Punjab: SAD leader Majithia sent to judicial custody
CHANDIGARH, July 6: A court in Punjabs Mohali district on Sunday sent Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia to judicial custody for two weeks in a disproportionate assets case. Amid tight security arrangements, Majithia was produced before the court. Speaking to reporters after the court hearing, public prosecutors Ferry Sofat and Preet Inderpal Singh [] The post Punjab: SAD leader Majithia sent to judicial custody appeared first on Northlines .
SAD leader Majithia sent to 14 days judicial custody in disproportionate assets case
CHANDIGARH: Senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia, who is the brother-in-law of party president Sukhbir Singh Badal, was today sent to 14 days judicial custody in a disproportionate assets case by a court in Mohali. Amid tight security arrangements, Majithia was produced before the court. The police also detained several prominent SAD leaders and workers in different parts of the state in the morning to prevent them from coming towards Mohali. Speaking to the media after the court hearing, public prosecutors Ferry Sofat and Preet Inderpal Singh said Majithia has been sent to judicial custody for two weeks and will be lodged in the New Jail at Nabha. During investigations, many things have come to the fore during the remand period, Sofat said. Preet Inderpal said under the provisions of the law, if an investigating agency feels that remand is again required based on new facts emerging during the investigation, an application can be moved before the court to seek the remand. On the other hand, Arshdeep Singh Kler, counsel for Majithia, claimed the investigating agency does not have anything to back their case. The government only wants to suppress the voice of the Akali Dal. The police did not have proof in the drug case till today, and now in the disproportionate assets case, they did not find any asset. They only created media hype around the case, Kler alleged. Earlier, on July 2, a court here had extended the vigilance remand of Majithia by four more days. The next date of hearing is now set for July 19. Sources said Majithia was taken to Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, on Saturday to gather evidence related to Saraya Industries. Majithia, on July 1, had moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court against the DA case, in which the next date of hearing has been fixed for July 8. He had termed it political witch-hunting and vendetta for being a vocal critic of the present government. In his petition, he sought appropriate relief against his illegal arrest and the subsequent remand granted in the FIR registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The said FIR is a result of political witch-hunting and vendetta, initiated by the present political dispensation with the sole object of maligning and harassing the petitioner, who has been a vocal critic and political opponent, the petition read. The petitioner submitted that the FIR registered against him is patently illegal, while his arrest was carried out in gross violation of settled legal procedures. The Punjab Vigilance Bureau had arrested Majithia on June 25 in a DA case allegedly involving the laundering of Rs 540 crore of drug money. In the fresh FIR registered against Majithia, the agency claimed that preliminary investigations revealed more than Rs 540 crore of drug money had been laundered through several means and that it was allegedly facilitated by Majithia. This FIR against Majithia stems from an ongoing investigation being conducted by a Punjab Police Special Investigation Team into a drug case. In 2021, Majithia was booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The action was taken on the basis of a 2018 report of the anti-drug Special Task Force. Majithia had spent more than five months in Patiala Central Jail and walked out of prison in August 2022 after the Punjab and Haryana High Court granted him bail.
Bikram Singh Majithia sent to 14-day judicial custody
Senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia has been remanded to 14 days of judicial custody by a Mohali court following the completion of his 11-day police remand. Arrested by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau in connection with a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act, Majithia was presented before the court amidst tight security.
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An emotive issue: Punjab to make law on sacrilege
An emotive issue: Punjab to make law on sacrilege Chandigarh: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab will convene a special two-day session of the Legislative Assembly next week to enact a law on sacrilege, an emotive issue that remains a hot political issue ahead of every poll. A government spokesperson said the law [] The post An emotive issue: Punjab to make law on sacrilege appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
JAC Chandigarh BTech counselling 2025 Phase 1 choice filling begins: Register online by this date
The Joint Admission Committee (JAC), Chandigarh, has initiated the Phase 1 choice-filling process for BTech admissions 2025. JEE Main 2025 qualified candidates can select preferred institutes and branches on the official website until July 7. The schedule includes a mock allotment on July 8 and Round 1 seat allotment on July 11, followed by fee payment and willingness submission.
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Sukhbir Badal declared 'Tankhaiya' by Takht Patna Sahib for failing to appear before it
CHANDIGARH: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal has been declared ankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct) by the Takht Patna Sahib (one of the five supreme temporal seats of sikhs) due to his failure to appear before it and thereby undermining its authority. Sources said the decision is an outcome of Sukhbir's failure to appear before the Takht despite being summoned twice. It is understood that this development would further escalate clashes between Sikh religious authorities and political figures. Badal was called to present himself before the panj pyaras (five beloved ones) following allegations related to his role in supporting individuals found guilty of violating a hukamnama (religious edict). While making this announcement, Takht Patna Sahib Jathedar Giani Baldev Singh said, This action has been taken in view of the events that began on May 21 when unauthorized and unconstitutional interference was carried out by the Jathedars of Akal Takht and Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, challenging the established norms, constitution and authority of Takht Patna Sahib. Sukhbir Badal was involved in influencing and interfering with the affairs of Takht Patna Sahib, particularly during a series of controversial decisions and actions surrounding the status of fromer Patna Sahib Jathedar Giani Ranjit Singh Gohar. Despite repeated summons, Badal did not appear before the Panj Pyaras (five beloved ones) at the Takht Patna Sahib. However, citing ill health Badal had sought more time thus thereafter the takht in mid-June issued a fresh edict granting him twenty days more to appear before the Takht. Badal was given two opportunities to appear and present his position, but he failed to do so. Even after an extension of twenty days reportedly granted at the request of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami, Badal did not comply. By repeatedly ignoring the summons and undermining the authority of Takht Patna Sahib, Badal has violated the religious code. As a result, he is hereby declared Tankhayia, he said. Instead the party leaders stated that Badal would follow the directions of the Akal Takht Jathedar in religious affairs. On this development, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said it was an act which was beyond their jurisdiction and one that creates confusion within the Panth (Sikh community) and added that the traditions and customs of the Khalsa Panth are meant to resolve community issues, not to create crises within the community. Undermining the supremacy of Akal Takht Sahib is inappropriate and such actions could lead to internal discord within the Sikh community. While Takht Patna Sahib holds great respect within the Sikh world, the authority to deliberate on Panthic matters lies solely with Akal Takht, he added. Dhami warned that if the supremacy of Akal Takht is being challenged by other Takhts, it would severely damage the essence and richness of Sikh traditions. In August last year the Akal Takht (highest temporal seat of sikhs) declared Badal a tankhaiya for some decisions during his tenure as Punjab deputy chief minister from 2007-17. He was later awarded religious punishment by the Sikh clergy at the Akal Takht and directed to wash utensils and clean shoes, and bathrooms. In December last year there was an attempt on his life at the main entrance of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, where he was performing religious atonement as ordered by Akal Takht.
PU Result 2025 Released at puexam.in Direct Link to Download 4th, 6th Sem Result
PU Result 2025: Panjab University,Chandigarh Result 2025 has been released on puexam.in. Here is the direct Link to check your B.Com/B.Sc/BCA/MCA/M.Sc 4th, 6th Sem Results Online.
PGIMER recruitment 2025: Apply online for Group B and C vacancies at pgimer.edu.in
PGIMER, Chandigarh has invited online applications for 114 Group B and C vacancies across various posts including Nursing Officer, Legal Assistant, and Junior Technicians. The application process is open from July 4 to August 4, 2025, via pgimer.edu.in. Candidates must meet eligibility criteria such as relevant educational qualifications and age limits. Fees vary by category and must be paid online. Applicants are advised to read the full notification before applying.
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India's aviation set to soar: Minister Rammohan Naidu eyes untapped potential
DEHRADUN: Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarappu Rammohan Naidu, on Friday called for unlocking the vast potential of the aviation sector in the country while speaking at the Northern Region Ministers' Conference on Civil Aviation 2025, organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, in Dehradun. Through this strategic initiative, we aim to identify regional opportunities and unlock the vast potential of Tier II and Tier III cities, Naidu stated. He also highlighted the sector's remarkable expansion, noting, In just 10 years, we have added 88 new airports nearly one new airport every 40 days. We've also added 60 additional flights every hour. He underscored that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, flying in India is now more accessible, more available and more affordable, reiterating the Ministrys commitment to collaborative, state-specific strategies for inclusive aviation growth. Gracing the inaugural function as Chief Guest, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami underscored aviation's pivotal role in enhancing regional connectivity, boosting tourism, and fostering socio-economic development within the State. He commended the sector's phenomenal growth and stressed the paramount importance of ensuring safety in aviation operations, particularly helicopter services in Uttarakhand's challenging hilly terrain. The conference also saw the attendance of other key state ministers, including Gautam Kumar Dak (Rajasthan), Vipul Goel (Haryana), Subodh Uniyal (Uttarakhand), Suresh Kumar Khanna (Uttar Pradesh), and Raghubir Singh Bali (Himachal Pradesh). Senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, including Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha, DGCA DG Fiaz Ahmed Kidwai, AAI Chairman Vipin Kumar, and BCAS DG Rajesh Nirwan, were also present. Discussions focused on actionable strategies to strengthen connectivity, infrastructure, and investment across Northern Indias aviation landscape. Following detailed presentations by the Ministry on opportunities for states, one-on-one interactions were held between state government teams and the Ministry delegation led by Union Minister Naidu. The high-profile event saw participation from Ministers and senior officials representing Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Ladakh, and Chandigarh, alongside over 100 aviation industry players.
CHANDIGARH: Himachal Pradesh has suffered a loss of Rs 700 crore so far due to the rain-related calamities and cloudburst, and 69 people have died, 110 have been injured, and 37 are still missing. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the State government has decided to provide Rs 5,000 per month as house rent to affected families whose homes have been damaged. He also added that the concerned SDMs have been directed to provide food supplies to the affected people. Sukhu stated that he had a telephonic conversation with Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the extensive damage in the state and added that the minister has assured full support, and a central team would also be visiting the State to assess the situation. CM also said that heavy rainfall has caused extensive damage to homes and land in the Seraj and Dharampur areas of Mandi district. He said the key decisions were taken after discussions with Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, Deputy Speaker Vinay Kumar and other MLAs. He also said that he would visit the affected areas again. He said that 14 cloudburst incidents have occurred in Mandi district this monsoon season alone, as a matter of concern. He said there was a need to study why such frequent cloudbursts were happening and that this issue was also raised with the Union Home Minister. The roads, electricity infrastructure and drinking water supply schemes have been severely impacted. He said that all cabinet ministers were conducting review meetings in their respective departments to assess the extent of the damage. Sukhu said that nearly 300 roads were currently blocked in the state, around 790 drinking water schemes have been damaged and 332 power transformers have been affected. In Mandi district alone, 402 people have been rescued as part of relief operations. He said that 92 students and teachers who were stranded at the Forestry and Horticulture in Thunag College have been safely evacuated. The NDRF and SDRF teams have reached several villages in Thunag and were actively engaged in relief and rehabilitation efforts. Responding to a question on NHAI projects in the State, Sukhu said that large companies were often awarded contracts based solely on their machinery, but they lack understanding of the fragile hill terrain of the state. As a result, they conduct hill-cutting as per their convenience, which causes damage, he said and advised NHAI to consider awarding such contracts to local contractors familiar with the region. Meanwhile, a state government spokesperson said that rescue and relief operations were underway on a war footing in Mandi district, which has been the worst affected. The state government was extending full support to the victims, with senior officers, administrative officials, and government machinery deployed to assist those in need. He added that 241 water supply schemes were damaged in the Thunag area, of which 66 have already been temporarily restored. As of now, 164 roads remain blocked in Mandi district. The PWD has deployed 31 JCBs and three poclain machines to restore roads in the affected areas of Seraj. Relief material was being delivered to villages such as Surah and others. In addition, rescue and relief efforts are in full swing in the villages of Rukchui, Bharad and Piyala Deji in Thunag sub-division, which were hit by a severe natural disaster. Despite challenging conditions, NDRF and district administration teams continue to work tirelessly on the ground. So far, 65 victims have been rescued from Thunag and provided with first aid and medical care. Relief supplies and essential services are also being delivered on a war footing in Dharampur.
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CHANDIGARH: Amid the ongoing 90th birthday celebrations of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday raided the premises of a local communication centre in McLeodganj and arrested its owner on charges of human trafficking. He was allegedly sending youth to the United States through the illegal Dunki route. Sources said that a team of the National Investigation Agency raided the premises of Sunny, son of Ghindro Ram, who runs a communication centre near the Dalai Lamas temple. He is reportedly married to a Russian national who has been living with him in McLeodganj for several years. The sleuths of the agency have seized several items, including documents, computer hard drives and mobile phones. Sunnys bank transactions and foreign exchange activities had allegedly raised suspicions. Additional Superintendent of Police of Kangra, Aditi Singh said, The National Investigation Agency yesterday gave us intimation that they will be conducting a raid in McLeodganj regarding a human trafficking case. While today morning around 5 AM, a six-member team of NIA came from Chandigarh which was headed by an inspector-level officer. They raided a premises and arrested a 32-year-old person, Sunny. The raid was related to sending people illegally via the Dunki route to the United States. The raid went on for about four to five hours. A case was registered on charges of human trafficking, criminal conspiracy and other charges, she said.
Punjab & Haryana HC seeks states reply on Majithias plea against arrest
CHANDIGARH, July 4: The Punjab and Haryana High Court Friday asked the Punjab advocate general to respond to Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithias plea against arrest and remand in a disproportionate assets case. Justice Tribhuvan Dahiya deferred the hearing to July 8 without any interim relief to the SAD leader. The court also asked Punjab Advocate General Maninderjit Singh Bedi to seek instructions on the plea, said Majithias counsel Arshdeep Singh Kler. The state counsel has been asked [] The post Punjab & Haryana HC seeks states reply on Majithias plea against arrest appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Shubhman Gill's historic double century in England has filled his 90-year-old grandfather, Didar Singh, with youthful vigor. Watching from home, Didar Singh expressed immense pride in Shubhman's achievement, recalling his grandson's early passion for cricket.
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Police has arrested one of its own Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP) for allegedly attempting to bribe the staff of a senior official in a bid to suppress a complaint filed against him. Sources revealed that DSP Rajan Pal, posted in the Crime Against Women Cell in Faridkot, was booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act after he was caught allegedly offering a bribe of Rs 1 lakh to Assistant Sub-Inspector Jaswinder Singh, reader to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Faridkot, Dr Pragya Jain. The complaint against Rajan Pal originated from Kiranjit Kaur of Pakka village, who had filed a case related to a matrimonial dispute. Her brother, Karmtej Singh, alleged that the DSP had demanded Rs 1 lakh to act on their case. Despite allegedly receiving the money, the officer failed to take any action. When the family reported the matter to SSP Dr Pragya Jain, the accused officer allegedly attempted to bribe her staff to cover up his misconduct. A senior police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the arrest and stated that a case has been registered against DSP Rajan Pal. He has been taken into custody and further investigations are underway. Disciplinary action, including suspension, is likely. This incident comes just two days after the Punjab Vigilance Bureau arrested Head Constable Raj Kumar, who was working as the assistant reader to the DSP of Bhucho, Ravinder Singh. He was caught red-handed accepting a bribe of Rs 1 lakh. A case under the Prevention of Corruption Act was registered at the Vigilance Bureaus police station in the Bathinda range. Additionally, last month, DSP Harbans Singh Dhaliwal, posted as DSP-1 in Bathinda, was suspended for alleged misconduct in the handling of organised crime cases.
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LUCKNOW: Veer, the newborn who was found in a bag in Patna-Chandigarh Special Train under Moradabad jurisdiction on June 22 is not only the apple of every eye in the Womens Hospital where he is recuperating after fighting for life, but also the one who has drawn a long queue of over 40 families willing to adopt him. As per Moradabad district probation officer SP Gautam, after surviving extreme conditions of breathlessness while being inside a bag for almost 10 hours, the infantnow lovingly named Veer by the hospital staffis showing signs of recovery. After being recovered by the passengers onboard the Patna-Chandigarh Special Train, the infant boy was rushed to the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) at the Womens Hospital in Moradabad. According to Dr Nirmala Pathak, the Chief Medical Superintendent of Womens Hospital, Veer was initially placed on CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) due to severe breathing difficulties caused by oxygen deprivation. He had been trapped in the bag for nearly 10 hours, which had led to hypoxiaa condition that could have been fatal had he not received timely medical care. Dr Pathak said that the infants respiratory rate was abnormally high and was kept on CPAP support for 72 hours and was later shifted to standard oxygen support. As his condition improved, oxygen support was gradually withdrawn, and he is now breathing independently, she added. The doctor also claimed that had the child remained in the bag for two more hours, it would have been impossible to save him. However, Veer is still facing difficulty in feeding and is being nourished via IV drips. First, he survived for hours in a bag, and then he fought for his life in the ICU. He truly deserves the name Veer (which means brave), said one of the hospitals staff members. Once Veer gets better completely, he will be handed over to Childline, a government-supported child welfare organisation. Meanwhile, law enforcement authorities were actively looking for people who had abandoned the child in the train. As per Railway Protection Force (RPF) commandant Utkarsh Narayan, a SIM card was also recovered from the bag in which the infant was found and the authorities were trying to locate the culprit through electronic surveillance. In another case of abandonment and eventual adoption, an infant girl who was found in the bushes near Gagan Tiraha in Mainather on the eve of Dhanteras last year, has finally found a home. Lakshmi had been grievously injured by stray dogs, with deep wounds on her hip. She spent nearly six weeks at the SNCU of the Womens Hospital. The girl was finally adopted by a Chennai-based doctor couple.
Indore, Pune, Lucknow shine at National ULB meet with innovative urban models
CHANDIGARH: Municipal Corporations of Lucknow, Pune and Indore were recognised among the best-performing urban local bodies during the first national conference of urban local body chairpersons held in Manesar, Haryana. Addressing public representatives from across the country after inaugurating the first-ever two-day National Conference on Strengthening Constitutional Democracy and the Role of Urban Local Bodies in Nation Building, held at the ICAT-2 Campus Auditorium in Manesar, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said that elected representatives of urban local bodies must fulfil their responsibilities with a clear focus on the vision of Developed India 2047, adopting innovative approaches, strong leadership, and practical skills. He urged all representatives to take a pledge: My corporation, my council, my municipality, and my city should be counted among the cleanest and most beautiful cities in the world. Birla added that if urban local body representatives step forward with a positive attitude, they can undoubtedly bring dynamic and energetic changes to urban areas. He noted that urban local bodies, as the smallest units of the nation, are now playing a strong and vital role in steering the country in a new direction. The gathering, he said, aimed to explore ways to strengthen Indias democratic institutions for a brighter future. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini urged all public representatives to commit themselves to realising Prime Minister Modis vision of a developed India by 2047. He called upon them to carry the spirit of this resolution, taken from the soil of Haryana, to their respective municipal bodies and share it with the people in their constituencies during House meetings. Saini described urban local bodies as foundational institutions, the first school and nursery of democracy. The deeper the roots of democracy at the local level, the stronger our nation becomes, he remarked. He said that when modern infrastructure delivers quality services to citizens, people feel confident that they have entrusted their local governance to capable hands. A developed India and a developed Haryana can only be achieved through developed cities. Saini noted that Cyber City Gurugram is a model of urban development. Additionally, five ultra-modern cities are being developed under the Panch Gram Yojana along the 180-km-long KMP corridor. The plan has been designed to accommodate a population of 75 lakh by the year 2050. Emphasising the importance of strengthening and ensuring transparency in urban local bodies, Saini said Haryana is rapidly adopting e-governance to achieve this goal. Every municipal corporation in the state now operates through digital portals, and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) are being utilised to address citizens concerns efficiently. He said property tax, electricity billing, and solid waste management are being prioritised to enhance urban service delivery. Every municipal body in the state will be required to prepare and implement a Green Action Plan. At the event, public representatives and administrative officers from these cities shared their best practices with counterparts from other states, fostering a collaborative exchange of innovative urban development strategies. Lucknow highlighted initiatives such as the use of e-vehicles for waste collection instead of diesel or petrol-powered vehicles, the establishment of high-capacity waste processing plants, and the transformation of dumping sites into national inspiration points. Pune showcased its ward-wise waste collection systems, electricity generation through biogas plants, and integrated waste management techniques. Indore presented successful models involving GPS-enabled garbage collection vehicles, the 'Safai Mitra' workforce, and active public participation in maintaining cleanliness. Lucknow Mayor Sushma Kharkwal said that the foundation of a developed India by 2047 rests on strong and efficient urban local bodies, where capable leadership and active citizen participation play a pivotal role. She said that despite a population of nearly 50 lakh, Lucknow has emerged as a zero-waste city. The city has also developed urban forests using the Miyawaki method and deployed mechanical sweepers to clean roads. To boost eco-tourism, attractions like the Mango Museum Park and nature trails are being created. Additionally, over 20,000 trees have been planted along the Kuret River as part of the national campaign Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam . Pune Municipal Commissioner Puneet Raj and ward councillors presented impactful examples of waste collection and electricity generation from ward-level biogas plants. They also highlighted successful initiatives such as slum redevelopment projects, transformed into permanent housing following necessary policy amendments, and the adoption of the Light House Project under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. A standout example of sustainable development is Punes tree ambulance service and its dedicated call centre for urban greenery maintenance. Additionally, the city has introduced smart water meters and launched the Swachh Cooperative initiative for effective solid waste management. During a key session of the two-day national conference, Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava and Commissioner Shivam Vermas team shared the fundamental approach that has helped Indore retain its title as India's cleanest city. Addressing municipal representatives from across the country, they emphasised that cleanliness in Indore is not just a civic dutyit is a collective cultural mindset. Indore, which comprises 85 municipal wards, has successfully instilled a strong sense of ownership among its citizens towards keeping their homes, neighbourhoods, streets, and public spaces clean. This citizen-driven model is complemented by the dedication of Safai Mitras , who begin their duties every day at 6 a.m. The citys sanitation operations are monitored by the local administration. Each waste collection vehicle is GPS-enabled, and delays as short as 10 minutes trigger immediate accountability measures for the driver concerned. This disciplined approach has allegedly resulted in the imposition of over 1.5 crore in fines within a single year against those violating cleanliness norms. As part of the citys digital transformation, unique ID numbers and QR codes are being affixed to homes. Residents can scan these codes to access municipal services and receive important civic information.
Punjab: HC to hear SAD leader Majithias plea against his arrest, remand on Jul 4
CHANDIGARH, July 3: The Punjab and Haryana High Court will hear on Friday Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithias plea against his arrest and subsequent remand in a disproportionate assets case registered against him by the Vigilance Bureau. The matter came up before the bench of Justice Tribhuvan Dahiya, who adjourned the hearing for a day to allow Majithias counsel to place a fresh remand order of the former Akali minister issued in the case. Majithias counsel Arshdeep Singh [] The post Punjab: HC to hear SAD leader Majithias plea against his arrest, remand on Jul 4 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Pitbull owner in Punjab arrested for allegedly using dogs to hunt protected porcupines
CHANDIGARH: In a rare case in Punjab, the owner of a Pitbull has been arrested by the Punjab Police for allegedly using the dog, known for its keen sense of smell and strong muscular build, to illegally hunt porcupines, a protected animal species. The arrest followed the intervention of animal rights activist and BJP MP Maneka Gandhi. Pitbulls have been bred and used for hunting for centuries, with many hunters across the world preferring this breed as a skilled hunting companion. After Maneka Gandhi intervened and sent an e-mail to the Chief Wildlife Warden of Punjab, Ajay Kumar of Jansua village in Rajpura was arrested by the state police. Two of his dogs, both of the boxer breed, were also taken into custody. Sources said Kumar was allegedly rearing Pitbulls specifically for the illegal hunting of protected animal species and had uploaded videos of the activity on social media to gain more views and promote the act. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden, Punjab, Dharminder Sharma said such wildlife act violations will not be tolerated. Strict action will be taken against the alleged accused in the future, as field officers have been given clear instructions in this regard, he said. Porcupines, listed under Schedule IV of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, are protected species, and hunting or killing them is a punishable offence. Porcupine is hunted rampantly for its meat and in addition, its bones and sharp quills are used for medicinal purposes, as they use their quills to protect themselves from predators, Sharma said. He added, A complaint via e-mail along with a pen drive was received from Maneka Gandhis office, showing the Instagram account of the accused in which he is allegedly seen using his dogs to hunt a porcupine. In the past, dogs have also been used in rabbit races by people conducting illegal races, Sharma added. A case has been registered under Sections 9, 39, and 51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (amended 2022) at Sadar Rajpura police station. The accused, Ajay Kumar, has been arrested for allegedly training and using Pitbulls to hunt wild animals, including porcupines. We apprehend that the accused got to know about the police raid and managed to shift his dogs to another safer location. We will try to trace the dogs and also question him. Besides, people who bought porcupine meat will be identified, and strict action as per law will be taken against them, said a senior police official. Patiala Divisional Forest Officer (Wildlife), Guramanpreet Singh, said, The videos of the Pitbulls posted by the accused were later deleted by him. We are trying to find out if he has been involved in hunting more animals and if he has been supplying the meat and other animal parts to others. As soon as the e-mail was received, our team got into action and the alleged accused Kumar was identified. Police were then approached to arrest him, Singh added.
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Governor Gulab Chand Kataria administered the oath of office and secrecy to Mr. Arora in a ceremony at the Raj Bhavan in Chandigarh
Kanwar Gurpreet Singh Gill, a lawyer and endurance cyclist, has become the first rider from North India to earn the International Super Randonneur title. Gill's accomplishments include completing multiple long-distance rides, pioneering tandem cycling in India, and participating in prestigious events like Paris-Brest-Paris.
PU Result 2025 Released at puexam.in Direct Link to Download 1st Semester Result
PU Result 2025: Panjab University,Chandigarh Result 2025 has been released on puexam.in. Here is the direct Link to check your M.Pharmacy 1st Semester Results Online.
BRICS countries now generate more than half of the worlds solar power
A new report reveals BRICS nations now generate over half of the world's solar electricity, a significant rise from 15% a decade ago. China leads with 834 TWh, followed by India and Brazil, showcasing a major shift in clean energy adoption. Solar alone met 36% of the increase in BRICS electricity demand in 2024.
80 vet graduates in limbo: Punjab Council cancels registrations over college recognition issue
Eighty veterinary graduates in Punjab face an uncertain future as their college, affiliated with GADVASU, lacks Veterinary Council of India recognition. The Punjab Veterinary Council has cancelled their registrations, directing them to surrender certificates. While a VCI team recommended recognition, the Union Ministry raised concerns, leaving the university working to address them and the graduates in limbo.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has asserted that a man's financial constraints are not a valid excuse to avoid providing maintenance to his wife and children. The court dismissed a petition by a Haryana resident challenging a family court order that directed him to pay 24,700 monthly to his wife and two children.
VIP roads in Mohali lose sheen as monsoon exposes civic failures
Mohali court extends police remand of SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia by 4 days
Possible resumption of Op Sindoor, overflowing rivers making farmers jittery
Honey buzzard dares where angels would fear
MC suspends JE for Chd road cave-in
PGIs healing scam survived even on dead patients
2 kids drown in rain-filled pit in Mohalis Balongi village
1 vehicle stolen daily; recovery is only 26.6% in Panchkula
Rs 10L fine, no voting rights: Cong MLA Bawa Henry seeks 2-child policy in Punjab
Chandigarh MC conducts surprise inspection, issues challans for use of plastic bags
Chandigarh administration demolishes 10 residential structures in Manimajra
Centre approves supplementary funds for Punjab under National Health Mission
Seized paneer contained harmful detergents, oils: Report
Ferozepur Central Jail faces scrutiny as authorities recovered six mobile phones for the third consecutive day, raising concerns about security lapses. A PESCO employee was caught with two touchscreen phones, while four more keypad phones were discovered within the premises. This incident follows the seizure of six phones on June 30 and five on July 1.
World bank delegation inspects Saraswati river and recharge system in Haryana
A World Bank team visited Haryana to assess the Saraswati River recharge projects, praising the state's irrigation and water management efforts. Eleven recharge reservoirs have significantly raised groundwater levels, enabling continuous water flow for the past three years. Haryana aims for year-round flow by constructing a dam and barrage, recognizing the river's cultural and civilizational importance.
Ferozepur police nabs five drug traffickers with heroin and ICE
Ferozepur police have intensified their anti-drug campaign, arresting five traffickers in three separate operations. Authorities seized 1.774 kg of heroin and 400 grams of ICE (crystal meth), along with vehicles and mobile phones. The arrests highlight a concerning trend of young individuals, aged 18 to 30, becoming involved in drug trafficking within the region.
Medical negligence protest leads to hospital boycott of 2 villages in Punjab
SAD leader Majithias custody extended as Badal lashes out at undeclared emergency in Punjab
CHANDIGARH: A Mohali court on Tuesday extended by four days the vigilance custody of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia, brother-in-law of party president Sukhbir Singh Badal. Majithia was earlier arrested in a disproportionate assets (DA) case. Meanwhile, Badal and several party workers were taken into preventive custody by Punjab Police to stop them from marching to the district court complex to express solidarity with Majithia. Majithia was produced before the court amid tight security outside the Vigilance Bureau (VB) office and the district court complex in Mohali after his seven-day vigilance remand ended. He will be produced in court again on Sunday. He was brought to the court in a cavalcade of vehicles under heavy police protection. The special public prosecutor stated that an alleged benami property of around 400 acres had been found at Mashobra in Shimla district. Speaking to the media after a three-hour hearing, public prosecutor Ferry Sofat said the court extended Majithias remand by four more days after the Vigilance Bureau filed an application. Meanwhile, SAD workers had gathered at Gurdwara Amb Sahib in Mohali to stage a protest against the vendetta politics of the AAP government, with several workers reaching Mohali from different parts of the state. The police detained a few workers en route to Mohali to prevent any law-and-order situation. The Punjab Vigilance Bureau arrested Majithia on 25 June in the DA case, which allegedly involves laundering of 540 crore of drug money. Following his arrest, the court on 26 June remanded him to seven days of vigilance custody. In the fresh case registered against Majithia, the VB claimed preliminary investigations had revealed laundering of over 540 crore of drug money through multiple channels, allegedly facilitated by him. In 2021, Majithia was booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The action was based on a 2018 report of the anti-drug Special Task Force. He spent more than five months in Patiala jail and walked out of prison in August 2022 after being granted bail by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Badal, who was whisked away from Gurdwara Amb Sahib in Mohali, accused the AAP-led Punjab government of imposing an undeclared emergency in the state by cracking down on SAD workers who, he said, had the right to express solidarity with Majithia. Badal alleged that Arvind Kejriwal committed heinous sacrilege against sacred Sikh Gurdhams by abusing police to prevent devotees, including Akali workers, from paying obeisance at Gurdwara Amb Sahib, Mohali this morning. Earlier, Badal courted arrest along with numerous Akali workers to protest what he described as political vendetta symbolised by the registration of a false case against senior leader Bikram Singh Majithia. He said, That case is nothing but a symptom of Kejriwals hatred against Punjabis and an attempt to cover up his greed and loot in Punjab. Badal was stopped by police squads from visiting Gurdwara Amb Sahib to pay obeisance. He was scheduled to lead Akali workers to the State Vigilance Bureau office to protest the political vendetta unleashed against Akali leader Bikram Majithia. He said the AAP was so afraid of the Shiromani Akali Dal that it launched a state-level crackdown on Akali workers and detained hundreds of senior leaders and workers at their residences, besides making preventive arrests. Everything in Punjab is being directed and run by Arvind Kejriwal. Police cases are just a faade. The real issue is the hatred this communal leader has against Punjabis. We, as Sikhs, Punjabis and Akalis, accept his challenge. We will not allow Punjab to be ruled by communal elements from Delhi, Badal alleged. He further claimed, Kejriwal and his gang have finally and unashamedly shown their true dictatorial colours and brought back the dark memories of the worst draconian days of the Emergency. Now, as during the Emergency, the real targets are Punjabis in general and Akalis in particular. Badal added that Kejriwal had resorted to repression as a last desperate measure to divert public attention from the loot that his gang was currently carrying out in Punjab. Repression and political vendetta, he said, were the last resorts of all unpopular and rootless leaders. Describing the crackdown on peaceful Akalis as worse than that during the Emergency or even the Jaitu Da Morcha, he said, Not even during those days were Sikhs stopped from going to their sacred shrines, as Akali workers and I were stopped today from peacefully visiting our Gurdham, Gurdwara Amb Sahib, Mohali.
