CHANDIGARH: The AAP-led Punjab Government is set to introduce a new policy allowing farmers to remove sand from flood-hit fields, and to sell extracted sand for additional income. Punjab Incharge of AAP Manish Sisodia, today announced that the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government is set to bring major relief for farmers affected by the recent floods. The state government will soon announce a policy to allow farmers to freely remove sand deposited in their fields due to the floods, ensuring agricultural activities can resume without delay. Sisodia said, The floods have destroyed crops, damaged homes, and claimed livestock. But the biggest concern of our farmers right now is the sand left behind in their fields, which could make future farming impossible. We have taken their feedback seriously. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has already discussed this issue with officials and assured that a clear policy will be announced in the next few days to allow farmers to remove the sand from their fields without any bureaucratic hurdles. He added that the decision will not only help farmers prepare their land for the next sowing season but also provide them with an opportunity to sell the sand if it can be used for construction purposes. AAP, BJP trade charges over cause of Punjab floods as Congress blames both for collective failure This will be a double relief, the land will be cleared for crops, and farmers can also earn some income from selling the sand, Sisodia said. He claimed that the Mann government has been working round-the-clock to support people affected by the floods. All our ministers, MLAs, and volunteers have been on the ground providing relief. I personally visited many districts and villages, met with farmers, understood their problems, and assured them that the government stands firmly with them, he said. Sisodia pointed out that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and other senior leaders spoke to the Chief Minister, no concrete financial assistance has been announced yet. Punjabs rightful dues of over Rs 60,000 crore, including Rs 58,000 crore of GST, are pending with the Centre. If this amount had been released earlier, relief and rehabilitation work could have progressed much faster. I urge the Prime Minister to release Punjabs dues before his visit on September 9 , he said. Punjab Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that 504 cattle or buffaloes, 73 sheep and goats and 160 pigs have perished across 14 districts. These districts include Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Barnala, Bathinda, Hoshiarpur, Tarn Taran, Patiala, Jalandhar, Rupnagar and Moga. Additionally, 18,304 poultry birds died in Gurdaspur, Rupnagar and Fazilka due to the collapse of poultry sheds. He further said that approximately 2.52 lakhs animals and 5,88,685 poultry birds were affected by the floods. Khudian added that 481 teams have been deployed to provide treatment and arrange medicines for affected livestock. Till now, 22,534 animals have been provided treatment. He further said that the department has distributed relief supplies, including over 12,170 quintals of feed and 5090.35 quintals of green fodder, dry fodder and silage, to support livestock in flood-affected districts, in collaboration with the district administration and social organisations. Uromin licks are also being supplied to the animals to boost their immune system. Principal Secretary Animal Husbandry Rahul Bhandari said that the department has already released a total of Rs 31.50 lakh for the treatment of animals affected by the floods. Meanwhile Rajya Sabha Member, Sanjay Singh and Punjab Panchayat Minister, Tarunpreet Singh Sond visited flood-affected border villages of Fazilka district on September 7. Singh said that Punjab has been battling floods for nearly a month, yet the Centre continues to wait for reports instead of providing immediate relief. He expressed hope that during his visit to Punjab on September 9, the Prime Minister will announce a substantial relief package for the affected areas. He said that even though the Union Agriculture Minister had earlier visited Punjab, no relief has been provided so far. While Sond stated that relief operations in the district are being carried out with full speed. He added that as water levels begin to recede, the administration is gearing up for the next set of challenges. These include the risk of waterborne diseases and assessment of damages. He emphasised that medical teams, veterinary units, and district administration officials are actively working in the affected villages to ensure that every person in need receives relief supplies.
Beas river records highest-ever inflow; BBMB ensures controlled release of Bhakra Dam in Punjab
CHANDIGARH: The Beas river has recorded its highest-ever inflow of water this year, touching 11.70 billion cubic meters (BCM) between July 1 and September 5. Despite the unprecedented inflow, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) maintained a controlled release of not more than one lakh cusecs. BBMB chairman Manoj Tripathi said this years inflow was 20% higher than in 2023, when Beas received 9.52 BCM, and well above the previous highs of 7.94 BCM in 1988 and 5 BCM in 2019. This years inflow is unprecedented. Never before has the Beas carried such volumes, he said. At the Bhakra Dam, the reservoir recorded an inflow of 9.11 BCM. Tripathi noted that the highest inflow had been in 1988 at 9.52 BCM, followed by 8.59 BCM in 2019. The inflow this year is almost equivalent to those years, he added. Importantly, the water level has not crossed the maximum permissible mark of 1,680 feet. In 1988, the level had gone above 1,685 feet, but this year it is around 1,679 feet, Tripathi said. He explained that a rule curve for water regulation was introduced last year after the 2023 floods, in consultation with the Central Water Commission (CWC). The rule curve prescribes how much water should be stored at a given date, based on historical inflows and IMD data. We are strictly adhering to it, he said. Referring to the Pong Dam, Tripathi said that despite receiving the maximum inflow this year, the release was kept at 1.51 lakh cusecs, lower than in 2023. Even though the inflows were above one lakh cusecs for several days, we avoided sudden discharges of 22.5 lakh cusecs. The releases have been gradual, controlled, and done with the consent of all partner states, strictly following the rule curve, he explained. He also clarified that water release decisions are not arbitrary but are taken by a technical committee comprising BBMB members, chief engineers of partner states, and the CWC. Yesterday, 85,000 cusecs were released from Bhakra, and today, after inputs from Ludhiana, the outflow was reduced to 75,000 cusecs, Tripathi said. Sources said the Ludhiana deputy commissioner had sent an SOS to BBMB after reports that embankments along the Sutlej were facing breaches. The Ludhiana administration has since sounded an alert, with embankments in the eastern part of the district under heavy pressure due to the strong river flow. Villages including Sasrali, Boont, Rawat, Hawas, Seera, Boothgarh, Mangli Tanda, Dheri, Khawajke, Khassi Khurd, Mangli Kadar, Mattewara, Mangat, and Meharban are at risk of flooding if the embankment weakens further. Meanwhile, the Pong Dam water level stood at 1,394.71 feet, with inflows reducing to 1,05,950 cusecs and outflows at 99,763 cusecs. The flood situation in Punjab remains grim, with the death toll rising to 43. As many as 1,948 villages are inundated, impacting 3.84 lakh people. Of these, 21,929 have been evacuated, while crops on 1.72 lakh hectares (4.32 lakh acres) have been destroyed. According to official figures, the highest casualties have been reported from Hoshiarpur (7), Pathankot (6), Barnala and Amritsar (5 each), and Ludhiana and Bathinda (4 each). Three persons are missing in Pathankot. Punjab is facing one of its worst flood disasters in decades, caused by overflowing riversSutlej, Beas, Ravi, and Ghaggaralong with torrential rains in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.
CHANDIGARH : A fresh spell of heavy rains compounded the flood situation in Punjab with the death toll rising to 37 on Wednesday, while crops on 1.75 lakh hectares of land in 23 districts got damaged by the worst deluge in the state since 1988. Rescue and relief operations are underway on a war footing as help poured in from several quarters for over 3.55 lakh people in 1,655 villages, desperately looking for succour. Following heavy rains, an alert has been sounded in Rupnagar and Patiala districts, urging people to remain vigilant, while all schools, colleges and universities have been closed till September 7. With rains refusing to relent in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, the already swollen Sutlej, Beas and Ravi rivers originating in the Himalayas and seasonal rivulets inundated towns, villages and agricultural lands, upending normal life. The Punjab government released Rs 71 crore as an immediate relief and rehabilitation measure, with the AAP dispensation reiterating that it was committed to compensating people for their losses. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will visit the flood-hit areas in Punjab on Thursday to review the extent of crop damage. AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, along with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, will also assess the flood damage on the same day. He will take stock of the relief work being carried out in the state and interact with the affected people, said the party. Rains in Punjab have aggravated the flood situation. The water level in the Bhakra dam at 6 am was 1,677.84 feet, against its maximum capacity of 1,680 feet. The inflow in the dam was 86,822 cusecs while the outflow was 65,042 cusecs. Punjab declared disaster-hit as floods submerge 3.75 lakh acres; 30 dead, 3.55 lakh affected In view of heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh, the water discharge from the dam was being increased from 65,000 cusecs to 75,000 cusecs, officials said and warned that Nangal's villages may be inundated. Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian said the state is reeling under one of the worst floods in recent decades, with widespread crop devastation reported across 1,75,216 hectares of farmland. Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Mansa, Ferozepur and Fazilka are among the worst-hit districts, accounting for the bulk of the agricultural losses, he said. The minister said that 37 lives have been lost across 12 districts, while three persons remain missing in Pathankot. The highest fatalities have been reported in Hoshiarpur, where seven lives have been lost, followed by six in Pathankot, five in Barnala, four each in Amritsar and Ludhiana, three each in Bathinda and Mansa, and one each in Gurdaspur, Patiala, Rupnagar, SAS Nagar and Sangrur. The flood-related data is from August 1 to September 3. Gurdaspur alone suffered crop damage over 40,169 hectares, followed by Mansa 24,967 hectares, Amritsar 23,000 hectares, Fazilka 17,786 hectares, Ferozepur 17,620 hectares, and Kapurthala 14,934 hectares, among others. The Rupnagar district administration has asked people living near the Sutlej river to stay on alert in the wake of an increase in the discharge of water from the Bhakra dam. Punjab Cabinet Minister Harjot Bains appealed to Sri Anandpur Sahib residents living on riverbanks and low-lying areas to shift to safer places or relief camps. He visited over two dozen flood-affected villages and personally oversaw the evacuation of families stranded along the Sutlej river. Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria visited the flood-ravaged areas in Pathankot district, while AAP leader Manish Sisodia visited the flood-hit areas in Tarn Taran district. AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha announced providing Rs 3.25 crore from his Local Area Development Scheme fund for relief work. MP Sandeep Pathak visited flood-hit villages in Ferozepur district and released Rs 5 crore from the MPLADS funds for the affected villages in the border district. Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal also announced a grant of Rs 50 lakh from his discretionary funds to support the affected people. Relief and rescue operations by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Army, Border Security Force, Punjab Police and district authorities are underway in the affected areas, officials said. Meanwhile, the Patiala district administration issued an alert for villages near the Ghaggar river in the Rajpura sub-division in the wake of heavy rains in the catchment areas. According to officials, the water level of the Tangri river has risen close to the danger mark in Ambala and is expected to rise in Patiala following heavy rains in Ambala and Kala Amb.
Punjab, Haryana Receive More Rain; Relief Work Underway In Flood-Hit Areas
Chandigarh, Sep 2: A fresh spell of rain lashed several parts of flood-hit Punjab and Haryana where swollen rivers have inundated large tracts of land and disrupted normal life, officials said on Tuesday. According to the weather department, several places in the two states received rain during the 24-hour period ending 8:30 am Tuesday. Among other places in Punjab, Amritsar received 18.3 mm rain, Patiala 70.5 mm, Bathinda 5 mm, Faridkot 1 mm, Gurdaspur 32.8 mm, Mansa 10 mm while [] The post Punjab, Haryana Receive More Rain; Relief Work Underway In Flood-Hit Areas appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Heavy rains lash several parts of Punjab, Haryana
CHANDIGARH: Rains lashed several parts of Punjab, Haryana and the Union Territory Chandigarh on Monday, with Ludhiana logging the highest rainfall of 216.70 mm. According to the Met department here, several places in Punjab and Haryana received rain during the 24-hour period ending 8:30 am Monday. Among other places in Punjab which received rain included Amritsar (24.1 mm), Patiala (80.4 mm), Pathankot (3.6 mm), Bathinda (3 mm), Faridkot (10.2 mm), Gurdaspur (2.7 mm), SBS Nagar (112.7 mm), Mohali (64 mm), Mansa (42 mm) and Rupnagar (82.5 mm). Chandigarh, the joint capital of both states, received 76.5 mm of rainfall. Among other places in Haryana, Ambala recorded 48.4 mm, Hisar (11.8 mm), Karnal (12.8 mm), Narnaul (66 mm), Rohtak (13.4 mm), Sirsa (130 mm), Panchkula (57 mm), Panipat (33 mm) and Gurugram (9.5 mm). Punjab is under the grip of massive floods, caused by the swollen Sutlej, Beas and Ravi rivers and seasonal rivulets due to heavy rain in their catchment areas in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Villages worst-affected by the floods were in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur and Amritsar districts. Relief and rescue operations by the NDRF, Army, BSF, Punjab Police and district authorities continued on a war footing in the affected areas.
CHANDIGARH: The flood situation in Punjab has worsened due to incessant heavy rainfall, causing major rivers including the Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, and Ghaggar to swell. Out of Punjabs 23 districts, 22 have been affected so far. A total of 1,312 villages are impacted, nearly 3 lakh acres of standing crops have been inundated, and 26 people have lost their lives. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the release of Rs 60,000 crore in state funds that he claims are pending with the Union Government. Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian confirmed that the 1,312 affected villages include, 93 in Amritsar, 26 in Barnala, 21 in Bathinda, 1 in Fatehgarh Sahib, 92 in Fazilka, 107 in Ferozepur, 324 in Gurdaspur, 86 in Hoshiarpur, 55 in Jalandhar, 123 in Kapurthala, 26 in Ludhiana, 4 in Malerkotla, 77 in Mansa, 35 in Moga, 81 in Pathankot, 14 in Patiala, 2 in Rupnagar, 22 in Sangrur, 1 in SAS Nagar, 3 in SBS Nagar, 74 in Muktsar and 45 in Tarn Taran. Emergency response teams from the state machinery, along with NDRF, SDRF, the Army, and Punjab Police, are working round-the-clock to protect lives and property. Additional Chief Secretary and Financial Commissioner (Revenue), Anurag Verma, after inspecting villages along the Sutlej River in Ferozepur district, reported that nearly 3 lakh acres of land have been affected and around 1.25 lakh people are impacted by the floods. He added that the government has ordered a special girdawari (crop damage assessment) to provide compensation for crop losses. District authorities have been instructed to gather accurate loss data, and compensation will be disbursed per CM Manns directives. Currently, six NDRF teams are deployed in Gurdaspur and one each in Fazilka, Ferozepur, Pathankot, and Amritsar. Two SDRF teams are operational in Kapurthala. The Army, Navy, and Air Force are assisting in Kapurthala, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, and Pathankot, while BSF teams are engaged in Gurdaspur and Ferozepur. Punjab Police and Fire Brigade are also assisting in Kapurthala and Ferozepur. Additionally, 15 boats in Kapurthala, 12 in Ferozepur, and 4 in Pathankot are engaged in evacuations, with airlifting operations carried out where required. So far, 26 people have died in the floods, including an irrigation department employee who fell into the Ravi River last week while trying to open flood gates at the Madhopur barrage. Sources said that the Ghaggar River is also overflowing due to excess water from the Markanda and Tangri rivers. Water levels at Chika (Haryana), Khanauri (Sangrur), and Sardulgarh (Mansa) are very high, though still below the danger mark. CM writes to PM Modi In his letter to Prime Minister Modi, CM Mann said that Punjab is facing one of its worst flood disasters in decades, with around 1,300 villages and lakhs of people affected. He said heavy rains and dam releases caused severe flooding in Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Amritsar, Pathankot, Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Hoshiarpur. He noted that nearly 3 lakh acres of mainly paddy crops are submerged just weeks before harvest. Losses of livestock have also deeply affected rural families. The Chief Minister emphasized that Punjab has suffered a permanent revenue loss of Rs 49,727 crore due to the GST replacing VAT, with no compensation granted. Additionally, reductions in RDF and MDF have cost the state over Rs 8,000 crore, and the scrapping of PMGSY projects worth Rs 828 crore has further hurt development. He also slammed the existing State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms, calling them grossly inadequate. Current compensation for crop loss exceeding 33% stands at Rs 17,000 per hectare (or Rs 6,800 per acre). Mann stated the state government already tops this up to Rs 15,000 per acre, but given the extent of devastation, at least Rs 50,000 per acre should be provided. He urged a revision of SDRF norms and assured the Centre that Punjab would continue contributing its 25% share as per scheme guidelines. The Punjab government has extended school holidays till September 3. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said the decision was taken on CM Manns instructions to ensure student safety. He urged parents to prioritise their childrens well-being and requested teachers to stay in touch with district administrations to support community efforts. Schools were originally closed from August 27 to 30.
Flood situation remains grim in eight districts of Punjab; dams near capacity
CHANDIGARH: The flood situation remained grim in eight districts of PunjabPathankot, Gurdaspur, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur, and Amritsaras district administrations, with the help of the Army, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), continued relief and rescue operations. The water levels at Pong and Ranjit Sagar dams have already crossed the maximum limits, while at Bhakra dam, it is only nine feet short of full capacity. More than 300 government schools are likely to be affected by flood in these areas. The Sutlej, Beas and Ravi rivers, along with seasonal rivulets, rose following heavy rains in their catchment areas in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, inundating large stretches of farmland and villages in Punjab. At Bhakra dam, the water level was recorded at 1671.85 feet, just nine feet below the maximum level of 1680 feet, with inflow at 38,583 cusecs and outflow at 52,584 cusecs. Pong dam stood at 1,393.36 feet, exceeding its maximum capacity of 1,390 feet, with inflow at 57,183 cusecs and outflow at 94,845 cusecs. Ranjit Sagar dam, which has a maximum limit of 527.91 meters, was at 525.49 meters, registering an inflow of 56,572 cusecs and outflow of 1.01 lakh cusecs. At Shahpur Kandi dam, the water level touched 399.60 meters against a maximum of 405 meters, with outflow at 89,932 cusecs. Punjab flood crisis deepens: rivers overflow, dams exceed limits, villages submerged Sources said if heavy inflows continue for another day or two, the increased release of water from reservoirs to maintain safe levels could worsen flooding in low-lying areas. In the Ramdass area of Amritsar district, around 40 villages have been submerged after the Dhussi Bandh on the Ravi river breached at three points, allowing water to enter nearby habitations. Army personnel are using vehicles and boats to rescue stranded people. Police have been making loudspeaker announcements urging residents to move to safer places as water continues to enter villages at high speed. Locals expressed concern that the rising waters could soon overflow into the Sakhi Nullah, posing a direct threat to Ajnala town. The highway is acting as a temporary barrier, but its capacity to hold back water is weakening. Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney said that with water levels rising and more villages submerged, tractors and army vehicles are being used for rescue as roads have become impassable. She added that additional NDRF teams from Bathinda were on their way and more army assistance was being mobilised. Sawhney herself had to abandon her vehicle and switch to a tractor to oversee operations. The situation in Ferozepur district also remained serious, with over 2,000 people rescued from affected villages in the past 48 hours. Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma said 12 relief camps have been set up at Bagge Wala, Bare Ke, Dulchi Ke, Fatte Wala, Joege Wala, Dona Mathar, and Madi Ke. Meanwhile, the Punjab Education Department has begun assessing the damage caused to schools. Preliminary reports suggest over 300 senior secondary and elementary schools have been affected. The state government had already declared holidays from August 27 to 30. Sources said many government schools in Kapurthala, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, and Fazilka districts were inundated. Schools in Amritsar, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Ropar, and Nawanshahar districts have also been affected. Furniture and other infrastructure in schools are likely to have been damaged, and safety checks will need to be conducted before classes can resume, said an official.
Zimbabwean students death: NHRC seeks report from Punjab police, Guru Kashi University
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognizance of the death of Ziweya Leeroy, a Zimbabwean student at Guru Kashi University in Bathinda, following an attack. The NHRC issued notices to Punjab's DGP and the university registrar, seeking a detailed report within two weeks. Leeroy died from injuries sustained in an altercation with university security.
Non-local Labourer Dies in Central Kashmir
SRINAGAR: A non-local labourer from Punjab died in Beerwah area of central Kashmirs Budgam on Thursday after he complained of chest pain. Officials said that 31-year-old Manjinder Singh, son of Labh Singh, a resident of Deon Bathinda, Punjab, presently working at 15P Brick Kiln Utligam. He was shifted to Sub District Hospital Beerwah by fellow []
Max Hospital raises awareness on Childrens Eye Health and Safety
Excelsior Correspondent BATHINDA, Aug 26: Aimed to raise awareness about childhood vision problems, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and encouraging timely medical intervention to help prevent blindness and other associated eye-health issues in children Max Super Speciality Hospital, Bathinda observed a childrens eye health and safety month. Stressing upon the need for early detection, Dr Kashish Gupta, senior Consultant, Ophthalmology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Bathinda, said, Children often dont realise they are experiencing vision problems, routine eye exams can [] The post Max Hospital raises awareness on Childrens Eye Health and Safety appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
AAP revives old land scheme to plug revenue gap; Congress dubs it selling family silver
CHANDIGARH: After the land pooling scheme had to be withdrawn , now the cash-strapped Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab Government is set to reintroduce the more than two decades old Optimum Utilisation of Vacant Government Lands (OUVGL) Scheme in a new format - OUVGL Scheme 2.0 - as a potential scheme to earn much-needed revenue. Interestingly, it is the same policy which was first introduced by the then SAD-BJP Government in 1997, as AAP has been hitting out at both SAD and BJP for anti-people policies. Sources said most of the unutilised government land was encroached upon by unscrupulous elements and all department heads had been instructed to identify all vacant and unutilised land, including the encroached, within a few days. The government will first get the pool of land ready and then, based on the demand for housing for commercial or industrial use, get it developed at various places. Under the OUVGL Scheme 2.0 all prime unutilised state government properties are proposed to be transferred to Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA) which will develop these properties into residential, commercial and industrial areas before auctioning them, said an official. Sources further pointed out that last week Punjab Chief Secretary KAP Sinha took a meeting of all administrative secretaries to discuss how to implement this scheme and identify land or properties that can be transferred to PUDA for auctioning in the near future. The state government proposes to fund its populist schemes, including implementation of the Rs 1,100 per month for women, from the money it gets from this scheme and also use revenue for capital expenditure. Between April and July this year, the expenditure was Rs 41,352.80 crore but the government could only manage to get Rs 30,662.64 crore in revenue. Thus the revenue deficit in four months was around Rs 10,690.16 crore. The state government has raised a loan of Rs 12,191.52 crore during this period to meet its expenses. Under the land pooling scheme, the government was targeting a revenue of Rs 8,000 crore during this fiscal, but it has been withdrawn now. In the past, both SAD-BJP and Congress governments have also earned revenue under this OUVGL scheme. Punjab Congress President and Member of Parliament from Ludhiana, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, said that the OUVGL is an admission of bankruptcy in Punjab. After being forced to withdraw the land looting scheme the @AAPPunjab government has now come out with another idea of selling the family silver to make up for the huge financial losses it has subjected the state to, through the Optimum Utilization of Vacant Government Lands (OUVGL). This only proves that the AAP government has proved to be an economic and financial disaster for Punjab and pushed the state towards bankruptcy. You only sell the family silver once you have turned completely bankrupt after exhausting/squandering away all other resources, he wrote on X. Meanwhile, in another related development, in order to reinforce fiscal discipline and maximise revenue realisation, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced that the Punjab Excise Commissionerate has intensified efforts to recover long-pending excise arrears inherited from previous SAD-BJP and Congress governments. The department has already recovered Rs 1.85 crore in the current financial year 202526, and permission has been granted to sell 27 properties with a combined base value of Rs 20.31 crore (at Collector Rate), marking a significant step toward financial accountability. Cheema said that the auction process for these properties is now underway. As part of this recovery drive, 14 properties located in Muktsar, Fazilka, and Mansa districts will be auctioned during the first two weeks of September, he added. He said that six properties in Mansa and Bathinda districts, comprising agricultural and commercial, residential land with a base price of Rs 5.4 crore, will be auctioned on September 4. On September 8, four agricultural properties in Muktsar with a total base price of Rs 4.89 crore will go under the hammer. Another set of four agricultural properties in Muktsar and Fazilka, valued at Rs 1.99 crore, will be auctioned on September 11. He also announced that eight additional properties will be auctioned later in September, ensuring sustained momentum in the recovery campaign. He emphasised that the government anticipates substantial revenue recovery from 67 pending arrears cases within this financial year alone.
Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Bathinda MP, has urged External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to address the US visa freeze for truck drivers. This follows a fatal crash involving a Punjabi trucker. Marco Rubio announced the pause due to safety concerns. Badal fears this will affect Punjabi families who dominate the trucking industry.
Punjabs Rs 12,700 crore NH projects stalled; Rs 828 crore PMGSY road works scrapped over delays
CHANDIGARH: Multiple key road infrastructure projects in Punjab including major national highway developments and those under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III (PMGSY), are facing serious setbacks, with no clear timeline for completion. As many as sixteen national highway projects worth 12,700 crore, being implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Punjab Public Works Department (PWD), have either been stalled, significantly delayed, or face termination. The primary reasons cited are land acquisition hurdles and delays in obtaining statutory clearances. Simultaneously, rural road development has also taken a hit. Projects under PMGSY-III worth 828.87 crore, involving the upgradation of 64 roads and construction of 38 bridges, have been scrapped due to the state governments failure to float tenders and commence construction on time. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, in a written reply to Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, confirmed that eight projects are being executed by NHAI and another eight by the state PWD, all of which have encountered delays or stoppages. Projects in the state of Punjab are mainly delayed, stalled, or terminated due to land acquisition issues and delay in obtaining statutory clearances. The government is taking requisite measures, in consultation with stakeholders including the state government, to resolve these issues, the Minister stated in Parliament. Key Affected Projects Under NHAI DelhiAmritsarKatra Expressway (Spur-II): 30.5 km stretch worth 2,197.17 crore terminated due to lack of land; fresh bids to be invited once land is acquired. DelhiAmritsarKatra Expressway (Spur-III): 28.07 km stretch worth 1,951.70 crore delayed, now scheduled for completion by 30 November 2026. AmritsarBathinda (Package-I): 39 km project worth 1,229.38 crore, originally set to finish by November 2024, now delayed until 31 December 2026. AmritsarGhomanTandaUna (Package-I): 45.73 km stretch worth 1,443.47 crore also delayed, with a new completion target of 30 June 2026. Package-II of this corridor (31.05 km, 818.41 crore) has been terminated due to land issues. The LudhianaRupnagar corridor has also been severely affected: Package-I (37.7 km, 1,368.91 crore): Work halted after the contractor issued a termination notice over delayed land handover; matter is under review by a Conciliation Committee. Package-II (47.24 km, 1,488.23 crore): Terminated for similar reasons; re-tendering will occur post land possession. Projects Delayed Under Punjab PWD JalandharHoshiarpur (NH-3, 39.13 km): Sanctioned for 1,069.59 crore, awarded in 2017, now facing termination due to persistent land acquisition delays. Widening of a 3.57 km stretch of same highway (15.04 crore): Facing right-of-way constraints; revised completion date: 30 November 2025. MakhuArifke (NH-703A, 24.6 km): Worth 192.48 crore, including two ROBs, now rescheduled to finish by 31 December 2025 (original deadline was May 2021). ROB at Fazilka (NH-07, 38.02 crore): Delayed due to pending railway clearances, now progressing with a target completion date of 31 October 2025. ArifkeFerozepurMuktsarMalout (NH-354, 63.27 km, 263.19 crore): Delayed due to NOCs from the Irrigation Department and land issues. Muktsar SahibMalout section (27.66 km, 152.58 crore): Toll plaza construction stalled; PWD advised to redesign within available land. PMGSY Projects Worth 828 Crore Scrapped Road and bridge projects sanctioned under PMGSY-III have been scrapped due to the Punjab governments inability to initiate work before the required deadline of 31 March. The Centre had sanctioned 64 rural roads (628.48 km) and 38 bridges (each over 15 metres in length) for a total of 828.87 crore. Some of these were located in sensitive border districts such as Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, and Tarn Taran. In correspondence with the Union Ministry of Rural Development, Punjabs PWD stated that many of these roads were recommended for urgent repairs by Members of Parliament and were of utmost importance. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also wrote to Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan requesting reconsideration, stating that without these bridges, the completed roads would be of little use. However, the Centre responded that only projects tendered and already under construction by the original March 2025 deadline now extended to March 2026 would be allowed to continue. Works which have started on the ground but are not feasible to continue further shall be foreclosed, the Ministry clarified. Sources revealed that 59 of the roadworks were to be implemented using Full Depth Reclamation (FDR) technology, for which very few consultancy firms in India have adequate expertise another contributing factor to the delays. With Punjabs road infrastructure plans facing widespread disruption, the delays pose serious questions over administrative efficiency, land management, and inter-agency coordination at both the state and central levels.
COAS Dwivedi Visits Chetak Corps At Bathinda Military Station
Bathinda, Aug 14: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi on Thursday visited the Chetak Corps at the Bathinda Military Station and the iconic Nagi War Memorial at Sriganganagar, officials said. During his visit, Gen Dwivedi was briefed by the general officer commanding, Chetak Corps, on the operational readiness of the units and the formations deployed in the sector, the prevailing security situation, training activities, and operational logistics, an official release said. General Dwivedi then laid a wreath at [] The post COAS Dwivedi Visits Chetak Corps At Bathinda Military Station appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Max Hospital introduces CORI surgical robot for joint replacement surgeries
Excelsior Correspondent BATHINDA, Aug 8: Max Super Speciality Hospital today announced the launch of CORI surgical robot, a state-of-the-art robotics-assisted platform for joint replacement surgeries. With this launch, Max Hospital, Bathinda, has become a robotics-equipped facility offering advanced knee and hip replacement surgeries. Addressing a press conference, Dr Dilveer Brar, Director Orthopedics & Joint replacement at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Bathinda said, This new robotic navigation technology allows patients to benefit from the combination of human insight and the experience [] The post Max Hospital introduces CORI surgical robot for joint replacement surgeries appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Punjab and Haryana HC dismisses Kanganas plea seeking quashing of defamation complaint
CHANDIGARH, Aug 1: The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Friday dismissed a plea of BJP MP Kangana Ranaut seeking quashing of a defamation complaint against her and the summoning order by a court in Bathinda. The actor-turned-politician had challenged the defamation case which stemmed from her retweet consisting of her own comment about the complainant during the 2020-21 farmer protests against the now repealed farm laws. The complaint was filed by Mahinder Kaur (73) of Bahadurgarh Jandian village in [] The post Punjab and Haryana HC dismisses Kanganas plea seeking quashing of defamation complaint appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Punjab & Haryana High Court dismisses Kangana Ranauts plea to quash defamation case against her
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has dismissed a petition filed by actor-turned-politician and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut seeking to quash the summoning order on a defamation complaint filed against her by an elderly woman of Bathinda. Ranaut had sought quashing of the criminal complaint filed under Sections 499 and 500 of IPC, as well as the summoning order and all subsequent proceedings in the matter. After considering the matter, the High Court found no merit in the petition and dismissed it. The Bench of Justice Tribhuvan Dahiya did not accept the argument for quashing the complaint and the summoning order. There are specific allegations against the petitioner who is a celebrity, that false and defamatory imputations by her in the retweet have dented the respondents reputation and lowered her in her own estimation, as also in the eyes of others. Therefore, filing of the complaint to vindicate her rights cannot be termed mala fide, the high court has observed in its detailed order. The court further observed that the magistrate has duly applied mind to the material on record, and only after recording satisfaction that commission of offence under Sections 499 IPC is prima facie made out against the petitioner, the process has been issued. With this, she has to face the trial before the local court in Punjab. Kangana Ranaut says she never feared ageing: Politics is kinder to older women than movies On February 22, 2022, Bathinda judicial magistrate had issued summons asking Kangana to appear before the court. But she had approached the Punjab and Haryana high court contending that the trial court had misapplied Section 202 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The defamation complaint against Kangana was filed by 73-year old Mahinder Kaur of Bahadurgarh Jandian village in Bathinda district. Kaur in her complaint before the Judicial Magistrate First Class, Bathinda had alleged that it had falsely compared her to another elderly woman associated with the Shaheen Bagh protests by farmers and featured in a magazine. She contended that the defamatory content not only hurt her pride and honour, but also lowered her reputation among fellow protestors. She asserted that she had no connection with the Shaheen Bagh protests or the woman featured in a magazine, and that the imputations were wholly false. She alleged that Kangana Ranaut had defamed her in a tweet by identifying her wrongly as Bilkis Bano of Shaheen Bagh fame and implying that such women could be hired for Rs 100 to participate in the protest. The tweet, which was later deleted, targeted Mahinder Kaur during her participation in the farmers' agitation at Delhi's borders.
BJP MP Kangana Ranaut's Plea Rejected By High Court In Defamation Case
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Friday dismissed a plea of BJP MP Kangana Ranaut seeking quashing of a defamation complaint against her and the summoning order by a court in Bathinda.
Jailed gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria threatened to kill my son, alleges Punjab Congress MP Randhawa
CHANDIGARH: Senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament from Gurdaspur, Punjab, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, has alleged that the jailed gangster Jagdeep Singh alias Jaggu Bhagwanpuria has threatened to kill his son, Udhayveer Singh Randhawa. Randhawa, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab, who is currently in the national capital for the Monsoon Session of Parliament, said that a person named Parminder Singh from Fatehgarh Churian and a few other party supporters came to meet his son at 10 am on Thursday. An hour after a picture from the meeting was posted online, there was a firing at his son's turban shop. But thankfully, no one was injured. I have brought the matter to the notice of the Punjab DGP, he said. He alleged that even from inside prison, Bhagwanpuria was threatening people and that one of his associates had also received a threatening call. After the firing incident on Thursday evening, one person repeatedly wrote objectionable comments on my son's social media post, Randhawa added. He questioned the functioning of the states law enforcement agencies, asking, Where is their intelligence, where is their cyber crime unit? If a common individual posts a status with a gun in hand, they are arrested immediately. But those who are openly threatening otherswhat action is being taken against them? Threats didnt deter us even during the days of terrorism. We are not afraid. But my concern is: where does the law and order situation in the state stand today? Alleging that law and order has collapsed in Punjab, Randhawa pointed to a recent incident where a prominent businessman was shot dead in broad daylight outside his showroom. There have been several other serious crimes. What is the situation today? he asked. This latest incident comes just over a month after Bhagwanpurias mother, Harjit Kaur, and a relative, Karanvir Singh, were shot dead in Batala, Gurdaspur district, on June 26. The rival Davinder Bambiha gang claimed responsibility for the killings. Randhawa said that after the Batala incident, an MLA from the ruling AAP claimed the killing of Bhagwanpurias mother was a political murder. The police should have taken his statement and questioned how it was a political murder. What are the police doing? I have repeatedly brought to the notice of senior officers the issue of a police officers nexus with gangstersa matter that threatens national securitybut no action has been taken, he said. Earlier, Randhawa also posted on X, stating: Jailed gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria has threatened to kill my son. One of my associates met my son and within an hour of leaving, he was fired upon today. Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal have turned Punjab into a gangster's paradise where law and order have totally collapsed. I am in Delhi for the Parliament session. No gangster can shake me! Randhawa has previously accused Bhagwanpuria of influencing voters in Dera Baba Nanak during elections, including the November 2023 assembly bypoll, where he alleged the gangsters family intimidated locals to support AAP candidates. Responding to the allegations, AAP spokesperson Neel Garg said Randhawa should provide full details so the matter can be investigated. He added, Everyone knows that gangsters got patronage under previous Congress governments. The AAP government has zero tolerance towards gangsterism. We do not spare anyone who tries to disturb law and order. Since coming to power, we have jailed several gangsters and even attached their properties. Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, a gangster with over 128 criminal casesincluding murder, extortion, arms smuggling, and drug traffickingis currently lodged in Silchar Central Jail, Assam, under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. He was shifted there from Bathinda Central Jail in March this year. He was already in the custody of Punjab Police in connection with the 2022 murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala and faces several other criminal charges. Reacting to Randhawa's claims, Leader of the Opposition in Punjab and senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa said, A jailed gangster openly threatening a senior INC leader, former Deputy CM, and sitting MPthis is not just a law and order failure, its a damning indictment of the complete collapse of governance under Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal. If gangsters can intimidate elected representatives from behind bars, what chance does the common man in Punjab stand? Is this the badlav AAP promiseda state where criminals rule and citizens live in fear? Bajwa accused the AAP government of turning Punjab into a playground for gangsters, saying, While Kejriwal remains busy marketing false narratives, Punjab has become lawless under AAP. Punjab Congress president and Ludhiana MP Amrinder Singh Raja Warring also condemned the incident, saying, A gangster has the audacity to threaten a senior INC leader from inside jail! Imagine the plight of common people in Punjab. This reflects the complete collapse of law and order in Punjab.
Leafhopper outbreak in decade hits North Indias cotton belt
A severe outbreak of leafhopper pests, commonly known as jassids, in the cotton fields of North India could significantly impact the country's already declining cotton production. A recent field survey conducted by the South Asia Biotechnology Centre revealed a massive infestation of green leafhoppers, referred to locally as hara tela , in key cotton-growing districts. These areas include Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa in Haryana, as well as Mansa, Bathinda, Abohar, and Fazilka in Punjab, and Hanumangarh and Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan. The survey was part of the Bandhan project, a programme run by government institutions such as the Central Institute of Cotton Research and various State Agriculture Universities, in collaboration with local non-profit organisations. The aim of this project is to assist farmers in combating Pink Bollworm pests in cotton crops. The survey team, consisting of scientists, found infestation levels of 1215 leafhoppers per leafsignificantly above the Economic Threshold Level (ETL). The team further noted that an alarming number of cotton leaf injuries exceeded ETL, based on the damage grading system. For the past three consecutive weeks, green leafhopper (jassid) populations have exceeded ETL, allegedly triggering widespread yellowing of leaf margins and downward curlingclassic symptoms of jassid attack. Scientists attribute the outbreak to a confluence of weather conditions, including above-average rainfall, an increased number of rainy days, persistent humidity, and cloud cover, all of which have allegedly created ideal conditions for jassid proliferation. Fields were graded 3 to 4 based on the ICAR-CICR infestation scale, indicating severe to extreme damage. Experts confirm this is the worst outbreak in a decade in the North cotton-growing zone. The leafhopper infestation has emerged at a time when the cotton crop stands, and overall condition, are significantly better than in the past three to four years. The crop appears robust across the northern region, except in late-sown areas of Sri Ganganagar, where irrigation was unavailable during the sowing period, noted Dr Bhagirath Choudhary, Founder & Director of South Asia Biotechnology Centres High-Tech R&D Station, Sirsa, Haryana. The survey team noted that failure to control this green leafhopper infestation promptly could lead to substantial damage to the cotton crop in the coming days. Farmers must remain alert and take immediate action to manage the pest effectively to avoid potential yield losses. The field team was led by scientists and cotton experts including Dr Dilip Monga, Dr Bhagirath Choudhary, Dr Naresh, Deepak Jakhar, and KS Bhardwaj.
Farmers take out tractor marches demanding immediate withdrawal of land pooling scheme in Punjab
CHANDIGARH: With anger mounting against the controversial land pooling scheme of the Punjab government, farmers across the state held tractor marches demanding its immediate withdrawal. The state government plans to acquire 65,533 acres of land across 21 cities and towns in the state to develop both industrial and residential zones. It is the largest acquisition of land by the government in the state since it was reorganized in 1966. The Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) comprising 35 farm unions had given a call for tractor marches which got support from other farm unions including the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and BKU Ekta-Ugrahan, the largest farm union of the state. On the call given by the SKM, tractor marches were taken out in various parts of the state including Ludhiana, Amritsar, Sangrur, Mohali, Bathinda, Taran Taran, Patiala, Ferozepur, Fategarh Sahib, Ropar, Jalandhar, SBS Nagar, Hoshiarpur, Moga and Mansa districts despite inclement weather. The biggest show of strength by farmers was witnessed in Ludhiana district where the state government proposes to acquire 45,861 acres of land. This includes 24,311 acres of land for residential purposes and 21,550 acres for setting up industrial zones. The epicentre of the protest was Dana Mandi in Jodhan near Ludhiana. A cavalcade of nearly 300 vehicles including tractors and tempos carrying many farmers and activists made its way through various villages. Senior SKM leader and president of BKU (Lakhowal Group) Harinder Singh Lakhowal who himself led the tractor march from Kum Kalan to Ratangarh village, covering 30 villages of the area, told TNIE that farmers in thousands participated in the tractor march, which started at around 9.30 am and ended at 2 pm. On August 4, a meeting of the SKM will be held to decide where to hold the massive rally which we have planned for August 24. If by then the government does not take back the land pooling scheme, a big agitation will be announced by us, he added. Without naming the AAP, posters have been put up in many villages, which read, Any official or leader of any party who wants to apprise about the benefits of the scheme will not be allowed to enter the village. Terming the policy a 'major conspiracy' to erase villages from the map of the state, senior SKM leader and president of BKU (Rajewal Group) Balbir Singh Rajewal said the tractor rally was held in several places of Ludhiana district including Kumkalan, Balion, Dakha, Jodha and Jagraon. It was the biggest-ever march in recent times, as the public in rural areas showed their anger against the governments bid to take over their fertile lands and displace them from their homes. This policy will ruin at least 20,000 families of farmers and leave farm labourers jobless, he said. In Amritsar district, tractor marches were taken out in Ajnala and Mannawala as farmers from villages around Guru Ka Bagh marched towards Gurdwara Morcha Sahib on the Amritsar-Ajnala road where they were joined by another cavalcade from villages around Rajasansi. A march was also taken out in neighboring Tarn Taran district. In Sangrur district, the rally started from Sohian village, near Sangrur, and culminated at the deputy commissioner's office. Farmers led by SKM leaders also started a dharna against the government in front of the DC office in Fatehgarh Sahib. Sarwan Singh Pandher, General Secretary of Kisan Mazdoor Sangarsh Committee, said they appeal to the government to withdraw the policy before a massive agitation starts. We know that the proposed acquisition announcement by the government was just a start, he said. Several tractors were fitted with music systems and extra seating to accommodate more protesters. These mobile convoys passed through the villages where the government reportedly plans to acquire land under the pooling policy. Women also extended support to the protesting farmers as they offered refreshments including chabeels, langars and parshad. The farmer leaders say that farmers are getting ready to fall into direct confrontation if such a situation arises. We are determined to oppose the land pooling scheme and do not want to part with our fertile lands and will go to any length to stop our land to be taken forcibly, said a farmer Kamalpreet Singh. The AAP government has been facing flak from opposition parties, including the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP, which dubbed its land pooling policy a looting scheme to rob farmers of their land. In return, the AAP has hit out at the opposition parties for spreading misleading propaganda.
Shiromani Akali Dal members staged a protest rally in Mohali against the land pooling policy. The party announced to hold another demonstration rally in Bathinda on August 4
AI-based CCTV surveillance system to be installed across all 14 jails in Punjab
CHANDIGARH: An Artificial Intelligence (AI) based CCTV surveillance system will be installed in all 14 jails in Punjab to detect the throwing of mobile phones and other contrabands, including drugs, from across the walls. The measure will help to keep an eye out for no violence and aid in curbing criminal activity, besides crowd detection. The V-Kavach jammers (upto 5G and 5Gz wifi) will be installed in Bathinda, New Jail, Nabha and Goindwal jails and in high security zones of ten other most sensitive jails. Full body scanners, body cameras, and boom barriers will also be installed. A total of Rs 252 crore is being spent on security equipment to be installed and also for the upgradation of infrastructure by building new barracks which can accommodate more than 5000 inmates across the jails. High-placed sources said that the state government has sanctioned a total of Rs 126 crore to be spent on security equipment to be installed in all 14 jails across Punjab. The prison department is procuring an Artificial Intelligence (AI) based CCTV surveillance system to be installed in all the jails, and this year, it will be installed across 11 jails. This will help in detection and generation of alerts on identification of objects thrown over the walls, detect crowd, entry into prohibited zones, entry or exit of foreign objects, said an officer. He added that the Prison Inmate Calling System has been augmented and 800 prison calling machines have been installed to provide legal space to the inmates to communicate with their families. A total of 63 jammers will be put in place, and the process for procuring machines has been initiated, and sites have been identified. Towers are being constructed in which these jammers will be placed, said sources. Also, full body scanners, X-ray based scanner (Large and Small tunnels), body worn cameras, search lights, flood lights, high mast poles, walkie-talkie set, non linear junction detectors (to detect mobile), boom barriers, anti riot kits, e-carts and wire mesh in high security zones are being procured besides 32 sniffer dogs. At present, fewer than ten sniffer dogs are in use. As of date, there are approximately 38,000 inmates lodged in all the jails against an authorised capacity of 26,081 prisoners. The cumulative capacity of lodging prisoners in the jails is being enhanced by around 5,100 inmates as construction of new barracks in nine jails is underway. In the present financial year, the capacity for over 4,000 inmates will be enhanced in five jails for which the tender process has already been initiated by the Punjab Police Housing Corporation. Not only the infrastructure is being enhanced, but also the manpower in the jails is being augmented as wardens, matrons, assistant superintendents, and deputy superintendents are being recruited. A total of 692 personnel will be recruited, said sources.
CHANDIGARH: The Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex representative body of Sikhs, are at daggers drawn over events planned to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur from November 19 to 25 this year. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said that the Punjab government should focus on establishing meaningful memorials in connection with the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the Ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Teg Bahadar, instead of creating a confrontational atmosphere by organising parallel religious events. Dhami said the SGPC had already planned a series of events related 350th martyrdom anniversary a year in advance, beginning in April 2025 from Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal, Amritsar. Since then, events have been organised across various parts of the country. He said that the Punjab governments announcement of parallel eventsoverlapping with those planned by the SGPC at Anandpur Sahibwill cause confusion among the Sangat (community) and goes against long-standing traditions He alleged that the government appears to be deliberately trying to sideline Sikh institutions. Historically, centenary celebrations related to Sikh heritage and history have been led by the Khalsa Panth, with participation from all Sikh sampradas and organisations while the governments supporting them. Dhami questioned why the government has not shown due seriousness towards nearly 12 Sikh centenaries during its tenureincluding the centenary of the Guru Ka Bagh Morcha, the centenary of the Saka Panja Sahib, 200 years of Shaheedi of Akali Baba Phoola Singh, Guru Angad Devs Guruship Day, and the 450th Jyoti Jot Diwas of Guru Amar Das. He recalled how earlier governments cooperated with the Panth in marking the centenaries, establishing major memorials such as Guru Nanak Dev University, Guru Nanak Hospital (Amritsar), and colleges during Guru Nanak Devs 500th Prakash Purab (birth anniversary) in 1969; Virasat-e-Khalsa and Panj Piara Park during the 300th Khalsa Sajna Diwas in 1999 and a historical memorial at Chappar Chiri in 2010 in remembrance of Baba Banda Singh Bahadars victory at Sirhind. However, the current government led by Bhagwant Mann is instead interfering in the jurisdiction of Panthic institutions and organizations, he alleged. Dhami reaffirmed that the SGPC, as the supreme religious body of the Sikh Panth, has already made clear that heads of all governments will be invited to participate in these commemorations, ensuring inclusivity. In such a context, the government's move to announce parallel programs raises serious concerns. Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday had announced a series of events to be organised by the state government to commemorate the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur. After chairing a meeting, Mann said the events would primarily be held at Anandpur Sahib under the aegis of the state government . He had said that from November 19 to November 25, a series of events will beorganised with deep reverence and respect across the state. In a statement, Mann said these events will primarily take place in Anandpur Sahib under the auspices of the state government. To mark the occasion, CM Mann announced that four grand yatras will begin from different corners of Punjab and converge at Anandpur Sahib. The first will begin on November 21 from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir and pass through Pathankot and Hoshiarpur to reach Anandpur Sahib. Likewise, CM Mann said that the second yatra will start from Gurdaspur and travel through Baba Bakala, Amritsar Sahib, Tarn Taran, and Jalandhar, eventually reaching Anandpur Sahib. He said the third yatra will start from Ferozepur, pass through Moga and Ludhiana to proceed towards Anandpur Sahib and the fourth yatra will also start from Ferozepur and will pass through Faridkot, Bathinda, Barnala, Sangrur, Mansa, and Patiala, and conclude at Anandpur Sahib. The CM had added that light-and-sound shows and poetry sessions based on Guru Sahib's life and sacrifice would be organised in all 23 districts of Punjab. Blaming the SGPCs stance, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said, You know the reasons. They do not want to meet us. Through you, we are extending an invitation to them. They can call us or approach the state government.
Overcrowded Punjab jails house 38,000 inmates amid NDPS arrests, rehab push begins
CHANDIGARH: Punjab jails are currently housing a record 38,000 prisoners approximately, the highest in the states history. Of these, 44 per cent are undertrials booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, many of them confirmed addicts. To deal with the problem of drug addiction among inmates, as many experience withdrawal symptoms after being incarcerated, the state government has decided to set up drug de-addiction-cum-rehabilitation centres in ten central jails across the state. There are 26 prisons across the state which includes 10 central jails, 7 district jails, 5 sub-jails, 2 womens jails, 1 borstal, and 1 open jail. The prison capacity is 26,556 it can adjust 24,083 men and 2,473 women, while the present occupancy is 38,000. As of March this year the state government started the `Yudh Nashean De Virudh campaign till yesterday in last 140 days the state police has arrested 22,626 alleged accused under NDSP Act. Thus jails of the state which were generally little over crowded as the figure use to be approximately around 31,000 has now touched an all time high of about 38,000 as 17 per cent of inmates are convicts and 83 per cent are under trials. After arresting these alleged accused under NDPA Act they are sent to different jails of the state and are facing court cases till they are granted bail, as most of them were arrested for possessing small quantity, said sources. Sources in the jail department said that each new admission prisoner is screened for addiction and addicted inmates are kept in separate wards, where they are put for OOAT treatment. Pertinently, Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) centers have been established in 17 Jails of Punjab. It is estimated that more than one lakh inmates have got treatment in these centers since these were established in the jails. Daily these inmates are tablets of opioid-derivative drug buprenorphine as prescribed by the doctors in these centers, said a senior functionary of the jails department. He added that once an inmate arrives in jail, they either self-disclose their addiction or undergo a clinical test to determine it. Due to overcrowding also we try to keep these inmates who are facing NDPS cases separate from others, he said. He further added, However, to ensure holistic treatment, reduce relapse and enable societal reintegration the government is in the process to establish Drug De-addiction-cum-Rehab Centers in 10 Central Jails under Yudh Nashean De Virudh campaign, the department is in process of setting up infrastructure as most jails it is being upgraded the barracks are being modified. The construction of de-addiction center is completed at Central Jail Bathinda and is underway at other jails. The required equipment is being procured by the departments. Sources said that subsequently, staff including counselors, medical officer, nursing staff and psychiatrists will be recruited in these centers to treat these inmates. The treatment of these addicts will be done in two phases, de-addiction will be done in first phase, followed by rehabilitation, that too inside the jails only, said an official.
41 children found begging rescued in raids across 18 locations in Punjab
CHANDIGARH: In a significant move to eradicate child begging, 41 children were rescued in the last two days during 18 raids conducted across various locations in Punjab under the states intensified child protection initiative, Project Jeevan Jyot 2.0 Save the Childhood. Authorities have ordered DNA testing in suspicious cases to verify whether the accompanying adults are the childrens biological parents. Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said, When we see small children forced to beg on our streets, it is not just their dignity that suffers, it raises serious questions on our societys collective conscience and on the honour of Punjab itself. The minister explained that the earlier version of the programme, Project Jeevan Jyot 1.0, launched in September last year, led to the rescue of 367 children across 753 raids. Of these, 350 children were reunited with their families. Seventeen children whose parents could not be identified were placed in Child Care Homes (Bal Ghar), while 150 rescued children from other states were repatriated to their families under the same initiative. Dr Kaur noted that the project also focused on reintegration through education and financial support. A total of 183 children were admitted to schools, and 13 children under the age of six were enrolled in Anganwadi centres for early childhood care. Additionally, 30 children from extremely poor families were enrolled in the Sponsorship Scheme, receiving 4,000 per month to ensure their education continues uninterrupted. Another 16 children were brought under the states pension scheme, receiving 1,500 per month, she said. She emphasised that the governments role goes beyond rescue. We are ensuring continuous monitoring, as every three months, district-level child protection teams verify whether these children continue attending school and are not back on the streets, she said. However, she admitted that despite these efforts, 57 children were found missing again from the schools or homes they were placed in. This raises an alarming question: Are these children truly safe with their families, or have they fallen victim to human trafficking or begging mafias? she added. To address these concerns, the government has upgraded and intensified the mission under Project Jeevan Jyot-2. Over the last two days, 18 rescue operations were conducted across districts, resulting in 41 children being rescued. DNA testing has now been introduced in cases where it is unclear whether the adults accompanying the children are their biological parents. If any adult is found forcing unrelated children to beg, strict action will follow under the law. DNA tests will be conducted with orders from the Deputy Commissioner, and during the 1520 day report period, the children will remain safely under government protection in Bal Ghar. If DNA reports confirm that the adults are not the biological parents, stringent legal action will be initiated, including charges under anti-trafficking and child protection laws, she said. Kaur added that an FIR has already been registered in Bathinda, where 20 children were allegedly rescued from villages suspected of being exploited for begging. She claimed that Punjab is the first state in the country to initiate such an integrated, aggressive and self-conceived programme without waiting for any directive from the central government. Project Jeevan Jyot-2 combines provisions from The Beggary Act, The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, guidelines of the Supreme Court and High Court, and SOPs issued by the Punjab State Child Protection Commission.
Secret call recordings allowed in divorce cases
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday set aside a Punjab and Haryana High Court order that prevented a man from using secret phone call recordings or surveillance of his wife as evidence in divorce proceedings, while noting that these recordings wouldnt be considered a a violation of privacy. A two-judge bench, comprising Justices B V Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma, said, We do not think there is any breach of privacy in this case. Section 122 of the Evidence Act does not recognise any such right. On the other hand, it carves out an exception to the right to privacy between spouses and therefore, cannot be applied horizontally at all. Earlier, the Punjab and Haryana HC Judge Justice Lisa Gill had held that recording a wifes telephonic conversations or snooping on her amounted to clear breach of privacy of her fundamental right and thereby cannot be admitted as evidence before a Family Court during the matrimonial proceedings or case. Before the HC verdict, a Family Court in Bathinda had allowed a husband to rely on certain recordings of phone calls against his wife to support claims of cruelty. Later, the woman challenged this in the HC, saying that the recordings were made by her husband without her knowledge or consent and violated her fundamental right to privacy. The HC accepted the wifes plea and ruled the evidence inadmissible, stating that surreptitious recording amounted to a clear breach of privacy and was legally unjustified. Eventually, the SC restored the trial court order and said recorded conversations can be taken note of during the matrimonial proceedings. It, thereby, in its verdict, asked the family court to proceed with the case after taking judicial note of the recorded conversations. While reversing the HC judgement, the HC observed, If the marriage has reached a stage where spouses are actively snooping on each other, that is in itself a symptom of a broken relationship and denotes a lack of trust between them. The SC pronounced the verdict after hearing an SLP filed by the husband. Also in top court Cartoonist to delete posts after SC rap The top court has directed the president and secretary of the Gautam Budh Nagar district court bar association to appear before it over the alleged manhandling of a senior advocate. A two-judge bench on March 21 last year directed both the office bearers to appear before it but they failed to comply with the order. SIMI continues on five year ban The Supreme Court rejected a plea filed by a former SIMI member, challenging an order of a tribunal which confirmed the 5-year extension of ban imposed on SIMI. The tribunal was constituted under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 after the Centre had on January 29, 2024 decided to extend the ban.
AAP government in Punjab to hire retired doctors amid severe shortage of medical specialists
CHANDIGARH: Facing an acute shortage of medical specialists, the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government has begun hiring retired doctors, even as it claims to have improved the states healthcare infrastructure. Nearly 47 per cent of sanctioned specialist posts in government hospitals remain vacant across Punjab. Sources said that out of the 2,098 posts of sanctioned specialists, 990 are lying vacant. Not only specialist doctors but also posts of doctors in the general medical officer cadre are lying vacant. 1,962 posts are yet to be filled out of 3,847, which comes to 51 per cent. Sources said that the state health department has decided to recruit 100 retired medical specialists through walk-in interviews. Thus, it has invited applications from the retired government doctors to apply for these contractual posts of consultants in district hospitals, sub-divisional hospitals and community health centres (CHCs). As per the notification issued by the state health department, the posts to be filled include 21 in paediatrics, 20 in general medicine, 20 in gynaecology, 15 in general surgery, 13 in anaesthesia, 7 radiologists and four doctors in psychiatry. Also, only retired specialist doctors between 58 and 64 years of age will be eligible to apply. The contract will be for one year and can be extended annually based on performance and subject to the approval of the finance department. These doctors will get remuneration equivalent to the last pay drawn, minus pension, plus dearness allowance as admissible on the date of appointment. Besides, they must be free of disciplinary proceedings. They will not be allowed to engage in private practice during the contractual period and will only do clinical duties (outpatient, inpatient, and emergency care) and will be exempted from medico-legal, administrative, or post-mortem responsibilities. Recently, posts of specialised doctors were advertised, but only 60 doctors joined. In 2022, the government also tried to fill 634 posts of specialist doctors but did not get a good response. The reason that doctors refrain from joining the state medical services is due to pay disparities, lack of emergency medical staff thus, specialist doctors have to take care of emergencies, and they are also deployed for VVIP duties. This decision of the state health department to hire retired specialists has not gone well with the young doctors, and many of them say they have been awaiting recruitment since November 2022, when the last advertisement for regular posts was issued. Interestingly, 31 specialist doctors who pursued post-graduation under the government quota have exited service without completing the mandatory service period or depositing the stipulated bond amount of Rs 50 lakh. As per rules, after one gets admission under the Punjab Civil Medical Services (PCMS) quota, one has to serve with the state government as one signs a 10-year service bond in exchange for subsidised admission. As four doctors each resigned from Sangrur and Ludhiana, three each from Kapurthala, Mansa, and Faridkot, two each from Mohali, Tarn Taran, and Ropar and one each from Bathinda, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Nawanshahr, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar and Barnala. They have also not deposited the bond amount they pledged at the time of admission. The health department has directed civil surgeons to initiate recovery proceedings. The civil surgeons have been instructed to contact these doctors immediately and serve them a 21-day notice to deposit the bond, amount and if they fail, disciplinary action will be initiated, and the department has directed that a formal request be made to the Punjab Medical Council or relevant regulatory bodies to cancel their medical registration. Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA) president Dr Akhil Sarin said a few months back, 110 specialised doctors joined as part of their bond obligation, and in the coming days a few more are likely to join after the end of the extensions granted to them. Also, walk-in interviews for an additional 160 specialist posts are also in the pipeline. All these steps are effectively aimed at providing specialist services to the poor and underserved. In 2020, the then government stalled career progression of medical officers this was one of the causes why specialised doctors did not opt for government jobs. While lack of security is another issue, he said. ` A few years back their were similar schemes of re-employment of post retirement and few doctors had taken the extensions then, he said.
Rs 4,215 crore scam: Telangana CID nabs Falcon COO
Hyderabad: The Telangana Crime Investigation Department (CID) has arrested the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Falcon Group, Aaryan Singh, in Rs 4,215 crore scam. Aaryan Singh alias Aaryan Singh Chhabra was apprehended by the Telangana CID in Bathinda, Punjab, on July 4 and produced before the local court for transit remand. He was brought to Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Hyderabad: Falcon COO Arrested for Rs 4,215 Crore Scam
Aaryan Singh diverted an amount of Rs 1.62 crore to his account from the funds of Falcon. When the crime was reported, he fled away to Nanded and later Bathinda, where he took shelter at a Gurdwara. On a tip off, a special team of CID Telangana went to Bathinda and apprehended him.
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.
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.
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.
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? 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.
Who was Kamal Kaur, the controversial Punjabi influencer found dead in Bathinda?
Popular Punjabi influencer Kamal Kaur was discovered dead in a car near Adesh Medical University, Bathinda. Police found the body after reports of a foul smell. Preliminary investigations suggest a possible murder. The car had fake license plates. Kaur, also known as Kanchan Kumari, had received threats previously. Police are investigating all angles to find the culprits.
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 .
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.
CHANDIGARH: Around 50 people from various parts of Punjab are under the police scanner as their antecedents are being verified for suspected links to the arrested individuals. Meanwhile, two more individuals from Gurdaspur have been arrested by Punjab Police for allegedly engaging in espionage for Pakistan, bringing the total number of arrests in the past three weeks to eight. Sources revealed that the two individuals, Sukhpreet Singh of Adiyan village and Karanbir Singh of Chandu Wadala, were arrested from Gurdaspur. Police recovered three mobile phones and eight live cartridges of .30 bore from their possession. Preliminary investigations confirmed both the accused were in direct contact with operatives of Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and had transmitted sensitive information concerning the Indian Armed Forces. A police official, on condition of anonymity, stated that these 50 individuals currently under scrutiny have not been detained. Most of these individuals who have been questioned had claimed innocence about the secret work of the alleged spies but would only get a clean chit after thorough verification, said a source. The police have launched technical and human intelligence investigations to assess the nature of these individuals associations with the arrested suspects. All these individuals who were in contact with the people allegedly involved in espionage are being verified to dig deep into their activities, the source added. NIA, IB grill YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra for spying for Pakistan; travel details, transactions under scanner Earlier, on May 11, the Punjab Police had arrested a 31-year-old woman, Guzala, and her associate Yameen Mohammad from Malerkotla for allegedly aiding a Pakistani official posted at the High Commission in Delhi. Police said the two were part of a broader espionage network operating in the region. According to officials, Guzala had met Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi and became his informant, allegedly sharing details about army activities in exchange for money. Danish instructed Yameen, a passport and visa agent, to transfer funds to Guzala. She reportedly received 10,000 from Yameen and 20,000 directly from Danish. On May 12, Neeraj Kumar, a 28-year-old salesman from Pathankot, was arrested for allegedly issuing SIM cards to unauthorised individuals using fraudulent documentation. The case came to light after Mohit Kumar of Shahpurkandi filed a complaint stating that he had purchased a SIM card from Neeraj in 2020, but later discovered that another SIM had been issued on his documents without his consent. During investigation, it was revealed that the unauthorised SIM card had been active in Pakistan before being deactivated. On May 13, Raqeeb Khan from Roorkee in Uttarakhand, who had been working as a tailor in a shop inside Bathinda Cantonment for the past two years, was arrested for allegedly spying for the neighbouring country. Cantonment officials grew suspicious of his activities and reported him to the police. His phone has been seized and sent for forensic examination. He lived within the shop premises inside the cantonment area. Odisha police question YouTuber Priyanka Senapati over links with spy Jyoti Malhotra During interrogation, Raqeeb reportedly said that he had received calls and voice messages from Pakistani numbers in January this year but claimed he did not engage with them. He also admitted to possessing military documents left behind by Army personnel at his shop. Officials disclosed that Raqeeb was the second civilian linked to espionage from that location, the first being Sunil Kumar, a cobbler and native of Samastipur, Bihar. He was arrested on April 29. Kumar had been working at the Bathinda Cantonment since 2017 and had lived in Dhobiana Basti for over a decade. His brother and uncle are also cobblers in the same area. Kumars bank statement and property details are being analysed, and his mobile phone has also been sent for forensic analysis. The report is awaited, said a police official. On May 3, two men, Palak Sher Masih and Suraj Masih, were arrested in Amritsar for allegedly photographing and sharing sensitive details of army cantonments and airbases. They were allegedly in contact with ISI through Harpreet Singh alias Pittu alias Happy, an inmate at Amritsar Central Jail. Police believe the duo had direct links with Pakistani intelligence operatives. Sources confirmed that all of the arrested individuals were allegedly in constant contact with the ISI and passed information to the enemy, including details about troop movements and key strategic locations in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir.
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 .
