Punjab government to introduce policy allowing farmers to remove sand from flood-hit fields, to sell extracted sand

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.

Chandigarh Diary | CM Mann faces heat as old flood remarks resurface, opposition slams over helicopter relief drive

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

Punjab Floods Live Updates: Over 1,400 Villages Submerged, Rescue Operations Underway

Punjab Floods Live Updates: Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Jalandhar and Rupnagar (Ropar) are the worst-hit districts.

Amid floods, face-offs between AAP leaders and farm groups at two places in Jalandhar

Rain pounds Doaba region, Jalandhar, other urban areas inundated

Punjab reels under worst floods: 1,312 villages affected, 26 dead; CM Mann seeks Rs 60,000 Cr 'pending' state fund

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.

Punjab reels under worst floods: 1,312 villages affected, 26 dead; CM Mann seeks Rs 60,000 Cr relief from Centre

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.

NCB arrests two for attempting to smuggle opium to United Kingdom in casserole from Ludhiana

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Chandigarh Zonal Unit apprehended two individuals, Amrit from Jalandhar and Bobby from Ludhiana, for allegedly attempting to smuggle half a kg of opium to the United Kingdom via a Ludhiana-based courier service. The opium was concealed within a casserole's false bottom, discovered during an inspection on August 23.

Punjab floods: 400 students trapped in Gurdaspur; Army rescues 25, including CRPF personnel near Madhopur Headworks

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

Incessant rain wreaks havoc across Punjab, inundating large tracks of farmland, villages; schools closed

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.

Ammonia leakage from factory in Jalandhar, 35 workers evacuated

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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.

Two killed, 21 injured as LPG tanker explodes after collision on Punjab's Jalandhar-Hoshiarpur highway

CHANDIGARH: Two people were killed and 21 others injured, 15 of them critically, after an LPG tanker exploded following a collision on the Jalandhar-Hoshiarpur highway near Mandiala village on Friday night. The district administration has initiated an inquiry into the incident. Sources said the blast allegedly occurred after a petroleum tanker attempted to make an improper turn and collided with a vegetable-laden Mahindra pickup, triggering a massive explosion. The blaze spread rapidly, damaging and engulfing at least 15 shops and four to five houses, trapping villagers, many of them asleep, leaving little time to escape. Ambulances and fire tenders from Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Phagwara and the Adampur Air Force Station were mobilised, along with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). Police personnel from different stations were also dispatched immediately. The injured were rushed to Hoshiarpur Civil Hospital, with critical patients referred to other facilities. A special team of doctors from Amritsar Medical College has been deployed to assist. Hoshiarpur Civil Surgeon Dr Pawan Kumar and Senior Medical Officer Dr Kuldeep Singh said 23 patients were brought to the Civil Hospital. One was declared dead on arrival, and another succumbed while being taken to a private hospital. At present, five patients remain admitted at the Civil Hospital, 14 have been referred to other facilities, and two have been discharged, they added. Deputy Commissioner of Hoshiarpur, Aashika Jain, stated that all the injured are being treated free of cost under the Farishte Scheme of the state government. She assured that compensation would be provided to the families of the deceased as per government norms and emphasised that no lapses in medical care would be tolerated. Senior Superintendent of Police of Hoshiarpur, Sandeep Kumar Malik, said a case has been registered under Sections 105 and 324(4) of the Bhartiya Nyaay Samhita (2023) against unidentified persons, and a detailed investigation is under way. Meanwhile, villagers held a dharna near the accident site against the gas agency officials, alleging that they did not provide emergency help to the fire victims after the tanker blast. The damage could have been much more had the tanker gone up in flames near the Hindustan Petroleum bottling plant, which was just a kilometre away. The government should fix the responsibility of the gas agency contractor, said Sukhwant Singh, sarpanch of Mandiala village. Amarjit Kaur, whose husband and four family members were injured in the blast, said that they could not see anything. Everything happened so fast that we could not understand what happened and what to do and where to run, she said. Another survivor, Harbans Lal, said that he and his family woke up to the sound of the blast and were confused as to what had happened. The smoke entered our house and then it was on fire. We ran out to save our lives. We escaped with minor burns, but I got trapped in the room and my legs were burnt, he said. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced a financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased in the Hoshiarpur LPG tanker explosion. In a post on X, Mann said a major accident occurred last night in Mandiala village because of the explosion in the LPG tanker. The state government will provide financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives in the incident. The injured will be treated free of cost, Mann further said on X.

Hoshiarpur: 2 dead, several injured as massive fire breaks out after LPG tanker collides with pickup truck

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.

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, Uttarakhand win; Himachal-J&K settle for draw in Junior Men National Hockey

JALANDHAR, Aug 14: Chandigarh and Uttarakhand won their respective games while Himachal and Jammu and Kashmir settled for draws on the third day of the 15th Hockey India Junior Men National Championship Division B here on Thursday. The day began with the Division B match between Himachal and Jammu & Kashmir which ended in a 5-5 draw as both sides shared points. In the second match of the day, Chandigarh enjoyed a narrow 4-3 win against Arunachal in their Division [] The post Chandigarh, Uttarakhand win; Himachal-J&K settle for draw in Junior Men National Hockey appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Punjab records over one lakh dog bite cases with daily 882 incidents in five years amid rising concerns

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

PM Modi to flag off Katra-Amritsar Vande Bharat train today

New Delhi, Aug 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually flag off Vande Bharat Train tomorrow between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station of Jammu Division of Northern Railway and Amritsar Railway Station of Ferozepur Division via Jammu-Pathankot-Jalandhar Vyas, officials here today said. The train service will be connecting two religious towns of Amritsar [] The post PM Modi to flag off Katra-Amritsar Vande Bharat train today appeared first on Northlines .

APS Akhnoor clinches Bronze at CBSE Cluster XVIII U-14 Basketball Tourney

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 6: Army Public School (APS) Akhnoor has brought pride to the institution by clinching the Bronze Medal in the CBSE Cluster XVIII Under-14 Boys Basketball Tournament (2025-26), held at BCM School, Ludhiana (Punjab). The prestigious tournament featured 18 top schools from across the region. APS Akhnoor kicked off the tournament with a dominant 28-20 victory over Montgomery GNP School, Jalandhar, followed by an impressive 24-08 win against Pratap World School, Pathankot in the quarterfinals, securing [] The post APS Akhnoor clinches Bronze at CBSE Cluster XVIII U-14 Basketball Tourney appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Backlash grows over Punjab's land pooling policy as AAP faces internal revolt in CM Manns constituency

CHANDIGARH: Amid growing backlash from farmers and opposition parties over its controversial land pooling policy, Punjab's ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is now grappling with growing internal dissent. The political storm has reached Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's Dhuri assembly constituency, where several party leaders have resigned, denouncing the scheme as anti-farmer. According to sources, a few local leaders have conveyed the people's concerns to the party leadership. In the latest development, AAP block president from Dhuri, Gurjeet Singh Kanjhla, resigned stating that This fight against land pooling policy is not just of the farmers, but also of the entire state. Former OSD to CM Mann, Onkar Singh Sidhu, who was removed last year, criticised the policy on social media, People of Punjab have never bowed before Delhi, and they never will. AAP's Kisan wing leader from Jalandhar, Jaswant Singh Lovely also resigned, posting on social media that I hope the party will reconsider its decisions. I request my companions to stand with our farmer brothers. It is in your hands whether you want to become a son of Punjab or a son of Delhi. He also wrote that he resigned Gian Singh Mann, the CM's cousin from Satauj village, posted on social media, Just as the anti-sacrilege law has been sent to the standing committee for review and to seek public opinion, the same way the views of the landholders and farmers should be sought. Punjabs land pooling policy challenged in High Court as activists flag environmental concern Last week, Harmanjit Singh Brar, the Chairman of the District Planning Board of Moga and former district president of AAP in Moga, resigned citing strong opposition to the policy. He gave up his post but remained in the party. Brar announced his resignation through a Facebook post, stating that the decision was made in solidarity with the farmers, whose interests he believes are being compromised by the new policy. The government's land pooling scheme is against the welfare of the farming community. I cannot remain silent while farmers are pushed to the brink, he wrote, urging the state leadership to withdraw or review the controversial policy. A few days back, AAP's Jodhan block president in Ludhiana district Tapinder Singh Grewal also resigned from his post, denouncing the new scheme as anti-farmer. He also announced his decision via a post on Facebook, I, Tapinder Singh Jodhan block president of AAP appreciate all the good work done by the Punjab government. However, I strongly oppose the newly introduced land pooling policy and hereby resign from the post and my responsibilities within the party. Earlier, AAP Anandpur MP Sahib Malvinder Singh Kang criticised the scheme in a post on X and asked his party leaders to earn the trust of farmers before introducing any such policy. He had suggested the need for addressing the objections of farm unions through empathy and meaningful dialogue. But Kang later deleted the post drawing criticism from the opposition leaders who had commended him for breaking ranks with AAP to support the farmers. Kang had tweeted, The objections raised by farmer unions on the Land Pooling Policy must, in my view, be heard with empathy and addressed through meaningful dialogue. In the last three years, our government has ensured uninterrupted agri-power, pushed canal water to every field, fast-tracked mandi reforms and promoted crop diversification. On this, too, trust must be earnednot assumedbefore any policy takes root. Farmers take out tractor marches demanding immediate withdrawal of land pooling scheme in Punjab With nineteen months left for the 2027 assembly elections, the AAP government faces mounting pressure as farmer protests intensify. Protesters have burned effigies of CM Mann and Arvind Kejriwal, while opposition parties have termed the policy anti-peasantry and impractical. The policy has also been challenged in Punjab and Haryana High Court. On the other hand, the government claims that many farmers have agreed to follow this policy and give up their lands. However, compared to the protesting farmers, the number of farmers complying is very less: only 115 land owners in total (15 from Ludhiana and 100 from Mohali) have come forward to adopt the scheme since it was launched on June 2. As per the policy the state government plans to acquire 65,533 acres of land across 21 cities and towns in the state to develop both industrial and residential zones. The move is said to be the largest acquisition of land by the Punjab government since 1966. Partially relenting to the protest, the government has decided to implement the policy only in Ludhiana, Patiala and Mohali while putting smaller towns on hold. Last week, CM Mann said his government would continue engaging with farmers, calling their consent and their consent would remain pivotal to the land pooling policy. A senior AAP functionary said the party was holding talks to explain the policy's benefits.

Punjab farmers intensify protest against land pooling policy, AAP leaders quit in solidarity

Punjabs land pooling policy challenged in High Court as activists flag environmental concern CHANDIGARH: Apart from facing backlash from farmers and opposition parties over its controversial land pooling policy, Punjab's ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is now grappling with growing internal dissent. The political storm has reached Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's Dhuri assembly constituency, where several party leaders have resigned, denouncing the scheme as anti-farmer. According to sources, a few local leaders have conveyed the people's concerns to the party leadership. In the latest development, AAP block president from Dhuri, Gurjeet Singh Kanjhla, resigned stating that This fight against land pooling policy is not just of the farmers, but also of the entire state. Former OSD to CM Mann, Onkar Singh Sidhu, who was removed last year, criticised the policy on social media, People of Punjab have never bowed before Delhi, and they never will. AAP's Kisan wing leader from Jalandhar, Jaswant Singh Lovely also resigned, posting on social media that I hope the party will reconsider its decisions. I request my companions to stand with our farmer brothers. It is in your hands whether you want to become a son of Punjab or a son of Delhi. He also wrote that he resigned Gian Singh Mann, the CM's cousin from Satauj village, posted on social media, Just as the anti-sacrilege law has been sent to the standing committee for review and to seek public opinion, the same way the views of the landholders and farmers should be sought. Farmers take out tractor marches demanding immediate withdrawal of land pooling scheme in Punjab Last week, Harmanjit Singh Brar, the Chairman of the District Planning Board of Moga and former district president of AAP in Moga, resigned citing strong opposition to the policy. He gave up his post but remained in the party. Brar announced his resignation through a Facebook post, stating that the decision was made in solidarity with the farmers, whose interests he believes are being compromised by the new policy. The government's land pooling scheme is against the welfare of the farming community. I cannot remain silent while farmers are pushed to the brink, he wrote, urging the state leadership to withdraw or review the controversial policy. A few days back, AAP's Jodhan block president in Ludhiana district Tapinder Singh Grewal also resigned from his post, denouncing the new scheme as anti-farmer. He also announced his decision via a post on Facebook, I, Tapinder Singh Jodhan block president of AAP appreciate all the good work done by the Punjab government. However, I strongly oppose the newly introduced land pooling policy and hereby resign from the post and my responsibilities within the party. Earlier, AAP Anandpur MP Sahib Malvinder Singh Kang criticised the scheme in a post on X and asked his party leaders to earn the trust of farmers before introducing any such policy. He had suggested the need for addressing the objections of farm unions through empathy and meaningful dialogue. But Kang later deleted the post drawing criticism from the opposition leaders who had commended him for breaking ranks with AAP to support the farmers. Kang had tweeted, The objections raised by farmer unions on the Land Pooling Policy must, in my view, be heard with empathy and addressed through meaningful dialogue. In the last three years, our government has ensured uninterrupted agri-power, pushed canal water to every field, fast-tracked mandi reforms and promoted crop diversification. On this, too, trust must be earnednot assumedbefore any policy takes root. With nineteen months left for the 2027 assembly elections, the AAP government faces mounting pressure as farmer protests intensify. Protesters have burned effigies of CM Mann and Arvind Kejriwal, while opposition parties have termed the policy anti-peasantry and impractical. The policy has also been challenged in Punjab and Haryana High Court. On the other hand, the government claims that many farmers have agreed to follow this policy and give up their lands. However, compared to the protesting farmers, the number of farmers complying is very less: only 115 land owners in total (15 from Ludhiana and 100 from Mohali) have come forward to adopt the scheme since it was launched on June 2. As per the policy the state government plans to acquire 65,533 acres of land across 21 cities and towns in the state to develop both industrial and residential zones. The move is said to be the largest acquisition of land by the Punjab government since 1966. Partially relenting to the protest, the government has decided to implement the policy only in Ludhiana, Patiala and Mohali while putting smaller towns on hold. Last week, CM Mann said his government would continue engaging with farmers, calling their consent and their consent would remain pivotal to the land pooling policy. A senior AAP functionary said the party was holding talks to explain the policy's benefits.

Signify Inaugurates Jalandhar's Biggest Philips Smart Light Hub

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Chandigarh Diary | AAP MP criticises land pooling, deletes post

AAP MP from Anandpur Sahib Malvinder Singh Kang was the first party leader to speak up against the controversial land pooling policy as he took to social media and urged party leaders to earn the trust of farmers on this policy. He later deleted the post. He had tweeted, The objections raised by farmers unions on the Land Pooling Policy must, in my view, be heard with empathy and addressed through meaningful dialogue. In the last three years, our government has ensured uninterrupted agri-power, pushed canal water to every field, fast-tracked mandi reforms... crop diversification. On this too, trust must be earnednot assumed. Former CM Channis double delight Former Punjab Chief Minister and Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi was honoured with the prestigious Sansad Ratna award for his outstanding performance in Parliament. Channi is the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Agriculture. The award recognises outstanding contributions to parliamentary work, including participation in debates, raising questions and involvement in legislative activities. These awards are instituted by the Prime Point Foundation and based on data-driven assessments of parliamentary performance. Channi, among the 17 MPs awarded, was recognised for his contribution to the legislature. Alsi pinni served at Faujas bhog ceremony At the bhog ceremony (last prayer) of legendary runner, the 114-year-old Fauja Singh, better known as the Turbaned Tornado, the family served special alsi pinnis (flaxseed) prepared with jaggery a secret behind the Faujas fitness and long life as a tribute to his memory. Singh had it for breakfast every day with glass of milk. Harvinder Singh, son of the late marathoner, said his father never missed his daily alsi pinni: Days before the pinnis were about to finish, he would remind my wife to start making a fresh batch. People were often surprised when we bought ingredients for pinnis during summers. But my father had them daily, regardless of the season. Harpreet Bajwa Our correspondent in Chandigarh hsbajwa73@gmail.com

Fauja Singh statue to be installed at Moga

MOGA (PUNJAB) July 30: A statue of late runner Fauja Singh will be installed shortly at Moga s famous Mahan Desh Bhagat Park. Fauja Singh passed away at the age of 114 years on July 14, 2025 at his native Jalandhar village in Beas Pind when a motor vehicle ran into him. Singh, a global running legend had several age group level records to his name. He started his running career at the ripe age of 89. At 100, he [] The post Fauja Singh statue to be installed at Moga appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

3 Doctors Suspended After Oxygen Supply Fault Causes Deaths In Jalandhar Hospital

Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh on Wednesday announced the suspension of three doctors after three patients died due to a technical fault in the oxygen supply at a civil hospital in Jalandhar.

Farmers take out tractor marches demanding immediate withdrawal of land pooling scheme in Punjab

CHANDIGARH: With anger mounting against the controversial land pooling scheme of the Punjab government, farmers across the state held tractor marches demanding its immediate withdrawal. The state government plans to acquire 65,533 acres of land across 21 cities and towns in the state to develop both industrial and residential zones. It is the largest acquisition of land by the government in the state since it was reorganized in 1966. The Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) comprising 35 farm unions had given a call for tractor marches which got support from other farm unions including the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and BKU Ekta-Ugrahan, the largest farm union of the state. On the call given by the SKM, tractor marches were taken out in various parts of the state including Ludhiana, Amritsar, Sangrur, Mohali, Bathinda, Taran Taran, Patiala, Ferozepur, Fategarh Sahib, Ropar, Jalandhar, SBS Nagar, Hoshiarpur, Moga and Mansa districts despite inclement weather. The biggest show of strength by farmers was witnessed in Ludhiana district where the state government proposes to acquire 45,861 acres of land. This includes 24,311 acres of land for residential purposes and 21,550 acres for setting up industrial zones. The epicentre of the protest was Dana Mandi in Jodhan near Ludhiana. A cavalcade of nearly 300 vehicles including tractors and tempos carrying many farmers and activists made its way through various villages. Senior SKM leader and president of BKU (Lakhowal Group) Harinder Singh Lakhowal who himself led the tractor march from Kum Kalan to Ratangarh village, covering 30 villages of the area, told TNIE that farmers in thousands participated in the tractor march, which started at around 9.30 am and ended at 2 pm. On August 4, a meeting of the SKM will be held to decide where to hold the massive rally which we have planned for August 24. If by then the government does not take back the land pooling scheme, a big agitation will be announced by us, he added. Without naming the AAP, posters have been put up in many villages, which read, Any official or leader of any party who wants to apprise about the benefits of the scheme will not be allowed to enter the village. Terming the policy a 'major conspiracy' to erase villages from the map of the state, senior SKM leader and president of BKU (Rajewal Group) Balbir Singh Rajewal said the tractor rally was held in several places of Ludhiana district including Kumkalan, Balion, Dakha, Jodha and Jagraon. It was the biggest-ever march in recent times, as the public in rural areas showed their anger against the governments bid to take over their fertile lands and displace them from their homes. This policy will ruin at least 20,000 families of farmers and leave farm labourers jobless, he said. In Amritsar district, tractor marches were taken out in Ajnala and Mannawala as farmers from villages around Guru Ka Bagh marched towards Gurdwara Morcha Sahib on the Amritsar-Ajnala road where they were joined by another cavalcade from villages around Rajasansi. A march was also taken out in neighboring Tarn Taran district. In Sangrur district, the rally started from Sohian village, near Sangrur, and culminated at the deputy commissioner's office. Farmers led by SKM leaders also started a dharna against the government in front of the DC office in Fatehgarh Sahib. Sarwan Singh Pandher, General Secretary of Kisan Mazdoor Sangarsh Committee, said they appeal to the government to withdraw the policy before a massive agitation starts. We know that the proposed acquisition announcement by the government was just a start, he said. Several tractors were fitted with music systems and extra seating to accommodate more protesters. These mobile convoys passed through the villages where the government reportedly plans to acquire land under the pooling policy. Women also extended support to the protesting farmers as they offered refreshments including chabeels, langars and parshad. The farmer leaders say that farmers are getting ready to fall into direct confrontation if such a situation arises. We are determined to oppose the land pooling scheme and do not want to part with our fertile lands and will go to any length to stop our land to be taken forcibly, said a farmer Kamalpreet Singh. The AAP government has been facing flak from opposition parties, including the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP, which dubbed its land pooling policy a looting scheme to rob farmers of their land. In return, the AAP has hit out at the opposition parties for spreading misleading propaganda.

Three patients die at Jalandhar civil hospital, families blame fault in oxygen supply

Three patients died at Jalandhar civil hospital, triggering family accusations of oxygen supply failure. Hospital authorities denied the claims, admitting a temporary dip in oxygen pressure but asserting swift activation of backup cylinders and rectification of the fault. A nine-member committee has been formed to investigate the incident and submit a report within two days.

3 Patients Die After 'Technical Snag' Reduced Oxygen Supply At Jalandhar Hospital

A sudden drop in oxygen pressure at the Trauma Ward of the Civil Hospital in Jalandhar on Sunday allegedly led to the deaths of three patients, triggering panic in the administration and prompting an inquiry.

AAP government facing backlash as village panchayats pass resolutions against land pooling policy

CHANDIGARH: The Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab Government is facing backlash in many villages across the state over the controversial land pooling policy , which it has notified and plans to acquire 65,533 acres of land across 21 cities and towns in the state to develop both industrial and residential zones. As many as 107 panchayats across the state have passed resolutions in their respective villages, saying they will not give up their land to the government and in the coming days, many more panchayats are expected to pass similar resolutions. Talking with TNIE , Senior Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) leader and president of BKU (Lakhowal group) Harinder Singh Lakhowal said that the opposition to the state government's controversial land pooling policy is growing, despite CM Bhagwant Mann and several AAP leaders insisting that land acquisition will be purely voluntary. Around 15 to 20 panchayats in Jodha, Dohal Kallan, Rattana and other villages near Ludhiana have already passed resolutions in their respective panchayats not to give land to the government. Also, many other village panchayats who had earlier passed resolutions not to give land are now re-passing the resolution because the original resolutions were not legally tenable. A proper procedure has to be followed to call a gram sabha and appoint a secretary who will oversee that the resolution has been passed, he added. AAP govt in hot water in Punjab as farmer unions oppose land pooling; BJP, Congress give tactical support to stir Lakhowal said that a total of around 200 panchayats of 160 where land is being acquired for residential purposes and another 40 where, in the coming week, land will be acquired for industrial purpose, are expected to pass the resolutions soon. Most of them are in Ludhiana, and around 24,000 acres of land is being acquired in the district, followed by Moga, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur and Amritsar districts, he added. Besides this 24,000 acres to be acquired in Ludhiana for residential purpose and another 21,000 acres is being acquired for industrial purposes, the notification of the same is expected to be issued in the coming week for that the farmers unions have called for a meeting tomorrow to oppose the acquisition and we will ask the villagers if they want to give their land to the government or not as all of them have already objected, he said. Pawandeep Singh of Mehlon said that 250 acres of land is being acquired in their village, which is being opposed. The very thought of losing his small landholding and moving to a new place did not let him sleep, he said. Gurinder Singh of Nathu Bhaini village says that around 350 acres of land in their village are being acquired by the government, leaving nothing to the villagers. This is the first legal hurdle we have cleared in what we assume will be a long fight with the state government, he said. In Bhattian village near Phillaur, where 700 acres of land is to be acquired, the sarpanch of the village Ranjit Singh Batth said that the panchayat passed a resolution against the acquisition a few days ago. Many farmers are drawing parallels between this policy and the three farm laws that were introduced in 2020 by the BJP-led Union Government, which were later repealed after a year-long struggle. Senior SKM leader and president of the BKU (Rajewal Group) said that the SKM was also guiding panchayats on filing of resolutions against their land being taken away. The government is falsely saying that the farmers support this policy, he said. The farmers from across the state will take out a tractor march on July 30 against the land pooling policy.

Punjab government, SGPC spar over parallel events for Guru Tegh Bahadur's 350th martyrdom anniversary

CHANDIGARH: The Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex representative body of Sikhs, are at daggers drawn over events planned to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur from November 19 to 25 this year. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said that the Punjab government should focus on establishing meaningful memorials in connection with the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the Ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Teg Bahadar, instead of creating a confrontational atmosphere by organising parallel religious events. Dhami said the SGPC had already planned a series of events related 350th martyrdom anniversary a year in advance, beginning in April 2025 from Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal, Amritsar. Since then, events have been organised across various parts of the country. He said that the Punjab governments announcement of parallel eventsoverlapping with those planned by the SGPC at Anandpur Sahibwill cause confusion among the Sangat (community) and goes against long-standing traditions He alleged that the government appears to be deliberately trying to sideline Sikh institutions. Historically, centenary celebrations related to Sikh heritage and history have been led by the Khalsa Panth, with participation from all Sikh sampradas and organisations while the governments supporting them. Dhami questioned why the government has not shown due seriousness towards nearly 12 Sikh centenaries during its tenureincluding the centenary of the Guru Ka Bagh Morcha, the centenary of the Saka Panja Sahib, 200 years of Shaheedi of Akali Baba Phoola Singh, Guru Angad Devs Guruship Day, and the 450th Jyoti Jot Diwas of Guru Amar Das. He recalled how earlier governments cooperated with the Panth in marking the centenaries, establishing major memorials such as Guru Nanak Dev University, Guru Nanak Hospital (Amritsar), and colleges during Guru Nanak Devs 500th Prakash Purab (birth anniversary) in 1969; Virasat-e-Khalsa and Panj Piara Park during the 300th Khalsa Sajna Diwas in 1999 and a historical memorial at Chappar Chiri in 2010 in remembrance of Baba Banda Singh Bahadars victory at Sirhind. However, the current government led by Bhagwant Mann is instead interfering in the jurisdiction of Panthic institutions and organizations, he alleged. Dhami reaffirmed that the SGPC, as the supreme religious body of the Sikh Panth, has already made clear that heads of all governments will be invited to participate in these commemorations, ensuring inclusivity. In such a context, the government's move to announce parallel programs raises serious concerns. Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday had announced a series of events to be organised by the state government to commemorate the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur. After chairing a meeting, Mann said the events would primarily be held at Anandpur Sahib under the aegis of the state government . He had said that from November 19 to November 25, a series of events will beorganised with deep reverence and respect across the state. In a statement, Mann said these events will primarily take place in Anandpur Sahib under the auspices of the state government. To mark the occasion, CM Mann announced that four grand yatras will begin from different corners of Punjab and converge at Anandpur Sahib. The first will begin on November 21 from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir and pass through Pathankot and Hoshiarpur to reach Anandpur Sahib. Likewise, CM Mann said that the second yatra will start from Gurdaspur and travel through Baba Bakala, Amritsar Sahib, Tarn Taran, and Jalandhar, eventually reaching Anandpur Sahib. He said the third yatra will start from Ferozepur, pass through Moga and Ludhiana to proceed towards Anandpur Sahib and the fourth yatra will also start from Ferozepur and will pass through Faridkot, Bathinda, Barnala, Sangrur, Mansa, and Patiala, and conclude at Anandpur Sahib. The CM had added that light-and-sound shows and poetry sessions based on Guru Sahib's life and sacrifice would be organised in all 23 districts of Punjab. Blaming the SGPCs stance, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said, You know the reasons. They do not want to meet us. Through you, we are extending an invitation to them. They can call us or approach the state government.

114-year-old Fauja Singh, worlds oldest marathoner cremated with state honours in Punjab

CHANDIGARH: The 114-year-old Fauja Singh, the worlds oldest marathoner, was cremated today with state honours at his native village Beas, near Jalandhar. The Punjab Government has decided to rename the school in his village after him, besides installing his statues at the village stadium and the Sports College in Jalandhar. Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and leaders from across political parties attended his cremation, along with scores of rural residents. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also sent words of praise for Singh. Singhs son, Harvinder Singh, lit the funeral pyre, and the Punjab Police gave a gun salute. The 114-year-old was allegedly hit by an SUV driven by Canada-based Amritpal Singh Dhillon on July 14 while crossing the JalandharPathankot highway. Earlier, Singhs body was kept in a glass casket at his residence in the village, with his photograph beside it, where people paid their tributes. Around noon, it was carried to the cremation ground located outside the village. The family expressed pride in the achievements of their centenarian loved one, for whom they also received a condolence letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. That he (Fauja Singh) took up long-distance running at a very advanced age speaks volumes of not only his physical fitness, but more importantly, his mental strength and resilience, read the letter. Punjab Governor Kataria, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat, Congress MLAs Pargat Singh, Rana Gurjeet Singh, Sukhwinder Singh Kotli, Hardev Singh Ladi Sherowalia, senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Dr Daljit Singh Cheema, Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal, and Jalandhar Range DIG Naveen Singla placed wreaths at the pyre. Kataria recalled how Fauja Singh walked with him during a Nasha Mukt Yatra, an anti-drug campaign, last year. He said that after walking for one kilometre, he asked him to stop, but to his surprise, Fauja Singh insisted that they continue walking. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, who laid a wreath on Singhs body, expressed profound grief and sorrow over the demise of the international marathoner. He said that the sports fraternity would forever remain indebted to the late Singh for his enormous contribution to taking athletics to new heights by defying his age on the international stage. Mann said that the void created by the death of this legendary athlete is difficult to fill in the near future. Recognising his immense contribution, the state government will rename the school in his village after him, besides installing his statues at the village stadium and the Sports College in Jalandhar. Singhs career as a marathon runner began when he was 89. He went on to become a global icon, gaining the nickname Turbaned Tornado for his endurance and athleticism.

Last Rites of Marathon Legend Fauja Singh Held in Jalandhar

Family members, friends, and admirers gathered to pay their respects to the iconic runner, who was fondly known as the 'Sikh Superman' and the 'Turbaned Tornado' for his remarkable achievements in marathon running.

World's oldest marathoner Fauja Singh cremated with full state honours in Jalandhar's Beas

World's oldest marathoner, Fauja Singh, known as 'Turbaned Tornado,' was cremated with full state honors in his native village, Beas. Punjab's Governor and Chief Minister attended the funeral. Singh, 114, died after being hit by a car on July 14. His running career began at 89, making him a global icon.

Towards fit India

EDITORIAL Fauja Singhs life can serve as an inspiration to take the movement forward Earlier this week, the world mourned the death of centenarian marathon runner Fauja Singh (114). He succumbed to injuries sustained after being hit by an SUV while crossing a road in his birth village, Beas Pind, in Jalandhar district, Punjab. Police []

Chandigarh diary | Kangana concerned over lack of respect for MPs

Bollywood actor and Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut in a recent interview roughed many of her party leaders after she expressed concern about lack of respect and resources for MPs. The national award-winning actress said she had implied that she was not enjoying her work as an MP as people would came to her with panchayat-level problems. If you are an MP, you cannot be in the profession if your are an honest person, she said. When asked if she expected to be part of the Union Cabinet, Kangana said she expected to get a portfolio. She said after her contributions toward the people and the Centre, she believes she should have been assigned a ministry. Mann praises 2 Cong MLAs in the assembly 2: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann showered praises on two Congress MLAs in the recent special Assembly session; the legislators being Pargat Singh from Jalandhar (Cantonment) and Rana Gurjit Singh from Kapurthala. The CM As Captain of the Indian hockey team, he (Pargat) witnessed the Tricolour being raised during international hockey competitions. He also praised Rana Gurjit, calling him Bapu (father-figure) . Both Congress legislators were left surprised by the CMs words of affection. Pargat and Rana have been critical of Punjab Congress president and Ludhiana MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and LoP Partap Singh Bajwa. Sainis dressing down to cops over law & order Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini chaired a 3-hour-long meeting over law and order last week with the top brass of state police. In the meeting that ran well into the night, Saini did not mince his words in conveying his displeasure over the poor law and order situation in the state. He reportedly stressed the need for each police station to consistentl y track crime patterns and respond swiftly to any rise in criminal incidents. Accountability should be ensured not only at the district level but also at the police station level, the CM said. Saini told the officers that he was in power because of the mandate of the people and not due to some ones generosity. Harpreet Bajwa Our correspondent in Chandigarh hsbajwa73@gmail.com

Hit and run case: 'Didn't know I hit Fauja Singh', says driver held for his death

Amritpal Singh Dhillon, a Canada-returned man, was arrested for fatally hitting 114-year-old marathoner Fauja Singh with a borrowed Fortuner on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway. Dhillon, who fled the scene, claimed he was unaware of who he had struck and was scared. Police investigations, including CCTV footage analysis, led to his arrest, and he now faces culpable homicide and rash driving charges.

Golden Temple receives five bomb threat emails in three days; SGPC, security agencies on high alert

CHANDIGARH: In a span of three days, the Golden Temple in Amritsar has received five bomb threat emails, with three sent today alone, allegedly from fake IDs, as police remain clueless about the origin of these messages. The emails have prompted heightened security at the sacred shrine, with Punjab Police and Border Security Force (BSF) personnel conducting thorough checks in and around the temple complex. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami said, Five emails have been continuously received since July 14 (Monday). The SGPC has already informed the government and police about these threats. The recent series of threatening emails warning of bomb attacks at this sacred site is a matter of grave concern. The Golden Temple is a spiritual and inclusive centre for all humanity, drawing lakhs of devotees from India and abroad every day. Expressing disappointment, Dhami said that the identity of the sender still remains unknown. He emphasised, It is the government's responsibility to urgently trace the origin of these emails, including the server, IP address, and country being used. He added that the emails received on July 15 and 16 were not only addressed to the SGPC but also to Amritsar MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The first email came on July 14, reportedly from the fake email ID of Kerala Chief Minister Comrade Pinarayi Vijayan. The second threat, received on July 15, was also reportedly from the fake email ID of former Chief Justice of India, Justice Chanderchur Singh. This email was also sent to SGPC and MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla. The three emails received today were purportedly from a person named Asif Gaffur and addressed to SGPC and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, he added. Dhami also raised concern that these emails were being sent using the names of prominent individuals and criticised the governments failure to identify the culprits. We have activated our internal cyber teams, but this responsibility lies with the state. The culprits must be exposed without delay, he said. He further pointed out that despite several complaints to Punjab Police regarding fake and parody social media accounts operating in the SGPCs name, the Cyber Cell had failed to take substantial action, showing the states lack of seriousness toward Sikh institutions. Whether these threats are simply the mischief of a malicious mind or part of a larger conspiracy must be investigated, Dhami said, warning that the threats could be an attempt to create fear among the thousands of devotees who visit the shrine daily. He assured that the SGPC was diligently managing the Golden Temple complex and appealed to devotees not to be fearful, adding that large numbers of people continue to arrive daily as usual. In connection with the threats, former Member of Parliament Shwait Malik met Dhami at the SGPC office today. Dhami said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, understanding the sensitivity of the issue, had sent BJP leader and former MP Malik to engage with the SGPC. He expressed gratitude for the gesture but criticised Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and his cabinet ministers for not contacting them so far on the issue. Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar confirmed, Two emails came earlier and now three have come. The content in them is almost similar. Till now, in the investigation, the contents are pointing towards southern states. We hope that soon we will share the breakthrough. He added, We are coordinating with the SGPC. As a precautionary measure, the bomb disposal team of the BSF was called in to search and assist us as they were nearby. Our bomb disposal team is coming from Jalandhar, hence we requested the BSF to send theirs. The SGPC has also deputed its own task force. Bhullar assured that foolproof security was being provided and there was no need for devotees to panic. Following the threats, security forces, including Punjab Police personnel, commandos, and BSF officers, searched the galiara around the Golden Temple using sniffer dogs and bomb detection equipment. They also screened the belongings of devotees, while SGPCs task force monitored the situation inside the temple complex. Plainclothes state police personnel were deployed around the complex to monitor any suspicious activity. Surveillance has been intensified, and police have been stationed at all access points to the temple. Bomb disposal squads and sniffer dogs remain on standby. Sources claimed that one of the emails sent on Tuesday claimed that RDX explosives had been packed inside pipes within the temple premises, with the intent to cause blasts inside the shrine. Another email sent on Monday warned of a blast at the langar hall (community kitchen) of the Golden Temple. The exact contents of the messages have been withheld due to security concerns. Both central and state security agencies are jointly working to analyse the digital footprints and track the origin of the emails. The language used in this email is almost similar to the earlier ones, so it might be possible that the sender is the same, said an official on condition of anonymity.

'Learnt About It From News': Canada-Based Man Held For Hit-And-Run Of Fauja Singh

The tragic incident occurred on Monday in Bias village in Punjabs Jalandhar district, where Fauja Singh was walking along the JalandharPathankot highway.

Canada-based driver of SUV that ran over veteran marathoner Fauja Singh arrested

CHANDIGARH, July 16: Police have arrested a Canada-based man who allegedly drove his SUV over Fauja Singh, killing the worlds oldest marathoner. Officials said the accused had returned home in Punjab just three weeks ago. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Jalandhar Rural, Harvinder Singh, told a press conference that Amritpal Singh Dhillon (26) was arrested on Tuesday night and his vehicle has also been seized. Dhillon, a native of Kartarpur, had gone to Canada on a tourist visa but got [] The post Canada-based driver of SUV that ran over veteran marathoner Fauja Singh arrested appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Video: Moments Before Marathoner Fauja Singh Was Killed By Speeding SUV

A CCTV footage has emerged of Fauja Singh, the world's oldest marathoner, walking down a road in Punjab's Jalandhar, minutes before he was mowed down by an SUV earlier this week.

NRI Who Ran Over Fauja Singh Came From Canada 3 Weeks Ago: All About Him

Amritpal Singh Dhillon, originally from Kartarpur in Jalandhar, lives with his family - mother and three sisters - in Canada, where he works as a labourer.

Driver of SUV that ran over veteran marathoner Fauja Singh arrested

Amritpal Singh Dhillon, 26, has been arrested for allegedly running over and killing Fauja Singh, the 114-year-old marathoner, in Punjab's Jalandhar district. Dhillon's vehicle has been seized, and he faces charges of rash driving and culpable homicide. The incident prompted condolences from leaders, including Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Mann, who praised Singh's inspirational impact.

Driver of SUV that ran over Fauja Singh arrested

The driver of the SUV that fatally struck Fauja Singh, the world's oldest marathoner, has been arrested. Amritpal Singh Dhillon, 26, was apprehended and his vehicle seized. The incident occurred on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway in Punjab's Jalandhar district.

Fauja Singh hit-and-run case: SUV driver arrested

CHANDIGARH: The driver of the SUV which ran over and killed Fauja Singh, the world's oldest marathoner, has been arrested, sources said on Wednesday. They said the accused has been identified as Amritpal Singh Dhillon (26), a resident of Dasupur in Kartarpur. His vehicle has also been seized. Dhillon was going from Bhogpur to Kishahgarh on Monday when he hit Singh (114) in his native Bias village in Punjab's Jalandhar district. 114-year-old marathon runner Fauja Singh dies in road accident in Punjab The marathon runner succumbed to injuries on Monday evening. According to villagers, Singh was tossed 5-7 feet in the air after being hit by the vehicle. After the incident, an FIR was registered against the driver under sections 281 (rash driving or riding on a public way) and 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, police said.

NRI Driver Arrested In Fauja Singh Hit-And-Run Case, Fortuner Seized

The man who allegedly rammed his car into 114-year-old marathon runner Fauja Singh on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway has been arrested, police said on Wednesday.

Fortuner That Hit And Killed Marathoner Fauja Singh Identified: Cops

The car which hit 114-year-old marathon runner Fauja Singh on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway and sped away has been identified almost 24 hours after the incident, cops said.

114-yr-old marathon runner Fauja Singh dies in a hit-and-run in Punjab

Chandigarh: Veteran marathon runner Fauja Singh died on Monday, July 14, after being hit by an unidentified vehicle while out for a walk in his native village in Punjabs Jalandhar district. He was 114. His demise was confirmed by author Khushwant Singh, a former state information commissioner of Punjab, who spoke to Fauja Singhs family Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge pays Tribute to 'Turbaned Tornado' Fauja Singh

Indian National Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of legendary marathon runner Fauja Singh, who died on Monday at the age of 114. Singh, widely revered as the 'Turbaned Tornado,' lost his life in a tragic road accident in his ancestral village in Punjab's Jalandhar district.

114-yr-old Marathon runner Fauja Singh dies in road accident in Jalandhar

Well known marathon runner, Fauja Singh, died in a fatal road accident after being struck by an unidentified vehicle in Jalandhar on Monday.

114-year-old marathon runner Fauja Singh dies in road accident in Punjab

The 114-year-old Fauja Singh, nicknamed the Turbaned Tornado, the oldest marathon runner, died in a road accident in his village near Jalandhar in Punjab.

114-Year-Old Fauja Singh, Legendary Marathon Runner, Dies In Road Accident On Punjab Highway

Fauja Singh was an iconic runner who earned the title of the world's oldest marathoner. He was hit by a vehicle on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway on Monday.

114-year-old veteran marathon runner Fauja Singh dies in road accident in Jalandhar

His demise was confirmed by author Khushwant Singh, who spoke to Fauja Singh's family members.

114-yr-old veteran marathon runner Fauja Singh dies in road accident in Jalandhar

Veteran marathon runner Fauja Singh tragically passed away at the age of 114 after being struck by an unidentified vehicle in his native village in Punjab's Jalandhar district. Author Khushwant Singh confirmed the news, expressing deep sadness over the loss of his 'Turbaned Tornado.

AAP government in Punjab to hire retired doctors amid severe shortage of medical specialists

CHANDIGARH: Facing an acute shortage of medical specialists, the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government has begun hiring retired doctors, even as it claims to have improved the states healthcare infrastructure. Nearly 47 per cent of sanctioned specialist posts in government hospitals remain vacant across Punjab. Sources said that out of the 2,098 posts of sanctioned specialists, 990 are lying vacant. Not only specialist doctors but also posts of doctors in the general medical officer cadre are lying vacant. 1,962 posts are yet to be filled out of 3,847, which comes to 51 per cent. Sources said that the state health department has decided to recruit 100 retired medical specialists through walk-in interviews. Thus, it has invited applications from the retired government doctors to apply for these contractual posts of consultants in district hospitals, sub-divisional hospitals and community health centres (CHCs). As per the notification issued by the state health department, the posts to be filled include 21 in paediatrics, 20 in general medicine, 20 in gynaecology, 15 in general surgery, 13 in anaesthesia, 7 radiologists and four doctors in psychiatry. Also, only retired specialist doctors between 58 and 64 years of age will be eligible to apply. The contract will be for one year and can be extended annually based on performance and subject to the approval of the finance department. These doctors will get remuneration equivalent to the last pay drawn, minus pension, plus dearness allowance as admissible on the date of appointment. Besides, they must be free of disciplinary proceedings. They will not be allowed to engage in private practice during the contractual period and will only do clinical duties (outpatient, inpatient, and emergency care) and will be exempted from medico-legal, administrative, or post-mortem responsibilities. Recently, posts of specialised doctors were advertised, but only 60 doctors joined. In 2022, the government also tried to fill 634 posts of specialist doctors but did not get a good response. The reason that doctors refrain from joining the state medical services is due to pay disparities, lack of emergency medical staff thus, specialist doctors have to take care of emergencies, and they are also deployed for VVIP duties. This decision of the state health department to hire retired specialists has not gone well with the young doctors, and many of them say they have been awaiting recruitment since November 2022, when the last advertisement for regular posts was issued. Interestingly, 31 specialist doctors who pursued post-graduation under the government quota have exited service without completing the mandatory service period or depositing the stipulated bond amount of Rs 50 lakh. As per rules, after one gets admission under the Punjab Civil Medical Services (PCMS) quota, one has to serve with the state government as one signs a 10-year service bond in exchange for subsidised admission. As four doctors each resigned from Sangrur and Ludhiana, three each from Kapurthala, Mansa, and Faridkot, two each from Mohali, Tarn Taran, and Ropar and one each from Bathinda, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Nawanshahr, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar and Barnala. They have also not deposited the bond amount they pledged at the time of admission. The health department has directed civil surgeons to initiate recovery proceedings. The civil surgeons have been instructed to contact these doctors immediately and serve them a 21-day notice to deposit the bond, amount and if they fail, disciplinary action will be initiated, and the department has directed that a formal request be made to the Punjab Medical Council or relevant regulatory bodies to cancel their medical registration. Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA) president Dr Akhil Sarin said a few months back, 110 specialised doctors joined as part of their bond obligation, and in the coming days a few more are likely to join after the end of the extensions granted to them. Also, walk-in interviews for an additional 160 specialist posts are also in the pipeline. All these steps are effectively aimed at providing specialist services to the poor and underserved. In 2020, the then government stalled career progression of medical officers this was one of the causes why specialised doctors did not opt for government jobs. While lack of security is another issue, he said. ` A few years back their were similar schemes of re-employment of post retirement and few doctors had taken the extensions then, he said.

ED Raids Seven Locations In Haryana In 'Donkey Route' Human Trafficking Case

According to officials quoted by ANI, the searches, led by EDs Jalandhar Zonal Office, were carried out in the districts of Mansa, Kurukshetra, and Karnal.

ED conducts fresh searches in Punjab, Haryana in 'donkey route' case related to Indian immigrants deported from US

JALANDHAR: The Enforcement Directorate on Friday conducted fresh searches in Punjab and Haryana as part of a money laundering investigation into a 'donkey route' case related to illegal Indian immigrants who were deported by the US this year, official sources said. Raids are being undertaken at seven locations at Mansa in Punjab and Kurukshetra and Karnal in Haryana under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), they said. The latest raids are based on credible inputs gathered durin g the first round of searches conducted on July 9 at 11 locations in these two states, the sources said. Post the July 9 searches, the federal probe agency on Thursday said in a statement that it has recovered 30 original passports and got hold of the names of various agents and immigration agencies running the donkey route business of sending Indians abroad illegally on a large-scale. Inputs gathered shows that human traffickers were used to arrange illegal route resources outside India in connivance with donkers (human trafficking conduits), the sources said. The ED had said it was found that those willing to go to the US were duped by travel agents and middlemen on false promises of sending them through legal channels. However, they were sent to the US through the donkey route, crossing the borders of various countries and illegally negotiating dangerous routes, with the help of 'donkers' and the mafia, it had said. The word donkey, dunkey or dunki refers to the donkey-like long and hard journey undertaken by immigrants to enter countries illegally.

ED raids 11 locations in Punjab, Haryana in dunki route money laundering probe

CHANDIGARH: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday conducted searches at eleven locations across Punjab and Haryana as part of an ongoing money-laundering investigation into a 'dunki route' case involving illegal immigrants who were deported by the United States earlier this year. Sources said that the Jalandhar zonal office of the apex agency carried out search operations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Amritsar, Sangrur, Patiala, and Moga in Punjab, and Ambala, Kurukshetra, and Karnal in Haryana. The EDs investigation is based on 19 FIRs registered by police in both Punjab and Haryana against several travel agents and middlemen. As part of the probe, the agency also raided the residence of Bhartiya Kisan Union (Totewala) leader Sukh Gill in Jalandhar. The searches were conducted at premises linked to individuals and entities whose names surfaced during the course of the investigation, said sources. According to officials, around 131 youths from Punjab were deported from the United States in February this year. They were flown back to India in handcuffs aboard US military aircraft, triggering widespread public outrage. Sources further revealed that the travel agents allegedly duped aspiring migrants out of rS 4555 lakh each. Many of these agents never met the victims in person and operated through local contacts. The youth were promised legitimate overseas placements but were instead pushed to take the illegal dunki route, passing through multiple countries. Investigators found that these donkers and their associates exerted pressure on the migrants and their families for additional payments while the youths were in transit. It is learnt that the ED has recorded statements from several deportees, which have helped map the networks operational structure and identify new suspects. The deportees were asked to submit all relevant documents, including bank account details of the travel agents who received payments. A thorough investigation was launched under PMLA as the case involves significant illegal financial transactions, said an official on condition of anonymity.

ED Raids In Punjab, Haryana In Donkey Route Case

Jalandhar, Jul 9: The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday conducted searches in multiple cities of Punjab and Haryana as part of a money laundering investigation into a donkey route case related to illegal Indian immigrants who were deported by the US this year, official sources said. Offices and houses of suspects and agents in at least 11 cities in the two states Amritsar, Sangrur, Patiala and Moga in Punjab and Ambala, Kurukshetra and Karnal in Haryana are being raided under [] The post ED Raids In Punjab, Haryana In Donkey Route Case appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Khalistani terrorist Happy Passia, wanted in 14 grenade attacks across Punjab, likely to be extradited from US

CHANDIGARH: Happy Passia, an alleged mastermind of 14 grenade attacks across Punjab and a wanted notorious gangster-turned-Khalistani terrorist is likely to be extradited from the United States to India. Highly placed sources said that the US authorities have confirmed to the Indian security agencies that the extradition of Happy Passia, whose real name is Harpreet Singh, who is linked to Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and also has links with Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan has been approved. However, there is no official confirmation in this regard. In January this year, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) put a reward of Rs 5 lakh on Passia in a case of the hand grenade attack in September last year on a house in Sector 10 of Chandigarh by two youths. The attack targeted a retired Superintendent of Police, Jaskirat Singh Chahal, who served as the Station House Officer (SHO) in Nakodar in 1986, during which four sikh protesters were killed in police firing. In 2021, Passia illegally entered the US through the Mexico border with the help of a human trafficking network and continued to coordinate terror activities from there. Earlier in 2020, he had escaped to the UK with the help of a fake identity and stayed there for several months before he entered the US. On April 17 this year, Passia was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) from Sacramento. As per the FBI, he used burner phones to evade capture. Passia was arrested by the US authorities after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Punjab Police, who had earlier confirmed that Passia was hiding in the United States. The authorities had also issued a lookout notice and sent legal notices to his residence. Earlier the Punjab Police had submitted a formal request to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for his extradition as Passia is accused of orchestrating at least 14 grenade attacks across the state targeting police stations, religious places and residences of public figures of which one of senior BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia in Jalandhar. Out of the 16 grenade attacks that took place in the state, his name has cropped up during investigations into at least 14 such attacks. Sources said that Harpreet Singh hails from Passia village in the Amritsar district of Punjab, belongs to an agriculturalist family and is wanted in 17 criminal cases. He was declared an absconder in the case registered on October 1 last year. Since 2023 he is associated with Khalistani militant Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda, and they have been involved in setting up terror modules in Punjab. He was named in a chargesheet filed before the special NIA court, along with Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda as Passia had a hand in multiple terror attacks and was wanted in many cases including those registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Arms Act, and Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Last year during the questioning a number of associates of Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias Landa, a Canada-based Khalistani terrorist and Rinda, NIA found that both the terrorists have stopped working together and Rinda has started working with Passia. His network is suspected of involvement in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in 2022, said sources.

Punjab Congress leaders under vigilance scrutiny fear being targeted by AAP-led govt ahead of 2027 polls

CHANDIGARH: With 19 months left till the 2027 assembly elections, the Punjab Congress leadership is apprehensive that the current AAP-led Punjab government might target party leaders who are facing vigilance inquiries. Such concerns have been raised following the arrest of Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Majithia in a drugs and disproportionate assets case, while former Health Minister and AAP MLA Vijay Singla and his OSD Pradeep Kumar were given a clean chit in a corruption case registered against them in 2022. Sources said that a charge sheet has been filed in cases registered against former Congress MLA Kushaldeep Singh Dhillon and former cabinet minister OP Soni. Other Congress leaders who are facing vigilance inquiries include: Punjab Congress President and Member of Parliament from Ludhiana Amarinder Raja Warring, former Chief Minister and Member of Parliament from Jalandhar Charanjit Singh Channi, former cabinet ministers Sunder Shyam Arora and Vijay Inder Singla, and MLAs Barindemeet Singh Pahra and Pargat Singh. Channi, who himself is under the scrutiny of the vigilance, claimed that those politicians who are vocal against the government are being targeted by the AAP government. They have already been after me for a long time, several party leaders, including Jalandhar (Cantonment) MLA Pargat Singh, were under the lens of the vigilance bureau. After Bikram Majithia, Pargat Singh might be next target of the government, he said. Ludhiana MP Warring said, It would be premature to comment at this moment. On the other hand, Punjab Police has given a clean chit to former Health Minister and AAP MLA Vijay Singla and his OSD Pradeep Kumar in corruption case registered against them in 2022 at Phase 8 Police Station in Mohali. The state police have filed a closure report in a court in Mohali recently, citing that no conclusive evidence was found to proceed against the accused. The court will take up the matter on July 14. While thhe complainant in the case, Rajinder Singh, a government engineer on deputation with Punjab Health System Corporation, has agreed with the closure report. It is worth mentioning here that the complainant had submitted that he was summoned to Punjab Bhawan, and a commission of one per cent was demanded from him. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had dismissed Singla from his cabinet.

Punjab Police arrest travel agent behind fake college offer letter scam

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Police have arrested the mastermind behind the fake offer letter scam, Brijesh Mishra. The scam lured hundreds of Indian students aspiring to study in Canada. Sources said that on June 24, Mishra was taken into custody after he landed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. Mishra, who hails from Thalwada in Darbhanga of Bihar, had boarded a flight from Toronto on June 22. Talking with TNIE , Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police of Jalandhar Harinder Singh Gill said, Brijesh Mishra was detained as soon as he landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, as a look-out circular (LOC) had been earlier issued against him in connection with cases registered against him. He was then handed over to a team of Jalandhar Police. We took him into custody on June 24, and yesterday (June 25), he was produced in local court in Jalandhar, and we got his seven-day police remand. Now we are questioning him as nine cases were registered against him in 2023 on charges of cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy in division number 6 police station, he said. Gill further said that he is being questioned about others involved in this racket, how he made these fake offer letters of colleges, how many students were contacted, and how much money he charged the victims. We will also be calling the parents of these students who filed the cases against the accused and record their statements, as well as ask them whether their children have been deported or still in Canada, and if so, doing what, he said. Unregistered agencies offer fake overseas jobs for youngsters in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh on social media platforms Gill said that during the interrogation, Mishra confessed to having remained in the custody of the Canadian authorities for approximately one and a half years as he was detained. Then, after he was released from detention, he stayed for a few months in Surrey, British Columbia, before returning to India. On June 23, 2023, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) apprehended Mishra while he was trying to sneak into the country illegally. The CBSA conducted a detailed investigation and zeroed in on Brijesh Mishras company Education and Migration, and slapped five charges, including those for counselling misrepresentation, unauthorised representation or advice for consideration, under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. In March 2023, approximately 700 students were issued deportation notices by the CBSA over fraudulent offer letters that had been provided to them by Mishra while processing their study visas. Mishra has been accused of running a fake offer letter racket through his consultancy, Education and Migration Services, based in Jalandhar. He allegedly duped hundreds of students between 2016 and 2020 by issuing forged admission letters of colleges in Canada, as scores of students discovered the fraud only after reaching Canada, where they were denied entry or deported when immigration authorities flagged their documents as fake.

Kashmiri students face travel hardships after evacuation from war-hit Iran

Suhail Bhat SRINAGAR, June 22: Kashmiri students evacuated from war-hit Iran under Operation Sindhu continue to face travel hardships, as yet another bus developed a mechanical fault today, leaving them stranded on Jalandhar-Pathankot highway for over three hours. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp One of the three buses carrying nearly 30 students from Delhi to Kashmir broke down due to a technical snag, causing further distress to the already-exhausted students. A student told Excelsior that the bus developed [] The post Kashmiri students face travel hardships after evacuation from war-hit Iran appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Punjab Police book IAS officer, husband for attempted murder; gunman arrested

CHANDIGARH: Punjab IAS officer Babita Kaler, husband Stephen Kaler, and gunman Shubh Karan Singh have been booked by the Punjab Police on charges of attempt to murder; the gunman has been arrested. As per the complaint given to the police, the gunman shot at and injured the manager of an industrial house following a dispute over the dumping of sand onto a vacant plot adjacent to the Kalers' house in Chhoti Baradari area of Jalandhar. The manager, Harpreet Singh, was shot in the thigh and later admitted to the civil hospital, sources said. On Saturday, a case was registered against the three persons under Sections 109 (attempt to murder), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt) and 61(2) (criminal conspiracy) of the BNS and Arms Act. One Lakhbir Singh said, based on the plot owner's direction, the workers had started dumping sand to fill the land. However, the immediate neighbours--the IAS officer and her husband--asked them to stop the work and started misbehaving with the workers. In the scuffle, Kalers gunman opened fire, he alleged. Eyewitnesses alleged that there was an attempt to forcibly stop land filling work and take over the plot. On the other hand, Stephen Kaler denied the allegations. He said that he had gone back inside the house after having a telephonic conversation with the plot owner and requesting the workers to halt construction, but the workers misbehaved with their gunman and tried to overpower him, after which the gunman opened fire to defend himself. We told them to first speak to the actual plot owner. I even helped them contact the owner and went back inside. Meanwhile, they started abusing and attacking the gunman, forcing him to fire in self-defence, he said. When contacted, Jalandhar Police Commissioner Dhanpreet Kaur said that a case has been registered against the IAS officer Babita Kaler, her husband Stephen Kaler, and gunman Shubh Karan Singh. He said that the police are investigating the matter. Babita Kaler is posted as Commissioner of Agriculture at present while her husband, Stephen Kaler, is an industrialist affiliated with the Aam Aadmi Party.

Chandigarh Diary | Punjab CM Mann all praise for sada veer Harbhajan Singh

Former spinner and AAP Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh got tongues wagging as he recently attended a state-level function in Jalandhars Burlton Park, where Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal laid the foundation stone for a sports hub. Mann proudly pointed out to Kejriwal on the occasion that Jalandhar, which is often dubbed as the sports capital of India, is Harbhajans hometown. He showered praise on the former cricketer and described him as sada veer. It is great to have Harbhajan with us, as batters from across the world were scared of his spin bowling and aggression, Mann remarked. No cooperation? No business: Punjab to HDFC Bank Citing a lack of cooperation and a failure to carry out certain transactions in a time-bound manner, the Punjab government has de-empanelled HDFC Bank. The order issued by the Director of Punjabs Institutional Finance and Banking has asked all financial commissioners, principal secretaries, administrative secretaries, heads of the departments, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners and convener of the state-level bankers committee not to conduct any business with the bank. The drastic step has left many in the banking sector disconcerted. Meanwhile, officials of the bank remain tight-lipped. Seven months on, HP Cong unit yet to be reconstituted It has been seven months since the Himachal Pradesh Congress unit was dissolved, and new leaders, including the state and block presidents, are yet to be appointed. The ghost of factionalism seems to be chasing the grand old party. Despite holding several rounds of meetings, the state Congress leaders just cannot see eye to eye. Ministers of the state government have shown reluctance to lead the party into the 2027 Assembly elections, reflecting deep-seated issues in its rank and file. Holding on to power remains a challenge for the grand old party not just in the hill state of Himachal but also in Karnataka and Telangana.

Punjab Police crack down on 'controversial' social media influencers after rise in threats from radical groups

CHANDIGARH: With incidents of Sikh hardliners increasingly targeting social media influencers in recent days, the Punjab Police has begun scrutinising accounts of several popular influencers alleged to be promoting vulgar content, double-meaning language, or posts that could create law and order issues. The cyber cell of the state police has already flagged approximately 100 controversial posts to respective online platforms for removal under the Information Technology (IT) Act. This exercise was launched following the murder of social media influencer Kanchan Kumari, alias Kamal Kaur Bhabhi, by self-styled Sikh radical and Nihang Amritpal Singh Mehron on June 9. Sources in the intelligence community said that social media activity is now being treated as a matter of internal security. A crackdown has been initiated against controversial influencers, with further action expected in the coming days. A senior official, on condition of anonymity, said several popular influencers alleged to be promoting provocative content are now under scrutiny. This is being done using human intelligence. Such accounts are being identified, and then the process of removing objectionable content begins, the official said. Sources further revealed that many flagged posts include videos and statements from self-styled influencers who have gained notoriety for provocative content. These posts have triggered increased threats against other influencers. Over the past two years, the cyber cell has facilitated the removal of approximately 8,000 objectionable posts from various social media platforms. The cyber wing monitors activities of influencers only after receiving formal complaints. It is authorized to take up the matter with the platforms where the content is posted, said another senior official. The cell reports such posts to platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram for removal. If platforms fail to act, legal action is pursued under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act. Citing persistent threats, social media influencer Deepika Luthra from Amritsar has deleted her Instagram account after receiving threats. She has been provided police security after specific threats from Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). Another influencer, Simarjeet Kaur, known online as Preet Jatti, has also reportedly received threats from extremist elements. Earlier, a grenade was hurled outside the residence of influencer Rozer Sandhu in Maqsudan, Jalandhar. Pakistani gangster Shahzad Bhatti claimed responsibility, alleging the attack was in response to derogatory remarks made against Islam by the YouTuber.

Espionage case: Punjab YouTuber Jasbir Singh sent to 14-days judicial custody

CHANDIGARH: A Mohali court on Monday sent Punjab YouTuber Jasbir Singh , arrested on espionage charges to fourteen days' judicial custody. Singh alias Jaan Mahal, a resident of Mahlan village in Rupnagar district, was arrested on June 4 and was sent to Ropar Jail from Mohali. He was running a YouTube channel JaanMahal Video with over 11 lakh subscribers, ostensibly posting travel and cooking vlogs. Singh was produced before the court after the completion of the two-day police remand. Speaking to the presspersons, the counsel appearing for Mr Singh said that they will file his bail application. Meanwhile, his female friend, hailing from Jalandhar, was questioned for hours at the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) of the Punjab Police. According to the police, She has told them that Singh took her to Delhi several times and once accompanied her to an invitation-only Pakistan Day event hosted by the Pakistan High Commission, despite her not having an official invite. Singh allegedly used his close ties with Pakistan operative Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish to secure her entry, according to police sources. The woman also claimed that Singh had been providing her with financial assistance for some time. Her phone and social media accounts are currently being examined as part of the broader investigation into a suspected Pakistan-backed espionage network. According to investigators, Danish had been attempting to lure more young women into the network. Singh is also suspected to have been in contact with another Pakistani Intelligence Operative (PIO), Shakir alias Jutt Randhawa. Jyoti Malhotra's judicial custody extended by another 14 days Meanwhile, a court in Hisar on Monday extended the judicial custody of YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra by another 14 days. The next hearing is scheduled for June 23. Malhotra, who is also under investigation for her alleged links with Pakistani intelligence operatives, was first remanded to judicial custody on May 26. Her lawyer, Kumar Mukesh, confirmed the extension, saying, She joined court proceedings virtually. We will be filing for regular bail soon. Earlier, Hisar police spokesperson Vikas Kumar said that a forensic analysis of Jyotis three mobile phones and a laptop had yielded over 12TB of digital data. The analysis has revealed direct one-on-one chats with four individuals identified as Pakistani intelligence operatives, suspected money trails, and records of VIP treatment received during her trip to Pakistan, he said, adding that the digital evidence is being further examined.

Wheelchair-bound rape survivor moves SC seeking medical help

NEW DELHI: A wheelchair-bound neck down paralysed woman, who was brutally raped, gangraped, tortured and illegally confined for seven-months, has moved the Supreme Court seeking immediate access to medical treatment and rehabilitative support and justice. Senior lawyer Shobha Gupta, representing the petitioner, told this newspaper that the repeated acts of gruesome sexual violence inflicted by the accused on the 34-year-old bedridden neck down disabled survivor is barbaric and inhuman. The petitioner was wheelchair-bound and suffering from partial disability when she came in contact with the accused. The dehumanising sexual slavery and brutality subjected on the petitioner further aggravated her medical condition and she has become paralysed below the neck, with only minor sensation in her fingers. The acts of extreme sexual violence committed on the petitioner by the accused have left her in a state of irreversible physical disability, emotional trauma, and social destitution, said, Gupta, who was representing the petitioner along with other advocates Dhiraj Philip, Namrata Mahapatra and Achalika Ahuja. The petitioner-survivor, has been disowned by both her immediate and extended family, and is wholly without any form of familial support or care. In her plea the woman has requested for urgent medical support as well as directions to the Centre and state govt for rehabilitative support through financial assistance to enable her to live with dignity. On May 23, the HC directed admitting her in the AIIMS, New Delhi, for urgent medical treatment and care. As per the plea, the survivor has been subjected to sexual violence with unspeakable brutality, inhumanity for 7-months and was reduced to an inhumane state by the accused, a 52-year-old online-app cab driver. The accused hails from Jalandhar, Punjab, with known criminal antecedents, and is lodged in Hoshiarpur jail. He first came into contact with her through a cab ride-booking application. Following months of medical negligence, repeated rapes in illegal confinement and abandonment, the Petitioner was rescued in 2023, by One Stop Centre and an FIR was registered against the accused under Section 376 (Rape) of the IPC in Hoshiarpur, Punjab. After the completion of the trial, the accused was convicted by the Fast Track Court, Hoshiarpur in January 2025, and sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. The survivor stated that the accused was granted minimum punishment without taking into account the brutality of the crime. The petitioner continues to suffer physically, psychologically, emotionally and socially, while also facing continuous threats. Also in top court Plea against Assam deportation drive A plea has been filed in the SC alleging that the Assam government has reportedly launched a sweeping and indiscriminate drive to detain and deport persons suspected to be foreigners without nationality verifications. It directed Assam to initiate process of deportation of 63 declared foreigners.

Chandigarh Diary | Shub din for Punjab as its puttar takes lead

At 25, Shubman Gill has scripted history by becoming the first India Test captain from Punjab since Bishan Singh Bedi (1976-78). Gill, who is used to seeing fans go gaga over him in the stadium, has now become the cynosure of all eyes in the states political circles. From Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring to SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, leaders cutting across party lines hailed him as the next big leader in the sport. Heartiest congratulations to all Punjabis on our Punjab Da Puttar @Shubmangill becoming Indias new Test cricket captain! Badal wrote on X. AAP in dock over arrest of its MLA in graft case Things looked up for AAP MLA from Jalandhar (Central) Raman Arora when he first stepped into politics. But in a dramatic fall from grace, he was recently arrested by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau in a corruption case. Far from being embarrassed by the legislators arrest, AAP is seizing the development to score brownie points with voters, suggesting that the party is so upright that it doesnt even spare its own leaders found to be tainted. However, the partys Amritsar (North) MLA, former IPS officer Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh, does not seem to buy it. Singh, who never shies away from pointing fingers at his own party, expressed concerns about Aroras proximity to CM Bhagwant Manns family. Cong legislature party leader not named yet The Congress high command is in no hurry to name Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader in Haryana. But Haryana Congress chief Udhay Bhan is still loyal to former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda. As the meeting of the Haryana assembly selection committee was delayed due to non-availability of CLP leader for the selection of the state information commissioner, the BJP-led state government asked Bhan to nominate the seniormost leader to represent the party in the meeting. Bhan nominated Hooda for the meeting. The 3-member committee comprised of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Hooda instead of leader of opposition and minister-in-charge. Harpreet Bajwa Our correspondent in Chandigarh hsbajwa73@gmail.com

AISSF president shot dead in Punjab over parking dispute

CHANDIGARH: Parminder Singh Dhingra, president of the All India Sikh Student Federation (AISSF), was today shot dead in Jalandhar in broad daylight following a heated argument with a neighbour reportedly over a car parking dispute in Grover Colony of Jalandhar. Sources said that Dhingra, who is also a lawyer, was shot in the leg and fell down the stairs, suffering a head injury. Meanwhile, eyewitnesses claim he was not taken to the hospital in time, thus resulting in fatal blood loss. When the police arrived, he was still alive after being shot; had he been taken to the hospital immediately, he might have survived, but the police were just mere spectators, alleged the locals. The incident has sparked widespread outrage in legal, social and religious circles as locals accused the police of negligence in handling the aftermath. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, a son, and his elderly parents. Jalandhar Commissioner of Police, Dhanpreet Kaur said that two alleged accused have been detained, and a case is being registered under relevant sections of the law. She further said that the cause of death was not solely the bullet injury; Dhingra also had a fatal head injury after falling from the stairs upon being shot in the leg. She further said that the incident occurred between 1.30 pm and 2 pm, but the police only got to know about it around 3.30 pm, and then a police team was immediately dispatched to the scene of the crime, and forensic experts also reached after shortly to assist with the investigation.

Supreme Court directs urgent medical care for paralysed rape survivor

NEW DELHI: Hearing the plea of paralysed survivor who was brutally gangraped, tortured and illegally confined for seven months, SC on May 23, directed to admit her to the AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) Trauma Centre, New Delhi, for urgent medical treatment and care. She continues to remain hopeful for justice as she fights for her life. The survivor in her plea, in the top court, has requested for urgent medical support as well as directions to the Centre and State government for rehabilitative support through financial assistance to enable her to live with dignity. Senior lawyer Shobha Gupta representing the survivor, exclusively talking to TNIE , said that the ordeal faced by the the 34-year-old woman due to the repeated acts of gruesome sexual violence, including rape, gangrape, physical abuse and torture in illegal confinement, inflicted by the accused is barbaric and inhuman. The woman was wheelchair bound and suffering from partial disability when the accused came in contact with her. The dehumanising sexual slavery and brutality subjected to the petitioner aggravated her medical condition, and she has become paralysed below the neck, with only minor sensation in her fingers. The acts of extreme sexual violence committed on the petitioner by the accused have left her in a state of irreversible physical disability, emotional trauma, and social destitution, said Gupta, representing the petitioner along with other advocates Dhiraj Philip, Namrata Mahapatra and Achalika Ahuja. The survivor has been disowned by both her immediate and extended family and does not have any form of familial support, care, or protection. The plea stated that the survivor has been subjected to sexual violence with unspeakable brutality, inhumanity for seven months and was reduced to an inhumane state by the accused, a 52-year-old online-app cab driver. The accused hails from Jalandhar, Punjab, with known criminal antecedents, and was presently lodged in Hoshiarpur Jail. He first came into contact with her through a cab ride-booking application. Following this, the accused allegedly began stalking the petitioner over several days, kept her in his illegal captivity away isolated the world and subjected her to continuous and aggravated sexual assault over a period of seven months. Owing to her physical disability, the survivor was rendered helpless and was unable to escape his illegal confinement for seven months. Trapped in an illegal confinement and sexual slavery in a condition of total physical handicap, the survivor endured repeated acts of rape, sodomy and physical torture with no opportunity for escape or any contact with the outside world. The sustained brutality inflicted upon her was both systematic and sadistic, leaving her in a state of extreme physical, emotional and psychological pain, the plea said. It is pertinent to note that after the incident of brutal rape for a continuous period of seven months of illegal confinement, the petitioner's medical condition became severely life threatening. Following months of medical negligence, repeated rapes in illegal confinement and abandonment, the petitioner was rescued in 2023, by One Stop Centre and an FIR was registered against the accused under Section 376 (Rape) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in Hoshiarpur, Punjab. After the completion of the trial, the accused was convicted by the Fast Track Court, Hoshiarpur in January 2025, and sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. The survivor stated that the accused was granted minimum punishment without taking into account the brutality of crime committed on her. The petitioner continues to suffer physically, psychologically, emotionally and socially, while also facing continuous threats. She has also sought intervention from the apex court to allow the transfer of the appeal filed by the accused against the conviction, pending before the High Court of Punjab and Haryana to the HC of Delhi, in the interest of justice and physical state of the petitioner. The act of rape in illegal confinement, particularly of a physically disabled woman, strikes at the core of Article 21 of the Constitution. It is not just a violation of bodily integrity, but also of dignity, privacy, physical and psychological well-being, the plea said. The petitioner was residing in Delhi under the care of a friend who had graciously provided her temporary shelter in the absence of any medical or familial support.

AAP MLA Raman Arora sent to 5-day Vigilance Bureau remand in corruption case; his lawyer calls it 'political vendetta'

Jalandhar Central AAP MLA Raman Arora has been remanded to five days in police custody by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau on corruption charges. Arora's lawyer alleges political vendetta, stating recovered items were declared in his election affidavit. The vigilance team also questioned Arora's PAs and raided the house of a local commission agent.

Punjab Vigilance Bureau arrests AAP MLA Arora on charges of corruption

CHANDIGARH: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA representing Jalandhar (Central) constituency, Raman Arora (54), was arrested on Friday by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau on charges of corruption. The legislator allegedly used former assistant town planner (ATP) of the municipal corporation Sukhdev Vashisht to issue bogus notices to seal buildings and extort money from the public. Vashisht was arrested last week. Arora is the third ruling party MLA to be arrested in a corruption case since AAP came to power in the state in 2022. The sleuths of the Punjab Vigilance Bureau raided the residence of Raman Arora and arrested him on charges of demanding money in exchange for performing official duties at the Municipal Corporation, as well as issuing extortion threats. The security of Arora was already withdrawn on May 12. Sources said that Aroras name cropped up during the interrogation of Vashisht who was arrested for demanding Rs 30,000 on May 14. Vashisht had Aroras patronage. Vashisht apparently threatened owners that he would seal buildings during inspections. He also reportedly claimed that he was not afraid of any potential transfer. During interrogation, Vashisht had reportedly admitted he issued 350 notices to stakeholders from April 2022 to March 2025. He was posted in Jalandhar Central zone one-and-a-half years ago. He served in Jalandhar West zone before that for four years, said an official on condition of anonymity. It is learnt that Vashisht was arrested following complaints from commercial unit owners and others. The complainants had alleged he had been delaying file approvals and extorting money from applicants. Sources said that the officials of the bureau has confiscated files pertaining to permissions given for change of land use, notices issued to commercial and residential units to pay their dues and authorization granted to residential colonies and development of commercial hubs in Jalandhar Central and West assembly constituencies in the past two years. Arora has faced multiple complaints accusing him of accepting bribes from the public. Arora is the third AAP MLA to be arrested by the vigilance bureau in the last three years on corruption charges. His arrest comes exactly three years after the VB arrested former health minister and Mansa MLA Dr Vijay Singla for corruption on May 24, 2022 and then Bathinda Rural AAP MLAAmit Rattan Kotfatta in a corruption case on February 23, 2023. Congress MLA from Bholath, Sukhpal Singh Khaira termed it a latant eyewash and a political gimmick orchestrated by the Mann-led AAP government to mislead the public ahead of the Ludhiana West by-election. Khaira drew parallels to the arrest of former AAP Minister Dr Vijay Singla prior to the Sangrur Lok Sabha by-election in 2022, pointing out that despite serious corruption charges, no charge sheet was filed against Singla. Singla continues to enjoy the full patronage of AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal and the party, proving that such arrests are mere stunts to create a false narrative of accountability, Khaira alleged. Khaira asserted that if a genuine and impartial inquiry were conducted into the activities of AAP MLAs, most of them would have to be arrested, as they are neck-deep in corruption. He accused the Mann government of shielding its leaders while projecting a facade of being anti-corruption to gain electoral mileage. The arrest of Raman Arora is a repeat of the same script played out before the Sangrur by-election. The AAP government is desperate to divert attention from its failures and rampant corruption within its ranks, Khaira alleged.

Punjab Vigilance conducts raid at AAP MLA Raman Aroras house in corruption matter

CHANDIGARH, May 23: Punjab Vigilance Bureau on Friday conducted raid at ruling AAP MLA Raman Aroras house in Jalandhar in connection with a corruption matter, sources said. Arora represents Jalandhar central constituency. Sources said raids pertained to a matter in which it was alleged that false notices were sent to innocent people through some official in Jalandhar. Aroras role cam under scanner in the alleged corrupt practices, they said. (Agencies) The post Punjab Vigilance conducts raid at AAP MLA Raman Aroras house in corruption matter appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Probe Agency ED Conducts Raids In Multiple Cities In Money Laundering Case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday conducted search operations in various cities, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Jalandhar, Indore and Kolkata, in connection with its probe into alleged money laundering in a firm.

Punjab: Retreat Ceremony For Public Along Pak Border To Resume From May 21

AMRITSAR, May 20: The Border Security Force (BSF) has said the public flag-lowering retreat ceremony at three locations in Punjab along the Pakistan frontier will begin on Wednesday, about two weeks after it was stopped following Operation Sindoor by India in response to the Pahalgam attack. The Jalandhar headquartered Punjab frontier of the force said the ceremony will resume from Tuesday, but it will be open only for media persons. The public can participate from Wednesday, it said, adding the [] The post Punjab: Retreat Ceremony For Public Along Pak Border To Resume From May 21 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Himachal farmers demand ban on Turkish apples

CHANDIGARH: Apple growers of Himachal Pradesh, who contribute around Rs 5,000 crore to the apple economy of the hill state, have demanded that India should stop importing Turkish apples. They also demanded that the import tariff on Washington apples should not be decreased further. The demand came following the discontent among Indians after Turkey expressed open support for Pakistan after 'Operation Sindoor'. Talking to TNIE , Sanyukt Kisan Manch (SKM), Himachal Pradesh, convener Harish Chauhan said that they will be meeting Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on May 20 to discuss the issue. They will be handing him a memorandum for Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding that the import of Turkish apples should be stopped by the Union government in India. They have also demanded that the import of apples from Iran should not be allowed, and the import tariff on Washington apples should not be decreased further. The Minimum Import Price (IMP) on apples, which were imported from various countries, should be Rs 100 per kilogram. Last year, the union government announced that it would levy Rs 50 per kg IMP on the import of apples from abroad, but that was not implemented. The apple season of Himachal Pradesh will start from mid-July, and it is expected that this year the apple crop will almost be the same as last year (2.18 crore boxes), said Harish Chauhan. He also said that the apple growers are badly impacted because of the import of apples from Turkey and Iran. Per kg of apple from Turkey costs between Rs 60 to Rs 65, and that from Iran costs anywhere between Rs 38 to Rs 40 per kg. While our (Himachal Pradesh) cost of production is approximately Rs 40 per kg and we sell our best apple in the running market anywhere approximately between Rs 50 to Rs 60 per kg, he said. Chauhan further said that 1.10 metric tons of apples were imported from Turkey in 2022, and then it went up to 1.29 metric tons in 2023, but in 2024, the imports from Turkey fell to 1.11 lakh metric tons. While 79,000 metric tons of apples were imported from Iran in 2022 and 1.16 lakh MT in 2023, the imports fell to 1.07 lakh MT in 2024, he said, quoting data from DGCIS. Meanwhile, a delegation of the Himalayan Apple Growers Society met Union Commerce and Industries Minister, Piyush Goyal. Citing losses to the apple farmers of the state due to cheap and subsidised imports, the delegation sought an immediate ban on the import of apples from Turkey. A member of the delegation, Chetan Singh Bragta, who is also a BJP leader, said that demanding a ban on the import of apples from Turkey is not just a trade decision but a matter of national pride and protection of apple growers, sending a strong message to countries supporting terrorism. The hoteliers of Manali have demanded the removal of Turkish firm Yksel Proje from the Bilaspur-Manali-Leh railway survey, citing national security concerns and ecological threats to the fragile mountain region. Talking to the media, Ved Ram Thakur, Chief Adviser to the Hotel Association of Manali, said that the public anger was growing against Turkey, and thus, the involvement of the Turkish company with several village panchayats also voiced opposition to the ongoing survey. On the other hand, Lovely Professional University (LPU) a private university near Jalandhar in Punjab, has terminated all its Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with institutions in Trkiye and Azerbaijan. The university has formally ended six academic collaborations, citing recent geopolitical developments that it considers to be against Indias national interest. The development follows similar decisions taken by other prominent Indian universities. Earlier this week, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) suspended its MoU with Inonu University, citing national security considerations.

Chandigarh Diary | Governor cancels Rajasthan visit amid tensions

The intensifying hostilities between India and Pakistan last week prompted Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria to change his travel plans and get into immediate action. According to sources privy to the development, Kataria contacted the Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police of border districts to assess the ongoing situation. Following this, the Governor convened an all-party meeting and organised a sarva dharma gathering at the Raj Bhawan on Saturday. Leaders from various political parties, including Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, were present. Leaders seek special package for Punjab In view of the challenging situation at Punjab border due to operations and counter-operations between India and Pakistan, leaders of all political parties have come together to demand a special package for the state. CM Bhagwant Mann stressed that the state is always the first to bear the brunt during wars and escalations. State Congress leader and LoP Partap Singh Bajwa also pressed for a package for the development of the six border districts. He urged the introduction of a robust economic stimulus package to foster long-term stability and growth in the areas. BJP state president Sunil Jakhar echoed the same during an all-party meeting. Locals gather around drone wreckage After being neutralised by Indias air defence system, remnants and debris from drones and a suspected missile were scattered across several villages in Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Bathinda, and Ferozepur. This drew large crowds of people who were eager to see the debris. Social media flooded with videos of locals taking photos and making reels with the remnants, pointing out various parts. Many people discussed what to do with the debris, touching it out of curiosity. Some even attempted to take pieces home or considered selling them to scrap dealers. In response, CM Bhagwant Mann urged the public to stay away from debris. Harpreet Bajwa Our correspondent in Chandigarh hsbajwa73@gmail.com