Viral Rs 13 Shirt Sale Sparks Chaos Outside Ludhiana Shop, Police Called To Control Crowd
A viral video offering Rs 13 shirts in Ludhiana led to chaos and police action, raising concerns over misleading promotion by a clothing store.
Homeland Group Expands Footprint to Gurugram, Strengthening Its North India Presence
Homeland Group , one of North Indias fastest-growing real estate developers, has announced its strategic expansion into the National Capital Region with the inauguration of its new corporate office on the top floor of Baani The Statement, Golf Course Road, Gurugram. The move marks a major step in the Groups journey from its roots in Punjab to Indias most dynamic real estate hub, reinforcing its ambition to become a pan-India brand built on trust, innovation, and quality. Homeland Group unveils its new corporate office in Gurugram, strengthening its North India presence Guided by the foresight of Shri Krishan Aggarwal, Director, Unity Group, and Shri Hemant Jindal, and led by Mrinaal Mittal and Abhay Jindal, Managing Directors of Homeland Group , the company continues to diversify its portfolio while staying rooted in its core values of quality, trust, and innovation. Speaking on the Groups broader vision, Umang Jindal, CEO, Homeland Group , said, Homeland began with a simple vision to create developments that people are proud to own and experience. Over time, that commitment to quality and credibility has shaped our reputation. Expanding to Gurugram is a natural progression of that vision it places us at the center of Indias real estate capital and opens a new chapter of growth for the Group. With a robust project pipeline and consistent performance across premium real estate segments we are now preparing for its public listing in FY27, signaling the next phase of growth as one of North Indias most trusted and future-focused real estate developers . The inauguration ceremony began with a Sunderkand Path by Shri Ajay Bhai Ji, followed by a dinner gathering attended by the Groups leadership, associates, and well-wishers. Homeland Group has built a strong track record across the Tricity region, having delivered over 3 million sq. ft. of premium developments and currently developing over 10 million sq. ft. for the next four to five years. Its landmark projects Homeland Heights, Homeland Regalia, and CP67 Mall have established benchmarks in quality, design, and value within the Mohali market. The Groups flagship upcoming project, Homeland Global Park, spans nearly 5 million sq. ft. and is positioned as North Indias largest mixed-use development, integrating commercial, retail, hospitality, and residential spaces in Mohali. Under its luxury brand Ikaahi, the Group is entering the second homes and resort-living segment with projects planned in Goa and Himachal Pradesh. Building on its strong delivery record, Homeland Group is actively expanding its footprint across North India with new launches planned in Amritsar and Ludhiana, while also evaluating larger mixed-use opportunities across Delhi NCR and other high-growth destinations.
Punjab MP Amarinder Warring booked over casteist remarks against late leader Buta Singh
CHANDIGARH: Punjab Congress president and Member of Parliament from Ludhiana Amarinder Singh Raja Warring has been booked over 'casteist remarks' against veteran leader late Buta Singh made during a campaign for the Tarn Taran bypoll. A case has been registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station in Kapurthala under Sections 353 (Statements causing public mischief), 196 (Promoting enmity between groups on ground of religion, race, others) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and other sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (Amendment 2015). Sarabjot Singh Sidhu, son of late leader and former minister Joginder Singh Mann and nephew of Buta Singh, filed a complaint with Senior Superintendent of Police of Kapurthala Gaurav Toora. The complaint stated that the remarks have the potential to incite caste-based tensions and disrupt communal harmony in the state as they dishonour the legacy of a national leader. The statement made by Warring is not only factually incorrect and racially charged, but it also constitutes a direct insult to the dignity and legacy of Buta Singh, a revered leader of the Scheduled Caste community and former home minister of India, who belonged to the Mazhabi Sikh community, it further read. Sidhu asserted that the words amounted to body shaming, caste humiliation and promotion of hatred, claiming that the intent behind the statement was disrespect a marginalised community. The complaint stated that the accused allegedly remarked that Buta Singh was made Union Home Minister only because he was a black Mazhabi Sikh who worked in buffalo fodder feeding activities. Confirming that a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered, Kapurthala SI Toora said, On the basis of the complaint submitted on November 3, we have sought opinion from our legal team, which recommended in writing to register an FIR against the accused as mentioned in the complaint. A detailed action will be carried according to the course of law before taking further action. Sources said that the case has been handed over for investigation and further inquiry is underway to verify the allegations and collect evidence, including video recordings, witness statements, and media reports related to the alleged speech. The investigation will examine whether the statement was made in the reported manner, the context of the speech, and whether the legal provisions invoked in the FIR are applicable. After his remarks drew sharp criticism from leaders of other parties, Warring apologised and clarified that Buta Singh was like a father figure to him. While I reaffirm and reiterate that I meant no disrespect to late Sardar Buta Singh, if anyone has felt hurt, I tender my unconditional apology, he added. After the Punjab Scheduled Castes Commission, the National Scheduled Caste Committee has also sought a report from the Tarn Taran deputy commissioner and SSP within seven days.
Kabaddi Player Shot Dead In Ludhiana; Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Claims Responsibility Online
Soon after the attack, a social media post circulated under the name of Anmol Bishnoi, brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, claimed responsibility for the murder.
Kabaddi Player Killed In Punjab, Bishnoi Gang Claims Responsibility
A kabaddi player has been killed less than a week after a similar murder that shook the Ludhiana district in Punjab last week. Gurwinder Singh was killed in the Samrala block, with the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang claiming responsibility.
J&K Bank extends project finance to RERA-approved Armaan Heights in Mohali
Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Nov 4: In a move aimed at promoting transparent and sustainable housing development, J&K Bank has extended project finance facilities to M/s Royal Street for its upcoming residential project Armaan Heights, located along the Chandigarh-Ludhiana Highway at SAS Nagar, Mohali. A statement said the project has received approval from the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), ensuring that all construction and sales processes adhere to transparent regulatory standards. The agreement for project financing was signed by the Banks [] The post J&K Bank extends project finance to RERA-approved Armaan Heights in Mohali appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
BJP MP Ravi Kishan reported an attempted attack during a Bihar election rally, accusing the opposition of orchestrating the incident due to anticipated defeat. He also revealed receiving death threats and abusive calls, with police detaining one individual from Ludhiana in connection with the threats. Kishan expressed his resolve against such intimidation, emphasizing democratic strength and ideological commitment.
Death threat to BJP MP: Man who threatened Ravi Kishan arrested from Punjab; sent to jail
In a shocking turn of events, Ajay Kumar Yadav, a resident of Punjab, has been taken into custody after allegedly issuing death threats to Gorakhpur MP Ravi Kishan. The arrest occurred in Ludhiana, where Yadav purportedly warned that he would shoot the BJP leader should he set foot in Bihar.
Wheat industry event at Chandigarh to focus on climate issues, consumption
Experts from ITC Ltd, Nestl, Grupo Bimbo, Louis Dreyfus Company, Megastar Foods, CSIRCFTRI, PAU Ludhiana and Skymet Weather Services will lead discussions on technology, sustainability and innovation
25-Year-Old National-Level Kabaddi Player Shot Dead In Punjabs Jagraon
Tejpal Singh, a national-level kabaddi player from Giddarwindi, was shot dead near Ludhiana SSP office in Jagraon.
Who was Tejpal Singh? 25-year-old Kabaddi player shot dead in Punjab's Ludhiana
Police said the murder appeared to be linked to an old rivalry. The accused have been identified, and teams have been dispatched to arrest them, said SSP Ankur Gupta. He added that CCTV footage from the area of the incident was being examined.
VinFast Auto India , a subsidiary of global electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast, has marked a major leap in its retail network expansion, with 24 dealerships now operational across major cities in India. This marks strong progress toward the companys commitment of establishing 35 dealerships nationwide by the end of CY 2025, as part of its mission to deliver premium electric mobility experiences to Indian consumers. Customers are now able to get up close to the newly launched premium electric SUVs - VF 6 and VF 7. (Right to left) Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO of VinFast India along with Mr. Santosh Dhone, Dealer Principal inaugurated VinFast Hadapsar & Baner, Pune The newly inaugurated showrooms spread across impact cities offering customers an unmatched brand experience. Each outlet adheres to VinFasts global retail standards, integrating modern design and car display area to ensure seamless and transparent customer engagement. These 24 showrooms are operational in cities including Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Surat, Pune, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Nagpur, Agra, Ludhiana, Jaipur, Kochi, Bhubaneswar, Baroda, Rajkot reinforcing VinFasts growing presence across India. Speaking on the milestone, Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO, VinFast India, said Indias enthusiasm for sustainable mobility motivates us to keep raising the bar. The rapid rollout of brand experience Showrooms underscores VinFasts long-term commitment to the Indian market. We are working closely with our dealer partners to make VinFast products and services accessible to customers across the country. Our goal is not just to sell EVs, but to deliver an inspiring, customer-centric journey anchored in sustainability and innovation. With the recent launch of its premium electric SUVs, VF 6 and VF 7, in India, VinFast is simultaneously building a comprehensive ecosystem that integrates retail, charging, and after-sales services to ensure customers enjoy the same level of confidence, convenience, and care that defines its vehicles. The company has formed strategic partnerships with RoadGrid, myTVS, Castrol India and Global Assure to create a reliable nationwide framework for charging and after-sales services. VinFasts state-of-the-art factory in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, stands as a cornerstone of its India growth strategy. Spanning 400 acres, in its first phase, the facility will assemble the VF 6 and VF 7 models with an initial capacity of 50,000 vehicles per year, scalable up to 150,000 units. Once fully operational, it will create 3,0003,500 direct jobs and several thousand more in the wider supply chain strengthening Tamil Nadus emergence as a leading EV manufacturing hub in South Asia. The company remains on track to operationalize all 35 dealerships by December 2025, establishing a strong nationwide network that provides widespread brand reach, reliable after-sales support, and a seamless ownership experience. About VinFast VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnams largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFasts product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. vinfastauto.in .
CBI registers fresh disproportionate assets case against suspended Punjab DIG Bhullar
CHANDIGARH: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a fresh case of amassing disproportionate assets against arrested and suspended Punjab Police Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harcharan Singh Bhullar. Sources said that the assets seized during the searches have revealed alleged illicit wealth that is multiple times over and above his known sources of income, prompting the agency to register a fresh FIR against Bhullar. The apex agency will take the seized wealth as the starting point and may unravel more assets during the probe. A copy of the FIR, which is with TNIE, reads, A written and signed complaint dated October 29 has been received from Sonal Mishra, Inspector, CBI, ACB, Chandigarh. The said complaint is attached as Annexure 'A'. The allegations mentioned in the complaint prima-facie disclose commission of cognizable offences punishable under section 13(2) r/w 13(1)(b) of PC Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018) & 61(2) BNS 2023 against HS Bhullar, DIG, IPS:2009, Punjab Cadre and unknown others. A regular case is therefore registered under section 13(2) r/w 13(1)(b) of PC Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018) & 61(2) BNS 2023 and substantive offences thereof against Bhullar and unknown others. Annexure A attached in the FIR reads, In continuation of the investigation of said case, residential premises of accused Bhullar at House No 1489, Sector 40B, Chandigarh, were searched on October 16 and 17. During the search, cash amounting to Rs 7,36,90,000 was recovered. Further, gold jewellery and silver items with a total value of Rs 2,32,07,686, and 26 branded and expensive watches were also recovered. Immovable property documents were also seized, which include documents of H.No.1489, Sector 40-B, Chandigarh and Flat No.1014, Sector 39, Chandigarh and documents pertaining to acquisition of agricultural land measuring around 150 acres in the districts of Mohali, Hoshiarpur and Ludhiana and commercial properties in the name of Bhullar, his family members (comprising wife Tejinder Kaur Bhullar, son Gurpartap Singh Bhullar and daughter Tejkiran Kaur Bhullar) and others, it added. The annexure stated, Bhullar and his family members were also found to be in possession of five vehicles including high-end vehicles such as Mercedes, Audi, Innova and Fortuner. There is a balance of Rs 2.95 crores (approximately) as on October 17 in five bank accounts and two fixed deposits (FDs) in the name of Bhullar and his family members. As per the salary account of Bhullar in HDFC Bank, Sector 9 Chandigarh, a net salary to the tune of Rs 4,74,140 for the month of August and September was credited. As per the income tax returns for the Assessment Year 2025-26, Bhullar has declared his total income from all known sources to the tune of Rs 45,95,990. Further, income tax of Rs 13,82,270 was paid by Bhullar on the said total income and as such his net income, after deduction of income tax, is Rs 32 lakh approximately for the whole financial year 2024-2025, it read. It further stated, The recovery of Rs 7,36,90,000 in cash, from the residence of Bhullar at Chandigarh, along with high-value jewellery valued at Rs 2,32,07,686, luxury items, high-end vehicles and substantial bank balances/fixed deposits, prima facie reveal that during the check period from August 1 to October 17, the accused Bhullar, in connivance with unknown others, has acquired assets disproportionate to his known sources of income, thereby intentionally enriched himself illicitly during the period of his office, for which Bhullar could not satisfactorily account for. This constitutes an offence punishable under Section 13(1)(b) read with Section 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018) and 61(2) of BNS 2023. The acquisition of immovable properties and other assets, India and abroad, may be examined in detail during the course of investigation. The role of family members, who may have abetted Bhullar in acquiring assets disproportionate to his known sources of income, may be looked into during the course of investigation, it concluded. On October 16, Bhullar was arrested by the CBI for allegedly accepting Rs 8 lakh in a bribe from a scrap dealer as sewa pani. Subsequent searches resulted in the seizure of cash worth Rs 7.5 crore besides gold jewellery weighing 2.5 kg, 26 luxury watches, including those from Rolex and Rado brands, documents pertaining to more than 50 immovable properties held in the names of family members and suspected benami entities, locker keys and details of multiple bank accounts and four firearms along with 100 live cartridges. Since his arrest, the CBI has also checked several of his bank lockers. Earlier, the CBI had registered a corruption case against Bhullar. The FIR was filed by the CBI Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB), Chandigarh, under Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 and Sections 7 and 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. Meanwhile, in a related development, the CBI court here has granted a nine-day remand of Kirshanu Sharda, who was arrested along with Bhullar in the alleged bribery case, to the CBI. The agency had filed the application before the Chandigarh CBI court under Section 187 of the BNSS, 2023, seeking Shardas police custody for 12 days. He was produced in a court on Wednesday. Narender Singh, public prosecutor of the CBI, said that the agency had received a diary, 100 GB data from different devices and long chats with other public servants. The CBI stated that this information and data would be confirmed with the accused. The link with other public servants as shown in the documents will also be verified. On the other hand, Gurbir Singh Sandhu, advocate appearing on behalf of Sharda, said that he was being falsely implicated in the case. Sandhu argued that there was no direct link between the accused and the complainant and Bhullar.
Faceless RTO services launched across Punjab; aims to make transport accessible, transparent
CHANDIGARH: Faceless services in all Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) have been launched across Punjab with the aim of making transport-related services more accessible and transparent to the public. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal today launched the faceless RTO services, claiming that Punjab has become the first state in the country to close RTO offices and provide these services through a single helpline number, 1076. At the very outset, the Chief Minister imposed a symbolic lock on the RTO office in Ludhiana to mark its closure under the new system. Interacting with the media, Kejriwal alleged that post-independence, people of the state had become slaves of the bureaucracy and their corrupt deeds. He claimed, Today people are getting freedom from corruption, inconvenience and middlemen to get their work done, adding that this is happening for the first time not only in the country but also in the world too. He said that now people will get their driving licence, registration certificate (RC) and other related services by making a single call to 1076. Kejriwal further said that today marks a historic day for the people of Punjab as faceless RTO services are being launched in the state. This initiative can truly be called a digital revolution in the Transport Department as people will now get the services at their doorsteps, he said. A total of 56 major services related to driving licences and vehicle registration certificates have been made completely faceless. He explained that these services can be accessed through Seva Kendras or by calling the 1076 helpline. Previously, citizens had to visit cyber cafs or apply online themselves to obtain a driving licence or vehicle registration certificate. After applying, they were required to visit RTO offices multiple times for tasks such as document verification, which caused considerable inconvenience, especially for people living in remote areas, the elderly and persons with disabilities. He added that this not only wasted time and energy of the people but also imposed a financial burden. Now, citizens will no longer have to visit RTO offices as these services will be provided through Seva Kendras established across Punjab, and staff at these centres has been properly trained, he said. Additionally, all services can be conveniently accessed from home by calling the helpline number 1076. Meanwhile, in his address, CM Mann said that people faced a lot of inconvenience in RTO offices and this day marks the end of that, thereby immensely benefiting the common man. He said that with this initiative, a lock has been imposed on inconvenience and corruption caused to the public. He added that this is in line with the state governments zero-tolerance policy against corruption. Mann said that earlier, people had been immensely benefited by revenue reforms, which had empowered citizens in a significant way. Mann categorically stated that none of the employees will be shunted out and their services will be duly utilised by the state government in other departments as per their eligibility. He said that contrary to the past when ribbons were cut to harass the people, now the state government is locking offices to facilitate them. He said that the government has so far closed 19 toll plazas in Punjab to ensure that the unnecessary plundering of people is checked. He reiterated that Punjab has become the first state in the country to close RTO offices while ensuring that people receive facilities in a smooth and hassle-free manner. He urged the public to take advantage of this major pro-people initiative of the state government, adding that in the coming days, more such digital and citizen-friendly decisions will be taken. Mann said that during the financial year 202425, the Transport Department processed a total of 29,23,390 applications, of which 19,63,209 were related to vehicle registration certificates and 9,60,181 were linked to driving licence services. He added that to efficiently handle such a large volume of applications, a new citizen-friendly model was necessary. He said that to ensure the smooth implementation of the new system, help desks have been set up at RTO offices for the first 15 days. These desks will guide citizens on required documents and procedures under the new model. With the introduction of this system, he said that RTO offices can now focus more effectively on their core responsibilities and the overall improvement of departmental operations.
Punjab: 122 stubble burning cases recorded on October 26; highest single day spike this season
CHANDIGARH: Punjab recorded 122 new cases of stubble burning, marking the highest single-day spike this year. This takes the total count this season to 743. This is the first time in 2025 that the state recorded farm fire incidents in three digits. Approximately 58 per cent of the total 31.7 lakh hectares of paddy have been harvested across the state till now. In the coming days, crop residue might increase as farmers harvesting the crop after November 2 will have a limited window to sow wheat. As per the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) data, Tarn Taran and Amritsar districts contributed the bulk of cases, as many farmers continued to disregard the state government's appeal to stop crop residue burning. Of the 122 crop residue incidents, nearly 70 were reported from the south Malwa region. The highest farm fire incidents were reported from Tarn Taran at 224, followed by Amritsar 154, Ferozepur 80, Sangrur 47, Patiala 39, Gurdaspur 38, Kapurthala 29, Mansa, Moga and Ludhiana 8 respectively, Barnala 6, Maelrkotla 4, Hoshiarpur 3 and SBS Nagar 2. Meanwhile, Pathankot and Rupnagar districts have not reported any stubble-burning incidents so far. The state has seen a sharp jump in stubble-burning cases in the past week, from 353 cases recorded till October 20 to 390, the data showed. This comes even as data from the Centres Decision Support System (DSS) showed the estimated contribution of stubble burning to Delhis pollution touched a season-high of 3.71 per cent on Sunday. Farm fires can contribute up to 35 per cent of Delhis total PM 2.5 levels when stubble burning touches its peak, usually in the first week of November. 241 stubble burning cases in Punjab from September 15 to October 18: Data Agriculture scientists have cautioned that farmers are more likely to resort to burning crop residue to prepare fields quickly as the time window of wheat sowing is shrinking. According to the Punjab Agricultural University, wheat sowing must ideally be completed by November 15 to ensure optimal yield. Till now, only 58 percent of the total 31.7 lakh hectares under paddy has been harvested, while farmers harvesting after November 1 will have a very limited window to sow wheat, which may lead to a surge in stubble burning in the coming days, said an official of the Punjab agriculture department. Meanwhile, paddy harvesting in Amritsar and Tarn Taran has touched the 85 per cent mark, but in Muktsar, Ferozepur, Barnala, Bathinda, Ludhiana, Sangrur, Mansa and Ferozepur districts, known for high-yield paddy cultivation, which contributes the most to stubble burning, is still below 50 per cent mark. Punjab Police have so far registered 266 FIRs against farmers for violating stubble-burning norms. Of these, 73 FIRs have been lodged in Tarn Taran alone, the district reporting the highest number of farm fire incidents. The farmers have been booked under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant. Fines amounting to Rs 16.80 lakh have been imposed as environmental compensation in 329 cases, of which Rs 12 lakh has been collected. Also, 296 red entries have been marked, including 108 in Tarn Taran and 68 in Amritsar, in the land records of farmers who burnt crop residues. A red entry bars the farmers from getting loans against their farmland or selling it. The total area under paddy cultivation in Punjab this year is 31.72 lakh hectares. Till October 26, 56.50 per cent of this area had been harvested. Punjab saw 10,909 farm fires in 2024 as compared to 36,663 in 2023, marking a 70 per cent drop. The state recorded 49,922 farm fire events in 2022, 71,304 in 2021, 76,590 in 2020, 55,210 in 2019 and 50,590 in 2018, with many districts, including Sangrur, Mansa, Bathinda and Amritsar, reporting a large number of stubble-burning incidents.
Ease of travel: Civil aviation ministry firms up winter schedule of all airlines
NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Friday announced the winter schedule of all scheduled domestic airlines that will come into effect from October 26. A total of 26,495 flight departures per week across 126 airports in the country have been approved by the ministry. Indigo has been allotted the maximum departures of 15,014, while Air India and Vistara combinedly will be responsible for 4,277 departures. This marks an improvement of 5.85% over the winter schedule of 2024. An official release from the Civil Aviation Ministry said that when compared with the summer schedule, the winter schedule will have 1,000 additional departures. There are 26,495 departures per week which have been finalised to/from 126 airports as per Winter Schedule (WS) S25 compared to 25,610 departures per week from 129 airports in the Summer Schedule 2025. This schedule will be in place till March 28, 2026. The new airports which will make their debut this winter are Amravati, Hissar, Purnia and Rupsi. The airports that have been suspended from operations are those in Aligarh, Moradabad, Chitrakoot, Bhavnagar, Ludhiana, Pakyong and Shravasti. The Winter Schedule 2025 of the scheduled domestic airlines has been finalised after the slot conference meeting held in September. The final slots clearances have been received from respective airport operators, it added. Indigo will have a 6.05% growth over its summer schedule while Spicejet will have a 26.45% increase. Star Air with 538 departures will have a 6.53% growth. Air India will have a dip of 0.77% while Air India Express will go down by 6.04% dip. FlyBig will have the maximum impact with a 67.05% negative growth in departures with just 58 flight departures while Fly91 will have a 59.35% dip. Akasa Air s departures will go down by 5.69%.
Chandigarh Diary | Vikramaditya rejects royal titles for himself
Reflecting changing times, Himachal Pradesh PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh, scion of the Bushahr royal family and son of former six-time chief minister, the late Virbhadra Singh, has appealed to the public to stop addressing him as ``Raja Ji or Tikka Ji. In a social media post, he wrote,`many people call me `raja ji or `tikka ji with affection and respect. I am grateful to you for this affection, but over time, societys thinking has moved forward. Such addresses are certainly part of our glorious history, but in todays age, they are not needed. My only humble wish is that you all call me by my name. Union minister counters AAP flak on flood relief While countering Punjabs AAP governments criticism on flood relief, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who was in Ludhiana recently to attend the programme at the Indian Institute of Maize Research, made a pointed remark that his visits to Punjab were not for tourism purposes, but to bring relief from the Centre for the states flood-hit areas. He recalled his earlier visit to Punjab when floods ravaged farms and houses. At that time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi immediately directed his ministers to visit the state and assess the ground situation, he said, adding that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann should rise above politics. Haryana DGP flags excessive screen time Haryanas new DGP O P Singh recently converted a late-night accidental call from a child into a statewide public-safety advisory, broadening the policing lens to include the silent epidemic of digital addiction among children. He personally verified the callers well-being and also spoke briefly with the family. He then posted a short account of the interaction on X, using the moment to warn parents about excessive screen time. `` Let kids grow with mud on hands, not glass in palms, he wrote, emphasising the importance of outdoor play and real-world social interaction instead of addiction to digital devices, which disrupt sleep. Harpreet Bajwa Our correspondent in Chandigarh hsbajwa73@gmail.com
Indian Railways starts playing Chhath songs at over 100 stations across nation
NEW DELHI: Ahead of Bihars Chhath festival, Indian Railways has introduced a unique arrangement of playing popular folk songs dedicated to the Chhath festival at over 100 prominent stations across the country. In the first phase, this initiative has been implemented at 30 different stations, where announcements of train departures or arrivals pause for a while. During these intervals, folk songs sung by well-known singers such as Sharda Sinha, Nitu Kumari Navgeet, Vindyavasni Devi and others are played when no train information is being broadcast over the automated announcement system. The Railways has started playing Chhatha songs at more than 30 stations in Bihar, including Patna, Danapur, Hajipur, Bhagalpur, Jamalpur, Sonepur and others. Similar arrangements for playing Chhatha songs have also been made at New Delhi, Ghaziabad and Anand Vihar Terminal, which are now witnessing heavy footfall of passengers travelling to Bihar and other Hindi-speaking states for the festival. Confirming this to the newspaper, ED (I&P) Dileep Kumar of the Ministry of Railways said on Friday, Indian Railways has started broadcasting Chhatha songs at railway stations on the auspicious occasion of Chhatha Puja. The aim of this initiative is to connect the passengers with the auspicious spirit of the festival and make their journey more pleasant. This has been launched at almost all those stations that now witness large numbers of Bihar-bound passengers travelling for the Chhatha festival across the country. Savita Kumari, a passenger travelling from Kolkata to Patna with her family members for the Chhatha festival, said These devotional songs being played at railway stations during Chhatha Puja surcharge the ambience of station with religious festivity for the devotees, who either remain in wait to take trains or boarding in trains. A senior railway official told the newspaper that the Chhatha folk songs being played make passengers feel the fragrance of their home and culture, thereby infusing devotion and joy into their journey even when they remain away from their states. Begun on Friday, the initiative through the automatic announcement system will continue for several days after the end of Chhatha, covering the period when passengers make their return journeys. Others stations such as Banaras, Gorakhpur and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, Kolkata, Burdwan, Durgapur and Asansol in West Bengal, as well as Ludhiana and Amritsar in Punjab, are among the hundreds of stations where this initiative has been introduced. Currently, Indian Railways is operating more than 12,000 special train trips to manage the surge of passengers travelling from across the country to states such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, where the Chhatha festival is celebrated on a large scale.
12 injured following blast caused by gunpowder stored at Ludhiana house
CHANDIGARH: Around 12 people were injured following a blast at Indra Colony in Ludhiana on Thursday evening. The explosion occurred at the residence of a man engaged in making effigies for Dussehra celebrations and is believed to have been triggered by gunpowder stored in the house. Sources said that a blast was reported in a house at Indra Colony in Ludhiana, in which around 12 persons sustained burn injuries. Of these four people who received serious burn injuries, were referred to Rajendra Medical Hospital in Patiala. The preliminary investigation reveals that the blast occurred at a house in a congested street. Ludhiana Police Commissioner, Swapan Sharma, said that the owner, Usman Khan had stored potash in his house, which caught fire and resulted in the blast. The area has been searched by a forensic team and a dog squad. An FIR has been registered in the case. A local said, Firecrackers were being made in the residential area. While the children from the surrounding neighborhood were playing there were also injured in the explosion. Ludiana Central MLA Ashok Parashar rushed to the spot and took stock of the situation.
24, Including 10 Kids, Severely Injured After Fireworks In House Catch Fire
About two dozen people were severely injured on Thursday after firecrackers stored inside a house in Punjab's Ludhiana suddenly caught fire.
One killed in a blast at milk plant in Punjab's Ludhiana
The blast took place on Wednesday (October 22) night when the repair work on a boiler was underway
Blast at Verka milk plant in Punjab's Ludhiana, one dead
LUDHIANA: A blast occurred at the Verka milk plant on the Ludhiana-Ferozepur road here, leaving one person dead and five injured, police said on Thursday. The blast took place on Wednesday night when the repair work of a boiler was underway. The deceased has been identified as 42-year-old Kunal Jain. The injured were rushed to a hospital. They have been identified as Kulwant Singh, Puneet Kumar, Ajit Singh, Davinder Singh, and Gurtej. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Rajesh Kumar, said a probe is underway to determine the cause of the blast.
Post-Diwali haze engulfs Delhi and neighbouring states as air quality dips sharply
Delhi continues to struggle with hazardous air pollution, with air quality remaining in the 'very poor' category across several areas on Wednesday morning, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). At 7:00 am, the AQI in Delhis RK Puram was recorded at 380, while Anand Vihar and Ashok Vihar both stood at 355. Other severely affected locations included Bawana (376), Dwarka Sector 8 (353), ITO (362), and Nehru Nagar, which reported one of the highest levels at 394. In Chandni Chowk, the AQI remained 'very poor' at 332, while around Akshardham, it reached 360, also falling in the 'very poor' range. 'Air is grey, lungs are black, BJP's accountability invisible': Congress on Delhi's worsening air quality Neighbouring Haryana is facing similar challenges. At 9:00 am, Dharuhera in Rewari district recorded an AQI of 382. Other areas in the 'very poor' category included Narnaul (367), Jind (367), Charkhi Dadri (362), Rohtak (358), Yamunanagar (347), Fatehabad (320), and Ballabhgarh (318). Several cities in Haryana fell into the 'poor' category, including Bahadurgarh (272), Gurugram (290), Karnal (243), Bhiwani (298), Faridabad (218), Kaithal (237), Kurukshetra (226), and Sonipat (285). In Punjab, air quality was relatively better but still concerning. Amritsar recorded a 'poor' AQI of 253, followed by Jalandhar (261), Ludhiana (234), and Patiala (207). Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, recorded an AQI of 169, placing it in the moderate range but still below healthy air quality standards. According to the CPCB classification, AQI values are categorized as follows: 050 (good), 51100 (satisfactory), 101200 (moderate), 201300 (poor), 301400 (very poor), 401450 (severe), and above 450 (severe plus). (With inputs from ANI, PTI) Supreme contempt of the court
Delhi and neighbouring states choke under 'very poor' air quality, pollution levels remain alarming
Delhi continues to struggle with hazardous air pollution, with air quality remaining in the 'very poor' category across several areas on Wednesday morning, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). At 7:00 am, the AQI in Delhis RK Puram was recorded at 380, while Anand Vihar and Ashok Vihar both stood at 355. Other severely affected locations included Bawana (376), Dwarka Sector 8 (353), ITO (362), and Nehru Nagar, which reported one of the highest levels at 394. In Chandni Chowk, the AQI remained 'very poor' at 332, while around Akshardham, it reached 360, also falling in the 'very poor' range. 'Air is grey, lungs are black, BJP's accountability invisible': Congress on Delhi's worsening air quality Neighbouring Haryana is facing similar challenges. At 9:00 am, Dharuhera in Rewari district recorded an AQI of 382. Other areas in the 'very poor' category included Narnaul (367), Jind (367), Charkhi Dadri (362), Rohtak (358), Yamunanagar (347), Fatehabad (320), and Ballabhgarh (318). Several cities in Haryana fell into the 'poor' category, including Bahadurgarh (272), Gurugram (290), Karnal (243), Bhiwani (298), Faridabad (218), Kaithal (237), Kurukshetra (226), and Sonipat (285). In Punjab, air quality was relatively better but still concerning. Amritsar recorded a 'poor' AQI of 253, followed by Jalandhar (261), Ludhiana (234), and Patiala (207). Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, recorded an AQI of 169, placing it in the moderate range but still below healthy air quality standards. According to the CPCB classification, AQI values are categorized as follows: 050 (good), 51100 (satisfactory), 101200 (moderate), 201300 (poor), 301400 (very poor), 401450 (severe), and above 450 (severe plus). (With inputs from ANI, PTI) Supreme contempt of the court
Air quality 'very poor' in many parts of Haryana; Bahadurgarh, Gurugram, worst
Air quality in Haryana has dipped into the 'very poor' category, with Bahadurgarh recording the highest AQI at 358. Neighbouring Punjab also experiences 'poor' air quality, with Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Ludhiana showing AQI levels above 200. These readings indicate significant pollution levels across the region.
Farm fires in Pakistans Punjab worsen air quality across region, says experts
CHANDIGARH: Farmers in Punjab are not solely responsible for the regions worsening air quality, as stubble-burning incidents are rising in both Indian and Pakistan's Punjab. Experts say Pakistans contribution to pollution is significant, with farm fires much higher there compared to India. Dr Ravindra Khaiwal, Professor of Environmental Health at PGIMER Chandigarh and nodal officer for the Centre of Excellence on Climate Change and Air Pollution, said recent satellite analysis shows a 10-fold difference in stubble-burning hotspots: between October 9 and 18, Pakistans Punjab recorded 2,009 farm fires, while Indian Punjab had only 189. The main hotspots in Pakistan's Punjab are Okara, Kasur, and Pakpattan, with Okara alone accounting for nearly 35% of all detected fires. Northwest-to-southeast wind patterns, combined with the flat terrain of the Punjab plains, allow smoke and fine particulate matter to travel freely into southeastern India, worsening air quality. During the winter months, air pollution intensifies across the Indo-Gangetic plains due to the interplay of meteorological and human factors. The lack of rainfall, which normally helps clean the air, and soil resuspension from loosened agricultural land, adds to particulate loading in both urban and rural areas. Dr Khaiwal emphasised that air pollution does not respect geopolitical boundaries and called for coordinated transboundary strategies. While Indian states like Punjab and Haryana have successfully controlled agricultural residue fires, similar measures are needed in Pakistan's Punjab. Although stubble-burning incidents in Indian Punjab have declined, air quality levels have not improved correspondingly. Some fires may occur in conditions that evade satellite detection. Recent satellite images show thick smoke plumes drifting eastward, indicating a wider regional issue. 241 stubble burning cases in Punjab from September 15 to October 18: Data According to official records, 33 stubble-burning incidents were reported yesterday in the state, the highest this kharif season. A total of 241 farm fire incidents have been recorded so far, largely due to delayed paddy harvesting. Tarn Taran reported 23 new cases, while Amritsar recorded three, bringing the total incidents in Tarn Taran to 88 and in Amritsar to 80. The worst air quality index (AQI) yesterday was in Mandi Gobindgarh (231), followed by Jalandhar (148), Ludhiana (116), and Patiala (101). There has been an 83% decrease in stubble-burning cases compared to the same period in previous years, when 1,348 and 1,407 incidents were reported from September 15 to October 18 in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Punjab government has decided to take stricter action against farmers who burn crop residue. District officials have been instructed to withdraw government scheme benefits from violators, including pensions and even arms licenses. Anganwadi workers are being deployed to spread awareness, and announcements are being made from religious places, mainly Gurdwaras. Students are also being sensitised to discourage parents from burning stubble. Police have registered 119 FIRs under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for disobedience related to stubble burning. The Revenue Department has made 81 red entries in the land records of violators. The Punjab Pollution Control Board has imposed fines totalling Rs 5.15 lakh in 104 cases, of which Rs 3.65 lakh has been recovered.
Pakistan's Punjab farm fires worsen regional air, account for 35% of all detected cases
CHANDIGARH: Farmers in Punjab are not solely responsible for the regions worsening air quality, as stubble-burning incidents are rising in both Indian and Pakistan's Punjab. Experts say Pakistans contribution to pollution is significant, with farm fires much higher there compared to India. Dr Ravindra Khaiwal, Professor of Environmental Health at PGIMER Chandigarh and nodal officer for the Centre of Excellence on Climate Change and Air Pollution, said recent satellite analysis shows a 10-fold difference in stubble-burning hotspots: between October 9 and 18, Pakistans Punjab recorded 2,009 farm fires, while Indian Punjab had only 189. The main hotspots in Pakistan's Punjab are Okara, Kasur, and Pakpattan, with Okara alone accounting for nearly 35% of all detected fires. Northwest-to-southeast wind patterns, combined with the flat terrain of the Punjab plains, allow smoke and fine particulate matter to travel freely into southeastern India, worsening air quality. During the winter months, air pollution intensifies across the Indo-Gangetic plains due to the interplay of meteorological and human factors. The lack of rainfall, which normally helps clean the air, and soil resuspension from loosened agricultural land, adds to particulate loading in both urban and rural areas. Dr Khaiwal emphasised that air pollution does not respect geopolitical boundaries and called for coordinated transboundary strategies. While Indian states like Punjab and Haryana have successfully controlled agricultural residue fires, similar measures are needed in Pakistan's Punjab. Although stubble-burning incidents in Indian Punjab have declined, air quality levels have not improved correspondingly. Some fires may occur in conditions that evade satellite detection. Recent satellite images show thick smoke plumes drifting eastward, indicating a wider regional issue. According to official records, 33 stubble-burning incidents were reported yesterday in the state, the highest this kharif season. A total of 241 farm fire incidents have been recorded so far, largely due to delayed paddy harvesting. Tarn Taran reported 23 new cases, while Amritsar recorded three, bringing the total incidents in Tarn Taran to 88 and in Amritsar to 80. The worst air quality index (AQI) yesterday was in Mandi Gobindgarh (231), followed by Jalandhar (148), Ludhiana (116), and Patiala (101). There has been an 83% decrease in stubble-burning cases compared to the same period in previous years, when 1,348 and 1,407 incidents were reported from September 15 to October 18 in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Punjab government has decided to take stricter action against farmers who burn crop residue. District officials have been instructed to withdraw government scheme benefits from violators, including pensions and even arms licenses. Anganwadi workers are being deployed to spread awareness, and announcements are being made from religious places, mainly Gurdwaras. Students are also being sensitised to discourage parents from burning stubble. Police have registered 119 FIRs under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for disobedience related to stubble burning. The Revenue Department has made 81 red entries in the land records of violators. The Punjab Pollution Control Board has imposed fines totalling Rs 5.15 lakh in 104 cases, of which Rs 3.65 lakh has been recovered.
Union Min Shivraj Singh Chouhan reviews fertiliser availability as Rabi season demand set to rise
NEW DELHI: Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday reviewed the availability of fertilisers for the ongoing Rabi cropping season, cautioning officials to ensure adequate and timely supply amid expectations of a surge in demand. Officials said the demand for fertilisers is projected to rise sharply this Rabi season (OctoberMay) owing to higher water storage levels in 161 reservoirs across the country, currently holding 103.51% of last years capacity and 115% of the ten-year average. During the high-level review meeting, the minister assessed Kharif crop outcomes, Rabi sowing preparations, and the prevailing price and supply trends of fertilisers. He asked departments to maintain close coordination with the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers to prevent any distribution disruptions. The move follows the fertiliser shortages witnessed during the Kharif season , which triggered protests and sporadic clashes in several states including Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Kerala, and Madhya Pradesh. Officials attributed the crisis to black marketing, low domestic production, and reduced imports from Chinafactors that created a demand-supply mismatch amid increased sowing of paddy and maize. Despite shortages, total Kharif acreage expanded by 6.51 lakh hectares to 112.14 million hectares this year, driven by a rise in paddy and maize cultivation. Officials informed that sowing of tomato and onion crops is progressing smoothly, with no indications of price pressure. The cultivated area under onion has increased to 3.91 lakh hectares from 3.62 lakh hectares last year, while potato acreage has gone up to 0.43 lakh hectares from 0.35 lakh hectares. Similarly, tomato cultivation now covers 2.37 lakh hectares, up from 1.86 lakh hectares in the previous year. The ministry also confirmed that food grain stocks remain above the buffer norms, ensuring stability in supply. Meanwhile, Minister Chouhan will visit Ludhiana on October 14 to meet families affected by recent floods. He will also inaugurate a maize research centre and interact with members of self-help groups during his visit.
Union minister Bambhaniya visits flood-hit areas in Punjabs Sahnewal
LUDHIANA, Oct 12 : Union minister Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya on Sunday visited three villages under the Sahnewal Assembly constituency in Ludhiana district to review the damages caused by the recent floods. Punjab BJP spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliawal and district president Gagandeep Singh Kainth briefed the minister of state for consumer affairs, food and public distribution about the losses suffered in the constituency because of the recent floods. Baliawal said a breach of the Sasrali embankment not only destroyed crops but [] The post Union minister Bambhaniya visits flood-hit areas in Punjabs Sahnewal appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Delhi Police Bust Crypto Scammer Racket Offering Fake Work-From-Home Jobs, 1 Held From Punjab
New Delhi, Oct 12: The Delhi Police Cyber Crime team has arrested one person from Punjab after busting a crypto fraud racket that duped people on the pretext of offering work-from-home opportunities. The accused, identified as Sukhpreet Singh (25), a resident of Agwar Pona in Jagraon, Ludhiana, was found operating as part of a Telegram-based crypto scam network. According to Delhi Police, a case was registered on October 5 under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Cyber [] The post Delhi Police Bust Crypto Scammer Racket Offering Fake Work-From-Home Jobs, 1 Held From Punjab appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Punjabi singer Rajvir Jawanda dies after battling for 12 days following road accident
CHANDIGARH : Punjabi singer Rajvir Jawanda, 35, passed away on Tuesday after battling for life for the past 12 days at Fortis Hospital in Mohali. He had suffered severe head and spinal injuries in a road accident near Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, when his motorcycle collided with stray cattle that suddenly appeared on the road. Jawanda was reportedly on a biking trip to Shimla with his friends at the time of the mishap. A native of Pona village near Jagraon in Ludhiana district, Jawanda was residing in Sector 71, Mohali. He rose to fame with his hit songs Kali Jawande Di, Tu Dis Penda, Khush Reha Kar, Surname, Kamla, Mera Dil, and Sardari. He also made his mark in Punjabi cinema, appearing in films such as Subedar Joginder Singh (2018), Jind Jaan (2019), and Mindo Taseeldarni (2019). Beginning his musical journey in 2014 with the single Munda Like Me , Jawanda quickly earned a loyal fan base for his heartfelt lyrics and distinctive voice. He was known among fans for songs rooted in Punjabs culture and clean entertainment. Jawanda is survived by his wife and two young children. According to doctors, Jawandas neurological condition had remained critical, with minimal brain activity and no significant improvement despite intensive medical care. His condition was described as extremely critical soon after the accident, and he had been on life support since admission. The news of his untimely demise has left fans and the Punjabi entertainment industry in deep shock and mourning. For the past several days, Jawandas friends, fans, and relatives had been praying for his recovery and performed ardas (prayer) for his well-being at gurdwaras across Punjab. Paying his condolences, Leader of Opposition and senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa wrote on X, Heartbreaking to hear about the untimely passing of Rajvir Jawanda. After days of brave struggle, he left us too soon. Your soulful voice and vibrant spirit will echo in our hearts forever. Rest in eternal peace, Rajvir. Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Warring also expressed his grief on X, writing, Saddened by the passing away of Rajvir Jawanda ji. We all prayed for his speedy recovery but sadly God had other plans. My heart goes out to his family, friends and fans who are shattered with this tragic loss. May Waheguru grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength to his loved ones to bear this tragic loss. RIP. Senior AAP leader and Punjab in-charge Manish Sisodia, in a post on X, wrote, Deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Rajvir Jawanda. Gone too soon, but his soulful voice will live on in every heartbeat of Punjab. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and millions of fans. May Waheguru bless his soul with eternal peace.
Punjab Anti-Gangster Task Force arrests key associate of 2 foreign-based fugitive gangsters Ludhiana
Punjab's Anti-Gangster Task Force arrested Gurpreet Singh alias Vicky Nihang, a key associate of foreign-based gangsters, after an exchange of fire in Ludhiana. He was wanted for the murder of social media influencer Kartik Baggan. Police stated his arrest averted sensational killings planned by his foreign handlers, recovering a pistol and cartridges.
Preliminary investigation reveals that Singh has a criminal history and was earlier arrested with two illegal foreign-made pistols in January 2025 in Mohali, says DGP Gaurav Yadav
Industrialist Rajinder Gupta likely to be AAPs candidate for Punjab Rajya Sabha bypoll
CHANDIGARH: Industrialist Rajinder Gupta is likely to be the Aam Aadmi Partys candidate for the lone vacant Rajya Sabha seat from Punjab in the upcoming bypoll of the upper house of Parliament, scheduled for 24 October. Sources said that Gupta has resigned from his current positions and is expected to be the partys candidate for the Rajya Sabha bypoll. The decision to field a Punjabi face was taken to avoid any narrative of Delhi leadership dominating the state, as there was initially speculation that one of the top leaders of the ruling party might go to the Rajya Sabha from Punjab. The party currently has 93 MLAs in the 117-member state assembly. Considering that the AAP has an overwhelming majority with 93 seats in the assembly, and the winning candidate needs just 60 votes, Guptas victory is certain in the event of an election, though indications are that the state will follow its long-standing convention of sending Rajya Sabha MPs unopposed. Gupta, chairman emeritus of the Trident Group, resigned as the Vice Chairman of the State Economic Policy and Planning Board, as well as Chairperson of the Sri Kali Devi Advisory Committee, yesterday and is expected to file his nomination for the Rajya Sabha seat in the coming week. In 2022, Gupta was appointed Vice Chairman of the Planning Board, and in August last year, he was appointed Chairperson of the advisory committee of the temple in Patiala. He previously served as Vice Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Planning Board during both the Congress and SAD-BJP governments and has continued to enjoy the stature of a cabinet minister. The upper house seat fell vacant following the resignation of Sanjeev Arora on 1 July this year, after he won the Ludhiana (West) bypoll with a margin of over 10,000 votes and was appointed Industries and NRI Affairs Minister in the Mann Cabinet. The assembly by-election was necessitated after the demise of AAP MLA Gurpreet Singh Gogi. Sources said that the ruling party was keen on sending an industrialist to the Rajya Sabha. Earlier, party supremo and former Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal had met Kamal Oswal, honcho of Nahar Group of Companies, which had led to speculation that he would be the next AAP Rajya Sabha member. However, sources later indicated that Oswal had declined the offer. It is learnt that opposition parties had previously speculated that Kejriwal might go to the Rajya Sabha from Punjab following the partys setback in the Delhi Assembly elections. However, Kejriwal later clarified that he was not interested in securing a Rajya Sabha berth. Presently, AAP has six members of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha from Punjab. These are Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Balbir Singh Seechewal, Harbhajan Singh, and Ashok Mittal.
Cricketer Abhishek Sharma celebrated his sister Komal's pre-wedding shagun ceremony in Ludhiana, fresh off his Asia Cup 2025 Player of the Tournament win. He and mentor Yuvraj Singh dazzled guests with energetic dance moves, blending cricketing success with festive joy. The event, featuring stylish outfits, created significant social media buzz.
Punjab education minister Bains urges IAF to station decommissioned MiG-21s at Schools of Eminence
CHANDIGARH: Punjab School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has written to Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, appealing to the Indian Air Force (IAF) to station five recently decommissioned MiG-21 fighter jets at prominent Schools of Eminence (SoE) across the state. In his letter to the IAF chief, Bains wrote, Together, we can create a living tribute to the MiG-21 and ignite the spirit of service and patriotism in our future generations, while proposing five locations for the display of the decommissioned MiG-21 fighter jets at Ludhiana, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Nangal and Kharar. He further stated that the initiative is aimed at inspiring thousands of state government school students to pursue careers in defence, engineering, aerospace technology and related fields. Bains also informed that the Punjab Government plans to collaborate with the IAF for ceremonial deployment events at these schools, fostering a spirit of excellence and dedication among students. By having these iconic aircraft on campus, he expressed hope that it would motivate students daily to strive for greatness with courage and determination. While saluting the IAF for its glorious service to the nation, Bains extended warm congratulations on the recent ceremonial retirement of the MiG-21, recognising it as an icon of courage, discipline and dedication in Indias defence history. He further said that the MiG-21, which played a crucial role in the Indo-Pak War of 1965, the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War and the Kargil War of 1999, would serve as a tangible reminder of its legendary legacy. He assured that the installation and display of these aircraft would be carried out with the utmost respect, under strict adherence to Indian Air Force protocols and traditions. Bains added that this initiative aligns with the Punjab Governments focus on innovative and transformative education, having previously initiated international training programmes for school principals to raise educational standards.
Punjabi singer Rajvir Jawanda in critical condition after bike accident
CHANDIGARH: Punjabi singer, 35-year-old Rajvir Jawanda, who was injured in a bike accident yesterday in Himachal Pradesh, continues to remain critical. He sustained brutal head and spine injuries and was rushed and admitted to Fortis hospital in Mohali. Many political leaders, including Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu and several Punjabi artistes, reached the hospital today to inquire about his health. Sources said that the accident took place on the Baddi Nalagarh road in Solan of Himachal Pradesh while going to Shimla, where he lost control of the bike as he was reported to have been hit by two bulls. Jawanda was first taken to the Civil Hospital, where doctors confirmed that he suffered a head and spine injury and also went into cardiac arrest. He was later referred to the Fortis Hospital in Mohali, Punjab, in an 'extremely critical' condition. The singer was put on ventilator support. On arrival, he was immediately assessed by emergency and neurosurgery teams, placed on advanced life support, and is currently on ventilator support under close monitoring. In a statement, Fortis Hospital said the singer is still on ventilator support. He is under close monitoring and management by the multidisciplinary team comprising neurosurgery and critical care specialists, it said. Hailing from Pona village in Jagraon of Ludhiana, he had risen to fame with the song `Kali Jawande Di. Jawanda is also known for his songs Tu dis penda, Khush reha kar, Sardari, Surname, Afreen, Landlord, Down to earth and Kangani. He also acted in Gippy Grewal-starrer Subedar Joginder Singh in 2018, Jind Jaan in 2019 and Mindo Taseeldarni in 2019. Meanwhile, locals performed an ardas (prayer) for Jawandas recovery at a gurdwara in his native village. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann visited the hospital to inquire about his health. Mann said he met Jawandas mother and his wife at the hospital. Mann also requested the public not to spread rumours about his health on social media. He further said the singers fans across the world are praying for his recovery. More expert doctors, including from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, were being consulted, he said. While Ravneet Singh Bittu also met the family members of the singer at the hospital and prayed that he gets well soon. He has suffered a head injury, it takes time to recover, he added. Also several Punjabi artistes reached the hospital today to inquire about health of Jawanda and have appealed to people to pray for the singers speedy recovery. Singers Kanwar Grewal, Gurdas Mann, and Babbu Mann made an appeal to people to pray for Jawanda. Grewal, who was at the hospital, said Jawanda was getting the best treatment. Pray for him so that he gets well soon, he said. Singer Surjit Bhullar and actor-singer Ranjit Bawa also visited the hospital. Punjabi actor and AAP leader Sonia Mann also visited the hospital and urged people not to spread rumours about his health. Singer Tarsem Jassar said everyone must pray to the Almighty so that Jawanda recovers quickly.
Bank of Maharashtra inaugurates new branch at Kunjwani Bypass
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 25: In a significant step towards strengthening its presence in Jammu, Bank of Maharashtra inaugurated the new premises at Kunjwani Bypass, here today. The new branch was inaugurated by S K Trivedi, Regional Head of Bank of Maharashtra, Ludhiana, along with branch officials, local dignitaries and community representatives. Speaking on the occasion, Trivedi expressed his pride in the banks commitment to providing enhanced banking facilities to its customers. He highlighted that the newly inaugurated branch is [] The post Bank of Maharashtra inaugurates new branch at Kunjwani Bypass appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Indian Railways cuts freight transit time with new time-tabled cargo services
CHANDIGARH: Indian Railways has introduced scheduled, commodity-specific, time-tabled cargo services to enhance freight logistics by connecting key production and consumption centres across the northern region. These include the Annapurna Service from Ludhiana to Varanasi transporting foodgrains, the Gati-Vahan Service from Farrukhnagar in Haryana to Lucknow for automobiles, the Niryaat Cargo Service from Garhi to Mundra Port for containers and the Anantnag Cement Cargo Service from Roopnagar in Punjab to Anantnag in Jammu and Kashmir. In an official statement, the railways stated that these services aim to improve customer satisfaction, ensure reliable transit times and provide industry-aligned logistics solutions. The newly introduced services include the Annapurna Service from Ludhiana to Varanasi, transporting foodgrains over 704 km in an average of 17 hours; the Gati-Vahan Service from Farrukhnagar (Haryana) to Lucknow for automobiles, covering 557 km in 28 hours, down from the earlier 70-hour transit; the Niryaat Cargo Service from Garhi to Mundra Port for containers, covering 1061 km in 32 hours; and the Anantnag Cement Cargo Service from Roopnagar to Anantnag, transporting cement over 586 km in 31 hours, it read. The statement further said that extensive planning and coordination were undertaken with freight stakeholders, including the FCI, automobile operators, container train operators and adjacent railway zones, to chart suitable paths across inter-divisional and inter-zonal networks. Initially introduced as trial services, these time-tabled cargo trains have now stabilised and are operating efficiently. The feedback from customers has been highly encouraging. FCI appreciated the Annapurna Service for improving the dispatch of sponsored foodgrains from surplus areas of Punjab and Haryana to deficit regions in Uttar Pradesh, allowing better labour and truck planning at unloading points, it added. The statement noted that Maruti Suzuki Limited highlighted the Gati-Vahan Services reduction in transit time from 70 hours to 28 hours, helping ensure delivery commitments comparable to road transport. Exporters using the Niryaat Cargo Service reported transit times of less than 40 hours to Mundra Port, enabling timely coordination with ports and shipping companies. Cement firms welcomed the Anantnag Cement Cargo Service and the opening of the Anantnag goods shed, which streamlined labour and truck operations, boosting rake dispatches despite weather disruptions. With scheduled timings and advance information on train arrivals and departures, these services are enabling better logistics planning for both consignors and consignees, enhancing predictability and efficiency. Indian Railways remains committed to strengthening freight connectivity and providing world-class, reliable services that support industry, trade and regional development, it claimed.
Fatal shooting 'disguised' as road accident exposed in Jammu; three cops suspended
JAMMU: Three policemen were suspended after a probe into the death of a woman here last month revealed that she died of gunshot wounds and not of a road accident, an officer said on Saturday. On August 21, Mehjabeen Akil Sheikh, 30, a resident of Mumbai, her sister Fatima, 21, and Jaspreet Kour, 28, of Ludhiana were brought to a private nursing home on the outskirts of Jammu by two men, who claimed that they had sustained injuries in a road accident on the Ring road. On August 29, Mehjabeen Sheikh succumbed at the Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital. A probe, however, revealed that the three had been fired upon by unidentified persons and were not injured in a road accident. In an order issued on Friday, Jammu Senior Superintendent of Police Joginder Singh suspended Channi Himmat Police Station SHO, Inspector Deepak Pathania, Sainik Colony police post in-charge, Sub-inspector Wasim Bhatti, and Sub-inspector Rohit Sharma posted at Channi police station. The investigation is on to arrest the shooters, police said. According to a police spokesperson, on August 21, a team from Channi Himmat Police Station responded to a call from JK Medicity Hospital regarding three injured people being admitted there. The investigation officer was informed that the accident had happened on Ring Road, and the doctors declared the injured not fit to record their statement, the spokesperson said. The next morning, he said, the injured were admitted to Jammu's GMC hospital without the knowledge of police. On August 29, the mother of the deceased approached Jammu district magistrate's office for exemption of the post-mortem. The application landed at Channi Himmat, duly marked by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, the spokesperson said. He said Inspector Deepak Pathania found the mother's replies suspicious and contradictory and refused to grant the exemption. Pathania deputed a team to verify the matter and it was found that the case was registered at the GMC as an RTA (Road Traffic Accident) at Ring Road near Zamindara, and a message in the matter had been flashed to Bari Brahmana Police Station by the hospital. Also revealed was that the deceased was admitted on August 22, and not two days earlier as claimed by her mother, the spokesperson said. On August 30, police ordered inquest proceedings under Section 194 of BNSS. The next day, at the order of the ADC, a post-mortem was conducted in the presence of an executive magistrate and the exercise was videographed, the spokesperson said. As evidence, police seized the woman's clothes and retrieved CCTV footage, call detail records, and internet activity of the victims. ... during the inquiry it surfaced that there was a use of a firearm which led to the injuries and subsequent death of the deceased Inquest proceedings were converted into an FIR under various sections of BNS and Arms Act at Police Station Channi Himmat, the spokesperson said.
BHOPAL: In a first-of-its-kind move to promote investment in Madhya Pradeshs Vindhya region, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav has announced the organisation of an Industry Summit in Prime Minister Narendra Modis parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, in November. With investors from one of the worlds oldest living cities, Varanasi, allegedly keen to invest in the neighbouring Vindhya region of Madhya Pradesh, the MP Chief Minister made the announcement while interacting with entrepreneurs in Chakghat (Rewa) one of Madhya Pradeshs gateways to eastern Uttar Pradesh. As many as 17 industrialists and representatives from the Ramnagar Industrial Area (spread across the Varanasi-Chandauli border) announced on Friday their plans to invest Rs 1,000 crore in the Rewa district. During one-on-one discussions, the investors from Varanasi told the MP Chief Minister that they were encouraged by the growing investment potential in the Vindhya region and the attractive investment policies of the MP government. With the delegation from Varanasi expressing to the Chief Minister their keenness to invest in Madhya Pradeshs Vindhya region, Dr Yadav announced that an Industry Summit aimed at hard-selling Brand MP would be held in Varanasi in November. Varanasi is emerging as a major development and business hub of Uttar Pradesh, particularly in the wake of the unprecedented infrastructural development carried out there since Prime Minister Narendra Modi won his first Lok Sabha polls from the constituency in 2014. Since becoming the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh in December 2023, Yadav, with an eye on increasing investment in the central Indian state, has chaired multiple industry and investment summits in cities outside Madhya Pradesh, including Kolkata, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Coimbatore and Ludhiana. Varanasi will perhaps be the first city in the adjoining Uttar Pradesh where the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister will hold a similar investment promotion summit in November. During the one-on-one meetings with investors in Chakghat (Rewa) on Friday, the Chief Minister invited entrepreneurs to particularly set up industries in sectors such as stubble and food processing. He informed them about the availability of ample land in Mauganj district (Madhya Pradeshs gateway to eastern Uttar Pradeshs Mirzapur district) and Teonthar (Rewa) and discussed dedicated plans for the development of industrial areas at both locations. He congratulated the region on the groundbreaking ceremony of a Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant in Teonthar and expressed hope that it would benefit the local population, help resolve the issue of stubble burning and promote organic development. Addressing the Vindhya Vikas Sankalp Sammelan at Chakghat (Rewa) on Friday, Yadav announced the establishment of a new industrial area on 400 acres in Teonthar, the upgradation of the local Civil Hospital from 50 to 100 beds, the construction of a new ITI and the development of a river corridor along the Tamas River. He also performed the Bhoomi Poojan of a 125 crore Compressed Biogas Plant by IOCGPS Renewable Pvt. Ltd. The plant will purchase crop residue from farmers, thereby generating additional income and ensuring cleaner fields. While highlighting the Vindhya regions contribution to energy production in Madhya Pradesh, the Chief Minister said the region is emerging as the Energy Capital.
Indian-origin U.S. woman killed in Punjab at behest of NRI man she planned to marry
U.S. citizen of Indian origin murdered in Ludhiana by U.K.-based NRI, Sukhjeet Singh, over marriage refusal, said the police
CGST Ludhiana busts Rs 455 crore fake GST billing scam in iron and steel sector; 2 arrested
CGST officers in Ludhiana busted a huge fake GST invoice scam. The racket involved three firms and bogus invoices worth Rupees 455 crore. They utilized ineligible Input Tax Credit of Rupees 69.41 crore. Authorities arrested two individuals, a father and son, who managed these firms. They are now in judicial custody. Further investigation is underway to find other involved entities.
NRI woman murdered, burnt, and dumped in Ludhiana; typist in custody, UK-based co-accused named
Rupinder Kaur, a US-based NRI, was murdered near Ludhiana. Sukhjit Singh, a court typist, has been arrested. Charanjit Singh, from the UK, is a co-accused. Sukhjit allegedly killed Rupinder with a baseball bat and burned the body. Police found remains after noticing suspicious activity at Sukhjit's home. Charanjit allegedly orchestrated the murder due to a personal dispute.
71-Year-Old US Woman, Came Punjab To Marry NRI Businessman, Burnt To Death
Charanjit Singh Grewal, an England-based non-resident Indian (NRI), who hails from Ludhiana, had called her to India.
71-year-old US citizen who came to Punjab to marry NRI man killed: Police
Ludhiana: A 71-year-old woman, a US citizen of Indian origin, was allegedly killed shortly after she arrived here from Seattle to marry a 75-year-old UK-based NRI man, police said on Wednesday. The incident, which took place in July, came to light recently, after the Ludhiana Police named suspects in an FIR that was lodged over 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 .
Vardhman Amrante Announces Mixed Use Development Amrante Boulevard in Ludhiana
About Vardhman Amrante Private Limited Vardhman Amrante has been giving a new dimension to Ludhianas real estate. VAPL is the first organized and professional real estate firm in Ludhiana that aims at redefining the identity of Punjab. Vardhman Amrante is turning Punjab into a more prominent area that people with high aspirational value would love to associate with. In the next 5 years, Vardhman Amrante is going to redefine the blueprint of Punjab by providing high-end residential, commercial & hospitality projects with utmost perfection and establish itself as the most preferred real estate brand in the region.
Trident Group Deepens MENA Footprint with AED 6 million Investment at Sleep Expo ME 2025
Trident Limited is the flagship company of Trident Group, an Indian business conglomerate and global player. Headquartered in Ludhiana, Punjab, Trident Limited is a vertically integrated textile (Towels, Yarn, Bath & Bed Linen) and Paper (Wheat Straw-based) manufacturer. Tridents towels, yarns, bedsheets, and paper businesses have earned global recognition and are delighting millions of customers across India and the world. The group has offices in New York and London, and exports products to over 150 countries and is one of the largest home textiles companies in the world.
Dengue cases rising with 411 infections so far in J&K; 21 new cases, one death reported
Municipal areas remain hotspots *Fogging intensified in Jammu City Govind Sharma JAMMU, Sept 13: Dengue cases are climbing in Jammu and Kashmir with 21 fresh infections reported on Friday, taking the Union Territorys tally this year to 411. The outbreak has already claimed one life-an adult male from Rehari, Jammu, who succumbed on June 29 while being shifted from a private hospital to DMC Ludhiana after his attendants took him away against medical advice. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on [] The post Dengue cases rising with 411 infections so far in J&K; 21 new cases, one death reported appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
CHANDIGARH: At least nine Indian youngsters, mostly from Punjab, Haryana, and Jammu, have sent desperate SOS videos from the frontline of the Russia-Ukraine war, stating they were tricked into military service and are now being forced to fight for the Russian Army. The videos show the young men -- wearing Russian military fatigues -- pleading for urgent rescue, claiming they were misled by agents who promised jobs or student visas. In response, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued fresh advisory, warning Indian citizens to avoid such dubious offers. Calling the situation fraught with danger, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government has taken up the matter strongly with Russian authorities in both Delhi and Moscow. We are in touch with the families and have demanded an immediate end to this practice, he said. The issue was also raised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Russia last year, he added. One of the trapped youngsters, Samarjeet Singh from Ludhiana, said that nine Indians, including himself, were sent to the frontlines and are being grossly mistreated, with barely any food. Buta Singh, another victim, said some belonging to their group have already died in combat, while others fear for their lives every day. We were promised work in Moscow, but instead were pushed into war, he said. Ankit Jangra, 23, from Kumharia village in Fatehabad, Haryana, said he and 12 others are trapped. When we ask to return, the Russian soldiers point guns at us and say, Kill or dietheres no going back. Ankit had travelled to Russia on a student visa and was working part-time at KFC before being conscripted. Another youth from the same village, Vijay Poonia, is also among the stranded. Families allege that agents orchestrating this trafficking racket are not only sending youth into war zones but are also siphoning off death benefits and pensions meant for the injured or deceased. Congress MLA Pargat Singh, who brought the families to Chandigarh, accused both Centre and state governments of negligence. He claimed 126 Indian youth are currently trapped in Russia, with 15 missing. This is not isolated fraudits a full-blown human trafficking network, and the silence of the government is indefensible, he said.
The victim, Meena Kumari, boarded an autorickshaw from Jalandhar bypass to catch a bus from Phillaur.
Indian youths caught in crossfire of Russia-Ukraine war seek Centre's help to rescue them
CHANDIGARH: Young men from Punjab, Haryana and Jammu who were caught in the crossfire of Russia-Ukraine war have sent an SOS pleading to rescue them at the earliest. In video messages shared by these youths, they could be seen dressed in Russian military uniforms and pleading for urgent intervention by the Indian government to rescue them. We are being grossly mistreated. We're being sent to the frontline daily and we're starving, said one Samarjeet Singh from Ludhiana. Another youth Buta Singh, claimed some among them had already died in the war. He added that they were promised work in Moscow but recruited in the Russian army. The situation is dire, get us out immediately, he pleaded. Echoing the same view, Sumeet Sharma from Jammu said that they have been deceived by travel agents. 23-year-old Ankit Jangra from Kumharia village in Fatehabad district said that he and 12 others from India are now trapped in Russia. Vijay Poonia of the same village is also trapped with Ankit and fighting for the Russian army. Both Ankit and Vijay had gone to Russia on student visas to study the Russian language. Lamenting lack of effective action from the Indian government, Jagdeep Singh, whose brother Mandeep is among the missing said,`` Since July this year, these new recruitments have taken place, and the stranded youths have been making frantic calls to the Indian embassy in Russia, but there has been little response. Family members of these youth allege that compensation for youths killed in the war or pensions for injured ones are being siphoned off by the agents. Congress MLA from Jalandhar Cantonment Pargat Singh, who brought these family members to Chandigarh to press for action, criticized both the Centre and the state government for failing to identify arrest the travel agents. ``The continuous inaction of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Moscow constitutes a breach of duty and dereliction of responsibility. As government agencies persist in issuing ineffective advisories, our youths are dying on foreign battlefields while families are left unsupported, uninformed, and denied even the dignity of adequate investigation or compensation, he said. Singh claimed that in July this year 15 Punjabi youths were taken to Russia under false job promises. By August, five were dead, three missing, and seven were forcibly conscripted. At least126 youths from across north India remain trapped in Russia and about 15 are missing, he said. These are not isolated cases of fraud this is a coordinated, large-scale operation that the Indian system has utterly failed to acknowledge or combat. The Punjab Governments ongoing delay in prosecuting the agents whose criminal exploitation even robs families of death benefits and insurance payouts is inexcusable and unacceptable, he further added. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal meanwhile emphasized that India has repeatedly raised the issue with Moscow and urged families to maintain close contact with the authorities. We have seen reports about Indian nationals having been recruited recently into the Russian Army. The government has, on several occasions over the past year, underlined the risks and dangers inherent in this course of action and cautioned Indian citizens accordingly. We have also taken up the matter with Russian officials, both in Delhi and Moscow, demanding an end to this practice and the release of our nationals. We are also in touch with the families of the affected Indian citizens. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also raised the issue during his visit to Russia last year.
J&K Cong Leader Dina Nath Bhagat Dies
Jammu, Sep 8: Senior Jammu and Kashmir Congress leader Dina Nath Bhagat died at a hospital in Punjabs Ludhiana early Monday after a brief illness, his family said. He was 79. The former MLA from Chenani constituency is survived by his wife, three sons and two daughters. Bhagats son Naresh, an advocate, said his father was unwell for the past 10 days and breathed his last in a hospital in Ludhiana around 3.30 am. He was initially undergoing treatment at [] The post J&K Cong Leader Dina Nath Bhagat Dies appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Ambulance falls into gorge, three killed in Himachal
In a tragic incident, an ambulance carrying a patient to Ludhiana crashed into a gorge in Una district, Himachal Pradesh, resulting in the death of three individuals. The accident occurred near Gagret when the driver lost control on a curve near Manghuwal. Two others, including the driver, sustained severe injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital.
Beas river records highest-ever inflow; BBMB ensures controlled release of Bhakra Dam in Punjab
CHANDIGARH: The Beas river has recorded its highest-ever inflow of water this year, touching 11.70 billion cubic meters (BCM) between July 1 and September 5. Despite the unprecedented inflow, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) maintained a controlled release of not more than one lakh cusecs. BBMB chairman Manoj Tripathi said this years inflow was 20% higher than in 2023, when Beas received 9.52 BCM, and well above the previous highs of 7.94 BCM in 1988 and 5 BCM in 2019. This years inflow is unprecedented. Never before has the Beas carried such volumes, he said. At the Bhakra Dam, the reservoir recorded an inflow of 9.11 BCM. Tripathi noted that the highest inflow had been in 1988 at 9.52 BCM, followed by 8.59 BCM in 2019. The inflow this year is almost equivalent to those years, he added. Importantly, the water level has not crossed the maximum permissible mark of 1,680 feet. In 1988, the level had gone above 1,685 feet, but this year it is around 1,679 feet, Tripathi said. He explained that a rule curve for water regulation was introduced last year after the 2023 floods, in consultation with the Central Water Commission (CWC). The rule curve prescribes how much water should be stored at a given date, based on historical inflows and IMD data. We are strictly adhering to it, he said. Referring to the Pong Dam, Tripathi said that despite receiving the maximum inflow this year, the release was kept at 1.51 lakh cusecs, lower than in 2023. Even though the inflows were above one lakh cusecs for several days, we avoided sudden discharges of 22.5 lakh cusecs. The releases have been gradual, controlled, and done with the consent of all partner states, strictly following the rule curve, he explained. He also clarified that water release decisions are not arbitrary but are taken by a technical committee comprising BBMB members, chief engineers of partner states, and the CWC. Yesterday, 85,000 cusecs were released from Bhakra, and today, after inputs from Ludhiana, the outflow was reduced to 75,000 cusecs, Tripathi said. Sources said the Ludhiana deputy commissioner had sent an SOS to BBMB after reports that embankments along the Sutlej were facing breaches. The Ludhiana administration has since sounded an alert, with embankments in the eastern part of the district under heavy pressure due to the strong river flow. Villages including Sasrali, Boont, Rawat, Hawas, Seera, Boothgarh, Mangli Tanda, Dheri, Khawajke, Khassi Khurd, Mangli Kadar, Mattewara, Mangat, and Meharban are at risk of flooding if the embankment weakens further. Meanwhile, the Pong Dam water level stood at 1,394.71 feet, with inflows reducing to 1,05,950 cusecs and outflows at 99,763 cusecs. The flood situation in Punjab remains grim, with the death toll rising to 43. As many as 1,948 villages are inundated, impacting 3.84 lakh people. Of these, 21,929 have been evacuated, while crops on 1.72 lakh hectares (4.32 lakh acres) have been destroyed. According to official figures, the highest casualties have been reported from Hoshiarpur (7), Pathankot (6), Barnala and Amritsar (5 each), and Ludhiana and Bathinda (4 each). Three persons are missing in Pathankot. Punjab is facing one of its worst flood disasters in decades, caused by overflowing riversSutlej, Beas, Ravi, and Ghaggaralong with torrential rains in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.
Punjab Floods: Alert Issued In Ludhiana After Embankment Faces Strong Flow Of Sutlej River
Punjab Floods: Ludhiana district faces flood threat as Sutlej river pressures embankment; villages like Sasrali and Mangli Tanda at risk.
Reprieve from incessant heavy rains in past 24 hours in flood-hit Punjab
CHANDIGARH, Sep 5: In some reprieve for the people of flood-hit Punjab from incessant heavy rains, light showers at a few places were reported in the state during the past 24-hour period. According to the weather department, among the few parts of Punjab which received light rain during the 24-hour period ending 8:30 am Friday included Ludhiana 9.8 mm, Patiala 1.8 mm, Gurdaspur 1.7 mm, Faridkot 3.5 mm and Rupnagar 0.5 mm. Chandigarh, the common capital of Punjab and Haryana, [] The post Reprieve from incessant heavy rains in past 24 hours in flood-hit Punjab appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Punjab flood: Ludhiana administration sounds alert after embankment faces strong flow of water
Rescue centres have been set up at 'Satsang Ghars' on Rahon (Ghonsgarh), Chandigarh and Tibba roads here and Kailash Nagar, as well as at Khassi Kalan, Bhukhri, and Mattewara schools and mandis.
Centre Clears 40km Baramulla-Uri Rail Line, Qazigund-Badgam Doubling To Boost J&K Connectivity
The planning group also cleared two capacity expansion projects in Punjab and Haryana---third line between LudhianaJalandhar Cantt and fourth line between Ambala CanttSahnewal
CHANDIGARH : A fresh spell of heavy rains compounded the flood situation in Punjab with the death toll rising to 37 on Wednesday, while crops on 1.75 lakh hectares of land in 23 districts got damaged by the worst deluge in the state since 1988. Rescue and relief operations are underway on a war footing as help poured in from several quarters for over 3.55 lakh people in 1,655 villages, desperately looking for succour. Following heavy rains, an alert has been sounded in Rupnagar and Patiala districts, urging people to remain vigilant, while all schools, colleges and universities have been closed till September 7. With rains refusing to relent in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, the already swollen Sutlej, Beas and Ravi rivers originating in the Himalayas and seasonal rivulets inundated towns, villages and agricultural lands, upending normal life. The Punjab government released Rs 71 crore as an immediate relief and rehabilitation measure, with the AAP dispensation reiterating that it was committed to compensating people for their losses. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will visit the flood-hit areas in Punjab on Thursday to review the extent of crop damage. AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, along with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, will also assess the flood damage on the same day. He will take stock of the relief work being carried out in the state and interact with the affected people, said the party. Rains in Punjab have aggravated the flood situation. The water level in the Bhakra dam at 6 am was 1,677.84 feet, against its maximum capacity of 1,680 feet. The inflow in the dam was 86,822 cusecs while the outflow was 65,042 cusecs. Punjab declared disaster-hit as floods submerge 3.75 lakh acres; 30 dead, 3.55 lakh affected In view of heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh, the water discharge from the dam was being increased from 65,000 cusecs to 75,000 cusecs, officials said and warned that Nangal's villages may be inundated. Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian said the state is reeling under one of the worst floods in recent decades, with widespread crop devastation reported across 1,75,216 hectares of farmland. Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Mansa, Ferozepur and Fazilka are among the worst-hit districts, accounting for the bulk of the agricultural losses, he said. The minister said that 37 lives have been lost across 12 districts, while three persons remain missing in Pathankot. The highest fatalities have been reported in Hoshiarpur, where seven lives have been lost, followed by six in Pathankot, five in Barnala, four each in Amritsar and Ludhiana, three each in Bathinda and Mansa, and one each in Gurdaspur, Patiala, Rupnagar, SAS Nagar and Sangrur. The flood-related data is from August 1 to September 3. Gurdaspur alone suffered crop damage over 40,169 hectares, followed by Mansa 24,967 hectares, Amritsar 23,000 hectares, Fazilka 17,786 hectares, Ferozepur 17,620 hectares, and Kapurthala 14,934 hectares, among others. The Rupnagar district administration has asked people living near the Sutlej river to stay on alert in the wake of an increase in the discharge of water from the Bhakra dam. Punjab Cabinet Minister Harjot Bains appealed to Sri Anandpur Sahib residents living on riverbanks and low-lying areas to shift to safer places or relief camps. He visited over two dozen flood-affected villages and personally oversaw the evacuation of families stranded along the Sutlej river. Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria visited the flood-ravaged areas in Pathankot district, while AAP leader Manish Sisodia visited the flood-hit areas in Tarn Taran district. AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha announced providing Rs 3.25 crore from his Local Area Development Scheme fund for relief work. MP Sandeep Pathak visited flood-hit villages in Ferozepur district and released Rs 5 crore from the MPLADS funds for the affected villages in the border district. Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal also announced a grant of Rs 50 lakh from his discretionary funds to support the affected people. Relief and rescue operations by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Army, Border Security Force, Punjab Police and district authorities are underway in the affected areas, officials said. Meanwhile, the Patiala district administration issued an alert for villages near the Ghaggar river in the Rajpura sub-division in the wake of heavy rains in the catchment areas. According to officials, the water level of the Tangri river has risen close to the danger mark in Ambala and is expected to rise in Patiala following heavy rains in Ambala and Kala Amb.
Uttar Pradesh woman finds missing husband through social media reel
LUCKNOW: A woman from Hardoi, central Uttar Pradesh, identified her husband, who had been missing since 2018, through a social media reel. However, the joy of identifying her husband was short-lived for the woman named Sheelu, as the man was posing with another woman as her husband. Jitendra had left home, leaving behind a newborn son. A dowry harassment complaint was also registered against him. While his family accused Sheelu's relatives of being involved in his disappearance, she lived for years with the uncertainty, raising their son alone. Acting on this input, the police began an inquiry into the matter. They traced the 32-year-old man, Jitendra Kumar alias Babloo, to Ludhiana, where he had allegedly remarried. He was later taken into custody. The police authorities said that Sheelu, the first wife of Jitendra Kumar, filed a complaint, and a case was registered against him under Section 82(1) (bigamy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Sandila police station. She accused her husband of faking his disappearance, remarrying. She also accused his family of concealing the truth of his presence in Ludhiana from her. During the inquiry, it was found that Jitendra had married another woman in Ludhiana. He has been taken into custody, said Santosh Kumar Singh, Circle Officer, Hardoi. Police said their investigation revealed that the complainant had married Jitendra, who was also from Hardoi, in 2017. However, in April 2018, Jitendra suddenly disappeared. His family searched extensively for him but couldnt find him anywhere. Eventually, his father filed a missing persons complaint at the Sandila police station. Despite repeated efforts over the years, Jitendras whereabouts remained unknown until now. As per the statement recorded by the police, Sheelu said that she had recently come across a reel on social media and was shocked to recognise her missing husband in it. Taken aback by the sight, police said she began contacting people close to Jitendra and his family to verify whether it was indeed him. During her inquiries, police said she came to know that Jitendra had been living in Ludhiana for the past several years.
Anand Mahindras 3-Storey Ancestral Home Collapses Amid Rain Fury In Ludhiana
A large part of Anand Mahindras ancestral house in Ludhiana collapsed under heavy rain, but no casualties occurred as the building was unoccupied at the time
Punjab Police arrest Jaish-e-Mohammad activist, two others in cab drivers murder case
CHANDIGARH: Punjab Police has busted a terror module linked to Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and apprehended three Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)-based persons in connection with the abduction and murder of a cab driver, Anil Kumar. In another incident, two associates of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang were arrested by the police. Director General of Police, Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, said here today that those arrested have been identified as Sahil Bashir (19), a resident of Handwara Langate village in Kupwara; Munish Singh alias Ansh (22), of Kotli in Doda village; and Aijaz Ahmed Khan alias Wasim (22), of Manjpura village in Kalamabad. The police have also recovered the snatched white-coloured Maruti Swift Dzire (PB01-D-6299) and the .32 bore country-made pistol used in the crime from the possession of the arrested accused persons. In her complaint, Anil Kumars wife, Sudha Devi, stated that her husband drives a taxi and, on Friday morning, like every day, at around 8:30 a.m., he left home to take a ride from Kharar to Railway Station, Chandigarh. Later, she kept on calling her husband continuously but both his mobile phones were switched off, she stated. Yadav said that in connection with the abduction and murder of cab driver Anil Kumar, a resident of Nayagaon in Mohali, a case was promptly registered after a preliminary investigation revealed that three unidentified persons, who had hired the cab from Kharar, had forcibly snatched his vehicle. Considering the grave and sensitive nature of the matter, multiple police teams were constituted, and, acting with speed and precision, all three accused were apprehended, he said. Yadav added that the arrested accused, Sahil Bashir, is a wanted individual in an Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Arms Act case registered at Police Station Qalamabad, Handwara, in J&K. His brother, Aijaz Ahmad, had earlier been arrested with a cache of weapons and materials linked to JeM, he said, while adding that both are identified as Over Ground Workers (OGWs) of the JeM. Sharing operation details, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Ropar Range, Harcharan Singh Bhullar, said that acting swiftly on the complaint, separate teams of Mohali Police were formed under the supervision of SP City Sirivenella, SP Investigation Saurav Jindal, and DSP City-1 Prithvi Singh Chahal. The police teams, led by Incharge CIA staff Harminder Singh and SHO Police Station Naya Gaon Satnam Singh, jointly took action and, using technical and human resources, the accused were arrested from Bus Stand, Batala and Gurdaspur areas, he said. He said that during interrogation, the arrested accused persons confessed to having fatally shot the driver after an altercation and later disposed of the body in the Mohali area. Sharing more details, Senior Superintendent of Police of SAS Nagar, Harmandeep Hans, said that the interrogation of the accused revealed that they had booked the cab on the pretext of going from Kharar to Chandigarh railway station and had first asked the taxi driver, Anil Kumar, to go to Airport Road via Phase 3B2, Mohali. When Anil Kumar took the accused to Kandala village, they took Kumar out of the vehicle and shot him dead before escaping with the car and other belongings, he said. He said that following disclosures of the arrested accused persons, police teams have retrieved the mortal remains of deceased Kumar. Three bullet shells were also recovered from near the dead body, he added. Initially, a case dated August 31 was registered under section 127(6) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station Naya Gaon, while sections 140(3), 103, and 304 of the BNS and section 25 of the Arms Act have now been added in this case. In another case, Muktsar Police apprehended two associates of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and recovered five illegal weapons from their possession. DGP Yadav said that those arrested have been identified as Gurdeep Singh of Badhni Kalan in Moga and Gursewak Singh alias Mota of Manu Ke Sandhu village in Jagraon, Ludhiana. The recovered weapons include four .32 bore country-made pistols and one .30 bore country-made pistol along with 10 magazines. He said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the duo arrested persons are linked with the gang and are actively involved in furthering its criminal activities. Further investigation is ongoing to establish forward and backward linkages in this case, he said, while adding that more arrests and recoveries are likely in the coming days. Sharing operation details, Senior Superintendent of Police of Muktsar Sahib, Dr Akhil Chaudhary, said that acting on specific intelligence, a special naka was laid by CIA Malout. During checking, the police apprehended two suspects carrying a blue kit bag, he said, while adding that upon searching the kit, police teams recovered the illegal weapons. Chaudhary said that the probe has revealed that accused Gurdeep Singh came into contact with Harjot Singh alias Neela and Jagdeep Singh alias Jagga, both close associates of Lawrence Bishnoi. On Neelas instructions, Gursewak and Gurdeep travelled to Indore, where an unidentified person delivered five pistols to them, he said, while adding that out of these, two pistols were retained by the accused, while the remaining three were to be supplied to Neela. Meanwhile, Harjot Singh alias Neela and Jagdeep Singh alias Jagga are wanted criminals, with 12 and 10 FIRs registered against them in different districts and states respectively. In this regard, a case has been registered under section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station Kabarwala in Muktsar.
Missing For 7 Years, UP Man Traced After Wife Spots Him In Instagram Reel With Another Woman
Investigators discovered that the man had faked his disappearance and settled in Ludhiana, where he remarried and began a new life
CHANDIGARH: Punjab opposition leader Partap Singh Bajwa on Monday targeted the Bhagwant Mann government and the Centre for abandoning the flood-hit state in its darkest hour. We have all seen how AAP MLAs are now claiming that it was the fault of officers, and even cabinet minister Barinder Kumar Goyal went on record saying he would suspend erring officials. But the people of Punjab are asking one simple question why did Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann convene the first flood control meeting only on June 5 when the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had already issued warnings of heavy rainfall as early as May? Bajwa questioned. The Centre, he added, cannot escape blame either. Flood management is not the responsibility of the State alone. The Central Water Commission (CWC), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, has a crucial role in collecting hydrological data, issuing flood forecasts, monitoring river basins, and guiding states in reservoir and flood management. Yet, despite CWCs wide network of forecasting stations and technical expertise, there was no convergence between the Centre and the State to prevent the disaster. Bajwa added that the CWC regularly publishes data on rainfall, river flow, reservoir storage, and inflow forecasts for dams, all of which are meant to ensure efficient planning and timely response. However, Punjab witnessed the opposite floodgates were not repaired or opened in time, desilting of canals and drains was neglected year after year, and coordination between irrigation, disaster management, and revenue departments was absent. The Centre, too, failed to ensure real-time coordination and allowed Punjab to be left vulnerable. Instead of taking preventive measures and protecting the people, they now indulge in blame games, token announcements, and photo-ops. The annadatas of Punjab have lost their crops, homes, and livelihoods. They deserve accountability, not excuses. It is high time both governments admit their failure and take serious steps to ensure that such tragedies are not repeated, he said. What we are witnessing today is a complete collapse of governance. Punjabs farmers have lost their entire seasons livelihood, yet they are being offered just Rs 6,750 per acre for partial loss less than 10 per cent of the real earnings. One acre of paddy yields over Rs 70,000, but this so-called compensation is nothing more than an eyewash. Bajwa explained why Punjab had stayed out of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) since 2017. We objected because the scheme assessed losses at the village level instead of individual fields, imposed extra premium burdens, and delivered compensation after long delays. The only beneficiaries were insurance companies, not farmers, he said. Hitting out at the Centre, Bajwa said, at a time when Punjab needed the Centres support the most, the Prime Minister has not announced even a single rupee of relief. Nor has he shown the will to reform and extend PMFBY in a way that suits Punjabs realities. This is nothing short of criminal neglect of the very annadatas who feed the nation. Bajwa demanded that the Centre and state act immediately by extending a reformed PMFBY to Punjab with plot-level coverage and speedy payouts, creating a state-level insurance fund, expanding insurance to cover crops, livestock, and farmer health, while also investing in early warning systems, embankments, and desilting so that farmers get relief that is fast, fair, and future-proof. Unless PMFBY is reformed and extended, and unless Punjab establishes its own robust insurance mechanism, our farmers will continue to drown in despair every time nature strikes. Both Modi and Mann must be held answerable for this betrayal of Punjabs annadatas, he said. Meanwhile, Punjab Congress president and member of parliament from Ludhiana, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring demanded a probe against the mismanagement of dams and water headworks and also the criminal negligence of people involved in their management. He said that there was one common question asked by people, as why did the authorities, whosoever responsible, allow the water in dams to overflow till the last minute. Why was not the water released gradually in advance, so that later the dams could hold the extra water? he asked, noting that had it been done on time, the extent of devastation may well have been minimized. He also referred to the crashing of three floodgates of the Madhopur headworks, which, he said, happened because these were not properly maintained. He said, since extra water from the headworks was also not released on time, it led to huge pressure and eventually crashing of the gates. The PCC president called for fixing the responsibility for this disaster and punishing those guilty. `` We do not expect people at the responsible positions not to act in time and that too at such critical times, he observed, asking, what are they meant for?
Heavy rains lash several parts of Punjab, Haryana
CHANDIGARH: Rains lashed several parts of Punjab, Haryana and the Union Territory Chandigarh on Monday, with Ludhiana logging the highest rainfall of 216.70 mm. According to the Met department here, several places in Punjab and Haryana received rain during the 24-hour period ending 8:30 am Monday. Among other places in Punjab which received rain included Amritsar (24.1 mm), Patiala (80.4 mm), Pathankot (3.6 mm), Bathinda (3 mm), Faridkot (10.2 mm), Gurdaspur (2.7 mm), SBS Nagar (112.7 mm), Mohali (64 mm), Mansa (42 mm) and Rupnagar (82.5 mm). Chandigarh, the joint capital of both states, received 76.5 mm of rainfall. Among other places in Haryana, Ambala recorded 48.4 mm, Hisar (11.8 mm), Karnal (12.8 mm), Narnaul (66 mm), Rohtak (13.4 mm), Sirsa (130 mm), Panchkula (57 mm), Panipat (33 mm) and Gurugram (9.5 mm). Punjab is under the grip of massive floods, caused by the swollen Sutlej, Beas and Ravi rivers and seasonal rivulets due to heavy rain in their catchment areas in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Villages worst-affected by the floods were in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur and Amritsar districts. Relief and rescue operations by the NDRF, Army, BSF, Punjab Police and district authorities continued on a war footing in the affected areas.
CHANDIGARH: The flood situation in Punjab has worsened due to incessant heavy rainfall, causing major rivers including the Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, and Ghaggar to swell. Out of Punjabs 23 districts, 22 have been affected so far. A total of 1,312 villages are impacted, nearly 3 lakh acres of standing crops have been inundated, and 26 people have lost their lives. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the release of Rs 60,000 crore in state funds that he claims are pending with the Union Government. Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian confirmed that the 1,312 affected villages include, 93 in Amritsar, 26 in Barnala, 21 in Bathinda, 1 in Fatehgarh Sahib, 92 in Fazilka, 107 in Ferozepur, 324 in Gurdaspur, 86 in Hoshiarpur, 55 in Jalandhar, 123 in Kapurthala, 26 in Ludhiana, 4 in Malerkotla, 77 in Mansa, 35 in Moga, 81 in Pathankot, 14 in Patiala, 2 in Rupnagar, 22 in Sangrur, 1 in SAS Nagar, 3 in SBS Nagar, 74 in Muktsar and 45 in Tarn Taran. Emergency response teams from the state machinery, along with NDRF, SDRF, the Army, and Punjab Police, are working round-the-clock to protect lives and property. Additional Chief Secretary and Financial Commissioner (Revenue), Anurag Verma, after inspecting villages along the Sutlej River in Ferozepur district, reported that nearly 3 lakh acres of land have been affected and around 1.25 lakh people are impacted by the floods. He added that the government has ordered a special girdawari (crop damage assessment) to provide compensation for crop losses. District authorities have been instructed to gather accurate loss data, and compensation will be disbursed per CM Manns directives. Currently, six NDRF teams are deployed in Gurdaspur and one each in Fazilka, Ferozepur, Pathankot, and Amritsar. Two SDRF teams are operational in Kapurthala. The Army, Navy, and Air Force are assisting in Kapurthala, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, and Pathankot, while BSF teams are engaged in Gurdaspur and Ferozepur. Punjab Police and Fire Brigade are also assisting in Kapurthala and Ferozepur. Additionally, 15 boats in Kapurthala, 12 in Ferozepur, and 4 in Pathankot are engaged in evacuations, with airlifting operations carried out where required. So far, 26 people have died in the floods, including an irrigation department employee who fell into the Ravi River last week while trying to open flood gates at the Madhopur barrage. Sources said that the Ghaggar River is also overflowing due to excess water from the Markanda and Tangri rivers. Water levels at Chika (Haryana), Khanauri (Sangrur), and Sardulgarh (Mansa) are very high, though still below the danger mark. CM writes to PM Modi In his letter to Prime Minister Modi, CM Mann said that Punjab is facing one of its worst flood disasters in decades, with around 1,300 villages and lakhs of people affected. He said heavy rains and dam releases caused severe flooding in Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Amritsar, Pathankot, Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Hoshiarpur. He noted that nearly 3 lakh acres of mainly paddy crops are submerged just weeks before harvest. Losses of livestock have also deeply affected rural families. The Chief Minister emphasized that Punjab has suffered a permanent revenue loss of Rs 49,727 crore due to the GST replacing VAT, with no compensation granted. Additionally, reductions in RDF and MDF have cost the state over Rs 8,000 crore, and the scrapping of PMGSY projects worth Rs 828 crore has further hurt development. He also slammed the existing State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms, calling them grossly inadequate. Current compensation for crop loss exceeding 33% stands at Rs 17,000 per hectare (or Rs 6,800 per acre). Mann stated the state government already tops this up to Rs 15,000 per acre, but given the extent of devastation, at least Rs 50,000 per acre should be provided. He urged a revision of SDRF norms and assured the Centre that Punjab would continue contributing its 25% share as per scheme guidelines. The Punjab government has extended school holidays till September 3. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said the decision was taken on CM Manns instructions to ensure student safety. He urged parents to prioritise their childrens well-being and requested teachers to stay in touch with district administrations to support community efforts. Schools were originally closed from August 27 to 30.
CHANDIGARH: The flood situation in Punjab has worsened due to incessant heavy rainfall, causing major rivers including the Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, and Ghaggar to swell. Out of Punjabs 23 districts, 22 have been affected so far. A total of 1,312 villages are impacted, nearly 3 lakh acres of standing crops have been inundated, and 26 people have lost their lives. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the release of 60,000 crore in state funds that he claims are pending with the Union Government. Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian confirmed that the 1,312 affected villages include, 93 in Amritsar, 26 in Barnala, 21 in Bathinda, 1 in Fatehgarh Sahib, 92 in Fazilka, 107 in Ferozepur, 324 in Gurdaspur, 86 in Hoshiarpur, 55 in Jalandhar, 123 in Kapurthala, 26 in Ludhiana, 4 in Malerkotla, 77 in Mansa, 35 in Moga, 81 in Pathankot, 14 in Patiala, 2 in Rupnagar, 22 in Sangrur, 1 in SAS Nagar, 3 in SBS Nagar, 74 in Muktsar and 45 in Tarn Taran. Emergency response teams from the state machinery, along with NDRF, SDRF, the Army, and Punjab Police, are working round-the-clock to protect lives and property. Additional Chief Secretary and Financial Commissioner (Revenue), Anurag Verma, after inspecting villages along the Sutlej River in Ferozepur district, reported that nearly 3 lakh acres of land have been affected and around 1.25 lakh people are impacted by the floods. He added that the government has ordered a special girdawari (crop damage assessment) to provide compensation for crop losses. District authorities have been instructed to gather accurate loss data, and compensation will be disbursed per CM Manns directives. Currently, six NDRF teams are deployed in Gurdaspur and one each in Fazilka, Ferozepur, Pathankot, and Amritsar. Two SDRF teams are operational in Kapurthala. The Army, Navy, and Air Force are assisting in Kapurthala, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, and Pathankot, while BSF teams are engaged in Gurdaspur and Ferozepur. Punjab Police and Fire Brigade are also assisting in Kapurthala and Ferozepur. Additionally, 15 boats in Kapurthala, 12 in Ferozepur, and 4 in Pathankot are engaged in evacuations, with airlifting operations carried out where required. So far, 26 people have died in the floods, including an irrigation department employee who fell into the Ravi River last week while trying to open flood gates at the Madhopur barrage. Sources said that the Ghaggar River is also overflowing due to excess water from the Markanda and Tangri rivers. Water levels at Chika (Haryana), Khanauri (Sangrur), and Sardulgarh (Mansa) are very high, though still below the danger mark. CM writes to PM Modi In his letter to Prime Minister Modi, CM Mann said that Punjab is facing one of its worst flood disasters in decades, with around 1,300 villages and lakhs of people affected. He said heavy rains and dam releases caused severe flooding in Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Amritsar, Pathankot, Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Hoshiarpur. He noted that nearly 3 lakh acres of mainly paddy crops are submerged just weeks before harvest. Losses of livestock have also deeply affected rural families. The Chief Minister emphasized that Punjab has suffered a permanent revenue loss of Rs 49,727 crore due to the GST replacing VAT, with no compensation granted. Additionally, reductions in RDF and MDF have cost the state over Rs 8,000 crore, and the scrapping of PMGSY projects worth Rs 828 crore has further hurt development. He also slammed the existing State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms, calling them grossly inadequate. Current compensation for crop loss exceeding 33% stands at Rs 17,000 per hectare (or Rs 6,800 per acre). Mann stated the state government already tops this up to Rs 15,000 per acre, but given the extent of devastation, at least Rs 50,000 per acre should be provided. He urged a revision of SDRF norms and assured the Centre that Punjab would continue contributing its 25% share as per scheme guidelines. The Punjab government has extended school holidays till September 3. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said the decision was taken on CM Manns instructions to ensure student safety. He urged parents to prioritise their childrens well-being and requested teachers to stay in touch with district administrations to support community efforts. Schools were originally closed from August 27 to 30.
CHANDIGARH: 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.
CBSE Parenting Workshops 2025: Dates, venues, schedule, objectives and why they matter
The CBSE is enhancing parental involvement in children's development through offline workshops in September 2025, following the Parenting Calendar 2025-26 launch. These interactive sessions, held in Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Siliguri, Ludhiana, and Indore, will equip parents with practical tools and strategies. The workshops aim to promote holistic growth, positive parenting, and stronger school-home partnerships.
Gangster Kartik Baggan Shot Dead By Assailants In Ludhiana; Rival Gang Claims Role
Kartik Baggan was shot dead in Ludhiana by assailants linked to the Gopi Ghanshampura gang. Police suspect old rivalry and are searching for the accused.
Jaswinder Bhalla News: Jaswinder Bhalla, the celebrated Punjabi comedian who breathed his last on August 22, was equally esteemed as a professor of agricultural science. He taught at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, holding a PhD in the field. Bhalla masterfully juggled his academic responsibilities with a thriving entertainment career, marked by iconic characters and roles in popular Punjabi films.
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 sees steepest decline in PM-Kisan beneficiaries with 49 per cent drop in five years
CHANDIGARH: Punjab has recorded the steepest fall in the country in the number of beneficiaries under the PM-Kisan scheme, with figures dropping by nearly 49 per cent over the past five years. Beneficiaries fell from 23.01 lakh between December 2019 and March 2020, the highest-ever recorded in the state when farmers received Rs 466.47 crore, to just 11.34 lakh between April and July 2025, who received Rs 387.76 crore. Recently, in reply to an unstarred question raised by Congress MP from Ludhiana, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ram Nath Thakur stated that in the financial year 2025-26, Rs 63,500 crore had been allocated for the PM-Kisan scheme. The 20th instalment of the PM-Kisan scheme was released on August 2, 2025 and more than 9.71 crore beneficiaries received benefits amounting to more than Rs 20,500 crore. Out of this, more than 11.34 lakh beneficiaries from Punjab received the benefit amounting to Rs 387.76 crore, the reply stated. It added that a farmer-centric digital infrastructure has ensured the benefits of the scheme reach all farmers across the country without the involvement of intermediaries. Maintaining absolute transparency in registering and verifying beneficiaries, the Government of India has disbursed over Rs 3.90 lakh crore through 20 instalments since the inception of the scheme, it noted. The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare informed Parliament that the instalment-wise details of benefits released to Punjab beneficiaries since inception were as follows: in the first instalment (December 2018 to March 2019) 11.81 lakh beneficiaries received Rs 236.39 crore, which rose to 14.11 lakh in the second instalment (April to July 2019) with Rs 312.85 crore disbursed. The number further increased to 22.21 lakh in the third instalment, with farmers receiving Rs 483.42 crore. Punjabs all-time high came in the fourth instalment (December 2019 to March 2020) when 23.01 lakh beneficiaries received Rs 466.47 crore. Since then, the numbers have consistently declined. In the fifth instalment (April to July 2020), the figure dropped to 19.01 lakh with Rs 417.89 crore. In the eleventh instalment (April to July 2022), there were 16.97 lakh beneficiaries who received Rs 340.95 crore. Interestingly, in the twelfth instalment (August to November 2022), the number fell to the lowest ever in the state, at just 2,07,564 beneficiaries receiving Rs 41.87 crore. By the nineteenth instalment (December 2024 to March 2025), only 10.58 lakh farmers benefited, receiving Rs 373.04 crore, and in the latest twentieth instalment (April to July 2025), 11.34 lakh farmers received Rs 387.76 crore. The PM-Kisan scheme is a central sector scheme launched in February 2019 by the Prime Minister to supplement the financial needs of farmers with cultivable landholding. Under the scheme, a financial benefit of Rs 6,000 per year is transferred in three equal instalments into Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts of farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode. To ensure that the benefits are provided only to eligible beneficiaries, land seeding, Aadhaar-based payment and e-KYC have been made mandatory under the scheme, the reply further stated. It added, Land seeding was made mandatory during the release of the 12th instalment of the scheme (August 2022 - November 2022), and Aadhaar-based payment was made mandatory from the 13th instalment (December 2022 - March 2023) onwards. E-KYC was made mandatory from the 15th instalment (April 2023 - July 2023). In this process, the total number of beneficiaries who benefited in the scheme in the 12th instalment period was temporarily reduced across the states. This decrease was nominal in the states who proactively undertook suitable measures and completed the above said mandatory requirements. The benefits of the farmers, who do not complete these mandatory criteria, are temporarily stopped. As and when these farmers complete their mandatory requirements, they receive the benefits of the scheme along with their accrued benefits of previous instalments. This process does not cause any financial loss to eligible farmers under the scheme, it clarified. The ministry stated, Benefit of the PM-Kisan scheme is transferred to the beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode, based on the verified data received from the States/UTs on the PM-Kisan portal. To ease the registration process for farmers and bring in transparency and efficiency in implementation of the scheme, several technological interventions were introduced, including integration with PFMS, UIDAI, and the Income Tax Department. Further, the PM-Kisan database is verified with respect to the PDS database of ration cards, inactivated Aadhaar due to death, etc. as updated in UIDAI portal, and de-duplication with PFMS and income tax data. However, the deletion of such a large number of beneficiaries has not gone down well with leaders of farmer unions, who are already at loggerheads with the Centre over the alleged non-fulfilment of their demands. BKU (Lakhowal Group) president Harinder Singh Lakhowal said this was a clear indication of the central governments stepmotherly treatment towards Punjabs farmers. As the Centre has earlier stopped the Rural Development Fund to the state, now it is not willing to give financial aid to Punjabs farmers, he added.
How A Farmer From Punjab Became The Owner Of A Shatabdi Express For 5 Minutes
Lawyer Rakesh Gandhi said they were tired of urging Railways to clear dues, so the court let them identify properties; Judge Verma even granted the Ludhiana station office
Punjabs Rs 12,700 crore NH projects stalled; Rs 828 crore PMGSY road works scrapped over delays
CHANDIGARH: Multiple key road infrastructure projects in Punjab including major national highway developments and those under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III (PMGSY), are facing serious setbacks, with no clear timeline for completion. As many as sixteen national highway projects worth 12,700 crore, being implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Punjab Public Works Department (PWD), have either been stalled, significantly delayed, or face termination. The primary reasons cited are land acquisition hurdles and delays in obtaining statutory clearances. Simultaneously, rural road development has also taken a hit. Projects under PMGSY-III worth 828.87 crore, involving the upgradation of 64 roads and construction of 38 bridges, have been scrapped due to the state governments failure to float tenders and commence construction on time. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, in a written reply to Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, confirmed that eight projects are being executed by NHAI and another eight by the state PWD, all of which have encountered delays or stoppages. Projects in the state of Punjab are mainly delayed, stalled, or terminated due to land acquisition issues and delay in obtaining statutory clearances. The government is taking requisite measures, in consultation with stakeholders including the state government, to resolve these issues, the Minister stated in Parliament. Key Affected Projects Under NHAI DelhiAmritsarKatra Expressway (Spur-II): 30.5 km stretch worth 2,197.17 crore terminated due to lack of land; fresh bids to be invited once land is acquired. DelhiAmritsarKatra Expressway (Spur-III): 28.07 km stretch worth 1,951.70 crore delayed, now scheduled for completion by 30 November 2026. AmritsarBathinda (Package-I): 39 km project worth 1,229.38 crore, originally set to finish by November 2024, now delayed until 31 December 2026. AmritsarGhomanTandaUna (Package-I): 45.73 km stretch worth 1,443.47 crore also delayed, with a new completion target of 30 June 2026. Package-II of this corridor (31.05 km, 818.41 crore) has been terminated due to land issues. The LudhianaRupnagar corridor has also been severely affected: Package-I (37.7 km, 1,368.91 crore): Work halted after the contractor issued a termination notice over delayed land handover; matter is under review by a Conciliation Committee. Package-II (47.24 km, 1,488.23 crore): Terminated for similar reasons; re-tendering will occur post land possession. Projects Delayed Under Punjab PWD JalandharHoshiarpur (NH-3, 39.13 km): Sanctioned for 1,069.59 crore, awarded in 2017, now facing termination due to persistent land acquisition delays. Widening of a 3.57 km stretch of same highway (15.04 crore): Facing right-of-way constraints; revised completion date: 30 November 2025. MakhuArifke (NH-703A, 24.6 km): Worth 192.48 crore, including two ROBs, now rescheduled to finish by 31 December 2025 (original deadline was May 2021). ROB at Fazilka (NH-07, 38.02 crore): Delayed due to pending railway clearances, now progressing with a target completion date of 31 October 2025. ArifkeFerozepurMuktsarMalout (NH-354, 63.27 km, 263.19 crore): Delayed due to NOCs from the Irrigation Department and land issues. Muktsar SahibMalout section (27.66 km, 152.58 crore): Toll plaza construction stalled; PWD advised to redesign within available land. PMGSY Projects Worth 828 Crore Scrapped Road and bridge projects sanctioned under PMGSY-III have been scrapped due to the Punjab governments inability to initiate work before the required deadline of 31 March. The Centre had sanctioned 64 rural roads (628.48 km) and 38 bridges (each over 15 metres in length) for a total of 828.87 crore. Some of these were located in sensitive border districts such as Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, and Tarn Taran. In correspondence with the Union Ministry of Rural Development, Punjabs PWD stated that many of these roads were recommended for urgent repairs by Members of Parliament and were of utmost importance. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also wrote to Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan requesting reconsideration, stating that without these bridges, the completed roads would be of little use. However, the Centre responded that only projects tendered and already under construction by the original March 2025 deadline now extended to March 2026 would be allowed to continue. Works which have started on the ground but are not feasible to continue further shall be foreclosed, the Ministry clarified. Sources revealed that 59 of the roadworks were to be implemented using Full Depth Reclamation (FDR) technology, for which very few consultancy firms in India have adequate expertise another contributing factor to the delays. With Punjabs road infrastructure plans facing widespread disruption, the delays pose serious questions over administrative efficiency, land management, and inter-agency coordination at both the state and central levels.
CHANDIGARH: Punjab has recorded a staggering rise of more than one lakh dog bite cases in the last five years, with daily averages now touching 882 incidents. The state, which has around 6.5 lakh dogs, including over three lakh stray dogs, has witnessed a sharp increase in cases, with officials warning of the public health risks. In the first seven months of this year alone, a total of 1.88 lakh dog bite cases have been reported, while last years total stood at 2.13 lakh. The worst affected districts are Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Patiala. As per the official data accessed by this newspaper from the state health department, between January and July this year, Amritsar district recorded the highest number of cases at 29,504, followed by Ludhiana (21,777), Patiala (14,120), Jalandhar (12,349), Hoshiarpur (10,920) and SAS Nagar (9,860). There has been a steady jump in incidents over the past five years, 1.10 lakh cases in 2020, 1.26 lakh in 2021, 1.65 lakh in 2022, 2.02 lakh in 2023, and 2.13 lakh in 2024, reflecting a rise of more than one lakh cases during the period. This year, three deaths have been reported. Last month, a mother and daughter allegedly died of rabies in Pathankot, and on July 17, a 32-year-old man succumbed in Patiala after being bitten by a stray dog. An analysis of data from 2020 to 2024 shows Jalandhar district has recorded the highest total of 1.12 lakh cases over the four years, followed by Ludhiana (99,678), Patiala (63,782), Hoshiarpur (56,113), SAS Nagar (55,286) and Amritsar (44,249). Stray dogs in Delhi: SC slams local authorities for inaction, reserves order According to the 2019 animal census conducted by the state animal husbandry department, there were 2.90 lakh stray dogs and 3.32 lakh pet dogs in Punjab. The latest animal census has been completed this year but is yet to be notified. There has been an increase of 5 per cent in the dog population in the state after the last census, said an official. Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh said vaccination for dog bites is available at all community health centres (CHCs) and treatment has now been extended to all Aam Aadmi Clinics across the state. The people should immediately rush to the nearest government health centres for treatment, which is free, and should not ignore it at all, he added. The health department is yet to issue standard operating procedures (SOPs) for government doctors, whose diagnosis will determine compensation for dog bite cases. Although SOPs have been formulated, they have not been circulated. A five-member committee was constituted following an order from the Punjab and Haryana High Court last year, which announced compensation of Rs 10,000 for each tooth mark and Rs 20,000 for every 0.2 cm of wound where the flesh is torn off, said sources. A veterinary expert said that in 50 per cent of dog bite cases, the culprit is a pet dog biting its owner or someone else, not a stray. However, the general perception remains that stray dogs are primarily responsible. Sources added that the animal birth control (ABC) programme to sterilise dogs has been outsourced to private agencies by most municipalities under the local bodies department, but it has not achieved the desired results, particularly in major cities. Sterilisation is the only scientific method to control the stray dog population and thus, in turn, can reduce dog bite incidents, said a senior officer on condition of anonymity. It was also pointed out that there are few dog shelters in large municipalities across the state for post-animal care under the birth control set-up, and no dedicated dog pounds exist.
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.
Street food vendor dips plastic packets in hot oil to open them; video viral
Hyderabad: A street food stall making bread pakodas in Ludhiana showed their trick of pouring oil in a frying pan, shocking everyone in the process. In a now viral video, the vendor is seen dipping the oil packets directly into the hot frying pan with residual oil, which makes the plastic melt, making it easy 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 .
Ludhiana vendor dips plastic pouches in hot oil to fry pakode, video stirs outrage online
A vlogger is heard asking him about his unique method. But the vendor looks unconcerned and simply says that the pouches open instantly as soon as the oil is hot enough.
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 .
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.
ED Initiates PMLA Probe In Axis Mutual Fund 'Front-Running' Case, Conducts Multi-City Searches
The ED searches under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act were conducted in Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar, Bhuj, Gurugram, Kolkata and Ludhiana, the sources said.
Jailed gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria threatened to kill my son, alleges Punjab Congress MP Randhawa
CHANDIGARH: Senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament from Gurdaspur, Punjab, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, has alleged that the jailed gangster Jagdeep Singh alias Jaggu Bhagwanpuria has threatened to kill his son, Udhayveer Singh Randhawa. Randhawa, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab, who is currently in the national capital for the Monsoon Session of Parliament, said that a person named Parminder Singh from Fatehgarh Churian and a few other party supporters came to meet his son at 10 am on Thursday. An hour after a picture from the meeting was posted online, there was a firing at his son's turban shop. But thankfully, no one was injured. I have brought the matter to the notice of the Punjab DGP, he said. He alleged that even from inside prison, Bhagwanpuria was threatening people and that one of his associates had also received a threatening call. After the firing incident on Thursday evening, one person repeatedly wrote objectionable comments on my son's social media post, Randhawa added. He questioned the functioning of the states law enforcement agencies, asking, Where is their intelligence, where is their cyber crime unit? If a common individual posts a status with a gun in hand, they are arrested immediately. But those who are openly threatening otherswhat action is being taken against them? Threats didnt deter us even during the days of terrorism. We are not afraid. But my concern is: where does the law and order situation in the state stand today? Alleging that law and order has collapsed in Punjab, Randhawa pointed to a recent incident where a prominent businessman was shot dead in broad daylight outside his showroom. There have been several other serious crimes. What is the situation today? he asked. This latest incident comes just over a month after Bhagwanpurias mother, Harjit Kaur, and a relative, Karanvir Singh, were shot dead in Batala, Gurdaspur district, on June 26. The rival Davinder Bambiha gang claimed responsibility for the killings. Randhawa said that after the Batala incident, an MLA from the ruling AAP claimed the killing of Bhagwanpurias mother was a political murder. The police should have taken his statement and questioned how it was a political murder. What are the police doing? I have repeatedly brought to the notice of senior officers the issue of a police officers nexus with gangstersa matter that threatens national securitybut no action has been taken, he said. Earlier, Randhawa also posted on X, stating: Jailed gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria has threatened to kill my son. One of my associates met my son and within an hour of leaving, he was fired upon today. Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal have turned Punjab into a gangster's paradise where law and order have totally collapsed. I am in Delhi for the Parliament session. No gangster can shake me! Randhawa has previously accused Bhagwanpuria of influencing voters in Dera Baba Nanak during elections, including the November 2023 assembly bypoll, where he alleged the gangsters family intimidated locals to support AAP candidates. Responding to the allegations, AAP spokesperson Neel Garg said Randhawa should provide full details so the matter can be investigated. He added, Everyone knows that gangsters got patronage under previous Congress governments. The AAP government has zero tolerance towards gangsterism. We do not spare anyone who tries to disturb law and order. Since coming to power, we have jailed several gangsters and even attached their properties. Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, a gangster with over 128 criminal casesincluding murder, extortion, arms smuggling, and drug traffickingis currently lodged in Silchar Central Jail, Assam, under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. He was shifted there from Bathinda Central Jail in March this year. He was already in the custody of Punjab Police in connection with the 2022 murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala and faces several other criminal charges. Reacting to Randhawa's claims, Leader of the Opposition in Punjab and senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa said, A jailed gangster openly threatening a senior INC leader, former Deputy CM, and sitting MPthis is not just a law and order failure, its a damning indictment of the complete collapse of governance under Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal. If gangsters can intimidate elected representatives from behind bars, what chance does the common man in Punjab stand? Is this the badlav AAP promiseda state where criminals rule and citizens live in fear? Bajwa accused the AAP government of turning Punjab into a playground for gangsters, saying, While Kejriwal remains busy marketing false narratives, Punjab has become lawless under AAP. Punjab Congress president and Ludhiana MP Amrinder Singh Raja Warring also condemned the incident, saying, A gangster has the audacity to threaten a senior INC leader from inside jail! Imagine the plight of common people in Punjab. This reflects the complete collapse of law and order in Punjab.
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.
New Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat: The Train For Your Next Vaishno Devi Visit | Complete Guide
New Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat: The cities connected by the services are New Delhi, Ambala, Ludhiana, Pathankot, Udhampur, Kathua, Jammu Tawi, and Katra
Punjabs land pooling policy challenged in High Court as activists flag environmental concern
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Governments controversial land pooling policy, aimed at acquiring nearly 65,000 acres across the state for residential and industrial development, has come under legal scrutiny, with a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging it in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. A PIL was filed stating that this policy fails to comply with statutory safeguards, including social and environmental impact assessments, fair compensation, and rehabilitation of affected families. The petition comes at a time when farmers and opposition parties are protesting against the implementation of this policy. Social activists Naveender PK Singh and Samita Kaur are the petitioners in this case and have submitted to the High Court that the move to acquire such a large chunk of land would have widespread negative effects on the agrarian economy of Punjab, which is a major contributor to the food grain supply of the country. This petition has been moved by advocates Sahir Singh Virk and V.B. Godara. During the hearing, the High Court was informed that the said policy is directly contrary to the spirit and mandate of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (LARR Act), which is a central legislation. The case was heard by the division bench headed by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu. Responding to the plea, the counsel for the Punjab Government contended that the land pooling policy was notified under the 2025 policy and not under the LARR Act 2013, as argued by the petitioner. On this, the bench of the Chief Justice advised the counsel for the petitioner to amend the petition accordingly to challenge the acquisition of land as per the 2025 policy. The matter was adjourned for August 19 for further hearing. Virk said that they will now amend the petition challenging the Land Pooling Policy 2025. Although we tried to convince the court that there is not much difference between the policies as the 2025 policy is in continuation of the 2013 policy, on the advice of the bench, we will amend our petition accordingly. The next date of hearing has now been fixed for August 19, he said. The petition stated that the policy mechanism was arbitrary and unjust and lacked any legal framework for ensuring transparency or protecting farmers' rights. Moreover, it circumvents the safeguards of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (LARR Act). The policy is being used as an indirect and illegal method of land acquisition that sidesteps the mandatory procedures laid down under the LARR Act, particularly Sections 4, 8, and 10, which mandate social and environmental impact assessments and bar acquisition of fertile agricultural land except in exceptional circumstances, the plea states. The petitioners have alleged that the state government, through agencies like the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA), is pressing ahead with the project despite massive opposition. More than 1,600 landowners and farmers have already submitted affidavits before GLADA opposing the move. Media reports have extensively covered the protests and highlighted discrepancies between the states claims and the situation on the ground, the petition further stated. The petitioners have prayed for quashing the impugned notifications dated July 4 and to restrain Punjab from proceeding with the land pooling policy without adhering to the due process of law under the LARR Act, especially when such fertile agricultural land is at stake.
Van falls into Punjab canal, women & kids among 8 dead
A tragic accident occurred in Ludhiana as an overloaded pick-up van carrying 25 pilgrims returning from Naina Devi temple plunged into the Sirhind canal. Eight people, including women and children, died, and two remain missing. The vehicle, carrying pilgrims from Manakwal village, veered off the Jagera bridge, leading to the devastating incident, while some passengers managed to swim to safety.
Six dead, three missing as pick-up truck with pilgrims falls into canal in Ludhiana
CHANDIGARH: At least six people, including two children, died and three others went missing after a pick-up truck carrying 25 pilgrims returning from the Naina Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh plunged into the Sirhind canal late Sunday night. The accident occurred near Jagera Bridge on the Malerkotla road, close to Dehlon in Ludhiana district. According to sources, the devotees, all residents of Manakwal village, were on their way home after offering prayers at the hill shrine when the driver lost control of the vehicle and it veered off the bridge into the canal. Local residents rushed to the spot to help before rescue teams arrived. A total of 22 people were pulled out of the canal, of whom 16 are said to be safe. Those injured were taken to hospitals in Dehlon, Payal, Ludhiana, Ahmedgarh Mandi, and Khanna. Efforts are on to trace the three missing persons. Deputy Commissioner of Ludhiana Himanshu Jain confirmed the death toll and said those missing include one man, one woman, and a child. Rescue teams are working to recover the remaining victims, who are feared to be stuck in the mud, he said. Senior Superintendent of Police, Khanna, Dr Jyoti Yadav, said police received a call about the accident around 9. 45 pm. A rescue operation was immediately launched. The injured have been admitted to different hospitals, she said. Local MLA Manvinder Singh Giaspura and senior civil and police officials also visited the site and supervised the rescue efforts.
