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CHANDIGARH: A few days after the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) objected to the Punjab governments proposed programme to celebrate Veer Bal Diwas in Ludhiana on December 12, the Akal Takht (highest temporal seat of Sikhs) has shot off a letter to all Sikh MPs, asking them to urge the Centre to rename Veer Bal Diwas as Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas. Sending these letters via email to the MPs, Akal Takht acting jathedar (high priest) Kuldip Singh Gargaj directed Sikh MPs to strongly represent Sikh sentiments in Parliament and press to officially declare the martyrdom day of the Sahibzadas as Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas. These letters have been sent to eleven Lok Sabha MPs from Punjab -- Dr Amar Singh from Fatehgarh Sahib, Gurjeet Singh Aujla from Amritsar, Harsimrat Kaur Badal from Bathinda, Malwinder Singh from Anandpur Sahib, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa from Gurdaspur, Gurmeet Singh from Sangrur, Sher Singh from Ferozepur, Sarabjit Singh from Faridkot, Charanjit Singh from Jalandhar, Amritpal Singh from Khadoor Sahib and Amarinder Singh Raja Warring from Ludhiana besides two Rajya Sabha MPs Vikramjit Singh and Harbhajan Singh. The letter has also been sent to Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. The letter states that the Union government has been observing the Sahibzadas martyrdom day as Veer Bal Diwas since 2022 which misrepresents Sikh ethos and tenets. Gargaj said that although the Sahibzadas were young in age at the time of their martyrdom, their sacrifice was no less significant than that of any adult. He added that devotees have been conveying their objections to this nomenclature, prompting the Akal Takht to act. On its instructions, the SGPC had already written to the Union government urging that the day be renamed Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas in line with Sikh beliefs, he said. The central government has designated December 26 as Veer Bal Diwas to mark the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Gobind Singhs sons Baba Fateh Singh and Baba Jorawar Singh. A few days back a controversy had erupted when the SGPC and other Sikh bodies objected to the proposal of the state government to celebrate Veer Bal Diwas in Ludhiana on December 12. They claimed that the event violated Sikh tenets, particularly the proposal to hold fancy-dress contests asking children to dress as the Sahibzadas, Mata Gujar Kaur or Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, an act they said hurts Sikh sentiments.
Jalandhar assault and murder: NCW to issue notice to Punjab DGP
HSBC INDIA Expands its Presence in Gujarat with a New Branch in Vadodara
HSBC India on Saturday unveiled its new branch in Vadodara, Gujarat, marking a significant step in its strategic expansion across the country. This launch signifies the banks 27th branch in India and its second in Gujarat, following Reserve Bank of Indias approval earlier this year to open 20 new bank branches in key cities. Chef Ranveer Brar, Her Highness Radhikaraje Gaekwad, Maharani of Baroda & Sandeep Batra, Head, International Wealth & Premier Banking, HSBC India, at the branch inauguration Vadodara, known for its rapid economic growth and industrial prowess, is emerging as a significant hub for wealth creation. The city is home to a burgeoning population of affluent, High Net Worth (HNW), Ultra High Net Worth (UHNW), and non-resident clients in one of Indias rapidly growing wealth and industrial hubs. HSBCs new branch is strategically positioned to meet the financial and wealth needs of this customer segment. The expansion reinforces HSBCs focus on the wealth opportunity in India, where it is the leading international bank offering a full spectrum of solutions and services to clients across International Wealth and Premier Banking, and Corporate and Institutional Banking. Commenting on the launch, Sandeep Batra, Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking, HSBC India , said, As entrepreneurial spirit and innovation continue to drive economic growth and personal wealth, affluent customers are increasingly adopting a global outlook. They are seeking a trusted partner who is able to consistently serve them across jurisdictions. Our new branch in Vadodara reflects our commitment to being closer to our customers and delivering world-class banking solutions tailored to their unique needs. As the leading international bank in India, we remain focused on enabling our clients to unlock opportunities and achieve their aspirations, both in India and internationally . With this addition, HSBC now has a network of 27 branches across 15 cities in India. HSBC has maintained a strong presence in India for over 170 years, supporting customers in their financial journeys both locally and globally. Further HSBC India will open branches in Amritsar, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Dehradun, Faridabad, Indore, Jalandhar, Kanpur, Ludhiana, Lucknow, Mysuru, Nagpur, Nashik, Navi Mumbai, Patna, Rajkot, Surat, Thiruvananthapuram and Vishakhapatnam. About HSBC India HSBC India offers a full range of banking and financial services through 27 branches across 15 cities. HSBC is one of India's leading financial services groups, with around 44,000 employees in its banking, investment banking and capital markets, asset management, insurance, software development and global resourcing operations in the country. It is a leading custodian in India. The Bank is at the forefront in arranging deals for Indian companies investing overseas and foreign investments into the country. About HSBC Holdings plc HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of HSBC, is headquartered in London. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 60 countries and territories. With assets of US$3,099bn at 30 September 2024, HSBC is one of the worlds largest banking and financial services organisations.
Jalandhar police rescue 2 missing minor girls from Kathua
Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj visits family of murdered Jalandhar girl
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to visit Moga and Jalandhar tod
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, will visit multiple locations in Punjab on Thursday, 27 November, to review rural development initiatives and interact with farming communities. His day-long programme includes meetings in Moga and Jalandhar districts, focusing on agriculture practices and more
BJP to contest Punjab assembly polls alone, no alliance with Akali Dal: Union minister Bittu
CHANDIGARH: With fifteen months left for the assembly elections in Punjab, Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh Bittu ruled out any possibility of an alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), asserting that the BJP will contest all seats alone. Talking to the media here on Wednesday, Bittu said the party is confident of its growing strength in Punjab and will go solo in the electoral battle. The BJP will not form any alliance with the Akali Dal. We will contest the 2027 assembly polls on our own, he declared. The minister also commented on the ongoing student protests at Panjab University over the Senate elections, stating that the Centre has accepted nearly all student demands except for the announcement of the election dates. He added that the Vice Chancellor has already written to the Chancellor requesting the declaration of the schedule, which is expected soon. Meanwhile, days after sanctioning the Rajpura-Mohali railway link, the Railway Ministry has cleared another key project -- the 25.72-km-long Ferozepur-Patti rail line at an estimated cost of Rs 764.19 crore including Rs 166 crore towards land acquisition to be borne by the Railways. Bittu said that the project holds strategic and economic importance, significantly reducing the distance between Ferozepur and Amritsar from 196 km to about 100 km, and shortening the JammuFerozepurFazilkaMumbai corridor by 236 km. It will serve as a crucial link between the Malwa and Majha regions of Punjab, enhancing regional mobility and logistics efficiency. He added that the new rail line will connect the JalandharFerozepur and PattiKhemkaran routes, providing a direct and alternative connection close to the international border. Passing through areas of strategic defence significance, it will facilitate rapid movement of defence personnel, equipment, and supplies. Bittu said that beyond strategic benefits, the project promises significant socio-economic gains, benefiting nearly 10 lakh people and creating approximately 2.5 lakh employment opportunities. It will serve 2,5003,500 daily passengers, particularly students, employees, and patients from nearby villages. The rail link will spur trade and industrial growth, reduce freight transportation costs, and improve access to agricultural markets, thereby boosting investment in education, healthcare, and essential infrastructure. It will also link Amritsar, a major commercial, educational, and religious hub attracting over one lakh tourists daily, with Ferozepur, ensuring faster connectivity and stronger regional integration. Importantly, the new alignment will revive a historic route lost during partition, reducing the FerozepurKhemkaran distance from 294 km to 110 km. The line will also connect the border district directly with ports in Gujarat, giving a significant boost to trade in the region. Bittu accused the state government of delaying progress on the FerozepurPatti Rail Link Project by allegedly failing to respond to a letter from the Centre regarding land acquisition and implementation. This project was cleared on October 27, and the very next day, we sent a letter to the Punjab Chief Secretary, urging the state government to step up efforts for implementation and expedite land acquisition. We specifically requested the AAP government not to create further hurdles and to direct its officers to act swiftly. It has now been 14 days, and we have not received any response from the Punjab Chief Secretary. I do not want to go further into it as I want to maintain a positive approach towards this project, he said.
Who is Swaranjit Singh Khalsa? Indian-origin man set to serve as first Sikh mayor of Norwich
Swaranjit Singh Khalsa, a 40-year-old native of Punjab's Jalandhar, made history after becoming the first Sikh to be elected as the Mayor of Norwich in the US. A democrat, Khalsa was earlier elected to the city council in 2021.
Indian student visa rejections in Canada soar to record 74 percent
The clampdown on international students by Canada has hit Indian applicants the hardest. Indian students once made up the largest group of foreign students pursuing higher education in the country. However, approximately 74 percent of Indian study permit applications in August this year were rejected by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a sharp increase from the 32 percent refusal rate reported in the same month in 2023. Meanwhile, both governments have signaled a desire to restore normal relations amid ongoing scrutiny and new immigration controls. In August this year, out of 4,515 applications filed by Indian students, only 1,196 were approved. The number of Indian student applications submitted fell from 20,900 in August 2023 to 4,515 this year. The surge in rejections is closely tied to Canadas broader immigration policy overhaul, which targets fraud and seeks to control international student numbers. In 2023, authorities uncovered 1,550 fraudulent study permit applications, mostly from India, and more than 14,000 potentially fake documents were flagged due to enhanced verification. Ottawa has proposed new powers to cancel groups of temporary visas over fraud concerns (Bill C-12). India and Bangladesh were described as country-specific challenges in internal documents. This is impacting Canadian universities: for example, the University of Waterloo has seen its enrollment of Indian students drop by two-thirds over about three years. Similar declines have been reported at the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan. Universities say visa caps and increased scrutiny have affected campus diversity. This year, the international student cap was lowered to 437,000 permits, a 10 percent reduction from last years 485,000 and a 35 percent cut from prior peak levels. Visa allocations to Indian applicants were projected to fall by 31 percent. In the first half of this year alone, nearly 90,000 fewer permits were issued compared to last year, with Indian applications and approvals dropping sharply. The overall rejection rate for all countries hovered around 40 percent. Among these, Chinese applicants faced a 24 percent refusal rate, while Indian applicants faced more intense scrutiny. International students contribute roughly $22 billion annually to Canadas economy, but the shrinking Indian student segment is adversely impacting Canadian colleges budgets. Processing delays have also increased, with Temporary Resident Visa processing times rising from 30 to 54 days, and approvals falling from 63,000 in January last year to 48,000 in June. Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand stated that Canada still wants Indian students but must protect system integrity. The Indian Embassy in Ottawa acknowledged the high rejection rates but emphasized the quality of Indian students: Some of the best students in the world are from India, and Canadian institutions have greatly benefited from their talent and academic excellence in the past. A Jalandhar-based travel agent, Brijesh Mishra, was accused of selling fake admission letters from Canadian colleges. When Canadian authorities verified the papers, many students faced deportation. Last year, Mishra pleaded guilty in a British Columbia court to fraud charges but fled back to India. He was arrested by the Punjab Police at Delhis IGI Airport in June this year upon returning from Canada. As a result of these restrictions, many Indian students are now looking toward Australia and the United Kingdom, where Indian student visa approvals have increased by 20 percent and 15 percent, respectively, this year.
Gunmen Storm Jewellery Store In Punjab's Jalandhar, Escape With Ornaments, Cash | Video
Three armed robbers looted cash and gold ornaments from a jewellery shop in Punjabs Jalandhar on Thursday morning after threatening the owners son at gunpoint.
Foggy Season Alert: Railways Cancels 16 Trains For Three Months. Check List
Indian Railways cancels key trains, including JalandharDelhi Superfast Express, from December 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026, due to dense fog, impacting thousands of passengers.
Dr Ranjit honoured with award for works in knee replacement surgery
Excelsior Correspondent JALANDHAR, Oct 25: The renowned orthopaedic surgeon Dr Ranjit Singh was today conferred with the Excellence Award for his outstanding contributions to the field of knee replacement surgery, particularly for his innovation and mastery in the Zero Technique, a procedure powered by Artificial Intelligence. The award was presented by Governor of Sikkim, Gurbachan Jagat. The event also witnessed the esteemed presence of Punjab Governor, Gulab Chand Kataria, who addressed the gathering and lauded Dr Singhs dedication and precision [] The post Dr Ranjit honoured with award for works in knee replacement surgery appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Post-Diwali haze engulfs Delhi and neighbouring states as air quality dips sharply
Delhi continues to struggle with hazardous air pollution, with air quality remaining in the 'very poor' category across several areas on Wednesday morning, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). At 7:00 am, the AQI in Delhis RK Puram was recorded at 380, while Anand Vihar and Ashok Vihar both stood at 355. Other severely affected locations included Bawana (376), Dwarka Sector 8 (353), ITO (362), and Nehru Nagar, which reported one of the highest levels at 394. In Chandni Chowk, the AQI remained 'very poor' at 332, while around Akshardham, it reached 360, also falling in the 'very poor' range. 'Air is grey, lungs are black, BJP's accountability invisible': Congress on Delhi's worsening air quality Neighbouring Haryana is facing similar challenges. At 9:00 am, Dharuhera in Rewari district recorded an AQI of 382. Other areas in the 'very poor' category included Narnaul (367), Jind (367), Charkhi Dadri (362), Rohtak (358), Yamunanagar (347), Fatehabad (320), and Ballabhgarh (318). Several cities in Haryana fell into the 'poor' category, including Bahadurgarh (272), Gurugram (290), Karnal (243), Bhiwani (298), Faridabad (218), Kaithal (237), Kurukshetra (226), and Sonipat (285). In Punjab, air quality was relatively better but still concerning. Amritsar recorded a 'poor' AQI of 253, followed by Jalandhar (261), Ludhiana (234), and Patiala (207). Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, recorded an AQI of 169, placing it in the moderate range but still below healthy air quality standards. According to the CPCB classification, AQI values are categorized as follows: 050 (good), 51100 (satisfactory), 101200 (moderate), 201300 (poor), 301400 (very poor), 401450 (severe), and above 450 (severe plus). (With inputs from ANI, PTI) Supreme contempt of the court
Delhi and neighbouring states choke under 'very poor' air quality, pollution levels remain alarming
Delhi continues to struggle with hazardous air pollution, with air quality remaining in the 'very poor' category across several areas on Wednesday morning, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). At 7:00 am, the AQI in Delhis RK Puram was recorded at 380, while Anand Vihar and Ashok Vihar both stood at 355. Other severely affected locations included Bawana (376), Dwarka Sector 8 (353), ITO (362), and Nehru Nagar, which reported one of the highest levels at 394. In Chandni Chowk, the AQI remained 'very poor' at 332, while around Akshardham, it reached 360, also falling in the 'very poor' range. 'Air is grey, lungs are black, BJP's accountability invisible': Congress on Delhi's worsening air quality Neighbouring Haryana is facing similar challenges. At 9:00 am, Dharuhera in Rewari district recorded an AQI of 382. Other areas in the 'very poor' category included Narnaul (367), Jind (367), Charkhi Dadri (362), Rohtak (358), Yamunanagar (347), Fatehabad (320), and Ballabhgarh (318). Several cities in Haryana fell into the 'poor' category, including Bahadurgarh (272), Gurugram (290), Karnal (243), Bhiwani (298), Faridabad (218), Kaithal (237), Kurukshetra (226), and Sonipat (285). In Punjab, air quality was relatively better but still concerning. Amritsar recorded a 'poor' AQI of 253, followed by Jalandhar (261), Ludhiana (234), and Patiala (207). Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, recorded an AQI of 169, placing it in the moderate range but still below healthy air quality standards. According to the CPCB classification, AQI values are categorized as follows: 050 (good), 51100 (satisfactory), 101200 (moderate), 201300 (poor), 301400 (very poor), 401450 (severe), and above 450 (severe plus). (With inputs from ANI, PTI) Supreme contempt of the court
Farm fires in Pakistans Punjab worsen air quality across region, says experts
CHANDIGARH: Farmers in Punjab are not solely responsible for the regions worsening air quality, as stubble-burning incidents are rising in both Indian and Pakistan's Punjab. Experts say Pakistans contribution to pollution is significant, with farm fires much higher there compared to India. Dr Ravindra Khaiwal, Professor of Environmental Health at PGIMER Chandigarh and nodal officer for the Centre of Excellence on Climate Change and Air Pollution, said recent satellite analysis shows a 10-fold difference in stubble-burning hotspots: between October 9 and 18, Pakistans Punjab recorded 2,009 farm fires, while Indian Punjab had only 189. The main hotspots in Pakistan's Punjab are Okara, Kasur, and Pakpattan, with Okara alone accounting for nearly 35% of all detected fires. Northwest-to-southeast wind patterns, combined with the flat terrain of the Punjab plains, allow smoke and fine particulate matter to travel freely into southeastern India, worsening air quality. During the winter months, air pollution intensifies across the Indo-Gangetic plains due to the interplay of meteorological and human factors. The lack of rainfall, which normally helps clean the air, and soil resuspension from loosened agricultural land, adds to particulate loading in both urban and rural areas. Dr Khaiwal emphasised that air pollution does not respect geopolitical boundaries and called for coordinated transboundary strategies. While Indian states like Punjab and Haryana have successfully controlled agricultural residue fires, similar measures are needed in Pakistan's Punjab. Although stubble-burning incidents in Indian Punjab have declined, air quality levels have not improved correspondingly. Some fires may occur in conditions that evade satellite detection. Recent satellite images show thick smoke plumes drifting eastward, indicating a wider regional issue. 241 stubble burning cases in Punjab from September 15 to October 18: Data According to official records, 33 stubble-burning incidents were reported yesterday in the state, the highest this kharif season. A total of 241 farm fire incidents have been recorded so far, largely due to delayed paddy harvesting. Tarn Taran reported 23 new cases, while Amritsar recorded three, bringing the total incidents in Tarn Taran to 88 and in Amritsar to 80. The worst air quality index (AQI) yesterday was in Mandi Gobindgarh (231), followed by Jalandhar (148), Ludhiana (116), and Patiala (101). There has been an 83% decrease in stubble-burning cases compared to the same period in previous years, when 1,348 and 1,407 incidents were reported from September 15 to October 18 in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Punjab government has decided to take stricter action against farmers who burn crop residue. District officials have been instructed to withdraw government scheme benefits from violators, including pensions and even arms licenses. Anganwadi workers are being deployed to spread awareness, and announcements are being made from religious places, mainly Gurdwaras. Students are also being sensitised to discourage parents from burning stubble. Police have registered 119 FIRs under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for disobedience related to stubble burning. The Revenue Department has made 81 red entries in the land records of violators. The Punjab Pollution Control Board has imposed fines totalling Rs 5.15 lakh in 104 cases, of which Rs 3.65 lakh has been recovered.
Pakistan's Punjab farm fires worsen regional air, account for 35% of all detected cases
CHANDIGARH: Farmers in Punjab are not solely responsible for the regions worsening air quality, as stubble-burning incidents are rising in both Indian and Pakistan's Punjab. Experts say Pakistans contribution to pollution is significant, with farm fires much higher there compared to India. Dr Ravindra Khaiwal, Professor of Environmental Health at PGIMER Chandigarh and nodal officer for the Centre of Excellence on Climate Change and Air Pollution, said recent satellite analysis shows a 10-fold difference in stubble-burning hotspots: between October 9 and 18, Pakistans Punjab recorded 2,009 farm fires, while Indian Punjab had only 189. The main hotspots in Pakistan's Punjab are Okara, Kasur, and Pakpattan, with Okara alone accounting for nearly 35% of all detected fires. Northwest-to-southeast wind patterns, combined with the flat terrain of the Punjab plains, allow smoke and fine particulate matter to travel freely into southeastern India, worsening air quality. During the winter months, air pollution intensifies across the Indo-Gangetic plains due to the interplay of meteorological and human factors. The lack of rainfall, which normally helps clean the air, and soil resuspension from loosened agricultural land, adds to particulate loading in both urban and rural areas. Dr Khaiwal emphasised that air pollution does not respect geopolitical boundaries and called for coordinated transboundary strategies. While Indian states like Punjab and Haryana have successfully controlled agricultural residue fires, similar measures are needed in Pakistan's Punjab. Although stubble-burning incidents in Indian Punjab have declined, air quality levels have not improved correspondingly. Some fires may occur in conditions that evade satellite detection. Recent satellite images show thick smoke plumes drifting eastward, indicating a wider regional issue. According to official records, 33 stubble-burning incidents were reported yesterday in the state, the highest this kharif season. A total of 241 farm fire incidents have been recorded so far, largely due to delayed paddy harvesting. Tarn Taran reported 23 new cases, while Amritsar recorded three, bringing the total incidents in Tarn Taran to 88 and in Amritsar to 80. The worst air quality index (AQI) yesterday was in Mandi Gobindgarh (231), followed by Jalandhar (148), Ludhiana (116), and Patiala (101). There has been an 83% decrease in stubble-burning cases compared to the same period in previous years, when 1,348 and 1,407 incidents were reported from September 15 to October 18 in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Punjab government has decided to take stricter action against farmers who burn crop residue. District officials have been instructed to withdraw government scheme benefits from violators, including pensions and even arms licenses. Anganwadi workers are being deployed to spread awareness, and announcements are being made from religious places, mainly Gurdwaras. Students are also being sensitised to discourage parents from burning stubble. Police have registered 119 FIRs under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for disobedience related to stubble burning. The Revenue Department has made 81 red entries in the land records of violators. The Punjab Pollution Control Board has imposed fines totalling Rs 5.15 lakh in 104 cases, of which Rs 3.65 lakh has been recovered.
Delhi Police nabs 12 in nationwide cyber fraud racket defrauding victims of Rs 2.6 crore
NEW DELHI: The Delhi Police has arrested 12 members of a well-organised cybercrime network allegedly involved in digital arrest frauds, fake investment rackets and online romance scams, which defrauded victims of over Rs 2.6 crore, an official said on Friday. The arrests came following a week-long coordinated operation, spanning Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, he said. In one case in south Delhi, an elderly victim was defrauded of Rs 42.49 lakh after fraudsters, posing as police officials, falsely accused him of money laundering and coerced him into transferring funds. Three men were arrested from Pali, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, while Rs 7.08 lakh was recovered and refunded through court orders. In Agra, Uttar Pradesh, two persons were arrested for allegedly defrauding a victim of Rs 40.27 lakh through an online romance and investment scam. The accused, police said, used social media to lure the victim with promises of marriage and high investment returns. One of them, Devender Kumar, had opened multiple bank accounts to hide the source of ill-gotten money by doing a series of transactions. His associate Shivam alias Ashu was found involved in several criminal cases. As long as the cybercriminals business model works, companies are vulnerable to attack A separate team apprehended a key facilitator from Jalandhar, Punjab, who had supplied multiple mule bank accounts for cyber frauds. The accused, Anil, was found linked to earlier cases of similar nature registered in Punjab. In another operation in Una, Himachal Pradesh, police arrested Naman Puri (26), who was allegedly part of a digital arrest scam where victims were conned by fake TRAI and police officials. The complainant had lost Rs 30 lakh, of which Rs 11 lakh has been recovered, police said. In Meerut, Md Parvez was arrested in connection with an online investment scam that defrauded a teacher. Of Rs 33.9 lakh lost in the scam, Rs 1.75 lakh was recovered. Parvez allegedly handed over his bank account to an associate for commission-based fraudulent transactions. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Heres how to stay safe from scams Two more accused, identified as Deepak Saini and Mudit Arora, were nabbed from Saharanpur for duping an IT professional of Rs 29.74 lakh in a stock market investment fraud. They allegedly posed as SEBI and Morgan Stanley officials to convince the victim to invest in a fake AI-enabled trading platform, police said in an official statement. In Kanpur, police arrested Mehvish Akhtar in connection with a share market scam involving multiple layered transactions amounting to Rs 31 lakh, while in Mahoba, Neelesh Kumar was held for a similar fake investment fraud of Rs 26.9 lakh. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Aditya Gautam said that over Rs 2.61 crore was involved in the frauds linked to the arrested accused, and technical surveillance and financial tracking were crucial in identifying their movements. Myanmar scam centres booming despite crackdown, using Musk's Starlink: Investigation
Samba police recovers missing girl from Jalandhar
Excelsior Correspondent SAMBA, Oct 14: Samba police has recovered a missing minor girl from Jalandhar (Punjab) in a kidnapping case registered at Police Station (PS), Bari Brahmana. Police said on October 13, a written complaint was lodged at Police Station (PS) Bari Brahmana by the mother of missing minor girl, a resident of Bari Brahmana district Samba, stating therein that her daughter, of 13 years of age, had gone missing from home. All efforts were made out by the family [] The post Samba police recovers missing girl from Jalandhar appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
CHANDIGARH: The body of deceased Haryana IPS officer, Y Puran Kumar, who committed suicide, has been shifted to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) for postmortem autopsy by the Chandigarh Police. The family of the officer accused the police of shifting the body without consulting them and said they had not given consent for the autopsy . The medical board hasn't conducted the autopsy yet. The body was kept at the Government Multi-Specialty Hospital in Sector 16. Amit Rattan, AAP MLA from Bathinda (Rural) and brother-in-law of the deceased officer, said, The Chandigarh Police have shifted the body without asking us. Five days have passed since a senior IPS officer died, but we have not got justice yet. DGP of Chandigarh Police, Sagar Preet Hooda, today visited the residence of Amneet P Kumar and, after meeting the family, he said that the police have requested the family to get the post-mortem done as early as possible. The post-mortem will be conducted only after the family gives its consent. Asked why the family members have not given their consent till now, Hooda said they have some grievances, which are being discussed. When questioned why the police have not added the names of the alleged suspects to the FIR lodged in the case, he said an investigation is underway. A special investigation team headed by an IG-rank officer has been formed for the probe, said Hooda. He further said, The autopsy will be conducted at the PGIMER for which a board has been constituted comprising a magistrate, forensic experts, and doctors. Also, Videography and photography will be done. Hooda, however, said the post-mortem will be conducted only after the family gives its consent. After the registration of the FIR, Kumar's wife, Amneet, on Friday, had claimed it contained 'incomplete information', and sought its amendment to accurately reflect the names of all the accused. In the column meant for naming the accused, the FIR mentions as per the 'final note'. In a letter to Chandigarh SSP Kanwardeep Kaur, Amneet also sought an amendment of the diluted sections of the SC/ST Act which have been added to the FIR. In his eight-page 'final note', Kumar named eight senior IPS officers, including Haryana DGP Shatrujeet Kapur and Rohtak SP Narendra Bijarniya, for allegedly harassing and maligning him. Kumar, a 2001-batch Indian Police Service officer, allegedly shot himself dead at his Sector 11 residence here on Tuesday. He had left behind a 'final note' accusing eight senior police officers of blatant caste-based discrimination, targeted mental harassment, public humiliation, and atrocities. Haryana government considers DGP replacement amid controversy over dalit IPS officer's death Chandigarh Police on Friday constituted the six-member SIT headed by IG Pushpendra Kumar for a prompt, impartial, and thorough investigation into the officer's death in a time-bound manner. Kumar was recently posted as Inspector General of the Police Training Centre in Rohtak's Sunaria. Four days after Kumar died, the Haryana Government took its first action in the case by transferring Superintendent of Police of Rohtak Narendra Bijarniya on Saturday and appointed Surinder Singh Bhoria in his place. The order issued today said that Bijarniya's posting orders would be issued separately. Bijarniya, a 2015-batch IPS officer, was among the police officials named in the final note recovered from Kumars pocket. Meanwhile, Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has written a letter to senior IAS officer Amneet, the wife of deceased IPS officer Kumar. Sonia expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the bereaved family. The news of the tragic death of your husband and senior IPS officer, Mr Y. Puran Kumar, is both shocking and deeply saddening. My heartfelt condolences to you and your entire family in this time of immense difficulty, she wrote. She added, The passing of Y. Puran Kumar is a reminder to us that even today, the prejudiced and biased attitude of those in power deprives even the most senior officials of social justice. I and Millions of people in the country stand with you on this path to justice. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi have also condemned Kumars suicide and the circumstances that drove him to take the drastic step. While two Congress MPs, Deepinder Hooda Member of Parliament from Rohtak in Haryana, Randeep Singh Surjewala Rajaya Sabha Member of Parliament and former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi Member of Parliament from Jalandhar in Punjab, today met the family members of the deceased officer and assured full support to them. Haryana Transport Minister, Anil Vij met the family. The death of Kumar has brought national attention to questions about caste bias and workplace harassment.
Bollywood Actor Varinder Singh Ghuman Dies of Heart Attack at 42
His nephew Amanjot Singh Ghuman told reporters in Jalandhar that the actor suffered a heart attack in the hospital around 5 pm.
Punjabi Bodybuilder and Actor Varinder Singh Ghuman Dies of Heart Attack in Amritsar
Chandigarh, Oct 9: Renowned vegetarian bodybuilder and Bollywood actor Varinder Singh Ghuman passed away on Thursday following a heart attack. He was admitted to a private hospital in Amritsar on Wednesday but succumbed during treatment, officials said. A native of Jalandhar, Ghuman, around 40, was a former Mr. India titleholder and had acted alongside Salman [] The post Punjabi Bodybuilder and Actor Varinder Singh Ghuman Dies of Heart Attack in Amritsar appeared first on Northlines .
Punjab Police Foils ISI-Backed BKI Plot, Recovers 2.5 Kg IED
New Delhi, Oct 9: In a significant intelligence-led operation, Punjab Polices Counter-Intelligence unit in Jalandhar successfully busted a terror module linked to the Pakistan-based Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), officials confirmed on Thursday. During the operation, authorities recovered 2.5 kilograms of IED, reportedly intended for a targeted terror attack, and apprehended two operatives associated with the [] The post Punjab Police Foils ISI-Backed BKI Plot, Recovers 2.5 Kg IED appeared first on Northlines .
NIA Chargesheets Four In Jalandhar Grenade Attack
National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against four people, including Khalistani operatives, for their alleged involvement in a grenade attack on the residence of former Punjab minister Manoranjan Kalia in Jalandhar, officials said on Sunday.
NIA Chargesheets 4, Including Khalistani Operatives, For Attack On Ex-Punjab Ministers House
NEW DELHI, Oct 5: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has chargesheeted four people, including Khalistani operatives, for their alleged involvement in carrying out a grenade attack at former Punjab minister Manoranjan Kalias house in Jalandhar, officials said on Sunday. The chargesheet filed in a Chandigarh court on Saturday named two arrested accused Saidul Ameen of Amroha in Uttar Pradesh and Abhijot Jangra of Kurukshetra in Haryana and two absconders identified as Kulbir Singh Sidhu of Yamunanagar and Manish [] The post NIA Chargesheets 4, Including Khalistani Operatives, For Attack On Ex-Punjab Ministers House appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
NIA chargesheets 4, including Khalistani operatives, for attack on ex-Punjab minister's house
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has chargesheeted four individuals, including Khalistani operatives, for a grenade attack on former Punjab minister Manoranjan Kalia's house in Jalandhar on April 7, 2025. Two arrested and two absconders, linked to the proscribed Babbar Khalsa International, conspired to create fear and extort funds.
Tension in Jalandhar After Clash Over I Love Muhammad Campaign Arrests
Brief unrest erupted as two communities clashed during a protest march; police register FIR, MLA Pargat Singh appeals for peace
The Jalandhar Police uniquely celebrated Dussehra by burning four effigies instead of the usual three. The police marked the fourth effigy as drugs, making them a symbol of evil.
Symbolic Blow Against 'Demon Of Drugs': Punjab Police Mark Dussehra With Fourth Effigy
Police in Jalandhar district have introduced a powerful symbolic gesture: installation and burning of a fourth effigya representation of the 'Demon of Drugs'(NasheyanDa Rakshas)
Vivek Gupta elected President of Indian Newspaper Society
Vivek Gupta of Sanmarg , a Hindi daily headquartered in Kolkata, has been elected President of the Indian Newspaper Society (INS) for 202526. The INS is the apex body of publishers of newspapers, magazines, and periodicals in India. Gupta was elected at the 86th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the INS, held on Thursday through video conferencing and other audio-visual means. He succeeds M.V. Shreyams Kumar of Mathrubhumi . The AGM also confirmed other key appointments. Karan Rajendra Darda of Lokmat was elected Deputy President, Tanmay Maheshwari of Amar Ujala was named Vice-President, and Anant Nath of Grihshobhika was appointed Honorary Treasurer of the Society for 202526. Mary Paul is the Secretary-General of the Society. Having previously served as vice president and honorary treasurer of INS, Gupta became the first president from eastern India to helm the organisation in 32 years, a statement from INS said. In his presidential address, Kumar lauded the indomitable resilience of the Indian newspaper industry amid global adversities, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. The members of the Executive Committee of the INS for the year 2025-26 are, S Balasubramanian Adityan (Daily Thanthi), Girish Agarwal (Dainik Bhaskar, Bhopal), Samahit Bal (Pragativadi), Samudra Bhattacharya (Hindustan Times, Patna), Hormusji N. Cama (Bombay Samachar), Gaurav Chopra (Filmi Duniya), Vijay Kumar Chopra (Punjab Kesari, Jalandhar), Vijay Jawaharlal Darda (Lokmat, Nagpur), Jagjit Singh Dardi (Charhdikala Daily), Pallavi S. Dempo (The Navhind Times), Viveck Goenka (The Indian Express, Mumbai), Mahendra Mohan Gupta (Dainik Jagran), Yogesh P. Jadhav (Pudhari), Pratap G. Pawar (Sakal), Sowbhagyalakshmi Kanekal Tilak (Mayura), and Mohit Jain (Economic Times).
Railway ministry approves Rajpura-Mohali line, proposes new Vande Bharat train for Punjab
NEW DELHI: After five decades of persistent demand, the Ministry of Railways has approved the long-awaited RajpuraMohali railway line in Punjab and proposed a new Vande Bharat train for the state as part of railway infrastructure projects worth Rs 25,000 crore currently under execution. Speaking to the media on Tuesday at Rail Bhawan, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw officially announced the RajpuraMohali railway line. He also revealed that a proposal for a new Vande Bharat Express, running from Firozpur Cantt to Delhi via Bathinda and Patiala, has been prepared and is expected to be approved soon by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Punjab has got nearly a 24 times hike in its budget allocation under the present government since 2014. Now, Punjab has got over Rs 5,000 crore of the Railway budget compared to earlier which used to be around Rs 225 crore before 2014. Now, PM Modi ji has increased the Railway budget 24 times from earlier, Vaishnaw said. He explained that the new 18-kilometre railway line would connect Chandigarh via the Jalandhar route, significantly shortening the previously longer journey between the two locations. This new railway line will be constructed at a cost of Rs 443 crore. The minister added that a new Vande Bharat train would soon be launched for Punjab. At present, five pairs of Vande Bharat trains are operating in the state. Additionally, one pair of Amrit Bharat trains is in service, covering six districts with eight unique stoppages. Punjab has achieved 100% electrification of its 1,634 km railway track network, and 30 stations are currently being developed as Amrit Stations under a national modernisation scheme. The Railway Minister also noted that since 2014, the Government of India has completed 10 mega railway projects, with seven more currently under execution.
Indian women trafficked to Malaysia on visa-free entry for domestic work
CHANDIGARH: It is not only Gulf countries where women from India, who had gone there on the pretext of a job offer, got trapped; Malaysia has now become the new destination. Women, especially from Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh, are being taken to this Southeast Asian nation with promises of legitimate domestic work. Travel agents use the visa-free entry route to lure them, after which they are forced to live and work in conditions described as unstable and precarious. In an advisory issued on September 9 this year, the High Commission of India, Kuala Lumpur (Labour Wing), in a document titled Indian nationals getting stranded in Malaysia, a copy of which is with this newspaper, stated: The majority of the affected individuals are unskilled/semi-skilled labourers and hail from several states in India including Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh. They are invariably misled with false promises of employment by unscrupulous agents in India and Malaysia. The following issues of concern came to the notice of the High Commission: Indian nationals travelling under the pretext of tourism but intending to look for employment are often denied entry on arrival. Those who manage to enter the country often overstay beyond 30 days and are thus declared illegal. Entry is also refused to those Indian nationals who are genuine tourists but fail to provide valid documentation, including return tickets, proof of accommodation, and financial means, it stated. It further read: It has been observed that unscrupulous agents in India and Malaysia entice a number of Indian nationals with prospects of employment and arrange their travel to Malaysia on the pretext of tourism to get visa-free entry and stay for 30 days in Malaysia. Such individuals become illegal after expiry of 30 days and are thus vulnerable to various forms of exploitation locally. They are also subjected to detention, imprisonment and associated legal actions by Malaysian enforcement agencies. The High Commission of India, Kuala Lumpur has further advised all State Governments, Protectors of Emigrants (PoE) and immigration officers to issue public advisories and exercise strict scrutiny of Indian nationals, especially ECR passport holders, departing to Malaysia from international airports including Trichy, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Cochin, Bengaluru and Amritsar. It has also been stated that passengers deceived by agents should be encouraged to provide full details of such agents, and that information may be compiled and shared with state and central government authorities for appropriate action. The state governments of Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh have been requested to initiate extensive awareness campaigns by disseminating correct travel procedures and highlighting the risks associated with misuse of visa-free entry to Malaysia for employment purposes. A statement issued by the High Commission also said that a significant number of Indian female domestic workers are being brought into Malaysia through channels in violation of both Indian and Malaysian immigration and employment laws. As per the guidelines laid down by the Immigration Department of Malaysia, India is one of the nine countries approved for the recruitment of foreign domestic helpers (FDH). Malaysian employers intending to hire Indian domestic workers are required to obtain a Visa with Reference (VDR) from the Immigration Department of Malaysia. Based on the VDR, the prospective worker applies for an employment visa at the Malaysian High Commission or Consulate in India. Upon arrival in Malaysia, the employer is responsible for converting the VDR into a temporary employment visit pass, it read. It further stated: However, it has been observed that many Indian domestic workers are being brought into Malaysia by agents using visa-free entry, thereby violating the established procedures. Indian emigration guidelines do not permit recruitment of Indian women who are below 30 years of age and hold ECR (Emigration Check Required) category passports to take up overseas employment as domestic workers. Sources said that in July this year, a 39-year-old woman from India was beaten, locked in a hotel room and forced into prostitution. She was rescued during a raid by the Malaysian police in Kuala Lumpur city centre. She had arrived in Malaysia on July 11 after being promised work as a domestic helper, only to be held captive and exploited. Speaking to this newspaper, Yashu Deep Singh, Protector of Emigrants, Chandigarh, said that earlier reports were being received regarding women being rescued from Gulf countries who had paid around 50,000 to 1 lakh to agents based in Dubai on tourist visas and were then pushed further to other countries such as Oman on the pretext of domestic help jobs but were exploited. We are getting reports of 20 to 30 such cases per year from the Consulate General of India, Dubai. However, once these rescued women are repatriated back, they do not give complaints against the unscrupulous agents, which is necessary to initiate action against such agents. The advisory from the High Commission of India, Kuala Lumpur is also on these lines to avoid the trap of unscrupulous agents and always rely on Ministry-approved recruiting agents for overseas employment opportunities. The list of such registered agents is publicly available on www.emigrate.gov.in, he said. Five Common Service Centre-Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendras established in Punjab Five Common Service Centre-Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendras (CSC-PBSKs) have been established in Punjab by the Protector of Emigrants (PoE). These will provide citizen-friendly eMigrate web-portal related services and strengthen outreach to aspiring youth at the grassroots level. The centres will be located in Rupnagar, Mohali, Hoshiarpur, and two in Jalandhar. Yashu Deep Singh, Protector of Emigrants, Chandigarh, said that the CSC-PBSKs will serve as extended arms of the PoE and will function as information, facilitation and grievance-redressal platforms for the general public. These centres will provide guidance and assistance on a wide range of emigration-related matters, primarily related to overseas employment. These centres will provide assistance regarding details of Registered Recruiting Agents (RAs), Emigration Clearances (ECs), and facilitation of public grievances against registered or illegal recruiting agents (IRAs). They will also give guidance to intending emigrants/applicants regarding overseas job opportunities, scheduled RA interviews, and recruitment procedures, and support in verifying the authenticity and licence status of RAs through the official eMigrate portal. They will also raise awareness on safe, legal and transparent mobility channels, discouraging irregular migration practices. Besides, they will provide assistance regarding Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY) insurance services, information on Emigration Check Not Required (ECNR) registration, and related facilities, he said.
CHANDIGARH: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Manjinder Singh Lalpura, who represents the Khadoor Sahib Assembly constituency, was sentenced on Friday to four years of imprisonment in a case related to the molestation and assault of a Dalit woman. Additional Sessions Judge of Tarn Taran, Prem Kumar, handed down the sentence in connection with the 2013 assault and molestation case. Lalpura was convicted on September 10. Subsequently, he was arrested and remanded into custody. According to the victims counsel, Amit Dhawan, the case was registered under Sections 323, 324, and 354 of the IPC, along with provisions of the SC/ST Act. In total, 12 persons were convicted: seven have been arrested, one is deceased, one is already lodged in Tihar Jail, and three others, who are wanted in connection with the case, are still absconding. The victim told the media that she was satisfied with the verdict, as she had to fight a long and difficult battle against the accused. At the time of the 2013 incident, Lalpura was working as a taxi driver. The incident occurred at a wedding hall in Tarn Taran, where the victim was allegedly caned by police personnel from the Tarn Taran police station, along with Lalpura. She was also molested during the police assault. Lalpura was arrested days after another AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra from Sanaur was booked for rape and cheating. He escaped from the custody of Patiala police from Karnal in Haryana. In June this year the state vigilance bureau had arrested Raman Arora, AAP MLA representing Jalandhar (Central) constituency in a corruption case. A corporation official was also involved in the case. In February, 2023 Amit Rattan Kotfatta MLA representing Bathinda (Rural) constituency was arrested in a graft case. In 2022, a few months after the AAP government came to power, the then health minister and Mansa MLA Vijay Singla was arrested on corruption charges. These arrests have dented the image of the ruling party. A senior AAP leader on condition of anonymity said that all these controversies have hurt the public perception of the government which now needs to be improved. On the other hand, the party leadership claimed that the arrests of these legislators are evidence enough that the government is committed to zero tolerance for wrongdoing. Spokesman of Punjab AAP, Neel Garg said that, he law has taken its own course Lalpura's case. The incident for which he was sentenced took place before he became an MLA. Our stand is clear. We'll not defend any person involved in wrong doings, he added.
The victim, Meena Kumari, boarded an autorickshaw from Jalandhar bypass to catch a bus from Phillaur.
Indian youths caught in crossfire of Russia-Ukraine war seek Centre's help to rescue them
CHANDIGARH: Young men from Punjab, Haryana and Jammu who were caught in the crossfire of Russia-Ukraine war have sent an SOS pleading to rescue them at the earliest. In video messages shared by these youths, they could be seen dressed in Russian military uniforms and pleading for urgent intervention by the Indian government to rescue them. We are being grossly mistreated. We're being sent to the frontline daily and we're starving, said one Samarjeet Singh from Ludhiana. Another youth Buta Singh, claimed some among them had already died in the war. He added that they were promised work in Moscow but recruited in the Russian army. The situation is dire, get us out immediately, he pleaded. Echoing the same view, Sumeet Sharma from Jammu said that they have been deceived by travel agents. 23-year-old Ankit Jangra from Kumharia village in Fatehabad district said that he and 12 others from India are now trapped in Russia. Vijay Poonia of the same village is also trapped with Ankit and fighting for the Russian army. Both Ankit and Vijay had gone to Russia on student visas to study the Russian language. Lamenting lack of effective action from the Indian government, Jagdeep Singh, whose brother Mandeep is among the missing said,`` Since July this year, these new recruitments have taken place, and the stranded youths have been making frantic calls to the Indian embassy in Russia, but there has been little response. Family members of these youth allege that compensation for youths killed in the war or pensions for injured ones are being siphoned off by the agents. Congress MLA from Jalandhar Cantonment Pargat Singh, who brought these family members to Chandigarh to press for action, criticized both the Centre and the state government for failing to identify arrest the travel agents. ``The continuous inaction of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Moscow constitutes a breach of duty and dereliction of responsibility. As government agencies persist in issuing ineffective advisories, our youths are dying on foreign battlefields while families are left unsupported, uninformed, and denied even the dignity of adequate investigation or compensation, he said. Singh claimed that in July this year 15 Punjabi youths were taken to Russia under false job promises. By August, five were dead, three missing, and seven were forcibly conscripted. At least126 youths from across north India remain trapped in Russia and about 15 are missing, he said. These are not isolated cases of fraud this is a coordinated, large-scale operation that the Indian system has utterly failed to acknowledge or combat. The Punjab Governments ongoing delay in prosecuting the agents whose criminal exploitation even robs families of death benefits and insurance payouts is inexcusable and unacceptable, he further added. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal meanwhile emphasized that India has repeatedly raised the issue with Moscow and urged families to maintain close contact with the authorities. We have seen reports about Indian nationals having been recruited recently into the Russian Army. The government has, on several occasions over the past year, underlined the risks and dangers inherent in this course of action and cautioned Indian citizens accordingly. We have also taken up the matter with Russian officials, both in Delhi and Moscow, demanding an end to this practice and the release of our nationals. We are also in touch with the families of the affected Indian citizens. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also raised the issue during his visit to Russia last year.
Punjab police bust two cross-border arms smuggling modules; 33 weapons recovered, eight arrested
CHANDIGARH: In two separate operations, Punjab police seized a cache of arms and ammunition and arrested eight alleged accused. In the operations, 33 sophisticated weapons were recovered. In one of the operations, the state police busted a cross-border arms smuggling module near Muhar Jamsher village, close to the Indo-Pak border, in Fazilka, arresting two weapon suppliers and seizing 27 .30 bore pistols along with 470 live cartridges. Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav said on Thursday that Counter Intelligence (CI) Ferozepur, in a joint operation with the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) Fazilka, busted the arms smuggling module. Those arrested have been identified as Mangal Singh alias Mangali, a resident of Tejha Rahela in Fazilka, and Gurmeet Singh, a resident of Muhar Jamsher village in Fazilka. Yadav said preliminary investigations revealed that the weapons were sourced from Pakistan through a foreign-based entity and were meant for criminal gangs in the state. The arrested accused were attempting to deliver these arms to ground operatives of criminal groups on the directions of their foreign handlers, he said. Sharing operation details, Assistant Inspector General of Police (CI Ferozepur) Gursewak Singh Brar said that the joint secret operation was launched after receiving reliable inputs. The identity and role of the foreign entity, along with its broader network, are under comprehensive investigation. In this regard, a case has been registered under section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station SSOC Fazilka, he added. Meanwhile, Amritsar Commissionerate Police busted another cross-border arms smuggling module, arresting six members and recovering six sophisticated weapons along with Rs 5.75 lakh in hawala money. The Punjab DGP said that those arrested have been identified as Pargat Singh of Vaan Tara Singh village in Tarn Taran, Ajaybir Singh alias Ajay of Gali Punjab Singh in Amritsar, Karanbir Singh alias Karan of Pal Avenue in Amritsar, Shri Ram of Pal Avenue in Amritsar, Mehakpreet Singh alias Rohit of Officer Colony in Amritsar and Dinesh Kumar of Adampur in Jalandhar. The recovered weapons include one 9MM Glock, three .30 bore PX5 pistols, one .32 bore and .30 bore pistol. The syndicate was being operated by arrested accused Mehakpreet Singh alias Rohit under the directions of his foreign-based handlers via social media. During the operation, multiple recoveries were made at different stages of the investigation, he said. He said further investigations are underway to trace the forward and backward linkages to identify other members of the module in both the cases, and track the origins of the smuggled weapons. More arrests and recoveries are expected in coming days, he added. Sharing details of the second operation, Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said Pargat Singh was initially arrested with two weapons, which were part of cross border consignments and meant to be distributed further through the network. Further, during the course of the investigation, other members of the moduleAjaybir, Karanbir and Shri Ramwere arrested along with one pistol, he said. The kingpin of the module identified as Mehakpreet was arrested from Goa and three weapons were recovered from his possession, he added. He said the probe has found that the money for the arms smuggling trade was routed through the hawala network in which an accused Dinesh was arrested. A case has been registered in this regard under section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station Gate Hakima in Amritsar.
CHANDIGARH: The AAP-led Punjab Government is set to introduce a new policy allowing farmers to remove sand from flood-hit fields, and to sell extracted sand for additional income. Punjab Incharge of AAP Manish Sisodia, today announced that the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government is set to bring major relief for farmers affected by the recent floods. The state government will soon announce a policy to allow farmers to freely remove sand deposited in their fields due to the floods, ensuring agricultural activities can resume without delay. Sisodia said, The floods have destroyed crops, damaged homes, and claimed livestock. But the biggest concern of our farmers right now is the sand left behind in their fields, which could make future farming impossible. We have taken their feedback seriously. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has already discussed this issue with officials and assured that a clear policy will be announced in the next few days to allow farmers to remove the sand from their fields without any bureaucratic hurdles. He added that the decision will not only help farmers prepare their land for the next sowing season but also provide them with an opportunity to sell the sand if it can be used for construction purposes. AAP, BJP trade charges over cause of Punjab floods as Congress blames both for collective failure This will be a double relief, the land will be cleared for crops, and farmers can also earn some income from selling the sand, Sisodia said. He claimed that the Mann government has been working round-the-clock to support people affected by the floods. All our ministers, MLAs, and volunteers have been on the ground providing relief. I personally visited many districts and villages, met with farmers, understood their problems, and assured them that the government stands firmly with them, he said. Sisodia pointed out that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and other senior leaders spoke to the Chief Minister, no concrete financial assistance has been announced yet. Punjabs rightful dues of over Rs 60,000 crore, including Rs 58,000 crore of GST, are pending with the Centre. If this amount had been released earlier, relief and rehabilitation work could have progressed much faster. I urge the Prime Minister to release Punjabs dues before his visit on September 9 , he said. Punjab Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that 504 cattle or buffaloes, 73 sheep and goats and 160 pigs have perished across 14 districts. These districts include Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Barnala, Bathinda, Hoshiarpur, Tarn Taran, Patiala, Jalandhar, Rupnagar and Moga. Additionally, 18,304 poultry birds died in Gurdaspur, Rupnagar and Fazilka due to the collapse of poultry sheds. He further said that approximately 2.52 lakhs animals and 5,88,685 poultry birds were affected by the floods. Khudian added that 481 teams have been deployed to provide treatment and arrange medicines for affected livestock. Till now, 22,534 animals have been provided treatment. He further said that the department has distributed relief supplies, including over 12,170 quintals of feed and 5090.35 quintals of green fodder, dry fodder and silage, to support livestock in flood-affected districts, in collaboration with the district administration and social organisations. Uromin licks are also being supplied to the animals to boost their immune system. Principal Secretary Animal Husbandry Rahul Bhandari said that the department has already released a total of Rs 31.50 lakh for the treatment of animals affected by the floods. Meanwhile Rajya Sabha Member, Sanjay Singh and Punjab Panchayat Minister, Tarunpreet Singh Sond visited flood-affected border villages of Fazilka district on September 7. Singh said that Punjab has been battling floods for nearly a month, yet the Centre continues to wait for reports instead of providing immediate relief. He expressed hope that during his visit to Punjab on September 9, the Prime Minister will announce a substantial relief package for the affected areas. He said that even though the Union Agriculture Minister had earlier visited Punjab, no relief has been provided so far. While Sond stated that relief operations in the district are being carried out with full speed. He added that as water levels begin to recede, the administration is gearing up for the next set of challenges. These include the risk of waterborne diseases and assessment of damages. He emphasised that medical teams, veterinary units, and district administration officials are actively working in the affected villages to ensure that every person in need receives relief supplies.
Politics over flood relief operations in Punjab Critics are revisiting CM Bhagwant Manns earlier statements in which he blamed the previous government of mismanaging the 2023 floods. The resurgence comes at a time when the state is facing one of its worst floods. Both the public and the politicians are digging out his old remarks. With these old statements now resurfacing on social media and a journalist asking him about them made the CM uncomfortable. On the other hand, Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira took a dig at AAP government for using the state governments helicopter to distribute relief material to the public. Tractor-trolleys turn shelters amid deluge Branded by politicians as villains during farmers protests, the tractor-trolleys have now emerged as heroes. In addition to rescuing those affected by flood, they are also being used as makeshift shelters amid devastating floods that have hit Punjab. Venturing deep into submerged villages in low-lying areas of Malwa, Majha and Doaba regions of the state, these tractor-trolleys are rescuing stranded families and delivering critical supplies like food, drinking water and medicine. Several politicians from the state, including ministers, MLAs, and senior officials, are now seen riding these tractors in various districts to navigate flood-hit areas. Congress leaders Warring and Pargat bury hatchet Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and the partys MLA from Jalandhar Cantt, Pargat Singh, known for their longstanding differences, have finally ended their rivalry. Warring visited Pargats residence in Mithapur, Jalandhar, marking a significant thaw in their strained relationship. This follows a directive by the party high command asking the state leaders to set aside their differences and work in tandem. Both of them met soon after Pargat complained about indifferent state leadership during the August 25 party meeting, which was attended by central leadership. The leaders were told to carry everyone along.
Centre Clears 40km Baramulla-Uri Rail Line, Qazigund-Badgam Doubling To Boost J&K Connectivity
The planning group also cleared two capacity expansion projects in Punjab and Haryana---third line between LudhianaJalandhar Cantt and fourth line between Ambala CanttSahnewal
CHANDIGARH: The flood situation in Punjab has worsened due to incessant heavy rainfall, causing major rivers including the Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, and Ghaggar to swell. Out of Punjabs 23 districts, 22 have been affected so far. A total of 1,312 villages are impacted, nearly 3 lakh acres of standing crops have been inundated, and 26 people have lost their lives. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the release of Rs 60,000 crore in state funds that he claims are pending with the Union Government. Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian confirmed that the 1,312 affected villages include, 93 in Amritsar, 26 in Barnala, 21 in Bathinda, 1 in Fatehgarh Sahib, 92 in Fazilka, 107 in Ferozepur, 324 in Gurdaspur, 86 in Hoshiarpur, 55 in Jalandhar, 123 in Kapurthala, 26 in Ludhiana, 4 in Malerkotla, 77 in Mansa, 35 in Moga, 81 in Pathankot, 14 in Patiala, 2 in Rupnagar, 22 in Sangrur, 1 in SAS Nagar, 3 in SBS Nagar, 74 in Muktsar and 45 in Tarn Taran. Emergency response teams from the state machinery, along with NDRF, SDRF, the Army, and Punjab Police, are working round-the-clock to protect lives and property. Additional Chief Secretary and Financial Commissioner (Revenue), Anurag Verma, after inspecting villages along the Sutlej River in Ferozepur district, reported that nearly 3 lakh acres of land have been affected and around 1.25 lakh people are impacted by the floods. He added that the government has ordered a special girdawari (crop damage assessment) to provide compensation for crop losses. District authorities have been instructed to gather accurate loss data, and compensation will be disbursed per CM Manns directives. Currently, six NDRF teams are deployed in Gurdaspur and one each in Fazilka, Ferozepur, Pathankot, and Amritsar. Two SDRF teams are operational in Kapurthala. The Army, Navy, and Air Force are assisting in Kapurthala, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, and Pathankot, while BSF teams are engaged in Gurdaspur and Ferozepur. Punjab Police and Fire Brigade are also assisting in Kapurthala and Ferozepur. Additionally, 15 boats in Kapurthala, 12 in Ferozepur, and 4 in Pathankot are engaged in evacuations, with airlifting operations carried out where required. So far, 26 people have died in the floods, including an irrigation department employee who fell into the Ravi River last week while trying to open flood gates at the Madhopur barrage. Sources said that the Ghaggar River is also overflowing due to excess water from the Markanda and Tangri rivers. Water levels at Chika (Haryana), Khanauri (Sangrur), and Sardulgarh (Mansa) are very high, though still below the danger mark. CM writes to PM Modi In his letter to Prime Minister Modi, CM Mann said that Punjab is facing one of its worst flood disasters in decades, with around 1,300 villages and lakhs of people affected. He said heavy rains and dam releases caused severe flooding in Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Amritsar, Pathankot, Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Hoshiarpur. He noted that nearly 3 lakh acres of mainly paddy crops are submerged just weeks before harvest. Losses of livestock have also deeply affected rural families. The Chief Minister emphasized that Punjab has suffered a permanent revenue loss of Rs 49,727 crore due to the GST replacing VAT, with no compensation granted. Additionally, reductions in RDF and MDF have cost the state over Rs 8,000 crore, and the scrapping of PMGSY projects worth Rs 828 crore has further hurt development. He also slammed the existing State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms, calling them grossly inadequate. Current compensation for crop loss exceeding 33% stands at Rs 17,000 per hectare (or Rs 6,800 per acre). Mann stated the state government already tops this up to Rs 15,000 per acre, but given the extent of devastation, at least Rs 50,000 per acre should be provided. He urged a revision of SDRF norms and assured the Centre that Punjab would continue contributing its 25% share as per scheme guidelines. The Punjab government has extended school holidays till September 3. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said the decision was taken on CM Manns instructions to ensure student safety. He urged parents to prioritise their childrens well-being and requested teachers to stay in touch with district administrations to support community efforts. Schools were originally closed from August 27 to 30.
CHANDIGARH: The flood situation in Punjab has worsened due to incessant heavy rainfall, causing major rivers including the Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, and Ghaggar to swell. Out of Punjabs 23 districts, 22 have been affected so far. A total of 1,312 villages are impacted, nearly 3 lakh acres of standing crops have been inundated, and 26 people have lost their lives. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the release of 60,000 crore in state funds that he claims are pending with the Union Government. Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian confirmed that the 1,312 affected villages include, 93 in Amritsar, 26 in Barnala, 21 in Bathinda, 1 in Fatehgarh Sahib, 92 in Fazilka, 107 in Ferozepur, 324 in Gurdaspur, 86 in Hoshiarpur, 55 in Jalandhar, 123 in Kapurthala, 26 in Ludhiana, 4 in Malerkotla, 77 in Mansa, 35 in Moga, 81 in Pathankot, 14 in Patiala, 2 in Rupnagar, 22 in Sangrur, 1 in SAS Nagar, 3 in SBS Nagar, 74 in Muktsar and 45 in Tarn Taran. Emergency response teams from the state machinery, along with NDRF, SDRF, the Army, and Punjab Police, are working round-the-clock to protect lives and property. Additional Chief Secretary and Financial Commissioner (Revenue), Anurag Verma, after inspecting villages along the Sutlej River in Ferozepur district, reported that nearly 3 lakh acres of land have been affected and around 1.25 lakh people are impacted by the floods. He added that the government has ordered a special girdawari (crop damage assessment) to provide compensation for crop losses. District authorities have been instructed to gather accurate loss data, and compensation will be disbursed per CM Manns directives. Currently, six NDRF teams are deployed in Gurdaspur and one each in Fazilka, Ferozepur, Pathankot, and Amritsar. Two SDRF teams are operational in Kapurthala. The Army, Navy, and Air Force are assisting in Kapurthala, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, and Pathankot, while BSF teams are engaged in Gurdaspur and Ferozepur. Punjab Police and Fire Brigade are also assisting in Kapurthala and Ferozepur. Additionally, 15 boats in Kapurthala, 12 in Ferozepur, and 4 in Pathankot are engaged in evacuations, with airlifting operations carried out where required. So far, 26 people have died in the floods, including an irrigation department employee who fell into the Ravi River last week while trying to open flood gates at the Madhopur barrage. Sources said that the Ghaggar River is also overflowing due to excess water from the Markanda and Tangri rivers. Water levels at Chika (Haryana), Khanauri (Sangrur), and Sardulgarh (Mansa) are very high, though still below the danger mark. CM writes to PM Modi In his letter to Prime Minister Modi, CM Mann said that Punjab is facing one of its worst flood disasters in decades, with around 1,300 villages and lakhs of people affected. He said heavy rains and dam releases caused severe flooding in Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Amritsar, Pathankot, Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Hoshiarpur. He noted that nearly 3 lakh acres of mainly paddy crops are submerged just weeks before harvest. Losses of livestock have also deeply affected rural families. The Chief Minister emphasized that Punjab has suffered a permanent revenue loss of Rs 49,727 crore due to the GST replacing VAT, with no compensation granted. Additionally, reductions in RDF and MDF have cost the state over Rs 8,000 crore, and the scrapping of PMGSY projects worth Rs 828 crore has further hurt development. He also slammed the existing State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms, calling them grossly inadequate. Current compensation for crop loss exceeding 33% stands at Rs 17,000 per hectare (or Rs 6,800 per acre). Mann stated the state government already tops this up to Rs 15,000 per acre, but given the extent of devastation, at least Rs 50,000 per acre should be provided. He urged a revision of SDRF norms and assured the Centre that Punjab would continue contributing its 25% share as per scheme guidelines. The Punjab government has extended school holidays till September 3. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said the decision was taken on CM Manns instructions to ensure student safety. He urged parents to prioritise their childrens well-being and requested teachers to stay in touch with district administrations to support community efforts. Schools were originally closed from August 27 to 30.
CHANDIGARH: The flood situation remains grim in eight districts of Punjab --Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur and Fazilka-- where the Ravi, Beas and Sutlej rivers are in spate. Approximately 400 students and 40 staff members are feared to be trapped in rising floodwaters at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Daburi village of Gurdaspur. The school is situated along the Gurdaspur-Dorangla road. According to sources, Kiran nullah, which flows adjacent to the school, has not been cleaned in years, which has led to the accumulation of floodwater in and around the premises. Meanwhile, as many as 22 CRPF personnel and three civilians were evacuated from a flooded village by an Army helicopter, just minutes before the building they were sheltering in collapsed. A defence spokesperson said that the Army, in a swift and daring operation, evacuated the people who were stranded near Madhopur Headworks, an area bordering Lakhanpur in Jammu and Kashmir. The building where these people were sheltering collapsed shortly after the evacuation, highlighting the timeliness and precision of the rescue. At 6 am on Wednesday, Army Aviation helicopters took off to carry out the rescue operation despite challenging conditions, and all stranded individuals were safely evacuated, he said. Indian Army Aviation undertook a high-risk helicopter rescue operation, evacuating stranded civilians and #CRPF personnel from a building surrounded by raging floodwaters and at imminent risk of collapse at Madhopur Headworks, #Punjab . Braving challenging weather and rapidly pic.twitter.com/8999qBrs0x ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) August 27, 2025 This successful operation once again reflects the Indian Armys unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and its ability to respond promptly in crisis situations. The synergy between the Army and local authorities averted a potential tragedy, he added. The water level in the Ravi river was recorded at 4.60 lakh cusecs early this morning, leading to flooding in Gurdaspur, Pathankot and Amritsar districts. The water level in the Ranjit Sagar Dam on the Ravi crossed the danger mark of 527.91 metres, prompting authorities to release water from the reservoir in a controlled manner. Yesterday, approximately 1.95 lakh cusecs of water were released from the dam. Controlled releases are also being made from the Bhakra and Pong dams. The catchment areas of the three dams in neighbouring Himachal Pradesh have witnessed heavy rainfall since the start of August. Mandi, the worst-affected district in the hill state, is one of the main catchment areas for the Beas river, on which the Pong Dam is built. Several cloudbursts have led to a massive inflow of water into the reservoir, causing a sharp rise in its levels. The Punjab government has already issued warnings to people residing in villages along the rivers to be prepared for any eventuality. Relief camps have also been set up in the affected districtsone in Kapurthala, six in Ferozepur and five in Hoshiarpur. In Fazilka, 36,435 acres of land have been inundated due to the floods, and 270 houses have either collapsed or developed cracks. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will be touring Pathankot and Gurdaspur districts today to take stock of the flood situation and oversee relief and rescue operations. Mann has also formed a committee for flood management and set up a central flood control room in Jalandhar. 34 dead as heavy rains lash J&K; mobile, internet service down
Army evacuates 25, including CRPF personnel, minutes before building collapse amid Punjab floods
CHANDIGARH: The flood situation remains grim in eight districts of Punjab --Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur and Fazilka-- where the Ravi, Beas and Sutlej rivers are in spate. As many as 22 CRPF personnel and three civilians were evacuated from a flooded village by an Army helicopter, just minutes before the building they were sheltering in collapsed. A defence spokesperson said that the Army, in a swift and daring operation, evacuated the people who were stranded near Madhopur Headworks, an area bordering Lakhanpur in Jammu and Kashmir. The building where these people were sheltering collapsed shortly after the evacuation, highlighting the timeliness and precision of the rescue. At 6 am on Wednesday, Army Aviation helicopters took off to carry out the rescue operation despite challenging conditions, and all stranded individuals were safely evacuated, he said. Indian Army Aviation undertook a high-risk helicopter rescue operation, evacuating stranded civilians and #CRPF personnel from a building surrounded by raging floodwaters and at imminent risk of collapse at Madhopur Headworks, #Punjab . Braving challenging weather and rapidly pic.twitter.com/8999qBrs0x ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) August 27, 2025 This successful operation once again reflects the Indian Armys unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and its ability to respond promptly in crisis situations. The synergy between the Army and local authorities averted a potential tragedy, he added. The water level in the Ravi river was recorded at 4.60 lakh cusecs early this morning, leading to flooding in Gurdaspur, Pathankot and Amritsar districts. The water level in the Ranjit Sagar Dam on the Ravi crossed the danger mark of 527.91 metres, prompting authorities to release water from the reservoir in a controlled manner. Yesterday, approximately 1.95 lakh cusecs of water were released from the dam. Controlled releases are also being made from the Bhakra and Pong dams. The catchment areas of the three dams in neighbouring Himachal Pradesh have witnessed heavy rainfall since the start of August. Mandi, the worst-affected district in the hill state, is one of the main catchment areas for the Beas river, on which the Pong Dam is built. Several cloudbursts have led to a massive inflow of water into the reservoir, causing a sharp rise in its levels. The Punjab government has already issued warnings to people residing in villages along the rivers to be prepared for any eventuality. Relief camps have also been set up in the affected districtsone in Kapurthala, six in Ferozepur and five in Hoshiarpur. In Fazilka, 36,435 acres of land have been inundated due to the floods, and 270 houses have either collapsed or developed cracks. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will be touring Pathankot and Gurdaspur districts today to take stock of the flood situation and oversee relief and rescue operations. Mann has also formed a committee for flood management and set up a central flood control room in Jalandhar. 34 dead as heavy rains lash J&K; mobile, internet service down
CHANDIGARH: Incessant rainfall in the catchment areas has continued to swell the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers, while the release of surplus water from the Pong, Bhakra, and Ranjit Sagar dams has further aggravated the situation. The gushing waters have inundated large tracts of farmland and villages along the three rivers, throwing normal life out of gear in Punjab and turning the situation grim. The worst-affected districts are Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Ferozepur, and Fazilka, where schools have been ordered to remain closed. The swollen Ravi has become a major source of worry for residents of Gurdaspur as inflows into the river continue to rise due to heavy rains upstream. According to official data, the water level of the Ravi at Makora Pattan in Gurdaspur touched 2.50 lakh cusecs on Monday morning, prompting the civil administration to remain on alert. At Harike, where the Beas and Sutlej rivers converge, the water level was recorded at 2.34 lakh cusecs. As this water flows downstream to Hussainiwala in Ferozepur and further into Fazilka, local authorities and residents are on high alert and prepared for emergency evacuations. The water flowing from the Beas and Sutlej into the Harike Headworks has already ravaged thousands of acres of crops in several villages in Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, and Fazilka districts. Schools in Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Fazilka, and Ferozepur districts have also been shut, while the respective district administrations have issued evacuation advisories to flood-hit villages as waters continue to rise. Due to heavy rainfall in neighbouring Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, the Ravi and Ujh rivers, along with the Jalaliya, Chakki, and various canals and drains flowing through Pathankot district, are running beyond capacity. In Gurdaspur, the release of water from the Ranjit Sagar dam has inundated farmland in the Dera Baba Nanak area. Several villages situated between the Ravi river and the international border, along with others, are also submerged. Meanwhile, relief camps have been set up across several districts, with teams from health, animal husbandry, water supply and sanitation, and revenue departments actively working in the affected villages. Cabinet minister Harbhajan Singh ETO has been tasked with reviewing flood relief work in Tarn Taran, while MLA Manjinder Singh Lalpura and Barinder Goyal will be visiting flood-affected areas of Pathankot and Gurdaspur to oversee relief and evacuation operations. To monitor and coordinate relief measures, the state government has established a central flood control centre in Jalandhar and has roped in the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to assist district administrations and the police in rescue efforts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Ludhiana, Sangrur, Barnala, and Mansa districts, warning that intense rainfall and thunderstorms could disrupt normal activities and damage infrastructure.
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Punjab LPG tanker fire: Four more succumb to burns, toll rises to seven
HOSHIAPUR: Four more people succumbed to burn injuries , with the death toll in the LPG tanker fire incident rising to seven, an official said on Sunday. Hoshiarpur Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain said Manjit Singh, 60, Vijay, 17, Jaswinder Kaur, 65, and Aradhna Verma, 30, all residents of Mandiala, died at a private hospital overnight. Civil Surgeon Dr Pawan Kumar said the four, who had sustained more than 90 per cent burns, were on ventilator support. On Friday, around 10 pm, an LPG tanker caught fire after colliding with a pickup vehicle near Mandiala Adda on the Hoshiarpur-Jalandhar Road. The blaze spread rapidly, engulfing nearly 15 shops and at least four houses in the vicinity, police said. Two people died in the immediate wake of the incident, while 21 others sustained injuries. One more succumbed to burns on Saturday. According to the police FIR, the tanker was turning towards the Ram Nagar Dheha link road when it collided with the vegetable-laden pickup. Both vehicles caught fire. Dr Pawan Kumar said that immediately after the incident, one person was brought dead to the Government Hospital, Hoshiarpur, while another succumbed at a private hospital. The third died on the way to the Government Medical College, Amritsar. On Saturday morning, hundreds of residents of Mandiala and adjoining villages blocked traffic on the Hoshiarpur-Jalandhar road for over three hours, demanding compensation and action against those responsible for the incident. Deputy Commissioner Jain assured the protesters that the injured were being provided free treatment under the Punjab government's Farishta Scheme. Political leaders cutting across party lines, including many Punjab ministers and MPs, have visited the injured at hospitals. On Saturday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced Rs 2 lakh each for the kin of the deceased and free medical treatment of the injured. Punjab Governor and Administrator Union Territory Chandigarh Gulab Chand Kataria expressed their grief.
Punjab LPG tanker fire incident: Several residents stage sit-in, CM announces Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia
Residents of Mandiala and nearby villages blocked the Hoshiarpur-Jalandhar road for over three hours, demanding compensation and action following an LPG tanker explosion that killed two and injured 21. The protest ended after SDM Gursimranjeet Kaur assured compensation and accountability. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann announced financial aid, while officials visited the site, ensuring support and investigation into the tragic incident.
Massive fire broke out as an LPG tanker caught fire in the Mandiala village in Punjab's Hoshiarpur late Friday night. The incident which occurred on the Hoshiarpur-Jalandhar road led to two dead and several others injured. The devastating accident occurred when an LPG tanker collided with a pickup truck, resulting in a massive explosion and fire. The massive flames spread quickly and consumed almost 15 shops along with four to five residential houses in the surroundings of the Mandiala Adda area, said police. The incident occurred around 10 pm, officials said.
Lord Swraj Paul leaves behind a legacy in entrepreneurship, philanthropy
Lord Swraj Paul, a prominent NRI entrepreneur, died in London. He built Caparo Group, a global steel and engineering firm. Paul was born in Jalandhar and studied in the US. He established a foundation after his daughter's death, donating to children's causes. He was a member of the House of Lords and received the Padma Bhushan.
NRI industrialist Lord Swraj Paul passes away in London; PM Modi condoles demise
LONDON: Leading NRI industrialist Lord Swraj Paul passed away in London on Thursday evening, family sources said. He was 94. Lord Paul, founder of UK-based Caparo Group of industries, had been taken ill and hospitalised recently, where he passed away surrounded by members of his family. The House of Lords peer was born in Jalandhar and relocated to the UK in the 1960s in pursuit of treatment for his little daughter Ambika's cancer. After she passed away aged four years old, he set up the Ambika Paul Foundation as a charitable trust that went on to donate millions to promote the wellbeing of children and young people all over the world through education and health initiatives. The London Zoo is where she was always the happiest, recalled Lord Paul last month, during the annual commemoration he hosted at the Ambika Paul Children's Zoo in London one of the major beneficiaries of the foundation. After he lost his son Angad Paul in 2015 and his wife Aruna in 2022, he went on to undertake similar philanthropic endeavours in their memory. This hall is a tribute to my wonderful wife whom I miss very much; we never had an argument during our 65 years of marriage, said Lord Paul, when he inaugurated the Lady Aruna Swraj Paul Hall at the historic Indian Gymkhana Club in London in February 2023. A regular in the annual 'Sunday Times Rich List', this year he was ranked 81st with an estimated wealth of GBP 2 billion, largely derived from the steel and engineering multinational Caparo Group. Headquartered in London, Caparo operates internationally from over 40 sites, with operations based in the UK, North America, India, and the Middle East. His son, Akash Paul, is Chairman of Caparo India and Director of the Caparo Group. Last year, in his capacity as the Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, Lord Paul awarded an honorary doctorate to Akash Paul for services to business administration. Perhaps, I am the only graduate to get a degree from his own father, independently approved by the University Board, of course, I may add, said Akash Paul, who was accompanied by wife Nisha and son Arush at the ceremony held at the London Zoo. My son has worked alongside me at Caparo since 1982. Akash was appointed CEO of Caparo Group in 1992. During this time, he furthered Caparo's growth strategy in UK, Europe, USA and India, as well as expanding capacity and increasing profitability of the companies in the United Kingdom and was president, Caparo Automotive Espana, Spain and Executive Board, Bull Moose Tube, USA, said Lord Paul, who had served as Chancellor of Wolverhampton University for over 26 years. An active member of the Indian diaspora in the UK, Swraj Paul maintained his daily routine of attending the House of Lords despite his frailty in recent months. We pray for the departed soul. May the noble Lord rest in peace, said Lord Rami Ranger, his colleague in the Upper House of Parliament. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed anguish at the death of Swaraj Paul. In a post on X, Modi said, Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Swaraj Paul Ji. His contributions to industry, philanthropy and public service in the UK, and his unwavering support for closer ties with India will always be remembered. He added, I fondly recall our many interactions. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti. Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Swaraj Paul Ji. His contributions to industry, philanthropy and public service in the UK, and his unwavering support for closer ties with India will always be remembered. I fondly recall our many interactions. Condolences to his family and pic.twitter.com/6G7D4gDDD1 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 22, 2025
BJP, AAP clash in Punjab as state government halts saffron partys welfare camps over data misuse row
CHANDIGARH: The Bharatiya Janata Party and Aam Aadmi Party are at loggerheads in Punjab, as the mega outreach programme BJP De Sewadaar Aa Gaye Ne Thuade Dwar started by the BJP in rural areas of the state to enrol locals in central government schemes such as Ayushman Bharat and PM-Kisan has been shut down by the AAP-led state government. The state government alleged that private operators were illegally collecting personal data of residents. As per the advertisement issued by the BJP, people were being enrolled under Awas Yojana (Housing Scheme), Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), Ayushman Bharat (Health Insurance Scheme), E-Shram Card, Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana, pensions (NSAP Widow, Disability, Old Age), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana and under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (Girl Child Support Programme). Sources said the programme was launched on May 20 and that 1.57 lakh people had been enrolled in different schemes, as per their eligibility. These camps, set up in 39 constituencies, were to be expanded to 50 constituencies in the next few days. The BJP had hired a few professionals, who the party claims were party workers with laptops and KYC documents, to enrol state residents into various central schemes. The party also said that records of enrolled beneficiaries were maintained, and fees ranging from Rs 30 to Rs 40 for certain schemes were borne from its own kitty. A delegation of the BJP led by its state working president Ashwani Sharma met Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria today and submitted a memorandum requesting his intervention to prevent harassment of BJP workers, volunteers and villagers during these camps held on central welfare schemes. We wish to draw your kind attention towards the continuous and deliberate harassment being inflicted upon our workers, volunteers, and the innocent inhabitants of several villages across Punjab, where awareness camps have been initiated to spread vital information about Central Government welfare schemes. It is deeply regrettable that the Punjab Government has repeatedly attempted to create obstacles in this noble cause. In almost every camp, the state police and local administration have intervened to stop BJP workers and volunteers from providing information, the memorandum stated. This disruption is being justified on two pretexts: firstly, that prior permission from the Deputy Commissioner/SOM is required, and secondly, that parties are allegedly collecting personal data of the inhabitants, it added. It further read: It is respectfully submitted that no such permission is mandated under any law for awareness programmes of this nature, and the allegation regarding data collection is false, baseless, and politically motivated. Further, the volunteers and workers engaged in these camps hold valid Common Service Centre (CSC) IDs. Hence, there is no illegality in the conduct of such programmes. The underlying reason for such obstruction appears to be political vendetta and fear of the rising popularity of the BJP in Punjab. Instead of allowing welfare information to reach the poor, the marginalised, and the SC/ST communities, the ruling party is using state machinery to suppress legitimate and democratic activities of our workers. Instead of extending cooperation, the Punjab Government is victimising them and thereby depriving citizens of their rightful benefits, the memorandum said. It added that the BJP had most humbly and firmly requested the Governor to direct the state government to desist from harassing BJP workers, volunteers, and local inhabitants who were voluntarily participating in awareness programmes. The party also urged that no obstruction be created in the organisation of such camps, which it said were meant for the welfare of the poor, farmers, and SC/ST communities. The memorandum further sought the Governors intervention to safeguard the democratic rights of the people of Punjab, so that they can freely access information and avail benefits of Union Government welfare initiatives without fear or intimidation. The state police today detained saffron party leaders from various camps that were being organised across Punjab. BJP leader Pritpal Sharma was detained from one such camp at Sukhna Ablu village in the Gidderbaha Assembly segment. His wife, a PCS officer, is currently posted in Fazilka district. Pritpal, in a live video on Facebook, said, The camp was set up to facilitate poor people, but the state government has stooped so low that it is detaining people like me. BJP leader and former Lok Sabha MP Sushil Rinku, along with two party workers, was also detained as he had gone to supervise arrangements for the camp at Khurdpur village of Adampur. Rinku went live on social media during the incident. In Shahkot area of Jalandhar, ex-MLA KD Bhandari was detained while he had gone to attend the camp at Roopewal Mandi. Meanwhile, SAS Nagar District BJP President Sanjeev Vashisht and workers were detained during the outreach programme at Nagla village. Similarly, BJP Ludhiana District Rural President Sunny Kainth and his workers were also detained as they prepared to attend the camp. A state government spokesperson, however, said, The government has received credible reports that certain private operators are illegally collecting personal data of local residents, allegedly on behalf of political parties. Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act), any collection or use of personal data without consent is a punishable offence. The local police have been directed to take strict penal action against those engaged in such unlawful activities. The government has learned that several individuals who shared their personal data were later targeted in scams and banking frauds, including incidents where phone numbers and OTPs were misused to siphon off money. The government, therefore, strongly urges citizens not to share their personal information with unauthorised persons or agencies, as it may be misused at any stage. Citizens are advised to remain vigilant and immediately report any such illegal activity to the authorities, he said. In another statement, a Punjab Police spokesperson said, The Punjab Police has formed several teams to investigate the camps which are allegedly collecting the personal information of individuals in the name of government schemes. The inquiries have been instituted after receipt of complaints stating that personal data of citizens is being collected by unauthorised persons who are holding camps, making the personal data vulnerable to thefts and fraud. It has also been reported that forms are being filled up at these camps. The District Police Authorities have instructed the inquiry teams to join concerned persons in the inquiries, visit the alleged places of holding camps and conduct investigations following law, he added. The spokesperson appealed to citizens not to share their personal data, including Aadhaar details, with unauthorised individuals and instead access government schemes directly online or through authorised mechanisms. He added that Government Suvidha Centres are facilitating citizens wishing to enrol themselves in government schemes or download beneficiary cards, available after authentication of the applicants identity from the database.
Punjab Police Arrest 2 More Operatives Of Babbar Khalsa Terror Module
Days after busting Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terror module, Counter Intelligence Jalandhar has arrested two more operatives of the same module and recovered one 86P hand-grenade from their possession.
2 Babbar Khalsa Terror Operatives Arrested, Punjab Police Recover Grenade
Counter Intelligence (CI), Jalandhar, arrested two individuals linked to the banned terror group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), Punjab police said on Tuesday.
Punjab Police Recover Hand Grenade After Arrest Of Two BKI Operatives
Chandigarh, Aug 19: A hand grenade has been recovered following the recent arrest of a few operatives of banned terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International, Punjab police said on Tuesday. Acting swiftly on forward and backward linkages, Counter Intelligence #Jalandhar, recovers one 86P Hand Grenade following the arrest of two #BKI operatives Ritik Naroliya and a juvenile from #Rajasthan, a few days back, Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav said in a post on X. He said the arrested accuseds disclosures [] The post Punjab Police Recover Hand Grenade After Arrest Of Two BKI Operatives appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Punjabs Rs 12,700 crore NH projects stalled; Rs 828 crore PMGSY road works scrapped over delays
CHANDIGARH: Multiple key road infrastructure projects in Punjab including major national highway developments and those under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III (PMGSY), are facing serious setbacks, with no clear timeline for completion. As many as sixteen national highway projects worth 12,700 crore, being implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Punjab Public Works Department (PWD), have either been stalled, significantly delayed, or face termination. The primary reasons cited are land acquisition hurdles and delays in obtaining statutory clearances. Simultaneously, rural road development has also taken a hit. Projects under PMGSY-III worth 828.87 crore, involving the upgradation of 64 roads and construction of 38 bridges, have been scrapped due to the state governments failure to float tenders and commence construction on time. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, in a written reply to Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, confirmed that eight projects are being executed by NHAI and another eight by the state PWD, all of which have encountered delays or stoppages. Projects in the state of Punjab are mainly delayed, stalled, or terminated due to land acquisition issues and delay in obtaining statutory clearances. The government is taking requisite measures, in consultation with stakeholders including the state government, to resolve these issues, the Minister stated in Parliament. Key Affected Projects Under NHAI DelhiAmritsarKatra Expressway (Spur-II): 30.5 km stretch worth 2,197.17 crore terminated due to lack of land; fresh bids to be invited once land is acquired. DelhiAmritsarKatra Expressway (Spur-III): 28.07 km stretch worth 1,951.70 crore delayed, now scheduled for completion by 30 November 2026. AmritsarBathinda (Package-I): 39 km project worth 1,229.38 crore, originally set to finish by November 2024, now delayed until 31 December 2026. AmritsarGhomanTandaUna (Package-I): 45.73 km stretch worth 1,443.47 crore also delayed, with a new completion target of 30 June 2026. Package-II of this corridor (31.05 km, 818.41 crore) has been terminated due to land issues. The LudhianaRupnagar corridor has also been severely affected: Package-I (37.7 km, 1,368.91 crore): Work halted after the contractor issued a termination notice over delayed land handover; matter is under review by a Conciliation Committee. Package-II (47.24 km, 1,488.23 crore): Terminated for similar reasons; re-tendering will occur post land possession. Projects Delayed Under Punjab PWD JalandharHoshiarpur (NH-3, 39.13 km): Sanctioned for 1,069.59 crore, awarded in 2017, now facing termination due to persistent land acquisition delays. Widening of a 3.57 km stretch of same highway (15.04 crore): Facing right-of-way constraints; revised completion date: 30 November 2025. MakhuArifke (NH-703A, 24.6 km): Worth 192.48 crore, including two ROBs, now rescheduled to finish by 31 December 2025 (original deadline was May 2021). ROB at Fazilka (NH-07, 38.02 crore): Delayed due to pending railway clearances, now progressing with a target completion date of 31 October 2025. ArifkeFerozepurMuktsarMalout (NH-354, 63.27 km, 263.19 crore): Delayed due to NOCs from the Irrigation Department and land issues. Muktsar SahibMalout section (27.66 km, 152.58 crore): Toll plaza construction stalled; PWD advised to redesign within available land. PMGSY Projects Worth 828 Crore Scrapped Road and bridge projects sanctioned under PMGSY-III have been scrapped due to the Punjab governments inability to initiate work before the required deadline of 31 March. The Centre had sanctioned 64 rural roads (628.48 km) and 38 bridges (each over 15 metres in length) for a total of 828.87 crore. Some of these were located in sensitive border districts such as Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, and Tarn Taran. In correspondence with the Union Ministry of Rural Development, Punjabs PWD stated that many of these roads were recommended for urgent repairs by Members of Parliament and were of utmost importance. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also wrote to Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan requesting reconsideration, stating that without these bridges, the completed roads would be of little use. However, the Centre responded that only projects tendered and already under construction by the original March 2025 deadline now extended to March 2026 would be allowed to continue. Works which have started on the ground but are not feasible to continue further shall be foreclosed, the Ministry clarified. Sources revealed that 59 of the roadworks were to be implemented using Full Depth Reclamation (FDR) technology, for which very few consultancy firms in India have adequate expertise another contributing factor to the delays. With Punjabs road infrastructure plans facing widespread disruption, the delays pose serious questions over administrative efficiency, land management, and inter-agency coordination at both the state and central levels.
CHANDIGARH: Punjab has recorded a staggering rise of more than one lakh dog bite cases in the last five years, with daily averages now touching 882 incidents. The state, which has around 6.5 lakh dogs, including over three lakh stray dogs, has witnessed a sharp increase in cases, with officials warning of the public health risks. In the first seven months of this year alone, a total of 1.88 lakh dog bite cases have been reported, while last years total stood at 2.13 lakh. The worst affected districts are Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Patiala. As per the official data accessed by this newspaper from the state health department, between January and July this year, Amritsar district recorded the highest number of cases at 29,504, followed by Ludhiana (21,777), Patiala (14,120), Jalandhar (12,349), Hoshiarpur (10,920) and SAS Nagar (9,860). There has been a steady jump in incidents over the past five years, 1.10 lakh cases in 2020, 1.26 lakh in 2021, 1.65 lakh in 2022, 2.02 lakh in 2023, and 2.13 lakh in 2024, reflecting a rise of more than one lakh cases during the period. This year, three deaths have been reported. Last month, a mother and daughter allegedly died of rabies in Pathankot, and on July 17, a 32-year-old man succumbed in Patiala after being bitten by a stray dog. An analysis of data from 2020 to 2024 shows Jalandhar district has recorded the highest total of 1.12 lakh cases over the four years, followed by Ludhiana (99,678), Patiala (63,782), Hoshiarpur (56,113), SAS Nagar (55,286) and Amritsar (44,249). Stray dogs in Delhi: SC slams local authorities for inaction, reserves order According to the 2019 animal census conducted by the state animal husbandry department, there were 2.90 lakh stray dogs and 3.32 lakh pet dogs in Punjab. The latest animal census has been completed this year but is yet to be notified. There has been an increase of 5 per cent in the dog population in the state after the last census, said an official. Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh said vaccination for dog bites is available at all community health centres (CHCs) and treatment has now been extended to all Aam Aadmi Clinics across the state. The people should immediately rush to the nearest government health centres for treatment, which is free, and should not ignore it at all, he added. The health department is yet to issue standard operating procedures (SOPs) for government doctors, whose diagnosis will determine compensation for dog bite cases. Although SOPs have been formulated, they have not been circulated. A five-member committee was constituted following an order from the Punjab and Haryana High Court last year, which announced compensation of Rs 10,000 for each tooth mark and Rs 20,000 for every 0.2 cm of wound where the flesh is torn off, said sources. A veterinary expert said that in 50 per cent of dog bite cases, the culprit is a pet dog biting its owner or someone else, not a stray. However, the general perception remains that stray dogs are primarily responsible. Sources added that the animal birth control (ABC) programme to sterilise dogs has been outsourced to private agencies by most municipalities under the local bodies department, but it has not achieved the desired results, particularly in major cities. Sterilisation is the only scientific method to control the stray dog population and thus, in turn, can reduce dog bite incidents, said a senior officer on condition of anonymity. It was also pointed out that there are few dog shelters in large municipalities across the state for post-animal care under the birth control set-up, and no dedicated dog pounds exist.
Kerala, Puducherry, Cttisgarh win in Division C; Chandigarh, UK, Delhi rule in Division B
JUNIOR MENS HOCKEY JALANDHAR, Aug 13: Kerala Hockey, Le Puducherry Hockey, Chhattisgarh Hockey, and Goans Hockey win in Division C while Hockey Chandigarh, Hockey Uttarakhand, and Delhi emerge victorious in their Division B league matches on Day 2 of the 15th Hockey India Junior Men National Championship here on Wednesday. The day began with a [] The post Kerala, Puducherry, Cttisgarh win in Division C; Chandigarh, UK, Delhi rule in Division B appeared first on The Shillong Times .
Here's why Punjab govt struggles to raise revenue to fund its populist schemes
CHANDIGARH: After scrapping the controversial land pooling scheme, the cash-strapped AAP-led Punjab government seems to have landed itself in trouble. It is presently struggling to raise revenue to fund its populist schemes. In order to secure a loan to fund the schemes, the government has asked the Housing and Urban Development Department to prepare an inventory of the Rs 20,000 crore worth of property belonging to the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) for auctioning. The properties to be auctioned, after consultations with the Finance Department, includes residential, commercial and industrial sites in Mohali. This matter was discussed at a recent meeting headed by Chief Secretary KAP Sinha. However, GMADA at present owes a loan of nearly Rs 5,000 crore to financial institutions. Interestingly, out of the eight urban development authorities, only GMADA and the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority are financially viable in the state. The other six housing authorities, Amritsar, Bathinda, Patiala, Jalandhar, Anandpur Sahib (Urban) and Dera Baba Nanak, are allegedly unable to even meet their expenditure. Sources further said that a part of the total inventory could be used to raise a loan from financial institutions to fund populist schemes, such as providing Rs 1,100 monthly assistance to women above 18 years of age. Defending the move, sources claimed that this kind of practice is not new, as previous governments had also mortgaged assets of the state to raise loans and had even pledged future income to raise resources. During the SAD-BJP rule, the then government had raised a loan of Rs 2,000 crore by mortgaging its properties to banks. Later, the properties were transferred to the Punjab Urban Development Authority (PUDA) for auction after developing them under the optimum utilisation of vacant government land scheme. On the other hand, sources said that the decisions on proposals received from deputy commissioners of some districts for increasing the collector rates have been kept in abeyance for the time being. While the government has increased the collector rates by 550 per cent in 12 districts, the proposals sent by administrations of some of the remaining districts to the state revenue department have so far not been implemented. The Ludhiana administration had sent a proposal to increase the collector rates by 2540 per cent, which is still awaiting approval. In Bathinda, the rates have been increased by five per cent, but the approval for a further increase in some of the posh areas is awaiting clearance from the revenue department. It is learnt that the state government allegedly wanted to increase the revenue collection from stamps and registration to Rs 7,000 crore this year, compared to Rs 5,750 crore earned last year. Sources said that the government is yet to issue a notification to scrap the land pooling scheme, which was scrapped amid opposition from farmers unions. The notification is being prepared, said an official, adding that the government is likely to summon a cabinet meeting for scrapping the policy. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has decided to continue its protest against the land pooling policy until an official notification regarding its withdrawal is issued. The farmer leaders have asked the state government to clarify the issue by August 20, or they would be forced to intensify their struggle. Senior SKM leader Balbir Singh Rajewal said the farmers rally, to be held on August 24 in Samrala regarding the land pooling policy and other demands of farmers and labourers, would be held as announced.
Chandigarh Diary | Khattars heart still beats for Haryana
Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar may be handling a national portfolio, but Haryana remains close to his heart. The former chief minister was recently seen inspecting Gurugram and Nuhs jungle safari site alongside Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. In Rohtak, he is scheduled for a university event. Earlier visits to Karnal and Panipat they fall under his Karnal LS constituency had him reviewing CET exam arrangements and village development projects. In Chandigarh, he chaired meetings to track progress on key works. Bajwas tour, Punjab still on his mind Even on foreign shores, Punjab Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa kept an eye on political developments at home. Touring Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand for two weeks, he met ministers, MPs, mayors, and NRIs, listening to ideas for Punjabs future. Yet, his attention never left Chandigarhfiring salvos at CM Bhagwant Mann over the land pooling scheme, Jalandhars oxygen deaths, threat to son of Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, and PPP-mode medical colleges. His PR team churned out daily statements, ensuring his presence in Punjabs political conversation never faded. The tour blended diaspora outreach with Bajwas knack for staying relevant from afar. Pink brigade runs Hoshiarpur In Hoshiarpur, women arent just part of the systemthey are the system. Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain, Assistant Commissioner Oishee Mandal, ADC Amarbir Kaur, SDM Gursimranjit Kaur, and RTA Amandeep Kaur anchor the administration. Harleen Kaur oversees food and civil supplies, Harpreet Kaur protects childrens rights, while SP Navneet Kaur Gill and DSP Manpreet keep the law in check. Add political appointee Karamjit Kaur heading the district planning committee, and the lineup is formidable. Recently, the brigade came together to celebrate Teej in style at a Punjab Tourism Department event, presided over by Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur. Harpreet Bajwa Our correspondent in Chandigarh hsbajwa73@gmail.com
Punjab Police arrest five alleged BKI operatives from Rajasthan, seize arms, ammunition
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Police has busted a Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terror module with the arrest of five operatives, including three juveniles, from Tonk and Jaipur districts of Rajasthan, in what officials said was a Pakistan ISI-backed terror network. Director General of Police, Punjab, Gaurav Yadav said that the Counter Intelligence (CI) unit of Jalandhar, in a joint operation with SBS Nagar Police, arrested the suspects in a module operated by foreign-based handlers Mannu Agwan, Gopi Nawanshehria and Zeeshan Akhtar, on the directions of Pakistan-based BKI operative Harwinder Singh alias Rinda. Those arrested have been identified as Ritik Naroliya, a resident of Didawata village in Jaipur, Rajasthan; Sonu Kumar alias Kali, a resident of Kala Sanghian village in Kapurthala; and three juveniles. The police teams also recovered one 86P hand grenade and one .30 bore pistol along with two live cartridges and two empty shells. Yadav said the module had planned an attack inside a liquor store in SBS Nagar recently. It is worth mentioning that the same module had allegedly carried out a grenade attack at a liquor store in SBS Nagar on August 7. He further stated, The arrested accused were receiving direct instructions from foreign-based Zeeshan Akhtar and BKI mastermind Mannu Agwan, who is working in close coordination with Pakistan-based BKI operative Harwinder Rinda. We have successfully averted further planned attacks by this terror module. He added that the probe was ongoing to establish forward and backward linkages in the case. Sharing more details, AIG Counter Intelligence, Jalandhar, Navjot Mahal said that in an intelligence-led operation, all the five accused were arrested from areas in Tonk and Jaipur districts of Rajasthan. He added that during a follow-up recovery operation, the arrested accused Sonu alias Kali attempted to open fire at the police party. In self-defence, the police party retaliated, resulting in a bullet injury to accused Sonu alias Kali, he said, adding that the injured accused was immediately shifted to the Civil Hospital in SBS Nagar, where he is undergoing treatment. In this regard, an FIR under sections 109, 324(5) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act has been registered at Police Station City Nawanshahr.
Daily Digest: SC Takes Up Bihar Voter List Case | Zelensky Calls PM Modi | Dharali Flood Aftermath
Bihar SIR Case in Supreme Court: SC hears pleas against ECs Special Intensive Revision in poll-bound Bihar; opposition MPs detained during protest march.Rahul vs EC: Rahul Gandhi refuses to sign oath documents, says EC data is already public; Govt accuses him of undermining constitutional bodies.Zelensky Dials PM Modi: Ukraine seeks Indias support for peace amid Trump tariff threats; PM reiterates call for early, peaceful resolution.Trump Tariff Tensions: Govt briefs Shashi Tharoor-led panel on US-India trade talks, tariff disputes, and market access.Karnataka Political Fallout: KN Rajanna resigns as minister; BJP slams Congress over emergency mindset.SC on Stray Dogs: Landmark order to sterilise and relocate strays in Delhi-NCR, with strict legal warnings against obstruction.Dharali Ground Report: Heartbreaking visuals after cloudburst destroyed homes, temples, and lives; CM Dhami orders strict construction ban near riverbanks.Plus: Cabinet meet at 1 PM, Tiranga Bike Rally in Delhi, flare-up in UPs Fatehpur, and Hockey Junior Mens Nationals in Jalandhar. n18oc_indian18oc_politicsn18oc_podcastNews18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube
