Sukhu announces 5% DA hike for HP employees
Saini rules out power privatisation, vows legal fight against parallel licence
Punjab assembly passes resolution against CEC over voter deletions, demands inquiry
Chaos in Punjab House as Cong walks out; Khaira suspended for session
Dhillon slams Mann over SIR speech in assembly
18-yr-old youth stabbed to death, 3 injured at Hisar railway station
Haryana strike by electricity employees called off
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 23 (IANS) With the conclusion of the strike by power employees' unions in Haryana, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday issued necessary directions to the officials to restore power supply across the state at the earliest. In accordance with the Chief Minister's directions, the Managing Directors of Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited (HVPNL), Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Ltd (UHBVNL) and Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Ltd (DHBVNL) reviewed the status of power supply restoration through a joint video conference. Aditya Dahiya, Managing Director of Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited (HVPNL), and Vikram Singh, Managing Director of Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (UHBVNL) and Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (DHBVNL), held a meeting in Panchkula and directed officials to take all necessary measures to normalise power supply as soon as possible. They emphasised the need for better coordination among the officials, field staff and technical teams to ensure that power restoration work is completed on a priority basis. Chief Engineers of all three power utilities, along with the Superintending Engineers and Executive Engineers, also attended the meeting. While reviewing the ongoing power restoration work, the officials were instructed to ensure the availability of adequate resources and technical personnel as required. Dahiya said that the Chief Minister's directions are clear: the people of the state should not face any unnecessary inconvenience due to power supply issues. The state government is committed to safeguarding the interests of electricity consumers, and coordinated efforts are being undertaken by the concerned departments and power utilities to normalise the power supply at the earliest. Earlier, the electricity strike became a major issue as power department employees raised their demands and people faced difficulties due to disruptions in electricity services. The employees of the electricity department went on strike to press for their demands, which included concerns about working conditions, job security, and other service-related issues. The protest affected normal life in several areas, where residents worried about power cuts and interruptions to their daily activities. Farmers were concerned about the electricity supply needed for irrigation, while shopkeepers and small business owners faced difficulties in carrying out their work.
ED arrests Sawan Jewellers partner in Rs 645 crore IDFC First Bank scam, gets 4-day custody
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 23 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Rajan Singh Katodiah, partner of Chandigarh-based M/s Sawan Jewellers, in connection with the alleged Rs 645-crore IDFC First Bank scam involving the embezzlement of government funds from various departments of the Haryana government and the Chandigarh Administration, an agency statement said on Friday. Katodiah was arrested by the ED's Chandigarh Zonal Office-II on Thursday and produced before the Special Court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), which granted the agency four days' custody for further interrogation. According to the ED, Katodiah was the active managing partner and sole operational in-charge of M/s Sawan Jewellers, located in Sector 35-C, Chandigarh. The agency alleged that he entered into a criminal conspiracy with the prime accused, Ribhav Rishi, and others to misappropriate public funds. Investigations revealed that between November 6, 2024, and February 18, 2026, bank accounts linked to M/s Sawan Jewellers received approximately Rs 332 crore from several shell and intermediary entities allegedly controlled by Rishi. These entities included Capco Fintech Services, Swastik Desh Projects, RS Traders, Chandigarh Mega Store, SRR Planning Gurus Pvt Ltd, Vistamed Solutions, Maa Vaibhav Laxmi Interior, and Divya Arora, wife of Ribhav Rishi. The ED alleged that Katodiah, through Sawan Jewellers, facilitated the placement and concealment of proceeds of crime generated through the fraud. The agency claims the funds were subsequently layered through business transactions and integrated into the firm's day-to-day operations to project them as legitimate assets. The investigation further indicated a sharp increase in the jeweller's bullion purchases after its association with Rishi, which, according to the ED, points to a prior understanding between the accused persons for laundering the illicit proceeds. The agency said it had earlier arrested four other accused in the case for their alleged involvement in money laundering activities. Assets worth about Rs 225 crore, including movable and immovable properties, have also been attached, seized, or frozen as part of the investigation. The ED has already filed a charge sheet against 14 accused persons before the Special PMLA Court in Panchkula. Further investigation is underway.
Punjab BJP slams CM Mann over remark on SIR exercise
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 23 (IANS) Punjab BJP President Kewal Singh Dhillon on Friday criticised Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over his speech in the Assembly regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Calling Manns speech surprising, Dhillon said, You run the state government, your officers carried out the exercise, and you yourself conducted the SIR. Now you are the one raising questions about it. He said the entire process was carried out by the state governments administrative machinery. From Deputy Commissioners and Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) to officials at the booth level, all the personnel involved were under the state governments administration. The Centre had no role in the exercise, Dhillon said in a statement. If your officers made mistakes during the SIR, why did your party leaders visit the Election Commission and claim that everything was in order? he asked. He pointed out that while the Chief Minister was alleging irregularities in the SIR in the Assembly, leaders from his own party were telling the Election Commission that everything was fine. He challenged Mann to identify even a single voter in the state whose name had been wrongly deleted from the electoral rolls. Dhillon said if any irregularities had indeed occurred, it would be a serious matter for which the state government itself would be responsible. He described Manns remarks as evidence of what he called an incompetent government, alleging that it had lost its ability to think clearly and make sound decisions. He added that Mann appeared to have lost faith even in his own ministers and officials. Dhillon said when the SIR exercise began in Punjab, Mann had promised that no voter in the state would be allowed to have their name deleted from the electoral rolls. If anyones name had been wrongly removed, the Chief Minister must answer for it, he said. Mann could not evade responsibility by making baseless allegations against the Central Government, he added.
Akali Dal appeals to Punjab Governor to dismiss CM for patronising drug trade
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 23 (IANS) The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Friday appealed to Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria to dismiss Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, besides urging him to grant a Rs two crore compensation to the family of slain anti-drug crusader Parvinder Singh Jhota and a class one job to his widow. A party delegation, led by President Sukhbir Singh Badal, also called for action against all Ministers, legislators and civil and police officials accused of patronising the drug trade and issuing arms licenses to drug offenders. It urged that the ongoing Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into Jhota's murder be expanded to cover the cases of Gulzar Singh of Toor Banjara in Dirba, who named Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema in his dying declaration, and Bikramjit Singh of Hargobindpur Sahib, who was hacked to death for opposing the drug mafia. Briefing the Governor, the SAD President said that these series of corrective steps should be taken to instill confidence in Punjabis at a critical juncture when the state was battling the scourge of drugs. He also stressed that the drug crusader's family was a family of Punjab and even though Jhota's father had not asked for any personal benefit, the state must look after the family. He said Jhota's wife was a teacher and should be given a gazzetted class one job. Asserting that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was responsible for the murder of Jhota, Badal cited Jhota's father Bhim Singh's statement to the police in which the latter highlighting how his son had been fallen victim to the politician-police nexus behind the drug trade in Punjab. The SAD Chief said that Bhim Singh had asserted that this nexus was receiving patronage from the top level, including Chief Minister Mann. He added that the anti-drug crusader's father had also gone on record to state that his son had told him that the State Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav was behind the false cases registered against Jhota. The memorandum said that these steps would send a clear message to Punjabis that enough was enough. Punjab and Punjabis have realised that the drug menace and its perpetrators and patrons are the number one enemy of the state and that they must be dealt with most sternly, Badal said.
Ayush Mhatre undergoes hamstring operation; sidelined for 3 months
India U-19 World Cup winning skipper and Mumbai vice-captain Ayush Mhatre has undergone surgery for his right hamstring injury and is likely to remain on the sidelines for two-three months. Mhatre had suffered a Grade 4 tear in his right hamstring while running between the wickets on the first day of Mumbai's Ranji Trophy season opener against Chandigarh here on October 11. It was his first game since being sidelined from a left hamstring injury during the IPL while playing for Chennai Super Kings against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18. Ayush Mhatre underwent right hamstring surgery yesterday (on Thursday) at the Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai, performed by Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, a BCCI source told PTI. He is currently recovering well and is expected to take approximately 2-3 months to make a full recovery and return to competitive cricket. The surgery was successful and as of Friday morning, Ayush even started walking slowly with crutches, the source added. After suffering the
Pathankot ex-mayor proposes road in Romanch Mahajans honour after NYC carriage ban
ED Raids 13 Sites in Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, Chandigarh Over NRI Loan Fraud
The entities covered in the search operation are Antriksh Promoters and Developers Pvt Ltd and Sunshine Infrawell Pvt Ltd, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act
ED Raids 13 Locations in NRI Housing Loan Fraud Probe
NEW DELHI, Oct 23: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday conducted searches at 13 locations across Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru and Chandigarh in a money laundering investigation linked to alleged fraud involving housing loans obtained in the names of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), agency officials said. The searches targeted two real estate companies based in the National Capital [] The post ED Raids 13 Locations in NRI Housing Loan Fraud Probe appeared first on Northlines .
Watch: Abohar shootout victim family stages protest outside Punjab legislative assembly
Family members of Ajay Kumar, the Abohar shootout victim, staged a protest outside the Punjab Assembly in Chandigarh for the second consecutive day, demanding justice. Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to meet the grieving family and offer his condolences. Jakhar also demanded justice for Kumars family and warned that he would stage a sit-in outside Manns residence if the Chief Minister failed to meet them.
ED raids 13 places across Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Chandigarh in fraudulent NRI housing loan case
The entities covered in the search operation are Antriksh Promoters and Developers Pvt Ltd and Sunshine Infrawell Pvt Ltd, the officials said.
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 23 (IANS) Haryana Energy Minister Anil Vij on Friday appealed to striking electricity department employees to end their protest and return to duty, saying the government was ready to discuss all possible options, including action under Section 108 of the Electricity Act, 2003. In a post on X, Vij urged the employees to resume work amid widespread power outages affecting Gurugram, Faridabad and Nuh, where residents and businesses have been grappling with disruptions since Wednesday night. Appeal to the employees of Haryana who have gone on strike: End the strike and return to duty. We are ready to hold discussions on all options. This includes taking action under Section 108 of the Electricity Act 2003, he said. The ministers appeal comes as the ongoing strike by employees of the Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) has disrupted electricity supply across several areas, affecting daily life, commercial establishments and industrial operations. The employees are protesting against the Haryana governments decision to privatise the power distribution system in Gurugram and Nuh. The agitation has intensified concerns over electricity supply and the impact of the proposed changes on the states power distribution network. Everyday life and industrial operations in Gurugram, Faridabad and Nuh have been severely affected by the power outages following the strike. According to local residents, all three districts began experiencing widespread blackouts from around 10 p.m. on Wednesday. The prolonged outages have triggered anger among residents, with people taking to the streets to protest against the disruption. In several areas, demonstrations have also affected vehicular movement, leading to traffic congestion. According to residents, they had repeatedly attempted to contact the electricity department officials to seek the restoration of power, but their calls went unanswered. The lack of response prompted them to take their protest to the streets. The protesting villagers said they would not vacate the road until the electricity supply was restored, adding to the pressure on authorities to resolve the disruption. Vijs appeal for employees to return to duty and the governments willingness to discuss the available options come amid growing pressure to restore normal electricity supply across the affected districts.
A Chandigarh lawyer spent Rs 19,500 on a taxi to reach Jaipur after IndiGo cancelled his flight the night before a court appearance. The consumer commission ordered the airline to pay Rs 7,352 with interest and Rs 7,000 in compensation.
Fresh buzz over SAD-BJP tie-up as Shah says NDA to form govt in Punjab
ED raids 13 locations in Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru and Chandigarh in NRI housing loan fraud case
The News Mill
Class 11 Student Shot Dead In Chandigarh
A 17-year-old Class 11 student, Naitik, was shot dead by two bike-borne persons in Chandigarh on Thursday evening. Police suspect the incident is a fallout of a recent brawl between two groups of juveniles, with some suspects already detained for questioning.
Pursue dreams through honesty, hard work: Punjab CM Mann to schoolchildren
Chandigarh: Minor boy shot dead by motorcycle-borne assailants in Sector 22
The incident took place at the cop's official residence in Sector 22.
Teen Shot Dead by Motorcycle-Borne Assailants in Chandigarh
A teenager was shot dead by assailants in Chandigarh, highlighting ongoing gang conflicts in the area. Teen Shot Dead by Motorcycle-Borne Assailants in Chandigarh
School student shot dead in Chandigarh's Sector 22, police probe rivalry angle
A firing incident was reported in Sector 22 of Chandigarh, leaving one person dead and another critically injured. The deceased has been identified as Naitik.As per initial reports, two groups who earlier studied in the...
One minor killed and another critically injured in Chandigarh Sector 22 firing
The News Mill
PU passes Rs 942-crore budget, adds part-time counsellors
UT allows extended retention of govt houses after hard-area transfers
PU awaits Rs 213 crore from Punjab; seeks Rs 108 crore for next fiscal
Dhanas man loses Rs 8 lakh to online coin exchange fraud
Schoolkids shoot rivals in Sec-22 after brawl; one killed, another critical
Snatchers target two; flee with gold chain, earring
Jagadhri murder accused hid in Derabassi for over 1 month
Panchkula pothole complaints closed but roads still damaged
Power strike hits Pkl, residents face electricity, water cuts
2 weeks on, PU still awaits probe report of scholars death
Chandigarh MC pitches 3 options to relocate Sector-53 vendors
UT moves to block France auction of heritage furniture
26-year-old cab driver dies by suicide in Chandigarh
Popular Ludhiana eaterys son shot dead at bday party
Punjab assembly session ends in 9 mins; ducking Jhota debate, says oppn
FIR against former Shimla SP Gandhi for cheating constable
4 held with 10kg heroin in Amritsar
Ahead of 2027 Pb polls, Amritpal party reaches out to Valmikis
Patwaris PA held for taking Rs 30k bribe
Punjab to rehire retired specialists amid shortage; PCMSA seeks regular recruitment
Power employees take out protest march in Hansi, threaten to intensify strike
Extortion threats expose policing gaps in Haryana, says traders body chief
Listen to striking staff, engage in dialogue: Selja to Hry govt
Punjab Congress plans cycle yatras to target AAP govt ahead of 2027 polls
AAP govt to move resolution against SIR deletions in Punjab assembly
Some using Sir Chhotu Rams name merely to secure votes: MLA Setia slams Birender & Brijendra
To control farm fires, CAQM holds review meet with Hry and Pb govt officials
Light snow, rain likely in Kullu, Kangra on Oct 24, 25
Court orders probe into missing CCTV footage in illegal detention allegations
3 suffer burn injuries in Hisar over suspected extramarital affair
Himachal exports 1.3 tonnes of Kullu pomegranates to Dubai: CM
Haryana power staff strike hits cities, industries
After Jhota, Abohar youths murder sparks protests in Punjab
Pargat accuses CM Mann of misleading assembly, moves privilege motion
Punjab assembly session ends in 9 mins
The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM), under the Chairmanship of Rajesh Verma, held separate review meetings with the Governments of Punjab and Haryana in Chandigarh on Thursday to review the measures being undertaken for prevention and control of paddy stubble burning and abatement of other key sources of air pollution, calling for prompt action(s) on the ground. According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the meeting with the Government of Punjab focused on the implementation of the State Action Plan for prevention and control of paddy stubble burning in accordance with CAQM Direction No 99 dated May 15. The Commission reviewed on-ground enforcement measures, District-level preparedness and monitoring mechanisms in place for effective paddy stubble management. The availability, deployment and effective utilisation of Crop Residue Management (CRM) machinery at the District and farmer levels were reviewed, along with the id...
AAP Punjab targets BJP over its treatment of Punjabis
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 22 (IANS) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal on Thursday condemned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for what he described as its continued hatred towards Punjab and Punjabis, citing the insult of renowned Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi, the cancellation of permissions for Diljit Dosanjh's Delhi show, and the treatment meted out to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann at the Delhi airport. Dhaliwal told the media that the BJP, despite leading the government at the Centre, had repeatedly demonstrated a discriminatory attitude towards Punjabis and minority communities. He said the treatment of prominent Punjabi personalities reflected the BJP's narrow and divisive thinking and deserved the condemnation. Referring to the incident involving Daler Mehndi at a programme in Uttarakhand, Dhaliwal said the manner in which a Uttarakhand Minister and a BJP leader insulted the celebrated Punjabi singer was deeply condemnable. He said that Daler Mehndi had earned immense love and recognition worldwide, and disrespecting an artist of his stature exposed the BJP's attitude towards Punjab's people and culture. Dhaliwal also raised the issue of Diljit Dosanjh's scheduled show in Delhi, which was initially planned for November 1. He said the singer had obtained permission for the event but was subsequently asked to change the date because of the historical events associated with November 1 in Delhi. Later, for proposed alternative date of October 30, Daler Mehndi was denied necessary clearance. Dhaliwal questioned whether Diljit Dosanjh was being treated unfairly because of his Sikh identity and Punjabi background. He said the singer had performed before audiences across the world without facing such restrictions, making the developments in Delhi particularly troubling. The AAP MLA also condemned the treatment meted to Chief Minister Mann at the Delhi airport upon his return from France. He said that the Chief Minister was deliberately humiliated under the pretext of excess baggage. Dhaliwal questioned the justification for the action, saying that baggage weight is ordinarily checked at the point of departure and that any excess baggage should have been addressed there in France. He said the manner in which the Chief Minister was treated raised concerns about the Centre's attitude towards a leader who consistently speaks up for Punjab and its people.
Ahead of Punjab Assembly elections, whats shaping the States politics? | Talking Politics
As Punjab hits the runway for the upcoming assembly elections, what are the core issues and forces shaping the states political landscape? The Hindus Political Editor Nistula Hebbar and Chandigarh Correspondent Vikas Vasudev break down the intense high-stakes battle.
Panjab University Guest Faculty (Law) Recruitment 2026
Panjab University is conducting a Walk-in Interview for the post of Guest Faculty. Candidates meeting the prescribed eligibility criteria can attend the interview on 27 October 2026 at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan, (DCDC Deptt.), Panjab University, Chandigarh. Candidates should report at 11:30 AM. Further details are available at ssgpurch.puchd.ac.in.
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 22 (IANS) The Punjab State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed Singapore Airlines to pay Rs 50,000 as compensation to a passenger whose family members were not provided proper food during a 15-hour flight from Delhi to Melbourne, including milk for his 11-month-old daughter. The Additional Bench comprising Judicial Member H.P.S. Mahal and Member Kiran Sibal partly allowed an appeal filed by the airline against a January 2023 order of the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Ropar, which had directed the airline and a travel agency, Bipasha Aviation, to refund Rs 1.25 lakh towards the air tickets, along with interest, Rs 25,000 as compensation and Rs 11,000 towards litigation expenses. The complaint was filed by Jaspreet Singh, who had purchased three tickets for his wife, minor daughter and mother-in-law to travel from Delhi to Melbourne on March 4, 2020, through the travel agency. According to the complaint, the passengers were not provided proper food during the approximately 15-16-hour journey. Singh alleged that when his family members asked the airline staff about the meals, they were told that their food had not been confirmed and that meals would first be served to passengers whose food bookings had been confirmed. He further alleged that his wife and mother-in-law eventually had to share a single meal, while his 11-month-old daughter was not provided even milk. Singh subsequently lodged a complaint with the airline through email on March 9, 2020. The airline initially assured him that the matter would be investigated but later stated that no request for vegetarian or special meals had been made during the booking process. The airline challenged the District Commission's order, contending that the complainant had not requested any specific meals in advance and that food had been served in accordance with the menu. It also argued that there was no deficiency in service warranting a refund of the ticket fare. The airline further argued that the complainant had not directly hired or availed its services for the grievance raised against it. Rejecting this contention, the Commission observed that the airline was responsible for providing the contracted air travel service with reasonable care, irrespective of whether the tickets had been booked directly or through a travel agent. It noted that the complainant's grievance was not limited to the non-provision of a particular type of meal, but concerned the failure to provide proper food during a long-haul journey, including milk for an infant. It is pertinent to mention here that the fact that a passenger may not have opted for a special meal does not mean that the airline is absolved of its basic duty to provide the ordinary meal service forming part of the air journey, particularly when the journey was of 1516 hours, the Commission said. It further observed that the presence of an 11-month-old child on such a long journey called for reasonable care and consideration from the airline. The Commission also recorded that the airline had failed to place sufficient material on record to establish that the complainant's allegations were factually incorrect or that the requisite food and reasonable facilities had been provided to the passengers. In these circumstances, the explanation furnished by appellant/OP No.1 is not convincing, it said, upholding the finding that the airline was deficient in service. However, the Commission held that directing a refund of the entire ticket fare, along with interest, was disproportionate since the passengers had undertaken the journey and received the principal service for which payment had been made. It observed that the deficiency was related to the manner in which in-flight services were rendered and not to a complete failure to provide air transportation. The inconvenience and hardship caused during a journey of approximately 1516 hours, particularly in the case of a passenger travelling with an 11-month-old child, cannot be brushed aside, the Commission said. Holding that reasonable compensation was warranted, it partly allowed the airline's appeal and directed it to pay Rs 50,000 as a composite amount towards compensation for mental agony and harassment and litigation expenses, instead of the refund and other amounts awarded by the District Commission. The airline has been directed to comply with the order within 45 days of receiving its certified copy. The Commission also ordered that the Rs 1,03,040 deposited by the airline while filing the appeal, along with any accrued interest, be remitted to the District Commission, which may pass an appropriate order regarding its release in accordance with law.
The Punjab government is strengthening its digital ecosystem to simplify and expedite the approval process for investors. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched the Passbook, the financial incentive module of the Fast-Track Punjab portal, in Chandigarh...
NHM Chandigarh Consultant Maternal Health Recruitment 2026
National Health Mission, Chandigarh (NHM Chandigarh) has invited eligible candidates to attend a Walk-in Interview for the post of Consultant Maternal Health. The walk-in interview will be held on 30 October 2026. Candidates should report at 9:30 AM.
Chandigarh Sports Council Assistant Female Hockey Coach Recruitment 2026
Chandigarh Sports Council has released the notification for the post of Assistant Female Hockey Coach. Eligible candidates can submit their offline applications from 17 October 2026 to 02 November 2026. Further details are available at sportsdeptt.chd.gov.in.
Best places to retire in India: 9 cities with great hospitals, mild weather and lower living costs
Looking for the best place to retire in India? Compare Coimbatore, Mysore, Chandigarh, Pune, Kochi, Goa and more on healthcare, climate and cost of living.
Punjab Police arrest two gangsters linked to foreign-based network, recover two pistols
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 22 (IANS) Punjab Polices Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), in a joint operation with Counter Intelligence and in coordination with SBS Nagar Police, apprehended two associates linked to a gangster network from Nawanshahr and recovered two sophisticated .30 calibre pistols along with ammunition, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said on Thursday. Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused were in contact with foreign-based handlers and had been tasked with eliminating a rival gang member during his court appearance in SBS Nagar. Their timely arrest averted a planned targeted killing, the DGP wrote on X. The accused have also disclosed their alleged involvement in the murder of a sarpanch in Ludhiana on October 3, revealing suspected links to a contract killing orchestrated by foreign-based handlers. Further investigation is underway to establish their wider criminal network and linkages, he added. A day earlier, Amritsar Rural Police busted a drug trafficking, illegal arms, and explosives smuggling network with the arrest of seven individuals, including three juveniles, in two operations and recovered one hand grenade, two .30 bore pistols, along with 29 cartridges and 3.4 kg heroin from their possession. Those arrested in the first operation have been identified as Ajay (28) and Robin Masih, alias Noni (22), while in the second operation, the arrested were identified as Gurlal Singh (20), Rashpal Singh (18) and three 17-year-old juveniles. DGP Yadav had said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested accused were allegedly in contact with foreign-based smugglers and smuggling illegal weapons for further distribution among criminal elements. Sharing details of the operation, Inspector General of Police (Border Range) Gurpreet Singh Bhullar had said that Amritsar Rural Police had received input about suspect Ajay that he has been procuring drone-dropped heroin and illegal firearms from across the border to supply them onward on directions from foreign-based gangsters. Acting swiftly, the police, in coordination with a Central agency, set up a special checkpoint in the Manawala area and intercepted Ajay along with his accomplice Robin Masih. A search of the bag carried by pillion rider Ajay led to the recovery of nearly 3.4 kg of heroin, and one .30 bore pistol along with 19 rounds.
Amit Shah hails security personnel for restoring peace in J&K
New Delhi, Oct 21:Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Wednesday hailed the security personnel for restoring peace in Jammu and Kashmir. Paying tribute to the police personnel, who were killed in the line of duty, at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi on the occasion of Police Commemoration Day, Shah said, Significant success has been achieved in curbing terrorism in Kashmir. Addressing the ceremony, he said, We have assembled at the National Police Memorial to pay homage to the brave police personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation from independence to the present day. The Home Minister said that nearly eight decades after independence, India stands today in a position of honour and respect in the world. The foundation of this achievement lies in the sacrifices of our brave personnel. No one can even imagine where we would stand today if these personnel had not made the supreme sacrifice to safeguard the countrys internal security and protect its borders, he said. Shah said that 2026 was an extremely significant year for the Indian police. On March 31, 2026, the country achieved freedom from Naxalism, which had plagued India for decades. From 1981 to March 2026, the country endured numerous hardships due to Naxalism. During this period, many brave security personnel and innocent civilians lost their lives. More than 3600 security personnel were killed, and nearly 13,700 innocent civilians also lost their lives, he said. The Home Minister said he wanted to convey to the families of the slain personnel that as the country moves forward on the path of development after overcoming this five-decade-old problem, the sacrifices of these 3600 personnel form the foundation of this progress. Addressing the families of the slain security personnel, he said that while their loss could never be compensated, the entire nation of 1.4 billion citizens remains grateful for the dedication and sacrifice of their families. Recalling the history of Police Commemoration Day, Shah said that on October 21, 1959, in the remote and inhospitable Hot Springs region of Ladakh, 10 CRPF personnel were killed while resisting an attack by Chinese troops. A study of the Hot Springs incident makes it clear that when the battle was decided in the high-altitude mountains, the outcome was almost certain. Yet, these immortal heroes remained steadfast in their resolve that not even an inch of the countrys land should fall into foreign hands, making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. Since then, October 21 has been observed every year as Police Commemoration Day, he said. The Home Minister said that the National Police Memorial, where they were gathered, was inaugurated in 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in honour of police personnel who had lost lives in the line of duty. The objective behind establishing the memorial was to inspire future generations of police personnel to remain committed to their responsibilities and be prepared to make the supreme sacrifice while performing their duties, he said. Shah said that the memorial had also become a place of reverence for citizens from across the country. Grateful citizens visit the site to pay tribute to 36,852 police personnel and express the nation's gratitude for their service and sacrifice, he said. The Home Minister said that among all government services, police service was one of the most challenging. Every citizen in the country celebrates festivals such as Raksha Bandhan, Holi, Diwali, and Eid, but police personnel often have no holidays to celebrate these occasions, he said. Shah said that while people celebrate festivals with their families, police personnel remain on duty, safeguarding internal security, managing traffic and ensuring public safety. They devote the prime years of ones life to the nation while staying away from ones family is a great service to the country, he said. The Home Minister said that there were numerous examples across the country of police personnel demonstrating extraordinary patience, restraint, discipline, courage, and dedication, thereby strengthening the nations internal security. He said that police personnel constitute both the first and the last line of defence for internal security. Shah expressed his special gratitude to all personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) deployed along the borders and entrusted with security responsibilities within the country. Staying away from their families, these personnel remain vigilant and strengthen the nations internal security on every occasion, whether during elections, festivals, protests or border security duties. They remain constantly on duty to ensure the smooth functioning of the country. Whether it is safeguarding democracy or ensuring the smooth conduct of democratic processes, it is impossible to imagine these tasks being accomplished without the Central Armed Police Forces, he said. The Home Minister said that India had succeeded in eliminating electoral violence in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, but electoral violence had continued in West Bengal for a long time. He said that during the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly elections, security personnel achieved a significant success by ensuring that the elections were completed without a single fatality. In doing so, the Central Armed Police Forces had established a new benchmark, Shah said. He said that the entire country now recognises that electoral violence had been brought to an end in the nation. The Home Minister said that over the past few years, the country had faced several challenges, three of which had persisted for decades. He said that peace had now been established in all three major hotspots Kashmir, the North-East, and the areas affected by Left-Wing Extremism. An environment conducive to development has emerged in these regions, and they are now ready to compete with the rest of the country in terms of development, Shah said. Following several agreements and the surrender of arms by thousands of people, the entire North-East has moved forward on the path of peace. He said that police and Central Armed Police Forces personnel had achieved a major breakthrough in completely eliminating the five-decade-old Naxal problem, which had spread across several states. The Home Minister specifically thanked the CRPF and its CoBRA Battalion for their contribution to the elimination of Naxalism and praised the bravery of the Chhattisgarh Police. He said that the country had not yet become completely free of problems and that several challenges remain. Shah said that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs had set a target to free the country from the drug menace by December 31, 2029, through a concerted fight against drugs over the remaining part of 2026 and the next three years 2027, 2028 and 2029. He described this as a very important goal for the nation. The Home Minister said that drug abuse and trafficking undermine the future of coming generations, place an unnecessary burden on the economy, and often provide financial support to organisations with anti-national intentions. He called upon police forces across the country to wholeheartedly join the efforts to implement the roadmap for a Nasha Mukt Bharat, formulated under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and work towards safeguarding future generations. On this occasion, Shah flagged off a nationwide motorcycle rally organised around the message 'Fight against Drugs.' It included around 90 riders from various states and Union Territories (Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi), Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF, CISF, BSF, SSB, ITBP and NSG), and certain central police organisations (RPF, NDRF and NIA). The rally is part of a nationwide campaign organised around the message 'Fight against Drugs', in which motorcycle riders from all states, Union Territories and Central Forces across the country will reach Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, to participate in the Ekta Parade-2026. The Police Commemoration Day ceremony was attended by Members of Parliament Krishna Prasad Tenneti and Rajiv Kumar; Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan; Director of the Intelligence Bureau Mahesh Dixit; Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Shatrujeet Kapoor; the Directors General of other Central Armed Police Forces; and several senior officers.
Promotion a sweet will, govt cant force an unwilling employee, says HC
Amritsar link under lens in Tiger Shroff firing probe
Jhota murder: Mansa DSP & drug inspector suspended
Jhota murder: CBI gets cracking at midnight; suspense continues over autopsy
Haryana clears Rs 400cr for water, sewerage projects
Punjab farm fires surge, 50 fresh cases take tally to 454
Promotion is sweet will of employee: says HC
Jhota killing, SIR, cash-for-transfers case set to spark stormy Punjab assembly session
Banned pharma drug inflow raised with other state police chiefs: DGP
Crucial evidence destroyed as pharmacy razed, says Jhotas wife
Gods plan: Lost hand at 5, Yasser now basks in Asiad silver glory
PRTC, Punbus staff extend strike indefinitely as talks fail
Haryana directs hospitals to secure backup ahead power department staff strike
Make challan public: Punjab BJP quetions CM Mann over airport fine
Protesting family demands CBI probe into Abohar youths murder
Congress will hold AAP govt accountable for Jhotas killing, drug crisis: Bajwa
