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Punjab wrongly blamed for Delhi pollution despite lower AQI, says CM Mann
CHANDIGARH: Questioning the BJP Governments handling of the pollution crisis in Delhi and what he described as a false narrative blaming Punjab for the national capitals poor air quality, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the state has been unfairly targeted year after year despite having significantly better air conditions. Addressing the issue, Mann said Punjabs Air Quality Index (AQI) currently ranges between 70 and 110, while Delhis AQI stands at around 500. Who is responsible for pollution in Delhi? he asked, adding that Punjab continues to be blamed despite clear data to the contrary. He said there has been a significant drop in stubble-burning incidents in Punjab, a fact that has been officially recognised by the Central Government in Parliament. Taking a dig at the saffron party over the renaming of MGNREGA to Viksit BharatJai Ram Ji (Vikas Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Rural)), Mann mocked the move, saying that if the BJP-led Central Government had its way, it would rename the entire country as Deen Dayal Upadhyay Nagar. He added that BJP governments have already renamed several railway stations and cities, and pointed out that renaming does not improve governance, while people-centric decisions alone can bring real change. Mann also gave detailed information about the arrangements being made by the state government for lakhs of devotees arriving from across the world to pay homage to the supreme sacrifice of the younger Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri at Fatehgarh Sahib on the occasion of Shaheedi Sabha. Giving details, the Chief Minister said comprehensive measures have been taken to ensure adequate health facilities, transport, cleanliness and security so that no devotee faces any inconvenience. He said that, keeping in view the large inflow of devotees, special steps have been taken regarding healthcare facilities. He informed that 20 Aam Aadmi Clinics and five dispensaries are being set up, where expert doctors and staff members will be on duty, adding that medicines and essential equipment have been arranged at these centres. Mann said the Punjab Government will provide free transportation for devotees within the city during Shaheedi Sabha by launching an inter-city shuttle bus service. He said that during the Sabha, 200 shuttle buses and 100 e-rickshaws will ferry devotees from parking areas to Gurdwara Sahib and other locations. Smog takes toll on animals He said the services of Google are being used this time for traffic management so that updated information on road traffic conditions around Fatehgarh Sahib is available, allowing immediate alternative arrangements in case of congestion. He added that five large and 16 smaller parking areas have been prepared for vehicle parking. Speaking about security arrangements, Mann said more than 3,300 police personnel will be deployed to facilitate devotees. He said an Integrated Control Centre has been established, with a helpline number 0176-3232838 for public convenience. He added that 300 CCTV cameras are being installed at key locations to monitor anti-social elements, while drones will provide aerial surveillance across the city. The Chief Minister said that to ensure smooth mobile connectivity, temporary mobile towers are being installed by telecom companies. He added that a fleet of 60 ambulances and fire brigade vehicles will remain stationed to handle any emergency. Emphasising the importance of cleanliness, Mann said maintaining hygiene in the city is of utmost priority. He added that machinery from various districts has been deployed for this purpose, and volunteer teams will work in shifts round the clock to maintain the sacredness of the city. He further announced that during the Shaheedi Sabha, the Punjab Government will organise a large blood donation camp at Fatehgarh Sahib as a service to humanity. At the same time, he warned that unauthorised blood donation camps will not be allowed and that strict action will be taken against violators. Mann assured that the Punjab Government will extend full cooperation to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee if any kind of support is required for the comfort and convenience of devotees.
Hansi declared as 23rd district of Haryana, notification within a week
CHANDIGARH: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday declared Hansi as the 23rd district of Haryana, marking a significant administrative milestone for the region. The official notification will be issued within a week, he said . With the creation of the new district, Hisar district will now have two subdivisionsHisar and Barwalawhile the newly formed Hansi district will comprise two subdivisions, Hansi and Narnaund. Addressing a Vikas rally in Hansi, CM Saini also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for three development projects worth Rs. 77.30 crore. Recalling Hansis rich historical and cultural legacy, Saini described it as a land of valour and sacrifice, once known as the gateway of Hindustan. He paid homage to the sacrifices made during the First War of Independence in 1857, stating that the historic Lal Sadak still bears testimony to the brutal atrocities of the British, where freedom fighters were mercilessly crushed. He said Hansis prominence predates even the freedom struggle, noting that the town was earlier known as Asi and Asigarh, and during the reign of Emperor Harsha, it served as the capital of the Satluj province. Reaffirming the governments commitment to regional development, Saini said that no stone would be left unturned for the progress of Hansi. Highlighting development works, he stated that projects worth Rs. 1,008 crore have been executed in the Hansi Assembly constituency over the last 11 years, whereas only Rs. 253 crore worth of works were undertaken during the Congress regime. Targeting Congress over its criticism of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the Chief Minister said that intensive revisions have been conducted several times since Independence, including in 1952, 1957, 1961, 196566, 198384, 198789, 19929395 and 200203often when opposition parties were in power. Democracy was never under threat during those periods, he said, questioning why objections are now being raised in 2025 when the Election Commission is performing its constitutional duty to update electoral rolls. Saini said that out of the 217 promises made in the Sankalp Patra election manifesto, the double-engine government has fulfilled 54 promises within a year, while work on 163 promises is currently underway. Though one year may appear brief, he said, it has witnessed development progressing at three times the earlier pace, reflecting the governments commitment to non-stop development. He added that during its third term as well, the government has taken decisive steps to ensure inclusive growth and safeguard the interests of all sections of society. Listing major welfare initiatives, Saini said that under the Deendayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana, eligible women are provided financial assistance of Rs. 2,100, and so far more than seven lakh women have received Rs. 258 crore in two instalments. He further said that to support poor households, the government is providing LPG cylinders at Rs. 500 per month, benefiting around 14.7 lakh families across the state. Speaking on agricultural reforms, CM Saini said that the state government is procuring all crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP). He informed that Rs. 1.64 lakh crore has been directly credited to the accounts of nearly 12 lakh farmers for crop procurement. He also highlighted that the BJP government has abolished the British-era Abiana and introduced fully digital, paperless registration of land and property, making the entire process transparent and efficient. Haryana Cabinet Minister Ranbir Gangwa said that the double-engine government is delivering development at a rapid pace, resulting in the BJP forming the government for the third consecutive term in the state. MLA Vinod Bhayana thanked the Chief Minister for accepting key development demands and described the decision to make Hansi a district as a historic gift for the region.
Gang rivalry over kabaddi tournaments leads to killing of player-promoter Rana Balachauria in Mohali
CHANDIGARH: A tussle among rival gangsters over dominance in the organisation of kabaddi tournaments in Punjab has led to the killing of 30-year-old kabaddi player-cum-promoter Kanwar Digvijay Singh alias Rana Balachauria, who was shot dead in Mohali on Sunday evening. He was killed by associates of gangsters Doni Bal and Lucky Patial. This is not the first such incident, as two well-known players of the sport have earlier been assassinated in similar circumstances. Punjab Police have identified three alleged accused, including two shooters who fired multiple rounds at Balachauria. They have been named as Aditya Kapoor alias Makhan and Karan Pathak, both residents of Amritsar, with 13 and two FIRs registered against them respectively. Police said the accused belong to the gang of Doni Bal and Lucky Patial. No arrests have been made so far. According to police, the assailants fled on the Landran road after shooting Balachauria at point-blank range in the head and face during a private kabaddi tournament in Sector 82, Mohali, at around 6 pm. The tournament had been under way for the past few days. Balachauria, who had got married around 10 to 15 days ago, was rushed to Fortis Hospital with gunshot injuries, but despite immediate clinical assessment, he was declared brought dead. The tournament was being held at a packed ground, where Punjabi singer Mankirt Aulakh was also expected to attend the evening matches to distribute prizes. Police said four rounds were fired by the two accused, who approached the victim on the pretext of taking a selfie and took him aside near the parking lot before shooting him at point-blank range. While fleeing the spot, the accused fired shots into the air to scare youths who attempted to chase them. The police have linked the deceased to jailed gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria in connection with dominance over the organisation of kabaddi tournaments. Calling it a planned attack, Senior Superintendent of Police, SAS Nagar, Harmandeep Singh Hans said, The identity of the third person has been withheld till now. The police have also zeroed in on a few individuals involved in providing shelter and logistics to the assailants. As of now, the deceased has no role or link in the Moosewala murder case. Twelve police teams have been formed to trace the alleged shooters, with two teams operating in Delhi and Amritsar. Hours after the shooting, gangster Doni Bal claimed responsibility for the killing in a Facebook post. The post read, I, Donibal, Saganpreet, Mohabbat Randhawa, Amar Khabe, Prabh Daswal, and Kaushal Chaudhary, take responsibility for the killing of Rana Balachauria during the Kabaddi Cup in Mohali. This man (Rana) was in contact with our rivals Jaggu and Lawrence. The post further stated that the Saganpreet gang is closely linked to the Bambiha or Gopi Ghanshampur factions. He had provided shelter to the killer of Sidhu Moosewala and personally looked after him. By killing Rana today, we have avenged the murder of our brother Sidhu Moosewala. This act was carried out by our brothers Makhan Amritsar and defaulter Karan, it read. The killing of Balachauria has revived memories of a similar incident three years ago, when another kabaddi player, Sandeep Nangal, was shot dead in Jalandhar district during a tournament at Mallian Kalan village. More recently, a 25-year-old kabaddi player, Teja Singh, was shot dead in broad daylight in Jagraon in October this year. Meanwhile, the Opposition Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP slammed the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government over the Mohali incident, alleging a total collapse of law and order in Punjab.
IPL 2026 Auction: Duckett Goes To DC; De Kock Joins MI
Indian Premier League: England wicketkeeper-batter Ben Duckett was sold to Delhi Capitals for a base price of Rs 2 crore in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini auction, taking place here at the Etihad Arena. Duckett made his T20 debut in 2012 and has scored 5,397 runs in 216 T20 matches, including 34 half-centuries. With a best score of 84, he has amassed 527 runs for England in 20 games at an average of 29.27 and a strike rate of 153.64. He has played for Islamabad United and Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League, Brisbane Heat and Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League, and Welsh Fire in The Hundred, among other T20 competitions worldwide. South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock, who has showcased great form during the ongoing white-ball series, was signed by the Mumbai Indians for a base price of Rs 1 crore. De Kock was released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) following the IPL 2025. De Kock has represented Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Daredevils, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants, and Kolkata Knight Riders across his IPL career. In 115 games, he has amassed 3309 runs at a strike rate of 134.02 and an average of 30.63. The wicket-keeper batter scored an incredible 90 off 46 balls against India in Chandigarh in the second T20I of the ongoing five-match series. South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock, who has showcased great form during the ongoing white-ball series, was signed by the Mumbai Indians for a base price of Rs 1 crore. De Kock was released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) following the IPL 2025. Also Read: Live Cricket Score This marks Allens second IPL franchise after an earlier stint with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Meanwhile, England wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith and Jonny Bairstow, Afghanistan's Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and India's KS Bharat remained unsold. Article Source: IANS
IndoChina barter trade via Shipki La to resume from June after six-year gap following MEA clearance
CHANDIGARH: As the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has given political clearance to the Himachal Pradesh government, IndoChina border trade through the Shipki La strategic pass in Kinnaur district will resume from June next year after a gap of six years. The barter-based trade will operate via the Land Customs Station (LCS) at NamgiaShipki La near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). A trade mart is also likely to be set up near the pass to facilitate traders and tourists. Imports and exports from this border point will be restricted to items notified by the Union government. Currently, 20 items are permitted for import, including wool, pashmina, sheep skin, yak tails, yak hair, salt, shoes, blankets, quilts, carpets and herbal medicines. A total of 36 items are allowed for export, including coffee, tea, barley, rice, wheat, flour, dry fruits, tobacco, cigarettes, canned food, spices, watches, shoes, utensils, and handloom and handicraft items. Sources said trader registration will be carried out by the Pooh tehsildar-cum-trade officer. Applicants will need to submit identity proof, residential certificate, past trade records (if any), and passport-size photographs. Locals from 14 border villages, including Namgia, Chuppan, Nako, Pooh and Chango, are economically dependent on this cross-border barter trade conducted through Shipki La. Trade passes are issued by the Union Ministry of Commerce to facilitate the activity. Kinnaur IndoChina Trade Association president Hishey Negi told the TNIE that the association has sought a minimum of 150 trade passes. We have requested renewal of import and export codes issued by the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and demanded a single-window system for security clearances. We have also urged the district administration to organise skill-building workshops so traders can understand market potential, demand and supply, and how to sell items like borax, szaibelyite and china clay imported from China, he said. Negi added that reopening the trade route would benefit Kinnauri youth by providing alternative income opportunities. He also stressed the need to make the existing 78 km trade track motorable. Currently, goods are transported on mules and horses, taking two to three hours. With proper road connectivity, trade volumes will increase, he said, adding that the administration has been urged to help set up kiosks at Shipki La. Sources said a review meeting of concerned departments and stakeholders was held on Monday by Kinnaur Deputy Commissioner Amit Sharma to assess logistical preparedness. Issues discussed included road connectivity in the Shipki LaNamgia area, trader registration, security arrangements to be jointly handled by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Himachal Pradesh Police, setting up a customs office, medical and emergency services, and inter-departmental coordination. A senior officer said political clearance has been received from the MEA and efforts are underway to set up a trade mart near the pass by April. Tourism in the region has increased manifold, and tourists will be able to purchase items from the mart, he said, adding that trade is carried out annually between June and November 30. Supporting the demand for a trade mart, Negi said, There is a trade mart at the Nathu La border point, and we have been urging authorities to set up a similar facility here so tourists can buy imported items and trade gets a boost. In 2019, total imports through this border point were valued at Rs 1.71 crore, while exports stood at Rs 1.34 crore. Trade peaked in 2015, with exports worth Rs 5.01 crore and imports Rs 4.36 crore. In 2016, exports were Rs 4.03 crore and imports Rs 4.55 crore. Trade declined sharply in 2017 to Rs 22.45 lakh in exports and Rs 36.82 lakh in imports, before improving in 2018 with exports of Rs 1.14 crore and imports of Rs 1.38 crore. When trade began in 1994, export value was Rs 11.09 lakh and import value Rs 14.93 lakh. Traders, mostly from Nako, Chuppan, Chango and Namgia, typically travel to China in September and October. In 2015, 71 Indian traders went to China via this route, followed by 75 in 2016, 34 in 2017, 37 in 2018 and 45 in 2019. The highest number was recorded in 1994, when 90 traders crossed through this border point. The border trade between India and China through Shipki La in Himachal Pradesh, Nathu La in Sikkim and Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand came to a halt in 2020 after the Chinese army violated bilateral protocols in eastern Ladakh.
Irans currency crisis: Indian basmati exports hit as rial plunges, payment risks rise
A kabaddi player and promoter was shot dead at a live tournament in Mohali after gunmen posed for selfies with him. The killing, claimed by a rival gang as revenge for Sidhu Moose Wala's murder, has raised concerns about Punjab's law and order. The attackers fled after firing several shots in the air.
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ASI Sandeep suicide: Widow claims govt shielding accused
BhanupalliBeri rail line project hit as HP fails to transfer land, release funds
Revenge for Moose Wala: Kabaddi player shot dead in front of hundreds at Mohali tournament
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2 held for 15L visa fraud, 5L recovered
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CM to lead anti-drug walkathon in Hamirpur
Over Rs 14cr disbursed to 3,835 beneficiaries by workers body
Kashyap pushes for merger of cantonment civil areas with municipal bodies
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IGMC suspends two MBBS students for ragging juniors
Hoax bomb threats sent to 11 private schools in Jalandhar
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Kabaddi player shot dead in middle of Mohali tournament, gunmen open fire in packed arena
CHANDIGARH: A 30-year-old kabaddi player-cum-promoter died after unidentified gunmen opened fire on him after he arrived with his team to take part in a tournament in Mohali on Monday, police said. Kanwar Digvijay Singh alias Rana Balachauria was critically injured in the attack and was rushed to the Fortis Hospital in Mohali where he was declared dead, police said. The incident took place at Sohana in Mohali where a private kabaddi tournament had been going on for the past few days, SSP Harmandeep Singh Hans said. A statement issued by the hospital said, Mr Kanwar Digvijay Singh, a 30-year-old kabaddi player, was brought to the Fortis Hospital, Mohali, at 6:05 pm with gunshot injuries. Despite immediate clinical assessment, he was declared brought dead. The SSP told reporters that the assailants were 2-3 in number, who reportedly fled on a motorcycle after the incident. Asked if there was any enmity angle or gang rivalry behind the killing, the SSP said, The matter is under investigation. Punjab has become so unsafe that even a Kabaddi ground is no longer spared from bullets. At the Mohali Kabaddi tournament, Kabaddi player and promoter Rana Balachauria (Balraj Rana) was shot dead in front of players and spectators. This is not the first time. Earlier, Kabaddi pic.twitter.com/BMPF9f3iOs BJP Chandigarh (@BJP4Chandigarh) December 15, 2025 Some eyewitnesses told police that the attackers pretended to be fans and approached Rana to click selfies but opened fire soon after. The tournament was being held in a packed ground, where Punjabi singer Mankirt Aulakh was also expected for the evening matches to give away prizes, they said. When Rana reached the ground, he was stopped by the attackers who requested for a selfie. We first thought firecrackers were being burst, an eyewitness said, referring to the gunshots. To scare the spectators, the attackers also fired in the air, he said. The killing brought back memories of three years ago when another kabaddi player, Sandeep Nangal, was shot dead in Jalandhar district in the middle of a tournament at Mallian Kalan village. More recently, a 25-year-old kabaddi player named Teja Singh was shot dead in broad daylight in Jagraon in October this year. The opposition Congress, SAD and BJP slammed the Bhagwant Mann government over the Mohali incident, alleging total collapse of law and order in the state under the AAP. Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring said in a post on X, Open firing at a kabaddi tournament in Mohali, claiming the life of player Rana Balachauria, is a chilling reminder of @AAPPunjab's abject failure to maintain law and order. Bullets flying at public events are proof of governance collapse. Punjabis are being forced to live in fear. Senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa said on X, Gunshots at the Mohali Kabaddi Cup in Sohana are a damning verdict on @BhagwantMann's total failure as CM and Home Minister. Bajwa, whos the Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, claimed that sporting arenas have turned into shooting grounds while criminals roam with impunity. When bullets fly at public events, it's clear the state has lost control. This isn't governance, this is abdication. Punjab is paying the price for Mann's incompetence and misplaced priorities. Law and order has collapsed completely. How many more shots before accountability, he asked. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal said the incident has once again shaken Punjab to its core. In a post in Punjabi on X, Badal said, Under the state's inept government, the morale of criminals has risen to such heights that they do not hesitate to fire shots even in the middle of a running match in front of the entire crowd. It is the incompetence of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann that murders, extortions and numerous other terrorist incidents are happening daily in Punjab. Yet, instead of maintaining law and order, police are focused on implementing government orders related to political vendetta. Punjab BJP working president Ashwani Sharma claimed the state has become so insecure today that even the kabaddi fields are no longer safe from bullets. The incident is even more heartbreaking because Rana had been married recently. A married life was mercilessly ended by gangster rule, Sharma said. He also said this was not the first such incident. Previously, kabaddi players Sandeep Nangal Ambian and Tejpal Singh were brutally murdered. All these events make one thing clear Punjab's players are also in the crosshairs of gangsters under the Bhagwant Mann government, Sharma said on X. Sharma also alleged that under Bhagwant Mann's failed leadership and Arvind Kejriwal's remote-control government run from Delhi, law and order in Punjab has completely collapsed. Criminals, gangsters, murderers and shooters are roaming freely without any fear, while the government is busy with advertisements and false claims. From villages to cities, from streets to stadiums there is an atmosphere of fear in Punjab today, he alleged.
Punjab Police arrests two gangster-turned-terrorists linked with BKI from Mumbai
CHANDIGARH: In a major inter-state operation carried out in coordination with central agencies, Punjab Police have arrested two gangster-turned-terrorists linked to the banned outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) from Mumbai, officials said on Monday. The arrested men have been identified as Sajan Masih, a resident of Veroke village in Gurdaspur district, and Sukhdev Kumar alias Munish Bedi, a resident of Lahori Gate in Amritsar. Both were allegedly operating from overseas locations before their arrest. Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the two accused had a long criminal history, with multiple cases registered against them for murder, attempt to murder, offences under the Arms Act, use of explosives, and provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) at police stations in Batala and Amritsar. According to Yadav, the arrested men were key operatives of Pakistan-based ISI-supported terrorist Harvinder Singh alias Rinda and USA-based BKI operative Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia, who is currently detained. They were operating from overseas locations, including Dubai and Armenia, while attempting to orchestrate criminal and terror activities in Punjab, he said. The DGP said Punjab Police had issued Look Out Circulars (LOCs) and Red Corner Notices against several wanted criminals who had taken refuge abroad, which helped in tracking and apprehending the two accused. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the duo was part of a BKI-linked network responsible for multiple grenade attacks on police stations in Amritsar and Batala, as well as the killings of Hardeep Singh of Jourrian Kalan and Ravi Kumar, a kiryana store owner from Dera Baba Nanak. Yadav added that Sajan Masih was also coordinating with another key associate, Shamsher Shera alias Honey, who is currently based in Armenia. Sharing operational details, AIG SSOC Amritsar Sukhminder Singh Mann said the arrests were made following specific intelligence inputs developed in close coordination with central agencies. A joint team of the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Amritsar, and Counter Intelligence, Pathankot, was swiftly dispatched to Mumbai and took the accused into custody immediately after they landed from abroad. Mann said the arrested men were actively involved in providing logistical support, funding channels and strategic direction to foot soldiers operating in Punjab. Both accused have been arrested in connection with FIR No. 47 dated August 25, 2025, registered under Sections 25, 29 and 30 of the Arms Act and Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station SSOC Amritsar.
CHANDIGARH: Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring on Monday moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking mandatory videography of the counting of votes for the Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections, scheduled to be held on Wednesday, following polling on December 14. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed by Warring on Monday through advocate Nikhil Ghai. It states that he absence of mandatory videography during counting renders the process opaque and vulnerable to arbitrariness and manipulation, potentially undermining public confidence in grassroots democracy. It invokes constitutional provisions, including Articles 14 (equality), 21 (right to life and liberty), and 243K (powers of State Election Commission), asserting that free and fair elections are part of the basic structure of the Constitution. The court is scheduled to hear the public interest litigation on Tuesday. Ghai said on the petitioners behalf that the counting of votes was an integral and decisive stage of the election process, continuing until the declaration of results. The petitioner contended that the absence of videography rendered the process opaque and vulnerable to arbitrariness and allegations of manipulation, thereby eroding public confidence in democratic institutions. Despite this being a settled legal position, the counting of votes in Zila Parishad elections was conducted without mandatory videography, leaving no objective or verifiable record of the most sensitive phase of the elections, the plea said. The petition sought preventive institutional safeguards, including directions to mandate videography of the entire counting process, secure preservation of videographic records for a prescribed period, and their availability for judicial or statutory scrutiny. It also sought the framing of uniform and binding guidelines governing videography, storage, access and accountability. Earlier, the high court had directed the State Election Commission (SEC) to ensure the non-partisan conduct of police personnel and to inquire into allegations of misconduct by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Congress, as both parties had claimed that their candidates and workers were allegedly intimidated and attacked to prevent them from participating in the poll process. There was a low voter turnout of 48 per cent in these polls, compared to 58.1 per cent in 2018.
Special trains from Dhanbad to Chandigarh and Delhi extended until January 2026
Indian Railways has extended the operational period for four special trains, including services between Dhanbad and Chandigarh, and Dhanbad and Delhi. These trains will now run for an additional 10 trips each, with revised end dates extending into January 2026. This decision aims to accommodate passenger demand and ensure smoother travel.
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Telugu Dalit IPS officers suicide: Haryana govt relieves DGP
Chandigarh: Two months after being sent on leave amid a controversy over IPS officer Y Puran Kumars alleged suicide, the Haryana government has relieved IPS Shatrujeet Kapur from the charge of Director General of Police. O P Singh, who was given the additional charge as state police chief during Kapurs absence, has been appointed as 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 .
What Amarinder said is right, says Sukhjinder Randhawa
Saini releases Rs 380 cr for bajra cultivators
Two Punjabi students, Gurdeep Singh (27) and Ranveer Singh (19), were killed in a targeted shooting in Edmonton, Canada. The incident occurred after a party when their car was ambushed and fired upon by unidentified individuals. Police are investigating the targeted event and seeking a dark-coloured SUV.
Delimitation: BJP questions SEC Chaudhuris credibility, writes to governor
CAG advises HP to probe reasons behind defects in bridge within 5 years of construction
AAP candidate shares photo of ballot paper on social media, ignites controversy
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Procedural differences: Manoranjan Kalia on Capt Amarinder Singhs Congress-BJP comparison
Haryana relieves Shatrujeet Kapoor as police chief, reappoints O P Singh
CHANDIGARH: Punjab recorded over 48% voting in the zila parishad and panchayat samiti elections on Sunday, with more than 9,000 candidates in the fray. However, the polls were marred by isolated incidents of stone-pelting, scuffles, and complaints of booth capturing, prompting the State Election Commission (SEC) to order repolls at four polling booths. The SEC announced repolls at Chahiyan in Gurdaspur, Babania and Madhir in Muktsar, and Chananwal in Barnala after reports that presiding officers allegedly absconded with ballot papers and instances of booth capturing. The repoll is scheduled for Tuesday. Clashes were reported in Tarn Tarans Kazi Kot village, where workers of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) pelted stones at each other. Similar incidents occurred in Ferozepurs Betu Kadim village. Meanwhile, polling agents of Congress, SAD, and BJP lodged complaints with the Gidderbaha police, accusing AAP leader Sunny Dhillon and others of booth capturing. Dhillon denied the allegations, saying he was only touring villages to meet party workers and did not enter any polling booths. Polling was also cancelled in Khurmanian and Khasa villages of Amritsar due to a printing error on ballot papers. While the AAP candidates name was correct, the election symbol was wrongly printed in Khasa. Congress leaders raised concerns over administrative lapses and alleged intimidation. Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa accused the AAP of replicating Manish Sisodias Saam, Daam, Dand, Bhed tactics in Punjab, claiming that pressure, manipulation, and misuse of administration had discouraged voter participation. He highlighted errors in ballot issuance in six villages of Kahnuwan Zone No. 9, which delayed polling by nearly two hours. Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring alleged gross electoral malpractices by the ruling party, claiming that AAP workers, supported by police and administration, resorted to booth capturing at several locations, surpassing even the BJPs record of vote chori. SAD leaders Dr Daljit Singh Cheema and Arshdeep Singh Kler echoed these allegations, claiming that AAP colluded with the SEC and Punjab Police to steal the elections. They demanded a judicial probe into SEC functioning and its immediate removal, citing violence and attacks on opposition workers at multiple locations, including Qazikot in Tarn Taran, Talwandi Dasondha Singh in Majitha, Naushehra Majasingh in Batala, Kingra in Malout, Madhir and Babania in Gidderbaha, and Dharamkot. Rejecting the allegations, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann lauded the administration for conducting free, fair, and transparent polls. He accused the opposition, particularly SAD, of attempting to use gangsters to disrupt the electoral process. Mann said more than 2,400 opposition candidates contested the polls, indicating no misuse of official machinery, and blamed the opposition for indulging in cheap tactics out of frustration over defeats. Polling boycotts were reported in five villagesKotli, Bhedpuri, Dodhra, Sehajpur Kalan, and Sehajpur Khurd, of Samana assembly segment in Patiala, where villagers protested being included in Patran block instead of Samana. The elections cover 347 zones of 22 zila parishads and 2,838 zones of 153 panchayat samitis across the state.
Rau mans mobile, ATM prove Deewar to save him from bullet
3rd T20I: Pitched Ball In Right Areas, Tried To Get As Much Help From The Wicket, Says Arshdeep
Arshdeep Singh: Indias left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh credited his success in the third T20I against South Africa to sticking to the basics and exploiting helpful conditions in Dharamsala Arshdeep took 2-13 in his four overs to set the base for a seven-wicket win over South Africa in the third T20I at the HPCA Stadium on Sunday and took home the Player of the Match award. Nothing changed. I just pitched the ball in the right areas and tried to get as much help from the wicket. There was some help in the wicket, the conditions were cold as well, so there was enough swing and seam. I just tried to keep it simple, hit the right areas, and got the reward, said Arshdeep at the conclusion of the game. He also talked about being pleased to bounce back after an off day in New Chandigarh. When I walked onto the ground, everyone was telling me this is also your home ground. So the first thing I told them was, no, this is not my home ground - so that felt better. After that, just sticking to the basics, doing the basics right, and trusting my skill set. When you play at this level, there are some days when you wont execute the things you want to do. It was one off day (last game), so it feels nice to do this (bowl well in this game). Asked about the discussion on taking review against Reeza Hendricks, Arshdeep said, It was Surya bhai who wanted to get some suspense in there. The moment it hit the pad, I knew it was out. When I got the approval from Jitesh as well, we knew we were going for the review. He just wanted to wait, chat for a bit, and then take it. Quizzed on the Dewald Brevis review, which didnt happen, Arshdeep said, As a bowler, you want to take every review possible (and burst into laughter). I felt it hit the pad twice, so that was the confusion. Next time, Ill take care of that. Wrist spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who returned with figures of 2-11 and became the second fastest Indian to 50 mens T20I wickets, admitted the cold conditions were a challenge but praised the teams preparation. I actually wasnt aware of the milestone, so thank you for telling me. It was doing a bit early on when the fast bowlers were bowling, there was some seam movement. But overall, the conditions were very tough. Ive never played at a ground this cold, so I did find it quite challenging. No, not at all. This (chilly weather) can never happen in Chennai. Wrist spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who returned with figures of 2-11 and became the second fastest Indian to 50 mens T20I wickets, admitted the cold conditions were a challenge but praised the teams preparation. I actually wasnt aware of the milestone, so thank you for telling me. It was doing a bit early on when the fast bowlers were bowling, there was some seam movement. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Asked about his mantra of success, Chakaravarthy said, I was just trying to stick to my strengths. Today, the ball was skidding more than turning, so my focus was on skidding the ball on to the batter rather than trying to force too much turn. It feels really good (second fastest to 50 T20I wickets). As long as Im playing for India and contributing with wickets, Ill always feel good. Article Source: IANS
Police crack down on anti-social elements in Mohali ahead of rural polls
PU hosts workshop on participatory research
Ban unverified bike taxis, says advocate after molestation incident
Chd tops natl energy conservation awards
Man in Nihang robes shot at near Patiala
Jakhar slams Congress over vote theft rally
Blast at scrap yard in Jalandhar kills 1, injures 2
SUV occupants fire at truck after accident in Jalandhar, arrested
3rd T20I: Not Out Of Form, But Definitely Out Of Runs, Says Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav: India captain Suryakumar Yadav admitted he is searching for runs to flow from his bat, but insisted he remains confident in being back to his pristine touch and breaking a lean patch. In Indias seven-wicket win over South Africa at the HPCA Stadium on Sunday, Suryakumar fell for 12, just before the hosts completed the chase with 25 balls to spare and took a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. The thing is, Ive been batting beautifully in the nets. Im trying everything thats in my control and when the game comes, when the runs have to come, theyll definitely come. But yes, Im looking for runs, not out of form, but definitely out of runs, said Suryakumar in the post-match presentation ceremony. Asked about the teams turnaround after a 51-run defeat in New Chandigarh, Suryakumar stressed on the importance of returning to fundamentals in preparation for Sundays clash. I think this sport teaches you a lot of things. How you come back into the series is more important and we did the same thing we wanted to go back to basics, do the same things we were doing in Cuttack, and the results were on our side. See, there was a lot of learning from the game we played in Chandigarh. Asked about the teams turnaround after a 51-run defeat in New Chandigarh, Suryakumar stressed on the importance of returning to fundamentals in preparation for Sundays clash. Also Read: Live Cricket Score A win in Lucknow on Wednesday will give India the series win. I think well enjoy it tonight. Well enjoy the win tonight. Well sit down tomorrow when we reach Lucknow and then see what happened in this game and talk about that, concluded Suryakumar. Article Source: IANS
CM announces assistance for bus accident victims
Tewatia new chief of Haryana Judges Association
Hisar police train personnel in AI and English skills
Fog triggers multi-vehicle collision on NH-52; one injured, over 100 escape unhurt
Complaint filed against Safidon MLA for use of derogatory remarks
Teacher couple killed in road accident; wife was headed for election duty
Foggy conditions in Punjab and Haryana
3rd T20I: Bumrah Returns Home Due To Personal Reasons, Update On Availability Awaited
T20 World Cup: India will be without ace fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah in the third T20I against South Africa at the HPCA Stadium, as he has returned home due to personal reasons. The BCCI said an update on his availability for the remaining two matches in Lucknow and Ahmedabad will be provided in due course. Jasprit Bumrah has gone back home for personal reasons and will be unavailable for the game. An update on him joining the squad for the remaining matches will be provided in due course, said the BCCI in its statement. Apart from Bumrah, left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Axar Patel misses out due to being unwell. Axar Patel is unavailable for the third T20I due to illness, further said the BCCI. In place of the duo, seam-bowling all-rounder Harshit Rana and left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav have been drafted into the playing eleven for Sundays clash. India will feel the absence of Bumrah, who picked two wickets in the T20I series opener in Cuttack but went wicketless while conceding 45 runs in the second match in New Chandigarh. Axar, meanwhile, contributed 23 and 21 in the first two matches and was even promoted to number three during the 214-run chase in New Chandigarh, a gamble which didnt pay off for India, the reigning Mens T20 World Cup champions. Apart from Bumrah, left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Axar Patel misses out due to being unwell. Axar Patel is unavailable for the third T20I due to illness, further said the BCCI. In place of the duo, seam-bowling all-rounder Harshit Rana and left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav have been drafted into the playing eleven for Sundays clash. Also Read: Live Cricket Score South Africa, meanwhile, also have three changes to their playing eleven: Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje and Tristan Stubbs included in place of David Miller, George Linde and Litho Sipamla. With no specialist spinner, South Africa will bank on Aiden Markram, Donovan Ferreira and Dewald Brevis to shoulder the spin bowling duties. Article Source: IANS
Digital arrest case: Cyber crime police arrest third accused in Chandigarh
Chandigarh cyber police have arrested a cyber criminal in a high-value fake digital arrest case. This brings the total number of accused apprehended to three. The arrested individual, Mahendra Kumar Nayak, a resident of Churu, Rajasthan, was a direct beneficiary of the Rs 15 lakh fraud. He admitted to providing his bank account to other fraudsters for a commission.
Chandigarh: 2 arrested for snatching mobile phones in Sector-19
Two youths, Vineet and Ganosh, were arrested by UT police for snatching a woman's phone in Sector 19. The quick action of the victim and a nearby policeman led to their apprehension. The accused, who had previously snatched another phone and used a stolen motorcycle, have prior criminal records.
Two Indian-origin youths from Punjab shot dead in targeted attack in Canada
CHANDIGARH: In a targeted attack, two Indian-origin youths from Punjab were shot dead in southeast Edmonton, Canada, by unidentified assailants. The deceased have been identified as Gurdeep Singh from Bareh village and Ranbir Singh from Uddat Saidewala village near Budhlada in Mansa, Punjab. According to information received by Gurdeeps family from his friend Arshdeep, the two were on their way to celebrate a friends birthday when they were allegedly fired upon in the early hours of Friday. Both youths had moved to Canada separately in pursuit of better career opportunities. The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) said it believes the incident was a targeted attack and has launched an investigation. In a statement, the EPS said it is investigating the suspicious deaths of two adult men in southeast Edmonton. Officers attempted life-saving measures until emergency medical services arrived, but both victims were pronounced dead at the scene. On Friday, December 12, 2025, at approximately 1:43 a.m., officers responded to reports of gunshots in the area of 32 Street and 26 Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located two males believed to be in their 20s suffering from gunshot wounds. EPS officers attempted lifesaving measures until EMS arrived and assumed care. Sadly, both men were pronounced dead at the scene. The EPS Homicide Section has taken over the investigation. Autopsies are scheduled for Tuesday, December 16, and Wednesday, December 17, 2025, the statement read. The statement further noted, Police are looking for a dark-coloured SUV that may have been in the area at the time of the shooting. Investigators are asking anyone in the area of Silverberry Road and 23 Avenue, as well as 34 Street and 29 Street, who may have dash camera or security footage from approximately 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 11, to 2:30 a.m. on December 12, 2025, to contact police immediately. Police believe this to be a targeted event. The investigation is ongoing.
