AIP Seeks Court Nod for MP Er Rashids Attendance in Parliament
SRINAGAR: The Awami Ittehaad Party (AIP) on Sunday submitted a formal application before the Patiala House Court in New Delhi, seeking permission for its incarcerated president and newly elected Member of Parliament, Engineer Abdul Rashid, to attend the upcoming session of the Lok Sabha scheduled to begin on July 21, 2025. The plea was filed []
Punjab govt to introduce stringent anti-sacrilege bill, proposes life term or death penalty
CHANDIGARH: The Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab Government is set to introduce a fresh and more stringent bill to tackle acts of sacrilege during a special two-day assembly session scheduled for July 10 and 11. The proposed legislation includes provisions for life imprisonment or even the death penalty for individuals found guilty of desecrating any religious scripture. This will be the third consecutive Punjab government to bring forward anti-sacrilege legislation. Previous attempts by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-BJP government in 2016 and the Congress government in 2018 were either returned by the Centre or failed to receive Presidential assent. During a meeting held last Saturday at the Chief Ministers official residence with representatives of the Sarb Dharam Beadbi Rokko Kanoon Morcha, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had announced the governments intent to introduce the new law. Sources confirmed that a state-specific amendment to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) will be required. The government is currently seeking legal opinion on including the death penalty for sacrilege. If not legally viable, the bill will at least propose life imprisonment, a senior official said. The move comes amid growing political and public pressure for tougher punishment. Gurjeet Singh Khalsa has been protesting since October last year atop a BSNL tower in Samana (Patiala), demanding the death penalty for those found guilty of sacrilege. The first legislative effort came in 2016 when the SAD-BJP government introduced The Indian Penal Code (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2016 and The Code of Criminal Procedure (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2016, recommending life imprisonment for desecration of the Guru Granth Sahib. However, the Centre returned the bills, stating that the amendments must apply to all religions in keeping with the secular principles of the Constitution. In 2018, the Captain Amarinder Singh-led Congress government passed two similar bills, expanding the scope to include the Guru Granth Sahib, Bhagavad Gita, Holy Quran, and Holy Bible, but these too failed to secure Presidential assent. The Union Government recently returned these bills, advising the state to draft fresh legislation under the framework of the new BNS. CM Mann has repeatedly asserted that the desecration of religious scriptures is a serious issue and noted that while the BNS addresses religious places, it is silent on sacred texts. He emphasised that the matter falls under the Concurrent List, giving states the authority to enact their own law. Sections 298 and 299 of the BNS provide for lighter penalties: up to two years' imprisonment for defiling a place of worship and up to three years for deliberate acts meant to offend religious sentiments. The political sensitivity of the issue dates back to October 2015, when an incident of sacrilege involving the Guru Granth Sahib in Bargari during the SAD-BJP regime triggered widespread outrage and had a profound impact on Punjabs political landscape an event from which the Akali Dal is still seen to be recovering. While CM Mann favours capital punishment for sacrilege, some voices within the party argue that such a sentence may not stand legal scrutiny and could be seen as excessively harsh. Nonetheless, the upcoming bill signals a firm political stance on a matter that continues to stir strong emotions across the state.
Punjabi University researchers have developed a groundbreaking technology that converts Punjabi text into Braille, empowering visually impaired individuals. The system, featuring Gurmukhi-to-Braille transcription and text-to-speech functionality, offers near-perfect accuracy in both Grade-1 and Grade-2 Braille.
Husband kills self unaware wife died by suicide after a fight; three children orphaned
In a tragic turn of events in Punjab's Patiala district, a couple died by suicide following a misunderstanding. Gurmeet Singh, unaware of his wife Manpreet Kaur's earlier suicide, took his own life, leaving their three children orphaned. Manpreet had left home after a marital dispute, and Gurmeet mistakenly believed she had eloped, prompting his devastating decision.
PUP Result 2025 Released at pupexamination.ac.in Direct Link to Download 1st, 3rd Sem Result
PUP Result 2025: Punjabi University Patiala Result 2025 has been released on pupexamination.ac.in. Here is the direct Link to check your B.A/B.Voc/Diploma 1st, 3rd Sem Results Online.
SAD leader Majithia sent to 14 days judicial custody in disproportionate assets case
CHANDIGARH: Senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia, who is the brother-in-law of party president Sukhbir Singh Badal, was today sent to 14 days judicial custody in a disproportionate assets case by a court in Mohali. Amid tight security arrangements, Majithia was produced before the court. The police also detained several prominent SAD leaders and workers in different parts of the state in the morning to prevent them from coming towards Mohali. Speaking to the media after the court hearing, public prosecutors Ferry Sofat and Preet Inderpal Singh said Majithia has been sent to judicial custody for two weeks and will be lodged in the New Jail at Nabha. During investigations, many things have come to the fore during the remand period, Sofat said. Preet Inderpal said under the provisions of the law, if an investigating agency feels that remand is again required based on new facts emerging during the investigation, an application can be moved before the court to seek the remand. On the other hand, Arshdeep Singh Kler, counsel for Majithia, claimed the investigating agency does not have anything to back their case. The government only wants to suppress the voice of the Akali Dal. The police did not have proof in the drug case till today, and now in the disproportionate assets case, they did not find any asset. They only created media hype around the case, Kler alleged. Earlier, on July 2, a court here had extended the vigilance remand of Majithia by four more days. The next date of hearing is now set for July 19. Sources said Majithia was taken to Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, on Saturday to gather evidence related to Saraya Industries. Majithia, on July 1, had moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court against the DA case, in which the next date of hearing has been fixed for July 8. He had termed it political witch-hunting and vendetta for being a vocal critic of the present government. In his petition, he sought appropriate relief against his illegal arrest and the subsequent remand granted in the FIR registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The said FIR is a result of political witch-hunting and vendetta, initiated by the present political dispensation with the sole object of maligning and harassing the petitioner, who has been a vocal critic and political opponent, the petition read. The petitioner submitted that the FIR registered against him is patently illegal, while his arrest was carried out in gross violation of settled legal procedures. The Punjab Vigilance Bureau had arrested Majithia on June 25 in a DA case allegedly involving the laundering of Rs 540 crore of drug money. In the fresh FIR registered against Majithia, the agency claimed that preliminary investigations revealed more than Rs 540 crore of drug money had been laundered through several means and that it was allegedly facilitated by Majithia. This FIR against Majithia stems from an ongoing investigation being conducted by a Punjab Police Special Investigation Team into a drug case. In 2021, Majithia was booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The action was taken on the basis of a 2018 report of the anti-drug Special Task Force. Majithia had spent more than five months in Patiala Central Jail and walked out of prison in August 2022 after the Punjab and Haryana High Court granted him bail.
PUP Result 2025: Punjabi University Patiala Result 2025 has been released on punjabiuniversity.ac.in. Here is the direct Link to check your B.A/B.B.A/B.Com/B.Voc/B.Sc/M.A/MBA/Other Exams UG PG Courses Results Online.
Punjabi University, Patiala has announced the results for various UG and PG programmes including B.Com, BALLB, B.C.A., MBA, L.L.B., and Diploma in Computer Applications. The results are available on the official university portal and are for immediate information only. Punjabi University, established under Punjab Act No. 35 of 1961, remains a leading institution promoting Punjabi language and higher education. Students are advised to verify their results with official marksheets once issued.
Partition survivor who was saved by a Muslim dies at 102
Ram Krishan Singh, a 102-year-old survivor of the 1947 Partition, passed away in Punjab's Patiala. During the violent upheaval, his father was murdered, but Ram Krishan was saved by a Muslim villager's courageous intervention. His life exemplified resilience and the enduring impact of kindness amidst the horrors of communal violence, leaving behind a legacy of compassion.
Saved by a Muslim during 1947 riots, Partition survivor Ram Krishan Singh dies in Patiala at 102
Pitbull owner in Punjab arrested for allegedly using dogs to hunt protected porcupines
CHANDIGARH: In a rare case in Punjab, the owner of a Pitbull has been arrested by the Punjab Police for allegedly using the dog, known for its keen sense of smell and strong muscular build, to illegally hunt porcupines, a protected animal species. The arrest followed the intervention of animal rights activist and BJP MP Maneka Gandhi. Pitbulls have been bred and used for hunting for centuries, with many hunters across the world preferring this breed as a skilled hunting companion. After Maneka Gandhi intervened and sent an e-mail to the Chief Wildlife Warden of Punjab, Ajay Kumar of Jansua village in Rajpura was arrested by the state police. Two of his dogs, both of the boxer breed, were also taken into custody. Sources said Kumar was allegedly rearing Pitbulls specifically for the illegal hunting of protected animal species and had uploaded videos of the activity on social media to gain more views and promote the act. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden, Punjab, Dharminder Sharma said such wildlife act violations will not be tolerated. Strict action will be taken against the alleged accused in the future, as field officers have been given clear instructions in this regard, he said. Porcupines, listed under Schedule IV of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, are protected species, and hunting or killing them is a punishable offence. Porcupine is hunted rampantly for its meat and in addition, its bones and sharp quills are used for medicinal purposes, as they use their quills to protect themselves from predators, Sharma said. He added, A complaint via e-mail along with a pen drive was received from Maneka Gandhis office, showing the Instagram account of the accused in which he is allegedly seen using his dogs to hunt a porcupine. In the past, dogs have also been used in rabbit races by people conducting illegal races, Sharma added. A case has been registered under Sections 9, 39, and 51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (amended 2022) at Sadar Rajpura police station. The accused, Ajay Kumar, has been arrested for allegedly training and using Pitbulls to hunt wild animals, including porcupines. We apprehend that the accused got to know about the police raid and managed to shift his dogs to another safer location. We will try to trace the dogs and also question him. Besides, people who bought porcupine meat will be identified, and strict action as per law will be taken against them, said a senior police official. Patiala Divisional Forest Officer (Wildlife), Guramanpreet Singh, said, The videos of the Pitbulls posted by the accused were later deleted by him. We are trying to find out if he has been involved in hunting more animals and if he has been supplying the meat and other animal parts to others. As soon as the e-mail was received, our team got into action and the alleged accused Kumar was identified. Police were then approached to arrest him, Singh added.
SAD leader Majithias custody extended as Badal lashes out at undeclared emergency in Punjab
CHANDIGARH: A Mohali court on Tuesday extended by four days the vigilance custody of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia, brother-in-law of party president Sukhbir Singh Badal. Majithia was earlier arrested in a disproportionate assets (DA) case. Meanwhile, Badal and several party workers were taken into preventive custody by Punjab Police to stop them from marching to the district court complex to express solidarity with Majithia. Majithia was produced before the court amid tight security outside the Vigilance Bureau (VB) office and the district court complex in Mohali after his seven-day vigilance remand ended. He will be produced in court again on Sunday. He was brought to the court in a cavalcade of vehicles under heavy police protection. The special public prosecutor stated that an alleged benami property of around 400 acres had been found at Mashobra in Shimla district. Speaking to the media after a three-hour hearing, public prosecutor Ferry Sofat said the court extended Majithias remand by four more days after the Vigilance Bureau filed an application. Meanwhile, SAD workers had gathered at Gurdwara Amb Sahib in Mohali to stage a protest against the vendetta politics of the AAP government, with several workers reaching Mohali from different parts of the state. The police detained a few workers en route to Mohali to prevent any law-and-order situation. The Punjab Vigilance Bureau arrested Majithia on 25 June in the DA case, which allegedly involves laundering of 540 crore of drug money. Following his arrest, the court on 26 June remanded him to seven days of vigilance custody. In the fresh case registered against Majithia, the VB claimed preliminary investigations had revealed laundering of over 540 crore of drug money through multiple channels, allegedly facilitated by him. In 2021, Majithia was booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The action was based on a 2018 report of the anti-drug Special Task Force. He spent more than five months in Patiala jail and walked out of prison in August 2022 after being granted bail by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Badal, who was whisked away from Gurdwara Amb Sahib in Mohali, accused the AAP-led Punjab government of imposing an undeclared emergency in the state by cracking down on SAD workers who, he said, had the right to express solidarity with Majithia. Badal alleged that Arvind Kejriwal committed heinous sacrilege against sacred Sikh Gurdhams by abusing police to prevent devotees, including Akali workers, from paying obeisance at Gurdwara Amb Sahib, Mohali this morning. Earlier, Badal courted arrest along with numerous Akali workers to protest what he described as political vendetta symbolised by the registration of a false case against senior leader Bikram Singh Majithia. He said, That case is nothing but a symptom of Kejriwals hatred against Punjabis and an attempt to cover up his greed and loot in Punjab. Badal was stopped by police squads from visiting Gurdwara Amb Sahib to pay obeisance. He was scheduled to lead Akali workers to the State Vigilance Bureau office to protest the political vendetta unleashed against Akali leader Bikram Majithia. He said the AAP was so afraid of the Shiromani Akali Dal that it launched a state-level crackdown on Akali workers and detained hundreds of senior leaders and workers at their residences, besides making preventive arrests. Everything in Punjab is being directed and run by Arvind Kejriwal. Police cases are just a faade. The real issue is the hatred this communal leader has against Punjabis. We, as Sikhs, Punjabis and Akalis, accept his challenge. We will not allow Punjab to be ruled by communal elements from Delhi, Badal alleged. He further claimed, Kejriwal and his gang have finally and unashamedly shown their true dictatorial colours and brought back the dark memories of the worst draconian days of the Emergency. Now, as during the Emergency, the real targets are Punjabis in general and Akalis in particular. Badal added that Kejriwal had resorted to repression as a last desperate measure to divert public attention from the loot that his gang was currently carrying out in Punjab. Repression and political vendetta, he said, were the last resorts of all unpopular and rootless leaders. Describing the crackdown on peaceful Akalis as worse than that during the Emergency or even the Jaitu Da Morcha, he said, Not even during those days were Sikhs stopped from going to their sacred shrines, as Akali workers and I were stopped today from peacefully visiting our Gurdham, Gurdwara Amb Sahib, Mohali.
Akali leader Majithia lashes out at AAP after Punjab Vigilance raids, arrest in assets case
CHANDIGARH: Senior Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia, who is the brother-in-law of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal, was on Tuesday arrested by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau following a raid on his residence in Amritsar. Sources said the vigilance bureau carried out raids at 25 locations across the state. The vigilance team, led by Assistant Inspector General of Police Swarandeep Singh, raided Majithias house and seized 29 mobile phones, four laptops, two iPads, eight diaries, and several documents. He was arrested in connection with a disproportionate assets case. SAD leaders attempted to enter the Majithia residence but were pushed back by the state police after a minor scuffle. As the news of the raid spread on social media, Akali leaders and supporters gathered at the residence and raised slogans against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. A heavy police presence was deployed on the road leading to the residence, and barricades were set up to restrict access. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Punjab Police is also investigating a 2021 drug case against Majithia. The Vigilance Bureau has yet to issue an official statement regarding the case or the charges against Majithia. As a team of officials entered his house, Majithia and his wife, Akali MLA Ganieve Kaur Majithia, claimed that members of the Vigilance Bureau barged into their Green Avenue home in Amritsar. They also alleged that a similar raid had taken place at their residence in Chandigarh. She said a disproportionate assets case had been registered against her husband. We will continue to fight. People will stand by Majithia, she said, claiming that a 30-member team from the bureau entered their house. She asked the officials, What is happening? I want to know what is going on. How did you barge into my house without my knowledge? Majithia was heard arguing with vigilance officials, expressing his dismay over the manner in which they entered his house. He also alleged that the officials terrified his children. You have forced your way through. This is not the way. I am not going anywhere. I am ready to cooperate, Majithia told the vigilance team. SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, his wife and former Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal, and several senior Akali leaders criticised the AAP government over the raid at Majithias residence. The Shiromani Akali Dal stands like a rock with Bikram Singh Majithia. It is clear that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and his government are deeply rattled by Majithias bold and outspoken exposure of their corrupt and dark dealings. We have never bowed down, nor will we ever bow down, said Badal. In a video message, Majithia lashed out at the government, alleging that the AAP was using such tactics to silence opposition voices. He claimed a fresh case had been lodged by the vigilance department on Tuesday night. They forcefully entered the house. If an FIR has been lodged, we are submitted to the law. If they wanted to register an FIR in the DA (disproportionate assets) case, they could have given a notice and registered an FIR. It is very clear that they (AAP) are rattled, he said. Majithia said a team from the vigilance bureau, led by the Senior Superintendent of Police, had conducted the raid. Bhagwant Mann, understand this, no matter how many FIRs you register, neither I will be afraid, nor can your government suppress my voice. I have always talked about the issues of Punjab and will continue to do so, he said. Majithia had earlier been summoned and questioned several times in connection with the drug case. In March this year, the SIT claimed it had found suspicious financial transactions involving firms linked to Majithia and his family. It had also stated that its investigation had expanded to examine overseas transactions. A case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act was registered against Majithia on 20 December 2021, during the tenure of the Congress government. The action was based on a 2018 report from the anti-drug Special Task Force. The FIR was filed by the state Crime Branch at its Mohali police station. Majithia had then spent over five months in Patiala jail and was released in August 2022 after being granted bail by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala was known for his extravagant lifestyle, grand jewellery, vast harem, and love for food and luxury.
Municipal Corporation Patiala Project Coordinator Recruitment 2025 - Apply Online for 05 Posts
The Municipal Corporation Patiala (Municipal Corporation Patiala) has released an official notification for the recruitment of 05 Project Coordinator posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply online through the official Municipal Corporation Patiala website. The last date to submit the application form is 15-06-2025.
Heritage gets a makeover at Patialas Ran Baas The Palace
The story of the transformation of Ran Baas by The Park, arguably Punjabs first luxury hotel, thrusts you into a princely past
CHANDIGARH: Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that as the Indus Waters Treaty has been put in abeyance, efforts will be made to ensure that more water reaches farmers in Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan. He said that 80 per cent of water from the Indus river system was flowing into Pakistan. Giving 80 per cent water to Pakistan at that time was not justified. Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan require water and that water is ours. Now we will utilize that water for our farmers, said Chouhan. Chouhan, who was on a day-long visit to Punjab, visited a farmers' gathering (Kisan Chaupal) in Rajpura, Patiala, as well as the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Rauni. He was accompanied by Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, Punjab Agricultural University vice-chancellor Satbir Singh Gosal and ICAR scientists. He has been engaging with farmers across various states to promote sustainable and progressive farming practices as part of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan. Citing its benefits in water conservation and reduced labour costs, he said that farmers should adopt the Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) method and also urged them to refrain from excessive pesticide use. I have been apprised of good crop practices, be it direct seeding, mushroom farming or making silage, he said. When asked about complaints about fake pesticides, Chouhan said that the government will frame a new law, making a provision for stringent action against any company which supplies fake pesticides to farmers. Lauding the role of Punjab farmers in filling the foodgrain stock of the country, Chouhan said the country has registered an all-time record production in wheat, paddy, maize and soybean this year. For this, Punjab has the biggest role and I bow to the land of Punjab, said Chouhan. He emphasised that the research of agricultural scientists should reach farmers and scientists should know what problems farmers are facing at their fields so that research can be undertaken in that regard. I am not a guest here, I am a family member, I am not here for rhetoric but I am here to directly interact with farmers and understand the ground reality. Our focus should be to connect land and lab, so that farmers benefit from real-time innovation. Policies should come from the field not from officers in air-conditioned rooms. Chouhan said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a target that crop output should increase, input cost should drop, farmers should get remunerative prices for their crops and they should be compensated if they suffer any loss. Under the campaign, he said scientists are going amongst farmers and informing them which crops are better for them, considering the agro-climatic conditions in their respective areas. He added that the crop diversification programme is the need of the hour. We should grow crops which give profit as well as consume less water, he said. Earlier, he asked farmers to make experiments with fruits, vegetables and other crops. Crop diversification is an important issue. What are the crops which can generate more income? I am not saying that wheat and paddy will not be sown. That will be grown. We can make experiments towards growing mushrooms, fruits and vegetables, he told farmers. Chouhan visited the state at a time when farmers are up in arms against the AAP-led state government over the issue of missing tractor trolleys, following the sudden crackdown on protesting farmers on March 19 and the eviction of the Shambhu and Khanauri Morcha. Punjab Agriculture Minister Khudian, who accompanied Chouhan during the visit, raised concerns about the shortfall in DAP fertilizer supply, stating that while the requirement is around 90,000 metric tonnes, only 38,000 to 39,000 MT has been received so far. He also requested Chouhan to enhance compensation schemes to further discourage farm fires as stubble burning incidents during the Kharif season have decreased by 86 per cent. On crop diversification, Khudian said that while Rs 17,000 in compensation was promised, farmers have so far received only Rs 10,000.
Former DSP Bhola, convicted in Rs 700 crore drug racket case, out on bail after 12 years
CHANDIGARH: Former Deputy Superintendent of Punjab Police and Arjuna Award-winning wrestler Jagdish Bhola, an alleged kingpin of a synthetic narcotics racket worth Rs 700 crore, walked out of Bathinda Central Jail on June 1 after nearly 12 years of incarceration. He was granted bail by the Punjab and Haryana High Court on May 21. Hailing from Raike Kalan village in Bathinda, Bhola had been convicted in one of the largest drug trafficking cases in the history of the State, which involved a Rs 700 crore synthetic narcotics racket. He has been convicted in two cases, while a few more criminal cases were pending against him. In 2019, a special CBI court sentenced Bhola to 24 years in prison. Last year, he received an additional 10-year sentence following a conviction for money laundering. Confirming that Bhola has been released, Bathinda Central Jail Superintendent Manjit Singh Sidhu said that it took place in the evening of Sunday after all formalities were completed. The bail order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court came with strict conditions. Bhola was required to furnish a Rs 5 lakh bond and surrender his passport and complete a community service project (planting 100 trees within 15 days of his release). He was dismissed from the police force in 2012 after the recovery of poppy husk. Bhola was arrested by Punjab Police in November 2013 in connection with the Rs 700-crore multi-state drug trafficking network. Investigations led by Punjab Police and central agencies uncovered the illegal trade of synthetic drugs, including pseudoephedrine. The ED arrested him in 2014 and filed six charge sheets till 2017. His case became emblematic of the alleged nexus between crime and politics in Punjab. The Punjab Police had seized heroin, methamphetamine, pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, opium, intoxicating powder, and Rs 1.91 crore, besides foreign currency and arms from him. Despite being out on bail, Bholas legal troubles are far from over. His appeals in both the drug trafficking and money laundering cases are currently pending. Many FIRs have been registered against him in Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib and SAS Nagar districts of the State. Earlier he was allowed to visit his native village, Raike Kalan in Bathinda district, for five hours to perform the last rites of his father, Balshinder Singh, on July 26 last year. Earlier, he had come out to perform the last rites for his mother for a brief period in June 2023. Once celebrated as the 'King Kong' of Indian wrestling, he won a silver medal at the 1991 Asian Wrestling Championship. His dominance on the mat earned him the prestigious Arjuna Award, and he was appointed as a DSP by the Punjab Government in recognition of his sporting excellence.
CHANDIGARH: The Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab Governments ambitious plan to acquire over 24,000 acres of land in Ludhiana for urban development meets strong opposition from Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal, despite Chief Minister Bhagwant Manns assurances of voluntary participation and fair compensation. The most ambitious land acquisition initiative of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab Government to acquire 24,311 acres across more than 30 villages in Ludhiana for the development of urban estates may face significant hurdles. A political confrontation has erupted over the project, with both the Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) declaring their opposition. They have pledged to prevent the acquisition of even an inch of land, threatening agitation if necessary. Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has emphasized that the government is not forcibly acquiring land but is instead seeking consent from landowners. Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal warned of a state-wide protest if the government does not withdraw the project. He stated that his party would resist any land acquisition, even if it required launching an agitation. He alleged that the project was designed to enable large-scale corruption by AAP leaders from Delhi, including party chief Arvind Kejriwal. Badal further demanded a ban on land sales to residents of other states and stated, If Punjabis cannot purchase land in Himachal Pradesh, why should Punjab allow outsiders to buy land here? Criticizing the AAP Government, Punjab Congress president and Ludhiana MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring sent a letter to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, stating, Punjab is an agricultural state. We cannot afford to sacrifice green fields to cement and concrete, especially when there is no urgent requirement. You are stripping tens of thousands of farmers of their livelihoods, pushing them from prosperity to poverty. The large-scale acquisition would not only cripple the rural economy but also threaten Punjab's agricultural identity. If executed, this will turn farmers into landless labourers in urban slums. The anger among affected communities is real and growing. He questioned the necessity of acquiring new land when many existing colonies around Ludhiana remain underdeveloped. Warring urged Mann to reconsider the proposal, saying, Our ancestors belong to this land and so will our children. Let's not destroy what they built. Responding to opposition criticism, Chief Minister Mann reiterated during his 'AAP Sarkar, Aapke Dwar' programme in Patiala that the government is acting with transparency and consent. Some are creating baseless panic that the government plans to forcibly acquire your land. I am here today to clarify that we are not taking away anyone's land without their agreement. We are here to seek your advice, ensure your participation, and bring development to your doorstep. He also criticized past governments for corrupt land acquisition practices. Earlier, leaders like Sukhbir Badal approved plans, then shared them with their favourite few, the result was massive profiteering by a few, while farmers and common people were left to suffer. Those days are gone now. We are committed to transparency and fairness. Mann explained the land pooling policy, noting that it is entirely voluntary and allows landowners to retain their land for farming or other uses if they choose not to participate. Those who do not wish to give their land can continue using it for farming or other purposes. For those who opt in, Mann detailed the benefits: For every acre contributed, land owners receive a residential plot of 1,000 square yards in developed urban areas and a commercial space of 200 square yards for shops or showrooms. He added, All development costs, including roads, drainage, electricity and water supply infrastructure, will be borne by the government. For instance, if your land is worth Rs 1 crore per acre today, the developed property you receive in return will be worth Rs 3 to 4 crore. You can keep the property, rent it for consistent income, or sell it at your discretion. He also accused opposition leaders of hypocrisy and alleged links to the land mafia. Half of these leaders, who now claim to stand with the people, are builders themselves. They are friends with the land mafia and were responsible for selling off Punjab's lands to their associates at throwaway prices. They fear our policies because they bring accountability and remove corruption from the system. He assured that all agreements under the land pooling policy would be directly between the government and landowners, ensuring legal safeguards and preventing exploitation. Highlighting the issue of illegal colonies, the Punjab CM said, Illegal colonies mushroomed across Punjab, leaving residents without basic amenities like sewage, electricity or potable water. Builders and developers made profits and abandoned people. Our government is determined to regulate and redevelop these colonies, ensuring every resident gets access to modern facilities. The Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA), under the state housing department, has received the go-ahead to begin acquiring land for the proposed urban estate projects.
Tahawwur Rana seeks courts nod to communicate with family from jail
Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks case, has filed a plea. He approached the Patiala House Court on Tuesday. Rana is seeking permission to communicate with his family. He wants to do so while he remains in judicial custody. The court is yet to respond to Rana's request. The case continues to draw significant attention.
Delhi Court drops POCSO case against ex-WFI chief Brij Bhushan after minor withdraws allegation
NEW DELHI: A Delhi court has accepted the closure report filed by city police in a sexual harassment case against BJP leader and former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, involving allegations made by a female wrestler who was a minor at the time. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case, which carries a minimum jail term of three years depending on the charges, was closed after the complainant expressed no objection to the police findings. The order was passed by Additional Sessions Judge Gomti Manocha at Patiala House Court. During an in-camera hearing on August 1, 2023, the wrestler told the judge she was satisfied with the police investigation and did not wish to pursue the matter further. Delhi Police had moved to close the case on June 15, 2023, after the minors father admitted during the probe that he had lodged a false complaint against Singh. Citing a lack of corroborative evidence, police recommended that the case under the POCSO Act be dropped. Singh claimed the allegations were made in retaliation for what he perceived as unfair treatment of his daughter. The former BJP MP from Gonda has denied all allegations. However, he continues to face separate charges of sexual harassment and stalking in another case filed by six adult women wrestlers. In that case, formal charges were framed against Singh and ex-WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar on May 21, 2024, with both denying the allegations and demanding a trial. Charges under Sections 354 and 354A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) have been framed against Singh, along with charges under Section 506 (part 1), based on allegations by two women. Tomar faces charges under Section 506 (part 1) of the IPC based on one womans allegations but has been discharged from other allegations. The Delhi Police chargesheet, submitted on June 15, 2023, stated that both accused complied with investigative requirements under Section 41A of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), allowing the trial to proceed without arrest. The comprehensive 1,599-page document includes statements from 44 witnesses and photographic evidence.
Six trainee recruit constables of Punjab police dismissed for failing dope test
CHANDIGARH: Six trainee recruit constables of Punjab Police who tested positive for drug consumption at the Punjab Police Recruit Training Centre at Jahankhelan in Hoshiarpur were relieved from the basic training with immediate effect. The incident has prompted many to question the impact of the 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' program started by the AAP-led Punjab government to eradicate drug menace from state. Sources said that the trainee recruits reportedly exhibited suspicious behavior and that it was decided to conduct their dope tests. They trainees were tested on May 21 at the Civil Hospital in Hoshiarpur. Of the six trainees relieved from training, three were from Patiala district, two from Tarn Taran, and one from Ludhiana. They were all from the same batch, No. 270. All six have been sent back to their respective districts and struck off from the training program, said an official on condition of anonymity. The official letter issued by Camp Adjutant (Outdoor) Kuldeep Singh of Punjab Police Recruit Training Centre at Jahankhelan in Hoshiarpur on May 24, stated that the behaviour of the trainees indicated possible use of odourless intoxicants thus prompting the decision to subject them to a drug screening. The letter was addressed to Ludhiana Police Commissioner and senior police officials of Tarn Taran and Patiala. The office of the civil surgeon confirmed the positive results to the training centre authorities following which immediate disciplinary action was taken. The letter further stated that the names of recruits have been struck off from the ongoing training batch, and they have been directed to return to their respective districts. The district police officials concerned have been instructed to monitor and address the drug-related issues of the dismissed recruits to prevent any negative influence on other personnel. The problem of the drug abuse is prevalent in the state. Last month, a constable of the state police who rose to fame on social media as Insta Queen, Amandeep Kaur, was arrested for drug possession. 17 grams of drugs were recovered from her Thar jeep during a search on Badal Road in Bathinda last month, after which she was dismissed from service. On Monday, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau arrested her in connection with a disproportionate assets case. She was taken into custody from the residence of Raftar Khan, the elder sister of singer Afsana Khan, at Badal village in Muktsar district. Sources said that during the investigation, they found Amandeep had amassed assets worth approximately Rs 31 lakh more than her known sources of income between 2018 and 2025. Interestingly, the Punjab Government had started war against drugs Yudh Nashian Virudh to eradicate drug menace from state, and till date, 13,449 drug smugglers have been arrested in last 85 days. The state government is claiming to enforce a three-pronged strategy Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP) to eradicate drugs from the state. A few years back an assistant sub-inspector and a head constable of Tarant Taran were dismissed from service after they tested positive in a dope test. Both were posted at Patti and the Tarn Taran civil hospital had conducted their dope test.
Delhi court closes POCSO case against ex-WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh
New Delhi: A court here on Monday, May 26, accepted the Delhi Polices cancellation report for closure of a sexual harassment case lodged by a minor wrestler against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Cancellation accepted, said Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Gomti Manocha of Patiala House Courts. 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 .
CRPF jawan arrested for allegedly leaking sensitive information to Pakistan intelligence officers
NEW DELHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a CRPF personnel for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistan intelligence officers, officials said on Monday. The accused, Moti Ram Jat, was actively involved in espionage activity and had been sharing classified information related to national security with the Pakistan intelligence officers (PIOs) since 2023, they said. The agency has found that he was receiving funds from the PIOs through various conduits, officials said. NIA arrested Moti Ram from Delhi and is interrogating him. Moti Ram was remanded to its custody till June 6 by the special court at Patiala House Court, NIA said. Gujarat ATS nabs health worker for alleged espionage for Pakistan; this is the third such arrest in eight months
Colonel Assault Case: Punjab Police Inspector's Anticipatory Bail Rejected
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Friday rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Punjab Police inspector Ronnie Singh Salh in connection with the assault case of Army Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath in Patiala more than two months ago.
24-year-old law student dies of cardiac arrest at Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law
A 24-year-old law student, Udita, tragically died of cardiac arrest in her hostel at RGNUL, Patiala. Students allege delays in emergency response, including a locked wheelchair and unavailability of the on-call doctor. The university is under scrutiny as investigations continue, and a scheduled exam has been cancelled in mourning.
SGPC puts on hold decision to display ex-PM Manmohan Singh's portrait in museum at Golden Temple
CHANDIGARH: In a fresh controversy, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Friday decided to put on hold its decision to display a portrait of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh in the Central Sikh Museum at the Golden Temple complex. This comes after Balwant Singh Rajoana, who is currently in a Patiala jail after being convicted for the assassination of then Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, objected to the move in a letter. SGPC Secretary Partap Singh said that in the recent meeting of the executive committee of the SGPC, the installation of Dr Manmohan Singhs portrait in the Central Sikh Museum was approved. However, following objections raised by various groups, SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami has ordered the matter to be put on hold for the time being, he said, adding that the SGPC respects the sentiments of the Sikh community and believes that a general consensus is essential on the matter. He further said the decision regarding the portrait will be reconsidered in a future meeting of the executive committee. In his letter addressed to the SGPC, Rajoana expressed his opposition to the move, stating that Dr Manmohan Singh during his tenure as Prime Minister represented a political party that he termed responsible for atrocities against Sikhs. Rajoana wrote that the inclusion of Dr Singhs portrait in the Sikh museum is inappropriate and unjustified. Dr Manmohan Singh was the Prime Minister of a party responsible for the Sikh genocide. His portrait has no place in a museum that represents the pride and sacrifices of the Sikh community, the letter read. However, the matter has sparked debate within religious and political circles regarding the criteria and considerations for showcasing individuals in Sikh institutions. In January this year, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) had announced that it will hold an Akhand Path and Ardas at Golden Temple to honour the memory of former PM Manmohan Singh. SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal had then shared the announcement on social media, stating that the ceremony will pray for peace to the departed soul. The party had then planned to request the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to install Singhs portrait in the Sikh Museum at the Golden Temple complex. Dr Manmohan Singhs father went to jail during the Morcha for the establishment of SGPC. He himself was a member of the All India Sikh Students Federation, Badal had said.
CHANDIGARH: Breaking a five-year-long deadlock, the Akal Takht (the supreme temporal seat of the Sikhs) today lifted the ban on religious congregations of Sikh preacher Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale over allegations of misinterpreting the Gurbani (hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib), after he pledged to abide by Sikh principles and traditions. The five high priests accepted Dhadrianwale's apology letter while allowing him to preach Sikhism solely in the light of maintaining the sanctity of Gurmat and the Sikh code of conduct (Rehat Maryada). The officiating Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, questioned Dhadrianwale from the podium (faseel) of the Akal Takht regarding his controversial remarks on Sikh principles. Dhadrianwale humbly acknowledged his mistakes and expressed his desire to work within the mainstream of the Khalsa Panth, preaching Sikhism under the umbrella of the Akal Takht. Earlier in the day, Dhadrianwale submitted a formal apology to the five high priests, clarifying his stance on previous allegations of distorting Sikh principles in his discourses. As a symbolic gesture of acceptance, Gargaj ordered Dhadrianwale to offer a deg worth 501 at the Akal Takht, a traditional act signifying humility and reconciliation. On April 22, Gargaj had extended an open invitation to Dhadrianwale and other Sikh preachers to appear before the Akal Takht, clarify past controversies, and rejoin the mainstream of Sikh preaching. In response, Dhadrianwale claimed that his statements were morphed and politically influenced, hinting at his willingness to clarify matters and join the Sikh propagation campaign being initiated by Gargaj. The five high priests included Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, Golden Temple granthi Giani Rajdeep Singh, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Jathedar Baba Tek Singh, Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib head granthi Joginder Singh, and Akal Takht's granthi Giani Gurbakshish Singh. Dhadrianwale, who is considered to be the arch-rival of Damdami Taksal head Harnam Singh Dhuma, appeared before the five Sikh high priests at the Akal Takht today and sought forgiveness for his mistakes. Last week, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) tasked with looking into a rape-murder case in Patiala had recommended that the FIR against Dhadrianwale, registered in December last year, be cancelled, as it could not find anything to substantiate the allegations. The lifting of the ban against Dhadrianwale comes at a time when Dhuma has turned against the Shiromani Akali Dal and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). Dhuma wants the SGPC to remove acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj. He is now reportedly close to the BJP, especially since the SAD snapped political ties with its long-time ally. A five-member committee was constituted by the Akal Takht in 2019 to probe the allegations against Dhadrianwale for allegedly misinterpreting the Gurbani and insulting Sikh customs. On August 24, 2020, the Akal Takht asked the Sikh community to maintain distance from Dhadrianwale until he issued a clarification on the allegations and apologised for them.
Highest ever private procurement of wheat in Punjab this year at 10.79 LMT
CHANDIGARH: Private traders have bought 10.79 lakh metric tonnes of wheat this rabi season in Punjab, the highest ever purchase by the private sector, paying about Rs 200 more than the Minimum Support Price (MSP) to farmers. The highest purchase by private players was from Sangrur, home district of chief minister Bhagwant Mann. As per official data with the state food and supplies department, a total of 130.5 lakh tonnes of wheat have been procured across the state till May 15, the last day of procurement; government agencies purchased 119.2 lakh tonnes and the remaining 10.79 lakh tonnes were bought by private players. 2.43 lakh tonnes was purchased from Sangrur, home district of chief minister Bhagwant Mann, followed by 1.32 lakh tonnes from Faridkot, 1.01 lakh tonnes from Ludhiana (East), 70,704 tonnes from Patiala and 68,020 tonnes from Bathinda. The rise in private purchases has been seen as a positive development as the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of wheat has risen from Rs 2,425 per quintal to Rs 2,640 per quintal in a few areas of Sangrur and Patiala. An officer, on condition of anonymity, said private traders procured 7.5 LMT last year and it was 6.5 LMT in 2022-23. A total of 119.2 lakh tonnes has been procured by government agencies as per data with the department. The highest purchase was from Muktsar at 8.77 LMT, followed by Patiala with 8.50 LMT, Bathinda with 8.42 LMT, Ferozepur district with 8.38 LMT, and Tarn Taran with 7.56 LMT. But interestingly, the state government remains behind its procurement target of 124 lakh tonnes set by the Union Government. A senior official of the state food and supplies department, on condition of anonymity, said that the fact that private players are procuring and paying more for wheat is a positive step and this shows that farmers are now not entirely dependent on government purchase. Talking to TNIE , Naresh Ghai, president of the Wheat Flour Millers Association of Punjab said that millers faced problems trying to source wheat last year at the rates had peaked at Rs 3,200 per quintal as the Centre declared release of wheat under Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) in July but the wheat was released in December, disrupting operation of flour mills. It became very difficult to buy wheat from open market for those few months. This year, millers are apprehensive that the government may also delay the release of wheat under OMSS, thus in anticipation and fear, they procured their wheat stocks for six to nine months from the farmers directly. Also, production is more this season than last season and farmers have kept wheat to sell later, he said. Punjab Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said the state government has procured the entire 130.03 LMT of wheat arriving in the mandis till the closure of the procurement season on May 15 and added that the payments to the tune of Rs 28,571 crore have been credited into the accounts of over 7 Lakh farmers. With regards to lifting, he mentioned that 104.51 LMT has been lifted, and the remaining would also be lifted within a few days.
NEW DELHI: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has appointed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, Senior Advocate Dayan Krishnan and Advocate Narender Mann as lead prosecutors in the National Investigation Agency (NIA) case against Tahawwur Rana, officials said on Friday. According to officials, the MHA in a notification said, In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of Section 15 of the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008 (34 of 2008), read with sub-section (8) of Section 18 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, the Central Government hereby appoints a team of Special Public Prosecutors, led by Tushar Mehta, Solicitor General of India, alongside S.V. Raju, Additional Solicitor General, Senior Advocate Dayan Krishnan and Advocate Narender Mann (previously notified as Special Public Prosecutors). It further stated, This team will oversee the trial and all related proceedings concerning the NIA case before the Special Courts in Delhi, the High Court of Delhi and the Supreme Court of India. In the notification, the MHA added that the appointed law officers tenure will extend for three years from the publication date of this notification or until the completion of the trial, whichever occurs first, under the terms and conditions outlined in the Department of Legal Affairs notification. On May 9, Tahawwur Rana, a key conspirator in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, was presented before the Patiala House Court from NIA remand a day earlier than the scheduled date due to security concerns, and the Special Court has ordered his judicial custody until June 6, 2025. Rana, a 64-year-old Canadian businessman of Pakistani origin, was extradited from the United States earlier this month in connection with his alleged role in the deadly 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in 2008.
Airlines asked to resume normal operations at 32 shut airports from May 15
NEW DELHI: Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Tuesday night expressed optimism that airlines would resume their normal operations to the 32 closed airports from May 15. He released a statement to this effect after holding a review meeting with top officials and representatives of all airlines in New Delhi. The Minister said, With the NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) ending on 15th May, I suggested that airlines resume their normal schedules from the 15th across all 32 airports for which the NOTAM was issued. All airlines responded positively to this suggestion. A Ministry source said, At present, partial operations are taking place. The full-fledged operations will resume from May 15. This was the outcome after the meeting held on Tuesday. The NOTAM to close 32 airports in the North and Western India upto May 15 (5.29 am) was issued by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) on May 9 as a precautionary step after the launch of Operation Sindoor on May 7 . A revised NOTAM by AAI said the airports would open for commercial operations from Monday (May 12) but leading airlines like Indigo and Air India had publicly stated they would not operate flights to specific airports on Monday and Tuesday (May 13). This was on account of unconfirmed reports of drone attacks by Pakistan at a few cities. Indigo operated a flight from Delhi to Amritsar but it had to turn back due to a sudden blackout imposed in Amritsar. Airport Closures and Flight Cancellations body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 20px; } h2 { color: #d32f2f; /* A bold red color */ text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px; } table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; box-shadow: 0 0 8px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); } th, td { border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 12px 15px; text-align: left; } th { background-color: #c62828; /* A deep red */ color: white; } tr:nth-child(even) { background-color: #f2f2f2; } tr:nth-child(odd) { background-color: #fafafa; } tr:hover { background-color: #f1f1f1; } .bold { font-weight: bold; } Airport Closures and Flight Cancellations Airport Location Status Ambala Haryana Closed Hindon UP Closed Naliya Gujarat Closed Sarsawa UP Closed Uttarlai Rajasthan Closed Srinagar Jammu & Kashmir Closed Awantipur Jammu & Kashmir Closed Jammu Jammu & Kashmir Closed Amritsar Punjab Closed Chandigarh Punjab Closed Ludhiana Punjab Closed Patiala Punjab Closed Bhatinda Punjab Closed Adampur Punjab Closed Halwara Punjab Closed Pathankot Punjab Closed Bhuntar Himachal Pradesh Closed Shimla Himachal Pradesh Closed Kangra-Gaggal Himachal Pradesh Closed Kishangarh Rajasthan Closed Thoise Ladakh Closed Leh Ladakh Closed Mundra Gujarat Closed Jamnagar Gujarat Closed Hirasar Gujarat Closed Porbandar Gujarat Closed Keshod Gujarat Closed Kandla Gujarat Closed Bhuj Gujarat Closed Jaisalmer Rajasthan Closed Jodhpur Rajasthan Closed Bikaner Rajasthan Closed Air India Announcement: In view of the latest developments and keeping your safety in mind, flights to and from Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot are cancelled for Tuesday, 13th May. Indigo Announcement: All flights to and from Amritsar, Jammu, Leh, Rajkot, Srinagar, and Chandigarh are cancelled for Tuesday (May 13). Responses from other airlines are awaited.
Blackout back in Punjab after Pak breaches truce
Blackout measures have been imposed in many districts including Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Pathankot, Patiala, Moga, Kapurthala, and Muktsar districts.
Total blackout enforced in Patiala, Punjab
A complete blackout has been enforced in Patiala, Punjab.
Blackout Reimposed In Several Punjab Districts As Precautionary Measure
Chandigarh, May 10: Punjab reimposed blackout measures in several districts as a precautionary measure after withdrawing it earlier on Saturday. Blackout measures have been imposed in Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Pathankot, Patiala, Moga and Muktsar districts. The development comes about two hours after district authorities in Punjab withdrew blackout measures and restrictive orders after India and Pakistan agreed to an immediate ceasefire. Deputy Commissioner (Amritsar) Sakshi Sahwney said, Since there are reports of ceasefire violation, we will remain on alert [] The post Blackout Reimposed In Several Punjab Districts As Precautionary Measure appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Pakistan ceasefire breach triggers blackouts, security measures in border areas of Punjab, Haryana
CHANDIGARH: Within hours of India and Pakistan declaring a ceasefire, the neighbouring country unilaterally broke the peace by indulging in shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. Following this, blackouts were re-imposed in several districts of Punjab, as well as in Ambala, Haryana, which houses a key air force base. Sources said complete blackouts were suddenly imposed as a precautionary measure in six border districts of PunjabAmritsar, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Ferozepur, and Fazilkaafter local administrations were alerted about ceasefire violations by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir. Blasts in Srinagar after ceasefire shock residents; all okay now, clarifies Centre Additional blackouts were also enforced in Moga, Sangrur, Patiala, Hoshiarpur, Muktsar, Barnala, and Bathinda. Street lights were switched off in many parts of the state. Ambala in Haryana also faced blackout due to its strategic air force base. Sources claimed that a drone was spotted in Fazilka and Pathankot districts. Earlier in the day, the district administrations of Sangrur, Rupnagar, and Fazilka had withdrawn blackout orders, while authorities in districts like Jalandhar, Kapurthala, and Patiala also cancelled restrictive orders. Local authorities in districts including Jalandhar, Pathankot, and Kapurthala had advised the closure of markets and commercial establishments and urged citizens to avoid large gatherings in the wake of the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan. India agrees to a ceasefire with Pakistan after call from across the border
Centre extends closure of 24 airports for civilian flights till May 15
NEW DELHI: At least 24 airports in northern and western parts of the country, including Srinagar and Chandigarh, have been shut for civilian flights till May 15, sources said on Friday. Earlier, these airports were closed for civilian flights till May 10 in view of the military conflict between India and Pakistan. Airlines on Friday said that their flights have been cancelled due to the temporary closure of airports till May 15. The sources said at least 24 airports have been closed for civilian flights till 05:29 hours of May 15. The airports include Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bhuntar, Kishengarh, Patiala, Shimla, Dharamsala, and Bathinda. Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Leh, Bikaner, Pathankot, Jammu, Jamnagar, and Bhuj are among the other airports that have been temporarily closed for civilian flights. Following a notification from aviation authorities on continued closure of multiple airports in India, Air India flights to and from the following stations -- Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Bhuj, Jamnagar and Rajkot -- are being cancelled till 0529 hrs IST on 15 May, the airline said in a post on X. Air India also said customers holding valid tickets for travel during this period will be offered a one-time waiver on rescheduling charges or a full refund for cancellations. In a post on X, IndiGo said in accordance with the latest directives from the relevant authorities, all flights to and from 10 destinations will remain cancelled until 0529 hours on May 15 due to temporary airport closures. The airports are Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamsala, Bikaner, Rajkot, Jodhpur and Kishangarh. These precautionary measures have been instituted with your safety and security as our highest priority, the airline said. The military conflict between India and Pakistan has intensified. Under Operation Sindoor, armed forces had carried out strikes on terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Wednesday in retaliation against the Pahalgam terror attack that had killed at least 26 people last month.
Tense dawn after a night of fear for border residents
Schools were closed, most people stayed indoors and the occasional siren rang out as people in many border districts of Punjab, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh woke up to a tense Friday morning, calm but anxious about what the day would bring. The night that was had been nerve-wracking with blackouts, loud blasts piercing through the quiet and the fear that their homes would be the frontier of war between India and its fractious neighbour Pakistan. It passed off without further incident, much to the relief of those living in the border areas. In the key border districts of Amritsar and Ferozepur, too, calm prevailed on Friday morning. A few residents in Ferozepur told PTI Videos that while the atmosphere remained by and large calm on Friday morning, they were more apprehensive of the rumours doing the the rounds. Special prayers for peace were also held at some gurdwaras in the state, including in Mohali and Rupnagar, amid the soaring tensions. However, the UT administration later sounded a fresh air raid siren, appealing to people to remain indoors. An air warning has been received from the air force station of a possible attack. Sirens are being sounded. All are advised to remain indoors and stay away from balconies, an official statement said. About an hour later, the administration said the siren for the alert was over. Similar sirens were sounded in Haryana's Panchkula and Ambala for a brief while, appealing to people to stay indoors. The district administration in Patiala too issued an advisory, urging people to stay indoors and remain calm. People in Rajasthan's border districts also recounted a night of fear and uncertainty amid sounds of loud explosions and a complete blackout. While we couldn't see anything, we heard loud sounds that were scary, said a resident of Jaisalmer bordering Pakistan. Another resident said, After the blackout, we could not realise what was happening. Later, we found out that it was an attack by Pakistan that our armed forces thwarted. Amid the escalating tensions, the authorities extended the blackout in Jaisalmer till 6 am on Friday though the situation remained largely calm in the morning. Meanwhile, a bomb-like object was found in the Kishanghat area of Jaisalmer district on Friday morning, prompting swift action by the local police and air force. According to police, the object was found near a nursery in front of Kishanghat. Kotwali SHO Prem Daan said it seemed to be a bomb-like object. It it currently not known if it is live or destroyed, the SHO said, adding that experts from the army were on their way to defuse it. The area has been cordoned off as a precautionary measure, he said. In Himachal Pradesh, the district administration in Bilaspur, which shares border with Punjab, issued an advisory on Friday prioritising the safety and security of citizens. The advisory appealed to the residents to ensure a complete blackout in their respective areas to minimise risks in the event of a potential aerial attack. On Thursday night, India thwarted Pakistan's fresh attempts to strike military sites with drones and missiles, after foiling its attempts to target military installations in 15 cities in the northern and western parts of the country. The renewed attempts by the Pakistani forces came after the Indian armed forces on Wednesday carried out precise missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan under Operation Sindoor' in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
Bollywood rushes to register Operation Sindoor title following Indian Military strikes
Bollywood filmmakers and actors are rushing to register film titles inspired by the codename for Indias recent military strikes in Pakistan, submitting over 30 applications within just two days. India conducted targeted strikes on terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir early on Wednesday under 'Operation Sindoor ', two weeks after the massacre of 26 people mostly tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Since the strikes, the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA), Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC), and Western India Film Producers Association (WIFPA) have seen a surge in applications for film titles related to Operation Sindoor. The three bodies have collectively received over 30 title applications via email related to the military operation. X's Global Affairs account temporarily withheld in India amid government crackdown on social media The numbers could go up to 5060. This is not something new. Most people have applied for titles like Operation Sindoor and Mission Sindoor , said Anil Nagrath, Secretary of IMPPA. One person can apply for any number of titles, but the title will be allotted to the person who applied first. Any producer looking to make a film usually seeks topics that are in the news. This is something India is proud of, so filmmakers are keen to bring this story to the screen, Nagrath told PTI. He added that similar waves of interest had been seen in the past, with applications for titles related to Kargil , Uri , Kumbh , and others. Other titles being applied for include Hindustan Ka Sindoor , Mission Operation Sindoor , and Sindoor Ka Badla . Applications have also been received for titles related to Pahalgam such as Pahalgam: The Terror Attack and Pahalgam Attack , among others. According to sources, director Aditya Dhar (who helmed the 2019 film Uri: The Surgical Strike ), actor Suniel Shetty, filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, Vivek Agnihotri, Ashok Pandit, and production house T-Series are among those who have submitted title applications. Air raid sirens in Chandigarh, residents urged to stay indoors; Mohali, Patiala issue alerts Once a title is applied for, a committee comprising members from IMPPA, IFTPC, WIFPA, and the Producers Guild of India decides who should be allotted the title, purely on the basis of who registered it first. Theres no favouritism in this process, Nagrath stated. The application fee for registering a title is Rs 300 plus GST, while urgent applications cost Rs 3,000 plus GST. Applicants have three years to use the title. If a film is not produced within three years using the registered title, the title will be withdrawn, he added. Earlier in the day, it was reported that Reliance Industries Limited and five others had approached the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks to register the term Operation Sindoor for use in entertainment-related services, including audio and video content. The applications were filed under Class 41 of the Nice Classification, which covers education and training services, film and media production, live performances and events, digital content delivery, publishing, and cultural and sporting activities. However, Reliance Industries Ltd later withdrew its application, stating it had been inadvertently filed by a junior employee without authorisation.
Air raid sirens in Chandigarh, residents urged to stay indoors; Mohali, Patiala issue alerts
The Chandigarh administration sounded an air raid siren on Friday, urging residents to stay indoors, as tensions between India and Pakistan escalated. The alert was lifted about an hour later. An air warning has been received from the air force station of a possible attack. Sirens are being sounded. All are advised to remain indoors and stay away from balconies, the administration said in an official statement. *ALERT* An Air warning has been received from Air force station of possible attack. Sirens are being sounded. All are advised to remain indoors and away from balconies. DC Chandigarh Chandigarh Admn (@chandigarh_admn) May 9, 2025 Chandigarh serves as the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana. Authorities in neighbouring districts also took precautionary measures. The Panchkula district administration sounded a similar siren and advised people to remain indoors. Meanwhile, officials in Punjab's Mohali district, which borders Chandigarh, issued an alert for nearby residents. There is an alert in some areas of Chandigarh. We are advising Mohali residents in the bordering sectors to remain indoors and away from windows and glass panes, the Mohali administration said in a message. There is an alert in some areas of UT Chandigarh. We are advising Mohali residents in bordering sectors as well to remain indoors and away from windows and glass panes. Specifically sectors 45-47. Mohali Administration DC Mohali (@dcmohali) May 9, 2025 Further south, the Patiala district administration also urged caution. Please avoid stepping out unless it is absolutely necessary. All educational institutions in the district are closed until further notice. Residents are strongly advised to stay indoors and away from balconies, rooftops, and open areas, its advisory stated, asking the public to contact the control room in case of an emergency. A similar air siren was sounded in Chandigarh on Thursday night as India swiftly thwarted Pakistan's fresh attempts to strike military sites with drones and missiles, including in Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur, after foiling its attempts to target military installations in 15 cities in the northern and western parts of the country. According to the defence ministry, the Pakistani military on Thursday night attempted to target Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bathinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai and Bhuj. The renewed attempts by the Pakistani forces came after the Indian armed forces on Wednesday carried out precise missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan under 'Operation Sindoor' in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Punjab orders closure of all schools, colleges for next three days amid rising border tensions
Drones, blackouts, and sirens: People spend anxious night in border Punjab districts
Residents across border districts in Punjab including Amritsar, Pathankot, and Ferozepur, spent a tense night on Thursday as authorities enforced a complete blackout in response to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. Blackouts were also imposed in Jalandhar, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, and other regions, with power supply cut off in Chandigarh, the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana for about two hours until midnight. The precautionary measures followed a fresh wave of attempted attacks by Pakistan on Thursday night. According to the Ministry of Defence, Pakistan launched a coordinated offensive using drones and missiles to target military sites in multiple Indian cities, including Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur. The Indian armed forces swiftly intercepted the threats, successfully thwarting the strikes. The targeted locations included 15 cities across northern and western India, among them Srinagar, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bathinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj. These attempted strikes came just a day after the Indian military launched Operation Sindoor , a series of precision missile attacks on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This operation was in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. In Pathankot, some residents reported hearing explosion-like sounds on Thursday night, although no official confirmation was issued. Air raid sirens were activated around 8:30 p.m., and a complete blackout was enforced. By Friday morning, however, the situation remained calm. Similar scenes played out in other border districts like Amritsar and Ferozepur, where residents expressed initial anxiety but praised the armed forces for their quick and effective response. In Chandigarh, despite the blackout and tense atmosphere, daily life began returning to normal on Friday. Baldev Chand, an elderly local resident, resumed his morning walk, saying, There were some anxious moments last night, but the way our forces handled the situation makes us feel secure. Authorities across Punjab urged residents to stay indoors, switch off lights, and follow blackout protocols. Pathankot Deputy Commissioner Aditya Uppal emphasized the importance of remaining calm and vigilant. In addition to the blackout in major cities, power cuts were enforced in Rupnagar, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Sangrur, Bathinda, Patiala, and Panchkula in Haryana as precautionary steps to ensure public safety. In light of the heightened security situation, the Punjab government has ordered the closure of all schools and educational institutions for the next three days. Chandigarh authorities have also shut all schools until Saturday. (With input from PTI) Tensions soar in Jammu & Kashmir after Pak's failed drone attack, heavy shelling: Woman killed
Pak turbulence in Indian airspace, flights most hit
Amid heightened security concerns, Indias booming aviation sector has been hit. Closure of 30 airports across several states has left hundreds of flights cancelled and thousands of travellers stranded or scrambling for alternatives. S Lalitha takes a look at the situation: What triggered disruption? It stems from the closure of operations at several civilian airports many of which double as military airfields after India conducted precision strikes in Pakistan and PoK on May 7 and 8. India suspended operations at critical airports in the North, Northwest, and Central regions of the country. Affected airports The closure impacts airports in J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and Delhi-NCR. Notable ones include: J&K & Ladakh: Leh, Thoise, Srinagar, Jammu Punjab: Amritsar, Pathankot, Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda, Halwara HP: Dharamshala, Shimla, Bhuntar, Gaggal Rajasthan: Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Kishangarh, Bikaner Gujarat: Bhuj, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Mundra, Kandla, Keshod Others: Hindon (Delhi NCR), Gwalior (MP) and Chandigarh Airlines response Major airlines have rolled out cancellations and passengers holding valid tickets have been offered full refunds: IndiGo: Suspended 165 daily flights, including those from Amritsar, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Gwalior, Jammu, Jodhpur, Leh, and Srinagar Air India: Cancelled flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot SpiceJet: Stopped operations in Leh, Srinagar, Jammu, Dharamshala, Kandla, and Amritsar Akasa Air: Cancelled flights from Srinagar Impact on flyers Travellers are experiencing severe stress due to cancellations, particularly those with connecting flights. Social media platforms of airlines have been flooded with distress calls. Whats next? Airlines and airport authorities are monitoring developments, but flyers should be prepared for ongoing disruptions beyond May 10.
Explained: Operation Sindoor aftermath and how it has impacted flights in India
Following Operation Sindoor and heightened security concerns, India's air travel sector has been hit. The closure of 30 airports across several states has left hundreds of flights cancelled and thousands of travellers stranded or scrambling for alternatives. Here's a breakdown of the current situation. What triggered the disruption? The disruption stems from the closure of operations at several civilian airports many of which double as military airfields after India conducted precision strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir in the wee hours of May 7. Operation Sindoor: Nine strikes, 25 minutes of chaos for Pakistan Fearing potential retaliation post these strikes, the Indian government suspended operations at critical airports in the North, Northwest, and Central regions of the country. Which airports are affected? The closure impacts airports in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and the Delhi NCR region. Notable airports shut down include: J&K & Ladakh : Leh, Thoise, Srinagar, Jammu Punjab : Amritsar, Pathankot, Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda, Halwara, Chandigarh. Himachal Pradesh : Dharamshala, Shimla, Bhuntar, Gaggal Rajasthan : Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Kishangarh, Bikaner Gujarat : Bhuj, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Mundra, Kandla, Keshod Others : Hindon (Delhi NCR), Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) Airlines expect the disruption to last at least until 5:29 AM on May 10, though airport sources hint it may continue longer. How are airlines responding? Major airlines have rolled out large-scale cancellations and advisories: IndiGo has suspended 165 daily flights, including those from Amritsar, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Gwalior, Jammu, Jodhpur, Leh, and Srinagar. Air India has cancelled flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot. SpiceJet has stopped operations in Leh, Srinagar, Jammu, Dharamshala, Kandla, and Amritsar. Akasa Air has cancelled flights from Srinagar. Passengers holding tickets for these routes have been offered full refunds. Impact on flyers Travellers are experiencing severe stress due to abrupt cancellations, particularly those with connecting flights. Entire itineraries are being disrupted when the primary leg of the journey is cancelled, as seen in multiple cases. R Sushmita, travelling from Himachal to Nagpur via Chandigarh and Delhi, had to reroute by train to Delhi due to a cancelled Air India flight. Fortunately, Air India issued a fresh ticket at no extra cost. Piyush Sawarkar, stuck in Leh with his family, tweeted for help after his Indigo flight to Mumbai was cancelled. Like many others, he received a standard airline response requesting his PNR via direct message. Social media platforms of airlines have been flooded with similar distress calls, and many passengers are still awaiting clarity and rebooking options. A necessary safety measure According to Captain CS Randhawa, President of the Federation of Indian Pilots Association, while the inconvenience is considerable, the move was necessary from a national security perspective. The government wants flyers to stay safe. Closure of air force bases wont impact the public directly since civilian aircraft dont usually operate there, he said. However, international carriers are significantly affected. To avoid Pakistani airspace, flights from the Gulf to Delhi are forced to take detours. For instance, British Airways, Air France, and KLM from Delhi are heading towards Mumbai and then rerouting through Turkey, with longer flight paths and additional operational costs, he explained. Whats next? The situation remains fluid. Airlines and airport authorities are monitoring developments, but flyers should be prepared for ongoing disruptions beyond May 10. Travellers are advised to stay updated through official airline channels and plan alternate routes where possible.
Five school children among 6 killed in Patiala accident
A devastating head-on collision between an SUV and a sand-laden truck on Patiala-Samana road claimed six lives, including five schoolchildren aged between seven and twelve. The accident occurred near Nassupur village, leaving seven others injured. The impact was so severe that the SUV was mangled, requiring a JCB to retrieve the bodies.
6 Students, Driver Killed After SUV Collides With Truck In Punjab: Police
Six school children and a driver were killed when the SUV they were travelling in collided with a truck at Samana in Punjab's Patiala district on Wednesday, police said.
Punjab all set for mock drills in 20 towns as nation ramps up defence preparedness
CHANDIGARH: Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, civil defence mock drills will be held at 20 places in Punjab, besides several locations in Haryana and the Union Territory of Chandigarh on Wednesday, as per instructions issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). In Punjab, the mock drills will be held in Amritsar, Bathinda, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Batala, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Adampur, Halwara, Patiala, Pathankot, Barnala, Mohali, Faridkot, Kotkapura, Rupnagar, Bhakra Nangal, Sangrur and Abohar. Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, The civil defence teams and Punjab Police, along with the Home Ministry, will conduct mock drills tomorrow, adding that the state government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is closely monitoring the exercise to ensure the safety of citizens. Preparations are almost complete for conducting the mock drills. The objective of the drills is to create awareness among the public and take necessary precautions in the event of any attack, he added. Cheema said the directions of the Home Ministry will be followed during the mock drills. Sources said that public announcements will be made before the drills. As per the guidelines issued by MHA, the drills will include activation of air raid warning sirens, training of civilians, students and others in civil defence procedures to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack, implementation of crash blackout measures, early camouflaging of vital plants and installations, updating and rehearsing of evacuation plans. The ministry had asked several states to conduct mock drills on May 7 for effective civil defence. In the meeting today, the issue of sirens was raised as for many years these have not been tested thus many might be dysfunctional for that we need to first check the working of all the civil and defence siren systems and these will be tested. Thus people should not panic, said a senior functionary who took part in the meeting. MHA conducts key review meeting ahead of massive civil defence mock drill, identifies 19 'top priority' sites Meanwhile, Ferozepur Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma said as part of the mock drill preparations, six civil defence sirens will be sounded in the city and the Ferozepur Cantonment area from 7 to 7.15 pm on Tuesday. These sirens will be sounded for the preparation of the May 7 mock drill, she said, adding that there was no need to worry. A senior police official in Ferozepur said a blackout rehearsal will be carried out from 9 to 9.30 pm on Wednesday and police patrolling teams will be deployed. In Haryana too, mock drills will be conducted at many places, including Ambala, Faridabad, Gurugram, Hisar, Panchkula, Panipat and Rohtak. In a letter to the chief secretaries of all states and administrators of Union Territories, the MHA stated that the measures to be taken during the mock drills include the operationalisation of air-raid warning sirens, training civilians on civil-defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack and cleaning bunkers and trenches. The other measures are provisions for crash-blackout measures, early camouflaging of vital plants and installations and updating and rehearsing evacuation plans. The mock drills also include the operationalisation of hotline and radio-communication links with the Indian Air Force (IAF), testing the functionality of control rooms and shadow control rooms. It said the active participation of the district controllers, various district authorities, civil-defence wardens, volunteers, home guards (active and reservists volunteers), National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), college and school students is envisaged in the exercise. Civil defence volunteers rehearse emergency response in Lucknow ahead of nationwide mock drill
Mindset of those targeting Muslims, Kashmiri students similar to terrorists: SP MP Afzal Ansari
BALLIA: Samajwadi Party MP Afzal Ansari strongly criticized the targeting of Muslims and Kashmiri students in various parts of the country following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir . He also accused the central government of failing to prevent the attack and demanded action against Pakistan. Speaking to PTI during a family function at the residence of Ballia MP Sanatan Pandey, Ansari said the attack was a result of security failure under the Narendra Modi-led government. The Pahalgam incident is a failure of the Narendra Modi-led central government. The site of the attack is 150 kilometres away from the Pakistan border. How did terrorists gain the courage to reach so deep into Indian territory? This is the time for a strong response. If there is no internal complicity, India must retaliate and reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as its own, Ansari said. He condemned recent incidents of violence against Muslims and Kashmiri students, citing attacks by right-wing groups in Patiala, Punjab, and the vandalism of Muslim-owned shops in Haryana. Ansari alleged that both foreign terrorists and those spreading communal hatred in India share the same mindset. Terrorists who come from Pakistan to kill innocent civilians and those who try to spread hatred in India in the name of religion and caste have the same mindset. The people of this country have started recognizing them, he said. He further claimed that some domestic violent incidents are being carried out by elements supported by the government. The government is patronising such elements due to which they are doing hooliganism in the name of religion and caste. While Kashmiri students and Muslims are being harassed in some places, dalit MP Ramji Lal Suman is being threatened, he added. Calling for decisive action, Ansari emphasized the need to bring PoK under Indian control. The entire country is united on this. It is the right time to integrate Pakistan-occupied Kashmir into India. They must be punished for their crimes, and what belongs to India must return to India, the SP leader said. He also spoke about the caste-based census and credited SP chief Akhilesh Yadav for pushing the central government to act on it. In the coming times, the government will have to grant rightful entitlements to the deprived sections of society, based on the results of the caste census, he said.
26/11 Mumbai Attacks Accused Tahawwur Rana Sent To 12-Day NIA Custody By Patiala House Court| News18
NIA Court extended the custody of 26/11 terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana for 12 days. n18oc_indian18oc_breaking-newsNews18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube
Delhi Court Dismisses 26/11 Plotter Tahawwur Rana's Plea For Family Contact
The Patiala House Court of Delhi dismissed a plea filed by Tahawwur Rana on Thursday, seeking permission to speak with his family over the phone.
Farmers, teachers, students intensify protests against AAP leadership across Punjab
CHANDIGARH: It is not just Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders facing the wrath and anger of farmers across Punjab; now Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders are also on the receiving end. They are facing rising public ire over unfulfilled promises, unanswered queries, and arrogant behaviour. Farmers are posing questions to the leaders, even going so far as to term AAP the B-team of BJP. Now, student groups and teachers associations have also joined in protesting against the ruling party leaders. Yesterday, AAP MLA from Rampura Phul, Balkar Sidhu, and another ruling party legislator from Maur, Sukhbir Singh Maiserkhana, had to face backlash from farmers during their visits to inaugurate development projects. Sidhu had gone to Sidhana village in Rampura to inaugurate an event under the Education Revolution initiative. As the news spread that the legislator was in the area, members of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Krantikari Punjab) and BKU Ekta Ugrahan gathered in front of the school in the village. As Sidhu arrived at the school under police protection, farmers began raising slogans regarding the atrocities committed at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders. They also raised objections related to the Model School Chaoke case. After the programme ended, the MLA approached the farmers, and the farmer leaders asked him several questions. Sidhu responded, saying he could only comment after speaking with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Later, in Salebrah village, the MLA faced further protests. Meanwhile, Sukhbir Singh Maiserkhana, another ruling party legislator from the Maur assembly segment, was confronted by members of the BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) during his visit to Ramgarh Bhundar village yesterday. Maiserkhana had earlier been confronted by BKU Sidhupur members while en route to an event under the Sikhya Kranti programme. In another incident, members of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Ekta Sidhupur) posed several questions to Gidderbaha AAP MLA Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon in Gurusar village on Monday. They described the AAP as the BJPs B-team. They asked him why the farmers were not allowed to protest at the Khanauri and Shambhu borders. In response, Dimpy said the state government might be under some pressure to lift the protests at the borders, as nothing had happened in the past year. Talking with this newspaper, Prem Singh Bhangu, President of the All India Kisan Federation and senior leader of SKM Punjab, said that the AAP Punjab government is facing the wrath and anger of farmers in the villages daily whenever its MLAs and ministers visit the villages to inaugurate the repair work done in school buildings. He stated that they are being dubbed as stooges of the BJP government at the Centre for taking repressive measures to crush and dislodge the peaceful protests of farmers at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders by using heavy force. The government also foiled the March 5 proposed morcha to be launched at Chandigarh by making more than 1,000 arrests of farmers in the state, stopping them from reaching Chandigarh, their own capital, by forcibly stopping them in Punjab. Moreover, the government is trying to create a divide between rural and urban people, and Jat versus non-Jat in the state in order to garner votes, which could cost it dearly in the coming assembly elections, he said. While some party leaders avoid meeting farmers, others have lost their cool when confronted with queries. Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan has been targeted many times. On April 8, during a farmers training camp in Faridkot, Sandhwan was interrupted mid-speech when a farmer stood up and bluntly said that Sandhwan knew nothing about dairy farming. Sandhwan did not take offence. The protestors gathered outside his house in Kotkapura. There was also a protest by the Punjab Students Union at Brajindra College in Faridkot. On April 5, Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian faced a similar situation in Muktsar. Nirmal Singh from the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Sidhupur interrupted him with questions about paddy varieties. The police immediately detained Singh, booking him under Sections 126 and 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). He was sent to jail and then released after four days upon furnishing bail. Also, AAP MLA Labh Singh Ugoke was grilled by farmers demanding an inquiry into the missing trolleys. Ugoke responded that the government had many other responsibilities. Last week, Batyala MLA Amansher Singh, alias Sherry Kalsi, was surrounded by farmers. Initially, he remained calm and talked to the farmers, but when they shouted slogans, he also reportedly shouted AAP zindabad to counter them. Other MLAs, including Gurdev Singh Dev Mann in Nabha, Gurdit Singh Sekhon in Faridkot, Dalbir Singh Tong in Baba Bakala, and Aresh Kataria in Zira, have faced similar confrontations. Sarwan Singh Pandher, coordinator of Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, said that in 2020 and 2022, BJP leaders were questioned by farmers. Now, it is the turn of the AAP leadership. He further said that farmers had planned to question Mann and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal in Amritsar on April 9 but were not allowed to do so. A few days ago, the villagers of Chauke village in Bathinda decided to ban the entry of AAP leaders in response to the police crackdown on a teachers' protest outside Adarsh School on March 27, where police lathi-charged women protestors. Villagers from several villages in Lambi constituency, from where Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian is the MLA, have also announced plans to boycott AAP leaders. Additionally, the villagers of Kotla Jattan and Beer Bhamarasi villages in Fatehgarh Sahib and Babarpur Patiala have also banned the leaders of the ruling party from entering their villages. Kaka Singh Kolta, General Secretary of BKU (Sidhupur), said that this is just the start and soon they will not be able to step out of their houses.
Punjab-Based Agent Arrested At IGI Airport For Facilitating Illegal US Entry Through Dunki Route
New Delhi, Apr 18: The Delhi Police has arrested a 36-year-old Punjab-based agent allegedly involved in forging travel documents and facilitating illegal entry into the United States through the Dunki route, an official said on Friday. The accused, identified as Naresh Kumar, a resident of Matoulli village in Patiala, Punjab, was apprehended following the deportation of an Indian passenger from the US, he said. Kumar had allegedly worked with other agents to arrange a fake Schengen visa and later tampered [] The post Punjab-Based Agent Arrested At IGI Airport For Facilitating Illegal US Entry Through Dunki Route appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Meet Inayat, daughter-in-law of India cricketer, his name is..., her husband is...
Inayat Randhawa, the daughter of former Army officer Maninder Randhawa, who hails from Punjab's Patiala has tied the know to a popular India cricketer's son. Lets' find out more about him.
Delhi Court Denies Bail To Man Impersonating As Amit Shah's Nephew
Delhi's Patiala House court on Tuesday rejected the bail plea of Ajay Kumar Nayyar, accused of cheating by impersonating himself as the nephew of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Sonia, Rahul, Pitroda named in ED chargesheet in National Herald case
NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate has submitted a prosecution complaint against senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi in a Delhi court, intensifying the scrutiny over the alleged money laundering tied to the National Herald case. Also named in the chargesheet are the partys Overseas Department Chief Sam Pitroda, veteran journalist Suman Dubey and several others. The case revolves around financial transactions linked to the now-defunct National Herald newspaper and its parent company. The Rouse Avenue Court has slated 25 April as the date to consider whether to take cognisance of the complaint. According to an ED official, the complaint has been lodged under Sections 44 and 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. It alleges violations under Section 3, read with Section 70, and carries penalties under Section 4 of the same Act. Last week, the ED had issued notices to take possession of immovable assets valued at Rs 661 crore that were previously attached as part of a money laundering investigation related to the Congress-linked National Herald newspaper and Associated Journals Limited (AJL). The Congress had earlier termed the investigation petty vendetta tactics and dubbed the ED a coalition partner of the BJP. The ED investigation began in 2021 after the Metropolitan Magistrate at Patiala House Courts in Delhi took cognisance of a private complaint filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy on June 26, 2014. ED issues notices to take possession of assets in National Herald case The complaint, the ED said, highlighted a criminal conspiracy by several prominent political figures, including the Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul Gandhi, apart from late Congress leaders Motilal Vora and Oscar Fernandes and also Suman Dubey, Sam Pitroda and a private company Young Indian for alleged involvement in a money laundering scheme related to the fraudulent takeover of properties valued over Rs 2,000 crore belonging to the AJL. The legal proceedings against the accused have faced challenges but have been upheld by both the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court of India, allowing the investigation to proceed, the ED said. AJL is the publisher of the National Herald news platform (newspaper and web portal) and it is owned by Young Indian Private Limited. Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are majority shareholders of Young Indian with 38 per cent shares held by each of them. They were questioned for hours by the ED in this case a few years back. The ED claimed its investigation has conclusively found that Young Indian, a private company eneficially owned by Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, acquired AJL properties worth Rs 2,000 crore for a mere Rs 50 lakh, significantly undervaluing its worth. Young Indian and AJL properties were used for generation of further proceeds of crime in the form of bogus donations to the tune of Rs 18 crore, bogus advance rent to the tune of Rs 38 crore and bogus advertisements of Rs 29 crore, the ED has alleged.
ED issues notices to take possession of assets in National Herald case
NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate on Saturday said that it has issued notices to take possession of immovable assets valued at Rs 661 crore that were previously attached as part of a money laundering investigation related to the Congress-linked National Herald newspaper and Associated Journals Limited (AJL). In a statement, the agency said it has submitted the necessary documents to the respective property registrars in the locations where the assets are situated. At the same time, notices were also affixed to prominent areas of the concerned properties on Friday. These include Herald House at ITO (5A, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg) in Delhi, a property at Plot No. 2, Survey No. 341 in Bandra (East), Mumbai, and the AJL building located at Property No. 1, Bisheshwar Nath Road in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The notices primarily seek the vacation of the premises to be taken over by the ED. A notice has also been served to Jindal South West Projects Limited which occupies the 7th, 8th, and 9th floors at Herald House, Bandra (E), Mumbai, to transfer the rent/lease amount every month in favour of the director, Directorate of Enforcement, the statement said. The action has been taken under Section (8) and Rule 5(1) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) that talks about the procedure of taking possession of assets attached by the ED and then confirmed by the adjudicating authority (of the PMLA). These immovable assets worth Rs 661 crore, apart from shares of AJL worth Rs 90.2 crore, were attached by the ED in November 2023 to secure the proceeds of crime and to prevent the accused form dissipating the same. The Adjudicating Authority confirmed this order in April last year. According to the ED, the total proceeds of crime in the case was Rs 988 crore. The Congress had earlier termed the investigation petty vendetta tactics and dubbed the ED a coalition partner of the BJP. The ED investigation began in 2021 after the Metropolitan Magistrate at Patiala House Courts in Delhi took cognisance of a private complaint filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy on June 26, 2014. The complaint, the ED said, highlighted a criminal conspiracy by several prominent political figures, including the first family of the Congress party led by Sonia Gandhi, her MP son Rahul Gandhi, apart from late Congress leaders Motilal Vora and Oscar Fernandes and also Suman Dubey, Sam Pitroda and a private company Young Indian for alleged involvement in a money laundering scheme related to the fraudulent takeover of properties valued over Rs 2,000 crore belonging to the AJL. The legal proceedings against the accused have faced challenges but have been upheld by both the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court of India, allowing the investigation to proceed, the ED said. AJL is the publisher of the National Herald news platform (newspaper and web portal) and it is owned by Young Indian Private Limited. Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are majority shareholders of Young Indian with 38 per cent shares held by each one of them. They were questioned for hours by the ED in this case a few years back. The ED claimed its investigation has conclusively found that Young Indian, a private company eneficially owned by Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, acquired AJL properties worth Rs 2,000 crore for a mere Rs 50 lakh, significantly undervaluing its worth. Young Indian and AJL properties were used for generation of further proceeds of crime in the form of bogus donations to the tune of Rs 18 crore, bogus advance rent to the tune of Rs 38 crore and bogus advertisements of Rs 29 crore, the ED has alleged.
It is being alleged that Sikh characters in Akaal are being shown as drinking, consuming tobacco or as' mundit '(without hair), which is an insult to Sikh history and tradition.
Court orders 48-hour medical checks, restricts legal counsel for Rana
NEW DELHI: A NIA special court in Delhi has imposed stringent conditions on the custody of 26/11 Mumbai terror accused Tahawwur Rana, as the National Investigation Agency (NIA) pressed forward with its explosive claim: Rana may have conspired to orchestrate terror attacks in other Indian cities beyond Mumbai. Special Judge Chander Jit Singh of the Patiala House Courts has directed the NIA to conduct a full medical examination of Rana every 48 hours, ensuring that his health remains under continuous surveillance during his 18-day custodial remand. The court also ordered that he be provided with prescribed medication without delay and be allowed pen and paper, but only a soft-tip pen, in a move aimed at preventing potential misuse. In a tightly worded directive, the judge permitted Rana to meet a counsel from the Delhi Legal Services Authority every alternate day. However, the court laid down a sharp embargo, saying that the appointed legal counsel is strictly barred from engaging with the media in any form. All meetings are to occur in the presence of NIA officers to allow legal access without compromising investigative sanctity. During the hearing on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday, the courtroom also witnessed intense exchanges as the NIA laid bare its suspicions that Rana, beside 26/11 Mumbai attacks, was involved in hatching newer terror plots within India. Senior Advocate Dayan Krishnan, appearing for the agency, told the court that Ranas interrogation was critical to retracing movements and establishing linkages in what the agency believes may be a sprawling conspiracy. Citing a trove of digital evidence including classified emails and encrypted exchanges, the NIA argued that Rana had collaborated in a blueprint designed to replicate the 2008 assault on Indian soil. His custodial interrogation is is imperative, Krishnan said. Court directions NIA to conduct a full medical examination of Rana every 48 hours, ensuring that his health remains under continuous surveillance during remand Rana to be provided with prescribed medication without delay; allowed pen and paper, but only soft-tip, to prevent misuse Rana permitted to meet legal counsel from the Delhi Legal Services Authority every alternate day in the presence of NIA officers
Mumbai: A controversy has erupted in Patiala over singer and actor Gippy Grewals recently released film Akaal: The Unconquered. The Patiala police have detained Baba Bakshish Singh, who had protested against the film. Baba Bakshish Singh says he and his committee have always opposed films that portray Sikh characters in an inappropriate manner. He alleged 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 .
Families of 26/11 victims demand Ranas hanging
Rana was brought to the Patiala House Court in a cavalcade, including a jail van, an armoured SWAT vehicle and an ambulance
Tahawwur Rana Extradition: 26|11 terror attack plotter Rana brought to Patiala House Court
NIA Formally Arrests 26/11 Mumbai Attacks Plotter, To Be Taken To Patiala House Court | News18
Tahawwur Rana, a co-conspirator in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, landed in India on Thursday (April 10), a day after a multi-agency Indian team left from the United States with him on a special flight The team had travelled to the US after the countrys Supreme Court dismissed Ranas review plea seeking an emergency stay on his extradition to India.According to the officials, high-security cells in Tihar Jail in the national capital and Arthur Road prison in Mumbai have been prepared for a high-risk detainee. The NIA has also recently obtained a court order on the transfer of his case from Mumbai to Delhi. n18oc_india
26/11 attacks: Patiala court bar body 'committed to ensure' fair, transparent trial of Tahawwur Rana
The bar association assured no disruption in law and order situation within the complex or interference in judicial proceedings
Security has also been significantly increased at Delhi's Patiala House Court, where Rana is expected to be presented before an NIA judge.
Security beefed up outside Patiala Courts, NIA HQ as Tahawwur Rana to land in India
New Delhi, Apr 10: Security outside the NIA headquarters in Delhi has been beefed up and also outside the Patiala House Courts where 2008 Mumbai terror attacks mastermind Tahawwur Rana is likely to be produced after he lands in Delhi following his extradition from the US. Some gates of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Metro [] The post Security beefed up outside Patiala Courts, NIA HQ as Tahawwur Rana to land in India appeared first on Northlines .
Security tightened at Patiala House Court ahead of 26/11 accused Tahawwur Ranas likely appearance
According to officials, a multi-agency team had gone to the U.S. to bring Tahawwur Rana to India
Tahawwur Rana Extradition: 26/11 accused to likely appear in Patiala House Court, security beefed up
The extradition of Tahawwur Rana a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks from the United States to India, marks a significant breakthrough for Indias probe agencies and its diplomatic efforts.
Tahawwur Rana's Extradition: Security Tightened At Patiala House Court
Personnel from paramilitary forces and the Delhi Police have been deployed outside Patiala court and a thorough physical frisking and checking of visitors is being carried out to avoid any untoward incident, he said.
Tahawwur Rana's extradition: Delhi court receives trial records of 26/11 attacks
NEW DELHI: A Delhi court has received the trial records of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks ahead of its alleged mastermind Tahawwur Hussain Rana's arrival in India from the US, a court source said. Rana, a key accused in the 2008 attacks, is being brought to India on a special flight on Thursday after his last-ditch attempt to evade extradition failed as the US Supreme Court justices rejected his application. The records were received by the court of District Judge Vimal Kumar Yadav recently in pursuance of his January 28 direction to the staff of a Mumbai court to send the records. The judge passed the order on an application moved by the National Investigation Agency in Delhi, seeking to retrieve the records from Mumbai. The trial court records were previously sent to Mumbai due to the presence of multiple cases related to the 26/11 attacks in both cities. Tahawwur Rana case: MHA appoints Narender Mann as special public prosecutor for three years In a setback to Rana, a US court had earlier ruled that the Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman could be extradited to India where is wanted for his involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks carried out by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists. Rana, 64, is a close associate of one of the main conspirators of the attacks, David Coleman Headley alias Daood Gilani, a US citizen. On November 26, 2008, a group of 10 Pakistani terrorists went on a rampage, carrying out a coordinated attack on a railway station, two luxury hotels and a Jewish centre, after they sneaked into India's financial capital using the sea route in the Arabian Sea. As many as 166 people were killed in the nearly 60-hour assault. Security tightened at Patiala House Court ahead of Tahawwur Rana's appearance; likely to be lodged in Tihar jail
Rana to be produced at Delhi court, security upped
Security has been heightened outside the Patiala House Court in Delhi ahead of the expected appearance of Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Rana, who was extradited from the US, is likely to be produced in court on Thursday. The Delhi Police and paramilitary forces are carrying out thorough security checks to prevent any untoward incidents.
NEW DELHI: Security has been stepped up outside Delhi's Patiala House Court where Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana is likely to be produced on Thursday following his extradition from the US, an official said. Personnel from paramilitary forces and the Delhi Police have been deployed outside the court and a thorough physical frisking and checking of visitors is being carried out to avoid any untoward incident, he said. An NIA judge is expected to hear the matter. Meanwhile, Tihar Jail officials said all preparations have been made to lodge Rana in a high-security prison ward and they were waiting for court orders. In a late-night notification, Centre has appointed advocate Narender Mann as special public prosecutor for conducting trial and other matters related to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) case RC-04/2009/NIA/DLI (Mumbai attacks) for three years. In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 15 of the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008 (34 of 2008), read with sub-section (8) of section 18 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), the central government hereby appoints Narender Mann, advocate as special public prosecutor for conducting trial and other matters related to NIA case RC-04/2009/NIA/DLI on behalf of the National Investigation Agency before the NIA Special Courts at Delhi and Appellate Courts, for a period of three years from the date of publication of this notification or till the completion of trial of the said case, whichever is earlier, the notification said. Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, is being brought to Delhi from the US. Rana, 64, is a Pakistan-born Canadian national and close associate of one of the main conspirators of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks David Coleman Headley alias Daood Gilani, a US citizen. Rana is being brought to India after his last-ditch attempt to evade extradition failed as the US Supreme Court justices rejected his application.
NEW DELHI: The government on Wednesday approved two key transport infrastructure projects including one for doubling the Tirupati-Pakala-Katpadi single railway line (104 km) in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and another relating to the construction of a six-lane access-controlled Zirakpur bypass with a length of 19.2 km in Punjab and Haryana on hybrid annuity mode. Besides the two infra projects, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at it meeting also approved the Modernisation of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) as a sub-scheme of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) for the period 2025-2026 with an initial total outlay of Rs 1,600 crore Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw, while briefing media after the meeting of the Union Cabinet, said, the Tirupati-Pakala-Katpadi railway line project would be completed with an estimated cost of Rs 1,332 crore and it aims to enhance connectivity, improve mobility, and promote sustainable development in the southern states. The Minister said, project spans three districts in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and will extend the Indian Railways network by approximately 113 kilometers. The enhanced connectivity will benefit both religious and tourist traffic, as the line connects Tirupati, home to the famous Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, which attracts around 75,000 pilgrims daily, with a footfall of up to 1.5 lakh on special occasions. The line also provides access to other significant destinations, including Sri Kalahasti Shiva Temple, Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple, and Chandragiri Fort, he said. Vaishnaw said, as part of the capacity expansion, the project is expected to facilitate additional freight traffic of 4 million tonnes per annum (MTPA)and also contribute to Indias climate goals by reducing oil imports by 4 crore litres and lowering CO2 emissions by 20 crore kilograms annually. This reduction in emissions is equivalent to planting one crore trees, further supporting the countrys environmental objectives, he added. Meanwhile, the 6-lane Zirakpur Bypass starting from Junction with NH-7 (Zirakpur-Patiala) and ending at Junction with NH-5 (Zirakpur-Parwanoo) with a total length 19.2 km in State of Punjab and Haryana will cost approximately Rs 1,878 crore, the Minister said. The project is aimed at easing the congestion in Zirakpur, Panchkula and surrounding areas by diverting traffic from Patiala, Delhi, Mohali Aerocity and providing direct connectivity to Himachal Pradesh. The current proposal aims at reducing the travel time and ensuring hassle-free traffic movement in the congested urban section of NH-7, NH-5 and NH-152, Vaishnaw noted. As part third decision with regard to irrigation facility, the government plans to set up water supply infrastructure from existing canals and other sources to a designated cluster, the Minister said, adding that it would build robust backend structure for micro-irrigation by farmers from established source to farm gate up to 1 Ha with underground pressurised piped irrigation. The projects will be made sustainable by Irrigation Management Transfer (IMT) to the Water User Society (WUS) for management of irrigation assets. The Water User Societies will be given handholding support for linking them with existing economic entities like Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies (PACS) and the Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) for five years. The youth will also be attracted to farming, to adopt the modern method of irrigation, the government later said in a statement. Vaishnaw informed that the initial approval is for taking up 78 pilot projects across various agro-climatic zones in the country. Based on the learning in design and structuring of these projects, the National Plan for Command Area Development and Water Management will be launched starting from April 2026 for the 16th Finance Commission period, he added.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the Construction of 6 lane Zirakpur Bypass starting from Junction with NH-7 (Zirakpur-Patiala) and ending at Junction with NH-5 (Zirakpur-Parwanoo) with a total length 19.2 Km in state of Punjab and Haryana under NH(O) on Hybrid Annuity Mode.
New Delhi station stampede: Shunted DRM gets new posting in Patiala
Railway Board issues fresh postings for officials removed after the February 15 stampede that killed 18 passengers
Punjab, Haryana HC transfers Colonel Bath assault probe to Chandigarh Police; orders SIT formation
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab and Haryana High Court today transferred the investigation into the assault of serving Army Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath and his son to the Chandigarh Police, directing the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) within three days. The decision came after Col Bath petitioned for a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or an independent agency. Justice Harpreet Singh Brar, while passing the order, specified that no Punjab Police officer should be part of the SIT to ensure a fair and transparent probe. The SIT has been given four months to complete its investigation. The court also asked the Punjab government to specify whether it wanted a consent-based order or one on merit before the final decision was made. The Punjab government accepted the transfer of the probe to the Chandigarh Police, as did Col Baths family. The state was represented by senior advocate Randeep Singh Rai. A detailed order is awaited. Col Bath had moved the High Court last week after the Punjab Police allegedly delayed filing an FIR regarding the alleged assault on him and his son by a group of 12 policemen, including four inspectors. The family had rejected the SIT formed by the Punjab Police. Jaswinder Kaur, Col Baths wife, had met Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on March 31, where she expressed dissatisfaction with the delay. The CM assured us of a CBI probe, but no action was taken, she said. Initially, she had expressed satisfaction with the assurance, but later realised that it was a false promise. The family had earlier met Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi and Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria. The Punjab Police SIT, which was led by ADGP A.S. Rai, had recorded the statements of the accused officers yesterday. However, with the courts decision, the SIT has now become defunct. The Punjab Police had registered an FIR only on March 22, eight days after the incident, following repeated appeals from the officers family. The incident took place on the intervening night of March 13 and 14 when Col Bath and his son, Angad Singh, were having dinner at a dhaba near Rajindra Hospital. Col Bath alleged that a group of men aggressively approached them, demanding they move their car. One of them threatened to break our legs and then punched me. I lost consciousness. Then they assaulted my son, he said. When Col Bath identified himself as an Army officer, the attackers allegedly snatched his ID card and mobile phone. The petitioner alleged that the Patiala Police failed to act despite the severity of the incident. He claimed that distress calls to senior officials were ignored. Instead of registering an FIR on his complaint, the police initially lodged a case of affray against unknown persons based on a third-party complaint. The officers family had to approach senior police officials and even the Punjab Governor before an FIR was finally registered eight days later.
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Waqf Board owns a total of 36,625.83 acres of land across the state, but over 14,000 acres of this land are currently under illegal encroachment. Ongoing litigation regarding these encroachments is being heard in various courts, including the Supreme Court. According to sources, data from the Board reveals that the Punjab Waqf Board has a total of 75,965 registered properties and 25,403 registered waqf estates. The Board owns 36,625.83 acres of land across the state, with approximately 14,085.004 acres, or 38.46%, currently under illegal encroachment. The remaining 61.45% of the land is being used for its intended purposes. While 18 cases are pending in the Supreme Court, 462 cases going in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, 1,157 civil suits in different courts for declaration, possession or eviction pending before the five waqf tribunals in the stare and civil courts, said sources. Talking with the TNIE, Latif Ahmed Thind, Executive Officer of Punjab Waqf Board, said, The total number of waqf board properties in Punjab is 75,965. The major problem is illegal encroachments across the state as the maximum encroachments are in Bathinda, followed by Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar and Patiala. In many cases, the illegal encroachers are sitting on these properties since 1947 and in many others the lease with the board finished but they did not vacate the property or gave its procession to someone else. Both influential people and common persons have encroached upon the waqf board properties. While in Samana near Patiala many shanties are there and those people refuse to vacate. It is just of people from other religions have encroached upon also people from the same community have also done illegal encroachment of the board properties in some cases, he says. We follow the due procedure of the law and cases are going in different courts including supreme court. With the amendment coming in the process will become for cumbersome.he added.
Explosion near police post in Patran, investigation underway
A loud explosion near the Badshahpur police post in Patiala district shattered windowpanes of an adjacent office. Authorities are investigating, suspecting it might be a grenade attack. Babbar Khalsa International claimed responsibility, but verification is pending.
Punjab govt withdraws Z-plus security of SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab government has withdrawn the Z-plus security cover of senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former minister Bikram Singh Majithia . He is the brother-in-law of Sukhbir Singh Badal, the former president of SAD. Sources said that orders were given to withdraw all 35 security personnel and vehicles assigned to Majithia. The security personnel were instructed to leave the city where Majithia was visiting with his family and report back to their parent units immediately. Since he was in another state at the time, only one police officer, who had been with him for a long time, was left for his security. It was also reported that officials were instructed to take photographs of the security personnel upon their return to their battalions and send them to senior officers. Until recently, there were discussions about increasing security at Majithia's residence in Chandigarh. Proposed measures included raising the height of the perimeter walls, installing barbed wires, and setting up a net to block any grenade attacks. Majithia received Z-plus security in 2010. Badal strongly criticized the AAP government for withdrawing Majithias security. He said, Withdrawal of the entire Z+ security cover of Bikram Singh Majithia confirms beyond doubt the dangerous and deadly designs of the AAP government against the SAD leadership. He further alleged, This decision has to be seen alongside the massive 'witch-hunt' launched by the AAP government against Majithia. He also brought up an attack on his life outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar last December by Narain Singh Chaura. He claimed, Withdrawal of security to Majithia has to be seen with the government's complicity in the failed lethal attempt on my life - an attempt foiled only with divine intervention of Guru Sahiban. Majithia condemned the state government for withdrawing his security. He said, When they failed in silencing my voice, they withdrew my security on the evening of March 29. The SAD leader also claimed that the Punjab Police has formed a new special investigation team (SIT) to probe the drug case against him. This is the fifth SIT formed since 2021 to investigate the case. Sources said the Punjab Police has again replaced the head of the SIT and two other members. The Director, Bureau of Investigation, issued orders on March 31, stating that the reshuffle was for administrative reasons. The new SIT will be led by Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Varun Sharma. The other two members are Tarn Taran Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Abhimanyu Rana and Superintendent of Police (SP) (NRI Wing) Patiala, Gurbans Singh Bains. Previously, the SIT was headed by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Ropar Range Harcharan Singh Bhullar, while the other two officers remained the same. Before Bhullar, Varun Sharma had also headed the SIT. This is the first time an AIG-rank officer has been appointed to lead the SIT, whereas all previous teams were led by officers of DIG rank or higher.
Pastor Bajinder Singh sentenced to life imprisonment till death for sexual assault case in Punjab
CHANDIGARH: A court in Mohali today sentenced 42-year-old self-styled pastor Bajinder Singh, also known as 'Yeshu Yeshu Prophet,' to life imprisonment till death for a sexual harassment case filed against him in 2018. Additional District and Sessions judge of SAS Nagar Vikrant Gupta, pronounced the judgment as Bajinder Singh was brought from Patiala jail and produced before him amid tight security. Life imprisonment till death signifies a life sentence with no possibility of parole or release, meaning the individual will remain incarcerated until natural death. After the sentencing verdict was pronounced by the court, Anil Kumar Sagar lawyer of the victim said, The accused Bajinder Singh has been sentenced to life imprisonment. He will remain behind bars till death. Today only quantum of sentenced was pronounced by the court. We are satisfied with the quantum of sentence. We had full faith in the court. For this kind of person to remain in society is very dangerous. The message has to go to the society that nobody dares to do this kind of shameful act again. The victim said, I thank the court for the verdict and also my lawyers who fought it out. This case was buried due to political pressure and money power. The case pertains to a rape charge filed by a Zirakpur-based woman, who alleged that Singh sexually assaulted her on the pretext of taking her abroad and also made an obscene video of her. An FIR, registered on April 20, 2018, at the Zirakpur police station, charging Singh and five othersJatinder, Akbar Ali, Sattar Ali, Sucha Singh, and Sandeep Pehelwanwith rape, cheating, outraging the modesty of a woman, obscenity, causing hurt, criminal intimidation, and transmitting sexually explicit content. However, the co-accused were acquitted. Singh, who was arrested at Delhi airport in 2018, had been out on bail but repeatedly avoided court hearings, citing illness. In March, the court issued non-bailable warrants (NBWs) against him for failing to appear. Singh, who is based in Jalandhar, runs two churchesThe Church of Glory and Wisdom in Tajpur (Jalandhar) and Majri (Mohali). His sermons, which draw thousands of followers, are broadcast live on YouTube through his channel Prophet Bajinder Singh, which has 3.74 million subscribers. Singh converted to Christianity in 2012 and gained a following by claiming to perform faith healing and miracles. His church, which he asserts has branches across India and abroad, holds large congregations where people seek spiritual healing and relief from ailments. He was recently booked in another sexual harassment case on February 28, 2025, following a complaint by a 22-year-old woman. The Punjab Police has formed a three-member special investigation team (SIT) to probe the allegations. The Punjab State Women Commission has also taken suo-motu notice and ordered security for the complainant. Meanwhile, a February 14 CCTV video surfaced, allegedly showing Singh slapping a woman and a man during an argument. Singh is now also facing fresh legal trouble over the new allegations.
Dallewal has not ended indefinite fast, says farmer leader
CHANDIGARH: Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has not ended his indefinite fast even though he drank a glass of water after farmers detained last week by the state police were released from different jails, farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar said on Saturday. The Punjab government on Friday told the Supreme Court that Dallewal accepted water and broke his fast. Countering the Punjab government's claims, Kohar said on Saturday Dallewal had made it clear he would take water only after all the farmers are released. And Dallewal drank a glass of water after farmer leaders were released, said Kohar, a close aide of Dallewal. We want to make it clear that a false impression was being given that Dallewal has ended his indefinite fast. His hunger strike continues. Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh told the apex court on Friday they dispersed on March 19 the farmers protesting at Khanauri and Shambhu border points with Haryana, and opened the roads and highways that were blocked due to the sit-ins. Protesting farmers and some of their leaders were also detained by the Punjab Police on that day. Another farmer leader, Kaka Singh Kotra, also said on Saturday when Dallewal came to know about the detention of farmers, he refused to take water till they were all released. He took water after the farmers were released, said Kotra. Dallewal (70) is a senior leader of the joint forum of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. He began his indefinite hunger strike on November 26 last year to press the Centre to accept their demands including a legal guarantee to provide Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. After the Centre invited the farmer leaders for talks in January, Dallewal had started taking medical aid at the Khanauri protest site but did not end his fast. Several farmer leaders including Sarwan Singh Pandher, Abhimanyu Kohar, Kaka Singh Kotra and other leaders, detained during the March 19 police action, were released on Friday. Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Pandher was released from Muktsar jail while Kohar, Kotra and some other farmer leaders were released from Patiala central jail. After their release, they met Dallewal in the hospital on Friday. The farmer leaders were detained on March 19 when they were returning from a meeting with a central delegation led by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Chandigarh. The meeting was organised to discuss the farmers' demands, especially the MSP guarantee. As the departing farmers entered Mohali after the meeting, they were met with heavy barricading and some of their leaders were detained. Police had evicted farmers and had dismantled temporary structures from the Shambhu and Khanauri border points. Vehicular traffic had resumed on the Shambhu-Ambala and Sangrur-Jind highways. Several farmers, who were part of the Shambhu and Khanauri protests, have claimed that their belongings including trolleys were missing, adding that they might have been stolen.
Farmer leader Pandher accuses AAP, BJP of conspiring against farmers; vows to continue protest
CHANDIGARH: Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher, released from jail today, accused both the BJP-led Union Government and the AAP-led Punjab Government of conspiring to undermine the ongoing farmers' protest 2.0. He likened the central government to invader Ahmad Shah Abdali and the Punjab government to Zakaria Khan, notorious for persecuting Sikhs. Pandher, the convenor of Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, was released from Muktsar jail, while Abhimanyu Kohar, Kaka Kotra and some other farmer leaders were released from Patiala central jail. Speaking to the media at the Bahadurgarh Commando Complex near Patiala, Pandher questioned the AAP government's stance, which had previously claimed that the farmers' protests were directed against the central government. He raised concerns over the events of March 19, when the government allegedly attacked farmers returning from a meeting with central and state ministers . Pandher asked whether Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann aimed to protect central ministers or if there was a fear of the Enforcement Directorate's actions. He alleged that the Mann government conspired with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to target the farmers as both the government actively participated in demolishing the protest sites. Pandher stated that the morchas will continue in any form, and the action plans, including protests in front of AAP MLAs' and ministers' residences on March 31, will proceed as scheduled. He further alleged that orders are now being dictated by corporate interests and Washington, who have historically been opposed to farmers, similar to the orders once issued by Abdali. Pandher also claimed that drugs are openly available in jails, asserting that the Yuth Nashaa Virodh scheme has failed. Pandher condemned the state police's actions against protesting farmers at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points, where they had been camped for over a year demanding, among other things, a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of crops. In a police crackdown on March 19, several farmer leaders were detained as they were returning from a meeting with a central delegation led by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Chandigarh. The meeting aimed to address the farmers' demands, particularly a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of crops. As the farmers were leaving the meeting and entering Mohali, they encountered heavy barricading , and some of their leaders were detained. The police also evicted farmers and dismantled temporary structures at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points, leading to the resumption of vehicular traffic on the Shambhu-Ambala and Sangrur-Jind highways. Farmers criticized the AAP government for detaining their leaders and removing protesters from the border points, where they had been camping since February 13 of last year, after their march to Delhi was blocked by Haryana Police. Meanwhile, the Punjab Government informed the Supreme Court today that farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal had ended his 123-day fast and begun accepting water. Punjab BJP President Jakhar slams AAP, Congress over farmer protests, accuses CM Mann of betrayal
Detained Punjab farmer leaders Pandher, Kohar released
Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Mr. Pandher was released from Muktsar jail while Kohar, Kotra and some other farmer leaders were released from Patiala central jail, they said
Punjab Assembly witnesses noisy scenes over Bajwa's remarks against Seechewal
CHANDIGARH: Punjab Assembly on Thursday witnessed noisy scenes with the Congress legislators staging a walkout thrice. The House was also adjourned after the treasury benches sought an apology from Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa for his remarks against environmentalist and AAP MP Balbir Singh Seechewal. A resolution censuring Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa was was also passed. The censure motion received support from SAD MLA Manpreet Ayali and suspended Congress MLA Sandeep Jakhar. After the Question Hour, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains and AAP MLA Inderjit Kaur Maan on Wednesday criticized Bajwa for his remarks against Seechewal and sought his apology when the leader of opposition got up to bring a resolution for recommending Bharat Ratna for legendary freedom fighter Bhagat Singh. But Bajwa today again repeated his remarks and refused to apologise. He expressed displeasure over not being allowed to bring a resolution on Bharat Ratna for Bhagat Singh. However, Bajwa said he stood by what he said about Seechewal and alleged that it was a planned attack by the Treasury Benches to suppress his voice. Is this being done in a planned manner? Bajwa asked the Speaker, referring to the protest by treasury benches. I stand by what I said, Bajwa asserted. Heated arguments ensued as opposition Congress MLAs and the Treasury Benches traded charges. Education Minister Bains said that the Punjabis were hurt by Bajwas remarks against Seechewal and also MLA Inderjit Kaur sought a censure motion against the leader of opposition. He said his sentiments have been hurt with Bajwas remarks and asked the Congress MLAs whether it was the partys statement. When Bajwa pressed for allowing him to bring the resolution on Bhagat Singh, the Speaker told the leader of opposition that fifteen days notice was required for bringing a resolution. You have to follow the rules. Nobody should cast aspersion on the chair, the Speaker told Bajwa. Amid heated exchanges in the House, Congress MLAs, led by Bajwa, rushed to the well of the House and raised slogans against the AAP government before staging a walkout. Cabinet Minister Aman Arora also targeted Bajwa for his utterances against Seechewal and called Bajwas remarks absurd and ridiculous and dubbed it as an overreaction as Seechewal is AAPs Rajya Sabha MP. Later, the House was adjourned for 15 minutes. Once the House resumed proceedings, the Congress MLAs again staged a walkout after being targeted by the Treasury Benches for comments against Seechewal. Bajwa was not present in the House when the MLAs staged the walkout. The House proceedings were again adjourned for 15 minutes amid heated arguments between the Treasury Benches and the Congress MLAs. The Congress MLAs alleged that they were not being allowed to speak on the Budget 2025-26, as the Treasury Benches were using the Seechewal issue to avoid passing resolution on the Bharat Ratna for Bhagat Singh. On Wednesday, Bajwa while speaking to the media had asked the state government to engage Punjab Engineer College University, Chandigarh or Thapar Institute in Patiala for their technical advice for works like cleaning of ponds in villages for recharge of water. Seechewal is not an engineer. During our (governments time) also, some works were carried out by Seechewal and then a report was submitted that Seechewals model is a completely failed model. Seechewal saab says if some work has to be done then my people will carry out that work. Its a failed model, he had said.
Army seeks fair probe into Col assault case
The Indian Army has demanded a fair and time-bound investigation into the assault of Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath by 12 Punjab Police personnel. The incident occurred on March 13-14 over a parking dispute in Patiala. The Punjab Police has assured justice and set up a special investigation team to probe the matter. The Army and Punjab Police have reiterated their commitment to maintaining the long-standing bonhomie between the two forces.
Assault on Army officer: HC raps Punjab Police, asks state govt to explain delay in registering FIR
CHANDIGARH: Expressing strong reservations over the manner in which Punjab Police officials conducted themselves in an alleged assault case involving Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath and his son Angad Singh Bath, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday asked the state government to explain the delay in the registration of a case over the issue and file a detailed reply by March 28. A notice of motion was also issued to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the state by Justice Sandeep Moudgil on a plea by the Colonel. The court also asked the government to explain why it did not proceed with another complaint by a police official who claimed injuries. Questioning the seven-day delay in registering an First Information Report (FIR), Justice Moudgil asked, Why did you not register the FIR when you learnt of the incident? Why this delay? What is the explanation? The bench asked why the Punjab Police were willing to register an FIR based on the complaint of the dhaba owner but refused to heed the complaint filed by the colonels wife. Justice Moudgil said, If your clients were so honest and dedicated, they should have booked them, taken them for medical. Instead, they fled from the spot and spent three days apologizing. The court was hearing a petition filed by Colonel Bath against the State of Punjab. The petition sought the transfer of FIR No. 69, dated March 22, 2025, registered at Police Station Civil Lines, Patiala to the CBI or any independent agency to ensure a free, fair, and impartial investigation. He alleged in the plea that a fair investigation was impossible under the Punjab Police. 'They were like a pack of wolves': Wife of Army colonel attacked by Punjab cops demands CBI probe After the hearing, Deepinder Singh Virk, one of the counsels representing Colonel Bath, said that the high court has directed the state of Punjab to file a detailed reply by Friday. He added that the court has sought a reply on specific points which include all the officers who were present at the spot at the time of the incident. The family of the Colonel had approached the Patiala SSP. Why was the matter delayed for eight days and FIR not registered? The intimation was given by the Colonel's family as soon as the incident took place. To which officer was the information given at the first instance and why did he opt not to register the FIR, he said. The petition read, Despite the seriousness of the offence, the local police failed to take action. Distress calls made to senior officials were ignored and, instead of registering an FIR based on the petitioner's statement, a bogus FIR under 'affray' against unknown persons was filed on the complaint of an unrelated third party. The petition also sought a stay into the probe by Punjab Police and examination of the role of senior police officers in delaying the registration of the FIR. The plea alleges his wife was pressured by the policemen to strike a compromise and further claimed that some cops admitted in a video call to his wife that they were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. The family of the colonel on Monday ended their dharna outside the Deputy Commissioner's office in Patiala after they were assured that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann would hear their grievance in a meeting on March 31. Many ex-servicemen and veterans had joined the dharna led by the family of Colonel Bath. His wife Jasvinder Kaur has demanded the transfer of Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police Nanak Singh. Colonel Bath, currently posted at the Army headquarters in New Delhi, alleged that he was assaulted on the night of March 13.
J&K Athletes shine in Khelo India Wushu Sr. Womens League
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 24: Three Wushu athletes from Jammu and Kashmir brought glory to the Union Territory in the Khelo India Wushu Sr. Womens League Championship held at Bilsapur, Chhattisgarh from March 20 to 23. Ansa Chisti clinched the Gold medal, while Ayeera Chisti and Riya Chib secured Bronze medals in the 52 kg and 65 kg categories, respectively. All three athletes qualified for the championship during the Khelo India Zonal League Wushu Championship held in Patiala. Ayeera [] The post J&K Athletes shine in Khelo India Wushu Sr. Womens League appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Days after crackdown Punjab cops free 800 farmers, 450 more to be released
CHANDIGARH: Days after the crackdown on protesting farmers, Punjab Police on Monday said it has released nearly 800 farmers from detention and is going to free 450 more on the direction of the state government. Since March 19, hundreds of farmers had been taken into custody after the AAP government decided to clear the protest sites, claiming that the stir had impacted businesses, industries and the general public. In a statement here, Inspector General of Police (Headquarters) Sukhchain Singh Gill said, Punjab Government has already released approximately 800 farmers from the police custody. The official said that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has directed he immediate release of farmers including women, differently-abled individuals, farmers with medical conditions, and those above the age of 60. In line with the directives of the Punjab Government, we are prioritising the release of such farmers and about 450 farmers are being released today, he said. The protesting farmers had lashed out at the AAP government for detaining their leaders and removing protesters from the Shambhu and Khanauri border points, where they had been camping since February 13 last year after their march to Delhi was thwarted by security personnel. On grievances of the farmers related to their belongings during the eviction from protest sites, the IGP said that the Punjab Government has issued strict directions in this regard and nobody will be permitted to misappropriate the belongings of farmers. To address the concern about the belongings of farmers, the Patiala district police has also appointed SP-rank officer Jasbir Singh as the Nodal Officer, and farmers facing issues related to their possessions can directly contact SP Jasbir Singh at the mobile number 90713-00002 for immediate assistance, Gill said. Patiala Police has already registered three first information reports (FIRs) in this regard, he said. Slamming the crackdown against the protesting farmers by Punjab Police, the national coordination committee of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha on Sunday had called upon farmers across India to hold protest demonstrations at districts across the country on March 28. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) were the two organisations that spearheaded the protests at Shambhu and Khanauri. Punjab Police had detained several farmers and many farmer leaders, in Mohali on Wednesday as they were returning after a meeting with a central delegation led by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Chandigarh. The meeting discussed the various demands of the farmers, especially a law guaranteeing minimum support price (MSP) for crops. As the departing farmers entered Mohali after the meeting, they were met with heavy barricading and some of their leaders were detained. Meanwhile, vehicular traffic had on Friday resumed on the Khanauri border point after the barricades that had been put up in the wake of the farmers' protest were removed. Earlier on Thursday, traffic had resumed on the Shambhu-Ambala Highway after more than a year, a day after Punjab Police demolished their temporary structures at the protest site.
Colonel Pushpinder Singh Baths family lifts protest after assurance of meeting with Punjab CM Mann
CHANDIGARH: The family of Army Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath has ended their protest following an assurance from the Punjab government that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will meet them on March 31 to hear their grievances. The family, supported by ex-servicemen, had been protesting outside the Deputy Commissioner's office in Patiala, demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the assault on Col Bath and his son by 12 Punjab Police personnel on March 14. They were also calling for the transfer of Patialas Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nanak Singh. According to sources, the family and ex-servicemen had been holding the dharna since Saturday. However, on Monday, a series of meetings took place between them and district officials. The family submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, requesting a personal hearing with Chief Minister Mann. Wife of assaulted Army Colonel leads protest in Patiala, ex-servicemen join in The protest was lifted after Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Patiala visited the dharna site and handed over a letter to Jaswinder Kaur, the wife of Col Bath, confirming that the Chief Minister would meet them on March 31 at noon. An official confirmed, A letter has been given to the family, and they, along with others, can meet CM Mann on March 31. Kaur stated that she, along with her son, husband, and a representative from the union that supported them during the protest, will meet the Chief Minister. If our demands for a CBI inquiry and the transfer of SSP Nanak Singh are not met, we will resume our protest in April, she said, adding, We do not trust the police. She also thanked the Deputy Commissioner and Additional Deputy Commissioner for facilitating the meeting with the government. A large number of ex-servicemen from across Punjab had joined the protest in support of the family. Last week, the Colonels family had met Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit, seeking a CBI probe. They had rejected the Punjab governments order for an executive magistrate-led investigation. Following this, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted by the Director, Bureau of Investigation, Punjab, headed by Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) SPS Parmar. The SIT also includes Sandeep Malik, SSP Hoshiarpur, and Manpreet Singh, SP (Rural), SAS Nagar. The team has been directed to conduct the investigation on a day-to-day basis, collect evidence, and proceed with legal action against those responsible. A case has already been registered, naming the police officials involved. Additionally, instructions were issued to the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Patiala Range to immediately transfer the police officials concerned out of Patiala district. After the order, they were reassigned. The Additional Director General of Police (Security), Punjab, was also directed to provide adequate protection to Col Baths family. The assault took place on the night of March 13-14 at a roadside eatery near Government Rajindra Hospital in Patiala. Col Bath is currently posted at Army Headquarters in New Delhi.
Dallewal shifted back to Patiala; arrested farmer leaders not to file any bail applications
CHANDIGARH: Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal whose fast-up-to-death entered 118th on March 23 has been shifted back to a private hospital in Patiala. The arrested farmers leaders have decided not to file any bail applications and prefer to stay behind bars. Sources said that the government reportedly decided on March 22 evening to shift Dallewal to a private hospital in Patiala, now being managed by a retired Punjab Police official. Before being shifted to Patiala, Dallewal was kept at high security at the PWD rest house in Jalandhar Cantonment with security personnel tasked with foiling any attempt by farmer leaders to reach him. He was shifted to Jalandhar following a late-night drama during which he was taken to multiple locations before he was taken to the Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Jalandhar around 2 am on March 20 from Patiala. After his detention from Mohali in a police crackdown on March 19, the police detained Dallewal and other farmer leaders, including Sarwan Singh Pandher in Mohali. They were on their way to protest sites at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders. They visited the site after holding discussions with central team of minister in Chandigarh. It is learnt that this move to shift the leader back from Jalandhar has taken many by surprise including many farmer leaders as Patiala had been the epicentre of the farmers agitation who had blocked the national highway near Shambhu and Khanauri for more than a year. Meanwhile, the arrested farmer leaders and members of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) have decided not to file any bail applications and prefer to remain inside jail. A 14-member delegation of the KMM visited these leaders Sarvan Singh Pandher, Kaka Singh Kotda, Abhimanyu Kohad, Manjit Singh Rai, Sukhwinder Kaur, PT John from Kerala, Nand Kumar, P Pandian from Tamil Nadu besides others at Central Jail in Patiala and said that the arrested leaders were in high spirits and reiterated their resolve to continue with the protest. Farmer leaders Guramneet Singh and Tejveer Singh said the leaders who have been arrested have told them not to file any bail applications as they wanted to bring out the reality of the AAP-led Punjab Government before the world. The farm leaders feel they were cheated by the state government. The government did not even care for the convenience of those who has been on a fast for the last 117 days. They have asked to keep on meeting people and mobilise then for future protests, they said.
Congress seeks arrest of Punjab Police personnel who assaulted an army officer in Patiala
Party leaders seek a probe into the matter, after 12 police personnel allegedly beat up the Colonel and his son over a parking dispute
Assault on Colonel: Family digs in heels; demands CBI probe
The wife of an army Colonel, who has accused 12 Punjab police personnel of assaulting him and his son over a parking dispute, has started a sit-in protest along with ex-servicemen outside the Patiala Deputy Commissioner's office to press for a CBI probe. The family is demanding a CBI probe and the transfer of Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police Nanak Singh, accusing him of failing to take action on their multiple requests to file an FIR. Despite Patiala Deputy Commissioner (DC) Preeti Yadav assuring them of a fair and transparent probe, the family refused to lift the 'dharna' and said it would continue until their demands were met.
