BSF To Undertake Mega IED Detection Drive Along India-Pakistan Border In Punjab
New Delhi, Apr 10: The BSF will undertake an anti-IED sweep along hundreds of kilometres of the India-Pakistan border in Punjab following the first-time recovery of such bombs leading to one jawan being injured, official sources said on Thursday. The force also recently shifted the jurisdiction of about 20.3 kilometres from the total 553 kilometres under its Punjab frontier, headquartered in Jalandhar, to the neighbouring Jammu frontier for better security coordination in the riverine areas that run along Pathankot in [] The post BSF To Undertake Mega IED Detection Drive Along India-Pakistan Border In Punjab appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Jalandhar blast: Accused in 6-day police custody
Jalandhar blast kingpin also named in Baba Siddique murder case
A grenade attack targeted BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia's Jalandhar residence, initially mistaken for a transformer blast. The explosion damaged his vehicle and property. Kalia reported a delayed police response. Suspect Zeeshan, linked to gangster Happy Passia and potentially Pakistan-based BKI, faces multiple criminal charges, including connection to a Mumbai murder.
Grenade hit on BJP neta's Punjab house; cops claim role of ISI, Bishnoi, nab 2
A grenade attack at BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia's Jalandhar residence, the 22nd such incident in Punjab since September, has sparked investigations into potential ISI and Lawrence Bishnoi gang links. Two suspects are arrested for the attack, allegedly orchestrated by Zeeshan Akhtar and Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti. The incident led to the removal of Punjab's intelligence chief.
Grenade attack on BJP neta Kalia's Jalandhar house; 2 held
Blast at Punjab BJP leaders residence; Two arrested
Chandigarh: A blast took place at the residence of BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia in Punjabs Jalandhar district, causing panic in the area. Police arrested two persons and said it was a conspiracy of Pakistans spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), to create communal tension in Punjab. A loud sound was heard at around 1 am at Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Caught On CCTV: Late-Night Grenade Attack At BJP Leader's Punjab Home
Footage from CCTV cameras outside and inside the Jalandhar home of BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia captured how the accused in an e-rickshaw lobbed a grenade inside the former minister's residence and the massive blast it led to.
ISI, Lawrence Bishnoi involved in blast at BJP leader's Jalandhar home: Police
Two individuals have been apprehended in connection with the blast at Punjab BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia's Jalandhar residence. Police recovered the e-rickshaw used in the crime. According to authorities, the incident, which damaged Kalia's property, was a conspiracy to disrupt communal harmony orchestrated by Pakistan's ISI, with possible links to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and the Babbar Khalsa International.
CHANDIGARH: Two persons have been arrested in connection with a blast at Punjab BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia's residence in Jalandhar, a senior police officer said on Tuesday. He further said the e-rickshaw used in the crime has also been recovered. Addressing the media here, Special Director General of Police (law and order) Arpit Shukla said the crime was committed to disturb communal harmony. It was a major conspiracy of Pakistan's ISI. Zeeshan Akhtar, who is an associate of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and (Pakistani gangster) Shahzad Bhatti, they had hatched a conspiracy, said Shukla. He further said an investigation into the possible links of the Babbar Khalsa International is also underway, adding that Punjab Police was also in touch with the central agencies. A blast at Kalia's residence in Jalandhar early Tuesday damaged an aluminum partition, shattered glass windows of his home, his SUV and a motorcycle in the courtyard. No one was hurt, police said. Kalia, a former Cabinet minister and former president of Punjab BJP, was at home when the explosion took place. He is also a member of the BJP's national executive. There have been many incidents of explosions, targeting police posts in Amritsar and Gurdaspur in the past four to five months but this is the first such incident when the house of a prominent politician was targeted. Last month, a blast occurred outside a temple in Amritsar.
Police arrest two over blast at BJP leaders home, point to ISI, Bishnoi ties
Chandigarh: Two persons have been arrested in connection with a blast at Punjab BJP leader Manoranjan Kalias residence in Jalandhar, a senior police officer said Tuesday. He further said the e-rickshaw used in the crime had also been recovered. Addressing the media here, Special Director General of Police (law and order) Arpit Shukla said the []
Punjab Blast Accused Arrested, Cops Find A Lawrence Bishnoi Link
The grenade attack at BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia's home in Punjab's Jalandhar was masterminded by Zeeshan Akhtar, a close associate of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and a wanted accused in the murder case of NCP leader Baba Siddiqui, sources said
2 held for Jalandhar grenade attack; cops find Lawrence Bishnoi, Babbar Khalsa link
Punjab Police have apprehended two individuals linked to the grenade attack on BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia's Jalandhar residence. The suspects allegedly used an e-rickshaw, which has been recovered, and are connected to a plot involving Zeeshan Akhtar, Pakistan-based Shehzad Bhatti, the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, and Babbar Khalsa International.
Punjab: Blast outside BJP leader Manoranjan Kalias house in Jalandhar, probe launched
CHANDIGARH, Apr 8: A blast took place at the residence of BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia in Punjabs Jalandhar district, causing panic in the area. Kalia is a former Cabinet minister and former president of Punjab BJP. He is also a member of the BJPs national executive. A loud sound was heard at around 1 am [] The post Punjab: Blast outside BJP leader Manoranjan Kalias house in Jalandhar, probe launched appeared first on Northlines .
Blast At BJP leader Manoranjan Kalias Residence In Punjabs Jalandhar; Opposition Slams AAP Govt
CHANDIGARH, Apr 8: A blast took place at the residence of BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia in Punjabs Jalandhar district, causing panic in the area. Kalia is a former Cabinet minister and former president of Punjab BJP. He is also a member of the BJPs national executive. A loud sound was heard at around 1 am at the residence of Kalia near Shastri Market in Jalandhar, said police. No one was hurt in the incident, said Deputy Commissioner of Police Manpreet [] The post Blast At BJP leader Manoranjan Kalias Residence In Punjabs Jalandhar; Opposition Slams AAP Govt appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Following an explosion outside BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia's Jalandhar residence, BJP State President Sunil Jakhar has strongly criticized chief minister Bhagwant Mann and the AAP government regarding Punjab's deteriorating law and order. Jakhar accused Mann of misusing police resources, alleging intelligence personnel were deployed to monitor Delhi Congress headquarters instead of preventing such incidents.
'Blast' outside BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia's residence in Jalandhar
Police are investigating the incident that took place at the home of the former Punjab Cabinet minister
Blast outside BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia's home in Punjab
A loud sound was heard at around 1 am outside Kalia's residence near Shastri Market in Jalandhar, police said, adding that no one was hurt in the incident.
Blast outside BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia's residence in Jalandhar, Opposition slams AAP govt
CHANDIGARH: A last took place outside the residence of BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia in Punjab's Jalandhar district, causing panic in the area. Deputy Commissioner of Police Manpreet Singh said forensic teams have reached the spot to collect samples. A loud sound was heard at around 1 am outside Kalia's residence near Shastri Market in Jalandhar, police said, adding that no one was hurt in the incident. No one was hurt in the incident, said Deputy Commissioner of Police Manpreet Singh, adding, The forensic team is investigating the matter. Speaking to reporters, Kalia said it could be a hand-grenade blast. The grenade attack was so severe that the partition in the house was severely damaged. The window glass of the kitchen was damaged. A bathroom door was damaged, said Kalia. There was some damage to the floor of the entrance and his SUV as well. Kalia said he was sleeping when he heard the sound of the explosion. He said he initially thought there was a blast in the electric transformer because of overloading. His driver then told him it was a blast. Thereafter, he called the police but nobody picked up the phone, he said. Then he sent his gunman to the police station, Kalia added. BJP Jalandhar district president Sushil Sharma said some unidentified persons came in an e-rickshaw and threw a hand-grenade towards the leader's residence. Senior police officers, including Jalandhar Police Commissioner Dhanpreet Kaur, reached the spot to take stock of the situation. Kaur told reporters that police received information about the explosion at around 1 am. We have checked the spot. Our forensic teams also investigated it. We will register an FIR and further investigate the incident, she said. We are examining the CCTV trail, she said, and added, We have secured nearby areas. Asked whether it was a hand-grenade attack, Kaur said the forensic team has collected samples from the spot. Whatever information we receive, we will share, she further said. Police said it was examining the CCTV footage to trace the accused. There have been many incidents of explosions, targeting police posts in Amritsar and Gurdaspur in the past four to five months. Last month, a blast occurred outside a temple in Amritsar. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu and Pathankot MLA Ashwani Sharma visited Kalia's residence. Many other BJP leaders and party supporters also gathered at his residence. Opposition parties targeted the AAP government over the law and order situation following the blast at the residence of Kalia. Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal sought the resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who holds the home portfolio. Lawlessness has crossed all bounds in Punjab. After attacks on police stations, places of worship & vandalism of statues of Babasaheb Dr BR Ambedkar, now the residence of a former minister & senior BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia has been subject to a grenade attack. All these incidents make it clear the @AamAadmiParty & chief minister @BhagwantMann are unable to come to grips with the situation. The CM must take moral responsibility for these incidents & resign immediately, said Badal in a post on X. Lawlessness has crossed all bounds in Punjab. After attacks on police stations, places of worship & vandalism of statues of Babasaheb Dr. BR Ambedkar, now the residence of a former minister & senior BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia has been subject to a grenade attack. All these pic.twitter.com/CJEmESTGfp Sukhbir Singh Badal (@officeofssbadal) April 8, 2025 Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly and Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa also hit out at the chief minister over the incident. The grenade attack on Shri Manoranjan Kalia's residence is a stark reminder of the escalating violence in Punjab under CM @BhagwantMann's tenure. Since he assumed office, there have been multiple blasts, including the Mohali RPG attack in May 2022 and the series of grenade attacks on police stations in late 2024. This pattern underscores a significant lapse in maintaining law and order. If the Chief Minister @BhagwantMann cannot ensure the safety of citizens, he should step down, said Bajwa. The grenade attack on Shri Manoranjan Kalias residence is a stark reminder of the escalating violence in Punjab under CM @BhagwantMann s tenure. Since he assumed office, there have been multiple blasts, including the Mohali RPG attack in May 2022 and the series of grenade pic.twitter.com/9XDXMR6huJ Partap Singh Bajwa (@Partap_Sbajwa) April 8, 2025
Blast outside BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia's residence in Jalandhar
CHANDIGARH: A last took place outside the residence of BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia in Punjab's Jalandhar district, causing panic in the area. Deputy Commissioner of Police Manpreet Singh said forensic teams have reached the spot to collect samples. A loud sound was heard at around 1 am outside Kalia's residence near Shastri Market in Jalandhar, police said, adding that no one was hurt in the incident. The forensic team is investigating the matter, Singh told PTI. Police is also examining the CCTV footage to trace the accused. Kalia is a former Cabinet minister and former president of Punjab BJP. Senior police officers, including Jalandhar Police Commissioner Dhanpreet Kaur, reached the spot to take stock of the situation. Kaur told reporters that police received information about the explosion at around 1 am. We have checked the spot. Our forensic teams also investigated it. We will register an FIR and further investigate the incident, she said. We have secured the area, she added. Asked whether it was a hand-grenade attack, Kaur said the forensic team has collected samples from the spot. Whatever information we receive, we will share, she further said. There have been many incidents of explosions, targeting police posts in Amritsar and Gurdaspur in the past four to five months. Last month, a blast occurred outside a temple in Amritsar.
'I Was Sleeping When...': BJP's Manoranjan Kalia Reacts To Blast Outside Jalandhar Home; Probe On
A police team and forensic team arrived at the spot and launched an investigation
An explosion occurred outside the Jalandhar residence of BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia in Punjab around 1 am, prompting a police investigation. Authorities are examining CCTV footage and forensic evidence to determine if it was a grenade attack. Kalia reported hearing a loud noise, initially mistaking it for thunder.
Singer Hans Raj Hans To Host Prayer Meet For Late Wife Resham Kaur On April 11 | Details Inside
Singer Hans Raj Hans's wife, Resham Kaur, passed away on April 2 after a prolonged illness. A Bhog and Antim Ardaas ceremony will be held on April 11, 2025, in Jalandhar.
Kashmiri Shawl Seller Dies in Road Accident in Punjab
SRINAGAR: A 51-year-old Kashmiri man, Ghulam Hassan Lone, was killed after being hit by a motorcycle in the Sodal area of Jalandhar, Punjab, on Saturday. Lone, a resident of Gaziriyal, Kralpora in north Kashmirs Kupwara district, was a seasonal shawl seller in Punjab. According to eyewitnesses, the accident occurred while he was on the road. [] The post Kashmiri Shawl Seller Dies in Road Accident in Punjab appeared first on Kashmir Life .
Punjab Congress leaders voice dissent against MP Warring, LoP Bajwa's Leadership
CHANDIGARH: With two years left for the 2027 Assembly elections, dissent is brewing within the Punjab Congress, as several senior leaders have raised concerns over the working style of state unit president and Ludhiana MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa. Sources said that on Thursday, several top leaders, including state unit working president Bharat Bhushan Ashu, vice-presidents Pargat Singh, Khushaldeep Dhillon, Inderbir Bolaria, former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and former Cabinet minister Tript Rajinder Bajwa, met Punjab affairs in-charge and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in New Delhi to air their grievances. The meeting, sources said, was triggered by a show-cause notice issued to former Faridkot MLA and state party vice-president Khushaldeep Dhillon for allegedly breaching party discipline by airing issues during a television interview. Former Cabinet minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu, who has been given a ticket by the Congress from Ludhiana (West) for the upcoming bypolls, is reportedly upset over the lack of support from the state leadership when he was arrested by the Aam Aadmi Party-led state vigilance bureau in what he called a political vendetta. Ashu is facing corruption charges in a foodgrain transportation case. The dissenting leaders told Baghel that the notice to Dhillon was unwarranted, asserting that he had not said anything against the party. They also complained of being sidelined in key decision-making by the states top leadership. Meanwhile, Jalandhar Cantonment MLA and former Indian hockey team captain Pargat Singh is also learnt to have voiced displeasure with Bajwa during the meeting. This comes just days after Baghel met senior Punjab Congress leaders to address internal differences. Earlier, Baghel had supported both Warring and Bajwa, urging party members to unite ahead of the 2027 Assembly polls. He had also dismissed rumours of a leadership change following senior leader Rana Gurjeet Singh calling Warring a selfish leader and expressing willingness to take over the state unit. Rana Gurjeet's son, Rana Inder Partap Singh, had contested as an Independent from Sultanpur Lodhi after being denied a Congress ticket in the 2022 Assembly elections and won. Warring, however, downplayed the meeting, saying the leaders met Baghel not against him, but to strengthen the party, and termed the notice to Dhillon an internal matter of the party. There seems to be no end in sight to the infighting within the Punjab Congress. Just last month, during the partys political affairs committee meeting in Delhi, objections were raised against Warring and Bajwa for allegedly not involving all members in major decisions and placing personal interests above those of the party.
NIT Jalandhar Recruitment 2025 Apply Offline: Dr B R Ambedkar National Institute of Technology Jalandhar (NIT Jalandhar) has announced the recruitment of 01 Junior Research Fellow in 2025. Candidates With M.E/M.Tech Can Apply Offline on or before 10-04-2025.
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CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Waqf Board owns a total of 36,625.83 acres of land across the state, but over 14,000 acres of this land are currently under illegal encroachment. Ongoing litigation regarding these encroachments is being heard in various courts, including the Supreme Court. According to sources, data from the Board reveals that the Punjab Waqf Board has a total of 75,965 registered properties and 25,403 registered waqf estates. The Board owns 36,625.83 acres of land across the state, with approximately 14,085.004 acres, or 38.46%, currently under illegal encroachment. The remaining 61.45% of the land is being used for its intended purposes. While 18 cases are pending in the Supreme Court, 462 cases going in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, 1,157 civil suits in different courts for declaration, possession or eviction pending before the five waqf tribunals in the stare and civil courts, said sources. Talking with the TNIE, Latif Ahmed Thind, Executive Officer of Punjab Waqf Board, said, The total number of waqf board properties in Punjab is 75,965. The major problem is illegal encroachments across the state as the maximum encroachments are in Bathinda, followed by Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar and Patiala. In many cases, the illegal encroachers are sitting on these properties since 1947 and in many others the lease with the board finished but they did not vacate the property or gave its procession to someone else. Both influential people and common persons have encroached upon the waqf board properties. While in Samana near Patiala many shanties are there and those people refuse to vacate. It is just of people from other religions have encroached upon also people from the same community have also done illegal encroachment of the board properties in some cases, he says. We follow the due procedure of the law and cases are going in different courts including supreme court. With the amendment coming in the process will become for cumbersome.he added.
Anti-drug campaign, addicts rush for treatment, in Jalandhar 20% increase in OPD, 65% in admissions
Pastor Bajinder Singh sentenced to life imprisonment till death for sexual assault case in Punjab
CHANDIGARH: A court in Mohali today sentenced 42-year-old self-styled pastor Bajinder Singh, also known as 'Yeshu Yeshu Prophet,' to life imprisonment till death for a sexual harassment case filed against him in 2018. Additional District and Sessions judge of SAS Nagar Vikrant Gupta, pronounced the judgment as Bajinder Singh was brought from Patiala jail and produced before him amid tight security. Life imprisonment till death signifies a life sentence with no possibility of parole or release, meaning the individual will remain incarcerated until natural death. After the sentencing verdict was pronounced by the court, Anil Kumar Sagar lawyer of the victim said, The accused Bajinder Singh has been sentenced to life imprisonment. He will remain behind bars till death. Today only quantum of sentenced was pronounced by the court. We are satisfied with the quantum of sentence. We had full faith in the court. For this kind of person to remain in society is very dangerous. The message has to go to the society that nobody dares to do this kind of shameful act again. The victim said, I thank the court for the verdict and also my lawyers who fought it out. This case was buried due to political pressure and money power. The case pertains to a rape charge filed by a Zirakpur-based woman, who alleged that Singh sexually assaulted her on the pretext of taking her abroad and also made an obscene video of her. An FIR, registered on April 20, 2018, at the Zirakpur police station, charging Singh and five othersJatinder, Akbar Ali, Sattar Ali, Sucha Singh, and Sandeep Pehelwanwith rape, cheating, outraging the modesty of a woman, obscenity, causing hurt, criminal intimidation, and transmitting sexually explicit content. However, the co-accused were acquitted. Singh, who was arrested at Delhi airport in 2018, had been out on bail but repeatedly avoided court hearings, citing illness. In March, the court issued non-bailable warrants (NBWs) against him for failing to appear. Singh, who is based in Jalandhar, runs two churchesThe Church of Glory and Wisdom in Tajpur (Jalandhar) and Majri (Mohali). His sermons, which draw thousands of followers, are broadcast live on YouTube through his channel Prophet Bajinder Singh, which has 3.74 million subscribers. Singh converted to Christianity in 2012 and gained a following by claiming to perform faith healing and miracles. His church, which he asserts has branches across India and abroad, holds large congregations where people seek spiritual healing and relief from ailments. He was recently booked in another sexual harassment case on February 28, 2025, following a complaint by a 22-year-old woman. The Punjab Police has formed a three-member special investigation team (SIT) to probe the allegations. The Punjab State Women Commission has also taken suo-motu notice and ordered security for the complainant. Meanwhile, a February 14 CCTV video surfaced, allegedly showing Singh slapping a woman and a man during an argument. Singh is now also facing fresh legal trouble over the new allegations.
Punjab Farmers protest outside residences of AAP ministers, MLAs
CHANDIGARH/HOSHIARPUR: Punjab farmers on Monday staged protests outside the residences of the AAP MLAs against police crackdown in which protesters were evicted from the Shambhu and Khanauri border points. The call for the protest was given by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. They were condemning the March 19 Punjab Police action in which it detained several farmers leaders as they were returning after a meeting with a central delegation led by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Chandigarh. The meeting was organised to discuss the farmers' demands, especially the MSP guarantee. As the departing farmers entered Mohali, they were met with heavy barricading and some of their leaders were detained. Police had evicted farmers and had dismantled temporary structures from the Shambhu and Khanauri border points. Vehicular traffic had resumed on the Shambhu-Ambala and Sangrur-Jind highways. Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee state president Satnam Singh Pannu on Monday said the protests were held outside the houses of seven ministers and 21 MLAs in 17 districts. Farmer leaders lashed out at the Bhagwant Mann government, accusing it of evicting their protests at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points in cahoots with the BJP-led Centre. KMM leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said they were also demanding compensation for the theft of tractor-trolleys, and other belongings from the protest sites following the dismantling of temporary structures by police. They wanted action against those who stole their articles from the protest sites. Several farmers, who were part of the Shambhu and Khanauri protests, have claimed that their belongings including trolleys were missing, adding that they might have been stolen. In Jalandhar, a group of farmers entered into a scuffle with Punjab Police officials and tried to force their way through barricades to head towards state minister Mohinder Bhagat. In Moga's Dharamkot, protesting farmers, who were sitting outside the residence of AAP MLA Devinderjit Singh Laddi Dhose, alleged that a security guard of the legislator allegedly drove away their vehicle from the protest site. They also alleged that their microphone was also snatched by the security guard of the Dharamkot MLA. In Hoshiarpur, protesters staged a sit-in outside the residences of state minister Dr. Ravjot Singh, MLA Jasvir Singh Raja and in front of AAP Office at Dasuya, expressing their resentment over the recent police crackdown. The protestors also raised slogans against the Punjab government. Bharatiya Kisan Union (Doaba) State President Manjit Singh Rai alleged that the state government had promised an annual revenue of Rs 20,000 crore from mining, but instead, these funds were being misappropriated. Condemning the police action, he alleged that it was carried out at the behest of the Union government. He also criticized the Punjab government, accusing it of failing to protect the interests of farmers. At Shaheed Bhagat Singh Market in Dasuya, members of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (Piddi Group) led by Zone Garna Sahib President Jagdeep Singh Jaggi staged a demonstration outside the AAP office. In Tanda, workers led by Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee District President Paramjit Singh Bhulla protested outside the residence of Urmur MLA Jasvir Singh Raja. The protesters submitted a memorandum listing their demands to the MLA.
Yeshu Yeshu prophet Bajinder Singh convicted in 2018 sexual harassment case, sentencing on April 1
CHANDIGARH: A Mohali court has found self-styled pastor Bajinder Singh, also known as Yeshu Yeshu Prophet, guilty in a 2018 sexual harassment case. The quantum of his sentence will be pronounced on April 1. The case pertains to a rape charge filed by a Zirakpur-based woman, who alleged that Singh sexually assaulted her on the pretext of taking her abroad and also made an obscene video of her. An FIR was registered on April 20, 2018, at the Zirakpur police station, charging Singh and five othersJatinder, Akbar Ali, Sattar Ali, Sucha Singh, and Sandeep Pehelwanwith rape, cheating, outraging the modesty of a woman, obscenity, causing hurt, criminal intimidation, and transmitting sexually explicit content. However, the co-accused were acquitted, according to victims lawyer Anil Sagar. Sagar welcomed the conviction, stating, After a seven-year battle, justice has been served. My client faced immense atrocities, and this verdict is also a relief for other potential victims. It is a true victory for us. At one point, we feared that his political and financial influence might allow him to go unpunished, Sagar added. The victims husband demanded the harshest punishment for Singh, alleging that they faced threats and pressure during the trial. Singh, who was arrested at Delhi airport in 2018, had been out on bail but repeatedly avoided court hearings, citing illness. In March, the court issued non-bailable warrants (NBWs) against him for failing to appear. Singh, who is based in Jalandhar, runs two churchesThe Church of Glory and Wisdom in Tajpur (Jalandhar) and Majri (Mohali). His sermons, which draw thousands of followers, are broadcast live on YouTube through his channel Prophet Bajinder Singh, which has 3.74 million subscribers. Singh converted to Christianity in 2012 and gained a following by claiming to perform faith healing and miracles. His church, which he asserts has branches across India and abroad, holds large congregations where people seek spiritual healing and relief from ailments. Singh was recently booked in another sexual harassment case on February 28, 2025, following a complaint by a 22-year-old woman. The Punjab Police has formed a three-member special investigation team (SIT) to probe the allegations. The Punjab State Women Commission has also taken suo-motu notice and ordered security for the complainant. Meanwhile, a February 14 CCTV video surfaced, allegedly showing Singh slapping a woman and a man during an argument. Singh now awaits sentencing in the 2018 case while facing fresh legal trouble over new allegations.
Wanted Babbar Khalsa terrorist Mehal Singh dies in Pakistan
Amritsar: Mehal Singh Babbar, a notorious Babbar Khalsa militant, died of kidney failure on March 24 in Nankana Sahib, Pakistan. Babbar, who had been a proclaimed offender since 1990, was wanted in connection with militancy-related activities in Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Faridkot districts during the 1980s. He passed away at a private hospital in the region, [] The post Wanted Babbar Khalsa terrorist Mehal Singh dies in Pakistan appeared first on Northlines .
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Dallewal shifted back to Patiala; arrested farmer leaders not to file any bail applications
CHANDIGARH: Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal whose fast-up-to-death entered 118th on March 23 has been shifted back to a private hospital in Patiala. The arrested farmers leaders have decided not to file any bail applications and prefer to stay behind bars. Sources said that the government reportedly decided on March 22 evening to shift Dallewal to a private hospital in Patiala, now being managed by a retired Punjab Police official. Before being shifted to Patiala, Dallewal was kept at high security at the PWD rest house in Jalandhar Cantonment with security personnel tasked with foiling any attempt by farmer leaders to reach him. He was shifted to Jalandhar following a late-night drama during which he was taken to multiple locations before he was taken to the Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Jalandhar around 2 am on March 20 from Patiala. After his detention from Mohali in a police crackdown on March 19, the police detained Dallewal and other farmer leaders, including Sarwan Singh Pandher in Mohali. They were on their way to protest sites at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders. They visited the site after holding discussions with central team of minister in Chandigarh. It is learnt that this move to shift the leader back from Jalandhar has taken many by surprise including many farmer leaders as Patiala had been the epicentre of the farmers agitation who had blocked the national highway near Shambhu and Khanauri for more than a year. Meanwhile, the arrested farmer leaders and members of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) have decided not to file any bail applications and prefer to remain inside jail. A 14-member delegation of the KMM visited these leaders Sarvan Singh Pandher, Kaka Singh Kotda, Abhimanyu Kohad, Manjit Singh Rai, Sukhwinder Kaur, PT John from Kerala, Nand Kumar, P Pandian from Tamil Nadu besides others at Central Jail in Patiala and said that the arrested leaders were in high spirits and reiterated their resolve to continue with the protest. Farmer leaders Guramneet Singh and Tejveer Singh said the leaders who have been arrested have told them not to file any bail applications as they wanted to bring out the reality of the AAP-led Punjab Government before the world. The farm leaders feel they were cheated by the state government. The government did not even care for the convenience of those who has been on a fast for the last 117 days. They have asked to keep on meeting people and mobilise then for future protests, they said.
Seven close aides of Amirtpal brought back to Punjab, remanded under police custody
CHANDIGARH: Seven close aides of Kadhoor Sahib MP and pro-khalistani leader Amritpal Singh were brought back to Punjab from Dibrugarh Central Jail in Assam. They were re-arrested in another case by the Punjab Police on March 21 and were produced before a court in Ajnala under tight security. They are remanded under police custody until March 25. The seven aides brought back are Basant Singh of Daulatpura Ucha, Bhagwant Singh alias Pradhan Mantri Bajeke of Bajeke village, Gurmeet Singh Gill alias Gurmeet Bukkanwala of Bukkanwala village located in Moga. Sarabjeet Singh Kalsi alias Daljeet Singh Kalsi of West Punjabi Bagh in New Delhi, Gurinderpal Singh Aujla alias Guri Aujla of Phagwara, Harjeet Singh alias Chacha of Jallupur Khera village in Amritsar and Kulwant Singh Dhaliwal alias Kulwant Singh of Rauke Kalan village in Moga. The state government had decided not to re-invoke the National Security Act (NSA) at the end of their detention period. The police re-arrested them in connection with an attack on Ajnala police station on the outskirts of Amritsar in 2023 and got a transit remand from a local court in Dibrugarh. All of them were released from Dibrugarh Central Jail in batches during the last few days as their detention period in the National Security Act (NSA) expired. For the past few days, a 25-member Punjab Police team had been camping in Dibrugarh. They had secured their transit remand after completing the legal transfer process from Central Jail in Dibrugarh and were brought to Ajnala. They along with the Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal were put behind bars for nearly two years. They will now face the law in the 2023 Ajnala police station attack incident as they will formally be arrested in the case. The Punjab Police had launched the crackdown after the February 23, 2023 Ajnala incident. Amritpal Singh and his supporters brandished swords and guns, broke through barricades and barged into the police station on the outskirts of Amritsar and clashed with police for the release of his aides. The Khalistan sympathizer had escaped the police net in Jalandhar district on March 18, 2023, switching vehicles and changing appearances. He was arrested from Rode village in Moga on April 23, 2023, following an over a month-long manhunt. He and his associates were booked on charges of spreading disharmony among classes, attempting to murder, attacking police personnel and creating obstructions in the lawful discharge of duty by public servants. Amritpal had fought the 2024 Lok Sabha polls as an independent and won from the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha seat.
Haryana forces remove barricades to clear Shambhu-Ambala road; Punjab farmers announce dharnas
CHANDIGARH: Following the eviction of protesting farmers from the Shambhu border, Haryana security personnel on Thursday morning started removing cemented barricades, which were erected to prevent the Punjab farmers from heading to Delhi. At the Shambhu border, JCB and other machines have been deployed to remove the concrete blocks to clear the Shambhu-Ambala road, which remained closed for over a year. The Haryana security officials had fortified the state border with Punjab with cement blocks, iron nails and barbed wire to scuttle any attempt by the farmers from Punjab to move towards the capital as part of their 'Delhi Chalo' programme. Punjab Police also resumed its operation to dismantle the remaining temporary structures on the Punjab side of the Shambhu border on Thursday to clear the road. Meanwhile, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha on Thursday announced to hold dharnas outside the offices of deputy commissioners in protest against the Punjab Police crackdown. Both the bodies, which spearheaded the farmers' stir at Shambhu and Khanauri border points, slammed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab for evicting the protesters and detaining farmer leaders on Wednesday. Punjab Police detained several farmer leaders, including Sarwan Singh Pandher and Jagjit Singh Dallewal, in Mohali on Wednesday as they were returning after a meeting with a central delegation led by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Chandigarh. Police also evicted the agitating farmers from the Shambhu and Khanauri protest sites, which were blocked for more than a year, and dismantled the temporary structures and stages put up there using JCB machines. At the meeting in Chandigarh, the seventh round of talks between the two sides, the central delegation was also represented by Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. The meeting discussed the various demands of the farmers, especially a law guaranteeing minimum support price (MSP) for crops. As the departing farmers entered Mohali after the meeting, they were met with heavy barricading. Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC) leader Satnam Singh Pannu on Thursday condemned the police action, and accused the Punjab government of being hand-in-glove with the Centre in launching the crackdown on the protesting farmers. It was the murder of democratic rights. The farmers wanted to go to Delhi but the Haryana government barricaded the roads at the Centre's behest, Pannu alleged. Thousands of policemen were deployed to forcibly remove the dharna from Shambhu and Khanauri border points, he said. The governments led by Bhagwant Mann and the BJP at the Centre will face the consequences, Pannu warned. He also said the two farmer bodiesSamyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morchawill hold dharnas against the police action outside the offices of the deputy commissioners in Punjab and other states. Thousands of farmers, including women, will take part in the dharna. We will intensify our agitation in support of our demands, Pannu said. Condemning the police action against the farmers, KMSC leader Sukhwinder Singh said, Farmers did not block the roads. The Centre did. Even today we want to go to Delhi as our demands concern the Centre. Punjab Chief Minister Mann showed his 'loyalty' to the BJP government at the Centre by initiating the police action, he alleged. Meanwhile, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on an indefinite fast since November 26 last year, was taken to the Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences in Jalandhar. Later, he was taken to some other place. On Wednesday, farmer leader Guramneet Singh Mangat said Abhimanyu Kohar, Kaka Singh Kotra and Manjit Singh Rai were among the detainees alongside Pandher and Dallewal. Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema justified the eviction of farmers, saying industries and businesses have been hit hard due to the prolonged closure of the two highways, which he called he lifelines of the state. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is committed towards generating employment for the youth. And they will get jobs only if the trade and industry functions smoothly, Cheema said on Wednesday. Trade has been suffering. This action has been taken after considering all the situations. We have been telling the farmer leaders that your fight is with the Centre, and we are with you. But you are causing heavy loss to Punjab by closing the border, the finance minister added. He also said the Punjab government remains committed to supporting the farmers in their legitimate demands, claiming that the AAP ministers are actively working to present the farmers' concerns before the Centre. We urge the farmer leaders to focus their struggle against the Centre while allowing Punjab to progress. We stand with the farmers today, as we always have, and will continue to fight alongside them, Cheema said. The protesting farmers, led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, were camping at the Shambhu (Shambhu-Ambala) and Khanauri (Sangrur-Jind) border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 last year, when their march to Delhi was thwarted by security forces.
Why one should never offer Tulsi leaves to Shiva pariwar
Hindus make various offerings to their deities; however, they refrain from offering Tulsi leaves to Lord Shiva and his family. This practice stems from ancient legends involving a demon king, Jalandhar, his devoted wife Vrinda, and the curses that followed. Lord Ganesha's refusal of Tulsis marriage proposal also plays a part in this tradition.
Pak don claims grenade attack on Punjab YouTuber's home
A Pakistani gangster, Shahzad Bhatti, has claimed responsibility for an attack on the residence of Jalandhar-based YouTuber Rozer Sandhu, alleging the YouTuber used derogatory language against the Muslim community. A grenade-like object was hurled at Sandhu's residence on Sunday, but it did not explode. Police are investigating the incident and have taken a suspicious metallic object into custody. The attack follows a recent trend of violence targeting police posts and religious places in Punjab, with authorities expressing concern about attempts to disrupt the ongoing campaign against drugs in the state.
Grenade-like object hurled at YouTuber's house in Jalandhar, Pakistan don claims responsibility
Two videos have emerged since the incident, one in which a Pakistani gangster, Shahzad Bhatti, claiming that he carried out the attack against the YouTuber for allegedly using derogatory language against the Muslim community
Pakistan-based don claims responsibility for attack on social media influencer's house in Jalandhar
CHANDIGARH: A grenade was hurled at the house of social media influencer Navdeep Sandhu in Raipur Rasoolpur village, Jalandhar, during the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday. Pakistan-based don Shehzad Bhatti claimed responsibility for the attack and warned that five more people would be argeted. In a video, Bhatti alleged that Sandhu had made objectionable comments against the Muslim community on social media, insulting Islam, the Kaaba, and the Prophet. If he survives, we shall strike again, and he is not alone. There were five people, and they thought we forgot. I thank both brothers, Zeeshan Akhtar (an accused in the Baba Siddiqui murder case) and Happy Passia (a US-based Punjab gangster with terror links). He (Passia) also supported me, Bhatti said. Bhatti further issued a warning, saying, If they do not want bloodshed and want to maintain a peaceful atmosphere, they should be arrested. I will give their photographs and names; then I shall not do anything. But if they are not arrested, then whatever consequences I might face, I shall destroy them in a way that their seven generations would remember. He also released footage of the attack, saying, They may not break the news, so I am showing the video (of the grenade hurling) at the last. I dont need fame. The video has been made so that if anybody abuses again, we shall do worse. And if he survives, then I shall do a bigger attack. Arrest them if you dont want bloodshed. He (Rozer), his brother, and three or four more people are there. I have their names and pictures. If you abuse the Kaaba and Islam again, I shall strike again, whatever time it takes. Every time, we shall make a video of the strike. Senior Superintendent of Police of Jalandhar (Rural), Gurmeet Singh, confirmed that they had received information about the attack. When we checked, we found a suspicious object. We called the bomb disposal team, and they picked it up for examination. Deputy Inspector General of Police (Jalandhar Range), Naveen Singla, stated that the incident appeared to be a result of an old rivalry between two social media influencers. A metal object was hurled at the house, which was not a grenade. There was no blast. The object has been sent for forensic examination, he said. Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Member of Parliament from Anandpur Sahib, Malvinder Singh Kang, alleged that the attack was part of Pakistans conspiracy against Punjabs crackdown on drugs. Pakistan is worried about the eradication of the drug menace in Punjab. A recent example is Shehzad Bhatti taking responsibility for the grenade attack. This reveals Pakistans conspiracy, he said. Kang also targeted the BJP, alleging that Bhatti was associated with gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, whose video had recently gone viral on social media. BJP leaders must answer why their Gujarat government has treated Lawrence Bishnoi like a son-in-law in Sabarmati Jail, he said. He accused the BJP of using Bishnoi for political gains while providing him government protection and luxurious jail facilities. Everyone knows the relationship between BJP and gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, he said. Kang further questioned why a gangster reated like a guest in Gujarat was linked to people attempting to disturb peace in Punjab. BJP leaders must answer this and clarify whether they are instigating such attacks in Punjab for their petty politics. He asserted that the Punjab government would not let any conspiracy derail its campaign against drugs and gangsters. Whether it is Pakistan or BJP, we will not let anyone succeed in their nefarious plans, he said.
Grenade-like object hurled at YouTubers house in Jalandhar, Pak don claims responsibility
Chandigarh, Mar 16: A Pakistani gangster has claimed responsibility after a grenade-like object was hurled at the residence of Jalandhar-based YouTuber Rozer Sandhu on Sunday. Two videos have emerged since the incident, one in which a Pakistani gangster, Shahzad Bhatti, claiming that he carried out the attack against the YouTuber for allegedly using derogatory language against the Muslim community. Police on Sunday said unidentified persons hurled a grenade-like object at Sandhus residence at Maqsudan in Punjabs Jalandhar district. However, it [] The post Grenade-like object hurled at YouTubers house in Jalandhar, Pak don claims responsibility appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
AAP MP Sahney calls for crop diversification, agri processing for Punjab's development
CHANDIGARH: Dr Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha from Punjab, who unveiled the report titled Punjab Vision - A Blueprint for Progress, discussed the importance of crop diversification, agri-processing, industrial infrastructure, and skill training for the development of Punjab. The report, a part of the Punjab Vision 2047 held in November last year, details various recommendations in the agriculture sector for crop diversification, including millets in the mid-day meal and providing millets in the 5 Kg Ration Scheme. Punjab should create and promote AI technology for sustainable crop diversification and should set up AI-driven chatbox to assist farmers, Sahney said. On agri-processing, Sahney said that there is an urgent need to set up food processing parks, preferably through multipurpose cooperative societies in a cluster of villages with storage and processing facilities, oil extraction, flour mills, processing and packing of spices, pulses, honey, mushrooms etc. He also emphasised the need for organic farming with institutions like MARKFED and Punjab Agro to provide market linkages. Sahney also proposed setting up of crop specific clusters like pulses, oil seeds, and cotton in Malva, Sugarcane in Doaba, Maize in Hoshiarpur, dairy development in Kapurthala, Floriculture in Ludhiana, Litchi in Pathankot and Chillies in Ferozpur . Regarding trade and industry, Sahney reiterated that Punjab should develop strong industrial zones and revamp key areas in Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Mohali, and Amritsar. He mentioned that the Rajpura Industrial Zone should commence operations within this year. Additionally, he highlighted that further strengthening of STPIs to establish IT hubs and BPOs could be a game changer for Punjab, as skilled IT talent from the state is currently migrating to Bangalore and Hyderabad. Sahney highlighted that skill training for the youth of Punjab is crucial to safeguard lives and livelihoods. He provided details about five world-class skill centers being established by him, along with the 10 ITIs he has adopted. He expressed deep concern over the depleting water level and the presence of Arsenic and other harmful substances in the water. He expressed concern over the declining water levels and the presence of arsenic and other harmful substances in the water. To address these issues, he suggested adopting Direct Seeded Rice along with a micro-irrigation system. He further demanded that Punjab should receive immediate funds under the Atal Bhujal Yojana for water conservation, noting that the state meets all the criteria of the scheme. While appreciating the State governments war on drugs, Sahney said that skill training for drug rehabs is very critical to bring back youth into mainstream. He also advocated the need for investing in solar energy to optimize subsidy allocation for free power.
Farmers under the banner of SKM stage sit-ins outside AAP MLAs residences, offices in Punjab
CHANDIGARH: The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), which led the 2020-21 farmers' agitation, held protests across Punjab on Monday against the ruling AAP government. Farmers staged sit-ins outside the residences and offices of various AAP MLAs, protesting against the government's move to block their recent agitation in Chandigarh. Farmers staged sit-ins outside the residences and offices of several AAP MLAs, including Minister Mohinder Bhagat in Jalandhar, Narinder Kaur Bharaj in Sangrur, Dev Mann in Nabha, Amansher Singh Sherry Kalsi in Batala, Manjit Singh in Moga, and Neena Mittal in Rajpura. They slammed the Punjab government for detaining several farmer leaders ahead of their March 5 protest programme. Prem Singh Bhangu, President of the All India Kisan Federation and an SKM leader, said that massive dharnas were held at over 70 locations on the call of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha to strongly protest the mass arrests of farmers and leaders on the night of March 4, which were aimed at preventing the Chandigarh morcha planned for March 5. These dharnas expressed strong resentment and anger over the Chief Minister's provocative remarks, where he accused farmers of running a parallel government, hindering the state's growth and development, and interfering in petty disputes unrelated to farming. Bhangu further added that this stance of the government could cost it dearly in the elections, as it cannot afford a direct confrontation with farmers, who are the state's main fighting force. It seems the AAP government is following the BJP's agenda of creating a Jat versus non-Jat and urban versus rural divide in the state by defaming the SKM, aiming to secure votes from certain sections, he said. Another senior SKM leader and BKU (Lakhowal) president, Harinder Singh Lakhowal, said that the SKM has openly challenged the Chief Minister to a debate on March 15 in Chandigarh over the demand charter already submitted to him. He stated that all demands are relevant to farmers and accused the CM of shamelessly backtracking on their implementation even after agreeing to them. We are holding our protests peacefully, said farmer leader Ravneet Brar, who was sitting outside MLA Kulwant Singhs office in Mohali with other farmers. The SKM had planned a week-long dharna in Chandigarh from March 5 to demand, among other things, the state governments purchase of six crops at the minimum support price. However, Punjab Police prevented farmers from reaching Chandigarh for the protest. The SKM, which led the 2020 agitation against the now-repealed farm laws, is demanding the implementation of the states agricultural policy, a legal framework for debt relief in coordination with the Centre, ownership rights for land tillers, and payment of sugarcane arrears. It is also calling for an end to the forcible acquisition of land for Bharatmala projects, jobs, compensation for the kin of farmers who died during the 2020-21 protest, revoking the policy of prepaid electricity meter installations, solutions for stray animal issues, and curbing black marketing of fertilisers and spurious seeds.
Four killed, 11 injured after bus heading to Jammu rams into brick-laden tractor-trolley in Punjab
CHANDIGARH: Four persons were killed while 11 others were injured after a bus rammed into a brick-laden tractor-trolley in Punjab's Jalandhar district on Monday, police said. The accident took place near the Kala Bakra area in Jalandhar when the bus was going to Jammu from Rajasthan, police said. When the tractor-trolley came on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway from a village road, the bus rammed into it, said police. Police said the bus driver and a passenger were killed on the spot while two passengers died in the hospital. The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital, said police. Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed grief over the death of passengers in the accident. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wish for the speedy recovery of the injured, said Mann in a post on X. He also lauded the efforts of the 'Sadak Surakhya Force' (road safety force) of the Punjab Police for helping the injured. - - SSF , Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) March 10, 2025
4 killed, 11 injured after bus heading to Jammu rams into tractor-trolley in Punjab
Chandigarh, Mar 10: Four persons were killed while 11 others were injured after a bus rammed into a brick-laden tractor-trolley in Punjabs Jalandhar district on Monday, police said. The accident took place near the Kala Bakra area in Jalandhar when the bus was going to Jammu from Rajasthan, police said. When the tractor-trolley came on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway from a village road, the bus rammed into it, said police. Police said the bus driver and a passenger were killed on [] The post 4 killed, 11 injured after bus heading to Jammu rams into tractor-trolley in Punjab appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Samples of Methamphetamine smuggled into Punjab from Pakistan
CHANDIGARH: In a new 'one-plus-one' scheme, free samples of Methamphetamine also known as 'ICE' or 'Crystal meth', is being packaged with Heroin by smugglers crossing into Punjab from Pakistan. Sources said the state police last year alone seized a record 22 kg of ICE as compared to 2 kg seized in 2023 an increase of 11 times. In the last about a week another 2 kg of ICE has been seized in a special anti-drug operation. In May last year Amritsar Rural Police arrested two drug smugglers and seized 3 Kg Heroin and 1 Kg ICE. In the preliminary investigations was was reveal that the arrested accused were in touch with Pakistani smuggler Dogar Rajput. Also last year a case was registered by the Jalandhar Rural police in which Ice drug was seized from Harpreet Singh, brother of Khadoor Sahib MP and pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh, and his accomplice Lovepreet Singh. In 2022, the special task force (STF) had recovered 20-kg Ice drug in Ludhiana, but senior STF officials consider it an isolated case that was meant to be delivered to other states. An official privy to this development said that the smugglers from across the border are sending ICE free of cost to enable local smugglers make money by selling it and at the same time create a market of this form of drug so that its demand may rise. He further added that ICE is significantly cheaper in the international market as it costs about one-tenth the price of heroin besides its dosage is significantly small. Numerous instances have documented by the authorities where ICE was sent via drones alongside heroin shipments to Punjab. The arrested smugglers reportedly told the officials during their questioning that ICE was being distributed free of cost. A police official claimed, a Pakistan-based drug lord Haji Salim also known as Haji Baloch whos considered one of the worlds biggest smuggler is reportedly behind the large-scale supply of ICE. He operates a global network and is now shifting focus to ICE produced in Afghanistan. Police sources claimed that one of the reasons behind the rise in smuggling of ICE is the decrease in supply of heroin to Pakistan smugglers from Afghanistan because of the Taliban-led governments control over opium cultivation. But the growth of ephedra plant remains unchecked despite the ban by Taliban on opium cultivation since 2021. Thus the supply of heroin which is chemically derived from opium has been significantly impacted by the opium ban. There has been a 70 per cent reduction in opium cultivation and smugglers have been relying on existing stock. An official further added that this supply of ICE is sourced from Afghanistan and is derived from ephedra plant, which grows wild in that region. This drug chemically known as methamphetamine is produced in chemical factories. This Afghan-made ICE is cheaper and accessible now, becoming a challenge for law enforcement agencies to curb its spread. At present, there are very few users of ICE in the state. The idea is to set up a smuggling network and market in Punjab so that they continue with their nefarious design. It is a serious cause of concern for all of us, said a police officer on condition of anonymity. While the experts argue that ICE is a stronger and more addictive substance than heroin and is the most addictive drug in the world as it is said to be three times more powerful than cocaine.
Punjab police arrest three operatives of Khalistani militant outfit
CHANDIGARH: Three operatives of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), a Khalistani militant organisation, were on Friday arrested by the Punjab police. Four pistols and ammunition were recovered from them. Director General of Police , Punjab Gaurav Yadav said that the Counter Intelligence unit of Jalandhar arrested Jagroop Singh, Sukhjit Singh, and Navpreet Singh alias Nav and seized four pistols including two sophisticated pistols .30 bore PX5 Storm (Bretta) pistol and 9MM Glock pistol and two country-made pistols .30 bore and .32 bore along with four magazines and 22 cartridges from them. Yadav said that preliminary investigations revealed that the module was being handled by USA-based Gangster Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi Nawashehria, who is a close aide of Pakistan-based terrorist Harwinder Singh Rinda and was working in connivance with him. The probe has also revealed that Gangster Gopi Nawashehria with the help of his Greece-based associate Laadi Bakapuria was motivating youth to carry-out anti-national activities in the state, he added. He said that further investigations are underway to trace backward and forward linkages in this case to dismantle the whole network. Sharing operation details, Assistant Inspector of Police Counter Intelligence) Jalandhar Navjot Singh Mahal said that following reliable inputs, the militants were arrested while they were waiting for their other associate in an Alto car near Underbridge at Suriya Enclave in Jalandhar. Navjor Singh Mahal said that Jagroop Singh is a habitual criminal and earlier, he had been sentenced three years imprisonment in a murder case in Amritsar. A case has been registered under sections 113(1) and 113(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sections 25 and 25 (1B) (A) of the Arms Act at Police Station State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), Amritsar.
Punjab: Police foil target-killing plot, arrest 3 linked to BKI
Chandigarh, Mar 7: In a major breakthrough, Counter Intelligence, Jalandhar on Friday foiled a target killing plot in Punjab by arresting three members of a Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) backed terror module. DGP Yadav said that the preliminary investigations reveal the module was handled by USA-based Gangster Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi Nawashehria, a close [] The post Punjab: Police foil target-killing plot, arrest 3 linked to BKI appeared first on Northlines .
ED issues summons to illegal immigrants deported from United States
CHANDIGARH: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued summons to 11 illegal immigrants recently deported from the United States (US) as part of an investigation targeting travel agents involved in facilitating illegal immigration through the so-called Dunki Route. Sources revealed that on Tuesday, the ED sent summons to 11 illegal immigrants who were deported from the US. Among them, at least one is from Haryana, and others are from Punjab. These deportees have been instructed to appear at the ED's Jalandhar office on different dates. The ED has initiated an investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to trace the proceeds of crime. According to sources, the ED had initially analysed 15 cases, and managedto obtain details and addresses of 11 deportees. So far, the Punjab Police has registered 15 cases against travel agents based on complaints from the deportees after their debriefing. However, the ED has not yet officially requested details from the police, sources said. The Dunki Route is a well-organized network operated by agents and touts in multiple countries. This route allows illegal immigrants to travel through air routes, forests, and rivers to reach Mexico, from where they cross into the US. Further, sources highlighted that preliminary data collected by state government officials after questioning the deportees at Amritsar International Airport shows that more than Rs 44 crore was paid to travel agents. On average, each person spent between Rs 40 to Rs 50 lakh to reach the US illegally via the Dunki Route. US deportation: Punjab police arrests travel agent in case related to illegal migration A total of 345 illegal immigrants have been deported from the US so far. Among these, 131 deportees belong to Punjab and arrived in four batches after the US began mass deportations of illegal immigrants, following Donald Trumps presidency, which began on January 20. The first flight from the US, carrying 104 illegal immigrants , landed at Amritsar International Airport on February 5, with 31 of them from Punjab. The second flight landed on February 15 with 116 deportees, including 65 from Punjab. On February 16 , the third flight arrived with 112 deportees, 31 of whom were from Punjab. The final batch of 12 deportees arrived on February 23 from Panama on a commercial Turkish Airlines flight at IGI Airport in Delhi, with four from Punjab. In recent years, many young people from Punjab have fallen victim to unscrupulous travel agents exploiting their desire to migrate abroad. These agents have used routes like the Dunki Route, student visas, and fraudulent marriages to profit from the desperation of youth. Over the past three years, Punjab has registered 3,225 First Information Reports (FIRs) against travel agents, with more than 1,100 cases filed under the Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act, 2012. Deportation from US an eye-opener to not go abroad illegally: Punjab CM Mann
CHANDIGARH: Punjab Police has intensified its anti-drug campaign under Yudh Nashian Virudh, registering 580 FIRs under the NDPS Act and arresting 789 drug peddlers in the past four days. Authorities have also demolished 60 properties linked to drug smugglers across the state. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab President Aman Arora said the state government is committed to eliminating drugs. He highlighted the campaigns success, revealing that since its launch on March 1, police have seized 74 kg of heroin, 19.5 kg of opium, and 77 kg of synthetic drugs, totalling around 170 kg in just four days. Arora accused previous governments of shielding drug peddlers, allowing them to amass illegal properties. He asserted that under AAP, no one can accumulate wealth through drug money, and the ongoing crackdown has instilled fear among criminals. He also alleged that the Congress is attempting to obstruct the campaign, pointing to a petition filed against the action in court by a Congress-linked organisation. He stated that the crackdown has struck fear among drug peddlers and gangsters, leading to visible results in multiple areas. Punjab government continues 'bulldozer action', razes houses of drug peddlers in Phillaur Meanwhile,Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav said a 23 kg heroin consignment was recovered from Devi Daspura village in Jandiala near Amritsar . Preliminary investigations linked the consignment to a smuggling network operated by USA-based Jasmit Singh alias Lucky. The accused, Sahilpreet Singh alias Karan of Devi Daspura, who retrieved the consignment, has been identified, and multiple police teams are working to arrest him. Deputy Inspector General of Police (Border Range) Satinder Singh, along with Amritsar Rural SSP Maninder Singh, stated that police teams received a tip-off about Sahilpreet retrieving heroin from across the border. Acting on this input, an intelligence operation was launched, leading to the recovery of 23 packets of heroin, each weighing 1 kg, from a jute bag in Devi Daspura. Investigations revealed that Sahilpreet was in direct contact with Jasmit Singh, who arranged the consignment. Jasmit has a criminal background, with cases registered against him under the Arms Act and for attempted murder. A manhunt is underway to nab Sahilpreet, and a case has been registered under Section 21C of the NDPS Act at Jandiala police station in Amritsar Rural. Jalandhar Commissionerate Police, in coordination with the Municipal Corporation, demolished an illegal property linked to a drug smuggler. Jalandhar Police Commissioner Dhanpreet Kaur stated that the Municipal Corporation received information about an illegal structure built on government land by Dharminder, son of Mohan Lal, a resident of Dhankiya Mohalla, Jalandhar. The property was allegedly constructed using proceeds from his drug trade. Dharminder, a habitual offender, has six cases registered against him under the NDPS Act. In a separate action, authorities demolished another house belonging to a drug smuggler in Master Colony, Mandi Gobindgarh, which was also built illegally on government land. Fatehgarh Sahib SSP Shubham Agarwal reiterated the Punjab government's zero-tolerance policy against drugs, stating that strict action is being taken against traffickers. He noted that the family residing in the Master Colony house had two cases registered under the NDPS Act in 2024. Six more houses in the district have been identified for similar action. Meanwhile, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, while chairing a meeting with civil and police officials in Tarn Taran district, reviewed drug de-addiction efforts under the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign. He directed authorities to enhance these initiatives and encourage youth participation in educational competitions, sports, cultural events, and other activities promoting a healthier lifestyle. Gangsters, smugglers and anti-social elements will soon be wiped out from State: Punjab CM
Punjab Police busts major heroin smuggling racket linked to USA-based kingpin
CHANDIGARH: In a major blow to trans-border smuggling amidst the ongoing Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign, Punjab Police today seized a 23 kg heroin consignment from Devi Daspura village in Jandiala, near Amritsar. Meanwhile, houses belonging to two more drug peddlers were demolished in Jalandhar and Mandi Gobindgarh. Director General of Police, Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, stated that preliminary investigations have revealed the consignment is linked to a smuggling network operated by USA-based smuggler Jasmit Singh, alias Lucky. In this case, accused Sahilpreet Singh, alias Karan, of village Devi Daspura, who retrieved the consignment, has been nominated, he said. Multiple police teams are actively working to arrest him. Yadav added that further investigations are underway to trace both the backward and forward linkages in the smuggling network. Deputy Inspector General of Police (Border Range) Satinder Singh, accompanied by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Amritsar Rural, Maninder Singh, said police teams at Naka Bandi received reliable input that accused Sahilpreet Singh had retrieved the heroin consignment from across the border. Acting swiftly, teams from Jandiala Police Station launched an intelligence operation and recovered 23 packets of heroin, each weighing 1 kg, kept in a jute bag at a pinpointed location in Devi Daspura village, he said. He further revealed that Sahilpreet Singh was in direct contact with USA-based smuggler Jasmit Singh, alias Lucky, who arranged the consignment. According to information, Jasmit Singh has a criminal background, with cases registered against him under the Arms Act and for attempted murder, Singh added. A manhunt is underway to nab accused Sahilpreet, and a case has been registered under Section 21C of the NDPS Act at Jandiala Police Station in Amritsar Rural. In another crackdown on drug peddlers, Commissionerate Police Jalandhar, in coordination with the Municipal Corporation, demolished an illegal property belonging to a drug smuggler. Jalandhar Police Commissioner Dhanpreet Kaur stated that the Municipal Corporation had received information about an illegal construction on government land by a notorious drug smuggler, Dharminder, son of Mohan Lal, a resident of Dhankiya Mohalla, Jalandhar. The property was reportedly built using proceeds from his illegal drug trade, she said. Kaur added that Dharminder is a habitual offender, with six cases registered against him under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Similarly, another drug smugglers house was demolished in Master Colony, Mandi Gobindgarh, as it was built illegally on government land. Senior Superintendent of Police, Fatehgarh Sahib, Shubham Agarwal, said the Punjab government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against drugs and is taking strict action against traffickers. The family residing in Master Colony had two cases registered against them under the NDPS Act in 2024, he said. Agarwal further informed that six more houses in the district have been identified, and action will be taken against them soon. Meanwhile, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema chaired a meeting with civil and police officers of Tarn Taran district to ensure active community participation in the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign. He reviewed drug de-addiction activities and issued directions to improve these initiatives. Cheema instructed the civil administration to introduce initiatives encouraging youth participation in educational competitions, sports, culture, and other activities that promote a healthier lifestyle. He also directed the police to ensure swift legal action against drug peddlers, with all property acquired through drug trade to be seized. SSP Tarn Taran, Abhimanyu Rana, informed Cheema that property worth Rs 26 crore was attached last year, over Rs 2 crore this year, and action is underway to seize assets in six additional cases. Eighty individuals have been taken into custody under the NDPS Act in the district, and 13 kg of heroin has been seized as part of this campaign, he said. Meanwhile, Khadoor Sahib MLA Manjinder Singh Lalpura stated that 80 villages from his constituency have passed resolutions to prevent drug sales in their areas.
Who is 'Mera Yeshu Yeshu' fame Pastor Bajinder Singh, booked for sexual assault in Punjab?
Pastor Bajinder Singh, known for viral 'Mera Yeshu Yeshu' video, has been booked for sexual harassment in Punjab's Jalandhar district.
Illegal structures built by drug smugglers demolished in Punjabs Jalandhar
The action was directed against Jasvir Singh alias Sheera, a resident of Khanpur, and Bholi, a resident of Mandi, for illegally occupying village panchayat land, the officials said
Punjab: Pastor Bajinder Singh Booked for Sexual Harassment
A sexual harassment case has been filed against a pastor at a church in Punjab's Jalandhar district. The complaint alleges that the pastor, identified as Bajinder Singh, harassed a woman who had been attending the church with her parents since October 2017.
US-Based gang associates arrested in Jalandhar for killing J&K Police SI
Jalandhar, Mar 2: Jalandhar Commissionerate Police has arrested two associates of a USA-based gang who were wanted in connection with the killing of Jammu and Kashmir (J-K) police Sub-Inspector Deepak Sharma on April 2, 2024, a top police officer said. SI Deepak Sharma suffered head injuries during an exchange of fire between police and gangsters [] The post US-Based gang associates arrested in Jalandhar for killing J&K Police SI appeared first on Northlines .
'Will not be spared': Arvind Kejriwal issues stern warning to eradicate drugs from Punjab
Arvind Kejriwal, AAP national convenor, has declared a vigorous campaign against drug dealers in Punjab, vowing to eliminate the drug menace completely. Punjab Police and administration have intensified anti-drug actions, demolishing properties of suspected drug peddlers in Jalandhar district. The Punjab government emphasizes extensive operations and sufficient rehabilitation and de-addiction facilities to combat drug abuse, ensuring community welfare and safety.
Drugs will be eradicated from Punjab forever: Arvind Kejriwal
Arvind Kejriwal vowed to eradicate drugs from Punjab, announcing a major crackdown on drug peddlers. The Punjab Police demolished properties of notorious drug dealers in Jalandhar district. Punjab government directed law enforcement to scale up operations against drug abuse and ensured the availability of adequate rehabilitation facilities to support users.
Punjab government continues 'bulldozer action', razes houses of drug peddlers in Phillaur
CHANDIGARH: Unauthorised structures built on the encroached Panchayat land in the Khanpur and Mandi villages of Phillaur were demolished by the Jalandhar Rural Police in coordination with local authorities. The structures were unlawfully occupied by two individuals with a history of narcotics smuggling and were removed following due legal procedure. Senior Superintendent of Police Jalandhar (Rural) Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh said that the demolition drive was carried out following the request of the Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO) Phillaur. He had sought police assistance for the removal of illegal encroachments. The action was directed against Jasvir Singh alias Sheera, son of Dalveer alias Bur, resident of Khanpur, and Bholi, wife of Rampal alias Rama, resident of Mandi. As per official records, Bholi is a notorious drug smuggler and has been facing multiple cases under the NDPS act, including a 1.190 kg smack recovery in 2005, a 2 kg poppy husk seizure in 2015, and a significant quantity of drugs recovered in 2022. Similarly, Jasvir Singh alias Sheera has also been named in multiple cases, including one involving a commercial quantity of charas and intoxicated injections. Khakh said that the police, along with revenue and panchayat officials, ensured that the encroachments were demolished smoothly, with adequate deployment to prevent any disruption. Authorities confirmed that the land rightfully belongs to the gram panchayat and had been unlawfully occupied by the accused. Khakh reiterated that Jalandhar Rural Police will continue its crackdown on illegal encroachments linked to criminal networks, ensuring that no individual benefits from the proceeds of crime or unauthorized occupation of public land. He further urged citizens to report such illegal activities, assuring strict and swift action against offenders He also added that the residents informed him that the two drug traffickers would often intimidate and threaten the villagers. Meanwhile, Village Sarpanch of Khanpur, Paramjit Kaur and local residents commended the action of the Punjab Government against drug smugglers. Recently houses of drug peddlers were demolished by the Punjab Police in Patiala, Ropar and in Ludhiana.
Punjab police raids 1,274 immigration firms across state; 24 FIRs registered, seven arrested
CHANDIGARH: Punjab Police conducted raids at as many as 1,274 immigration firms across the state today. 24 FIRs were registered against defaulter travel agents and seven have been arrested. This comes amid the United States deporting Indian illegal immigrants. So far, three flights of US Air Force landed in Amritsar with 333 deportees and another 12 deported from Panama. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Jalandhar issues notices to 271 agents and DC Amritsar cancels the licenses of 40 agents. The operation against illegal travel agents was carried out simultaneously in all 28 Police districts from 11 am till late evening on Monday. The development came amidst the ongoing crackdown against illegal travel agents across the state in the wake of the deportation of Indians from USA. Special DGP (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla, who was monitoring this daylong state-level operation, said that all the Police Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSPs) were asked to constitute special police teams under the supervision of gazetted officers to carry out searches at all the immigration and travel agent firms in their respective jurisdictions. All the CPs and SSPs were directed to ensure strict action against those travel agents, who were found violating the mandatory provisions and procedures of the Punjab Travel Professionals Regulation Act, 2012 or defrauded innocent people with false promises of facilitating illegal entry into foreign countries, he said. As per the provisions of The Punjab Travel Professionals' Regulation Act 2012, all travel agents are mandated to obtain a license from the Deputy Commissioners office, which is valid for five years and renewable for subsequent five-year periods. Licensed agents are also required to display their licenses prominently, maintain records of clients and services, and inform authorities prior to advertising or holding seminars. Additionally, agents are prohibited from engaging in activities beyond their licensed services, including human smuggling or unauthorised emigration assistance. Non-compliance can result in suspension or cancellation of the license and legal action. Shukla said that the DGP Punjab has constituted a four member Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by ADGP NRI Affairs Praveen Sinha to investigate complaints from deportees if any and take necessary action as per law. He exhorted citizens to be cautious and verify travel agents' credentials before entrusting them with documents and money. Only engage agencies with a valid license issued by the Deputy Commissioner under the Punjab Travel Professionals Regulation Act, 2012, he advised. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Jalandhar Himanshu Aggarwal has issued notices to 271 travel agents in the district for failing to renew their licences. He directed all SDMs to inspect the documents of travel agents and immigration consultants within their jurisdiction to prevent fraud. Aggarwal also instructed police to inform his office whenever a case is registered against a travel agent. The licences of 40 travel agents were cancelled in Amritsar. This crackdown on fake travel agents was done as per an order by Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sahni. The Amritsar Police has also issued notice to 271 travel agents in the city who have failed to renew their licences. The Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) have been instructed to inspect the documents at the offices of travel agents and immigration consultants. The district police have been asked to immediately inform the Deputy Commissioner's office in case of any complaints against travel agents.
On Camera, Sarpanch's Husband Hit By Bullet During Celebratory Firing, Dies In Punjab
The husband of the sarpanch, or the head of a Gram Panchayat, in a village in Punjab's Jalandhar, died after being hit by a bullet during celebratory firing at a wedding ceremony.
Over 3,200 FIRs filed against travel agents in Punjab in last three years
CHANDIGARH: In recent years, an increasing number of young individuals from Punjab have fallen prey to unscrupulous travel agents exploiting their desire to migrate abroad. Whether through the so-called Dunky Route, student visas, or fraudulent marriages, these agents have capitalised on the desperation of youth. Over the past three years, Punjab has seen the registration of 3,225 First Information Reports (FIRs) against travel agents. Of these, more than 1,100 cases have been filed under the Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act, 2012. A closer look at the data reveals that the highest number of cases was registered by the SAS Nagar Police (398), followed by the Jalandhar Police Commissionerate (375), Hoshiarpur Police (293), and Patiala Police (235). Other notable police stations include the Ludhiana Police Commissionerate (228), the NRI Wing of the Punjab Police (190), Amritsar Police Commissionerate (188), Jalandhar (Rural) Police (141), and SBS Nagar Police (127). An analysis of these cases further highlights that 1,117 were registered under the Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act, 2012, 783 under the Emigration Act, and 1,325 under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The Jalandhar Police Commissionerate recorded the highest number of cases under the Human Smuggling Act (294), followed by Amritsar Police Commissionerate (141) and Hoshiarpur Police (110). Under the Emigration Act, the SAS Nagar Police registered 287 cases, followed by Ludhiana Police Commissionerate (161) and the NRI Wing (75). Under IPC sections, Patiala Police topped the list with 198 cases, followed by the NRI Wing (115) and Hoshiarpur Police (111). Dilemma of desperate deportees Talking to this newspaper, Additional DGP (NRI Wing) Parveen Sinha said, Punjab is the only state in the country where the Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act, 2012, is enforced. We take stringent action against travel agents upon receiving complaints. In the past three years, over 3,000 cases have been registered across the state. Speaking on the issue, Capt. SP Singh, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Immigration and Education Consultants (ALIEC), said, As per the Act, travel agents are required to display their license number prominently outside their offices and in advertisements. However, illegal agents are predominantly active on social media platforms, making it difficult to trace their backgrounds. This makes it easier for them to deceive vulnerable individuals. We urge that advertisements on social media be regulated under this Act and be subject to scrutiny. From snakes, crocodiles to trimming beard, US deportee from Punjab recalls perilous 'donkey route' The situation calls for an understanding of these agents' modus operandi. The Act must be amended to keep pace with evolving tactics. Currently, there are approximately 5,000 to 7,000 registered agents, but the number of illegal agents remains uncertain, Singh added. Jatinder Benipal, President of ALIEC, said that the majority of deported individuals linked to illegal migration were victims of unregistered agents. These agents evade the regulatory oversight set by the Punjab Travel Professionals Regulation Rules, 2013. Illegal migration is primarily facilitated by unregistered agents, not by licensed professionals who comply with the legal framework, Benipal said. Sources revealed that three flights landing in Amritsar on February 5, 15, and 16 were carrying a significant number of deportees from Punjab. A total of 333 illegal immigrants were deported, of whom 126 (37.8%) were from Punjab. Other deportees included 110 from Haryana (33%), 74 from Gujarat (22.2%), and smaller numbers from Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand. Among the deportees, 262 were men, 42 were women, and 29 were children (18 boys and 11 girls) returning from the United States with their families. Why Amritsar chosen? Political slugfest erupts over US planes carrying Indian deportees
A man in Panam village was caught selling his nine-month-old son for Rs 1 lakh, with assistance from his brother-in-law. The child was transferred to a Jalandhar resident, part payment made in cash and the rest into a bank account. Authorities have booked the individuals under the Juvenile Justice Act and are searching for the child and suspects.
Punjab government transfers vigilance bureau chief, suspends Muktsar deputy commissioner
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab government on Monday conducted the first major bureaucratic reshuffle following the meeting of all AAP MLAs in the state with the party's national convener Arvind Kejriwal . The state government transferred the Chief Director of the Punjab Vigilance Bureau Varinder Kumar and suspended the Deputy Commissioner of Muktsar, Rajesh Tripathi, on charges of corruption. Sources said many party legislators had complained during the meeting of AAP MLAs in Delhi last week, about some junior officials of the Vigilance Bureau running a parallel system and issuing notices against officials in the administration. As per orders issued by the state government Additional DGP (Provisioning) G Nageswara Rao, a 1995 batch IPS officer has been appointed as the chief director of the Punjab Vigilance Bureau in place of Special Director General of Police, Varinder Kumar a 1993 batch IPS. Kumar joined as chief of the Vigilance Bureau in 2022. He was due to retire in July this year. Kumar has not been given any posting as yet and has been asked to report to the DGP. Sources in the Chief Minister's Office said that Kumar was transferred as there was no affirmative action by the Vigilance Bureau in several high-profile cases of corruption currently being investigated by it. With the change at the top, the state government hopes that the investigations in high-profile cases might speed up and also junior officers will also rein in. Additionally, the Deputy Commissioner of Muktsar Rajesh Tripathi, a 2016-batch IAS officer, has been placed under suspension on charges of corruption. Abhijeet Kaplish, a 2015-batch IAS officer has been appointed as new Deputy Commissioner of Muktsar. Tripathi was appointed as the Deputy Commissioner of Muktsar on August 16, 2024, replacing Harpreet Singh Sudan. Before this, he served as the Additional Secretary, Revenue and Rehabilitation, and Director of Land Records, Settlement, Consolidation, and Land Acquisition in Jalandhar. Interestingly last week the state personnel department had issued instructions asking all deputy commissioners, senior superintendents of police, sub-divisional magistrates, and SHOs to check corruption at public offices or face action. The department had stated that corrupt practices undermine public trust, weaken institutions, and hinder national growth, so top priority must be accorded to check this menace. In order to ensure corruption-free and citizen-friendly governance, all field officers should take stringent and effective steps. The order stated that to make the officers accountable and more responsive, feedback will be taken not only from the public but also from MLAs and MPs regarding their working.
NAPA asks govt to take action against travel agents facilitating illegal immigration
Jalandhar, Feb 15: The North American Punjabi Association has expressed serious concern over human trafficking, saying the government must take immediate action to prevent youths from taking illegal and dangerous routes to reach foreign shores. The reaction came after many Indians deported from America last week alleged that they were taken to the US borders through treacherous dunki routes by unscrupulous travel agents without their prior knowledge and after charging huge sums. Satnam Singh Chahal, the Executive Director of the [] The post NAPA asks govt to take action against travel agents facilitating illegal immigration appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Fortis Healthcare To Acquire Superspecialty Hospital In Jalandhar For Rs 462 Crore
Fortis Healthcare said it has signed definitive agreements for acquiring Shrimann Hospital from Shriman Enterprises by way of a slump sale.
Punjab Cabinet approves Rs 14K crore arrears for employees, pensioners
CHANDIGARH: After a gap of four months, the Punjab Cabinet convened, focusing on crucial policy decisions ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. In a significant relief for state government employees and pensioners, the Cabinet approved the disbursement of pending arrears worth Rs 14,000 crore. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, The Cabinet has given approval to release arrears of revised pay, pensions, and leave encashment for the period between 1 January 2016 and 30 June 2022. Additionally, pending Dearness Allowance (DA) from 1 July 2021 to 31 March 2024 will also be released for pensioners and employees. He added that the sum will be disbursed in stages, benefiting nearly six lakh individualsthree lakh employees and three lakh pensioners. The Cabinet also approved the creation of new posts in the Punjab State Legal Services Authority for setting up 22 new Lok Adalats across the state. In order to check tax pilferage and ensure proper utilisation of human resources in the Taxation Department, the Cabinet has approved the creation of 476 new posts in the department. Additionally, the nomenclature of Inspectors has been changed, and they will now be designated as State Taxation Officers, Cheema said. The Cabinet also approved the recruitment of 53 drivers in the Excise Department on a regular basis and sanctioned amendments to rules and qualifications for the direct recruitment of Physical Training Instructors (PTI teachers) in the Elementary Education Department. This will facilitate the hiring of 2,000 such teachers across the state in the coming days, Cheema added. To improve healthcare services, the Cabinet approved the revival of 822 Group C posts in the Health and Family Welfare Department, enhancing the departments efficiency. This move will immensely benefit the public by improving access to quality healthcare services. Additionally, the Cabinet sanctioned the creation of 97 posts across various cadres in the Dr BR Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences, SAS Nagar, further strengthening the institutions ability to provide quality medical services, Cheema stated. The Cabinet also granted approval for providing University Grants Commission (UGC) scales to the teaching faculty of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh Punjab Sports University, Patiala. In a major push for employment generation, the Cabinet waived Stamp Duty, Registration Fees, and other charges for land transfers to the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) NICDC Punjab Industrial Corridor Development Corporation Limited for the Integrated Manufacturing Cluster (IMC), a key component of the Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC) Project. This initiative is expected to create over 50,000 jobs, including 32,724 industrial positions and 14,880 non-industrial roles. To support the economically weaker sections (EWS), the Cabinet approved a policy for the optimum utilisation of land reserved for EWS housing. Scattered land pockets in various colonies will be monetised, and the funds will be used to benefit EWS families. For this, 1,500 acres of land will be acquired across the state, Cheema said. The Cabinet also approved a policy for the optimal utilisation of External Development Charges (EDC) collected from property developers under the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation Act (PAPRA). Under this policy, 50 per cent of the collected EDC will be used for infrastructure development within the respective colony or township, while the remaining 50% will fund major state projects. In a progressive move, the Cabinet approved renaming the financial assistance scheme for acid attack victims as The Punjab Financial Assistance to Acid Victims Scheme, 2024. The scheme will now include male and transgender victims. Additionally, the monthly financial aid for victims has been increased from Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000. The Cabinet also sanctioned the convening of a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on 24-25 February to conduct legislative business. In another key decision, the Cabinet approved an amnesty policy for defaulting allottees who were unable to pay for plots or land allotted to them by the Punjab Urban Development Authority (PUDA) and other special development authorities. Furthermore, the Cabinet approved the establishment of special fast-track NRI courts in six districtsJalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Moga, and Ludhianato expedite cases related to non-resident Indians.
Ratinder Singh to News18: We entered the US illegally via Mexico. The minute we reached Mexico, the border patrol team caught us and sent us in detention for 19 days.
104 Indian youths deported from US in shackles; Punjab politicians call it 'inhuman'
CHANDIGARH: A political storm has erupted over the treatment of 104 Indian youths deported from the United States, as they were reportedly handcuffed and shackled throughout their journey . They were only unshackled upon landing at Amritsar airport. Expressing outrage, politicians from across party lines in Punjab condemned the act as a violation of human rights and demanded that the Union government take up the matter with the US authorities. Speaking to TNIE , members of Parliament expressed their anguish over the incident. Former Chief Minister and Congress MP from Jalandhar, Charanjit Singh Channi, called the treatment inhuman and a violation of human rights. The youth were chained and deported in a military aircraft. It is totally inhuman treatment meted out by the US authorities. We will take up this matter in Parliament and urge the central government to raise it with the US government. If these youth went to the US to earn a living, they have not committed any crimewhy are they being treated like this? Even during Donald Trumps last tenure, Indian nationals were deported in a similar manner. Opposition slam government silence on deportation of Indians staying illegally in US Congress MP from Amritsar, Gurjeet Singh Aujla, questioned the humiliation of Indian youth, stating, Why were they handcuffed and brought back? We checkedwhen illegal immigrants from other countries were deported from the US, they were not handcuffed. Why such treatment for our youth? The Union government must provide a detailed explanation. He also raised concerns over the choice of landing location, stating, Why was the plane allowed to land in Amritsar and not Delhi? The Centre intentionally wants to portray Punjab in a bad light. Aujla added, The issue will be raised in Parliament for a serious discussion. Despite being well aware of the adverse circumstances, Indian youth look for greener pastures abroad only after struggling to find jobs here. He further emphasised that most of the deportees were between the ages of 20 and 30, and a majority came from poor backgrounds. The government should not shy away from accepting its failure. I am not in favour of monetary compensation, but I urge both the Centre and state governments to provide them with job opportunities according to their capacity and calibre so they can settle here. Lok Sabha adjourned till 2 pm over deportation of Indians from US Senior Congress leader and MP from Chandigarh, Manish Tewari, condemned the treatment, calling it medieval. He said, It is absolutely inhuman to handcuff and shackle people, not even allowing them to use the toilet for 40 hours while deporting them. What is their crime? They went looking for a better life. Yes, they did it illegally, but that does not make them criminals who need to be bound hand and foot and treated worse than animals. Tewari also questioned the Centres stance, stating, What is the point of all those summits with @realDonaldTrump if @PMOIndia & @DrSJaishankar cannot ensure that our countrymen are not treated in the most humiliating and degrading manner? A US military aircraft carrying 104 illegal immigrants from various states landed in Amritsar on Wednesdaythe first such batch of Indians deported under Donald Trumps latest crackdown on illegal immigration. The US action came just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Washington for talks with President Trump. AAP MP from Anandpur Sahib, Malvinder Singh Kang, also condemned the US authorities, saying, The way the US deported Indian nationals in handcuffs has dented the countrys image and projected us in a negative light across the world. This is a clear violation of human rights, and such treatment should not have been given to our youth. What is their fault? They simply went to the US and have committed no crime. Kang added, AAP MPs, along with Samajwadi Party MPs, have raised this issue in Parliament. Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls US President Donald Trump his friendhe should take up the issue personally and lodge a protest against such treatment. He also questioned the decision to land the flight in Amritsar. Why was Punjab shown in a bad light? The flight carried youth from Gujarat and Haryana as well, yet it was made to land in Amritsar. The number of deportees from Gujarat was higher than those from Punjab, so the flight should have ideally landed in Delhi or Ahmedabad. Punjab AAP president and state cabinet minister Aman Arora echoed these concerns. To handcuff and deport youth back to our country is totally absurd and a violation of human rights. This is not acceptable. When the deportees were from across the country, why was Amritsar chosen as the landing location? This question is on everyones mind, he said.
AMRITSAR: A US military aircraft carrying 104 illegal immigrants from various states landed here on Wednesday, the first such batch of Indians deported by the Trump government as part of a crackdown it resolved to carry out when it was sworn in last month. Of them, 33 each are from Haryana and Gujarat, 30 from Punjab, three each from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, and two from Chandigarh, sources said. Nineteen women and 13 minors, including a 4-year-old boy and two girls aged five and seven years, were among the deportees, they said. The C-17 Globemaster aircraft of the US Air Force landed at the Amritsar airport at 1:55 pm. The US action came just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington to hold wide-ranging talks with President Donald Trump. Hours after the US military aircraft landed at the airport, Punjab NRI Affairs minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention, urging him to speak to his friend US President Donald Trump regarding the deportation of Indians. Over 100 illegal Indian migrants deported from US via military aircraft land in Amritsar Dhaliwal also spoke to some of the deportees hailing from Punjab at the airport. Addressing the media, Dhaliwal said a total of 104 Indians have been deported from the US and out of them 30 were from Punjab. It was a long flight. All are healthy and fine; they had their meal, he said. Paperwork of deportees hailing from Punjab was done in the first batch. Thereafter, the immigration process of those from Haryana, Gujarat and other states will be carried out, the minister said. Describing the deportation of illegal Indians from the US as a very serious issue, Dhaliwal, said, We all know that PM Modi used to say that 'Trump is my friend'. He even campaigned for Trump during the 2019 US elections. These are international issues and can be discussed and resolved at that level. I urge PM Modi that the sword of deportation and jail is hanging on the heads of many Indians and he should hold their hands. He should sit with Trump and find a solution to this issue. The deportees were questioned inside the airport terminal building by different government agencies, including the Punjab Police, and various state and central intelligence agencies to check if they have any criminal record. Around 6:45 pm the deportees from Punjab were taken to their respective hometowns in police vehicles after completion of all formalities. Similarly, illegal immigrants from Haryana were taken by the state police to their native places, sources said. They also said that arrangements were made by the state governments concerned to take the deportees to their native places. None of the deportees spoke to the media. There was heavy barricading outside the airport and police personnel were deployed in large numbers. Except for an Amritsar-based man, who came for his grandson, none of the family members of other deportees showed up at the airport. He, however, refused to talk to reporters at the airport and seemed miffed by the volley of questions. Earlier, media reports claimed that the US military plane was carrying 205 illegal immigrants. Among the illegal immigrants hailing from Punjab, six were from Kapurthala, five from Amritsar, four each from Patiala and Jalandhar, two each from Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, SBS Nagar and one each from Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Sangrur, SAS Nagar and Fatehgarh Sahib, sources said. Family members of the illegal immigrants from Punjab said they took huge loans to send the youths to America hoping for a bright future but now feel it is impossible to break free from the crushing debt. They alleged that the travel agents adopted unfair means to facilitate the youths' travel to the US without their knowledge. They now seek strict action against those agents. Senior Punjab BJP leader Harjit Singh Grewal asked Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to make arrangements for the resettlement and employment of those from the state who have been deported by the US government. He also demanded strict action against the travel agents who sent the youths to the US through donkey routes and other illegal means by taking lakhs of rupees from them. Meanwhile, the Congress expressed sadness over pictures of Indians getting handcuffed and humiliated while being deported from the US and recalled that America had to express regret over the treatment meted out to India diplomat Devyani Khobragade in 2013 after the then UPA government retaliated sharply. Pictures of Indians getting handcuffed, humiliated while being deported from US saddening: Congress Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday said the media kerfuffle over the deportation of illegal Indian migrants from the United States obscures a few facts. This is not the first such planeload, nor is it directly related to the ascent of @realDonaldTrump. There were 1,100 Indians deported in the previous fiscal year (ending September 2024), under Biden, not Trump. As of 2022, there were 725,000 undocumented Indian immigrants in the US -- the third-largest group, outnumbered only by nationals of Mexico and El Salvador, he said. Since October 2020, US Customs and Border Protection officials have detained nearly 170,000 Indian migrants attempting to cross the border illegally from either Canada or Mexico. They are all subject to deportation, Tharoor said. After Donald Trump assumed office as the US President last month, the country's law enforcement agencies have launched a crackdown against illegal immigrants. Many Indians, who entered the US through donkey routes or other illegal means by spending lakhs of rupees, are now facing deportation. Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said on Tuesday that the state government would receive the immigrants and set up counters at the airport.
NAPA Urges Punjab Govt To Set Up Rehabilitation Fund For Youths Deported From US
JALANDHAR, Feb 5: The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) on Wednesday urged the Punjab government to establish a rehabilitation fund to support young boys and girls being deported from the United States. In a statement, NAPA Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal said lack of support and resources for these returnees could lead to severe social and economic challenges for the state. He warned the Punjab government that negligence in addressing this growing crisis would only create more problems for the [] The post NAPA Urges Punjab Govt To Set Up Rehabilitation Fund For Youths Deported From US appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
No money for DNA tests: Families of missing Indian youths recruited in Russian army
CHANDIGARH: The Indian Embassy in Moscow recently requested the families of two missing Punjabi youth who had served in the Russian Army to send DNA test reports. However, the families claimed that they do not have money to even conduct the DNA tests. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had earlier said that 16 Indian youth recruited in the Russian forces were still missing. Rajya Sabha MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal took up the issue of missing youth in Russia with MEA and said only eight of them had returned till now. He had appealed to the union government to bring back the Indians as soon as possible and take strict action against the agents involved in this racket. Mandeep Kumar from Goraya in Jalandhar, who had fought in the Russia-Ukraine war, has been missing since March 3 last year. His brother Jagdeep Kumar told TNIE that the Indian Embassy in Moscow had asked his family to provide a DNA report of their mother for identification purposes. The embassy sent us an email asking for the DNA report of our mother. Also, the family of Budh Ram Singh who went missing in Russia in March last year was contacted and told to send the DNA report of Sinder Pal Kaur, the mother of Budh Ram. However, both the families cannot afford to get the DNA tests done due to the financial conditions, as a DNA test costs around Rs 23,000, Jagdeep Kumar said. Youth returns home after months of forced combat in Ukraine, says over 25 Indians stuck in Russian army A week back I wrote email to the Ministry of External Affairs seeking help and a way out. In a reply, the MEA has sought time to provide help but after that, their was no communication from them or the Indian embassy in Moscow, we are just waiting for their response, will they help or not, MP Singh said. He added that the family of another missing youth who belonged to Amritsar had sent their DNA test report. Singh also said that he plans to approach the MPs and MLAs in this regard in the coming days, as to date the state government has not helped them. Singh claimed that two Delhi-based travel agents promised Indian youth that they will be recruited in the Russian Army as 'helpers' and flew them to Moscow. There, the youngsters were made to sign documents written in Russian language. They are told that they will work as helpers with the Russian army and dig trenches or wash clothes or cook. Then they are given basic training for 15 days on the pretext of self defense. Then they were put on a train, later, on a bus and sent to the frontline to fight alongside Russian soldiers in the war against Ukraine, he said. He alleged that if they refuse to fight they were tortured. Singh said that each youth was given around Rs 1.95 lakh Indian currency per month. Upon joining the Russian Army, they are given Rs 7 lakh, Rs 2.5 lakh on opening a bank account, Rs 30 lakh if injured. But they never get this money as the travel agents take away their bank details, passwords and ATM cards on the pretext that they will send the money back home to their families. They never send and take out the money from their accounts and themselves swindle off, he added Jagdeep Kumar said that when youth join the Russian Army, they are allotted numbers for their identification. He added that he only recently got to know that the number they had shared with him two months ago, was not his brother's but of someone else named Brijesh from UP's Azamgarh. In another similar incident, Rakesh Yadav and five others who had returned from Russia were called back by the agent for the job of Home Guard. But as soon as they reached there, they were forcibly recruited in the Russian army.
BIS conducts Manak Conclave for stakeholder engagement in Jalandhar
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 30: The Manak Conclave for Stakeholder Engagement organised by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Jammu & Kashmir Branch Office (JKBO) was held at The Maya Hotel, Jalandhar, today. The function witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 100 stakeholders, including representatives from industry associations, academia and Standard Club students. The conclave aimed to foster dialogue on standardization, quality control and industrial development in Jalandhar, reinforcing BISs commitment to promoting a culture of quality and excellence. The event [] The post BIS conducts Manak Conclave for stakeholder engagement in Jalandhar appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Immigration officials in Bengaluru catch man from Punjab with fake UK visa
He had approached a tout in Jalandhar to get a work visa. The tout reportedly forged the document and inserted the fake visa in the passport
Punjab Congress leaders campaign in Delhi, slam AAP's 'misgovernance', unfulfilled promises
CHANDIGARH: While around 300 leaders from the Punjab Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are campaigning for party candidates in Delhi, the Punjab Congress is not far behind, having mobilised around 250 leaders from the state. They are attacking the AAP for its misgovernance and unfulfilled promises, including the pledge to provide Rs 1,000 per month to women. The list of state Congress leaders canvassing in the national capital since January 18 includes Punjab Congress President and Ludhiana MP Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, Leader of the Opposition and senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa, former Chief Minister and Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi, Fatehgarh Sahib MP Dr. Amar Singh, MLAs Tript Rajinder Bajwa, Rana Gurjeet, Sukhpal Khaira, OP Soni, along with other legislators and party leaders. A control room has also been set up by the Punjab Congress as its leaders divided into 14 teams focused on door-to-door canvassing in Punjabi-speaking areas spread over 15 assembly segments like Kalkaji, Badli, Janakpuri, Tilak Nagar and Rajouri Graden. The main focus of the party leaders from Punjab is on the New Delhi constituency where Sandeep Dixit, son of former Delhi chief minister late Sheila Dixit, is pitched against Arvind Kejriwal. Talking with The New Indian Express , the Leader of Opposition in the Punjab assembly Partap Singh Bajwa said, As we enter Delhi from Punjab, we are greeted by a big mountain of garbage. Kejriwal has converted the national capital into a gas chamber and an urban slum. This is what he has given the people of Delhi. The entire party leadership from Punjab is campaigning in Delhi, informing the public about AAP's unfulfilled promises in Punjab and how the law and order situation has worsened since it came to power, he said. In the 2022 Punjab assembly elections, AAP showcased the Delhi model and took state voters for a ride and now it is trying to fool Delhi voters by highlighting their Punjab model. But we are telling the electorate about the ground reality of Punjab, said Warring. Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira said they are highlighting the misgovernance by the AAP government in Punjab, noting how in last years parliamentary elections, the ruling party of the state could only manage to win three Lok Sabha seats. It is like a rehearsal for the 2027 Punjab assembly elections, he said. He claimed, I have been regularly exposing the false promises by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal and urge the voters of Delhi to beware of these fake revolutionaries.
Olympic medalists Neeraj, Nadeem feature on Aaghaz-e-Dosti's 13th Indo-Pak peace calendar
CHANDIGARH: This year, the 13th Indo-Pak peace calendar by Aaghaz-e-Dosti features a painting of Indias Javelin star Neeraj Chopra's mother with her hands draped across the shoulders of Neeraj and Pakistans Arshad Nadeem; the men had claimed the silver and gold medals respectively at the Paris Olympics 2024. A letter exchange program took place between students of school at Phaltan in Maharashtra and Lahore. More schools from either country will get connected to each other via video conferencing and encourage students to share their experiences and aspirations. The peace calendar, launched on Sunday in Gurugram included six paintings by Indian and six more by Pakistani students. The calendar is to be released in Pakistan soon. This Indo-Pak Peace calendar is an initiative by the civil society to cultivate a culture of peace and includes messages from eminent persons who support peace-building and co-existence. Talking to TNIE , Ravi Nitesh founder of Aaghaz-e-Dosti said, We observed a few unique things this year: Students were painting even on contemporary issues. For example, Sirjan Kaur, a student from Swami Sant Das Public School in Jalandhar, Punjab, has made a painting of Neeraj Chopra's mother showing her hands upon the shoulders of Neeraj and Nadeem, saying 'both are my sons. This is a beautiful thing that young students are aware about these issues and linking such chains where they see peace and bonding. This year, we also brought Nest Man of India Rakesh Khatri and people from the International Watercolor Society to open new avenues of linking both sides which young citizens need to know, he said. Nitesh said, The events create a culture of peace, as schools follow up with Aaghaz-e-Dosti for more activities. Recently, we facilitated a letter exchange program between Sajnjan Nagar Public School in Lahore and Kamla Nimbkar Balbhavan at Phaltan of Maharashtra where students wrote letters to each other, as ten students from each school wrote to each other telling about their culture, school, library and each others likes and dislikes. We are planning that, in the coming days, more schools from each country get connected to each other via video conferencing and thus students will share their experiences and aspirations in order to overcome misunderstandings, he says. At a time when the world is surrounded by things of war and conflicts, such actions by young people in India and Pakistan actually reflects how beautiful and strong our cultural bond is and how our future generations are willing to be connected and look for a future which is more peaceful, safer, violence free, hatred free, arms free, he added. Dr Devika Mittal, convener of Aaghaz-e-Dosti said, The calendar with paintings by innocent and apolitical minds remind us that mindsets have been constructed. Together with the beautiful dreams of the young and innocent, the calendar also carries messages from people who have been actively working to nurture these dreams. This calendar is a collection of shared dreams of peace and friendship. It serves as a hope shared by people who are just like us, in habit and struggle. With the turn of the pages to start a new month, the hope shall be renewed, he added. Working since 2012, Aaghaz-e-Dosti has already released thirteen such calendars. Our aim is to work with school students because they are responsible citizens of the future and their future should be hatred-free free-violence free and war free. When students create art, it brings their emotions, their thoughts and their dreams, said Nitin Mittoo, Coordinator of Aaghaz-e-Dosti. Besides the launch, a discussion 'Sharing of Hopes for a Peaceful Co-existence' and a poetry session were organised.
Couriers to soldiers, BSF at work
CHANDIGARH: The BSF has a novel idea to discourage Punjab youth in the border areas from becoming drug couriers. It gives them paramilitary and armed forces training to motivate them to take up soldiering instead. The forces focus is on the Punjab districts along the Indo-Pak international border that suffer from cross-border drug supply vial drones, turning youth into couriers or addicts. For long, the BSF has been fighting the brutal battle of securing the border, checking the drug menace and stopping the youth from becoming couriers for Pakistan smugglers and, in the process, becoming addicts. Now it has hit upon the training idea and begun the reformation exercise in earnest. Youngsters are being tried out for fitness and mental and physical strength and commitment to training them. They hail from border areas of Punjab like Amritsar, Taran Taran, Gurdaspur, Pathankot and Ferozepur. Thus, now you are given pre-recruitment training for paramilitary and armed forces so they do not fall into the wrong hands. A few hundred of them have been selected for this, said a senior officer of BSF on the condition of anonymity. Also, next month, a marathon will be held from Amritsar to Attari, where the BSF expects some 700 youth from border areas to participate. As motivation, motorcycles will be given away as prizes. The BSF is in talks with various sponsor companies regarding this. The BSF has also started a community interface as it has established a number of vocational training centres to train the youth in tailoring, carpentry, mobile repair, plumbing, harnessing dairy products and computer-related skills. Many got successful placements at the end of their training. An English coaching class for the youth of the border villages has come up in the Taran Taran district. They aspire to clear competitive examinations for higher studies in the countrys premier institutions or go abroad. Around 50 youth have been given coaching in English speaking and writing. To generate job creation and empower local artisans, BSF distributes toolkits to artisans. The BSF has also established a number of Ankur Primary Schools under the aegis of BWWA (BSF Wives Welfare Association) in the remote areas of the Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Taran Taran, Pathankot, Fazilka and Jalandhar districts where school infrastructure is deficient. Inspector General of BSF Punjab Frontier, Atul Fulzele, told this newspaper, After having analysed the need to minimise the alienation, BSF had embarked upon a number of initiatives in different fields, from skill development of youth to provide education to children and health care, as the people living along the border face numerous challenges due to their geographical location and socio-political dynamics. The larger aim is to motivate youth to choose the right path to understand the legal ramifications of drug smuggling and addiction. Last year, BSF intercepted and seized approximately 270 drones along the Punjab border, against 107 last year and to just 21 in 2022. The seizures led to the confiscation of 254 kg of heroin in 2023, compared to 440 kg in 2022 and 317 kg in 2021. 700 youth to take part in marathon A marathon will be held next month from Amritsar to Attari, where the BSF expects some 700 youth from border areas to participate. As motivation, motorcycles will be given away as prizes. The BSF is in talks with various sponsor companies regarding this. The BSF also started a community interface as it has established a number of vocational training centres to train the youth in tailoring, carpentry, mobile repair, plumbing, harnessing dairy products and computer-related skills. Many got successful placements at the end of their training.
CA Student Arrested In Jalandhar For Duping Delhi Woman Of Rs 18 Lakh Through Dating App
According to police, Jindal targeted young professionals and students, presenting himself as a fund manager and convincing them to invest in fake trading platforms
Locks on every 2nd home, this is Diljit Dosanjh's village, it is located in...
Singer Diljit Dosanjh's village in Jalandhar is a silent story of abandonment and emptiness. young villagers in large chunk are leaving the village to settle in abroad.
Former PM Manmohan Singh's love for Amritsar & Chandigarh or a family tale
CHANDIGARH: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's great-nephew Randeep Singh Kohli, who runs a hardware business in Punjab, got married in February this year. But Manmohan Singh was not able to attend the wedding since he was not keeping well. But the soft-spoken former PM did not fail to congratulate his great-nephew over phone, Randeep recalls proudly. Prior to Covid-19, he (Manmohan Singh) came to Amritsar and met the whole family at the circuit house. Whenever he was in Amritsar we used to meet him. In 2016 when my father Mandeep Singh Kohli died he came to our house to pay his last respects, Randeep recalled. Presently Randeep is in Delhi, along with other family members, to attend the cremation to be held on Saturday. Even his (Manmohan Singh's) sisters living in Kolkata are in the national capital. One of his daughter's will land tonight from the US. But the thing is that we feel empty here since he is no more. It will take a lot of time for us to come over this loss, Randeep Singh noted. Punjab held a special place in the heart of Manmohan Singh. Punjab was his first love, Amritsar, in particular from where he completed his schooling and graduation. He then did his post-graduation in Economics from Panjab University in Chandigarh and thereafter went on to pursue his advanced studies. After he left Panjab University, Singh returned to the campus thrice in 1983, 2009 and 2018. During the first two visits, he was awarded honorary degrees. In April 2018 Singh came to the campus again and delivered the first Prof SB Ragnekar Lecture, organized by his department. Recalling that Singh was a man of few words, Prof Upinder Sawhney, former chairperson of the Economic Department at Panjab University, explained that he had invited Singh to speak at the department in 2018, and the former PM obliged under the condition that he would address only the students. When I was a student had a desire to meet him as an associate professor, I first met him in 1999 at a conference and then wanted to invite him to the department for a lecture. When I met him again he asked about the university and the honors school. I again kept on requesting him to come and he finally agreed, then I was on cloud nine. He came and addressed the students for an hour as he gave a lecture at the first SB Rangnekar Memorial Lecture. As the topic was 'The Seventieth Anniversary of our Independence Strengthening the roots of our Democracy',the students were delighted by his presence. After the lecture, he interacted with the faculty. He was humble, down to earth and I never felt talking to the former PM he made you comfortable, only did academic talk, spoke nothing controversial, he was man of few words, she says. Singh also donated around 3,500 books and memorabilia from his personal collection to the Guru Teg Bahadur Bhawan Library of the university. Vice Chancellor of Panjab University, Prof Renu Vig said, His legacy as an academic, economist and leader will forever remain etched in the history of Panjab University and our nation. Singhs visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the nation have left an indelible mark on Indias progress. His contributions to academia and public service remain a source of immense pride for Panjab University. Prof Shalina Mehta who retired as the head of the Anthropology department from Panjab University has been living in the house of former PM Singh since 2015, the last rent agreement between them was signed in April this year. Recalling her interaction with the former PM she says he was very simple, humble and down to earth. Two months after renting the house in 2015, Singh and his wife visited her. He had tea and pakoras with me sitting on the dining table. He was keen to come and stay in his own house. It was his last visit to his house as there was lot of security he said he did not want to bother me again. In 2018, I again met him when he was in Chandigarh as I was invited for dinner, she says. Though Singh visited Amritsar many times, it was in March 2018 during an alumni meet of Hindu College where he had studied he shared his feeling. He shared his experience as a student and said that he was the first student of the college who was given a roll of honour and had recalled with fondness the contribution of principal Sant Ram Grover, Prof Mast Ram Jain and Prof Jugal Kishore Trikha who taught him economics. In March 2006, Singh flagged off the Punj-Aab bus service from Amritsar to Nankana Sahib in Pakistan connecting two of the most revered shrines of the Sikhs. Later the bus service was discontinued due to strained ties between both countries. He also took steps for upgrading facilities at Attari railway station to facilitate bilateral trade with Pakistan and Afghanistan through the Attari-Wagah joint checkpost. Singh always prioritized Amritsar when it came to development. During his tenure, he sanctioned Rs 72 crore for the completion of the Galliara Project around the Golden Temple. A Centre for Research on the Guru Granth Sahib was also established at GNDU. The main elevated road project worth Rs 250 crore on the Amritsar-Jalandhar GT Road at the entry point was conceptualized by him. Singh has a house in Sector 11 of Chandigarh, which he has rented to a retired professor of the Panjab University. It may be recalled that Manmohan Singh's wife Gursharan Kaur also hails from Amritsar. The couple has three daughters Upinder Singh, Daman Singh and Amrit Singh. The former PMs extended family included six sisters and three half-brothers Surinder Singh Kohli, Surjit Singh Kohli and Daljit Singh Kohli. Both Surjit and Daljit run a garment business in Amritsar and also own a factory that manufactures auto parts.
Punjab Police nabs three associates of gangster after brief encounter in Jalandhar
Police party fired back in self-defence, which involved an exchange of 15 rounds, one of the operatives sustained critical injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital, police said
20 injured as bus overturns in fields on Jalandhar-Jammu NH
Hoshiarpur: A private bus overturned in fields near village Kurala on the Jalandhar-Jammu National Highway on Wednesday, injuring 20 passengers, police said. Tanda SHO Gurwinderjit Singh said nine injured passengers were admitted to the Civil Hospital in Dasuya, while 11 were taken to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Tanda for treatment. Four critically injured passengers were referred to the Government Hospital in Hoshiarpur from Dasuya Civil Hospital here. Some of the injured were discharged after receiving first aid at CHC, Tanda. The bus was travelling from Pathankot to Jalandhar, the police said. Preliminary investigations suggest that the driver lost control of the vehicle near Kurala village, SHO Singh said, adding that further investigations are underway.
Celebrating the Olympic stars birthday - Neeraj Chopra and his historic wins for India
The Olympic star, Subedar Major Neeraj Chopra turns 27 today. Well, who doesnt know the man with an arm that only aims at the Gold. Kids adore him calling Neeraj bhaiya with the javelin. The young man has brought India glory and fortune at quite a young age. Today as the Olympian enters in a New year of achievements full of happiness, we celebrate the star and his bests. Heres a complete timeline of events- Biography Neeraj Chopra was born on 24 th December 1997 in Khandra village, Panipat district of Haryana to parents Saroj Devi and Satish Chopra. He belongs to a Haryanvi Ror agricultural family, where both of his parents are farmers. His primary schooling took place at BVN Public school, Panipat. Due to obesity, he got enrolled to a gym. Thats where he first got introduced to Javelin throw and took up the sport eventually. At the age of 13, he moved to Tau Devi Lal Sports complex at Panchkula for his training, one of the only two facilities in Haryana with a synthetic runway. Neeraj completed his further schooling from Dayanand Vedic college, Chandigarh. While studying at school, alongside he won National Javelin Championships in 2012 and 2014. Seeing his sports achievements, Neeraj was recruited in the Indian Army in 2016. From the Indian Army only, Neeraj got selected for the Mission Olympics Wing training at the Army Sports Institute in Pune. In 2021, he enrolled for the Bachelor in Arts degree at Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar. Career beginnings After a trial at the Sports Authority of India, Neeraj began his formal training of Javelin. He could manage third position at the District Championship. At the National Junior Athletics Championships in Lucknow, Neeraj won Gold with a new junior national record throw (68.40m). Neeraj competed at the World Youth Championships in Donetsk, Ukraine. It was his first international competition where he finished 19 th in the overall classification. Chopras first international medal came in 2014 where he won silver at the Youth Olympics qualification in Bangkok. In 2015, Neeraj broke the World Junior record at the All India Inter- University Athletics meet. In the same year, he finished fifth at the National games and ninth at the Asian Athletics Championships. The turning point came when Neeraj was called at the national level training camp at the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports in Patiala (2016). South Asian Games (2016): Gold with new personal best of 82.23m at Guwahati. 2016 IAAF World U-20 Championships in Poland: Gold medal with a throw of 86.48 m that set a new world junior record. He also became the first Indian javelin player to hold the national senior record and world junior record at the same time. Officially inducted as the Junior Commissioned officer in Indian Army. And then a rank of Naib Subedar in the Rajputana rifles. 2017 Asian Athletics Championships: Gold for Neeraj 2017 World Championships: 15 th in overall qualification 2018 Common wealth games: Gold medal with season best effort of 86.47m. First Indian to win the common wealth medal. August 2018: Gold at the Asian Games, first for Neeraj and first for India. It was his debut at the games where he was even the flagbearer of India. Neeraj had a year of injuries, surgeries in 2019. But he could manage it and had a comeback in 2021, when he began his international season with a gold. June 2021: Gold at the Athletics meet in Karlstad, Sweden. In the subsequent games in Finland, Neeraj won bronze medal. The World Champion arrives with new records (2021 2024) Neeraj Chopra, the reigning World Champion arrived in 2021 at the Tokyo Olympics. On 7 th August, Neeraj Chopra scripted history by clinching a gold in his second attempt at the final with a throw of 87.58 m. Neeraj became the first Indian to win a Gold medal in Athletics, also the first Indian in athletics post- independence. He is the second Indian to win an individual Olympic gold after Abhinav Bindra. And the first Asian Athlete to win an Olympic gold. Neeraj was also the youngest ever Indian Olympic Gold medalist in an individual event and a first to win a medal on Olympic debut. Following the Olympic win, Neeraj registered World No.2 in Mens javelin throw rankings. June 2022: Second at Paavo Nurmi Games with new personal best at 89.30 m. 2022 Diamond League: Neeraj broke his own national record with a throw of 89.94 m. July 2022: Silver medal at the World Athletics Championships (Indias second ever medal at the championships). 2022: Diamond League finals where Neeraj won gold and qualified for the 2023 World Championships. May 2023: Top spot at the Doha Diamond league with a throw of 88.67 m. Neeraj placed at the first position of the Mens Javelin throw rankings issued by the World Athletics. August 2023: Gold medal at the World Athletics Championships, making Neeraj the first Indian to win gold at the event. October 2023: Second gold at the Asian games with season best throw of 88.88 m. 2024: Finished second at the Doha Diamond league. Neeraj won the gold at the Federation cup in India and the Paavo Nurmi games before the Paris Olympics. For the qualification in the finals at the Paris Olympics, Neeraj in his first attempt at 89.34 m secured the top spot of the table. He won the silver medal with a throw at 89.45 m. After the two Olympic wins, Neeraj became fifth individual medalist from India and the first one to win a gold and silver combination. Neeraj was placed second at the Lausanne Diamond League javelin throw competition. For Neerajs contribution to the sport he has been honored by the Government of India with: Arjuna Award for sporting excellence in 2018, Khel Ratna Award which is the highest sporting honor in the country in 2021, Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian honor in 2022, Apart from this, Neeraj Chopra was also named as Sportsman of the year (2021) by The Times of India. The Army Sports Institute Stadium in Pune is now named as Neeraj Chopra stadium. Neeraj also got featured on Vogue Indias cover named as the Man of the Year (2021). Now, we know why Neeraj Chopra is the most loved sport athlete of India. The achievements of the star are many, and we even look for more. As said true, the best of the star is yet to come. Wishing Neeraj a new milestone year with a gold medal from every event he steps into!
Polls throw up split mandate in 3 Punjab municipal bodies
Punjab's fractured municipal election results have sparked concerns within the Congress about potential poaching by its INDIA bloc ally, AAP. The opposition leader alleges AAP may attempt to lure councilors in Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and even Amritsar. Speculation is rife about a potential Congress-BJP alliance in Ludhiana to keep AAP from power, echoing a similar collaboration in 1992.
CHANDIGARH: The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) performed poorly in the civic body elections held on Saturday, having secured clear-cut majority in only one corporation out of five. AAP won Patiala Municipal Corporation, emerged as the single largest party in Ludhiana and Jalandhar municipal corporations, but fell short of the majority mark in Amritsar and Phagwara municipal corporations. Congress won Amritsar Municipal Corporation and emerged as the single largest party in Phagwara. AAP won 26 out of 44 municipal councils and nagar panchayats. Polling, this time, was disrupted by bursts of violence as the ruling party generally wins all major civic bodies in the state. More than 3,300 candidates contested in the civic body polls and a total of 37.32 lakh voters were eligible to vote in the elections. Voter turnout was 65.85 per cent; polling percentage at Phagwara was 55.21 per cent, Jalandhar 50.27 per cent, Amritsar 44.05 per cent, Ludhiana 46.95 per cent and Patiala 32.95 per cent. AAP won 43 out of 53 seats in former CM Capt Amarinder Singh's home turf, the 60-member Patiala Municipal Corporation, crossing the majority mark of 31. Congress and BJP won four seats each while SAD won two seats. Elections to seven corporation wards have been postponed. In Ludhiana AAP won 41 of 95, falling short of majority by seven seats. Congress won 30 wards, BJP won 19, SAD won two and independent candidates won 3 wards. In a major setback to AAP, the wives of its two sitting MLAs Sukhchain Kaur Gogi (wife of Ludhiana West MLA Gurpreet Singh Gogoi) and Meenu Parashar (wife of Ludhiana Central MLA Ashok Parashar) lost the polls in Ludhiana. The wife of former Congress minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Mamta Ashu, also lost. In Jalandhar AAP won 38 of 85, missing the majority mark by five wards. Congress secured 25 seats, BJP won 19 wards, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) won one and independent candidates emerged victorious in two wards. In Amritsar Congress won 43 out of 85 wards, AAP won 24, BJP won nine, SAD won four and independent candidates won five wards. In Phagwara Congress won 22 wards, AAP won 12, BJP four, BSP three, SAD three and independent candidates won six. No party touched the majority mark of 26 seats. However, Congress emerged as the single largest party and BSP is likely to support it in the 50-member house. Besides not performing as per expectations in the five big municipal corporations of the state, the Aam Aadmi Party took a major hit in its bastion Sangrur, as it could win only seven out of 29 seats of the local Municipal Council. This is the second consecutive defeat after the Barnala assembly bypoll in its political capital, the home district of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, AAP Punjab president Aman Arora and State Finance Minister Harpal Cheema. Punjab AAP President Aman Arora claimed that the party is now officially the 'No. 1 party' in Punjab's urban areas. He said the illusion that the BJP and Congress are the strongest parties in urban areas has been shattered. In this election, AAP won more than 55 per cent of the seats. Together, SAD-BJP and Congress could not even secure 45 per cent. He mentioned that out of 977 wards, the results of 961 wards were declared yesterday. Of these, AAP candidates won in 522 wards. Meanwhile, Congress managed to win only 20 per cent of the seats, securing 191 wards. The BJP and Akali Dal faced a crushing defeat in this election. BJP won merely 7 per cent of the seats, with 69 of its candidates emerging victorious. Similarly, Akali Dal managed to win only 3 per cent of the seats, with just 31 of its candidates securing victory. BSP had 5 winners and could secure victory in only 0.5 per cent of the seats. The number of independent candidates who won stood at 143, and their victory percentage was approximately 15 per cent, Arora claimed. He said that AAP achieved a landslide victory in the Patiala Municipal Corporation. In Jalandhar and Ludhiana, AAP fell just two to four seats short of a majority, and the party is confident of having its mayor in these cities as well. Arora said that the Aam Aadmi Party has achieved a significant milestone in these elections. From zero per cent to 55 per cent, this is a historic leap. Earlier, AAP did not have a mayor or a municipal council president anywhere. Now, the party will have mayors in three cities and presidents in 31 municipal councils and committees.
Elections to five municipal corporations Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, Amritsar and Phagwara and 44 municipal councils and nagar panchayats in Punjab took place on Saturday.
Punjab: Voting for municipal polls underway
Chandigarh: Polling for election to five municipal corporations and 44 municipal councils and nagar panchayats are underway in Punjab, officials said on Saturday.The polling began at 7 am amid tight security arrangements and will continue till 4 pm, they added. #WATCH | Punjab | Voting underway in Bathinda for the Municipal Corporation Elections 2024 pic.twitter.com/wLaR4aPS2j ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2024 The votes will be counted at the polling stations itself after the completion of the polling, the officials said. The five municipal corporations where the elections are being held are Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Patiala and Phagwara. More than 3,300 candidates are in the fray for the civic polls, the officials said, adding that a total of 3,809 polling booths have been set up. A total of 37.32 lakh voters, including 17.75 lakh females, are eligible to cast their votes in these elections. Electronic voting machines (EVMs) are being used for the polling. Adequate security arrangements have been made, the officials said. The civic polls will be a litmus test for the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which would like its winning momentum to continue after securing victories in three of the four Assembly bypolls in November. These elections are important as they will reveal the popularity of the ruling party among urban voters. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann held roadshows and campaigned for the AAP candidates in the run-up to the elections. It will also be the first test for Aman Arora after he was appointed as the AAP's Punjab unit chief. Arora took part in poll campaigning and made several promises to the voters. The stakes are also high for the Congress, which had majority in the Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Patiala municipal corporations. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) are also contesting the municipal corporation polls.
Punjab CM Mann holds roadshows for upcoming MC polls, urges voters to choose AAP mayor
CHANDIGARH: With the Municipal Corporation elections scheduled for December 21, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann campaigned for AAP candidates in Amritsar and Jalandhar today, holding roadshows in both cities. He urged voters to elect an AAP mayor to ensure rapid development stating that with the party in power in the state, the city would progress at double the pace. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann held a road show in Jalandhar with party leaders and workers, appealing to people to ensure the victory of AAP candidates. Addressing the people, CM Mann outlined a comprehensive plan for Jalandhar's development. He reiterated the party's promises to curb pollution in the city and enhance public transport by introducing electric buses with modern charging stations, eliminating garbage mountains, and creating a better sewage system. Mann stated that local governance directly impacts the quality of life in cities. He emphasized the need to elect better candidates who effectively address local issues and work for the people. He assured that with the AAP leading the state government the problems of the municipal corporation would be resolved quickly. Therefore he urged the voters to choose an AAP mayor to ensure the city's development progresses at double the pace. Highlighting the work done by his government over the past two and a half years he mentioned that 50,000 youths were given government jobs purely on merit without bribes or recommendations. He further added corruption has been curbed, and strict action is being taken against corrupt individuals. Underlining the government's achievements in the health and education sector, Mann pointed out that numerous Mohalla Clinics have been opened across Punjab, and government hospitals have been revamped. Simultaneously, government schools are being transformed into world-class institutions with all kinds of facilities, and infrastructure is being improved. Mann appealed to the people of Jalandhar to rise above caste and religion and vote on December 21. He said this time, vote for your future, your children's future, and the development of your city. Earlier in the day CM Mann campaigned for the AAP candidates for the upcoming Municipal Corporation elections in Amritsar. He highlighted the unique historical and cultural significance of Amritsar, calling it the land of martyrs and a place visited by millions annually to see landmarks like Golden Temple, Durgiana Mandir, Jallianwala Bagh, and Wagah Border. He outlined AAP's vision to enhance Amritsars infrastructure, economy, and tourism potential. He outlined a comprehensive plan for Amritsar's development, focusing on key areas such as electric buses, market upgrades, underground cabling, wastewater management, and economic growth. Mann emphasized the introduction of eco-friendly electric buses with modern charging stations to curb pollution and enhance public transport. He also highlighted plans to revamp old markets and decongest narrow streets to restore their appeal, beautify the city by replacing overhead wires with underground cabling, and clean the polluted drains along the Amritsar-Wagah road to improve sanitation and environmental health. Additionally, he stressed the importance of promoting tourism to encourage longer visitor stays, which would boost the local economy through increased spending on shopping, hospitality, and other businesses.
