarh Diary | Governor cancels Rajasthan visit amid tensions
The intensifying hostilities between India and Pakistan last week prompted Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria to change his travel plans and get into immediate action. According to sources privy to the development, Kataria contacted the Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police of border districts to assess the ongoing situation. Following this, the Governor convened an all-party meeting and organised a sarva dharma gathering at the Raj Bhawan on Saturday. Leaders from various political parties, including Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, were present. Leaders seek special package for Punjab In view of the challenging situation at Punjab border due to operations and counter-operations between India and Pakistan, leaders of all political parties have come together to demand a special package for the state. CM Bhagwant Mann stressed that the state is always the first to bear the brunt during wars and escalations. State Congress leader and LoP Partap Singh Bajwa also pressed for a package for the development of the six border districts. He urged the introduction of a robust economic stimulus package to foster long-term stability and growth in the areas. BJP state president Sunil Jakhar echoed the same during an all-party meeting. Locals gather around drone wreckage After being neutralised by Indias air defence system, remnants and debris from drones and a suspected missile were scattered across several villages in Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Bathinda, and Ferozepur. This drew large crowds of people who were eager to see the debris. Social media flooded with videos of locals taking photos and making reels with the remnants, pointing out various parts. Many people discussed what to do with the debris, touching it out of curiosity. Some even attempted to take pieces home or considered selling them to scrap dealers. In response, CM Bhagwant Mann urged the public to stay away from debris. Harpreet Bajwa Our correspondent in Chandigarh hsbajwa73@gmail.com
MD, Directors among private players of companies booked for duping Rs. 2.46 cr
Jammu, May 13: Jammu Crime Branch on Tuesday booked Managing Director, Directors, partners of four private companies and others for duping Rs. 2.46 crores on different pretexts from the innocent people ofJammu. Senior Superintendent of Police Crime Jammu Benam Tosh said that four separate FIRs have been registered by the Crime Branch againstChandigarh, Bathinda (Punjab) [] The post MD, Directors among private players of companies booked for duping Rs. 2.46 cr appeared first on Northlines .
Pakistan ceasefire breach triggers blackouts, security measures in border areas of Punjab, Haryana
CHANDIGARH: Within hours of India and Pakistan declaring a ceasefire, the neighbouring country unilaterally broke the peace by indulging in shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. Following this, blackouts were re-imposed in several districts of Punjab, as well as in Ambala, Haryana, which houses a key air force base. Sources said complete blackouts were suddenly imposed as a precautionary measure in six border districts of PunjabAmritsar, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Ferozepur, and Fazilkaafter local administrations were alerted about ceasefire violations by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir. Blasts in Srinagar after ceasefire shock residents; all okay now, clarifies Centre Additional blackouts were also enforced in Moga, Sangrur, Patiala, Hoshiarpur, Muktsar, Barnala, and Bathinda. Street lights were switched off in many parts of the state. Ambala in Haryana also faced blackout due to its strategic air force base. Sources claimed that a drone was spotted in Fazilka and Pathankot districts. Earlier in the day, the district administrations of Sangrur, Rupnagar, and Fazilka had withdrawn blackout orders, while authorities in districts like Jalandhar, Kapurthala, and Patiala also cancelled restrictive orders. Local authorities in districts including Jalandhar, Pathankot, and Kapurthala had advised the closure of markets and commercial establishments and urged citizens to avoid large gatherings in the wake of the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan. India agrees to a ceasefire with Pakistan after call from across the border
Pakistan moving troops in forward areas, launched strikes at multiple locations: Indian govt
NEW DELHI: Pakistan's military is observed to be moving its troops to forward areas, India said on Saturday, terming it a provocative move as the two countries continued attacking each other's military facilities, dangerously escalating the ongoing conflict. The Pakistan military is observed to be moving their troops to border areas, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi said at a press briefing along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Officials said that Pakistan has also deployed heavy weaponry to target both Indian military and civilian areas, adding that the Indian Armed Forces are fully prepared for any eventuality. Wing Commander Singh said India was committed to on-escalation provided that Pakistan reciprocates. The officials also stated that Pakistan has been carrying out escalatory actions, predominantly using heavy-calibre weapons, missiles, and fighter jets to target military sites along the Western front. They added that the attacks have also included cowardly strikes on civilian infrastructure, including schools as well as medical facilities in Srinagar, Avantipura and Udhampur, terming it a deploarable act. Around 400 drones used to target military bases, places of worship: Centre on Pakistani escalation Col Qureshi explained that the Pakistan military is using unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), long-range weapons, and other heavy equipment, attempting to hit more than 26 locations across India along the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC). The targets included airbases in Udhampur, Pathankot, Adhampur, and Nalia. Pakistan military has resorted to unprofessional actions, targeting civil airbases in Srinagar, Awantipur, and Jammu, as well as schools and civilian infrastructure in an irresponsible manner, she said. At the LoC and IB, their fighter jets attempted to intrude at over 26 locations. The Indian Armed Forces neutralised most of the attempts. However, there was some damage at air force stations in Udhampur, Pathankot, Bhuj, and Bathinda, Colonel Qureshi said. Pakistan used a high-speed missile to target the Punjab airbase at 1.40 am, she added. Wing Commander Singh confirmed that India targeted Pakistani military assets in a retaliatory action and rejected Islamabad's claims of briging down India's S-400 air defence system. In a swift and calibrated response, Indian Armed Forces carried out precision strikes only at identified military targets. Pakistan has also engaged in a continued misinformation campaign, claiming destruction of the Indian S-400 system and airfields at Suratgarh and Sirsa. India unequivocally rejects these false claims, she said. Pakistans military bases in Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Chunian were targeted through air-launched precision ammunition and fighter jets. The radar site in Pasrur and the aviation base in Sialkot were also hit with precision strikes. India ensured minimal collateral damage during these actions. Sialkot base was also targeted with precision weapons, Wing Commander Singh said. Pakistans use of civil flights as shields was highlighted during the briefing, with officials accusing Islamabad of taking cover behind civilian aircrafts. It is a matter of concern that taking the cover of civilian aircraft taking off from Lahore, Pakistan misused international air routes. So that they can hide their activities. Such tactics compelled Indian air defence system to act with great patience while ensuring civilian security, Col Qureshi said. India hits three Pakistan airbases in retaliatory strikes Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Misri reiterated Pakistans disinformation campaign, which falsely claimed the destruction of Indias S-400 system at Adhampur, the Brahmos Cruise Missile Base at Nagrota, and the Chandigarh Ordnance Depot. Wing Commander Singh also reported that at the Line of Control, drones and artillery are being used by the Pakistan Army to target areas such as Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, and Akhnoor. India has delivered a befitting response, causing significant damage to Pakistans military infrastructure, she said. Foreign Secretary Misri underscored that India does not wish to escalate the situation, provided Pakistan also behaves responsibly. Officials said Pakistans military continues to use multiple threat vectors, including long-range weapons, loitering munitions, and drones, to intrude into Indian airspace. They added that Pakistans air intrusion and harassment attacks targeted 26 locations along the LoC and IB, including Indian Air Force bases in Adhampur, Nalia, and Bhuj. Indias response has been swift and calibrated, with Pakistans technical infrastructure, command and control centres, radar positions in Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, Farkhor, and Sialkot being targeted with precision strikes, causing minimal collateral damage. Misri emphasised, We must not be misled by the tissue of lies being spread by Pakistan. Their consistent attempts to sow discord among communities in India continue to fail. He also confirmed that Additional Development Commissioner Rajkumar Thapa had been killed in a pakistani shelling in J&K's Rajouri on early Saturday morning. Terming Pakistans claims of Indian missiles targeting Shri Amritsar Sahib as ludicrous, Misri said, These attempts are doomed to fail. At the end of the briefing, Foreign Secretary Misri indicated that the situation remains fluid, adding, We are dealing with an evolving situation, and updates will follow.
Amid rising tension between India and Pakistan, the Ministry of External Affairs detailed Pakistan's aggression along the western border and LoC. In a joint press conference by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Defence, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi said that the attacks, spanning over 26 locations, attempted airspace infiltration from Srinagar to Naliya, using drones, long-range weapons, UCAVs, loitering ammunition, and fighter jets to target Indian military structures. Despite sustaining damage to airbases in Udhampur, Pathankot, Adampur, Bhuj, and Bathinda, and injuring personnel, Indian forces successfully retaliated, the MEA said. The use of high-speed missiles and unprofessional targeting of non-military areas like hospitals and schools were particularly condemned. While Pakistan continued striking, the Indian Army successfully neutralised attempted strikes on various locations across the country, preventing them from reaching their targets.
Indias air defence success: A saga of decade-long toil
NEW DELHI: The surgical precision with which India destroyed terror camps in Pakistan and its occupied territories in Kashmir not only asserted the countrys status as one of the most forceful nations in counter-terror operations, but also exposed the vulnerabilities in Pakistans defence network. It took over a decade for India to strategically strengthen its air defence system and enhance its combat power by incorporating cutting-edge warfare technologies. Many experts believe the successful execution of Operation Sindoor has sent a clear and unequivocal message that India is no longer just capable of defending its skiesit now commands, dictates, and controls them, remarked a senior official. It was a loss of face for Pakistan after India avenged Pahalgam terror attack. In a move to reclaim its lost image and shore up receding spirits, Pakistan escalated the situation in the border areas by launching missile strikes on Indian military installations across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat. However, every single missile was intercepted or neutralised. Despite the setback, Pakistan continued its reckless provocation by unleashing indiscriminate drone and missile attacks on the night of May 8 in several parts of India. Thanks to Indias elaborate and robust air defence system, none of these attacks reached their intended targets. Sources within the government said Indias swift, coordinated response showcased the formidable strength of its air defence ecosystempainstakingly developed over the past 11 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to information available in the publicly domain, a combination of technologiesincluding the Integrated Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Grid, S-400 Triumf Systems, Barak-8 missiles, Akash surface-to-air missiles, and DRDOs anti-drone Systemscame together seamlessly to form an aerial shield over India that held firm and thwarted every single attempt by the enemy to inflict damage on this side of the border. Amid continuous cross-border provocations, India did not limit itself to defence. It retaliated swiftly with precision, inflicting significant destruction on the Pakistani side. Under Operation Sindoor, the Indian Armed Forces demonstrated their sharpest and most accurate deep-strike capabilities, penetrating Pakistani territory and destroying a Chinese-supplied HQ-9 air defence unit in Lahore, as well as damaging vital radar infrastructure. Such preparedness is not the result of a single days effort. Since 2014, the Modi government has systematically strengthened Indias air defence architecture. Key acquisitions and developments include the Rs 35,000-crore deal for five S-400 Triumf squadronssigned in 2018. Three squadrons are now operational along the borders with China and Pakistan. The deployment of Barak-8 Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MR-SAM), part of a $2.5 billion deal signed in 2017 with Israel, now actively defends key bases such as Bathinda. There are also indigenous Akash missile batteries and DRDO-developed counter-drone systems that collectively form a robust shield against enemy manoeuvres. Indias Man-Portable Counter-Drone Systems (MPCDS), installed in 2024 to jam and disable hostile UAVs, have also significantly enhanced modern warfare capabilities. Notably, Operation Sindoor marked the combat debut of loitering munitionsso-called suicidal drones ordered in 2021 and manufactured domestically. These drones executed simultaneous, precision strikes across multiple sectors, catching Pakistans defences completely off guard. Along with all others, the Israeli-origin Harop dronesnow being produced in India, were deployed to target and destroy air defence infrastructure in Karachi and Lahore. These advanced systems were further complemented by the strategic use of Rafale fighter jets equipped with SCALP and HAMMER missiles, underlining Indias ability to conduct precision strikes with surgical efficiency. The Modi governments defence strategy has never been about showy, one-off actionsit has been focused on building a resilient, multi-layered ecosystem.
32 Airports Shut For Civilian Flight Operations Till May 15: DGCA
The airports include Adhampur, Ambala, Amritsar, Awantipur, Bathinda, Bhuj, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Halwara, Hindon, and Jammu.
Centre extends closure of 24 airports for civilian flights till May 15
NEW DELHI: At least 24 airports in northern and western parts of the country, including Srinagar and Chandigarh, have been shut for civilian flights till May 15, sources said on Friday. Earlier, these airports were closed for civilian flights till May 10 in view of the military conflict between India and Pakistan. Airlines on Friday said that their flights have been cancelled due to the temporary closure of airports till May 15. The sources said at least 24 airports have been closed for civilian flights till 05:29 hours of May 15. The airports include Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bhuntar, Kishengarh, Patiala, Shimla, Dharamsala, and Bathinda. Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Leh, Bikaner, Pathankot, Jammu, Jamnagar, and Bhuj are among the other airports that have been temporarily closed for civilian flights. Following a notification from aviation authorities on continued closure of multiple airports in India, Air India flights to and from the following stations -- Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Bhuj, Jamnagar and Rajkot -- are being cancelled till 0529 hrs IST on 15 May, the airline said in a post on X. Air India also said customers holding valid tickets for travel during this period will be offered a one-time waiver on rescheduling charges or a full refund for cancellations. In a post on X, IndiGo said in accordance with the latest directives from the relevant authorities, all flights to and from 10 destinations will remain cancelled until 0529 hours on May 15 due to temporary airport closures. The airports are Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamsala, Bikaner, Rajkot, Jodhpur and Kishangarh. These precautionary measures have been instituted with your safety and security as our highest priority, the airline said. The military conflict between India and Pakistan has intensified. Under Operation Sindoor, armed forces had carried out strikes on terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Wednesday in retaliation against the Pahalgam terror attack that had killed at least 26 people last month.
Around 400 drones used to target military bases, places of worship: Centre on Pakistani escalation
India said on Friday that Pakistan violated its airspace on the night of 89 May, striking 36 sitesincluding military installations and places of worshipin a stark escalation of cross-border hostilities. Speaking at a Ministry of External Affairs briefing, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi said Pakistan used 300 to 400 drones to target India on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday. Around 300 to 400 drones were used (by Pakistan) to attempt infiltration at 36 locations... Forensic investigation of the wreckage of the drones is being done. Initial reports suggest that they are Turkish Asisguard Songar drones, she said. The Indian forces shot down the Pakistani drones. The drones and its debris are being analysed, she added. Officials said one Pakistani armed unmanned aerial vehicle had been sent to target Bathinda military station and that the attempt was foiled. They added that Indian armed forces had shot down the Pakistani drones using both kinetic and non-kinetic means. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that places of worship had also been targeted, terming it a ew low for Islamabad. Pakistani side targeted places of worship with a particular design... it is a new low even for Pakistan, he said. The Foreign Secretary added that Pakistani cross-border firing had hit a Christian missionary school in Poonch, killing two children. We do have some information about this extremely regrettable and condemnable incident. During heavy shelling across the Line of Control in the early morning of 7th May, a shell fired from Pakistan landed just behind the Christ School run by the Kamalites of the Mary Immaculate Congregation in Poonch. Tragically, the shell fired from Pakistan hit the home of two students of the Christ School, Misri said. Misri also criticised Pakistan for not closing its airspace and accused Islamabad of using civilian air traffic as a shield. Pakistan did not close its airspace and used civilian air traffic as a shield. Pakistani airlines were seen flying over Karachi and Lahore. There were heavy losses to the Pakistani army as India retaliated, he said. Wing Commander Vyomika Singh said the non-closure of Pakistans airspace posed a danger to unsuspecting civilian airliners, including international flights flying near the international border between India and Pakistan. The screenshot we showed displays the data from the Flight Radar 24 application during a high air defence alert situation in the Punjab sector. As you can see, the airspace on the Indian side is completely devoid of civil air traffic due to our declared closure. However, civil airlines continue to fly the route between Karachi and Lahore, she added. She also said the Indian Air Force had demonstrated considerable restraint in its response, ensuring the safety of international civil carriers. Notably, India on Thursday night swiftly thwarted Pakistans fresh attempts to strike military sites with drones and missilesincluding in Jammu, Udhampur and Pathankot, among other border areasafter foiling similar bids at 15 locations in the northern and western regions of the country, as tensions soared between the two nations amid fears of a wider conflict.
Debris resembling parts of missile found in Punjab
Debris resembling parts of a missile was found in a field in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, while metal parts of unidentified objects were discovered at two locations in Bathinda, sparking panic among locals. The incidents come after India successfully thwarted Pakistan's attempts to target military installations with drones and missiles across the country.
CHANDIGARH: Amid soaring tension between India and Pakistan, debris resembling parts of a missile was found in the fields near Kamahi Devi village in Hoshiarpur district. Such objects were found at three more places in Bathinda district of Punjab. The metal debris was found Thursday evening and appeared akin to a missile. Acting promptly, the villagers informed the police. The Indian Air Force (IAF) was also informed. Thereafter, the area was cordoned off. An IAF team arrived at the spot and conducted preliminary investigation before collecting the debris, sources said. Debris resembling that of missiles were also found near Bir Talab Basti number 4 area in Bathinda, at Gehri Baghi village in the district. Also, a house in Tungwali village sustained minor damage during the incident reported last night as the windows and door panes were shattered due to an explosion. A shed in the house was also damaged. The police reached the site early on Friday morning. The villagers said that such minor incidents are common in war-like situations. Local MLA Master Jagsir Singh who visited the area praised the courage of the villagers. Meanwhile on Friday morning the Chandigarh Administration sounded a fresh air raid siren, appealing to people to remain indoors. An air warning has been received from the air force station of a possible attack. Sirens are being sounded. All are advised to remain indoors and stay away from balconies, an official statement issued by the Chandigarh administration said. About an hour later, it said the siren for the alert was over. Uneasy calm in J&K as India-Pakistan tensions escalate, border residents move to safer places The people across the state especially border districts Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Taran Taran and Pathankot had a tense night following complete blackout. Meanwhile, the SAS Nagar district administration on Friday began installing new air raid sirens with 30 requisitioned for Kharar and 20 for Zirakpur and Dera Bassi. The state government has allocated emergency funds to all the deputy commissioners across the state to address exigencies with the option to request additional funds as required in view of the prevailing situation. Also, the government has cancelled the leaves of all IAS and PCS officers in the state with immediate effect. In view of the prevailing situation and preparedness for the emergency response system, it has been decided that no officer shall proceed on any kind of leave or leave their station of posting without explicit approval of the Chief Secretary Punjab. All the leaves approved so far stand cancelled. Meticulous compliance may be ensured failing which suitable action under relevant rules shall be initiated, stated a letter issued by Punjab, secretary personnel, Gurpreet Kaur Sapra. The Punjab police has already cancelled the leave of its personnel. The Punjab Government has asked the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to immediately transfer the wheat that has been bought in the border districts of Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Ferozepur and Fazilka. A concerted effort has been put in to speed up the lifting of wheat from the six border districts of the state. Sources said that the government has informed the FCI officials to check the destination where the wheat needs to be sent and also check the availability of rakes for transporting the wheat. As on date, on an average about 15 rail rakes of wheat a day is moved from Punjab to the recipient states. Rajasthan remains on edge after drone attacks; blackout to be enforced in all border districts Meanwhile the Punjab Police has deployed specialized forces, including SOG Hits, SSG, and Ghatak teams, accompanied by bulletproof vehicles. Also in coordination with the BSF, 73 well-equipped nakas have been set-up at strategic points, enhancing the second line of defence. The Village Defence Committees (VDCs) have also been formed throughout the border areas to support local security measures. Apart from this, 14 additional companies of Punjab Armed Police have been deployed in border districts and state-level control rooms along with district-level control rooms have been established to ensure seamless communication and coordination among all security forces, said sources. In the neighboring Haryana, Deputy Commissioner of Ambala has ordered a complete blackout from 8 pm till 6 am. The orders in this regard were issued by District Magistrate Ajay Singh Tomer. The administration also banned the use of inverters or generators for outdoor lighting. In view of the prevailing circumstances and intelligence inputs indicating a potential air strike threat from Pakistan, it is imperative to ensure complete blackout during the night hours for public safety and strategic interests. And whereas, use of inverter, generator and any other power backup used for outdoor lights, bill board, street lights etc may invite any terror/drone attack in District Ambala, the order said. The order was issued under Section 163 (Power to issue order in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. IPL suspended for one week amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan
'Bomb-like' object recovered in Jaisalmer's Kishanghat area after Thursday's cross-border firing
JAIPUR: A bomb-like object was found in the Kishanghat area of Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district on Friday morning, prompting swift action by the local police and air force. According to the police, the object was found near a nursery in the colony of the Jogis, located in front of Kishanghat under the Kotwali police station area. Kotwali SHO Prem Daan said it seems to be a bomb-like object. Experts from the army are on their way Kishanghat to defuse it. It it currently not known if it is live or destroyed, he said. VIDEO | Rajasthan: Debris of unidentified object found in Jaisalmer's Kishan Ghat area. Security personnel at the spot. More details awaited. (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz ) #Rajasthan pic.twitter.com/aGVD2gBSIt Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 9, 2025 Arjun Nath, a local, spotted the object and immediately informed Kishanghat Sarpanch representative Kalyan Ram, who then alerted authorities. Following this, teams from the local police and the Indian Air Force arrived at the scene, they said. The area has been cordoned off as a precautionary measure and further investigation is underway. The object resembled parts of a drone that was launched by Pakistan on Jaisalmer on Thursday night around 10.30 pm. However, official confirmation is awaited. Authorities have urged residents to remain calm and follow safety instructions as security measures have been intensified in the region. Notably, on Thursday night India swiftly thwarted Pakistan's fresh attempts to strike military sites with drones and missiles, including in Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur, after foiling its attempts to target military installations in 15 cities in the northern and western parts of the country. According to the defence ministry, the Pakistani military on Thursday night attempted to target Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bathinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai and Bhuj.
Air raid sirens in Chandigarh, residents urged to stay indoors; Mohali, Patiala issue alerts
The Chandigarh administration sounded an air raid siren on Friday, urging residents to stay indoors, as tensions between India and Pakistan escalated. The alert was lifted about an hour later. An air warning has been received from the air force station of a possible attack. Sirens are being sounded. All are advised to remain indoors and stay away from balconies, the administration said in an official statement. *ALERT* An Air warning has been received from Air force station of possible attack. Sirens are being sounded. All are advised to remain indoors and away from balconies. DC Chandigarh Chandigarh Admn (@chandigarh_admn) May 9, 2025 Chandigarh serves as the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana. Authorities in neighbouring districts also took precautionary measures. The Panchkula district administration sounded a similar siren and advised people to remain indoors. Meanwhile, officials in Punjab's Mohali district, which borders Chandigarh, issued an alert for nearby residents. There is an alert in some areas of Chandigarh. We are advising Mohali residents in the bordering sectors to remain indoors and away from windows and glass panes, the Mohali administration said in a message. There is an alert in some areas of UT Chandigarh. We are advising Mohali residents in bordering sectors as well to remain indoors and away from windows and glass panes. Specifically sectors 45-47. Mohali Administration DC Mohali (@dcmohali) May 9, 2025 Further south, the Patiala district administration also urged caution. Please avoid stepping out unless it is absolutely necessary. All educational institutions in the district are closed until further notice. Residents are strongly advised to stay indoors and away from balconies, rooftops, and open areas, its advisory stated, asking the public to contact the control room in case of an emergency. A similar air siren was sounded in Chandigarh on Thursday night as India swiftly thwarted Pakistan's fresh attempts to strike military sites with drones and missiles, including in Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur, after foiling its attempts to target military installations in 15 cities in the northern and western parts of the country. According to the defence ministry, the Pakistani military on Thursday night attempted to target Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bathinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai and Bhuj. The renewed attempts by the Pakistani forces came after the Indian armed forces on Wednesday carried out precise missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan under 'Operation Sindoor' in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Punjab orders closure of all schools, colleges for next three days amid rising border tensions
Drones, blackouts, and sirens: People spend anxious night in border Punjab districts
Residents across border districts in Punjab including Amritsar, Pathankot, and Ferozepur, spent a tense night on Thursday as authorities enforced a complete blackout in response to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. Blackouts were also imposed in Jalandhar, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, and other regions, with power supply cut off in Chandigarh, the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana for about two hours until midnight. The precautionary measures followed a fresh wave of attempted attacks by Pakistan on Thursday night. According to the Ministry of Defence, Pakistan launched a coordinated offensive using drones and missiles to target military sites in multiple Indian cities, including Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur. The Indian armed forces swiftly intercepted the threats, successfully thwarting the strikes. The targeted locations included 15 cities across northern and western India, among them Srinagar, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bathinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj. These attempted strikes came just a day after the Indian military launched Operation Sindoor , a series of precision missile attacks on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This operation was in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. In Pathankot, some residents reported hearing explosion-like sounds on Thursday night, although no official confirmation was issued. Air raid sirens were activated around 8:30 p.m., and a complete blackout was enforced. By Friday morning, however, the situation remained calm. Similar scenes played out in other border districts like Amritsar and Ferozepur, where residents expressed initial anxiety but praised the armed forces for their quick and effective response. In Chandigarh, despite the blackout and tense atmosphere, daily life began returning to normal on Friday. Baldev Chand, an elderly local resident, resumed his morning walk, saying, There were some anxious moments last night, but the way our forces handled the situation makes us feel secure. Authorities across Punjab urged residents to stay indoors, switch off lights, and follow blackout protocols. Pathankot Deputy Commissioner Aditya Uppal emphasized the importance of remaining calm and vigilant. In addition to the blackout in major cities, power cuts were enforced in Rupnagar, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Sangrur, Bathinda, Patiala, and Panchkula in Haryana as precautionary steps to ensure public safety. In light of the heightened security situation, the Punjab government has ordered the closure of all schools and educational institutions for the next three days. Chandigarh authorities have also shut all schools until Saturday. (With input from PTI) Tensions soar in Jammu & Kashmir after Pak's failed drone attack, heavy shelling: Woman killed
Pak turbulence in Indian airspace, flights most hit
Amid heightened security concerns, Indias booming aviation sector has been hit. Closure of 30 airports across several states has left hundreds of flights cancelled and thousands of travellers stranded or scrambling for alternatives. S Lalitha takes a look at the situation: What triggered disruption? It stems from the closure of operations at several civilian airports many of which double as military airfields after India conducted precision strikes in Pakistan and PoK on May 7 and 8. India suspended operations at critical airports in the North, Northwest, and Central regions of the country. Affected airports The closure impacts airports in J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and Delhi-NCR. Notable ones include: J&K & Ladakh: Leh, Thoise, Srinagar, Jammu Punjab: Amritsar, Pathankot, Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda, Halwara HP: Dharamshala, Shimla, Bhuntar, Gaggal Rajasthan: Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Kishangarh, Bikaner Gujarat: Bhuj, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Mundra, Kandla, Keshod Others: Hindon (Delhi NCR), Gwalior (MP) and Chandigarh Airlines response Major airlines have rolled out cancellations and passengers holding valid tickets have been offered full refunds: IndiGo: Suspended 165 daily flights, including those from Amritsar, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Gwalior, Jammu, Jodhpur, Leh, and Srinagar Air India: Cancelled flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot SpiceJet: Stopped operations in Leh, Srinagar, Jammu, Dharamshala, Kandla, and Amritsar Akasa Air: Cancelled flights from Srinagar Impact on flyers Travellers are experiencing severe stress due to cancellations, particularly those with connecting flights. Social media platforms of airlines have been flooded with distress calls. Whats next? Airlines and airport authorities are monitoring developments, but flyers should be prepared for ongoing disruptions beyond May 10.
Explained: Operation Sindoor aftermath and how it has impacted flights in India
Following Operation Sindoor and heightened security concerns, India's air travel sector has been hit. The closure of 30 airports across several states has left hundreds of flights cancelled and thousands of travellers stranded or scrambling for alternatives. Here's a breakdown of the current situation. What triggered the disruption? The disruption stems from the closure of operations at several civilian airports many of which double as military airfields after India conducted precision strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir in the wee hours of May 7. Operation Sindoor: Nine strikes, 25 minutes of chaos for Pakistan Fearing potential retaliation post these strikes, the Indian government suspended operations at critical airports in the North, Northwest, and Central regions of the country. Which airports are affected? The closure impacts airports in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and the Delhi NCR region. Notable airports shut down include: J&K & Ladakh : Leh, Thoise, Srinagar, Jammu Punjab : Amritsar, Pathankot, Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda, Halwara, Chandigarh. Himachal Pradesh : Dharamshala, Shimla, Bhuntar, Gaggal Rajasthan : Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Kishangarh, Bikaner Gujarat : Bhuj, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Mundra, Kandla, Keshod Others : Hindon (Delhi NCR), Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) Airlines expect the disruption to last at least until 5:29 AM on May 10, though airport sources hint it may continue longer. How are airlines responding? Major airlines have rolled out large-scale cancellations and advisories: IndiGo has suspended 165 daily flights, including those from Amritsar, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Gwalior, Jammu, Jodhpur, Leh, and Srinagar. Air India has cancelled flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot. SpiceJet has stopped operations in Leh, Srinagar, Jammu, Dharamshala, Kandla, and Amritsar. Akasa Air has cancelled flights from Srinagar. Passengers holding tickets for these routes have been offered full refunds. Impact on flyers Travellers are experiencing severe stress due to abrupt cancellations, particularly those with connecting flights. Entire itineraries are being disrupted when the primary leg of the journey is cancelled, as seen in multiple cases. R Sushmita, travelling from Himachal to Nagpur via Chandigarh and Delhi, had to reroute by train to Delhi due to a cancelled Air India flight. Fortunately, Air India issued a fresh ticket at no extra cost. Piyush Sawarkar, stuck in Leh with his family, tweeted for help after his Indigo flight to Mumbai was cancelled. Like many others, he received a standard airline response requesting his PNR via direct message. Social media platforms of airlines have been flooded with similar distress calls, and many passengers are still awaiting clarity and rebooking options. A necessary safety measure According to Captain CS Randhawa, President of the Federation of Indian Pilots Association, while the inconvenience is considerable, the move was necessary from a national security perspective. The government wants flyers to stay safe. Closure of air force bases wont impact the public directly since civilian aircraft dont usually operate there, he said. However, international carriers are significantly affected. To avoid Pakistani airspace, flights from the Gulf to Delhi are forced to take detours. For instance, British Airways, Air France, and KLM from Delhi are heading towards Mumbai and then rerouting through Turkey, with longer flight paths and additional operational costs, he explained. Whats next? The situation remains fluid. Airlines and airport authorities are monitoring developments, but flyers should be prepared for ongoing disruptions beyond May 10. Travellers are advised to stay updated through official airline channels and plan alternate routes where possible.
IAF declines to comment on crash reports
An unidentified aircraft crashed near Aklian Kalan village in Bathinda, Punjab, resulting in the death of a civilian and injuries to ten others who approached the wreckage site. The incident occurred around 1:30 am, prompting a response from authorities who collected debris from the area, located approximately 20km from Bhisiana airbase. The IAF has not yet commented on the incident.
One dead, nine injured after aircraft crash in Punjab village
Crash site in Bathinda district cordoned off; authorities yet to confirm details of unidentified aircraft
SAD chief Badal condemns Pakistan forces''attack' on gurdwara in Poonch during cross-border shelling
CHANDIGARH: Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal on Wednesday strongly condemned the attack on a gurdwara in Poonch by Pakistan forces during cross-border shelling that led to the death of three Sikhs. At least 12 people, including four children, were killed and 57 others injured as the Pakistan Army carried out heavy artillery and mortar shelling on forward villages along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. The intense shelling from across the border started shortly after Indian armed forces carried out missile attacks on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir to avenge the April 22 terror attack in south Kashmir's Pahalgam that had left 26 civilians dead. The worst-hit in the Pakistani shelling was Poonch district which accounted for all the civilian deaths, the officials said, adding 42 people were also injured and the condition of some of them was stated to be serious. Among the dead were Amarjeet Singh, Amrik Singh and Ranjit Singh in Poonch. In a post on X, SAD chief Badal said, Strongly condemn the inhuman attack by Pakistani forces on the sacred Central Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Poonch, in which three innocent Gursikhs, including Bhai Amrik Singh Ji (a raagi Singh), Bhai Amarjeet Singh and Bhai Ranjit Singh lost their lives. He said his party expresses complete solidarity with the families of the deceased and prays for peace for the departed and courage for their friends and loved ones. We demand that the martyrs be honoured for their sacrifice and that the bereaved families receive adequate compensation to support them in their time of grief. The Sikhs have always been, and will continue to be, the sword arm of the country. We stand like a rock with our armed forces. Although the Shiromani Akali Dal and our country stand for peace, if our honour is challenged by the enemy, we need no reminder to fulfil our patriotic duties, said Badal. Bathinda MP and former union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal too condemned the incident. Pained to learn about the tragic demise of Bhai Amrik Singh Raagi, ex-serviceman Amarjeet Singh and shopkeeper Ranjit Singh in the course of shelling by Pakistan in Poonch. Also learnt that a gurdwara has been targeted & damaged. I condemn this cowardly action. I'm sure GOI will avenge this dastardly attack & the three martyrdoms will not go in vain, she said in a post on X. Union Minister and BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee chief Harjinder Singh Dhami also condemned the incident. Deeply condemn the cowardly attack by Pakistani forces on the sacred Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib, Poonch. The martyrdom of Bhai Amrik Singh Ji, Bhai Amarjeet Singh Ji & Bhai Ranjit Singh Ji is a tragic loss. India will not tolerate such barbarity, said Bittu in a post on X.
An unidentified plane crashed in Bathinda killing one person and injuring 9 others, sources said on Wednesday.
1 killed, 9 injured as unidentified plane crashes in Bathinda
Chandigarh, May 7: An unidentified plane crashed in Bathinda killing one person and injuring 9 others, sources said on Wednesday. Sources said the plane crashed around past midnight into wheat fields of Akilan Kalan village of the district in which a farm labourer, originally from Charkhi Dadri of Haryana, was killed and nine [] The post 1 killed, 9 injured as unidentified plane crashes in Bathinda appeared first on Northlines .
Punjab all set for mock drills in 20 towns as nation ramps up defence preparedness
CHANDIGARH: Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, civil defence mock drills will be held at 20 places in Punjab, besides several locations in Haryana and the Union Territory of Chandigarh on Wednesday, as per instructions issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). In Punjab, the mock drills will be held in Amritsar, Bathinda, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Batala, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Adampur, Halwara, Patiala, Pathankot, Barnala, Mohali, Faridkot, Kotkapura, Rupnagar, Bhakra Nangal, Sangrur and Abohar. Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, The civil defence teams and Punjab Police, along with the Home Ministry, will conduct mock drills tomorrow, adding that the state government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is closely monitoring the exercise to ensure the safety of citizens. Preparations are almost complete for conducting the mock drills. The objective of the drills is to create awareness among the public and take necessary precautions in the event of any attack, he added. Cheema said the directions of the Home Ministry will be followed during the mock drills. Sources said that public announcements will be made before the drills. As per the guidelines issued by MHA, the drills will include activation of air raid warning sirens, training of civilians, students and others in civil defence procedures to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack, implementation of crash blackout measures, early camouflaging of vital plants and installations, updating and rehearsing of evacuation plans. The ministry had asked several states to conduct mock drills on May 7 for effective civil defence. In the meeting today, the issue of sirens was raised as for many years these have not been tested thus many might be dysfunctional for that we need to first check the working of all the civil and defence siren systems and these will be tested. Thus people should not panic, said a senior functionary who took part in the meeting. MHA conducts key review meeting ahead of massive civil defence mock drill, identifies 19 'top priority' sites Meanwhile, Ferozepur Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma said as part of the mock drill preparations, six civil defence sirens will be sounded in the city and the Ferozepur Cantonment area from 7 to 7.15 pm on Tuesday. These sirens will be sounded for the preparation of the May 7 mock drill, she said, adding that there was no need to worry. A senior police official in Ferozepur said a blackout rehearsal will be carried out from 9 to 9.30 pm on Wednesday and police patrolling teams will be deployed. In Haryana too, mock drills will be conducted at many places, including Ambala, Faridabad, Gurugram, Hisar, Panchkula, Panipat and Rohtak. In a letter to the chief secretaries of all states and administrators of Union Territories, the MHA stated that the measures to be taken during the mock drills include the operationalisation of air-raid warning sirens, training civilians on civil-defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack and cleaning bunkers and trenches. The other measures are provisions for crash-blackout measures, early camouflaging of vital plants and installations and updating and rehearsing evacuation plans. The mock drills also include the operationalisation of hotline and radio-communication links with the Indian Air Force (IAF), testing the functionality of control rooms and shadow control rooms. It said the active participation of the district controllers, various district authorities, civil-defence wardens, volunteers, home guards (active and reservists volunteers), National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), college and school students is envisaged in the exercise. Civil defence volunteers rehearse emergency response in Lucknow ahead of nationwide mock drill
Farmers, teachers, students intensify protests against AAP leadership across Punjab
CHANDIGARH: It is not just Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders facing the wrath and anger of farmers across Punjab; now Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders are also on the receiving end. They are facing rising public ire over unfulfilled promises, unanswered queries, and arrogant behaviour. Farmers are posing questions to the leaders, even going so far as to term AAP the B-team of BJP. Now, student groups and teachers associations have also joined in protesting against the ruling party leaders. Yesterday, AAP MLA from Rampura Phul, Balkar Sidhu, and another ruling party legislator from Maur, Sukhbir Singh Maiserkhana, had to face backlash from farmers during their visits to inaugurate development projects. Sidhu had gone to Sidhana village in Rampura to inaugurate an event under the Education Revolution initiative. As the news spread that the legislator was in the area, members of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Krantikari Punjab) and BKU Ekta Ugrahan gathered in front of the school in the village. As Sidhu arrived at the school under police protection, farmers began raising slogans regarding the atrocities committed at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders. They also raised objections related to the Model School Chaoke case. After the programme ended, the MLA approached the farmers, and the farmer leaders asked him several questions. Sidhu responded, saying he could only comment after speaking with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Later, in Salebrah village, the MLA faced further protests. Meanwhile, Sukhbir Singh Maiserkhana, another ruling party legislator from the Maur assembly segment, was confronted by members of the BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) during his visit to Ramgarh Bhundar village yesterday. Maiserkhana had earlier been confronted by BKU Sidhupur members while en route to an event under the Sikhya Kranti programme. In another incident, members of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Ekta Sidhupur) posed several questions to Gidderbaha AAP MLA Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon in Gurusar village on Monday. They described the AAP as the BJPs B-team. They asked him why the farmers were not allowed to protest at the Khanauri and Shambhu borders. In response, Dimpy said the state government might be under some pressure to lift the protests at the borders, as nothing had happened in the past year. Talking with this newspaper, Prem Singh Bhangu, President of the All India Kisan Federation and senior leader of SKM Punjab, said that the AAP Punjab government is facing the wrath and anger of farmers in the villages daily whenever its MLAs and ministers visit the villages to inaugurate the repair work done in school buildings. He stated that they are being dubbed as stooges of the BJP government at the Centre for taking repressive measures to crush and dislodge the peaceful protests of farmers at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders by using heavy force. The government also foiled the March 5 proposed morcha to be launched at Chandigarh by making more than 1,000 arrests of farmers in the state, stopping them from reaching Chandigarh, their own capital, by forcibly stopping them in Punjab. Moreover, the government is trying to create a divide between rural and urban people, and Jat versus non-Jat in the state in order to garner votes, which could cost it dearly in the coming assembly elections, he said. While some party leaders avoid meeting farmers, others have lost their cool when confronted with queries. Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan has been targeted many times. On April 8, during a farmers training camp in Faridkot, Sandhwan was interrupted mid-speech when a farmer stood up and bluntly said that Sandhwan knew nothing about dairy farming. Sandhwan did not take offence. The protestors gathered outside his house in Kotkapura. There was also a protest by the Punjab Students Union at Brajindra College in Faridkot. On April 5, Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian faced a similar situation in Muktsar. Nirmal Singh from the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Sidhupur interrupted him with questions about paddy varieties. The police immediately detained Singh, booking him under Sections 126 and 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). He was sent to jail and then released after four days upon furnishing bail. Also, AAP MLA Labh Singh Ugoke was grilled by farmers demanding an inquiry into the missing trolleys. Ugoke responded that the government had many other responsibilities. Last week, Batyala MLA Amansher Singh, alias Sherry Kalsi, was surrounded by farmers. Initially, he remained calm and talked to the farmers, but when they shouted slogans, he also reportedly shouted AAP zindabad to counter them. Other MLAs, including Gurdev Singh Dev Mann in Nabha, Gurdit Singh Sekhon in Faridkot, Dalbir Singh Tong in Baba Bakala, and Aresh Kataria in Zira, have faced similar confrontations. Sarwan Singh Pandher, coordinator of Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, said that in 2020 and 2022, BJP leaders were questioned by farmers. Now, it is the turn of the AAP leadership. He further said that farmers had planned to question Mann and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal in Amritsar on April 9 but were not allowed to do so. A few days ago, the villagers of Chauke village in Bathinda decided to ban the entry of AAP leaders in response to the police crackdown on a teachers' protest outside Adarsh School on March 27, where police lathi-charged women protestors. Villagers from several villages in Lambi constituency, from where Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian is the MLA, have also announced plans to boycott AAP leaders. Additionally, the villagers of Kotla Jattan and Beer Bhamarasi villages in Fatehgarh Sahib and Babarpur Patiala have also banned the leaders of the ruling party from entering their villages. Kaka Singh Kolta, General Secretary of BKU (Sidhupur), said that this is just the start and soon they will not be able to step out of their houses.
Plot to attack Shah in pro-Amritpal WA group busted, 2 held
CHANDIGARH: After alleged screenshots of a WhatsApp group conversation in support of jailed pro-Khalistan leader and Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh was leaked on social media, the Punjab Police on Monday registered a case and arrested two persons in the matter. The group reportedly discussed plans to target Union home minister Amit Shah, Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu and Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Majithia in retaliation to the one-year extension granted for Amritpals detention under the National Security Act (NSA). An FIR was registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station in Moga under various sections of the BNS, UAPA and the IT Act. The accused have been identified as Lakhdeep Singh Sardargarh from Bathinda, Balkar Singh from New Model Town in Khanna, and Pawandeep Singh from Khote, Moga. Among them, Balkar and Pawandeep have been arrested. DIG (Faridkot Range) Ashwani Kapoor said, A case has been registered by Moga police and two accused have been arrested while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other unidentified persons. The alleged screenshots and audio recordings related to the matter have already been shared with security agencies, police added. Police sources claimed the WhatsApp group, which has over 600 members, discussed plans of targeted strikes to avenge the extension of Amitpal Singhs detention. The group conversation allegedly included details on foreign funding, arms procurement, and circulation of inflammatory content online, they added. Sources claimed the leaked chats have revealed that certain members were willing to sacrifice their lives for the cause provided their families are assured protection. According to the sources, the pro-Khalistan group accused Union ministers Shah and Bittu, Akali dal elder Bikram Majithia, and Parminder Singh Talwara, an aide to the late Waris Punjab De founder Deep Sidhu, for their assumed role in keeping the Waris Punjab De chief in jail.
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Police on Monday registered a case and arrested two individuals in connection with a WhatsApp group chat that allegedly expressed support for jailed Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh and detailed plans to target senior political leaders. Screenshots of the chat, which surfaced on social media, reportedly included discussions about attacking Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu, and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia, in response to the one-year extension of Amritpals detention under the National Security Act (NSA). A First Information Report (FIR) was registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station in Moga under Sections 61(2)(a), 113(3), 152, and 353 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and the Information Technology Act. The accused have been identified as Lakhdeep Singh Sardargarh from Bathinda, Balkar Singh from New Model Town, Khanna, and Pawandeep Singh from Khote, Moga. Of the three, Balkar and Pawandeep have been arrested. Deputy Inspector General of Police (Faridkot Range) Ashwani Kapoor said, A case has been registered by Moga Police at the Cyber Station and two accused have been arrested. Other unidentified persons, once they are identified, will be arrested. Sources claimed that the WhatsApp group, which has more than 600 members, reportedly discussed plans to strike and take revenge against Shah, Bittu, Majithia, and Parminder Singh Talwara, an aide to the late Deep Sidhu, founder of Waris Punjab De . The group blamed them for playing a key role in keeping Amritpal in jail. Screenshots and audio recordings from the group chat have been shared with security agencies. The discussions on this group allegedly took place in the background of the extension of Amritpal's detention under the NSA. Police sources claim the group chat included discussions on foreign funding, arms procurement, and the circulation of inflammatory content online. They added that the leaked chats revealed some members of the group were willing to sacrifice their lives for the cause if their families were assured protection. Now security agencies are reportedly investigating these threats, as there are fears of potential violence in the state. These kinds of threats are taken seriously, whether they appear in the public sphere or otherwise, said a senior police officer on condition of anonymity. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu alleged that some pro-Khalistan elements linked to the 'Waris Punjab De' outfit - whose chief is radical preacher Amritpal Singh - were plotting to assassinate him and other political leaders in Punjab. The conspiracy has been exposed through leaked screenshots of a chat on social media platforms, he claimed. Warning that the activities of such groups were pushing the state towards instability reminiscent of its dark past, Bittu said the central government has also taken serious note of the plot hatched by the leaders of 'Waris Punjab De'. The Centre will not allow anti-national forces to destabilise Punjab. My grandfather (Beant Singh) laid down his life for peace in Punjab. I come from a family of martyrs and I am not intimidated by extremist threats. I will not allow Punjab to descend into darkness again. Those behind this conspiracy will face the consequences, he asserted. Bittu also criticised the AAP government for what he described as a lenient stance towards criminal elements masquerading as political activists. Meanwhile, senior SAD leader Majithia demanded the immediate arrest of all members of the WhatsApp group linked with the Akali Dal Waris Punjab De party and Amritpal who were planning the execution of high-profile politicians. He demanded a NIA probe into the matter. Majithia announced that he would forward all the evidence in his possession to the Centre, stating that the Punjab Police had become politicised and could not be trusted to investigate Amritpal and his associates. He also questioned why Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was silent on such a crucial matter. Are the Punjab Police, which have all the evidence in their possession, and the Chief Minister waiting for someone to die? he asked. Majithia also released details of the WhatsApp conversations on the Akali Dal Waris Punjab De Team Moga page, in which team members asserted that they were ready to become martyrs and asked if their families would be looked after in the event they carried out political assassinations of leaders including Ravneet Bittu, Bikram Singh Majithia, and Amit Shah. He also released an audio clip in which a woman is allegedly heard instigating members to become suicide bombers. The Punjab government has extended Amritpal's detention by one more year. He is currently lodged in Central Jail at Dibrugarh in Assam. He was detained under the NSA after his arrest on 23 April 2023. Amritpal's father, Tarsem Singh, on Sunday criticised the AAP government for extending his son's detention under the NSA. Amritpal, who styled himself after slain Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, was arrested in Rode village in Moga district on 23 April 2023, following a more than month-long manhunt.
Perceived rise in hostility across north India alarms Catholics in Kerala
Theres a visible tendency among some self-proclaimed representatives of the majority religion to dominate minority communities, says Fr. Jose Vallikatt, a Catholic priest based in Bathinda
Sukhbir Badal re-elected as Shiromani Akali Dal president
CHANDIGARH: Sukhbir Badal was re-elected as president of Shiromani Akali Dal during the organisational election at Amritsar. The move comes months after him resigning from the post over a religious punishment. The 105-year-old Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is grappling to maintain its political relevance in Punjab today. Party sources said that Sukhbir was both the 'favourite' and 'the only candidate. The election follow the conclusion of a three-month-long membership drive. The session for electing SADs new president was held at the Teja Singh Samundari hall in Golden Temple complex at Amritsar. It is also the administrative hub of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). The SAD had chosen a total of 567 delegates -- four each from 117 assembly constituencies across the State to cast their vote for the new party chief. Badals name was proposed by partys working president Balwinder Singh Bhundar and party leader Paramjit Singh Sarna seconded it. His supporters launched a 'massive' campaign on social media, branding him as a 'development' man (vikas purush). Also, a new slogan, Punjab di pukar, Sukhbir di sarkar, was introduced. While the SAD once held significant sway over Punjab politics and had currently just two MLAs in the state assembly, Ganieve Kau, wife of former minister Bikram Singh Majithia, who is brother-in-law of Badal seen as a loyalist of the Badal camp. The other is Manpreet Singh Ayali, who has been consistently calling for leadership change in the party. Several senior party leaders, including Badals wife and Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal, former ministers Bikram Singh Majithia, Daljit Singh Cheema, and senior leader Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, were present. The party will hold a political conference on April 13 at Talwandi Sabo in Bathinda, where Badal will deliver an address. With this election, he once again assumed leadership of the Shiromani Akali Dal. On December 2 last year, the Akal Takht (highest temporal seat of the Sikhs) had imposed a religious punishment on Sukhbir and other senior party leaders, citing the alleged misrule of the SAD government from 2007 to 2017. The then jathedar of Akal Takht Giani Raghbir Singh had directed the partys working committee to accept Badals resignation in three days and form a new committee to initiate a membership drive. He had also directed to begin the process of electing new leadership. Earlier, Sukhbir resigned from his post as the SAD president on November 16, 2024, after being declared 'tankhaiya' (guilty of religious misconduct) by the Akal Takht only to have the party working committee reject the same. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which is seen as controlled by the SAD, removed Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, Takht Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar Giani Sultan Singh and Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh from their respective positions -- doing away with all the jathedars involved in passing the decree to punish Badal. Despite not being a president, Badal remained at the helm of party affairs. He was the face of the SAD and key speaker at the Maghi Mela. On January 21, when the SAD held a membership drive as per the Akal Takhts directions, Badal was the first to join the party. Sukhbir Badal was first elected as the president of Akali Dal in December 2008, during his father Parkash Singh Badals tenure as Chief Minister. He was lauded as a leader of the future for introducing a corporate-like political culture within the party. However, dissent grew as the party faced consecutive electoral defeats, starting with the 2017 Assembly elections.
Punjab: Sukhbir Badal Elected SAD President Again
Amritsar, Apr 12: Sukhbir Singh Badal was elected president of the Shiromani Akali Dal again in the partys general delegate session that took place in Amritsar on Saturday. Badals name was proposed by partys working president Balwinder Singh Bhundar while party leader Paramjit Singh Sarna seconded it. The session for electing SADs new president was held at the Teja Singh Samundari hall in the Sri Darbar Sahib complex here. Several senior party leaders including Badals wife and Bathinda MP Harsimrat [] The post Punjab: Sukhbir Badal Elected SAD President Again appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Who Is Amandeep Kaur? Punjab Lady Cop Famous For Reels Arrested With Heroin
The 27-year-old cop, who was previously stationed in Mansa but was assigned to Bathinda Police Lines, gained attention not only for her professional role but also for her social media presence.
Swaraj Tractors, Mahindra Susten partner to develop Punjab s largest Solar captive project
MUMBAI, Apr 2: Swaraj Tractors, a division of the Mahindra Group has announced its collaboration with Mahindra Susten, the Groups clean-tech arm, to establish Punjabs largest solar group captive project-a 26 MW solar energy installation in Bathinda district. This ambitious venture is a significant step forward towards scaling up Swaraj Tractors renewable energy share to up to 50 per cent, the company said in a statement. The solar energy project developed by Mahindra Susten, will supply clean energy to four [] The post Swaraj Tractors, Mahindra Susten partner to develop Punjab s largest Solar captive project appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
CHANDIGARH: Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema today presented the Rs 2.36 lakh crore states budget for the financial year 2025-26 without imposing any new taxes. However, it is the fourth budget of the AAP government, where the pre-election promise of a scheme providing Rs 1000 per month for women was not implemented. The budget focused on tackling the drug problem with the first-ever drug census to be carried out across the state and recruiting 5000 home guards who will be deployed along the Border Security Force (BSF) to established a second line of defence at border, promoting sports, enhancing health infrastructure and improving public education. The total revenue receipts have been projected to be Rs 1,11,740 crore, of these the own tax revenue accounts for Rs 63,250 crore, and the share of central taxes has been pegged at Rs 25,703 crore and grant-in-aid from the Centre at Rs 10,576 crore. The goods and services tax (GST) target for the next financial year is Rs 27,650 crore. By the end of the next fiscal, the states outstanding debt will be Rs 3.96 lakh crore. The state will raise a loan of Rs 49,900 crore in 2025-26. The budget is being described a futuristic budget and setting a clear Badalda Punjab (Changing Punjab) Roadmap for 2025-26. Finance Minister Cheema also announced a 'Rangla Punjab Vikas Scheme' under which funds will be spent on the most important local everyday developmental needs of the people of a district. The fund will be administered by Deputy Commissioners and will be spent based on the recommendation of MLAs, community organisations, citizen groups and public-spirited people of that district, he said. While the effective revenue deficit and fiscal deficit are expected to be 2.51 per cent and 3.84 per cent, respectively. Finance Minister Cheema mentioned that these parameters were better than before, indicating that the state has taken steps toward fiscal consolidation. Talking about the anti-drug campaign `Yudh Nasheyan Virudh to check drug scourge, Cheema while giving his budget speech, said the state government has decided to carry out the first-ever drug census in Punjab next year and thus earmarked Rs 150 crore for this purpose. It will cover every household of the state and will collect data to understand the prevalence of drugs, usage of de-addiction centres and also collect data on the socio-economic conditions of affected families of the people. This data will be used to chalk out an effective and scientific strategy to eradicate the problem of drugs within the next one to two years, he said. He said that for the first time the state government will establish a second line of defence at the border by deploying 5,000 home guards alongside BSF. These home guards will be selected from the most determined youth of the state who will act as the eagle eyes protecting the future of Punjab. The government will also deploy the most advanced and effective anti-drone systems along the border in the coming year, and for that, Rs 110 crore has been allocated, he said. Cheema took a dig at rival parties who ruled Punjab in the past, and alleged they have destroyed and looted the state. The only legacy these parties left in Punjab was that of 'Udta Punjab'. An entire generation of youth is being eaten hollow from within due to drugs, he lamented, adding that the AAP government's resolve is to build a Rangla Punjab, a Punjab that is inclusive, progressive, and brimming with opportunity for all, said Cheema. Moreover, a budgetary allocation of Rs 5,598 crore has been provided for the health sector, an increase of ten per cent over the previous year. Cheema said, for the first time in the history of the state, the AAP government has decided to extend the state health insurance scheme in the coming fiscal year to make it universal and cover all the 65 lakh families in the state. There will be no bar or discrimination-- rural or urban, rich or poor --everyone can participate in this scheme, he said. At present, 45 lakh families are enrolled in government health insurance schemes, of which 16 lakh families are covered under the Centres Ayushman Bharat Yojana and the remaining 29 lakh families are covered under the state governments Mukh Mantri Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana. The insurance coverage for the entire family is only Rs 5 lakh per annum in these schemes. The government has decided to extend the insurance cover for all families across the state to Rs 10 lakh per annum, which will include those enrolled in the central government scheme, also as they will get an additional top-up cover of Rs 5 lakh from the state government. Meanwhile, all families who are covered under the Mukh Mantri Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana will get a Sehat Card next year through which they can avail cashless treatment of up to Rs 10 lakh in government and private hospitals across the state, he added. Cheema further said that to ensure that the state police is well-equipped to respond immediately, Rs 125 crore has been allocated to buy new vehicles for the fleet of emergency response vehicles (ERVs), which will thus be strengthened and will be able to respond to calls made on 112. Thus, the government has decided to procure 758 four-wheelers and 916 two-wheelers, which will be deployed as ERVs and will increase the fleet size by six times. Besides this will reduce the average response time to emergency calls to eight minutes, which will be the lowest in the country as at present the average response time to distress calls goes up to 30 minutes as there are only 258 dedicated vehicles in this fleet, he said. He also spoke about the Rs 53 crore allocation towards building the new Dial 112 headquarters. For the agriculture and allied sectors, Rs 14,524 crore has been allocated in the next financial year, which is 5 per cent higher than last year. While Rs 9,992 crore have been allocated as power subsidy for 14.5 lakh agriculture tubewells and Rs 500 crore earmarked to support farmers, cooperatives, and gram panchayats for crop-residue management, to check stubble burning, specifically during paddy harvest. To incentivise crop diversification, a new scheme covering Bathinda, Kapurthala and Gurdaspur is being introduced for kharif maize crop. Under the Krishonnati Yojana to support critical activities, including agriculture extension, enhancing food security, promoting horticulture, seed development, boosting edible oil production and digital agriculture, Rs 149 crore has been earmarked. The government has also decided to waive loans of Rs 4,650 crore of defaulters who had availed loans from the Punjab Scheduled Castes Land Development and Finance Corporation (PSCFC). For the development of housing and urban local areas, an allocation of Rs 5,983 crore has been made and Rs 300 crore earmarked for the Punjab Municipal Services Improvement Project (PMSIP) to strengthen urban governance. Cheema announced the Mukh Mantri Street Light Yojana for the installation of 2.5 lakh street lights next year across the state. Cheema said the cost of availing doorstep delivery of government services is being reduced from Rs 120 to Rs 50. According to the Advance Estimates provided by the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Punjab's economy is on a strong growth trajectory, registering an impressive 9 per cent growth in the current year, he said. He said as a result of this growth, Punjab's gross state domestic product (GSDP) at current prices has reached Rs 8,09,538 crore. Cheema added that this momentum of growth is likely to continue, with the GSDP at current prices being projected to expand by 10 per cent in FY 2025-26, reaching the mark of Rs 8,91,301 crore.
Notorious drug trafficker Jaggu Bhagwanpuria shifted to Central Jail in Assam
Jaggu Bhagwanpuria is believed to have continued to orchestrate criminal activities from within Bathinda Central Jail, reportedly using smuggled mobile phones and a loyal network of associates
Punjab gangster-cum-drug lord Jaggu Bhagwanpuria shifted to Silchar jail in Assam
CHANDIGARH: Gangster-cum-drug lord Jagdeep Singh alias Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, an accused in Punjab singer Sidhu Moosewalas murder case has been shifted to Silchar jail in Assam from Central Jail at Bathinda. He has been detained by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB ) under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) Act. He is the first gangster from the State who has been detained under this act. Sources said that on March 22, a joint team of the NCB and Punjab police escorted Bhagwanpuria from Bathinda to Chandigarh under heavy security cover. He was flown to Assam via Delhi and Kolkata. He was lodged in the central jail on March 23 at Silchar. A four-member NCB team over saw the transfer of this gangster. This transfer of Singh took place following a directive dated March 21, from the Joint Secretary (PIT-NDPS). Thus, the NCB carried out his immediate transfer from high-security Bathinda to Central Jail at Silchar in Assam. As per his dossier, some 128 cases are against him, including 12 under the NDPS Act. Intelligence reports indicate his involvement with Pakistan-based suppliers and international networks in Canada and the US, underscoring the transnational nature of his activities. Sources said the PIT-NDPS case was registered in Bhagwanpuria after a detailed investigation in which it was established with evidence how he was allegedly running his operations and orchestrating drug trafficking, extortion besides violent activities from behind bars. He was also using smuggled mobiles as he was issuing instructions and talking via encrypted communication to coordinate supply chains through an extensive network of operatives. Statements from some of his co-accused have further corroborated the evidence. Singh who hails from Bhagwanpur village under the jurisdiction of Kot Surat police station in Gurdaspur district is a notorious gangster and smuggler involved in cross-border narcotics smuggling. As in many cases, he is also involved with illegal weapons (pistols and revolvers.) This is the fourth detention from Punjab under the stringent Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) Act which allows drug traffickers to be jailed for up to one year without bail. Last year in August, the NCB detained three other alleged drug lords from the state and shifted them to Dibrugarh Central Jail in Assam. The three individuals detained are Jaspal Singh alias Goldy, Akshay Chhabra and Balwinder Singh alias Billa Havellian. Sources said that these drug smugglers are running drug syndicates from inside jails in Punjab. This move seeks to break his powerful grip on criminal networks flourishing in the state and nearby regions.
Farmers protest: Industrialists welcome highway reopening; unions to hold nationwide dharnas
CHANDIGARH: The arrest of farmer leaders and the eviction of protesting farmers from the Shambhu and Khanauri borders has sparked mixed reactions. While farmers staged statewide protests, traders, industrialists, and commuters largely welcomed the move, citing economic losses due to prolonged road blockades. Following the eviction, Haryana Police began dismantling cemented barricades at the Shambhu border on Thursday morning. These barriers had been erected last year to prevent farmers from Punjab from marching towards Delhi as part of the 'Delhi Chalo' protest. JCB machines were deployed to remove concrete blocks and clear the Shambhu-Ambala road, which had remained closed for over a year. Temporary structures and stages set up by the protesters were also dismantled as part of the clearance operation. Meanwhile, Haryana Police issued notices to farmer leaders Jasmeet Singh and Tejveer Singh, summoning them to appear before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Thursday. The SIT is investigating cases registered against them last year. The notice warned that failure to comply would result in legal action. BKU leader Rakesh Tikait has called on farmer unions across the country to unite, warning that governments will continue to suppress farmer protests while favouring corporate interests. Similarly, Satnam Singh Pannu, president of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, criticised the police action, stating that instead of bringing change (badlaav), Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann was engaging in politics of revenge (badle ki rajniti). Industrialists expressed relief, stating that reopening highways would revive the economy and boost tourism. They claimed that the year-long blockade had caused severe economic losses and disrupted daily life. Sources indicate that the crackdown followed pressure from Ludhiana traders, who warned AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal that continued protests could impact the partys prospects in the Ludhiana West Assembly by-election. Many farmers detained from Khanauri have been held at a location in Pattran, while those arrested from Mohali and the Shambhu border were shifted to Patiala Central Jail. In Gurdaspur, farmers protesting outside the Deputy Commissioners office for three days dispersed quietly on Thursday morning after police warned of mass arrests. Meanwhile, in Bathinda, police detained farmers near Jeeda toll plaza. Internet services in Sangrur and Patiala districts remained suspended. Intensifying their agitation, farmers in Punjab and Haryana have announced plans to stage protests outside Deputy Commissioner (DC) offices across both states, aimed at pressing for their pending demands, including a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP), farm loan waivers, and compensation for crop losses. Farmers' unions have announced a peaceful yet resolute demonstrations, stressing that their demands remain unfulfilled despite several rounds of talks with the government. Meanwhile, security has been tightened across various districts to prevent any untoward incidents. The protests are part of a larger agitation for long-term policy changes and financial support to secure farmers' livelihoods. Leaders have urged authorities to address their concerns promptly to avoid further escalation. The protesting farmers, led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, had been camping at the Shambhu (Shambhu-Ambala) and Khanauri (Sangrur-Jind) borders since 13 February last year, when their march to Delhi was halted by security forces.
Punjab Expressway to cut Bathinda-Chandigarh travel by 50 km, details inside
The expressway will link Chandigarh to Barnala, Malerkotla, Khanna Bypass, Sirhind, and Mohali, enhancing connectivity in the region
Six including two army men arrested with assault rifle in snatching case
Bathinda Police arrested six individuals, including two Indian Army personnel, following a brief encounter. They were involved in a gunpoint robbery using an AK-47 stolen from an army unit. The incident occurred at Green Hotel near Bathinda, where Rs 7000 was snatched from the owner. Police are verifying the claims of stolen weapon and contact with army authorities is ongoing.
Man armed with iron rod attacks devotees at Golden Temple in Amritsar; five injured
CHANDIGARH: An unidentified man armed with a rod attacked devotees at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, injuring five people. Sources said that the attack took place inside the oldest Guru Ram Dass inn in the golden temple complex near the community kitchen (langar) hall. The state police have arrested the alleged accused and his aide, who had accompanied him to the golden temple. The identity of the attacker has not been officially disclosed. The police are investigating the motive behind the assault. Among the injured, a Sikh youth from Bathinda is in serious condition and is receiving treatment at the emergency wing of Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences and Research at Amritsar. Meanwhile, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has strongly condemned the shocking attack on devotees and sewadars (attendants) at Sri Guru Ramdas Niwas of Golden Temple. SGPC has urged the police administration to take immediate and stringent action against the culprits and to disclose their identities to the public. SGPC Secretary Partap Singh described the incident as potentially part of a larger conspiracy and called for a thorough police investigation to uncover the truth. Providing details of the attack, he stated that while Sikh devotees from around the world had gathered to pay obeisance at golden temple on the occasion of the new Nanakshahi year, an attacker entered Sri Guru Ramdas Niwas around 12 noon and suddenly launched an assault on devotees and sewadars using an iron rod. Three devotees from Mohali, Bathinda and Patiala along with two sewadars, were injured, he said. Singh said, Alarmingly, one sewadar and a devotee from Bathinda have suffered severe head injuries and remain in critical condition. The injured individuals were immediately admitted to Sri Guru Ramdas Hospital at Vallah managed by the SGPC, where all necessary medical arrangements are being provided by the organization. He said that due to swift response and surveillance footage from the CCTV cameras installed within the Golden Temple complex, the attacker and one of his accomplice was apprehended and handed over to the police. Now, the police administration must conduct a rigorous investigation to expose the culprits and the forces behind this brutal act, he added. Singh lamented that such incidents appear to be part of a deliberate conspiracy aimed at disturbing the peace at Golden Temple, a sacred site revered for its universal message of humanity. He further warned that attempts are being made to instill fear among global Sikh devotees regarding the sanctity and safety of this holy site.
Being A Good Person More Important Than Being A Successful Person: President Murmu
Bathinda, Mar 11: President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday asserted that morality is the foundation of a meaningful life, saying being a good person is more important than being a successful person. The president was addressing the convocation ceremony of the Central University of Punjab here. Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and state Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian were also present on the occasion. She told the students that whatever opportunities they choose in their personal lives or work should not [] The post Being A Good Person More Important Than Being A Successful Person: President Murmu appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
