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Short circuit sparks fire at Hisar e-scooter showroom

The Times of India 21 Oct 2025 11:33 pm

Panchayat pradhan held for minors rape

The Times of India 21 Oct 2025 11:22 pm

Speeding taxi hits railing, injures 5 in Shimla

The Times of India 21 Oct 2025 11:19 pm

13 held for gambling in Jalandhar

The Times of India 21 Oct 2025 11:17 pm

HP too gets ready for Gurus martyrdom event

The Times of India 21 Oct 2025 11:15 pm

1 killed, 4 injured in clash at Amritsar village

The Times of India 21 Oct 2025 10:33 pm

CM Manns AI deepfake video sparks FIR, cops tracing creator

The Times of India 21 Oct 2025 10:30 pm

47 fire incidents reported during Diwali in HP

The Times of India 21 Oct 2025 9:12 pm

Police Commemoration Day observed in Shimla

The Times of India 21 Oct 2025 8:45 pm

26 nominations received for Nov 11 Tarn Taran bypoll

The Times of India 21 Oct 2025 6:31 pm

Punjab youths duped by travel agent stranded in Kazakhstan; families appeal for help

CHANDIGARH: Seven youth from various villages in Ropar district, Punjab, are stranded in Kazakhstan after allegedly being duped by a travel agent who promised them high-paying jobs and better work opportunities. The youths have now sent out SOS messages to their families, pleading for help to return safely to India. Sources allege that a local travel agent from Anandpur Sahib sent these youths to Kazakhstan about a month and a half ago under the pretext of offering them driver jobs. However, upon arrival, they were forced into hard labour under inhumane conditions. The youths claim they were promised stable employment and decent living conditions but were instead pushed into exploitative and unsafe situations. It is reported that the youths are being made to carry heavy loads over long distances in mountainous terrain and live in cramped metal containers, lacking adequate food and safety measures. A video showing the group working as manual labourers in snow-covered areas of Kazakhstan has gone viral on social media, drawing attention to their plight. Sources also revealed that the parents of the stranded youths have met Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains and requested the state government to take swift action to bring their children back. Speaking to a local newspaper over the phone from Kazakhstan, one of the stranded individuals, Harvinder Singh, described the harsh conditions he and his companions are facing. He said they left for Kazakhstan on September 16 after paying Rs 1.5 lakh per person to the travel agent, who promised them driver jobs. In addition, they spent around 7080 US dollars each as visa fees. The travel agent only provided us with flight tickets at the last moment, after holding onto our passports for quite some time. Just before departure, he made us sign an agreement and had it attested, Singh alleged. He further stated that they were initially stopped at Delhi airport for not having return tickets, after which the agent arranged them, allowing the group to board the flight. Upon arrival, they discovered their visas were for labour work, not driving. We were given ten days of training and then forced to repair old vehicles and do manual labour, not the driving jobs we were promised. We were told we would earn $450 per month plus tips, but the reality is entirely different. Now, the company is demanding Rs 50,000 per person and asking us to buy our own return tickets if we want to leave. We cant afford that, Singh said. He added that they are nearly out of money and have contacted Ajayvir Singh Lalpura, the BJP district president of Ropar. Their families have filed complaints with the Punjab Police, and the travel agent has now promised to arrange return tickets. There are many others from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar working under similar inhumane conditions here on an infrastructure project. There are hardly any medical facilities, and we face language barriers since we dont speak the local languagethere's only one translator to assist us, Singh added. Those reportedly stranded include Manjeet Singh, Amarjit Singh, Hardeep Singh, Avtar Singh, Harvinder Singh, and others. Expressing concern over the situation, BJP Ropar district president Ajayvir Singh Lalpura said, These eight youths contacted me recently, pleading for help to return to India. They are living in appalling conditionsin small containers, without proper food, rest, or medical care. Their families have also filed complaints against the travel agent. I will raise the issue with the Union Government to ensure their safe return.

The New Indian Express 21 Oct 2025 6:30 pm

Chandigarh: 55-year-old woman murdered by son on Diwali; accused arrested in Sonipat

A 55-year-old woman was found murdered at her Chandigarh residence on Diwali morning, allegedly by her son who slit her throat. Neighbours discovered the body after hearing screams and entering the house via the roof. The son, reportedly mentally unstable, fled but was later apprehended in Sonipat.

The Times of India 21 Oct 2025 4:06 pm

Punjab police bust terror module, seize RPG-22 anti-tank launcher in Amritsar

CHANDIGARH: In an intelligence-based operation conducted by the Punjab Police in close coordination with central agencies, two operatives of a terror module were apprehended, and one Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG-22 Netto anti-tank rocket launcher) along with its launcher was recovered from their possession. Director General of Police, Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, said here on Tuesday that the arrested individuals have been identified as Mehakdeep Singh alias Mehak, a resident of Wadali in Amritsar, and Aditya alias Adhi, a resident of village Bhaga Chhina in Amritsar. Apart from recovering the RPG, police teams also seized the motorcycle the suspects were riding. Yadav stated that preliminary investigations revealed that the accused were in contact with Pakistans ISI operative, who had sent the consignment across the border via drone, as well as with Harpreet Singh alias Vicky, who is currently lodged in Ferozepur Jail. The RPG was intended for a targeted terror attack, he added. Further investigations are underway to establish both forward and backward linkages in the case to dismantle the entire network. Sharing operational details, Senior Superintendent of Police, Amritsar (Rural), Maninder Singh, said that acting on intelligence inputs, the two suspects were arrested and the RPG-22 Netto anti-tank rocket launcher was recovered. The arrest was made when the suspects were on their way to deliver the consignment. Investigations are ongoing to identify those who were supposed to receive the consignment. He added that police teams will bring accused Harpreet alias Vicky from Ferozepur Jail on a production warrant for further questioning. A case (FIR No. 331 dated 21/10/2025) has been registered under Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Explosives Substances Act and Section 113 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station Gharinda in Amritsar Rural.

The New Indian Express 21 Oct 2025 4:04 pm

Canadian paraglider found dead, Australian rescued from Dhauladhar range in Himachal Pradesh

CHANDIGARH: Megan Elizabeth, a 27-year-old Canadian paraglider who had gone missing, was found dead, while a 47-year-old Austrian paraglider, Jacob, was rescued from the high mountains of the Dhauladhar range in Himachal Pradesh in the last 48 hours. Both paragliders had flown in separately from the international Bir-Billing paragliding site in Kangra district and encountered emergencies at different locations. Elizabeth, who was a solo flier, had taken off from Billing and was expected to land at Chogan. However, she was not familiar with the topography of the Dhauladhar region and lost her route and crashed near Talan Jot, north of the Himani Chamunda temple, at an altitude of about 3,900 metres. Megan Elizabeth was an experienced solo flier. She had taken off from Billing and was expected to land Chogan but lost en route, said Anurag Sharma, President of Billing Paragliding Association. The Baijnath authorities, with the help of climbers and volunteers from the Bir Billing Paragliding Association (BPA), had launched a rescue operation on Sunday. Rahul Singh, a member of the rescue team, was the first to be air-dropped into the area on Sunday evening. He reached the crash site later that night and found the paraglider unresponsive. Elizabeth had likely died due to exposure to extreme cold and injuries sustained during the landing on rocky terrain. Five more members of the rescue team were flown in yesterday morning, and they relocated the body about 500 metres uphill from the crash site to facilitate airlifting. Sources said that her body was brought to Gaggal Airport and will be handed over to the Canadian Embassy after the post-mortem. Another SOS was received from an Australian paraglider, Jacob, who was stranded at an elevation of about 3,302 meters in the mountains of Polling-Barot valley in Kullu district, said sources. He was rescued and dropped off at Chogan in Bir. In the last five years, 26 paragliding crashes have been reported in Kangra and Mandi districts of the hill state, resulting in the death of 12 paragliders, including foreign nationals, and injury to many. In some incidents, neither the pilot nor the glider could be located.

The New Indian Express 21 Oct 2025 3:34 pm

Former Punjab minister, ex-DGP booked in connection with son's death

CHANDIGARH: Haryana Police on Tuesday booked former Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Mohammad Mustafa, his wife and former minister Razia Sultan, along with their daughter and daughter-in-law on charges of murder and criminal conspiracy in connection with the death of their 35-year-old son Aqil Akhter. The Police registered an FIR on October 17 under sections 103 (1) (punishment for murder) and 61 (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at the MDC police station in Panchkula, based on the complaint of Shamshudeen Chaudhary, a resident of Malerkotla, and social media posts of Aqil. The police have also formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the case. Akhter, an advocate at the Punjab and Haryana High Court and a resident of Sector 4 in MDC of Panchkula, was found dead at his residence on October 16. On October 20, a case was registered after Shamshudeen Chaudhary held a press conference in Panchkula, citing a social media post by Aqil in August, which contained serious allegations against his family members and apprehensions about a threat to his life. Chaudhary also shared a screenshot of a diary and lodged a written complaint with the Panchkula Police, state DGP and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, demanding a fair and impartial investigation. Deputy Commissioner of Police Srishti Gupta said that the case has been registered on charges of murder and criminal conspiracy. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed under Assistant Commissioner of Police to ensure a thorough, impartial and evidence-based probe without any prejudice, with the aim of ensuring that no guilty person is spared and no innocent person suffers, she said. Gupta said that when Akhter was found unconscious at their residence in Sector 4 of MDC in Panchkula, the family informed the Police and was immediately rushed to Civil Hospital in Sector 6, where he was declared brought dead. The police recorded their statements and did not suspect any foul play. The body was handed over to the family after the post-mortem. His last rites were performed at their ancestral village, Harda Kheri in Saharanpur of Uttar Pradesh. Then subsequently there were some purportedly viral posts and videos made by the deceased alleging apprehensions to his life and personal disputes, she said. As per the police, his viscera samples have been sent for forensic examination to identify which substance was consumed by the deceased. The report is expected to come in two to three months. Akhter is survived by his wife, who is a homemaker, a five-year-old son and a seven-year-old daughter. His father, Mohammad Mustafa, is a 1985 batch IPS officer who retired from the Punjab Police in 2021 and later joined the Congress. His mother, Razia Sultana, was a former minister in the Congress Government and was elected three times as an MLA from Malerkotla.

The New Indian Express 21 Oct 2025 2:37 pm

FIR Filed Against Former Punjab DGP, Ex-Minister Wife Over Sons Suspicious Death

Chandigarh, Oct 21: An FIR has been registered against former Punjab DGP Mohammad Mustafa, his wife and ex-Congress minister Razia Sultana, along with their daughter and daughter-in-law, in connection with the death of their 35-year-old son, Aqeel Mustafa. The case was lodged at the Mansa Devi Complex police station in Panchkula under sections 103(1) and [] The post FIR Filed Against Former Punjab DGP, Ex-Minister Wife Over Sons Suspicious Death appeared first on Northlines .

The Northlines 21 Oct 2025 2:16 pm

Air pollution: Haryana records 'very poor', Punjab 'poor' levels; Bahadurgarh, Jind among worst-hit cities

On Tuesday morning, Haryana's air quality took a nosedive, categorizing it as 'very poor' with Bahadurgarh leading the dismal ranking at an AQI of 358. In Punjab, the air isn't much better, with Ludhiana reporting a 'poor' level of 268. These distressing figures indicate a rapid decline in air quality across the region, calling for urgent action.

The Times of India 21 Oct 2025 12:16 pm

Chandigarh company owner who gifted 51 luxury cars to employees on Diwali once went bankrupt, now owns 12 companies

Diwali car gift: Chandigarh-based MITS Group founder MK Bhatia surprised employees by gifting 51 brand-new Scorpio SUVs ahead of Diwali. This extraordinary gesture, a tradition for top performers, highlights the company's remarkable growth from its founder's past bankruptcy. The viral event showcases a growing trend of employee appreciation in Indian businesses.

The Economic Times 21 Oct 2025 11:59 am

VIRAL: Chandigarh pharma owner gifts 51 brand-new cars to employees as Diwali bonus, internet asks any scope of joining this company?

Reportedly, the car handover took place this week, followed by a fun Car Gift Rally, where the newly gifted vehicles were driven from the showroom to the MITS House office to mark the celebration.

India.com 21 Oct 2025 7:54 am

Chandigarh company owner gifts 51 SUVs to his employees on Diwali, netizens ask, 'Koi scope hai kya?'

MK Bhatia, the founder and chairman of MITS group, gave away brand-new Mahindra Scorpio SUVs to dozens of his top-performing staff members. Videos of his act have gone viral on social media platforms and netizens are mighty impressed, to say the least. Read on for more.

DNA India 21 Oct 2025 12:52 am

308 stubble burning cases in Punjab since Sept 15; Tarn Taran records maximum

CHANDIGARH, Oct 20: The number of stubble burning incidents in Punjab has reached 308, with Tarn Taran and Amritsar districts accounting for the majority of such cases, according to the Punjab Pollution Control Board data. At 113, Tarn Taran district has witnessed maximum stubble burning cases in Punjab so far, followed by Amritsar with 104 cases, as many farmers continue to burn crop residue, ignoring the state governments appeals to stop the practice. Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana [] The post 308 stubble burning cases in Punjab since Sept 15; Tarn Taran records maximum appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Daily Excelsior 20 Oct 2025 3:57 pm

No cash bonuses. Chandigarh company's Diwali gifts for rockstar' employees go viral: 51 cars

Chandigarh businessman MK Bhatia, founder of Mits Healthcare, celebrated Diwali by gifting 51 brand-new cars to his top-performing employees. This marks his half-century of giving, continuing a two-year tradition of honoring his dedicated ockstars. The extravagant gesture, culminating in a Car Gift Rally, underscores Bhatia's belief in recognizing and motivating his team, the backbone of his pharmaceutical success.

The Economic Times 20 Oct 2025 3:25 pm

Woman Commits Suicide After Killing Her Two Children

Nagalakshmi picked up argument with her husband Ramesh on Sunday night for coming to the home in an inebriated state. After the quarrel, Ramesh left the house and switched off his mobile phone

Deccan Chronicle 20 Oct 2025 2:52 pm

Yami Gautam says son Vedavid 'is always part of the puja'

Yami Gautam is gearing up for a family Diwali in Chandigarh, cherishing traditions like lighting diyas and making rangoli with her son, Vedavid. She emphasizes passing these rituals down, from cleaning and decorating with mustard oil lamps to preparing festive sweets like gulab jamun and kaju katli. With five upcoming releases, Yami also expresses gratitude for her career opportunities.

The Times of India 20 Oct 2025 7:17 am

Search mounts in Kangra for Canadian paraglider pilot

The Times of India 19 Oct 2025 11:33 pm

67 farm fires take Punjab cases this year to 308

The Times of India 19 Oct 2025 10:15 pm

Pangi chosen to be HPs natural farming region

The Times of India 19 Oct 2025 10:03 pm

HP governor, CM extend Diwali greetings

The Times of India 19 Oct 2025 10:03 pm

Saini extends greetings on festive occasions

The Times of India 19 Oct 2025 10:03 pm

River revivalist marks 25 years with village tank gifts

The Times of India 19 Oct 2025 10:00 pm

Sarpanchs son found dead amid drug scourge

The Times of India 19 Oct 2025 10:00 pm

BJP lobbies Delhi CM for Bhullars release

The Times of India 19 Oct 2025 10:00 pm

Minister: Aam Aadmi Clinics hit 4.2cr OPD visits milestone

The Times of India 19 Oct 2025 9:55 pm

Himachal government to introduce new welfare schemes for orphans: CM Sukhvinder Singh

CHANDIGARH: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday said the state government will soon launch new welfare schemes aimed at orphans and vulnerable children to ensure their holistic development. The chief minister visited the Tutikandi Bal Ashram in Shimla where he celebrated Diwali with the residents, interacting with children and distributing gifts and sweets. He was welcomed by the children and staff of the ashram with traditional earthen lamps and cultural performances. Sukhu interacted with the children, distributed sweets and gifts, and extended his heartfelt Deepawali greetings to them. The true spirit of Diwali lies in sharing joy, compassion and togetherness. These children are our future and it is our collective responsibility to ensure they grow up with love, dignity and opportunities, he said. He said the state government has adopted orphaned children as the children of the state and is bearing not only their education expenses but also providing them Rs 4,000 per month as pocket money. He said the residential facilities would be upgraded in the Bal Ashrams of the state, besides enhancing other facilities. Sukhu announced that the government would soon launch new welfare schemes specifically aimed at orphans and vulnerable children to ensure their holistic development. Sukhu also announced that a sports day would be organised for the children of the Bal Ashram on 14 November every year, for which the state government would make adequate budgetary provision. He said students of the Bal Ashrams would be sent on educational tours outside the state to provide them better exposure and learning experiences. He exhorted the children to focus on their studies and thereafter serve the nation in different capacities, bringing laurels to the state.

The New Indian Express 19 Oct 2025 7:33 pm

DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar suspended also booked by Punjab police in Excise Act case

Punjab government has suspended Deputy Inspector General Harcharan Singh Bhullar following his arrest by the CBI in a graft case. The suspension is effective from October 16, 2025, as per service rules. CBI searches at his residence uncovered Rs 7.5 crore cash, gold, luxury watches, property documents, and firearms.

The Times of India 19 Oct 2025 3:17 pm

Farm fires in Pakistans Punjab worsen air quality across region, says experts

CHANDIGARH: Farmers in Punjab are not solely responsible for the regions worsening air quality, as stubble-burning incidents are rising in both Indian and Pakistan's Punjab. Experts say Pakistans contribution to pollution is significant, with farm fires much higher there compared to India. Dr Ravindra Khaiwal, Professor of Environmental Health at PGIMER Chandigarh and nodal officer for the Centre of Excellence on Climate Change and Air Pollution, said recent satellite analysis shows a 10-fold difference in stubble-burning hotspots: between October 9 and 18, Pakistans Punjab recorded 2,009 farm fires, while Indian Punjab had only 189. The main hotspots in Pakistan's Punjab are Okara, Kasur, and Pakpattan, with Okara alone accounting for nearly 35% of all detected fires. Northwest-to-southeast wind patterns, combined with the flat terrain of the Punjab plains, allow smoke and fine particulate matter to travel freely into southeastern India, worsening air quality. During the winter months, air pollution intensifies across the Indo-Gangetic plains due to the interplay of meteorological and human factors. The lack of rainfall, which normally helps clean the air, and soil resuspension from loosened agricultural land, adds to particulate loading in both urban and rural areas. Dr Khaiwal emphasised that air pollution does not respect geopolitical boundaries and called for coordinated transboundary strategies. While Indian states like Punjab and Haryana have successfully controlled agricultural residue fires, similar measures are needed in Pakistan's Punjab. Although stubble-burning incidents in Indian Punjab have declined, air quality levels have not improved correspondingly. Some fires may occur in conditions that evade satellite detection. Recent satellite images show thick smoke plumes drifting eastward, indicating a wider regional issue. 241 stubble burning cases in Punjab from September 15 to October 18: Data According to official records, 33 stubble-burning incidents were reported yesterday in the state, the highest this kharif season. A total of 241 farm fire incidents have been recorded so far, largely due to delayed paddy harvesting. Tarn Taran reported 23 new cases, while Amritsar recorded three, bringing the total incidents in Tarn Taran to 88 and in Amritsar to 80. The worst air quality index (AQI) yesterday was in Mandi Gobindgarh (231), followed by Jalandhar (148), Ludhiana (116), and Patiala (101). There has been an 83% decrease in stubble-burning cases compared to the same period in previous years, when 1,348 and 1,407 incidents were reported from September 15 to October 18 in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Punjab government has decided to take stricter action against farmers who burn crop residue. District officials have been instructed to withdraw government scheme benefits from violators, including pensions and even arms licenses. Anganwadi workers are being deployed to spread awareness, and announcements are being made from religious places, mainly Gurdwaras. Students are also being sensitised to discourage parents from burning stubble. Police have registered 119 FIRs under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for disobedience related to stubble burning. The Revenue Department has made 81 red entries in the land records of violators. The Punjab Pollution Control Board has imposed fines totalling Rs 5.15 lakh in 104 cases, of which Rs 3.65 lakh has been recovered.

The New Indian Express 19 Oct 2025 1:25 pm

Pakistan's Punjab farm fires worsen regional air, account for 35% of all detected cases

CHANDIGARH: Farmers in Punjab are not solely responsible for the regions worsening air quality, as stubble-burning incidents are rising in both Indian and Pakistan's Punjab. Experts say Pakistans contribution to pollution is significant, with farm fires much higher there compared to India. Dr Ravindra Khaiwal, Professor of Environmental Health at PGIMER Chandigarh and nodal officer for the Centre of Excellence on Climate Change and Air Pollution, said recent satellite analysis shows a 10-fold difference in stubble-burning hotspots: between October 9 and 18, Pakistans Punjab recorded 2,009 farm fires, while Indian Punjab had only 189. The main hotspots in Pakistan's Punjab are Okara, Kasur, and Pakpattan, with Okara alone accounting for nearly 35% of all detected fires. Northwest-to-southeast wind patterns, combined with the flat terrain of the Punjab plains, allow smoke and fine particulate matter to travel freely into southeastern India, worsening air quality. During the winter months, air pollution intensifies across the Indo-Gangetic plains due to the interplay of meteorological and human factors. The lack of rainfall, which normally helps clean the air, and soil resuspension from loosened agricultural land, adds to particulate loading in both urban and rural areas. Dr Khaiwal emphasised that air pollution does not respect geopolitical boundaries and called for coordinated transboundary strategies. While Indian states like Punjab and Haryana have successfully controlled agricultural residue fires, similar measures are needed in Pakistan's Punjab. Although stubble-burning incidents in Indian Punjab have declined, air quality levels have not improved correspondingly. Some fires may occur in conditions that evade satellite detection. Recent satellite images show thick smoke plumes drifting eastward, indicating a wider regional issue. According to official records, 33 stubble-burning incidents were reported yesterday in the state, the highest this kharif season. A total of 241 farm fire incidents have been recorded so far, largely due to delayed paddy harvesting. Tarn Taran reported 23 new cases, while Amritsar recorded three, bringing the total incidents in Tarn Taran to 88 and in Amritsar to 80. The worst air quality index (AQI) yesterday was in Mandi Gobindgarh (231), followed by Jalandhar (148), Ludhiana (116), and Patiala (101). There has been an 83% decrease in stubble-burning cases compared to the same period in previous years, when 1,348 and 1,407 incidents were reported from September 15 to October 18 in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Punjab government has decided to take stricter action against farmers who burn crop residue. District officials have been instructed to withdraw government scheme benefits from violators, including pensions and even arms licenses. Anganwadi workers are being deployed to spread awareness, and announcements are being made from religious places, mainly Gurdwaras. Students are also being sensitised to discourage parents from burning stubble. Police have registered 119 FIRs under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for disobedience related to stubble burning. The Revenue Department has made 81 red entries in the land records of violators. The Punjab Pollution Control Board has imposed fines totalling Rs 5.15 lakh in 104 cases, of which Rs 3.65 lakh has been recovered.

The New Indian Express 19 Oct 2025 1:25 pm

NCLT set aside insolvency plea against ZTE filed by TVS Supply Chain

NEW DELHI, Oct 19: The NCLT has dismissed an insolvency plea against the Indian unit of telecom gear manufacturer ZTE filed by TVS Supply Chain Solutions after observing a pre-existing dispute between the parties. A Chandigarh-based bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), the debt claimed by TVS Supply Chain Solutions was disputed and under reconciliation dating back to 2017, well before the statutory demand notice. In view of these facts, we hold that this being a case [] The post NCLT set aside insolvency plea against ZTE filed by TVS Supply Chain appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Daily Excelsior 19 Oct 2025 12:28 pm

INTERVIEW| Not product of quota Ive worked 23 yrs for the party

Puthuppally MLA Chandy Oommen, who recently spoke out on the Youth Congress (YC) leadership issue, said on Saturday that his remarks were merely a call for unity. In an interview to TNIE at his Puthuppally office, he says he is not a product of quota and that he would take up his concerns on KPCC organisational revamp with the appropriate party forum. Theres discontent over appointment of the new YC president. Many feel Abin Varkey has been sidelined... The party has taken a decision, and it must be accepted. Some may agree, some may not. Abin may feel disappointed from his position, thats understandable. But we must move forward. Other qualified youngsters such as J S Akhil, Aritha Babu, and K M Abhijith were also overlooked. Its natural to feel let down, but unity is what matters now. You had earlier spoken of being removed from an organisational post without notice... I began my political journey inspired by two persons: Rajiv Gandhi and my father. On my fathers death anniversary, when I was removed from the national outreach programme, it hurt. But I accepted it as the partys decision like swallowing poison. Later, some people twisted my words to make it seem I spoke against the party. Often, parts of videos are clipped and circulated to create wrong impressions. Whatever I say is taken out of context and spread as if I have spoken against the party. Why did the party take the decision without even informing you? That you need to ask them. Did you not ask why? The reply I got was that I was not active in the party. Were you inactive? I was campaigning in nine states as part of the outreach programme. I could have restricted myself to Puthuppally, but didnt. Ive proof of my work across states. Did you expect any position in the KPCC rejig? I have not proposed my name. There may be others who have proposed my name. But theres a complaint that the name you proposed was rejected. That I will take up with the appropriate forum. Critics say you got your opportunities because of quota and that you have no right to raise complaints... Thats completely wrong. Ive worked for the party for 23 years. I had several opportunities to contest earlier. Im not a product of quota. In 2014, Ramesh Chennithala proposed my name for the Pathanamthitta Lok Sabha seat, but my father said no. In 2016, when the same leader proposed my name for Irikkur, my father was unmoved. In 2019, I was slightly inclined to contest, but my father once more said no. When Abhishek Manu Singhvi noted that I had been working for years, the leadership said, Let the father decide. He said no. In 2021, my name was suggested for around 40 constituencies. While my father did not generally object then, I was not willing to contest. After his passing, did I ask for any post? Rahulji called me and said a decision was being taken. The leadership made that decision. I walked 4,000km with Rahul Gandhi on the Bharat Jodo Yatra, and campaigned from Kanyakumari to Chandigarh in 2019. Some people are tasked with creating such stories and spreading them on social media. These are left handles. Is there a distance between you and Shafi Parambil or Rahul Mamkootathil? No. These are media stories. When Shafi was hospitalised, I was abroad attending an interfaith meeting. Which group do you belong to in Congress? Only one Rahul Gandhis group. My father always believed party interests come before group interests. I follow the same principle.

The New Indian Express 19 Oct 2025 7:51 am

How far with smart parking? UT asks

The Times of India 19 Oct 2025 3:54 am

Festive rush for bikes on Dhanteras as GST cuts drive sales

The Times of India 19 Oct 2025 2:31 am

Chaos in Pkl markets as MC allows free-for-all vending

The Times of India 19 Oct 2025 2:07 am

Police arrest youth with knife

The Times of India 19 Oct 2025 1:09 am

Bus Terminals See Mad Rush As Outsiders Queue Up To Go Home

The Times of India 19 Oct 2025 12:32 am

Gurdev Singh re-elected prez of Sikh edu society

The Times of India 19 Oct 2025 12:18 am

Punjab government scheme to promote tax compliance

The Times of India 18 Oct 2025 11:31 pm

Mann says farmers paid Rs 7,472 cr for procured paddy

The Times of India 18 Oct 2025 11:31 pm

Govt procures 140 quintals of barley from Pangi

The Times of India 18 Oct 2025 8:45 pm

SKM protests draft Electricity (Amendment) Bill

The Times of India 18 Oct 2025 7:03 pm

Badal warns against conspiracy to render Sikhs leaderless

The Times of India 18 Oct 2025 7:00 pm

BSF foils cross-border smuggling attempts along IB in Punjab; seizes drugs

CHANDIGARH, Oct 18: The BSF seized more than 3 kg of crystal methamphetamine and 600 grams of heroin along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab, thwarting cross-border smuggling attempts using drones. In the first incident, Border Security Force (BSF) troops seized a large packet containing 3.675 kg of crystal methamphetamine, also known as ice, from a field near Bhaini Rajputana village in Amritsar, an official said. The seizure was made during an extensive search operation in the area following a [] The post BSF foils cross-border smuggling attempts along IB in Punjab; seizes drugs appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Daily Excelsior 18 Oct 2025 4:44 pm

Three Garib Rath Express coaches catch fire near Punjab's Sirhind, no casualties reported

CHANDIGARH: Three Garib Rath Express AC coaches, travelling from Amritsar to Saharsa in Bihar, caught fire near Sirhind railway station on Saturday morning. No casualties were reported. The fire broke out around 7:30 am, when the train crossed the Sirhind station. As the train was moving at a slow speed, the train was immediately stopped. Fire tenders were rushed to the spot to doze the fire after a prolonged effort, the fire was brought under control. Ambulances were also sent. The civil and police authorities promptly arrived at the scene. An official of the Government Railway Police (GRP) said that smoke was noticed in coach G-19. A passenger then pulled the emergency chain to stop the train. When the train came to a halt, passengers were safely evacuated from the affected coach and shifted to other coaches, to ensure their safety, the official said. The blaze engulfed the coach G-19 and also affected two adjacent coaches to some extent. All the three coaches were decoupled from the rest of the train, and fire tenders were called immediately to control the fire. A 32-year-old woman suffered minor burn injuries and was admitted to the Civil Hospital in Fatehgarh Sahib for treatment, he added. The train remains stationary near Sirhind railway station as investigations and safety checks continue.

The New Indian Express 18 Oct 2025 2:28 pm

Punjab: Fire breaks out in AC coach of Amritsar-Saharsa Garib Rath Express; one injured

On Saturday morning, a fire erupted in one of the AC coaches of the Amritsar-Saharsa Garib Rath Express near Sirhind. Thankfully, all passengers were promptly evacuated from the stricken compartment, and fortunately, there were no injuries reported. Railway officials responded swiftly to the incident, ensuring the safety of all travelers as they worked to contain the situation.

The Times of India 18 Oct 2025 10:04 am