Travel agent booked for duping Ludhiana man of over Rs 7 lakh
PSPCL junior engineer caught accepting bribe
No biogas plant here: Bhundri village residents
Ludhiana MC faces flak over untraceable, GPS enabled e-rickshaws
Key civic issues discussed in Punjab Vidhan Sabha panel meeting in Ludhiana
Panel members witness discharge of dairy waste into Buddha Dariya
Man duped of Rs 3.7 cr on pretext of forex trading
Agriculture department raids a crop protection factory in Doraha area
Man duped of Rs 10L by agent, left stranded in Italy
Bid to kidnap toddler foiled in Ludhiana, 2 arrested
Fake govt official in VB net for accepting Rs 42.6L bribe
Request for list of sanitation workers delayed, allege Ludhiana councillors
Vidhan Sabha panel to visit city, review devpt
Overnight rain drags down temp, sky to remain overcast for next 4 days
Over 3,200 FIRs filed against travel agents in Punjab in last three years
CHANDIGARH: In recent years, an increasing number of young individuals from Punjab have fallen prey to unscrupulous travel agents exploiting their desire to migrate abroad. Whether through the so-called Dunky Route, student visas, or fraudulent marriages, these agents have capitalised on the desperation of youth. Over the past three years, Punjab has seen the registration of 3,225 First Information Reports (FIRs) against travel agents. Of these, more than 1,100 cases have been filed under the Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act, 2012. A closer look at the data reveals that the highest number of cases was registered by the SAS Nagar Police (398), followed by the Jalandhar Police Commissionerate (375), Hoshiarpur Police (293), and Patiala Police (235). Other notable police stations include the Ludhiana Police Commissionerate (228), the NRI Wing of the Punjab Police (190), Amritsar Police Commissionerate (188), Jalandhar (Rural) Police (141), and SBS Nagar Police (127). An analysis of these cases further highlights that 1,117 were registered under the Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act, 2012, 783 under the Emigration Act, and 1,325 under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The Jalandhar Police Commissionerate recorded the highest number of cases under the Human Smuggling Act (294), followed by Amritsar Police Commissionerate (141) and Hoshiarpur Police (110). Under the Emigration Act, the SAS Nagar Police registered 287 cases, followed by Ludhiana Police Commissionerate (161) and the NRI Wing (75). Under IPC sections, Patiala Police topped the list with 198 cases, followed by the NRI Wing (115) and Hoshiarpur Police (111). Dilemma of desperate deportees Talking to this newspaper, Additional DGP (NRI Wing) Parveen Sinha said, Punjab is the only state in the country where the Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act, 2012, is enforced. We take stringent action against travel agents upon receiving complaints. In the past three years, over 3,000 cases have been registered across the state. Speaking on the issue, Capt. SP Singh, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Immigration and Education Consultants (ALIEC), said, As per the Act, travel agents are required to display their license number prominently outside their offices and in advertisements. However, illegal agents are predominantly active on social media platforms, making it difficult to trace their backgrounds. This makes it easier for them to deceive vulnerable individuals. We urge that advertisements on social media be regulated under this Act and be subject to scrutiny. From snakes, crocodiles to trimming beard, US deportee from Punjab recalls perilous 'donkey route' The situation calls for an understanding of these agents' modus operandi. The Act must be amended to keep pace with evolving tactics. Currently, there are approximately 5,000 to 7,000 registered agents, but the number of illegal agents remains uncertain, Singh added. Jatinder Benipal, President of ALIEC, said that the majority of deported individuals linked to illegal migration were victims of unregistered agents. These agents evade the regulatory oversight set by the Punjab Travel Professionals Regulation Rules, 2013. Illegal migration is primarily facilitated by unregistered agents, not by licensed professionals who comply with the legal framework, Benipal said. Sources revealed that three flights landing in Amritsar on February 5, 15, and 16 were carrying a significant number of deportees from Punjab. A total of 333 illegal immigrants were deported, of whom 126 (37.8%) were from Punjab. Other deportees included 110 from Haryana (33%), 74 from Gujarat (22.2%), and smaller numbers from Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand. Among the deportees, 262 were men, 42 were women, and 29 were children (18 boys and 11 girls) returning from the United States with their families. Why Amritsar chosen? Political slugfest erupts over US planes carrying Indian deportees
Nexus Select Trust to acquire Ludhiana mall, hotel for Rs 490 crore
Nexus Select Mall Management's board has approved the acquisition of MBD Neopolis mall and Radisson Blu Hotel MBD in Ludhiana for Rs 490 crore. The acquisition, through Select Infrastructure, is expected to complete in four months. Recently, Nexus also bought Vega City mall in Bengaluru for Rs 913 crore, making it the largest retail platform in the city.
Day after couples suicide, blackmailer trio booked
Ludhiana teenager shot at in attempted robbery
Cong councillors challenge validity of F&CC meeting in Ludhiana
College of Veterinary Science aces Gadvasu athletics meet
Man gets life sentence for killing youth 4 yrs ago
Mentally unstable woman booked for desecrating idols at Pracheen Sheetla Mata Temple in Punjab
A mentally unstable woman vandalized idols and other items at a temple in Jamalpur's Leegha Colony on Tuesday evening. The temple priest and management tried to stop her, but she escaped. The police have registered a case against the woman, who is yet to be arrested.
BJP district president questions legitimacy of councillors participation in meeting
Tragic double suicide in Ludhiana: Couple jumps into canal amid harassment and blackmail allegations
US deportees wife files complaint: 5 booked in Ludhiana for cheating and human trafficking
Municipal push for speedy recovery of pending construction challans in Ludhiana
Punjab teachers question Manish Sisodias school visits, call it unconstitutional
From sacred chants to cartoon rants: The many voices of Manubir Kaur
Defaulting realtor calls PSPCL official to his office, assaults him
Burning of horticulture waste sparks outcry
PAU lab traces journey of agri brands from farm to mkt
Yet another stray dog attack in Shimlapuri
SGPC leadership shake-up: Dhami and Badungar resign amidst committee restructuring
Punjab CM Mann Assures Full Support To MNC Grant Thornton On Farmer Welfare
The Chief Minister praised the company for its commendable work in Ludhiana, Moga, Batala and Rupnagar districts
Punjab AAP leader, his woman friend among six arrested for wife's murder
The incident took place when Anokh and his wife Lipsy were returning home after having dinner at a hotel on the Ludhiana-Malerkotla road, says police
Womans trail goes cold after deportation from US
Ludhiana woman dies after being set on fire; husband, mother-in-law arrested, father-in-law at large
Police bust gang of robbers with arrest of three
23-year-old deportee struggles as father has taken loan of Rs 29 lakh
Ludhiana AAP worker plots wifes murder with girlfriend, contract killers; held
2 minor boys killed, 2 injured in Ludhiana factory fire; MLA flags lack of safety measures
MLAs allege irregularities in Smart City Mission projects
Told to vacate basements, shopkeepers meet min
Over 2,000 docs from Punjab & outside attend state IMA meet
Selection of bees to royal jelly prep, 5-day training covers all aspects of queen bee rearing
3 illegal colonies razedon outskirts of city
Two died one injured in fire incident
Two labourers killed, another injured in Ludhiana factory fire
LUDHIANA: Two labourers, including a minor were burnt alive while another received severe burn injuries when a fire broke out in a cycle seat covers manufacturing factory here on Monday, police said. The fire tenders of the Municipal Corporation's fire brigade reached the factory near Dhuri rail crossing and controlled the flames after about an hour, officials said. According to police the fire and smoke spread in such a way that some labourers working inside could not come out. Two persons who were badly burnt were lying near the bath room and were taken to the local Civil hospital where one of them succumbed to the injuries, they said. The severely injured labourer, who is also a minor, was stated to be in a critical state in the hospital. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, police said, adding that a case has been lodged against the factory owner.
AAP leader, his girlfriend and 4 hitmen arrested for wifes murder in Ludhiana
Ludhiana police arrested an AAP leader, his girlfriend, and four contract killers for the murder of his wife, Lipsy. The leader conspired with his girlfriend to kill his wife after she discovered their affair. The contract killers were hired for Rs 2.50 lakh to execute the plan.
Police constables son deported from US, arrested in Ludhiana for snatching, dacoity
Gurwinder Singh, son of a Punjab Police constable, is among the US deportees who returned to India. He has criminal cases in Jamalpur and Faridkot. Gurwinder used Rs 30 lakh, borrowed by his father, to reach the USA via an illegal route but has now been deported.
Two US deportees arrested for murder in Patiala
CHANDIGARH: Two youths among the 117 Indian illegal immigrants deported from the US have been arrested by Punjab Police for their involvement in a murder case. Cousins Sandeep Singh and Pradeep Singh were wanted in connection with a murder case filed in 2023 in Rajpura, Patiala. During the investigation, their names were added to the First Information Report. A team from Patiala Police arrested them at Sri Guru Ram Dass International Airport in Amritsar. Sources said that the accused hail from Rajpura and had been declared proclaimed offenders in the murder case. They have been booked under sections 302, 307, 323, 506, 148, and 149 of the Indian Penal Code for the case registered on June 26, 2023. However, police officials stated that they had not issued a Look Out Circular for the two. Reacting to their arrest, the family members said that they spent a whopping Rs 1.20 crore to facilitate their travel to the US. A team led by the Station House Officer (SHO) of the Rajpura police station was sent to Amritsar airport on Saturday to apprehend the two. Confirming their arrest, Senior Superintendent of Police Nanak Singh stated that they were taken into custody at the Amritsar airport. Later that day, both were presented in the local court in Rajpura. Their families requested that they be allowed to meet their children. Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann urged the youth of the state to learn from the recent deportation of illegal migrants from the United States. He appealed to them to abandon the notion of seeking to go abroad through improper means and instead work hard to develop their home state, making it a leader in the country. Speaking at a gathering in Ghungrali, Ludhiana, during a sports tournament, CM Mann stated, We are fortunate to have been born on this sacred land, known for having the most fertile soil in the world. However, he lamented that due to the failures of successive governments, many young people felt compelled to migrate to other countries in search of better opportunities. PM didnt inform his good friend The Congress accused PM Narendra Modi of not conveying to his good friend Donald Trump about the outrage over the shackling of Indians being deported. Congress general secretary, communications, Jairam Ramesh said, It is clear that the PM did not convey to his good friend our countrys outrage at the manner in which Indian citizens are being deported.
Neglect & disrespect: BJP panelist highlights deplorable state of Mahatma Gandhi statue in Ludhiana
Putting brakes on overspeeding: Khanna police issue 1,000+ challans in over 3 months
Man held for extortion money posing as 'PA' of Cabinet minister Hardeep Mundian
Jamalpur police arrested a man impersonating as the PA of cabinet minister Hardeep Singh Mundian, extorting Rs 3 lakh from a realtor promising to resolve a property dispute. The accused, who had several connections with AAP leaders, demanded more money, leading to suspicion and his subsequent arrest.
Punjab CM says mass deportation from US eye opener, asks youths not to travel abroad illegally
Ludhiana: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday, February 16, said The mass deportation from the United States is an eye opener for all of us, as he urged youths to shun the idea of going abroad illegally and work hard in the state to ensure its socio-economic growth. Two US military planes have landed 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 .
Robber asssault AAP worker, wife in Ludhiana; woman succumbs to injuries
In Ludhiana, a couple was attacked and robbed while returning from dinner, resulting in the death of the woman, Manvi Mittal. The incident occurred near the Dehlon bypass, where assailants assaulted them and stole their car, gold, and cash. Despite seeking help for over an hour, assistance arrived too late. Police are actively investigating the case.
Deportation from US an eye-opener to not go abroad illegally: Punjab CM Mann
CHANDIGARH: Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday urged the youth of the state to learn lessons from the recent deportation of illegal migrants from the USA and appealed to them to shun the idea of going abroad illegally. Addressing the gathering at Ghungrali in Ludhiana, during a sports tournament, CM Mann said we are blessed to have taken birth on this sacred land which has the most fertile land in the world. He also urged the youth to work hard at their native state to make it a frontrunner in country. He also pointed out that the failure of successive governments in the state prompted the youth to migrate to other countries in search of green pastures. He said that the state government has already given more than 50,000 government jobs to the youth in Punjab purely on the basis of merit. He mentioned it to be the first time in the history of the state that such a whopping number of government jobs have been given to the youth in three years. Mann said that this trend will continue in the coming days too as a large number of jobs are there in the pipeline for the youth of the state. He said a reverse migration is being witnessed in Punjab as youth are leaving foreign land to join government jobs in the state. Mann said that transparent recruitment has increased the faith of youth in working for the state government due to which they have shunned the idea of moving abroad and are preparing for government jobs here. He said that it is on record that contrary to the earlier trend of moving abroad, the educational institutions in the state are witnessing a huge surge in admissions by the youth. He said that in order to increase the manpower in the Police department for enhancing its efficiency on one hand and to provide jobs to youth on the other, the state government has already decided to recruit 1800 Constables and 300 Sub Inspectors every year in Punjab Police to overcome the scarcity of cops. He said that for these 2100 posts, every year around 2.50 lakh candidates are expected to apply for these posts so all the aspirants will get involved in academics as well as in improving their physique to clear the tests. Mann said that the state government has also decided to recruit 10,000 new cops in Punjab Police for which notification has already been issued.
Village panchayat's decision leads to attack: Punjab man stabs woman after being forced to apologise
A man attacked a woman with a knife after being forced to apologise publicly for harassing her. The attack took place following a Panchayat meeting. The police have registered a case and are actively searching for the accused, who fled the scene.
Travel agents on Ludhiana police radar amid US deportations: Multiple FIRs filed in visa scam cases
Garment-unit owner in Ludhiana loses Rs 9.4 lakh to cyber scam: FIR lodged after lengthy inquiry
Ludhianas industrial giants showcase in tents as convention centre remains a mirage
Sun shines again on Ludhiana industry, citys lone flight resumes next week
Drizzle pushes up temp in city
Contractor files plaint against MC for graft, preferential treatment
First-aid training for city schoolkids
Boy booked for raping, making minor pregnant
Gadvasu gears up for its 17th Athletics Meet
Woman, parents booked for duping husband of Rs 31 lakh
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann distributes laptops to government school students
Kar sewa to clean Buddha Dariya picks up pace in three villages
Man loses Rs 40 lakh in online work scam, alleges delay in filing FIR
Case of the missing file: Frantic search on for elusive land records
Firing case witness threatened, FIR lodged on HC order
Faultlines emerge as deputy mayor skips F&CC meeting
Woman duped of over Rs 10 lakh in loan rebate scam
Activist mourns death of plastic vending machines
Roads getting damaged before time, says ex-councillor, questions govts 5-yr guarantee
Khanna police bid to prevent deaths due to accidents on NH
Ludhiana sees warmer days & nights, rain likely to lash dist next week
Salon owner booked for attempt to rape teen customer
Salon owner booked for sexual harassment and attempted rape of 13-year-old girl in Ludhiana
Ludhiana police have charged a salon owner named Shivam for sexually harassing a 13-year-old girl who visited the salon for a head wash. The girl's mother reported the incident, and although the FIR has been lodged, the accused has not yet been apprehended.
Bid to enhance road safety, Khanna Police identify 7 accident-prone areas
Vigilance Bureau nabs Civil Hospital assistant for accepting bribe
Kashmiri students enjoy Punjabi hospitality in Ludhiana
