New Delhi/Chandigarh, Oct 16: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the Centre will seek Punjab government's response over two incidents in the state: a father consuming poison under pressure in Dirba and the broad daylight killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa. In a post on microblogging site X, Shah said Punjab is today grappling with a rising threat of drugs, gangsterism and organised crime. He asked Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann who will ultimately bear the responsibility for the safety of Punjab's people. In Dirba, a father succumbing to pressure and consuming poison, and in Mansa, the broad-daylight murder of Parvinder Singh Jhota -- who had raised his voice against drugs -- have raised serious questions about the law and order situation in Punjab, Shah's post read. Jhota's father has levelled grave allegations against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party government and their MLA, it said, adding that the Home Ministry will seek responses from the Punjab government on both the incidents. Jhota, an anti-drug activist, was shot dead by a medical store owner at a busy market in Mansa on Tuesday. Ashwani Kumar, the store owner who fired at Jhota when he was being questioned for selling addictive drugs to an elderly man, was subsequently arrested. The first incident Shah referred to was the death by suicide of Gulzar Singh, who hailed from Dirba in Sangrur, on September 7. Gulzar's family had alleged that he consumed poison after being harassed and subjected to casteist slurs for questioning Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema about the supply of drugs in his locality. Political parties, including the BJP, have been increasingly highlighting the drug issue in poll-bound Punjab, where assembly elections are due early next year. In his X post, Shah said, In Punjab, the drug trade is flourishing, the threat of organised crime is growing, and questions are being raised about the safety of those who speak out against drugs. Addressing Chief Minister Mann, Shah said the people of Punjab want results, not publicity. Bhagwant Mann ji, the people of Punjab do not want promises, they want answers; not announcements, but results; decisive strikes against drug networks; and an impartial investigation into any political patronage received by criminals. Today, I reiterate my pledge before the people of Punjab that when our government comes to power in Punjab, we will work with full force to create a drug-free, gangster-free, and secure Punjab. Our goal is clear: strikes against the drug trade, protection of our youth's future, strict action against criminals, and the rule of law in such a way that no citizen is forced to live under the shadow of fear, the home minister said. Reacting sharply to Shah's post, Mann pointed to a drug seizure at a Gujarat port and advised the home minister to take responsibility for his own duties. In an X post in Punjabi, Mann said, Amit Shah ji, you should have consulted with your advisors before speaking about me. The BSF (Border Security Force) has jurisdiction over a 50-kilometre range. 3,000 kilograms of 'chitta' (synthetic drugs) are being seized at the Kandla port in Gujarat. Before blaming Bhagwant Mann, take responsibility for your own duties. Do not simply copy-paste tweets drafted for your sycophants. Last month, while addressing a rally in Jalandhar to mark the culmination of BJP's Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra, Shah had accused the AAP government of allowing chitta trade to run openly and vowed that the BJP would make Punjab drug-free by December 2029 if voted to power. During his Jalandhar visit on September 30, Shah had also met some families affected by the drug menace. The home minister had then asserted that those indulging in the drug trade will be sent behind bars. Remove the incompetent AAP government once and within two years, we will eradicate the drug menace, he had said.
Punjab shuts down to protest anti-drug activist's murder
India's Ramsar Sites Rise To 103 As Chandigarh's Sukhna Wetland, UP's Sauj Jheel Join Global List
DJMC IUST organises national-level Film Festival 2026
Awantipora, Oct 15: The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication (DJMC), Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), organised the national-level Film Festival 2026 on Thursday. The festival brought together aspiring filmmakers and students from diverse educational institutions to celebrate cinema and creative storytelling. As many as 27 short films and documentaries were screened on the occasion, of which 22 were shortlisted for the competition among school, college and university students participating from various states of India. A film from IUST titled Deception by Afnan Manzoor bagged the best film award, Compulsion from Amar Singh College received second film award, Bindiya from Central University of Haryana received third best film award, while DJMC IUSTs Lemonade received the special Jury-mention award. Prof. Shahid Rasool, Dean Academic Affairs, Central University of Kashmir, Bollywood actor-director Mir Sarwar and filmmaker and Founder, Renzu Films, Danish Renzu were the jury members for the competition. In his presidential address, Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice Chancellor, IUST, underlined the importance of film making and storytelling through cinema to promote skilful creativity among students and institutions. He stressed that inherent creativity is often stifled by the conventional education system. However, universities are now building ecosystems for innovation and entrepreneurship while keeping in view the ethical use of technology and media, said Prof. Romshoo, who was the chief guest on the occasion. Dean Academic Affairs, IUST, Prof. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, and Dean School of Humanities and Social Sciences, IUST, Dr. Afroz Ahmad Bisati joined as the guests of honour. Earlier, welcoming the guests and participants, Dr. Rabia Noor, Head, DJMC, stressed that media education must extend beyond the classrooms and textbooks, adding that the Film Festival 2026 is one such initiative, designed to provide a platform to emerging filmmakers to showcase their talent, and learn from experienced practitioners of the art and craft of filmmaking. Meanwhile, a special edition of Times Echo, IUST news magazine, titled IUST@2047: Special Edition on Institutional Development Plans was unveiled on the occasion. The edition brings together the IDPs of various departments, centres and offices of IUST, reflecting their roadmap for growth towards a developed India by 2047. The participating institutions included DJMC IUST, Government College for Women M.A. Road, GDC Anantnag, Amar Singh College, Green Valley Educational Institute, Heritage School Jammu, SRM Welkin School Sopore, Media Education Research Centre, University of Kashmir, Central University of Haryana, Central University of Punjab, and Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh and Government College for Women, Jammu, among others. Besides, five other films produced by DJMC IUST were screened on the occasion. The screening was followed by a post-film panel discussion of jury members, moderated by Dr. Haifaa Mohammad Ahsan, Assistant Professor, DJMC, IUST. Formal vote of thanks addresses were presented by Dr. Ruheela Hassan, Dean Outreach and Dr. Sayar Ahmad Mir, Assistant Professor, DJMC, IUST. Dean of Students, Dr. Monisa Qadiri, Dean Research Dr. Aabid Shalla, Finance Officer, Sameer Wazir, CEO CIED-IUST, Prof. Parvaiz Mir, Coordinator Community Radio Station, Dr. Mujeeb Liyakat, among other University officials, were also present on the occasion.
CAT quashes EPFO officers suspension, orders return to Chandigarh posting
Panchkula temples receive 21.8 lakh donations on Day 5 of Navratrithe
Chandigarh rolls out doorstep e-waste collection drive
UT administration & MC lack the machinery to clean deep drains
Cops collar fifth suspect in Panchkula khair tree felling
Parking woes persist at Kalka temple despite poll promises
Duo held for snatching womans gold earring
HC acquits 3 men sentenced to life imprisonment in 2016 murder case linked to Jat quota stir
5 criminal cases, yet shooter chemist managed to get arms licence
Father-son duo among five held with assault rifle, 13 pistols
Only Modi can tour: Mann slams Paris denial after Japan
CBI focuses scrutiny on 15 Punjab govt depts in cash-for-transfers case
After rumour, police says murder accused owns no property in Mansas green valley
Punjab Bandh: Towns paralysed, markets shut, highways blocked
Centre grounds Mann foreign travel again; govt moves HC
Shots fired at trader in robbery bid; 4 held
Heavy rains, hailstorm, thunderstorm second time in four days cause damage to crops
ASI fears parking move at Rambagh Gardens in Amritsar; MC denies
UP, MP, Manipur Dominate On Day 6 Of Hockey Nationals
Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Manipur secured victories in their respective pool games, while Punjab and Bengal played to a draw on the sixth day of the Hockey India Senior Men National Championship in Jhansi. Uttar Pradesh defeated Chandigarh 5-0, Madhya Pradesh beat Puducherry 4-2, and Manipur overcame Delhi 5-2.
Dependence on private vets, NGOs wont help: HP HC flags gaps in stray dog sterilisation
Unidentified forces trying to destabilise country, claims Vij
To fight drugs, 300 khap panchayats to assemble in Hisar on Oct 22
2 workers killed, 4 injured in fire at Sonipat mattress factory
2 workers killed, 4 injured in Sonipat factory fire
Rahul accuses Punjab govt of failing to protect anti-drug campaigners
Sachin Pilot to go on 5-day Punjab yatra, visit families of gang violence victims
Anything is possible in politics: Pilot on speculation over Captain Amarinders Congress return
Punjab bandh: Most shops shut in Amritsar, neighbouring districts
Sachin Pilot to tour Punjab, to meet gangster-hit families
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 15 (IANS) AICC General Secretary and in-charge of Punjab, Sachin Pilot, will undertake a five-day visit across the state from October 16 to meet families who have lost loved ones to gangster violence and the breakdown of law and order in the state, the party said on Thursday. He said his visit would cover multiple districts, comprising Moga, Bathinda, Mansa, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran and Amritsar. In each district, Pilot will visit homes of bereaved families, offer condolences, and listen to their accounts of the crimes and of the response they have received from the police and the state government. Many of these killings have been claimed by or linked to organised gangs. Several families have waited months, and some years, for arrests, chargesheets or a fair trial. The purpose of the visit is to give these families a voice. The Congress will carry their demand for justice to the public, to the state government and, where needed, to the courts. Pilot will highlight the steady deterioration of law and order in Punjab, which has unequivocally eroded any moral right of the current AAP government to remain in office. Newly appointed Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) President Pargat Singh on October 11 assumed office in Chandigarh, pledging to fight for the rights, dignity and better future of the people of the state. Speaking on the occasion, the state Congress chief said the real strength of the state lay in its ordinary citizens: farmers who feed the country, young people struggling to secure their future, traders and business owners who contribute to the state's economy, and families aspiring to a safe, dignified and better life. He added that the Congress had a responsibility not merely to contest elections but also to become the voice of the people and stand firmly for their rights. The people of Punjab are waiting for their rights, justice and a secure future. It is our responsibility to meet the expectations of every section, from farmers to young people. The Congress is united, and our struggle is against a system that has failed to secure people's rightful entitlements, he had added.
Beyond reels: 3 influencers, 3 killings, a trail of questions
7 years apart, anti-drug activist Parvinder Jhotas killing revives memories of Neha Shoree murder
Two killed, three rescued after taxi falls into gorge in Uttarakhand
Two people were killed, and three others were rescued after a taxi fell into a deep gorge near Pali Pulia on the Rishikesh-Badrinath National Highway in Uttarakhand, officials said. Following the accident, police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams reached the spot and launched a rescue operation to locate the vehicle and rescue the occupants. Pankaj Bhatt, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Kirti Nagar, said the vehicle was travelling from Chandigarh when the accident occurred. He said five people were travelling in the vehicle, of whom two died on the spot, and three were rescued. Speaking to ANI, SDM said, The vehicle was plying from Chandigarh. The team from Devprayag rushed to the spot immediately after receiving information. SDRF was informed, and they too reached there. There were five occupants in the car; two of them died. Three others were rescued, and they are out of danger. They have been sent to the nearest health centre. A month ago, five people, including tw...
Arijit Singh India tour 2027: Check dates, cities and ticket prices and the full schedule
Arijit Singh has announced a nine-city India tour running from January to May 2027, marking 20 years in music. The stadium-scale tour will visit Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Pune, Indore and Hyderabad. Ticket prices vary by city, with reported premium packages reaching over Rs 11 lakh. The production will feature immersive audio, panoramic screens, laser arrays and pyrotechnics, celebrating his musical journey with fans.
Punjab, Chandigarh weather today: Check latest updates on orange alert, hail and thunderstorms
Punjab and Chandigarh are under an IMD orange alert for Thursday, October 15, as thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds and isolated hailstorms are forecast. A yellow alert has been issued for Friday. The weather warning comes as harvested paddy lies exposed at grain markets across Punjab, raising concerns about crop damage. Conditions are expected to improve over the weekend.
Ranji Trophy: Mumbai begin with a bang, but fielding needs a fix
Skipper Siddhesh Lad & Co have done well to dominate Chandigarh first up, but a repetition of last seasons poor catching remains an area of concern, while theres room for improvement in the batting department too
No one involved in Jhotas murder will be spared: Mann
Repeated questions from Bihar exam did not vitiate Haryana test: HC
Dj vu for Mansa: Jhota killing revives memories of Moosewala murder
Protesters from across Punjab make a beeline for Mansa
All opposition parties, farm unions back Punjab Bandh
Killing puts spotlight on easy availability of habit-forming drugs; Punjab steps up chemist checks
Pregabalin Restrictions To Kick In On Nov 12
Sukhu pushes for introduction of moral edu in school curriculum
BJP state executive meet on polls tomorrow
Smuggled fuel adds to UPI woes: Punjab petrol dealers
Murthal food outing ends in road crash; 2 dead
12-year-old booked for murder after classmate dies of gunshot wound in Hisar
PGI radiology head bags global honour
New direct flights to Goa, Bengaluru from Dec 1
3 Pkl temples receive Rs 21L in Navratri donations
PMDA razes farmhouses, warehouse in Barwala
Eight rounds fired at former Cong councillors house
Key accused held in Mumbai over Punjab LGBTQ influencer murder
BJP stages protest in Patiala, demands CBI probe in Jhotas murder
Bumper basmati crop, better prices uplift farmers
Sukhu promises survey, DPR for tunnel under Kunzum Pass
Cop posted at anti-drone system held with 16kg heroin near border
Separate beds, clean toilets: Haryana tightens rules for mental health units
DC cracks down on traffic congestion, directs time-bound action
Malerkotla cops bust illegal firecracker unit, three booked
Russian delegation meets Saini for talks on drone ventures in Hansi
Panchkula Ayurveda institute gets approval for 70 PG seats
Himachal appoints 650 nurses, hiring for 1,300 posts underway
GST fraud network involving Rs 429cr tax evasion unearthed, FIR registered: Cheema
Yellow alert for thunderstorms and lightning in parts of HP
HP forms commission for reorganising administrative units
Gujarat CM urges Chandigarh students to share states development story
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 14 (IANS) A 40-member student delegation from Chandigarh is visiting Gujarat to study its culture, industrial development and technological initiatives under the Centres 'Yuva Sangam' programme, with the students meeting Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar on Wednesday. The delegation, accompanied by institutional representatives, is in Gujarat from October 10 to 16 as part of Yuva Sangam, an initiative under the Union Ministry of Educations Department of Higher Education to promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding among young people from different states and Union Territories. During their meeting with Patel, the students were encouraged to maintain a positive outlook and share their experiences of Gujarats development with people in their home state. The chief minister also highlighted the features of Gujarats development model under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The interaction was attended by the chief ministers Chief Advisor, Hasmukh Adhia, and Secretary Ajay Kumar. Yuva Sangam is part of the Centres Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative, which seeks to strengthen national unity and encourage young people to understand the diversity, traditions and development experiences of other parts of the country. The programme is structured around five themes tourism, traditions, progress, people-to-people connect and technology. Through visits to different states, students are given opportunities to learn about local customs, historical heritage, development models, industrial achievements and technological advancements. Gujarat Central University is hosting the Chandigarh delegation and facilitating its exposure to the states historical and tourist destinations, local culture and traditions, industrial development and government initiatives. The programme also seeks to establish lasting relationships among students from different parts of the country and encourage dialogue on the role of technology and innovation across sectors. As part of the reciprocal exchange, a 50-member delegation of students from Gujarat will visit Punjab from October 22 to 29. The students were selected through a prescribed process from around 5,000 applications received for the programme. The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Mohali, will serve as the nodal institution for the Gujarat delegations visit to Punjab.
Lalduhoma meets youth delegates from Goa, Chandigarh in Mizoram
Jakhar hails Punjab SIR, accuses Cong of targeting constitutional institutions
Mad Sandhu murder case: Key operative arrested in Mumbais Chembur with 3 sophisticated pistols
If Congress accepted SIR in Punjab, why object in other states: BJP
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 14 (IANS) Former Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar on Wednesday accused the Congress of targeting constitutional institutions such as the Election Commission after losing its support base across the country. Speaking to the media outside the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, he said the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls had been completed in the state without the same Congress raising any objection to the exercise. Jakhar praised the Chief Electoral Officer for completing the revision of electoral rolls in accordance with the rules. Sharing voter figures from the Assembly constituencies represented by the current and former Punjab Congress presidents, the Chief Minister, the Finance Minister and the AAP president, he said none of these leaders had raised any objection neither in their own constituencies nor in the state. Jakhar said political parties had collectively appointed 89,000 booth-level agents (BLAs) for the SIR exercise. According to him, the Election Commission shared information with these agents at every stage and obtained their written agreement regarding the process. He claimed that throughout the exercise not a single eligible voter in Punjab had come forward to say that their name had been wrongly deleted from the electoral rolls. The BJP leader said the Congress leaders were nevertheless travelling to Delhi to protest against SIR. He added that AAP leaders had also protested against the exercise in Chandigarh on October 10, while representatives of both parties had thanked the Chief Electoral Officer on October 12. Jakhar said the Opposition was turning the exercise into a political issue to regain its lost support, even though, according to him, it was being conducted through a uniform procedure across the country and similar exercises had taken place several times before. He alleged that Congress lacked workers at grassroots in most states and had failed to appoint BLAs in those areas. Instead of strengthening its organisation, he said, the party was concentrating its efforts on weakening constitutional institutions. If SIR has been completed properly in Punjab, how can the same exercise, conducted under the same rules, be wrong in other states? Jakhar asked. He urged the Opposition to bring forward any case in which an eligible voters name had been wrongly deleted. He reiterated that eligible voters could still have their names added to the electoral rolls. SIR does not mean deleting votes; it means correcting and updating electoral rolls, he said. Taking a dig at Congress leaders in the Rajya Sabha, who are still calling the shots in the party, Jakhar said those who had spent their entire political careers in the Upper House without ever contesting an election knew little about how voters were registered.
Punjab Bandh after activists killing: Trucks on roadside, barricades on all roads to Mansa
National Hockey: Haryana, Maharashtra Secure Victories
Haryana, Maharashtra, and Chandigarh secured victories in their respective Division 'A' pool matches at the Hockey India Senior Men National Championship in Jhansi on Wednesday. Tamil Nadu and Bengal played to a draw, while Kerala and Arunachal also registered wins in Division 'B'.
PIL in SC seeks uniform judicial terms, abbreviations and court fees across India
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 14 (IANS) A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking directions to the Law Commission of India to prepare a comprehensive report in consultation with the apex court and all High Courts to standardise judicial terminology, abbreviations, phrases, norms, court fee structures, and case registration processes across the country. The plea, filed by advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay under Article 32 of the Constitution, alternatively sought the constitution of an expert committee or directions to the Union Law Ministry to prepare a report to ensure uniformity in judicial procedures and nomenclature. The petition, which has arrayed the Union government, the Secretary General of the Supreme Court, the Registrars General of all High Courts, and the Law Commission of India as respondents, contended that significant variations in judicial terminology, case classifications, abbreviations, procedures and court fees across High Courts cause inconvenience to litigants, advocates and authorities, despite courts operating under the same constitutional and legal framework. The terminology used by different High Courts for different types of cases is not uniform. This causes inconvenience not only to the general public but also to advocates and the authorities as well, the petition stated. It further said that even where courts deal with similar categories of cases, the terms and abbreviations used to identify them differ, making the existing system difficult to navigate. Citing examples from various High Courts, the petition pointed out that criminal appeals are abbreviated as CRA, CR.A, CRAPL and CRL.A in different jurisdictions, while contempt appeals are referred to as CONTA, CONTAPP, CPTA, and ConApp. The plea also highlighted variations in the classification of writ petitions, stating that the Delhi High Court has multiple categories of writ petitions, while the Gujarat High Court deals with such matters under a single category of WRIT PETITION (PIL). Similarly, the petition said, the Gauhati and Himachal Pradesh High Courts have several categories of writ petitions, while the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court follows its own classification system. It also flagged differences in the nomenclature of company matters, with COMPET used in the Gauhati High Court, COMP in the Gujarat High Court, and COP in the Himachal Pradesh High Court. The plea referred to further inconsistencies within the Bombay High Court and its Benches at Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Panaji, arguing that different terminologies and descriptions for similar case types create difficulties for advocates practising across these jurisdictions. According to the petition, the Bombay High Court's principal seat has 330 case types with descriptions but without abbreviations, while its Nagpur and Aurangabad benches have 77 and 61 such case types, respectively. The petitioner also raised concerns over the absence of uniformity in court fees for similar matters of comparable valuation across different states and High Courts, arguing that such disparities adversely affect access to justice. Judicial equality is a matter of constitutional right, its differentiation based on the jurisdiction of courts violates the Right to Equality enshrined under Articles 14-15 of the Constitution, the plea stated. Citing examples, the petition said that a criminal miscellaneous application under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, attracts a court fee of Rs 2.65 in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, compared with Rs 2.50 in the Delhi High Court. It further highlighted that the court fee for a first appeal in matrimonial cases is Rs 19.50 in Punjab and Chandigarh, while the same appeal attracts a fee of Rs 24.50 in Haryana. The plea also highlighted differences in fees for transfer applications and company petitions, arguing that litigants are required to pay different amounts for similar legal proceedings depending on the jurisdiction. Unequal Court Fees in different States discriminate among citizens based on their place of birth and residence, the petition contended, adding that such differences also promote regionalism. It further referred to various state-specific amendments to the Court Fees Act, 1870, arguing that the resulting disparities underscore the need for a uniform court fee structure. The petition stated that the petitioner had submitted a representation to the Chairman of the Law Commission on September 5, seeking uniformity in judicial terminology, abbreviations, norms, phrases, court fees and case registration processes. However, claiming that the authorities had not taken steps to address the issue, the plea said the need for judicial standardisation continued to remain unaddressed. The petitioner has sought directions for a comprehensive exercise involving the Supreme Court and all High Courts to establish uniform standards for case classifications, judicial terminology, abbreviations, court fees and registration procedures across the country.
GMCH Chandigarh Recruitment 2026
Government Medical College & Hospital, Chandigarh (GMCH Chandigarh) has published the Recruitment 2026 notification for 242 vacancies across various posts. Online applications will be accepted till 28 October 2026. Eligible candidates can apply through the official website, gmch.gov.in. The recruitment drive includes Junior Resident, Senior Resident, Casualty Medical Officer, Resident Anaesthetist, and other positions.
Mizoram CM Lalduhoma Interacts With Youth Delegates From Goa And Chandigarh
AIZAWL, Oct 14: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Wednesday interacted with 70 youth delegates from Goa and Chandigarh participating in youth exchange initiatives at the CM Conference Hall in Aizawl. The delegation comprised 50 youths from Goa under the Government of Indias Yuva Sangam Youth Exchange Programme and 20 youths from Chandigarh under the Ashta... The post Mizoram CM Lalduhoma Interacts With Youth Delegates From Goa And Chandigarh first appeared on Northeast Today .
Air India cancelled flight, passengers left stranded; commission orders Rs 1.34L payout
The Chandigarh state consumer commission upheld a ruling requiring Air India and Thakural Travels to refund a passenger. This followed the cancellation of a connecting flight from New Delhi to Toronto without proper notification. The complainant had previously booked the journey and incurred additional costs due to the cancellation. The commission found that the companies exhibited deficiency in service and unfair trade practices.
Mad Sandhu murder: Punjab Police arrests key accused from Mumbai
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 14 (IANS) In a major breakthrough in the high-profile LGBTQ content creator Mad Sandhu murder case, Punjab Polices Counter Intelligence wing in Jalandhar, in coordination with the Mumbai Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), has arrested key accused Jobanpreet from Mumbai and recovered three pistols, five magazines and 11 cartridges from his possession. According to Punjab Police, preliminary investigation has revealed that Jobanpreet allegedly played a role in the movement of weapons, financing and providing logistical support to the shooters at the behest of foreign-based handlers. The accused has also confessed to his alleged involvement in three firing incidents linked to extortion in Tarn Taran district, Punjab's Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said. The arrest is being seen as a significant development in the investigation into the murder of influencer Madhusudan Sandhu, popularly known as Mad Sandhu, who was shot dead in Amritsar on October 3. Investigators are now probing the wider network allegedly operating behind the crime, including the supply and movement of illegal weapons, the financing of criminal activities and the role of handlers based abroad. The recovery of firearms and ammunition is expected to assist investigators in establishing further links between the accused and other individuals suspected of involvement in the case. DGP Yadav said further investigation is underway to uncover the broader network and establish its backward and forward linkages. The arrest is expected to provide investigators with further leads into the alleged conspiracy surrounding Mad Sandhus murder and other extortion-related firing incidents in the region. Earlier, Commissionerate Police Amritsar arrested two accused -- Harsimran Singh and Fateh Singh -- from Gujarat. Both accused are residents of Sanghe village in Tarn Taran, and allegedly played a role in conducting recce in connection with the murder, police said. Following the murder, Punjab Police, in a joint operation with Gujarat Police, had arrested six accused.
Heavy barricading with loaded tippers on the roads to Punjab's Mansa
Main accused in murder of anti-drug Punjab activist held in Rajasthan
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 14 (IANS) The main accused in the murder of Punjab-based anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota has been arrested in Rajasthan, a major breakthrough in the sensitive case that triggered protests in Mansa town. The accused, Ashwani Kumar, a medical store owner, was arrested in Salasar, Rajasthan, late Tuesday night, a senior police officer said. The police also recovered the pistol allegedly used in the crime. Another person suspected of helping the accused flee after the crime scene has also been apprehended. Jhota was shot dead in broad daylight on Tuesday, following a confrontation at a medical store over the alleged sale of addictive substances. The activist had been campaigning against drug abuse and the alleged illegal sale of intoxicating medicines through chemist shops. According to the police, Jhota confronted Kumar after allegedly finding him selling drugs to an elderly man. The confrontation escalated into an argument, during which the accused allegedly opened fire. The incident was captured during Jhotas Facebook Live session, drawing widespread outrage. Jhota had previously confronted the same chemist in 2023 over alleged drug sales. The earlier incident reportedly led to a prolonged dispute between the two men. Police had indicated that personal enmity was among the possible motives being investigated. The killing sparked anger among Jhotas supporters and local residents, who demanded swift action against those responsible. His family and supporters staged a protest and reportedly refused to cremate his body until their demands were addressed. On the killing of the anti-drug activist, state Congress former President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said the people are worried that Punjab is sinking deeper into the drug menace, which has claimed countless young lives. Successive governments have made promises to eradicate drugs, but little has changed. He told the media that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had promised to eliminate drugs within one-and-half months. The Yudh Nashean Virudh campaign was launched with much publicity, and crores of rupees were spent, but it was merely a show that fooled the people. Meanwhile, tension prevailed in parts of Mansa following the incident, prompting the deployment of additional police personnel. Reports said the accuseds medical store was vandalised amid the protests. Jhota was known for publicly confronting those he suspected of selling prohibited or addictive substances and documenting such confrontations on social media. His killing has renewed concerns over the safety of activists campaigning against drug abuse in the state.
