Colonels assault in Patiala: High Court pulls up Punjab govt, seeks detailed reply by March 28

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.

4 Police Officers Suspended, Probe Team Formed Over Colonel's Assault In Punjab

As many as four Patiala police officers have been suspended and transferred for allegedly assaulting Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath in Punjab's Patiala, a senior police officer said.

Farmers burn Punjab CMs effigies in villages against their eviction from Shambhu, Khanauri

CHANDIGARH, Mar 22: The Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC) said on Saturday that it has burnt the effigies of the AAP Government in villages of Punjab against the eviction of farmers from the Shambhu and Khanauri border points by the state police. Meanwhile, a few farmer leaders paid a visit to their imprisoned colleagues, including Sarwan Singh Pandher, in the Patiala jail. They said around 125 protesters are lodged in the Patiala jail, 150 in the Nabha jail and [] The post Farmers burn Punjab CMs effigies in villages against their eviction from Shambhu, Khanauri appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Wife of Army Colonel assaulted over parking row leads protest in Patiala , ex-servicemen join in

CHANDIGARH: The wife of the Army Colonel, who has accused 12 Punjab police personnel of assaulting him and son over a parking dispute , staged a sit-in protest outside the Patiala deputy commissioner's office on Saturday. She was joined by several ex-servicemen. The protest came a day after the Punjab Police registered a fresh FIR based on the statement of Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath. A high-level Special Investigation Team (SIT) has also been set up to expedite investigation. During the protest, the Army Colonel's wife, Jasvinder Kaur Bath, accused the 12 police officials of brutally thrashing her husband and son, and demanded speedy justice. BJP leader and former MP Preneet Kaur, who joined the protest, strongly condemned the incident. As a citizen of India and the wife of an ex-Army officer (former chief minister Amarinder Singh), I stand in complete solidarity with the assaulted officer and family. I demand an impartial probe, so that the guilty get proper punishment, she said. Speaking to reporters in Patiala, Kaur said Army officials should be included in the SIT. Since the Army is involved, the government is involved and the police force is also involved. A joint SIT should be formed with Army and police officials, and a judge involved, she said. The alleged incident took place on the intervening night of March 13 and 14, when Colonel Bath and his son were having food at a roadside eatery near Government Rajindra Hospital in Patiala. The family alleged that some police officers in civil dress asked the Colonel to move his car, as they had to park theirs. When the Colonel objected to their rude tone, the officers thrashed him and his son. The Colonel's arm was broken, and his son suffered a long cut on head. The Colonel's wife had on Thursday met Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, who spoke to the state DGP and advised him to register an FIR on the Colonel's statement. 'They were like a pack of wolves': Wife of Army colonel attacked by Punjab cops demands CBI probe Punjab Police on Friday said it has registered an FIR at Civil Lines police station. Colonel Bath's statement names the police officers who assaulted him and details their roles in the assault, a statement said on Friday evening. An SIT consisting of SPS Parmar, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order); Sandeep Malik, Senior Superintendent of Police, Hoshiarpur, and Manpreet Singh, Superintendent of Police (Rural), SAS Nagar has been constituted to investigate the incident. A Punjab Police spokesperson said that Patiala Range DIG has been instructed to immediately transfer the police officers concerned. All the 12 officers have been placed under suspension and departmental proceedings initiated against them, he added. The Additional Director General of Police (Security), Punjab, has been directed to provide protection to Colonel Bath's family.

'They were like a pack of wolves': Wife of Army colonel attacked by Punjab cops demands CBI probe

CHANDIGARH: The attack on a serving Army colonel and his son by 12 Punjab Police personnel over a parking dispute in Patiala has snowballed into a major controversy. Even as the Punjab government on Thursday ordered a magisterial probe into the incident, the Army officers family rejected it on Friday, saying they do not trust the state government. Frequently breaking down in tears and speaking in a voice choked with emotion, Jasvinder Kaur Bath, wife of Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath, demanded that the case be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for an impartial investigation. She said that the accused policemen meted such inhuman treatment to my husband. We do not even deal with terrorists like this. She demanded the immediate registration of an FIR based on her husbands complaint under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita including attempt to murder, the naming of all 12 accused police officers in the FIR, and the immediate transfer of the accused officers out of Patiala. The FIR should be registered on my husband's complaint, under Sections 109, 118 (2), 118 (1), 115 (2), 126 (2), 308 (4), 311, 351 (2&3) read with 3 (5) of BNS, naming all 12 guilty police officers, she said, while demanding arrest of the accused police officials. She further alleged that the police had not named the 12 officers who have been suspended in the case because it would bring a bad name to the force as they were involved in working out a case and commended the same morning. Like a pack of wolves, they descended upon him, and before he could even defend himself, at least 12 officials, including four inspectors, began ruthlessly thrashing him with batons, fists and kicks, without stopping for a second to consider that they were assaulting a soldier of this very nation. When my son, Angad Singh, tried to shield his father, he too was attacked with relentless blows, Jasvinder alleged. She accused Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police Nanak Singh of failing to take action in the matter. Singh should also be posted out of Patiala for lack of cooperation, as the family requested him multiple times to register the FIR, but he kept giving false hopes, delaying the process of justice and causing untold harassment to the family, she alleged. Jaswinder alleged that she was asked to compromise on the issue and not pursue the case even when she showed the videos of the rutal violence that had been committed and also the videos where four accused police inspectors were seeking forgiveness from me. The family claimed that when the two were standing outside their car and having food, some police officers in civilian clothes approached and asked the Colonel to move his vehicle so they could park theirs. When the Colonel objected to their rude tone, one of the officers punched him, and soon all the police personnel began thrashing him and his son. Army colonel, son thrashed by Punjab Police over parking in Patiala; 12 cops suspended She submitted a representation to the Deputy Commissioner of Patiala, recounting the ordeal her family allegedly faced at the hands of the Punjab Police. She urged the DC, Please help restore my shattered faith in the justice system and ensure that no innocent citizen suffers what we have encountered. She said she had received phone calls from several politicians. But I did not pick up even one politician's phone because it is not a political fight. I am a fauji's wife, my husband fights for the country, it is not my fight alone, it is everybody's fight, she said. Jaswinder further alleged that some of the accused cops threatened her in the police station, saying today they were seeking forgiveness from her, but tomorrow hey will see her and her son who live in Patiala. I saw no remorse in their eyes, she said. The same dhaba owner, who had initially given me CCTV extracts and named the accused officials, was later forced under pressure to change his statement, a clear sign of intimidation and manipulation by the police force, she alleged. She said her repeated visits to police stations in Patiala were met with apathy, arrogance and outright refusal to act. Instead of justice, my family has only received threats, she alleged. The family has planned to hold a protest march in Patiala on March 22 to seek justice in the matter. The incident took place on the intervening night of March 13 and 14, when Colonel Bath and his son were at a roadside eatery near Government Rajindra Hospital in Patiala. Bath is currently posted at Army Headquarters at New Delhi. On Thursday, the Colonels family had met with the Punjab Governor, seeking a CBI probe into the matter. The family also rejected the investigation by an executive magistrate ordered by the Punjab government. If my husband and my son are found guilty, they should be punished as well, she said. SSP Patiala Nanak Singh was not available for comment despite repeated tries. Many senior ex-Army officers and other ex-servicemen have stood in solidarity with the Colonel and his family. During the zero hour on the first day of the state budget session, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa demanded the immediate transfer of Senior Superintendent of Police of Patiala Nanak Singh for protecting police officers who assaulted a serving colonel. Bajwa sought exemplary punishment for the erring police officers and a judicial probe by a sitting or retired judge into the incident. Citing a similar incident, Bajwa said a Lt Col in Chandigarh in 1992 faced the brutality of a 'hotheaded SSP. The then Punjab governor Surinder Nath launched a joint inquiry under a Brigadier and DIG. They found the SSP guilty and subsequently he was transferred. A case was registered on Friday in Police Station Civil Lines, Patiala, on the statement of Colonel Bath. The statement names the police officials who assaulted him and also gives the roles attributed to each person in the assault. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by Additional DGP (Law and Order) SPS Parmar including Sandeep Malik Senior Superintendent of Police, Hoshiarpur and Manpreet Singh, Superintendent of Police, Rural, SAS Nagar has been constituted by the Director, Bureau of Investigation, Punjab. The SIT has been directed to conduct the investigation on day-to-day basis for collection of evidence and further legal proceedings, in order to ensure that the culprits are proceeded against as per law. Also, instructions have been issued to DIG Patiala Range to immediately transfer the concerned police officials out of Patiala district. Meanwhile, Additional Director General of Police, Security, Punjab has been directed to provide adequate protection to the family of Colonel Bath. Bajwa said if the Punjab government failed to do justice to Colonel Bath, the Union government should take cognizance of the matter. The way SSP Nanak Singh handled the entire episode of police cruelty, it can be concluded that he has been shielding his men in uniform. He even failed to mention the names of the accused police personnel in the FIR. He has had a biased approach since day one. Therefore Singh must be transferred from Patiala, Bajwa said while speaking in the assembly.

Army Colonel 'Assaulted' By Punjab Cops In Patiala, His Wife Demands CBI Probe

The incident took place on the intervening night of March 13 and 14, when Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath and his son were at a roadside eatery near Government Rajindra Hospital in Patiala.

Farmers protest: Industrialists welcome highway reopening; unions to hold nationwide dharnas

CHANDIGARH: The arrest of farmer leaders and the eviction of protesting farmers from the Shambhu and Khanauri borders has sparked mixed reactions. While farmers staged statewide protests, traders, industrialists, and commuters largely welcomed the move, citing economic losses due to prolonged road blockades. Following the eviction, Haryana Police began dismantling cemented barricades at the Shambhu border on Thursday morning. These barriers had been erected last year to prevent farmers from Punjab from marching towards Delhi as part of the 'Delhi Chalo' protest. JCB machines were deployed to remove concrete blocks and clear the Shambhu-Ambala road, which had remained closed for over a year. Temporary structures and stages set up by the protesters were also dismantled as part of the clearance operation. Meanwhile, Haryana Police issued notices to farmer leaders Jasmeet Singh and Tejveer Singh, summoning them to appear before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Thursday. The SIT is investigating cases registered against them last year. The notice warned that failure to comply would result in legal action. BKU leader Rakesh Tikait has called on farmer unions across the country to unite, warning that governments will continue to suppress farmer protests while favouring corporate interests. Similarly, Satnam Singh Pannu, president of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, criticised the police action, stating that instead of bringing change (badlaav), Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann was engaging in politics of revenge (badle ki rajniti). Industrialists expressed relief, stating that reopening highways would revive the economy and boost tourism. They claimed that the year-long blockade had caused severe economic losses and disrupted daily life. Sources indicate that the crackdown followed pressure from Ludhiana traders, who warned AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal that continued protests could impact the partys prospects in the Ludhiana West Assembly by-election. Many farmers detained from Khanauri have been held at a location in Pattran, while those arrested from Mohali and the Shambhu border were shifted to Patiala Central Jail. In Gurdaspur, farmers protesting outside the Deputy Commissioners office for three days dispersed quietly on Thursday morning after police warned of mass arrests. Meanwhile, in Bathinda, police detained farmers near Jeeda toll plaza. Internet services in Sangrur and Patiala districts remained suspended. Intensifying their agitation, farmers in Punjab and Haryana have announced plans to stage protests outside Deputy Commissioner (DC) offices across both states, aimed at pressing for their pending demands, including a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP), farm loan waivers, and compensation for crop losses. Farmers' unions have announced a peaceful yet resolute demonstrations, stressing that their demands remain unfulfilled despite several rounds of talks with the government. Meanwhile, security has been tightened across various districts to prevent any untoward incidents. The protests are part of a larger agitation for long-term policy changes and financial support to secure farmers' livelihoods. Leaders have urged authorities to address their concerns promptly to avoid further escalation. The protesting farmers, led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, had been camping at the Shambhu (Shambhu-Ambala) and Khanauri (Sangrur-Jind) borders since 13 February last year, when their march to Delhi was halted by security forces.

Farmers' protest: Security heightened at Haryana-Punjab Shambhu border

Heightened security marks the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu Border as Haryana Police dismantles barriers to allow farmer movement. Patiala SSP assures the road will be cleared without using force. Several farmer leaders face detainment, prompting mixed reactions from politicians and farmer organizations. Former Punjab CM Channi and BJP leader Bajwa criticize government's actions amid ongoing talks.

Family of assaulted colonel to launch indefinite protest demanding justice and fresh FIR against accused cops; want accused cops' names made public

The family of colonel Pushpinder Bath, assaulted by Punjab Police, has announced an indefinite protest outside the Patiala DC office from March 22. Led by ex-servicemen and BJP leader Gurtej Singh Dhillon, they demand that the names of 12 suspended cops be included in the FIR. They allege police pressure for a compromise. Meanwhile, a national-level campaign for justice is being planned.

More than a year after launching protest, farmers evicted by Punjab govt from Shambhu, Khanauri borders

CHANDIGARH: More than a year after launching their protest, farmers were evicted on Wednesday evening from both the Shambhu and Khanauri borders between Punjab and Haryana, which have been closed for normal traffic due to the stir. This came after the Punjab Police had detained Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non Political) leaders Sarwan Singh Pandher and Jagjit Singh Dallewal, while they were en route from Chandigarh to the Shambhu and Khanauri borders after the seventh round of talks between farmer leaders and the Union government remained inconclusive. Dallewal has been on a hunger strike since November last year. On the Haryana side, these border points are still barricaded. The authorities had erected cement and other barricades there in order to stop the farmers from moving towards Delhi. The farmer leaders were traveling back to the Shambhu border from Chandigarh, from where Dallewal and other leaders were supposed to proceed to Khanauri. However, they were detained upon reaching the Jagatpura area of Mohali. Dallewal was taken into custody while inside his ambulance, while others were detained along with their vehicles after some resistance. Pandher was detained from his vehicle from the Zirakpur barrier as he attempted to flee. Fourteen farmer leaders and others accompanying the two were also detained. Pandher has been taken to Bahadurgarh Fort Commando Police Training Centre in Patiala. This has been transformed into a makeshift detention centre, with a majority of farmer leaders and protesting farmers, except Dallewal, being taken there. After detaining the farmer leaders, a heavy police force headed by senior officers reached both border points and detained the farmers sitting at these places. They were asked to sit in vehicles arranged by the police, with some force being used at Khanauri to evuct them. After that, with the help of JCBs, the makeshift stages and other structures including their tents were dismantled and the tractor-trolleys taken away. Around 200 farmers were detained at Khanauri and around 40-odd farmers at Shambhu. Internet services have been suspended in many areas around the Shambhu border and a heavy police force has been deployed in nearby villages. The decision to take action against the protesting farmer unions was reportedly made on Tuesday night, following a meeting between top AAP functionaries and industrialists who expressed concerns that the protests were incurring significant costs. Farmer leaders Jagjit Singh Dallewal, Sarwan Singh Pandher detained by Punjab Police in Mohali Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the step was necessitated for the economic growth of the state. Deputy Inspector of Police (Patiala Range) Mandeep Singh Sidhu who was at the Khanauri border and Senior Superintendent of Police of Patiala Nanak Singh who was at the Shambhu border said that the farmers were requested to cooperate and clear the road. The farmers willing to go to their native places were sent, said Singh, adding that the road will be cleared and they are in touch with their Haryana counterparts to clear it from the other side for unhindered traffic movement. Sidhu said, We all are children of farmers and told them to cooperate and clear the protest sites. The protesting farmers have been camping at the Shambhu (Shambhu-Ambala) and Khanauri (Sangrur-Jind) border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 last year when their march to Delhi was thwarted by security forces. #WATCH | Punjab Police demolished the tents erected by farmers at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu Border, where they were sitting on a protest over various demands. The farmers are also being removed from the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu Border. pic.twitter.com/TzRZKEjvXD ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2025 Many opposition leaders lashed out at the AAP government over the police action to detain farmers. Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Bittu has strongly condemned the police crackdown on farmers. Former chief minister and MP Charanjit Singh Channi stated that the AAP government succumbed to pressure from the BJP-led central government and took action against the farmers. Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring has strongly condemned the actions of both the central BJP government and AAP government in the state, accusing them of betraying and backstabbing farmers. He questioned the need for the Punjab Police to arrest farmer leaders while negotiations were already underway between the central government and farmers.

NIA court defers order on bail plea of MP Engineer Rashid

Delhis Patiala House Court on Wednesday deferred the order on the regular bail plea of Baramulla MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh alias Engineer Rashid. He is an accused in a terror case lodged by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Special Judge (NIA) deferred the order and listed it on March 21 for orders. His bail plea []

Punjabi University Result 2025 Released at punjabiuniversity.ac.in Direct Link to Download ODD Semester Result

Punjabi University Result 2025: Punjabi University Patiala has released the 2025 results for B.Tech. M.A, MBA, M.Com, MCA and Other Exams on 18-03-2025. Students can check their Punjabi University results on the official website @ punjabiuniversity.ac.in by accessing the designated results link.

Majithia quizzed by SIT for 8 hours in 2021 drugs case

SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia appeared before the SIT in Patiala regarding a drug case against him. He was questioned about suspicious financial transactions linked to his and his family's firms. Majithia is summoned for further questioning, while efforts are ongoing to extradite three other accused from abroad.

12 Patiala cops suspended for assaulting Army officer, son

Punjab Congress slams AAP govt over assault on army colonel and son

Top Punjab Congress leaders criticised the AAP govt for the alleged assault on a serving Army Colonel and his son by Patiala Police officials. They demanded an independent probe and strict action, citing deteriorating law and order and alleged police high-handedness under the AAP regime.

12 Patiala cops suspended for allegedly assaulting army officer and son; inquiry to conclude in 45 days

Patiala police suspended 12 officers, including three inspectors, for allegedly assaulting Army Colonel Pushpinder Bath and his son over a car parking issue near Rajindra Hospital. The SSP initiated a 45-day departmental inquiry into the sensitive matter, promising a fair investigation with statements from both parties being recorded and examined.

Army colonel, son thrashed by Punjab Police over parking in Patiala; 12 cops suspended

CHANDIGARH: A serving army colonel and his son were allegedly assaulted by Punjab Police personnel in Patiala in the early hours of March 14 over a parking dispute. The officer sustained a fractured arm, while his son suffered head injuries. The incident was captured on CCTV footage from the area. The Punjab Police has suspended 12 officials, including three inspectors, and ordered a departmental probe into the matter. According to sources, Colonel Pushpinder Bath, currently posted at the Army Headquarters in New Delhi, claimed he and his son were attacked by policemen in Patiala on the night of March 13. Both are undergoing treatment at Rajindra Hospital. The alleged assault took place outside a roadside eatery near the hospital, where Bath and his son had stopped for refreshments. Three police personnel in civilian clothes reportedly asked the Colonel to move his car so they could park their vehicle. When he objected to their tone, the officers allegedly began assaulting him and his son. While police initially registered a case against unidentified individuals based on a statement from a dhaba owner, the colonels family has accused police officials of being responsible for the attack. However, one of the accused policemen claimed that it was the colonel and his son who initiated the altercation, alleging that they were intoxicated and attacked the officers. Disgraceful behavior by @PunjabPoliceInd ! A serving Army Colonel was brutally assaulted by Patiala Police officers, yet no proper action has been taken despite CCTV evidence. pic.twitter.com/UIsuXAgm5a Balbir Singh Sidhu (@BalbirSinghMLA) March 17, 2025 Jaswinder Bath, wife of Col Pushpinder Bath, told the media that her husband and son were eating outside their car when police personnel approached them and asked them to move their vehicle. When my husband objected to their tone, one of them punched him. Later, they assaulted both of them, leaving them injured, she alleged. She further claimed that her husband and son were beaten with baseball bats and sharp weapons, resulting in the colonels fractured arm and a deep cut on their sons head. Despite clear CCTV footage and our identification of the attackers, the police are acting in a biased manner, she said, adding that the family was being pressured to compromise or face consequences. Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nanak Singh confirmed that 12 police personnel, including inspectors Harry Boparai, Ronnie Singh, and Harjinder Dhillon, had been suspended. We will conduct a thorough investigation, and justice will be served. No one will be spared, he stated. Meanwhile, senior army officials from Delhi have reportedly visited the hospital to assess the situation.

On Camera, Army Officer, Son Thrashed By Patiala Cops Over Parking Dispute

The argument reportedly began when the police personnel, in civilian clothes, asked the Army Colonel to move his vehicle.

Colonel, Son Brutally Beaten By Police Officials Over Parking Dispute In Patiala, Alleges Family

Some police officials brutally assaulted an Indian Army Colonel and his son over a parking dispute.

Man armed with iron rod attacks devotees at Golden Temple in Amritsar; five injured

CHANDIGARH: An unidentified man armed with a rod attacked devotees at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, injuring five people. Sources said that the attack took place inside the oldest Guru Ram Dass inn in the golden temple complex near the community kitchen (langar) hall. The state police have arrested the alleged accused and his aide, who had accompanied him to the golden temple. The identity of the attacker has not been officially disclosed. The police are investigating the motive behind the assault. Among the injured, a Sikh youth from Bathinda is in serious condition and is receiving treatment at the emergency wing of Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences and Research at Amritsar. Meanwhile, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has strongly condemned the shocking attack on devotees and sewadars (attendants) at Sri Guru Ramdas Niwas of Golden Temple. SGPC has urged the police administration to take immediate and stringent action against the culprits and to disclose their identities to the public. SGPC Secretary Partap Singh described the incident as potentially part of a larger conspiracy and called for a thorough police investigation to uncover the truth. Providing details of the attack, he stated that while Sikh devotees from around the world had gathered to pay obeisance at golden temple on the occasion of the new Nanakshahi year, an attacker entered Sri Guru Ramdas Niwas around 12 noon and suddenly launched an assault on devotees and sewadars using an iron rod. Three devotees from Mohali, Bathinda and Patiala along with two sewadars, were injured, he said. Singh said, Alarmingly, one sewadar and a devotee from Bathinda have suffered severe head injuries and remain in critical condition. The injured individuals were immediately admitted to Sri Guru Ramdas Hospital at Vallah managed by the SGPC, where all necessary medical arrangements are being provided by the organization. He said that due to swift response and surveillance footage from the CCTV cameras installed within the Golden Temple complex, the attacker and one of his accomplice was apprehended and handed over to the police. Now, the police administration must conduct a rigorous investigation to expose the culprits and the forces behind this brutal act, he added. Singh lamented that such incidents appear to be part of a deliberate conspiracy aimed at disturbing the peace at Golden Temple, a sacred site revered for its universal message of humanity. He further warned that attempts are being made to instill fear among global Sikh devotees regarding the sanctity and safety of this holy site.

At US request, India arrest Lithuanian crypto boss linked to $96B laundering scam from Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a coordinated effort with the CBI, police have arrested Aleksej Besciokov, a Lithuanian citizen wanted by US authorities, from Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday. Besciokov, is accused of money laundering and running an unlicensed money services business, was allegedly planning to flee the country. He, along with his associates, is accused of operating Garantex, a cryptocurrency exchange that facilitated the laundering of illicit funds linked to ransomware, computer hacking and narcotics transactions. A US Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesperson confirmed to CNN that Besciokov was arrested at the request of the United States. Between 2021 and 2024, Garantex allegedly laundered millions of dollars, including proceeds from ransomware groups such as Black Basta, Play and Conti. According to the DOJ, the exchange has processed at least $96 billion in cryptocurrency transactions since April 2019. Besciokov is facing trial in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia on multiple charges, including conspiracy to launder money and violating US economic sanctions. Following a request from the US, India's Ministry of External Affairs secured a provisional arrest warrant against Besciokov on Monday under the Extradition Act, 1962.The CBIs International Police Cooperation Unit (IPCU) then coordinated with the police here to execute the arrest. Besciokov will be presented before the Patiala House Court in Delhi for further proceedings.

Rural elections in Punjab: 16 gram panchayats in Patiala to vote on March 30

National Lok Adalat 2025: Get your Delhi traffic challans waived off or settled on THIS date

According to a social media post by the Delhi Traffic Police, the Lok Adalat will be held at the following court complexes -- Dwarka Court, Karkardooma Court, Patiala House Court, Rohini Court, Rouse Avenue Court, Saket Court, and Tis Hazari Court.

'Chandigarh Chalo': Farmers halted by police, security heightened at entry points

CANDIGARH: Amid the Chandigarh Chalo march under the banner of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), farmers were prevented from reaching Chandigarh for their week-long dharna beginning today. Multiple barricades and checkpoints were set up across Punjab, and several farmer leaders were detained. Security was also heightened at all entry points of the Union Territory, leading to long queues of vehicles. Farmers who set out for Chandigarh in tractor-trolleys and other vehicles on Wednesday morning were stopped by the Punjab Police at multiple locations. In many places, the state police had parked tippers on highways to block their movement. Farmer leaders stated that they are now trying to reach Chandigarh through rural link roads to avoid the highways. Joginder Singh Ugrahan, president of BKU Ekta-Ugrahan, the largest farmer union in the state, was detained by Sangrur police. He was picked up near Gharachon village and taken to Chajli police station, said his associate Jagtar Kalajhar. Meanwhile, BKU Dakaunda, the second-largest farmer union in Punjab, alleged that the police roughed up their president, Manjit Singh Dhaner. As police attempted to arrest Dhaner near Bhaini Dharera village in Raikot, a number of farmers gathered and did not allow them to take him away. In the chaos, Dhaner managed to escape as police and farmers came close to a confrontation. The first batch of trolleys carrying members of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) Punjab, which began its journey from Makhu block in Ferozepur on Tuesday evening, was stopped near Hedon village in Ludhiana on Wednesday morning. Another group of farmers from Patiala was prevented from moving towards Chandigarh as police placed sand tippers on the Patiala-Chandigarh road. Additionally, a convoy of about 20 vehicles from Fazilka was stopped near Jagraon. In Moga, Krantikari Kisan Union district president Jatinder Singh stated that their group was stopped at Ajitwal in Moga district by the police while heading to Chandigarh. Singh also claimed that some of their members were detained by the police. In Samrala, farmers were similarly stopped from proceeding, leading to protests against the AAP government for preventing their entry into Chandigarh. Around 50 farmers gathered at Amb Sahib Gurudwara in Mohali were also detained. The Morcha, a coalition of more than 30 farmer organisations, had called for the dharna in Chandigarh starting from 5 March in support of their various demands. Deputy Inspector General of Police (Ropar Range) Harcharan Singh Bhullar stated that protesting farmers would not be allowed to reach Chandigarh under any circumstances. Wherever any farmer came out on the roads, the police of that area stopped them, he said. Meanwhile, Chandigarh Police set up barricades at the Chandigarh-Mohali border to prevent protesters from entering the city. Security was intensified at all entry points, and police personnel were checking all vehicles and verifying the identities of people they suspected. Additionally, anti-riot vehicles, ambulances, fire brigades, and sand-filled tippers were deployed at all border points. Due to these intensive security measures, long queues of vehicles formed at border crossings, causing inconvenience to commuters. Superintendent of Police Geetanjali Khandelwal stated that police personnel had been stationed at all border points. Barricading has been put up, and strict checking is being carried out. We want people to face minimal inconvenience, but wherever we suspect traffic snarls, we have directed alternative traffic routes, she said. The Chandigarh Administration had denied permission for farmers to hold their sit-in at Sector 34 in the city.

Punjab Police detain several farmer union leaders ahead of Chandigarh Chalo call by SKM

CHANDIGARH: Ahead of the Chandigarh Chalo call given by Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), the farmers will march towards the city on March 5. SKM had spearheaded the 2020-21 farmers' protest. The talks between the farmer leaders and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann remained inconclusive on March 3. Punjab Police, in a 'midnight' operation, conducted raids at residences of several farmer union leaders across the state and detained them. Meanwhile, the opposition party leaders slammed Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for detaining the farmer leaders and termed it as the anti-farmer mindset of the AAP government. However, Farmer union leaders had anticipated such a move from the government ahead of the protests. Most of the leaders were not home early in the morning when police personnel arrived to arrest them. While some of them were detained, many leaders were not present during the raids, said a farmer leader. Among the farmer leaders of Samyukt Kisan Morcha who were detained by the police are Prem Singh Bhangu, Ruldu Singh Mansa, Harinder Singh Lakhowal, Mahesh Chander Sharma and Paramdeep Singh Baidwan, sources revealed. They were rounded up from Mohali, Ludhiana and Chandigarh. Talwinder Singh Gagon, Vice President of BKU Qadian, Davinder Singh Nanangli President of Kisan Sabha CPM, Ropar, Mohan Singh Dhmana President of Jamhoori Kisan Sabha, Ropar, Bir Singh Barwa President of Kirti Kisan Morcha, Ropar, Manjeet Raj District General Secretary of Kirti Kisan Union-Barnala, Jagjeer Singh Seera Block President of BKU Dakonda-Sehna and Hardeep Singh Talewal State Organising Secretary of BKU-Ugrahan besides many other leaders including those of BKU (Krantikari) were rounded up by the police from Ropar, Anadpur Sahib, Patiala and Barnala. Allegedly, the police have also arrived at the house of Joginder Singh Ugrahan, president of BKU Ekta Ugrahan, but could not locate him. Ugrahan said that the police conducted raids to scuttle the farmer's protests and our supporters are being rounded up. Let the Punjab government do whatever it wants, but I warn them the protest will go ahead despite the police crackdown, Ugrahan added. A senior police officer speaking on the condition of anonymity said that the police force was mobilised and efforts were ongoing to arrest farmer leaders. These raids were conducted following the failure of talks between the Punjab government and farmer unions. Kisan Mazdoor Morcha convenor Sarwan Singh Pandher criticised the police crackdown, calling it an attack on freedom in a democracy. Farmers want to protest peacefully, but the Punjab government is using the police to silence us. We will oppose any efforts to suppress our voices, he said. On Monday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had walked out of a meeting with Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) leaders. The opposition party leader slammed Punjab CM Mann for detaining the farmer leaders and termed it as the anti-farmer mindset of the AAP government. Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring wrote on X, CM Sahib, Punjabs farmers are not your opponentsthey are the backbone of our economy, small traders, and entire agrarian system. When farmers prosper and Punjab thrives, our markets flourish, small shopkeepers earn, and every household benefits, he said. Yet, for over a year, they have been protesting, and one leader has even put his life at stake. The least you could do is listen. If they cant talk to their own CM, where will they go? Ignoring them weakens Punjabs future, he added. Instead of addressing their concerns, why are you arresting farmers? Is this how you treat those who feed the nation? Talk to the farmersrespect their struggle!, he stated. CM Sahib, Punjabs farmers are not your opponentsthey are the backbone of our economy, small traders, and entire agrarian system. When farmers prosper, Punjab thrivesour markets flourish, small shopkeepers earn, and every household benefits. Yet, for over a year, they have Amarinder Singh Raja Warring (@RajaBrar_INC) March 4, 2025 Former Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal wrote on X in Punjabi, I strongly condemn the arrogant chief minister of Punjab for raiding the homes of farmer leaders. The AAP government is choking democracy by carrying out such disgraceful actions instead of apologising for the mistreatment of farmer leaders last evening. Bhagwant Mann has started arresting them @BhagwantMan Power is not eternal- Punjabs proud people will soon teach you a lesson, he said and posted a video of police raids of farmer leaders' houses. Senior BJP leader and Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu wrote on X, The Bhagwant Mann led Government has made emergency like situation in Punjab. After being exposed over the issues concerning Punjabs farmers, now its resorting to police tactics on farmer leaders. As we have repeatedly stated, the chief minister has turned the state into a police state, and the Punjab polices actions against farmers are highly condemnable. This reflects the anti-farmer mindset of the AAP government in Punjab.

Punjab government continues 'bulldozer action', razes houses of drug peddlers in Phillaur

CHANDIGARH: Unauthorised structures built on the encroached Panchayat land in the Khanpur and Mandi villages of Phillaur were demolished by the Jalandhar Rural Police in coordination with local authorities. The structures were unlawfully occupied by two individuals with a history of narcotics smuggling and were removed following due legal procedure. Senior Superintendent of Police Jalandhar (Rural) Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh said that the demolition drive was carried out following the request of the Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO) Phillaur. He had sought police assistance for the removal of illegal encroachments. The action was directed against Jasvir Singh alias Sheera, son of Dalveer alias Bur, resident of Khanpur, and Bholi, wife of Rampal alias Rama, resident of Mandi. As per official records, Bholi is a notorious drug smuggler and has been facing multiple cases under the NDPS act, including a 1.190 kg smack recovery in 2005, a 2 kg poppy husk seizure in 2015, and a significant quantity of drugs recovered in 2022. Similarly, Jasvir Singh alias Sheera has also been named in multiple cases, including one involving a commercial quantity of charas and intoxicated injections. Khakh said that the police, along with revenue and panchayat officials, ensured that the encroachments were demolished smoothly, with adequate deployment to prevent any disruption. Authorities confirmed that the land rightfully belongs to the gram panchayat and had been unlawfully occupied by the accused. Khakh reiterated that Jalandhar Rural Police will continue its crackdown on illegal encroachments linked to criminal networks, ensuring that no individual benefits from the proceeds of crime or unauthorized occupation of public land. He further urged citizens to report such illegal activities, assuring strict and swift action against offenders He also added that the residents informed him that the two drug traffickers would often intimidate and threaten the villagers. Meanwhile, Village Sarpanch of Khanpur, Paramjit Kaur and local residents commended the action of the Punjab Government against drug smugglers. Recently houses of drug peddlers were demolished by the Punjab Police in Patiala, Ropar and in Ludhiana.

Goldy Brar gang member injured in 'encounter' with police in Punjab's Mohali

CHANDIGARH: A member of the Goldy Brar gang Malkiat Singh, alias 'Maxi' was injured in an encounter with the Punjab police. Malkiat Singh was allegedly trying to escape from police custody at Bhankharpur in Dera Bassi on Saturday morning when he was shot at by the Punjab police and Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF). Director General of Police (DGP), Punjab, Gaurav Yadav said the gangster sustained bullet injury on his left leg while unsuccessfully attempting to escape from police custody near Ghagar bridge on Zirakpur-Ambala Highway in Dera Bassi. Malkiat Singh, a native of Rodala village in Rajasansi near Amritsar, is an operative of foreign-based terrorist Goldy Brar and Gangster Goldy Dhillon. He was operating an extortion racket on their behalf. Recently, 'Maxi' and his accomplice Sandeep alias Deep were arrested by the Patiala Police in Arms Act case. Subsequently, both were brought on production warrant from Patiala Jail by SAS Nagar Police on Friday, in connection with an extortion case. The case relates to the suspects targeting a Mohali-based property dealer and demanding Rs 50 lakh from him in January 2025. Gaurav Yadav said that following the disclosures of 'Maxi,' a police team led by DSP Dera Bassi Bikramjit Singh Brar was taking him to a spot where he had confessed to have concealed a .32 Calibre Pistol on Zirakpur-Ambala Highway in a bid to harm the property dealer. However, upon reaching the location, 'Maxi' allegedly opened fire at the police team in an attempt to flee from custody. The police retaliated in which 'Maxi' sustained bullet injury on his left leg. He has been shifted to Civil Hospital in Mohali for treatment. Gaurav Yadav said the weapon along with three cartridges and two used and empty casings have been recovered from his possession. Sharing more details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) SAS Nagar Deepak Pareek said that the arrested accused has a criminal history with cases pertaining to extortion and arms act registered against him. Further investigations are on, he added. A fresh case has been registered under sections 109, 132, 221 and 262 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station Dera Bassi in SAS Nagar. Two gangsters injured in encounter In another encounter between the state police and gangsters in Kheda village of Tarn Taran district, two gangsters sustained injuries while one was arrested. A police vehicle was also hit by a bullet during the exchange of fire. Sources said the three gangsters Arshdeep Singh, Robinpreet Singh, and Karandeep Singh were involved in the shootout. They had a criminal history, particularly in cases relating to extortion and drug trafficking under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act). Illegal weapon smuggling module busted Meanwhile the Counter Intelligence in Amritsar has busted an illegal weapon smuggling module with the arrest of on associate of Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang and recovered six .32 bore pistols along with 10 cartridges from his possession. The arrested accused has been identified as Gurbaaz Singh, a resident of Warring Suba Singh village in Tarn Taran. The latter has been facing at least eight criminal cases pertaining to attempt to murder, snatching, NDPS act, and violations of the Arms Act. A case has been registered under section 25 of the Arms Act and 61(2) and 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Amritsar.

Bulldozer action in Punjab: Cops raze houses of drug peddlers as AAP govt follows UP model

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab government is adopting the 'bulldozer' model seen in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana by demolishing the houses of drug peddlers. On Thursday, the house of a drug peddler was demolished by the Punjab Police in Patiala, while the houses of two drug smugglers in Ludhiana had been razed earlier. The ruling AAP has drawn flak over rampant drug abuse due to its easy availability in the state. The Punjab Police demolished the two-storied corner house of drug peddler Rinki at Rori Kut Mohalla Lakkad mandi in Patiala on Thursday. Senior Superintendent of Police of Patiala Nanak Singh along with a battery of senior officers were present at the spot during the action. Nanak Singh said the illegal house was demolished as police had the requisite orders. A total of 10 First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered under the NDPS Act from 2016 till 2023 against Rinki. She is as of now absconding and earlier she had been arrested by the police about ten times, he said. Noting that the locality was infamous for its association with drug peddlers, he added that a heavy police force was deployed to avert any law and order problems. We examined the whole case and found that the house was constructed through the money earned from selling drugs, said Singh. Earlier, on Monday, the state police demolished the illegally built houses of two drug smugglers -- Sonu of Talwandi village near Ladhowal and Rahul Hans of Bhai Himmat Singh Nagar in Dugri in Ludhiana district -- as part of the state government's war on drugs. Sonu has been actively involved in drug smuggling for three years and has six FIRs registered against him, while Rahul was arrested by Dugri police in 2024 after the recovery of more than 41,000 intoxicating tablets and Rs 2.15 lakh drug money. The state police said they have identified 78 more properties that will be razed following legal procedures. The Punjab government has announced a crackdown on drug abuse in the state. The district administrations have been instructed to ensure the availability of adequate rehabilitation and de-addiction facilities. Ludhiana Police Commissioner Kuldeep Singh Chahal said both drug peddlers were habitual offenders and these properties were constructed using money obtained from the sale of drugs. All their properties which are either illegal or have been built using drug money will be demolished in the coming days, he said. Meanwhile the state government on Thursday formed a five-member cabinet committee to combat the increasing drug menace in the state. The committees primary responsibility will be to oversee the actions of the police and health departments in addressing and curbing drug addiction. It will be chaired by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema. The other members will be New and Renewable Energy Minister Aman Arora, Health Minister Balbir Singh, Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar and Industries Minister Taranpreet Sondh. Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann had formed a State Steering Committee, headed by Chief Secretary KAP Sinha with Principal Secretary Rahul Tiwari as its nodal officer, to monitor and coordinate the de-addiction and rehabilitation programme.

Sports Minister launches special capacity building course to develop more home-grown coaches

New Delhi, Feb 27: Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday launched a special capacity building course in collaboration with Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports, Patiala for current and former elite sports persons in an effort to help India produce more home-grown coaches and officials. The course has been designed and developed for athletes who are currently employed and serving in various central government or autonomous departments, organisations under central government or Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). The eligibility criteria for [] The post Sports Minister launches special capacity building course to develop more home-grown coaches appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

26/11 Accused Tahawwur Rana To Be Tried In Delhi? Court Seeks Records From Mumbai

In a move that may pave the way for the trial of 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana in Delhi, the Patiala House Court has recalled its trial court records related to the Mumbai terror attacks.

Decide Rashids bail plea expeditiously: Delhi HC to NIA Court

New Delhi, Feb 24: The Delhi High Court on Monday asked the court hearing cases of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to expeditiously decide the bail plea of jailed J&K MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh in a terror funding case. Justice Vikas Mahajan said, The ASJ-03, Patiala House Court is requested to dispose of the bail [] The post Decide Rashids bail plea expeditiously: Delhi HC to NIA Court appeared first on Northlines .

Delhi HC asks NIA Court to expeditiously decide bail plea of J-K MP Rashid

New Delhi, Feb 24: The Delhi High Court on Monday asked the court hearing cases of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to expeditiously decide the bail plea of jailed J&K MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh alias Engineer Rashid in a terror funding case. Justice Vikas Mahajan said, The ASJ-03, Patiala House Court is requested to dispose [] The post Delhi HC asks NIA Court to expeditiously decide bail plea of J-K MP Rashid appeared first on Northlines .

Decide Engineer Rashid's bail plea expeditiously: Delhi HC to NIA court

The Delhi High Court has urged the Patiala House Court to quickly decide on the bail plea of J&K MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh, implicated in a terror funding case. Rashid, imprisoned since 2019, is accused of financing separatists and terror groups in Jammu and Kashmir.

Decide Engineer Rashids bail plea expeditiously: Delhi HC to NIA court

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Monday asked the court hearing cases of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to expeditiously decide the bail plea of jailed J&K MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh alias Engineer Rashid in a terror funding case. Justice Vikas Mahajan said, The ASJ-03, Patiala House Court is requested to dispose of the 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 .

Indian deportees from Panama reach New Delhi

CHANDIGARH: A group of Indians, who were deported from the US to Panama, were repatriated on Sunday after a flight carrying 12 Indian nationals landed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. Among them, four hailed from Punjab, and were then put on a connecting flight to Amritsar. This is the first batch of Indians who were repatriated after being deported to Panama from the US. With this, four flights carrying illegal Indian immigrants to the US have arrived in the country. The US had deported around 299 illegal immigrants to Panama. Sources said the deportees landed in Delhi on a Turkish Airlines flight via Istanbul. Four of the deportees were from Punjab and were put on a connecting flight to Amritsar from Delhi and they have landed in their native state. Among them. Jatinder Singh (34) from Patiala paid `52 lakh to go to the US. He travelled from Delhi to Guana, through Brazil, Columbia, Guatemala and Mexico, before illegally arriving in the US. Another, Maninder Dutt (23) of Chandpur in Jalandhar, paid `42 lakh to fraudulent travel agents who took him from Delhi to Spain, then El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico. Jugraj Singh (33) of Chaudhpur village in Gurdaspur paid up `38 lakh to travel the donkey route Delhi, Mumbai, Amsterdam, Brazil, Columbia and into the US. Meanwhile, Harpreet Singh (30) of Cheema village in Gurdaspur also dished out Rs 38 lakh to travel the same route. Among the other deportees, three are reportedly from Haryana and another three from Uttar Pradesh. The exact number of Indian immigrants among the 299 deportees to Panama, howevr, remains unclear. On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs had stated it has seen reports about deportation flights to Panama and New Delhi and is verifying the details as to whether the individuals are Indian nationals or not. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during his weekly briefing had said, Once the verifications are complete, arrangements will be made for return of Indian nationals. The first group of Indians deported by the US earlier arrived in Panama after President Jose Raul Mulino agreed his country would become a bridge country for deportees.

NIA charge sheets two key aides of Arsh Dala

NEW DELHI, Feb 21: The National Investigation Agency has charge sheeted two key aides of Canada-based Khalistani terrorist Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dala in a terror-gangster syndicate case, the probe agency said today. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The charge sheet filed on Thursday before the NIA special court at Patiala House Court here named absconder Neeraj Pandit alias Neeraj Faridpuria and Anil Singh in the case, it said. NIA investigations have revealed that Arsh Dala, a member [] The post NIA charge sheets two key aides of Arsh Dala appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

NIA Chargesheets 2 Aides Of Canada-Based Khalistani Terrorist Arsh Dala In Terror-Gangster Case

The chargesheet filed on Thursday before the NIA special court at Patiala House Court here named absconder Neeraj Pandit alias Neeraj Faridpuria and Anil Singh in the case, it said.

Over 3,200 FIRs filed against travel agents in Punjab in last three years

CHANDIGARH: In recent years, an increasing number of young individuals from Punjab have fallen prey to unscrupulous travel agents exploiting their desire to migrate abroad. Whether through the so-called Dunky Route, student visas, or fraudulent marriages, these agents have capitalised on the desperation of youth. Over the past three years, Punjab has seen the registration of 3,225 First Information Reports (FIRs) against travel agents. Of these, more than 1,100 cases have been filed under the Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act, 2012. A closer look at the data reveals that the highest number of cases was registered by the SAS Nagar Police (398), followed by the Jalandhar Police Commissionerate (375), Hoshiarpur Police (293), and Patiala Police (235). Other notable police stations include the Ludhiana Police Commissionerate (228), the NRI Wing of the Punjab Police (190), Amritsar Police Commissionerate (188), Jalandhar (Rural) Police (141), and SBS Nagar Police (127). An analysis of these cases further highlights that 1,117 were registered under the Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act, 2012, 783 under the Emigration Act, and 1,325 under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The Jalandhar Police Commissionerate recorded the highest number of cases under the Human Smuggling Act (294), followed by Amritsar Police Commissionerate (141) and Hoshiarpur Police (110). Under the Emigration Act, the SAS Nagar Police registered 287 cases, followed by Ludhiana Police Commissionerate (161) and the NRI Wing (75). Under IPC sections, Patiala Police topped the list with 198 cases, followed by the NRI Wing (115) and Hoshiarpur Police (111). Dilemma of desperate deportees Talking to this newspaper, Additional DGP (NRI Wing) Parveen Sinha said, Punjab is the only state in the country where the Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act, 2012, is enforced. We take stringent action against travel agents upon receiving complaints. In the past three years, over 3,000 cases have been registered across the state. Speaking on the issue, Capt. SP Singh, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Immigration and Education Consultants (ALIEC), said, As per the Act, travel agents are required to display their license number prominently outside their offices and in advertisements. However, illegal agents are predominantly active on social media platforms, making it difficult to trace their backgrounds. This makes it easier for them to deceive vulnerable individuals. We urge that advertisements on social media be regulated under this Act and be subject to scrutiny. From snakes, crocodiles to trimming beard, US deportee from Punjab recalls perilous 'donkey route' The situation calls for an understanding of these agents' modus operandi. The Act must be amended to keep pace with evolving tactics. Currently, there are approximately 5,000 to 7,000 registered agents, but the number of illegal agents remains uncertain, Singh added. Jatinder Benipal, President of ALIEC, said that the majority of deported individuals linked to illegal migration were victims of unregistered agents. These agents evade the regulatory oversight set by the Punjab Travel Professionals Regulation Rules, 2013. Illegal migration is primarily facilitated by unregistered agents, not by licensed professionals who comply with the legal framework, Benipal said. Sources revealed that three flights landing in Amritsar on February 5, 15, and 16 were carrying a significant number of deportees from Punjab. A total of 333 illegal immigrants were deported, of whom 126 (37.8%) were from Punjab. Other deportees included 110 from Haryana (33%), 74 from Gujarat (22.2%), and smaller numbers from Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand. Among the deportees, 262 were men, 42 were women, and 29 were children (18 boys and 11 girls) returning from the United States with their families. Why Amritsar chosen? Political slugfest erupts over US planes carrying Indian deportees

Two deportees who arrived in second US plane arrested in murder case

CHANDIGARH: 117 Indians deported from the United States arrived on a US Air Force plane, C-17 Globemaster III late Saturday night at Amritsar International Airport. The men had their hands cuffed and legs chained, women and the two children were not. Additionally, Sikh youth were returned without turbans. Meanwhile, Punjab Police arrested two deportees in connection with a murder case. The US Air Force plane, C-17 Globemaster, with 117 Indian deportees, landed at Amritsar International Airport at 11:40 pm. Of these, 65 are from Punjab, 33 are from Haryana, eight from Gujarat, three from Uttar Pradesh, two each from Goa, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, and one each from Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. The deported illegal immigrants included four women and two minors, including a six-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy, and 112 men. Most of the deportees are in the age group of 18 to 30 years. Sources added that this time the difference was that the women were not handcuffed and chained, unlike the last time when women were also in shackles. Sources said that after security clearance, immigration, and background checks, the deportees were given food. The illegal immigrants who hailed from Punjab were then taken to their homes by Punjab Police at around 4:30 am on Sunday. The Haryana government also made transportation arrangements for the deportees from the state by sending police buses. As a few families had come to the airport to receive their children, they were not handed over to their kin and were told to go back. While those from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa were sent early this morning on flights from Amritsar, coordinated by the Union government, said an officer. Daljit Singh of Kurala Kalan village in Hoshiarpur, who was among the deportees, claimed that they were handcuffed with their legs chained during the journey. Our legs were chained and hands were also cuffed, he said. Singh said he was taken through the 'dunki route'. Saurabh of Chandiwala village in Ferozepur said, We were handcuffed and chained, put in the plane and sent back. They treated us very badly and humiliated us. Two cousin brothers from Gurdaspur district, who were deported back, said that they were threatened by the US army personnel while being deported and tortured. We crossed the US border on January 27, and the authorities put us in the camp for 18 days and never listened to us. Then we were put on the plane, handcuffed, and sent back, never allowed even to speak, said one of them. The C-17 aircraft that landed around 11:35 pm on Saturday was the second batch of Indians to be deported by the Donald Trump administration as part of its crackdown on illegal immigrants. The two deportees, Sandeep Singh and Pradeep Singh, are cousin brothers and were wanted in a murder case filed in 2023 in Rajpura, Patiala. A team of Patiala Police arrested them at Sri Guru Ramdas International Airport in Amritsar. Sources said that both the accused hailed from Rajpura and had already been declared proclaimed offenders in the murder case. Both the accused were booked under sections 302, 307, 323, 506, 148, and 149 of the Indian Penal Code by Patiala Police in a murder case registered on June 26, 2023. However, police officials said they hadn't issued a 'Look Out Circular' against the two. The family members said that they spent Rs 1.20 crore to send them to the US. Confirming their arrest, Senior Superintendent of Police of Patiala Nanak Singh said that they were arrested from the Amritsar airport. Another controversy has arisen: the Sikh youth were deported and were not allowed to tie their turbans, returning with open hair. Senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia said, Bhagwant Mann and his ministers are playing to the gallery on the deportation of youth from the USA, but shockingly and shamelessly, they are silent on bringing Sikh youth bare-headed without turbans. Not a single word on this major issue. Why Bhagwant Mann? Is it because you don't use the word Singh in your name? Shame on you for such dirty politics. I strongly condemn this action of US authorities for bringing Sikh youth without turbans. I also urge the Ministry of External Affairs to immediately take up the matter with US authorities so that such an incident is never repeated in the future. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee (SGPC) Member Gurcharan Singh also raised this issue and condemned the kind of treatment meted out to the Sikh youth. He said that the SGPC would write to the US authorities in this regard. We gave the turbans to the youth once they landed at the airport after we came to know about this, he said. US deportation: Punjab police arrests travel agent in case related to illegal migration

Wanted in murder case, two deportees from US arrested in Amritsar

Patiala: Two youths from Rajpura in Patiala district, who were among 116 individuals deported by the US in a C-17 aircraft that landed at the Amritsar airport on Saturday night, have been arrested in connection with a murder case, police said on Sunday. The accused, Sandeep Singh alias Sunny and Pradeep Singh, were wanted in 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 .

Wanted in murder case, two deportees from US arrested after landing in Amritsar

Two youths from Rajpura, Patiala, were arrested at Amritsar airport after being deported by the US on a C-17 aircraft. Sandeep Singh and Pradeep Singh are wanted in a murder case from June 2023. This marks the second deportation batch of illegal Indian immigrants under the Trump administration's crackdown.

US deportation: Punjab police arrests travel agent in case related to illegal migration

CHANDIGARH: The NRI Affairs wing of Punjab Police has arrested a travel agent who had sent a person to the US via 'Dunky route'. The agent, Anil Batra, and four others were booked in a case related to illegal migration after the US deported 104 Indians on February 5. A four member Special Investigative Team (SIT) headed by Additional DGP NRI Affairs Praveen Sinha had been constituted by Director General of Police Punjab Gaurav Yadav to probe complaints of fraudulent travel agents involved in fraudulent immigration practices. The SIT has been urging the deported individuals to come forth and assist in ensuring that those violating the laws are submitted to the majesty of the law. Talking to TNIE , Station House Officer, NRI Patiala Inspector Abhey Singh Chauhan said that Gurwinder Singh of Bhadson, Patiala had filed a complaint with the police. Based on his complaint, a case was registered on February 8 under sections 406, 420, 370, and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 24 of the Emigration Act against travel agent Anil Batra. Batra took around Rs 45 lakh from Singh to send him to the US as the deal was struck last year around June. Twice Singh was sent to other countries including Dubai and he returned back. Then in December he was sent to US via the Mexico border and was caught, said Chauhan. The accused Anil Batra, a resident of Shanti Nagar, Teka Market, Thanesar, Kurukshetra, Haryana, was apprehended from his in-laws residence in Patiala (5-E Partap Nagar). Batra is accused of facilitating the illegal immigration process by arranging a visa of country Suriname and ticket for the complainant, said the officer. After reaching Suriname from Mumbai, Singh travelled overland to other countries in South America, including Brazi and Colombia, where he crossed into Central America. In Central America, he travelled through countries, including Panama Jungle, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico, and finally reached the United States illegally, with the help of traffickers and smugglers. The police froze Batra's bank account with a balance of Rs 6.35 lakhs on February 14. DGP Gaurav urged the public to come forward with any information that could assist in apprehending culprits against whom cases have been registered. Additionally, the DGP advised citizens to only approach licensed agents for immigration services and verify their credentials thoroughly to avoid falling prey to scams. Failed to curb human trafficking, no compensation given to deportees: BJP, Congress accuse Punjab CM Mann

After Delhi debacle, Mann seeks to reach out to people

NEW DELHI: Heeding the result of the Delhi assembly election, which the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) lost, its government in Punjab went on a bonanza spree on Thursday, much before the 2027 assembly polls in the state. The Punjab cabinet, meeting after four months, decided to disburse pending arrears worth Rs 14,000 crore among state government employees and pensioners. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said arrears of revised pay or pensions and leave encashment will be released from January 1, 2016, to June 30, 2022, and dearness allowance (DA) from July 1, 2021, to March 31, 2024. Three lakh employees and an equal number of pensioners will benefit from this move. The cabinet also nodded to create new posts in the Punjab State Legal Services Authority for setting up 22 new Lok Adalats. The cabinet sanctioned 476 new posts in the department. The government decided to recruit 53 regular drivers in the excise department and amended rules and qualifications for direct recruitment of Physical Training Instructors (PTI teachers) in the elementary education department. In another measure, the cabinet is reviving 822 posts of the Group C cadre in the health and family welfare department to enhance efficiency. It also gave approval for creating 97 posts of various cadres in the Dr BR Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences, SAS Nagar. The teaching faculty at the Maharaja Bhupinder Singh Punjab Sports University, Patiala are to get UGC scales. In a move aimed at generating more than 50,000 jobs for youth, the cabinet gave the nod for waiver of stamp duty, registration fee and other additional charges for transfer of land to the Special Purpose Vehicle NICDC Punjab Industrial Corridor Development Corporation Limited for the Integrated Manufacturing Cluster being developed as a part of the Amritsar Kolkata Industrial Corridor Project. Allottees who defaulted by failing to deposit the money against the plot/ land allotted to them by PUDA and other Special Development Authorities are to get an amnesty policy.

Punjab Cabinet approves Rs 14K crore arrears for employees, pensioners

CHANDIGARH: After a gap of four months, the Punjab Cabinet convened, focusing on crucial policy decisions ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. In a significant relief for state government employees and pensioners, the Cabinet approved the disbursement of pending arrears worth Rs 14,000 crore. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, The Cabinet has given approval to release arrears of revised pay, pensions, and leave encashment for the period between 1 January 2016 and 30 June 2022. Additionally, pending Dearness Allowance (DA) from 1 July 2021 to 31 March 2024 will also be released for pensioners and employees. He added that the sum will be disbursed in stages, benefiting nearly six lakh individualsthree lakh employees and three lakh pensioners. The Cabinet also approved the creation of new posts in the Punjab State Legal Services Authority for setting up 22 new Lok Adalats across the state. In order to check tax pilferage and ensure proper utilisation of human resources in the Taxation Department, the Cabinet has approved the creation of 476 new posts in the department. Additionally, the nomenclature of Inspectors has been changed, and they will now be designated as State Taxation Officers, Cheema said. The Cabinet also approved the recruitment of 53 drivers in the Excise Department on a regular basis and sanctioned amendments to rules and qualifications for the direct recruitment of Physical Training Instructors (PTI teachers) in the Elementary Education Department. This will facilitate the hiring of 2,000 such teachers across the state in the coming days, Cheema added. To improve healthcare services, the Cabinet approved the revival of 822 Group C posts in the Health and Family Welfare Department, enhancing the departments efficiency. This move will immensely benefit the public by improving access to quality healthcare services. Additionally, the Cabinet sanctioned the creation of 97 posts across various cadres in the Dr BR Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences, SAS Nagar, further strengthening the institutions ability to provide quality medical services, Cheema stated. The Cabinet also granted approval for providing University Grants Commission (UGC) scales to the teaching faculty of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh Punjab Sports University, Patiala. In a major push for employment generation, the Cabinet waived Stamp Duty, Registration Fees, and other charges for land transfers to the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) NICDC Punjab Industrial Corridor Development Corporation Limited for the Integrated Manufacturing Cluster (IMC), a key component of the Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC) Project. This initiative is expected to create over 50,000 jobs, including 32,724 industrial positions and 14,880 non-industrial roles. To support the economically weaker sections (EWS), the Cabinet approved a policy for the optimum utilisation of land reserved for EWS housing. Scattered land pockets in various colonies will be monetised, and the funds will be used to benefit EWS families. For this, 1,500 acres of land will be acquired across the state, Cheema said. The Cabinet also approved a policy for the optimal utilisation of External Development Charges (EDC) collected from property developers under the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation Act (PAPRA). Under this policy, 50 per cent of the collected EDC will be used for infrastructure development within the respective colony or township, while the remaining 50% will fund major state projects. In a progressive move, the Cabinet approved renaming the financial assistance scheme for acid attack victims as The Punjab Financial Assistance to Acid Victims Scheme, 2024. The scheme will now include male and transgender victims. Additionally, the monthly financial aid for victims has been increased from Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000. The Cabinet also sanctioned the convening of a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on 24-25 February to conduct legislative business. In another key decision, the Cabinet approved an amnesty policy for defaulting allottees who were unable to pay for plots or land allotted to them by the Punjab Urban Development Authority (PUDA) and other special development authorities. Furthermore, the Cabinet approved the establishment of special fast-track NRI courts in six districtsJalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Moga, and Ludhianato expedite cases related to non-resident Indians.

In attacking BJP over phone tapping charges, Pilot also targets Gehlot

JAIPUR: Senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Rajasthan government over allegations of phone tapping made by its own Cabinet Minister Kirori Lal Meena. Speaking in Jaipur on Wednesday, Pilot questioned the government's inaction on the issue, emphasizing that such claims from a minister within the ruling party were alarming. If a responsible minister from their own government is saying his phone has been tapped, then action must be taken immediately, Pilot asserted. Expressing his astonishment, he added that instead of addressing the issue, the BJP leadership was issuing show-cause notices to Meena. Highlighting the principle of collective responsibility in governance, Pilot demanded a transparent investigation and urged the government to release a white paper on the matter. While targeting the BJP, Pilot also seemed to take an indirect dig at his own partys past actions under Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. Phone tapping is a serious crime, whether it happened now or in the pastit must be thoroughly investigated, he remarked. His statement is significant, as the Gehlot-led Congress government had faced similar allegations in 2020. During Pilots rebellion against Gehlots leadership, several MLAs loyal to him had accused the government of surveillance and phone tapping. When asked about those past allegations, Pilot responded cautiously, stating, The matter is sub judice, under investigation, and the truth will eventually come out. The phone-tapping controversy has created a major stir in the Rajasthan Assembly, with the Congress seizing the opportunity to put the BJP on the defensive. However, the issue has also reignited scrutiny over former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlots tenure. BJP leader and Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat had previously filed a case over alleged phone surveillance, while former OSD to Gehlot, Lokesh Sharma, admitted in court that he had received phone recordings of rebel MLAs on a pen drive from Gehlot, which were then circulated to the media. The case is currently under trial at Patiala House Court in Delhi. Apart from addressing the phone-tapping row, Pilot also raised concerns about the ongoing farmers' agitation in Gharsana, where farmers are demanding increased water supply from the canal system. Warning that the protest could escalate, he urged the government to intervene immediately, noting that Gharsana has a history of intense farmer movements. As political tensions rise in Rajasthan, the phone-tapping allegations have become a major flashpoint, with both the Congress and BJP using them to corner each other. With legal proceedings underway, the issue is set to remain a focal point in the states political discourse.

Farmer Leader Baldev Singh Sirsa Hospitalised Amid Khanauri Protest

Sirsa suffered cardiac issues at the protest site and was rushed to a Patiala hospital as farmers mark one year of agitation.

Seven rocket shells found in garbage dump in Patiala: Punjab Police

A bomb-disposal squad and anti-sabotage teams were called to the spot, but there was no explosive in the shells; a probe is under way

Rocket Ammunition Found During Searches In Punjab's Patiala

About 10 rocket ammunition have been found during searches in Punjab's Patiala this afternoon, triggering panic among residents.

Punjab minister seeks PM Modi's intervention in deportation of Indians from US, urges him to find a solution

AMRITSAR: A US military aircraft carrying 104 illegal immigrants from various states landed here on Wednesday, the first such batch of Indians deported by the Trump government as part of a crackdown it resolved to carry out when it was sworn in last month. Of them, 33 each are from Haryana and Gujarat, 30 from Punjab, three each from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, and two from Chandigarh, sources said. Nineteen women and 13 minors, including a 4-year-old boy and two girls aged five and seven years, were among the deportees, they said. The C-17 Globemaster aircraft of the US Air Force landed at the Amritsar airport at 1:55 pm. The US action came just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington to hold wide-ranging talks with President Donald Trump. Hours after the US military aircraft landed at the airport, Punjab NRI Affairs minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention, urging him to speak to his friend US President Donald Trump regarding the deportation of Indians. Over 100 illegal Indian migrants deported from US via military aircraft land in Amritsar Dhaliwal also spoke to some of the deportees hailing from Punjab at the airport. Addressing the media, Dhaliwal said a total of 104 Indians have been deported from the US and out of them 30 were from Punjab. It was a long flight. All are healthy and fine; they had their meal, he said. Paperwork of deportees hailing from Punjab was done in the first batch. Thereafter, the immigration process of those from Haryana, Gujarat and other states will be carried out, the minister said. Describing the deportation of illegal Indians from the US as a very serious issue, Dhaliwal, said, We all know that PM Modi used to say that 'Trump is my friend'. He even campaigned for Trump during the 2019 US elections. These are international issues and can be discussed and resolved at that level. I urge PM Modi that the sword of deportation and jail is hanging on the heads of many Indians and he should hold their hands. He should sit with Trump and find a solution to this issue. The deportees were questioned inside the airport terminal building by different government agencies, including the Punjab Police, and various state and central intelligence agencies to check if they have any criminal record. Around 6:45 pm the deportees from Punjab were taken to their respective hometowns in police vehicles after completion of all formalities. Similarly, illegal immigrants from Haryana were taken by the state police to their native places, sources said. They also said that arrangements were made by the state governments concerned to take the deportees to their native places. None of the deportees spoke to the media. There was heavy barricading outside the airport and police personnel were deployed in large numbers. Except for an Amritsar-based man, who came for his grandson, none of the family members of other deportees showed up at the airport. He, however, refused to talk to reporters at the airport and seemed miffed by the volley of questions. Earlier, media reports claimed that the US military plane was carrying 205 illegal immigrants. Among the illegal immigrants hailing from Punjab, six were from Kapurthala, five from Amritsar, four each from Patiala and Jalandhar, two each from Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, SBS Nagar and one each from Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Sangrur, SAS Nagar and Fatehgarh Sahib, sources said. Family members of the illegal immigrants from Punjab said they took huge loans to send the youths to America hoping for a bright future but now feel it is impossible to break free from the crushing debt. They alleged that the travel agents adopted unfair means to facilitate the youths' travel to the US without their knowledge. They now seek strict action against those agents. Senior Punjab BJP leader Harjit Singh Grewal asked Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to make arrangements for the resettlement and employment of those from the state who have been deported by the US government. He also demanded strict action against the travel agents who sent the youths to the US through donkey routes and other illegal means by taking lakhs of rupees from them. Meanwhile, the Congress expressed sadness over pictures of Indians getting handcuffed and humiliated while being deported from the US and recalled that America had to express regret over the treatment meted out to India diplomat Devyani Khobragade in 2013 after the then UPA government retaliated sharply. Pictures of Indians getting handcuffed, humiliated while being deported from US saddening: Congress Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday said the media kerfuffle over the deportation of illegal Indian migrants from the United States obscures a few facts. This is not the first such planeload, nor is it directly related to the ascent of @realDonaldTrump. There were 1,100 Indians deported in the previous fiscal year (ending September 2024), under Biden, not Trump. As of 2022, there were 725,000 undocumented Indian immigrants in the US -- the third-largest group, outnumbered only by nationals of Mexico and El Salvador, he said. Since October 2020, US Customs and Border Protection officials have detained nearly 170,000 Indian migrants attempting to cross the border illegally from either Canada or Mexico. They are all subject to deportation, Tharoor said. After Donald Trump assumed office as the US President last month, the country's law enforcement agencies have launched a crackdown against illegal immigrants. Many Indians, who entered the US through donkey routes or other illegal means by spending lakhs of rupees, are now facing deportation. Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said on Tuesday that the state government would receive the immigrants and set up counters at the airport.

AMU Faculty Members Re-elected as Office-bearers of Indian History Congress

Patiala, Punjab: In a notable development, faculty members from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) have been re-elected to key positions in the Indian History Congress (IHC). Prof. Shireen Moosvi has been re-elected as Vice President, while Prof. Syed Ali Nadeem Rezavi and Prof. Manvendra Kumar Pundhir, both from AMUs Department of History, have retained their roles [] The post AMU Faculty Members Re-elected as Office-bearers of Indian History Congress first appeared on .

Akal Takht-backed panel holds first meeting, calls for unity in Shiromani Akali Dal

CHANDIGARH: The seven-member committee constituted by the Akal Takht held its maiden meeting under the leadership of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami at Panth Ratan Jathedar Gurcharan Singh Tohra Institute of Advanced Studies in Sikhism at Bahadurgarh in Patiala. The meeting held here unanimously decided to invite Shiromani Akali Dal working president Balwinder Singh Bhunder in its next meeting scheduled to be held on February 11. The meeting will discuss the ongoing membership drive of SAD, which has been a point of contention since it was started on January 20. Meanwhile, a majority of the seven-member panel has distanced itself from the ongoing membership drive, insisting that the enrolment process be conducted as per the mandate set by the Akal Takht. The panel members have been demanding that the religious bodys constituted committee be convened to oversee the drive. Sukhbir Badal appeals for unity, rebirth of trust in SAD After the meeting, Dhami said that the discussion focused on the Akal Takhts directions regarding the resurrection of SAD and appealed to all its leaders to join hands to strengthen the party. On December 2, last year, while pronouncing tankha (religious punishment) to the guilty SAD leaders, including Sukhbir Singh Badal, the Akal Takht had constituted this seven-member committee to oversee the resurrection of Shiromani Akali Dal . The committee has been authorised to induct new members, appoint delegates and conduct a presidential election as per the partys constitution. The other members of the committee who attended the meeting included Kirpal Singh Badhungar, Gurpartap Singh Wadala, Iqbal Singh Jhunda, Manpreet Singh Ayali, Santa Singh Umedpur and Satwant Kaur.

Former CWG gold-winning boxer Manoj Kumar retires to take up coaching

New Delhi: Former Commonwealth Games gold-winning boxer Manoj Kumar, who dominated the light welterweight (64kg) division in India at his prime and did not hesitate to voice his disagreements with national federation's policies, announced his retirement on Thursday to begin a career in coaching. The 39-year-old, who won his first and only CWG gold in the 2010 Delhi Games, is also a two-time Asian Championships bronze-medallist. His second and last CWG medal, a bronze, came in Gold Coast in 2018. He is also a two-time Olympian, having competed in the 2012 London and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, finishing as a pre-quarterfinalist in both editions after fighting performances that ultimately fell just short of pushing him over the line. It's a carefully thought out decision because once I turn 40, I can anyway not compete in amateur events as per international rules. I am retiring as a content man after representing my country to the best of my ability, Manoj, who hails from Kaithal in Haryana, told PTI. I have just gratitude for the opportunities I got, he added. The outspoken pugilist, who began his boxing career at the junior level in 1997, completed his coaching diploma from the National Institute of Sports, Patiala in 2021. Injuries and a dispute with the national federation on selection issues hampered his India career after the Gold Coast CWG and he was not seen in any international event after that. He now intends to devote time to the academy that he has set up with elder brother and long-time personal coach Rajesh Kumar Rajound in Kurukshetra. For any athlete, saying goodbye to the sport is an extremely emotional moment. If it weren't for Rajesh sir, I wouldn't have been recognised as an Olympian boxer. He made me dream big and cleared every obstacle in my path to achieve them, he said reiterating his reverence for the man who was, at times, his only support system. This academy will serve as a medium to share our experiences and lessons with young athletes who will one day win medals for India in the Olympics, he added. Not among the most physically domineering boxers, Manoj created a niche for himself with his workman-like approach to the sport which meant wearing down his opponents in the ring with his deceptive defensive game. He could frustrate rivals with his shell guards and at the same time, surprise them with his very effective counter-attacks, which relied heavily on accurately placed straight punches. But despite a reasonably successful career, he could never find a steady sponsor who could stand by him when injuries chipped away at his fortunes. Manoj was elected as the athletes' representative in the Boxing Federation of India's executive committee in 2016 but had to quit over disagreements with the body on its ever-changing selection policy, which included doing away with the traditional practice of trials for a while. While in that commission, I raised my voice for fellow boxers. And when you do that too frequently, there are consequences. But I have never really cared. I still don't care, he said. Manoj's many other battles included a court case to get the Arjuna award in 2014 when the Kapil Dev-led selection panel ignored him despite the fact that he fulfilled the laid-down criteria as per the points system established for the honour. He won that fight in the Delhi High Court and was presented the award by the then sports minister Sarbananda Sonowal a few months after the traditional ceremony. He also fought a long and futile battle to get promotion in the Railways, which had promised him the elevation after the 2010 CWG gold but failed to fulfil it eventually. He is the only Indian boxer aside from the iconic Vijender Singh to have won two CWG medals. Manoj belongs to the Ror community, which comprises descendants of the Maratha soldiers who fought Afghan invaders during the battle of Panipat in 1761. And throughout his career, he never missed a chance to remind people of his heritage. For me, every bout is a now or never moment. I can't hold back for later, what if the later never comes, he had told PTI in an interview back in 2018. On Thursday, it was time to hit the relax mode for him.

As nation celebrates 76th Republic Day, states outline development agenda

NEW DELHI: The tricolour was unfurled and parades showcasing India's rich diversity were held across the country on the 76th Republic Day on Sunday as states listed their achievements and outlined development agenda. In a major announcement, Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan said the state will provide 12 lakh government jobs and create 34 lakh employment opportunities for the youth by the end of this year. The Bihar government will provide 12 lakh government jobs and create 34 lakh employment opportunities for the youth by the end of this year. The state government is working in this direction, he said. Khan also spoke about the different welfare measures and major infrastructure projects being undertaken by the state government. The government is placing emphasis on women's empowerment and taking effective steps to provide them employment and make them self-reliant, he said. Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary reiterated the demand for restoration of statehood, asserting that it is key to peace and development of the region. Addressing the Republic Day event at the Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, Choudhary said, Snatching of statehood has caused deep pain, irrespective of the reasons given for this action. It has shattered the self-esteem and confidence of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Republic Day splendor: Tableaux, marching contingents, and spectacular fly-past shine at Kartavya Path The people demand restoration of statehood at the earliest. It will not only restore the self-confidence of the people but also lead to development. Jammu and Kashmir is not just a part of India but its soul, he said. While security personnel were deployed in numbers to ensure smooth Republic Day celebrations, the atmosphere in the city was visibly relaxed with fewer checkposts set up to regulate traffic. Concertina wires were also not used to block the intersections in the city and mobile internet was not suspended this year. Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade unfurled the national flag at the state-level Republic Day function held at the Maharana Bhupal Stadium in Udaipur and lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, saying that India has emerged as a global superpower under his stewardship. He highlighted the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas' as the cornerstone of India's socio-economic and political progress. While many countries are facing economic challenges due to instability, decisions are being taken strongly in India due to political stability, he said. At the event, which was also attended by Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Khan inspected the parade in an open gypsy. It also featured several colourful cultural performances. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren said on Sunday that he was committed to realising the dreams of people who scripted history by voting to power the alliance he leads for a second term. Unfurling the Tricolour at Dumka Police Line on Republic Day, Soren said his government fulfilled its promise and 56 lakh women in the age group of 18-50 were receiving assistance of Rs 2,500 per month under 'Maiyan Samman Yojna' while the process is on for recruitment on 48,000 posts soon. To wage war against injustice and atrocities has been our tradition. History is witness to how even before 1857 tribals here fought for Independence. Their struggle is our source of inspiration, he said. Soren said his government was working in a planned manner to ensure that the tribals oppressed for centuries get their dues and the state could move forward on the path of development. In Punjab and Haryana, police and home guard contingents took part in parades held at district headquarters. Punjab Governor and Administrator of Union Territory of Chandigarh Gulab Chand Kataria unfurled the national flag at a state-level function in Ludhiana while Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann hoisted it in Patiala. In Punjab, hundreds of farmers took out tractor parades at multiple locations under the banner of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) in support of their demands, including a legal guarantee for minimum support price. CM Mann slams Union government for neglecting Punjab, says should accept farmers' demands Black flags were prominently displayed on some of the tractors. Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya hoisted the national flag in Faridabad and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini in Rewari. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini expressed confidence that Haryana will set an example for development, progress, and excellence in the future, asserting that the state has made fast progress during the past decade. Addressing the Republic Day function at the Manipur Rifles Ground in Imphal, Chief Minister N Biren Singh said his government was working for the development of the state despite the ethnic conflict that has been going on since May 2023. I thank everyone who has come here from different parts of the state, including Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Senapati and Tengnoupal district, as well as the CRPF and Assam Rifles, and the Nagaland contingent, Singh said. A new Manipur, which reflects the peace and love of the past, can be seen on the occasion of this Republic Day. Let the almighty creator God give us a direction of peace from today, he added. The CM said that even though the state has been witnessing conflict since May 2023, continuous work is underway for development with the help of elected legislators and officials. On this day, with the support of the people, we can see a new Manipur. To save and defend Manipur is our duty. A strong and united India can be achieved with the contributions of strong and united states. We must all strive to make the country a superpower in the world, he said. Tamil Nadu marked the Republic Day celebrations with a march past of the contingents of the Armed forces, state police units and vibrant cultural events that extolled the richness of Tamil language. Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi unfurled the national flag and Chief Minister MK Stalin gave away awards under various categories, including for communal harmony and gallantry, to recipients. In his republic day message, posted in 'X' Stalin said, In his 76th Republic Day, let us cherish the foundation of our Constitution that ensures justice, equality, and dignity for all. May this day remind us of our shared duty to create a progressive, inclusive, and compassionate INDIA. He also said, Wishing everyone a Republic Day filled with hope and purpose. This #76thRepublicDay , let us cherish the foundation of our Constitution that ensures justice, equality, and dignity for all. May this day remind us of our shared duty to create a progressive, inclusive, and compassionate #INDIA . Wishing everyone a #RepublicDay filled with hope pic.twitter.com/rJfh6DCaQc M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) January 26, 2025 There were some anxious moments in Guwahati, Assam when a loud sound was heard in the Beharbari area. Police are investigating the incident. In Assam, Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya said at a Republic Day function in Guwahati that the state has been able to ensure peace and work towards the development of infrastructure, social and economic growth, and environment conservation. He said maintaining law and order, controlling crime, fighting insurgency and ensuring the safety of people and property are among the top priorities of the state government. Several militant groups have surrendered and signed peace accords in recent times, bearing testimony to these efforts, he noted. Earlier in the day, panic gripped the state capital's Beharbari area after a loud sound was heard near the Brahmaputra vegetable market. It was heard around 7.45 am. After we hoisted the national flag inside our compound, we heard the sound. We came running out. There was no injury or damage to any property, an employee of Brahmaputra Bazar said. Police said the sound was heard in the truck parking near the market and it is being examined. Locals claimed that a similar sound was heard in Rehabari but police said it was a rumour. An unattended bag near the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) at Betkuchi also triggered panic. Police said the entire area was sanitised and a thorough search was carried out by an anti-sabotage team but nothing suspicious was found. The banned ULFA (I) purportedly sent an email to the press later in the day, claiming responsibility for lasts at two places in Guwahati. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hoisted the national flag in Dibrugarh and said the district headquarters will be developed as the second capital of the state within the next three years. In his Republic Day address in Hyderabad, Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Verma said the state aims to position itself as a global hub for technology and innovation. Agreements signed by the state at the World Economic Forum in Davos have brought investments worth over Rs 1,78,950 crores and these efforts are projected to generate 49,500 jobs, he said.

CM Mann slams Union government for neglecting Punjab, says should accept farmers' demands

CHANDIGARH: Slamming the Union Government for its step-motherly treatment towards Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the Centre should accept the farmers' demands. He added that the government's apathetic attitude has forced farmers to agitate even on Republic Day. The tractor which is king of the fields, has to ply on roads towards Delhi instead of producing food grains due to the callous attitude of the Union government, he added. Addressing the gathering after unfurling the national tricolour at the 76th Republic Day function in Patiala's Polo Ground, Chief Minister Mann said that, in the more than seven decades since independence, Punjab had suffered inexplicable discrimination from central governments in the form of regressive and ruinous policies. He said it is unfortunate that the farmers, who made the country self-reliant in food production, have been forced to agitate on Republic Day as well. He added that, due to the apathetic attitude of the central government, the hands that feed the country are now forced to resort to hunger strikes to have their demands fulfilled. Mann said the Centre should accept the demands of the farmers so they can serve the country well, adding that the plight of farmers, due to the cold shoulder of the Union government, hurts every Indian who believes in constitutional values. The central government should stop the step-motherly treatment towards Punjab and its hard-working people, he said. Citing another example of the Union governments indifferent attitude towards Punjab, Mann said the central government has not released the states pending share of the RDF, worth Rs 5,500 crore. He also stated that this is not in line with the federal structure outlined in the Constitution adding that the states are not beggars and should be given their legitimate share of funds by the Centre, instead of harassing them. He said that despite the state's limited natural resources, the farmers have worked tirelessly to make the country self-reliant in food production, often at the cost of overexploiting the state's only available natural resources. He reminded that, at the time of independence, while the rest of the country rejoiced, Punjab, being a border state, bore the brunt of partition. Mann said Punjab endured the horrors of a violent partition, in which lakhs of Punjabis lost their lives, were rendered homeless, and many others lost their lands and properties.

Surgery Halted Amid Power Cut At Punjab Hospital, Minister Responds

A group of doctors performing a surgery at a government-run hospital in Punjab's Patiala were forced to halt the procedure after alleged continuous power outages, including the emergency lights in the operation theatre (OT).

After pro-Khalistani graffiti found at Faridkot stadium, CM Mann to hoist tricolour in Mohali on Republic Day

CHANDIGARH: Ahead of the Republic Day function, pro-Khalistani graffiti, slogans and flag were found on the walls of the Nehru Stadium in Faridkot where Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was to unfurl the national flag on January 26. Following this, CM Mann will instead hoist the tricolour at a function in Mohali (SAS Nagar). Sources said that CM Mann was scheduled to preside over the Republic Day celebrations in Faridkot. But on Thursday morning, when the pro-Khalistani graffiti, slogans and flags were found on the walls of the Nehru Stadium in the town, it was decided to change the venue to Mohali. Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, who was supposed to preside over the celebrations at Mohali, will now preside over the Republic Day function at Faridkot. After this incident, the state government decided on a change in the venue. Initially it was mulling to shift the venue to Patiala but later it was decided that the CM will be hoisting the national flag at Mohali, said an officer on condition of anonymity. Apart from the Nehru Stadium, graffiti was also found near the railway station. The police immediately swung into action and a coat of paint was applied over the graffiti. A case has been registered and further investigations are going on, said a police officer. Sources said Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a US based pro-Khalistani outfit led by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun that has been banned by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has taken responsibility for the graffiti at the Faridkot stadium. Recently the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal confirmed a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) banning this organisation for a period of five years. It is learnt that a couple of days back, Additional DGP (Internal Security) Shive Kumar Verma had visited the Nehru Stadium to take stock of security measures in view of the CMs scheduled visit. Also, heavy police deployment was made in and around the stadium. Despite this, the miscreants managed to paint the walls of the stadium with pro-Khalistan slogans.

Himachal Woman's Body Found In Bhakra Canal Hours After She Went Out With Policeman Friend

The body of 22-year-old Nisha from Himachal Pradesh was found in the Bhakra canal, Patiala. Her friend, Yuvraj, a police officer, has been arrested for her murder.

121 farmers end their fast-unto-death at Khanauri border as Dallewal takes medical aid

CHANDIGARH: A group of 121 farmers, who sat on a fast-unto-death at the Khanauri protest site in solidarity with farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, ended their indefinite hunger strike today after he took medical aid. But Dallewal would not end his fast until the law for legal guarantee to minimum support price (MSP) for crops is enacted. Meanwhile, Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) the umbrella body of the farmers union that spearheaded the 2020-21 farmers' protest has decided to send out a memorandum to Members of Parliament (MP) instead of holding a protest outside their offices on January 20 and it will focus on the republic day (January 26) tractor rally and its general body meeting called on January 24 at Delhi where further programs and action plans shall be announced. The farmers ended their fast by sipping juice in the presence of Deputy Inspector General of Police Mandeep Sidhu and Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police Nanak Singh. Farmer leaders, however, said Dallewal would not end his fast until a legal guarantee to minimum support price for crops is given. With his health deteriorating and the central government not agreeing to their demands, a group of 111 farmers joined Dallewal's fast-unto-death on January 15 and sat on the Haryana side of the border near Khanauri. On January 17, 10 more farmers, who were from Haryana, joined them. The 70-year-old Dallewal who has refused any aid since he sat on a fast-unto-death on November 26, agreed on Saturday to take medical aid following the Centre's invitation for talks on February 14 to discuss farmers' demands. The SKM welcomed the decision of fasting farmer leader Dallewal to receive medical support and wished him a quick recovery and good health. The continuous efforts made by SKM leaders for farmers' unity and Pan India agitation against the anti-farmer Union Government has forced the centre to retract from its divisive strategy, the farmer leader added. The SKM leadership called upon all farmers to respond and rise in protest against the centre and force it to roll back its anti-farmer policies, which were earlier attempted to be imposed through the three now repealed agriculture laws but now again an attempt is being made to impose these laws through the so-called National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing (NPFAM), which is nothing but a plan to handover to a few crony corporates control of agricultural land, agriculture, food supply chain, and food security of the nation.

121 farmers end fast-unto-death after Dallewal take medical aid

The 121 farmers ended their fast by sipping juice in the presence of Deputy Inspector General of Police Mandeep Singh Sidhu and Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police Nanak Singh.

Screening of Kangana Ranaut's 'Emergency' cancelled in theatres across Punjab following protests

CHANDIGARH: The cinemas and multiplexes across Punjab on Friday were forced to cancel the screening of Kangana Ranaut-starrer Emergency following protests by various Sikh organization and farmers' bodies. Kangana plays the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the film. The films release was earlier delayed after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) sought several cuts in the movie after Sikh groups raised concerns over the portrayal of the community. On Thursday, SGPC had demanded that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann ban its screening in Punjab. In a letter to Mann, SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami said the movie was a calculated attempt to distort history and harm Sikh sentiments and warned that releasing it could provoke outrage within the Sikh community. The protesters claimed that the movie hurt the sentiments of the Sikhs and provoked outrage in the community. The members of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) protested against the movie outside the cinemas in Amritsar. Also, there were protests outside cinemas in Bathinda, Patiala, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur. The members of one of the factions of farmer union BKU gathered outside Dhillon Plaza and Cosmo Plaza in Zirakpur in SAS Nagar district near Chandigarh and protested alleging that Kangana Ranaut used vulgar language against them during the ongoing farmers' protest and in the movie, facts have been twisted to defame the Sikh community. A member of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) said that the history of the Sikh religion and the incidents of 1984 were depicted in the movie in a distorted manner. He demanded the movie to be banned. Meanwhile, Kangana reacted to the protests saying it as a complete harassment of art and the artist. She also slammed the propaganda to tarnish her image. In a message posted on platform X, Kangana Ranaut wrote, This is complete harassment of art and the artist, from Punjab many cities are reporting that these people are not allowing Emergency to be screened. I have utmost respect for all religions and after studying and growing up in Chandigarh I have closely observed and followed sikh religion. This is complete lie and propaganda to tarnish my image and harm my film. Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said that governments and censor boards must keep an eye on films like Emergency as such films show scripted stories, which are not true and the facts are twisted otherwise, they would not be successful if there was no masala. However, theaters in the Union Territory of Chandigarh screened the movie.

Complete harassment of art and the artist: Kangana after SGPC calls for ban on Emergency

New Delhi, Jan 17: Bollywood star Kangana Ranaut on Friday said the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committees (SGPC) demand for a ban on Emergency and the films restricted screenings in parts of Punjab is a complete harassment of art and the artist. On Thursday, SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami wrote to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann demanding a ban on the movie, which released across the country on Friday. Many cinemas in Ludhiana, Amritsar, Patiala and Bathinda did not screen Emergency [] The post Complete harassment of art and the artist: Kangana after SGPC calls for ban on Emergency appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

On Dallewal's 51st day of protest, 111 farmers start fast unto death

CHANDIGARH: Wearing black clothes and placards around their necks stating, in Punjabi, 'We will attain martyrdom before Jagjit Singh Dallewal ', a group of 111 farmers started their fast-unto-death in support of Dallewal at Khanauri border on Wednesday. The farmers have taken up the protest to further intensify their stir against the Union Government for enacting a law for legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops and other demands. The group of farmers started their fast-unto-death after holding prayers as they moved towards Haryana. Then they cut barbed wire and sat on the road. Haryana police have deployed heavy security at the border on the Haryana side. The farmers are emotional and believe that they will sacrifice themselves before Dallewal to support the farmers' cause. The protestors will be given only water from now on and housed in a tent to protect them from the cold. Farmer leader said that Dallewal's condition is worsening as his body is not accepting water and is moving towards multi-organ failure. He has refused to take medical aid despite prolonged fasting, causing his health to decline. Doctors attending to Dallewal said his health is deteriorating every day as his ketone level is on the higher side and muscle mass has decreased. Lashing out against the Centre, farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar, said, 'the Union government is not paying heed to farmers demands. Today, Dallewals fast-unto-death entered day 51. The Centre is neither ready to listen to anything nor is it initiating talks nor fulfilling our demands. Farmers are emotional and they have said that they will also follow Dallewal and start an indefinite fast peacefully. On the status of Dallewals health, Kohar said it is critical because of the indefinite fast. Dallewal, who is the convener of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), has been fasting at the Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana since November 26 last year over the farmers' various demands including seeking a legal guarantee on MSP for crops. The medical teams of Rajindra Medical College and Mata Kaushalya Hospital, Patiala, have been deployed by the Punjab government for the continuous care of the health of the farmer leader. A makeshift hospital with all emergency medicines and equipment has also been set up near the protest site. SC seeks farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal's health reports to get AIIMS medical board's opinion The protesting farmers had earlier said if anything untoward happens to Dallewal, the Centre might not be able to handle what comes afterwards. When asked about holding talks with the protesting farmers to end the logjam, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently said the government would act in accordance with the Supreme Courts instructions.

SKM to hold crucial meeting after 80-year-old farmer's death at Khanauri border

CHANDIGARH: An 80-year-old farmer, Jaga Singh, from Godara village in Faridkot district, succumbed to the cold wave at the Khanauri border on Saturday. Singh, who had been part of the ongoing farmers' agitation for the past ten months, was rushed to Rajindra Government Medical College, Patiala, where he passed away. He is survived by his son and daughters. Confirming the incident, Senior SKM leader Prem Singh Bhangu said, The meeting has been fixed for tomorrow between the SKM, SKM (Non-Political), and the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Morcha. It will be held at Patran. A six-member delegation from the SKM will participate and hold discussions with the leaders of the other two farmers' organisations. He expressed hope for a positive outcome. The six-member SKM delegation includes farmer leaders Balbir Singh Rajewal, Darshan Pal, Joginder Singh Ugrahan, Raminder Singh Patiala, Jangveer Singh, and Krishna Prasad. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), which led the 2020 agitation against the now-repealed farm laws, has not been part of the current agitation being spearheaded by SKM (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Morcha. Condition of Dallewal critical with looming threat of cardiac arrest, says doctors A leader from SKM (Non-Political) shared a similar sentiment, stating, The meeting is fixed for tomorrow. Today, we held our own forms meeting and also consulted with the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Morcha to finalise the delegation that will meet the SKM leadership tomorrow. Meanwhile, the fast-unto-death protest by farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal entered its 48th day on Saturday. Leaders of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Morcha and SKM (Non-Political) had earlier urged the SKM leadership to advance the meeting scheduled for 15 January. They proposed holding it at the Khanauri border instead of Patiala, citing the urgency of the situation. Each and every minute is very important, emphasised the leaders during their appeal. Adding to the discourse, former cricketer and AAP Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh took to X on Saturday, urging immediate resolution. Keeping in mind the health of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, I request all those who can resolve this issue, as every issue can be resolved through dialogue. Saving the farmer and farming should be our priority, he wrote. Farmers and their leaders are hopeful that todays meeting will bridge the differences between the factions and strengthen their collective stand against the union government. , l pic.twitter.com/bNDtzjm8YI Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) January 11, 2025 'My life not as important as yours': Dallewal tells farmers as Punjab urges Centre to hold talks with protesters

80-year-old farmer dies amid cold wave, farmers' groups to hold crucial meeting

CHANDIGARH: An 80-year-old farmer, Jaga Singh, from Godara village in Faridkot district, succumbed to the cold wave at the Khanauri border on Saturday. Singh, who had been part of the ongoing farmers' agitation for the past ten months, was rushed to Rajindra Government Medical College, Patiala, where he passed away. He is survived by his son and daughters. Confirming the incident, Senior SKM leader Prem Singh Bhangu said, The meeting has been fixed for tomorrow between the SKM, SKM (Non-Political), and the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Morcha. It will be held at Patran. A six-member delegation from the SKM will participate and hold discussions with the leaders of the other two farmers' organisations. He expressed hope for a positive outcome. The six-member SKM delegation includes farmer leaders Balbir Singh Rajewal, Darshan Pal, Joginder Singh Ugrahan, Raminder Singh Patiala, Jangveer Singh, and Krishna Prasad. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), which led the 2020 agitation against the now-repealed farm laws, has not been part of the current agitation being spearheaded by SKM (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Morcha. Condition of Dallewal critical with looming threat of cardiac arrest, says doctors A leader from SKM (Non-Political) shared a similar sentiment, stating, The meeting is fixed for tomorrow. Today, we held our own forms meeting and also consulted with the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Morcha to finalise the delegation that will meet the SKM leadership tomorrow. Meanwhile, the fast-unto-death protest by farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal entered its 48th day on Saturday. Leaders of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Morcha and SKM (Non-Political) had earlier urged the SKM leadership to advance the meeting scheduled for 15 January. They proposed holding it at the Khanauri border instead of Patiala, citing the urgency of the situation. Each and every minute is very important, emphasised the leaders during their appeal. Adding to the discourse, former cricketer and AAP Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh took to X on Saturday, urging immediate resolution. Keeping in mind the health of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, I request all those who can resolve this issue, as every issue can be resolved through dialogue. Saving the farmer and farming should be our priority, he wrote. Farmers and their leaders are hopeful that todays meeting will bridge the differences between the factions and strengthen their collective stand against the union government. , l pic.twitter.com/bNDtzjm8YI Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) January 11, 2025 'My life not as important as yours': Dallewal tells farmers as Punjab urges Centre to hold talks with protesters

Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal's health deteriorates on 47th day of hunger strike

CHANDIGARH: As the fast-unto-death by farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal entered its 47th day, his health has worsened significantly , with low blood pressure, fluctuating vitals, and the looming threat of cardiac arrest. Leaders of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Morcha and the SKM (Non-Political) have urged the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) leadership to bring forward their scheduled meeting from 15 January to tomorrow or the day after, proposing that it be held at the Khanauri border instead of Patiala. Each and every minute is very important, they emphasised. Dallewal's ketone and uric acid levels are alarmingly high, while his potassium, sodium, chloride, and protein levels have plummeted. Speaking to this newspaper, Dr Avtar Singh, heading the medical team at the Khanauri border, said: The condition of Dallewal is critical as his potassium and sodium levels are low and dropping because he is not consuming anything other than water. A drop in sodium levels causes dizziness and difficulty in concentration. His muscle mass has decreased manifold, and he has become like a skeleton. Day by day, his condition is worsening, and his overall health parameters are not good. Now, due to the cold weather, we are keeping our fingers crossed as he is lying in the tractor trolley in such biting cold conditions. Anything can happen at any time. Dr Singh added: Now he cannot even sit, so we cannot measure his weight as it is impossible for him to stand. If we try to make him sit for a couple of minutes, his blood pressure drops. His blood pressure is usually around 90. To stabilise it, his legs must be kept elevated. If the pillow supporting his feet is removed, his blood pressure drops further. The pressure stabilises only when his legs are elevated to improve blood flow to the heart and brain. When he lies flat, his blood pressure falls below 90. His vitals are fluctuating, and cardiac arrest can occur at any time. He further noted: The pillows under his feet are adjusted to find the optimal height for stability. Even so, he still needs support. He is unable to speak now. He has refused to take any medicine, and we cannot put a drip. SKM (Non-Political) leader Abhimanyu Kohar shared the latest medical reports, saying: The tests conducted on Thursday indicate that Dallewal's condition is not at all good. The results are alarming. His uric acid level, which should be between 3.50 and 7.20, is more than 11.64. His protein levels are very low, and his ketone levels, which should be between 0.02 and 0.27, are more than 6.53some 25 to 30 times higher. His direct bilirubin level is 0.69, whereas it should be less than 0.20. The liver and kidney panel serum result is 1.67, which should be below 1.00. Additionally, his chloride, potassium, and sodium levels are low. Akal Takht expresses concern over Dallewal's deteriorating health Another leader, Surjit Singh, said: The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) leadership had requested our Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Morcha and SKM (Non-Political) leaders to attend the meeting on 15 January at Patiala. They came to the Khanauri morcha yesterday to meet Dallewal and called for unity. We are requesting the SKM leaders to come to the Khanauri morcha tomorrow or the day after and hold discussions here, as Dallewals health is deteriorating day by day. Every minute is crucial, and we cannot leave the morcha to go to another place for the meeting. We have sent a letter to the SKM leadership in this regard. We hope these leaders will help further strengthen and expand the ongoing movement for the 13 demands, including the MSP guarantee law. A medical team from Rajindra Medical College and Mata Kaushalya Hospital, Patiala, is deployed at Khanauri to continuously monitor Dallewal's health. Two advanced life support ambulances are stationed there around the clock. A temporary hospital equipped with emergency equipment and medicines has been set up 700 metres from the protest site. Additionally, tractor-trailers have been welded together at the protest site, where over 700 volunteers maintain a night vigil near the area where Dallewal is fasting. On Thursday, a high-level team of doctors, led by Punjabs Principal Secretary of Health, Kumar Rahul, visited Khanauri to examine Dallewal. They took blood samples and performed an abdominal ultrasound.

Sikhs gear up for 358th Prakash Purab in Hyd

Hyderabad: The Sikh community is gearing up to celebrate the birth anniversary of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth and last Sikh Guru and founder of the Khalsa Panth, on Sunday. The 358th Prakash Purab will be observed worldwide, with the city hosting a grand Vishaal Deewan (Mass Congregation). The event, organised by the Prabandhak Committee of Gurdwara Saheb Secunderabad, will take place at Classic Garden, Balanagaram, Secunderabad, from 10 am to 3 pm on January 12. Organisers announced that the Vishaal Deewan will bring together hundreds of Sikh devotees and members of other faith communities for a day of reverence and unity. The congregation will feature recitations of Gurbani Keertans (Holy Hymns) performed by renowned Ragi Jathas (religious preachers) invited from various parts of the country. Esteemed Ragi Jathas, including Bhai Sarabjeet Singh (Patna Saheb), Bhai Jaskaran Singh (Patiala), Gyani Jagdev Singh, and Bhai Charanjeet Singh, will lead the shabad keertans and kathas, shedding light on the teachings of the Sikh Gurus. In addition to the spiritual programmes, Guru Ka Langar (free community kitchen) will be served to all devotees. The Guru Ka Langar will provide nutritious meals to attendees. Reflecting on his legacy, organisers emphasised that Guru Gobind Singh Ji sacrificed his life and family to protect the weak and oppressed, ultimately liberating the country from invaders. His unwavering commitment to justice and righteousness continues to inspire millions. A Night Kirtan Darbar will also be held at Gurdwara Saheb in Secunderabad on January 11 from 7 pm to 10 pm. During this evening event, the Ragi Jathas will perform shabad kirtans and kathas, followed by Guru Ka Langar, providing a serene and reflective close to the days festivities.

Farm leader Dallewal asks political parties to clarify their stance on legal MSP

CHANDIGARH: As the fast-unto-death protest by farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal entered its 45th day on January 9, he wrote a letter to all political parties urging them to clarify their stance on the legal right to minimum support price (MSP). Dallewal requested that they set aside their differences and unite on the issue of MSP to help prevent farmers' suicides. In his letter addressed to the presidents of all political parties, Dallewal stated that his fast-unto-death protest has been ongoing for 45 days, demanding an MSP guarantee law. He emphasised that his health is worsening and urged the political parties to take a clear position on the legal right to MSP. While reiterating that the farmers forum is non-political, he stressed the need for political parties support to pressure the Central Government into addressing their demands. Dallewal also pointed out that the Standing Committee on Agriculture in Parliament has recommended enacting an MSP guarantee law, highlighting its potential benefits for farmers. Understanding the gravity of the situation, all political parties should set aside their differences and unite on the issue of the MSP guarantee law so that farmers' suicides can be prevented, he added. Responding to a letter from the BJP to the Akal Takht Jathedar requesting intervention to end Dallewals fast-unto-death, he slammed the saffron partys approach. He questioned why, if the BJP is genuinely concerned about his health, it has not pushed for discussions with the Centre to address the matter. Farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohad also slammed the Union Government, calling its approach inhumane. The democratically elected government should listen to everyone, Kohad stated. Meanwhile, a team of government doctors, accompanied by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Patiala Nanak Singh, visited the Khanauri border to monitor Dallewals condition. Various tests, including an ultrasound, were conducted, and blood samples were collected. The doctors assured that the test reports would be available by Friday as the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the matter on Friday. They expressed concern over Dallewals worsening condition, describing it as a serious cause for alarm. 'My life not as important as yours': Dallewal tells farmers as Punjab urges Centre to hold talks with protesters

Protesting farmer consumes poison at Shambhu border, dies at Patiala hospital

A 55-year-old farmer, Resham Singh, committed suicide by consuming poison at the Shambhu border amid ongoing protests against the Central government. This incident follows a similar suicide by Ranjodh Singh on December 18, driven by deteriorating health conditions of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal.

Farmer attempts to end life at Shambhu border, dies at Patiala hospital

This is second such incident at the agitation site at the Shambhu border pointwithin three weeks

Farmer attempts suicide at Shambhu border, dies at Patiala hospital

A 55-year-old farmer at the Shambhu border between Punjab and Haryana, protesting for almost a year for MSP guarantees, committed suicide by consuming poison. This incident marks the second suicide at the site in three weeks. Another farmer previously ended his life, distressed over an unresolved farmer leader's health condition.

Akal Takht expresses concern over Dallewal's deteriorating health

CHANDIGARH: The Akal Takht (highest temporal body of Sikhs) has expressed concern over the deteriorating health of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal who is on a fast-unto-death at the Khanauri border (Punjab-Haryana border) demanding a legal guarantee for minimum support prices (MSP) and other demands that were yet to be fulfilled by the Union Government. On January 10, effigies of the government will be burnt, on January 13 copies of the new agricultural policy will be burnt and on January 26 tractor march. Akal Takht Jathedar (High Priest) Giani Raghbir Singh yesterday said that the concept of hunger strike had no place in Sikh traditions and it was highly condemnable that the anndata - referring to the farming community - had to go on fast for the sake of fellow farmers. He urged the government to adhere to the rightful demands of farmers so that they could return to their homes peacefully. Despite mounting health risks, the 70-year-old dallewal refused medical aid even after multiple interventions from the Punjab Government. Meanwhile hours after the Supreme Court-appointed high-powered committee met Dallewal his health deteriorated on Monday night. The blood pressure of Dallewal suddenly dropped. His hand and feet were rubbed by a medical team to keep him warm, while the blood pressure monitor showed a reading of 77/45 and his pulse rate falling below 38. Dallewal, whose fast entered 43rd day today had told the committee members that farm reforms are his priority, while his life and health is secondary . The doctors attending him stated that when Dallewals body was slightly lifted, his blood pressure became somewhat stable, otherwise, both his blood pressure and pulse rate would continue to drop significantly. After some time his blood pressure slightly stabilised at 95/70. Dallewal's condition remained critical throughout the day, and he was unable to speak with anyone. Farmer leaders expressed concern that if any unfortunate event were to happen to Dallewal the situation arising afterwards might be beyond the central governments control. Therefore, they urged the central government to address the issues of the farmers seriously and promptly. Farmer leaders also stated that on January 10, effigies of the Modi government will be burned across the country to show the central government that people in the villages stand with Dallewal in his struggle for a guaranteed MSP law. Also on January 13, copies of the new agricultural policy's provisions related to the land should be burned across the country. Farmer leaders further announced that on January 26, a tractor march will take to the streets across the country and in the coming days a detailed plan for this program will be announced by both morchas. A member of the health team, said that the health department team from Patiala, who are on the standby, has taken over the charge. The situation is under control and the health team is monitoring the farmer leader's condition, he added. Meanwhile, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) said the union government as well as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) party-led Punjab government were equally responsible for the deepening agriculture crisis in the country. It appealed to both governments to engage with farmers and do their utmost to save the life of Dallewal. Senior SAD leader Dr Daljit Singh Cheema said it was shocking that even though the Supreme Court was monitoring the fast unto death almost of a daily basis, both the union government as well as the Punjab government were resorting to a blame game and playing politics on such a sensitive issue. Efforts are also on to polarize the entire issue which is condemnable and could be dangerous for the state. Cheema appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take the lead and create an atmosphere that could lead to the end of Dallewals fast. For this to take place the Prime Minister should notify the guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP) immediately. This is in keeping with the assurance made to the people of the country when the Prime Minister withdrew the three agricultural laws which led to the end of the farmers protest. The union government should also withdraw the draft agriculture policy as farmers felt many clauses contained in the three agricultural laws were being reintroduced in the policy through the back door, he said.

Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewals health deteriorates

CHANDIGARH: Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewals health deteriorated after his 11-minute address on January 4 at the Kisan Mahapanchayat in Khanauri. He has been experiencing vomiting and feeling dizzy. Besides, his reflexes have slowed down. The medical team attending the farmer leader stated that he felt dizzy and vomited as his blood pressure dropped while he was carried back to his tent after yesterday's address. Dr Avtar Singh Dhillon said that he was concerned about Dallewals health. Dallewal was suggested not go to the stage as the weather was too harsh but he insisted on addressing the gathering and spoke for about eleven minutes. After coming back, he was offered water but he vomited, a doctor said. 'My life not as important as yours': Dallewal tells farmers as Punjab urges Centre to hold talks with protesters He could hardly sleep and his reflexes have slowed down. His blood pressure was 108/73 today while his peripheral oxygen saturation level was 98. The respiratory rate was 18 per minute and the heart rate was 73. He is not taking any drip, he added. A team of government doctors and officials visited Khanauri border to enquire about Dallewal's health this evening. On receiving information about his deteriorating health, former DIG Narinder Bhargav and Senior Superintendent of Police, Patiala Dr Nanak Singh, the officials involved in backchannel talks with the farmer leader, rushed to Khanauri border. Farmers protest: SC clarifies its order for Dallewal's hospitalisation was not to break his fast As the fast-up-to-death of the farmer leader entered its 41st day today, the medical bulletin stated that Dallewal is facing liver, kidney, and lung issues. The bulletin further added that even if he ends the fast, the risk of his organs not functioning 100 per cent persists. The doctors explained that it is difficult to measure his weight as he has been unable to stand properly for the past few days. They further stated that his muscle mass has completely deteriorated and it is likely that he may never fully recover. The bulletin also added that his glomerular filtration rate has decreased, affecting his blood filtration capacity. Since last evening, Dallewal has been experiencing frequent vomiting creating considerable distress. He is not even able to speak today. However, farmer leaders mentioned that the thousands of people who reached Khonori Morcha yesterday have given new energy to Dallewal. Dallewal had agreed to undergo blood, urine and ECG tests on Friday evening before the Kisan Maha Panchayat. During his 11-minute address, Dallewal appealed to farmer outfits in other states to launch a similar fight for the MSP on order to send a message to the Centre that it was not just Punjabs struggle. This is a do-or-die battle. I will not end my fast till an Act guaranteeing the MSP for crops is enacted. We want a legal guarantee as per the recommendations of the parliamentary committee (on agriculture), Dallewal had said yesterday. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said Gurpurab celebrations for Guru Gobind Singh will be held at the Shambhu border on Monday and appealed to the masses to participate in it. Sukhmander Singh, 54, from Kasam Patti village in Faridkot district passed away after being hit by a vehicle at the Shambhu border protest site.He was taken to Rajpura Civil Hospital but succumbed to his injuries. More than 30 farmers have died at Shambhu and Khanauri borders since February 13 last year.

Here's why Diljit Dosanjh is in the news after his New Year's Eve concert

Diljit Dosanjh hit the headlines once again after his New Year's Eve concert in Ludhiana became surrounded by legal controversies. The singer allegedly performed song tracks that promoted alcohol which triggered Punditrao Dharenavar, an Assistant Professor from Chandigarh, to file a complaint. Dharenavar expressed his concern over the impact of such controversial songs on the young minds present in the concert as many minors are among the music lovers who frequently take part in his concert. The Deputy Director of the Women and Child Department, Govt of Punjab issued a formal notice to Ludhiana's District Commissioner asking them to restrict the singer from performing certain songs during his live concerts. The notice, which raised concern about the after-effects of songs promoting alcohol such as 'Patiala Pegg', '5 Tara Theke', and 'Case (Jeeb Vicho Feem Labbiya)', was addressed to the local authorities in Ludhiana. The notice also called for an urgent ban on these songs, even if the singer tweaked or modified the lyrics to make it suitable for the audience. The singer allegedly continued to perform the controversial songs after altering the lyrics, even though he was advised not to perform it as per the warnings issued by various commissions. Dharenavar went on to cite a ruling from the Punjab and Haryana High Court which directed the police to ensure that songs promoting drugs, alcohol or violence are not performed in public events or live concerts. This observation made in 2019 suggested that songs glorifying alcohol and drugs have a detrimental impact on impressionable children. Dharenavar also expressed that he is prepared to take the matter to the Punjab and Haryana High Court if such songs are continued to be performed in Dosanjh's concerts. He also criticised Dosanjh for performing songs wearing pagadi , a traditional headgear. He opined that the pagadi should not be associated with promoting negative values. Such controversies are not new to Diljit Dosanjh as he has previously faced scrutiny in other cities for similar reasons. He received legal notice from the Telangana government for performing songs that promoted alcohol and violence during his concert in Hyderabad in November. His comments on alcohol has also landed him in controversies multiple times. He said he would stop composing songs about alcohol when the government enacts a nationwide ban on liquor. If all the states declare themselves as dry states, I promise I won't sing about alcohol ever again, he said. Despite all the legal complications, Dosanjh continues to shine as his Dil-Luminati tour remains a major success. The Ludhiana show which was announced on December 23 marked the grand finale of Dosanjh's three-month long Dil-Luminati India Tour.

Diljit Dosanjh's New Year concert in Ludhiana faces legal controversy

Singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh's highly anticipated New Year's Eve concert in Ludhiana was overshadowed by a legal controversy following a complaint filed by Punditrao Dharenavar, an assistant professor from Chandigarh. The complaint, lodged ahead of Tuesday night performance, raised concerns about the promotion of alcohol in some of Dosanjh's popular songs. In response to the complaint, the Deputy Director of the Women and Child Department, Government of Punjab, issued a formal notice to Ludhiana's District Commissioner, requesting that authorities prevent the singer from performing certain songs during the live show. The notice specifically called for a ban on songs like 'Patiala Pegg' , '5 Tara Theke' , and 'Case (Jeeb Vicho Feem Labbiya)' , which have been criticized for glorifying alcohol consumption, even if modified with altered lyrics. The complaint referenced previous warnings issued to Dosanjh by various commissions, advising him not to perform these controversial tracks at public events. The concerned authorities have emphasized the need for responsible content, especially in the context of public performances that may influence young audiences. Despite the legal concerns, Dosanjh's concert went ahead as planned, with fans flocking to the venue to celebrate the arrival of the new year. The controversy highlights ongoing debates surrounding the impact of music and entertainment on social issues, including substance abuse. Authorities are expected to review the matter further, as the issue of responsible content in entertainment continues to garner attention across various platforms.

Diljit Dosanjh faces legal action after concert in Ludhiana over alleged pro-alcohol songs

The notice, which was addressed to the local authorities in Ludhiana, specifically calls for a ban on songs that have been accused of promoting alcohol, such as Patiala Pegg, 5 Tara Theke, and Case (Jeeb Vicho Feem Labbiya), even if modified with altered lyrics

Punjab: State-Wide Bandh by Farmers Against Centre on MSP Paralyses Life

New Delhi/Chandigarh: Life was badly hit across Punjab on Monday following a state-wide bandh call given by farmers who have been agitating against the Centre for a legal guarantee of a minimum support price for their crops. Rail and road traffic was crippled and commercial establishments remained shut in many parts of the state. The protesting farmers held dharnas on several roads as part of their bandh call, throwing commuter traffic out of gear. A shutdown call was given over a week ago by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha over the Centre not acting on the farmers demand for a legal guarantee for the MSP. As the indefinite hunger strike of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal entered its 35th day on Monday, the Supreme Court will on Tuesday examine the Punjab governments measures to provide treatment to the ailing farmer leader. A team of the Punjab government officials on December 29 had attempted to persuade the septuagenarian to take medical aid, but he declined it, fearing use of forces to oust him from the protest site. In a related development, the Supreme Court panel formed under the chairmanship of retired Justice Nawab Singh has invited the SKM for talks on January 3. It is learnt that the farmers outfit has accepted this invitation. The protesting farmers have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was stopped by the security forces. A jatha (group) of 101 farmers had attempted to march to Delhi on foot three times between December 6 and 14 but were stopped by security personnel from Haryana. Besides MSP, the farmers are also demanding a debt waiver, pension, no hike in electricity tariffs, withdrawal of police cases, and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. On Monday, the farmers observed a sit-in at Dhareri Jattan toll plaza, which affected vehicular movement on the Patiala-Chandigarh National Highway. At Amritsar's Golden Gate, scores of farmers assembled near the city's entry point. Dharnas were also held in Bathinda's Rampura Phul. In Phagwara, farmers held a dharna near the Sugarmill crossing on NH-44, blocking the roads leading from Phagwara towards Nakodar, Hoshiarpur and Nawanshahr. They also staged a dharna at Behram toll plaza on Phagwara-Banga road. Grain markets also remained shut in several places. Public transport remained off roads at several places, while most private bus operators suspended services, abiding by the bandh call. The band's impact was also seen in some neighbouring areas of the state, including Ambala. Hundreds of daily commuters travelling from Ambala to Chandigarh, Mohali, Patiala and other nearby cities of Punjab were thrown off stride because of the shutdown. Buses took alternate routes to go from Ambala to Chandigarh as they had to cross a stretch of the national highway that passes through Punjab. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher told reporters in Amritsar that their strike received strong support from transporters, employee unions, traders bodies, and religious bodies. Mr Pandher also said that emergency and other essential services were allowed to operate. He said anyone travelling to the airport to catch a flight, anyone going to attend a job interview, or anyone needing to attend a wedding, were also allowed. All establishments remained shut. Punjabis have shown their unity today and they are extending full support, Mr Pandher claimed. The bandh is successful. Train services have been completely suspended and no train is entering Punjab, he said.

Punjab bandh: Farmers block roads at many places, traffic hit on Patiala-Chandigarh NH

CHANDIGARH: Farmers blocked roads at many places across the state on Monday as part of their Punjab bandh call, hamstringing the commuter traffic. A call for a shutdown was given last week by Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha over the Centre not accepting the demands of protesting farmers. The bandh will be observed from 7 am to 4 pm . Farmers observed a sit-in at Dhareri Jattan Toll Plaza which affected vehicular movement on the Patiala-Chandigarh National Highway. At Amritsar's Golden Gate, farmers started to assemble near the city's entry point while in Bathinda's Rampura Phul, they blocked roads. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher on Sunday said though there will be a complete bandh, emergency services will be allowed to operate. The bandh will be observed from 7 am to 4 pm. However, emergency services will remain operational. Anyone travelling to the airport to catch a flight or anyone going to attend a job interview, or anyone needs to attend a wedding... all these things have been kept out of our bandh call, he said. Meanwhile, 70-year-old farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal's hunger strike entered its 35th day on Monday. Dallewal has so far refused medical treatment. Hundreds of farmers have been protesting at the Punjab-Haryana border demanding a legal guarantee of a minimum support price (MSP) for crops. Dallewal had earlier said he would not break his fast until the government agreed to the farmers' demands. The apex court has given the Punjab government time till December 31 to persuade Dallewal to shift to a hospital, granting the state the liberty to seek logistical support from the Centre, if necessary. Farmers, under the banner of SKM (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13, after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces. A jatha (group) of 101 farmers attempted to march to Delhi on foot three times between December 6 and 14 but were stopped by security personnel from Haryana. Besides the MSP, farmers are also demanding a debt waiver, pension, no hike in electricity tariffs, withdrawal of police cases, and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. Delhi chalo: Haryana police fire teargas at farmers as they near barricades at Sambhu border

Accidental or not, Manmohan Singh was a transformative PM: Manish Tewari's tribute

History will be kinder to me than the contemporary media or, for that matter, the Opposition in Parliament, Manmohan Singh famously said on January 3, 2014 at the last press conference he addressed before stepping down as Prime Minister after being in office for ten long years. When I look back, Dr Singh has been proved prophetically correct, reminisces Congress MP and former Union minister Manish Tewari, who anchored that last press conference held by PM Singh at the National Media Centre. Tewari served as Minister of Information and Broadcasting from 2012 to 2014 in the UPA 2 government led by Manmohan Singh. It was a cold wintry morning. Dr Singh decided to address a mega press conference and gave a brilliant summation of his ten years as Prime Minister. He gave this prophetic reply to a question posed by a journalist on the contemporary political situation, he said. Why does he think it was prophetically correct? Because eventually, Dr Singh as PM presided over some of the greatest initiatives that India has taken, in the last 24 years. They included the India-US civil nuclear deal on which he staked his government, the passage allowing foreign direct investment into multi-brand retails and remember he stabilized India's great power relationships, said Tewari. The relationship with China and Russia was better than ever before. With China, a record number of border management agreements and economic agreements were signed, he said. The sustained backchannel dialogue with Pakistan during Dr Singh's tenure was one of the highlights of his foreign policy, stressed Tewari. If the four-point formula that emerged from the Manmohan-Musharraf talks had been implemented, the dynamics of South Asia would have been different. So Dr Singh was correct when he said that history will judge him kindly, he said. From a professor next door to a family friend to a political guru, the former PM shared a more-than-five-decade-long relationship with the Congress leader. Dr Singh knew me from the day I was born. He was a neighbour in Punjab University, Chandigarh, and close friends with my parents. His wife and my mother were classmates in Victoria School, Patiala. I had a very long, personal, intimate association with him, said the Chandigarh MP. Reflecting on the personal bond with the former PM, he said Dr Singh always looked upon him fondly, encouraged and guided him. He was a human being par excellence. While the former PM is best remembered for his sterling contributions to economic reforms and building a rights-based architecture, Tewari says that Singhs vision was shaped by his life experiences. Dr Singh possibly intuitively understood what growth and equity meant along his life journey. Gentle and noble colossus: Remembering the exemplary patient that was Dr Manmohan Singh Born in Gah village in present-day Pakistan, Singh came to India with barely a shirt on his back, recollected Tewari. Singh understood the struggles of poverty. From the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to the Right to Information (RTI) to the National Food Security Act, RTE to the Street Vendors Act, Dr Singh championed the whole architecture of rights, he said. While the erudite, soft-spoken Manmohan Singh often faced barbs from his detractors for being a 'remote-controlled PM', 'silent PM', or lacking a political base, Tewari contested such arguments. As someone who had the privilege of serving in his government, I can say with full conviction that there was nothing wrong with Dr Singh's political instincts. He always brushed off those insinuations with the contempt they deserve. I don't think he required any certificates from anyone, he said. Dr Singh was extremely media friendly and addressed a record number of press conferences, both in India and abroad, Tewari added. On Singh being called an 'accidental prime minister', he said, accidental or not, Manmohan Singh was a transformative prime minister. Dr Singh proved his naysayers wrong by even risking his position as Prime Minister to push the landmark India-US nuclear deal. Dr Singh firmly believed that India must have access to multi-spectrum sources of energy, because if the economy has to grow, power or energy is the biggest requirement. Notwithstanding that, the Congress had only 146 members in the 14th Lok Sabha. He staked his political career, and political equity and ultimately saw the nuclear deal through, said the Congress leader. Was the Congress on the same page as Dr Singh on the economic reforms he undertook in 1991? There are always different points of view. Ultimately, Dr Singh carried the day, he said. They ought to be the biggest tribute to Dr Singh's legacy and the fact that the economic reset of 1991 held the field across so many different administrations in the last 34 years or so. He will be remembered as a leading economic manager who brought all his experience to better the lives of millions of Indians, he said. He had saddled many roles as chief economic adviser, union finance secretary, RBI governor, and deputy chairperson of the Planning Commission, which gave him a unique view of the distinct challenges that India faced economically and strategically, said Tewari. As finance minister in 1991, when he reset the Indian economy in the wake of the great global change, Singh opened the doors of opportunity for millions of young people to have a better life, better careers, and rewarding jobs, he added. AK Antony's tribute | 'Dr Singh was a bold leader; once dreamt of turning Siachen into a garden'

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Vehicle carrying medical team to Dallewal's fasting site meets with accident, six injured

PATIALA: Four doctors among six medical team members headed to Khanauri where farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal is sitting on fast-unto-death, were injured when their vehicle was hit by a car on Wednesday, officials said. The accident took place near Mavikala village. According to the officials, the team was deputed at Kahanuri border farmer protest site for the farmer leader. Dallewal (70) is sitting on a hunger strike at the Khanauri border point for the past one month to press the Centre to accept the agitating farmers' demands, including legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP). A team of doctors from 5 Rivers Heart Association, an NGO, which has also deployed its team of doctors, have described Dallewal's condition as critical. Meanwhile, the government doctors team was headed to Khanauri. A video recorded on a dashcam inside a car behind the SUV, that hit the government medical team's vehicle shows the SUV trying to overtake a truck when it hit their vehicle, coming from the opposite direction. Senior Medical Officer from Samana Dr Sanjiv Arora, when contacted over telephone, told PTI that a team of four specialist doctors from Rajindra Hospital Patiala, one pharmacist and a driver were injured after their vehicle got hit by a SUV coming from the opposite direction. He said they were being treated at Rajendra Hospital presently, and luckily no one has any grievous injury and are recovering well. He further said that presently after the directions of the Supreme Court, the Punjab government and district administration, Patiala is actively monitoring the situation at Khanauri border as the hunger strike by Dallewal has entered 30th day. Notably, Punjab government has set up a makeshift hospital nearby at the Khanauri protest site for round-the-clock monitoring of Dallewal's health and provide aid in case of any medical exigency. The Supreme Court on Friday left it to the Punjab government officials and doctors to decide on the hospitalisation of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on an indefinite hunger strike. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan said it was the responsibility of the Punjab government to look after the health of Dallewal. It sought reports from Punjab chief secretary and health officials on the medical conditions of Dallewal by January 2 and said the state government could approach the court, if a need arose. The bench said 70-year-old Dallewal could be moved to the makeshift hospital setup within 700 metre of the protest site at Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana. The bench said the authorities could continue with their efforts to persuade him to move to the hospital. Farmers under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was stopped by the security forces.

Celebrating the Olympic stars birthday - Neeraj Chopra and his historic wins for India

The Olympic star, Subedar Major Neeraj Chopra turns 27 today. Well, who doesnt know the man with an arm that only aims at the Gold. Kids adore him calling Neeraj bhaiya with the javelin. The young man has brought India glory and fortune at quite a young age. Today as the Olympian enters in a New year of achievements full of happiness, we celebrate the star and his bests. Heres a complete timeline of events- Biography Neeraj Chopra was born on 24 th December 1997 in Khandra village, Panipat district of Haryana to parents Saroj Devi and Satish Chopra. He belongs to a Haryanvi Ror agricultural family, where both of his parents are farmers. His primary schooling took place at BVN Public school, Panipat. Due to obesity, he got enrolled to a gym. Thats where he first got introduced to Javelin throw and took up the sport eventually. At the age of 13, he moved to Tau Devi Lal Sports complex at Panchkula for his training, one of the only two facilities in Haryana with a synthetic runway. Neeraj completed his further schooling from Dayanand Vedic college, Chandigarh. While studying at school, alongside he won National Javelin Championships in 2012 and 2014. Seeing his sports achievements, Neeraj was recruited in the Indian Army in 2016. From the Indian Army only, Neeraj got selected for the Mission Olympics Wing training at the Army Sports Institute in Pune. In 2021, he enrolled for the Bachelor in Arts degree at Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar. Career beginnings After a trial at the Sports Authority of India, Neeraj began his formal training of Javelin. He could manage third position at the District Championship. At the National Junior Athletics Championships in Lucknow, Neeraj won Gold with a new junior national record throw (68.40m). Neeraj competed at the World Youth Championships in Donetsk, Ukraine. It was his first international competition where he finished 19 th in the overall classification. Chopras first international medal came in 2014 where he won silver at the Youth Olympics qualification in Bangkok. In 2015, Neeraj broke the World Junior record at the All India Inter- University Athletics meet. In the same year, he finished fifth at the National games and ninth at the Asian Athletics Championships. The turning point came when Neeraj was called at the national level training camp at the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports in Patiala (2016). South Asian Games (2016): Gold with new personal best of 82.23m at Guwahati. 2016 IAAF World U-20 Championships in Poland: Gold medal with a throw of 86.48 m that set a new world junior record. He also became the first Indian javelin player to hold the national senior record and world junior record at the same time. Officially inducted as the Junior Commissioned officer in Indian Army. And then a rank of Naib Subedar in the Rajputana rifles. 2017 Asian Athletics Championships: Gold for Neeraj 2017 World Championships: 15 th in overall qualification 2018 Common wealth games: Gold medal with season best effort of 86.47m. First Indian to win the common wealth medal. August 2018: Gold at the Asian Games, first for Neeraj and first for India. It was his debut at the games where he was even the flagbearer of India. Neeraj had a year of injuries, surgeries in 2019. But he could manage it and had a comeback in 2021, when he began his international season with a gold. June 2021: Gold at the Athletics meet in Karlstad, Sweden. In the subsequent games in Finland, Neeraj won bronze medal. The World Champion arrives with new records (2021 2024) Neeraj Chopra, the reigning World Champion arrived in 2021 at the Tokyo Olympics. On 7 th August, Neeraj Chopra scripted history by clinching a gold in his second attempt at the final with a throw of 87.58 m. Neeraj became the first Indian to win a Gold medal in Athletics, also the first Indian in athletics post- independence. He is the second Indian to win an individual Olympic gold after Abhinav Bindra. And the first Asian Athlete to win an Olympic gold. Neeraj was also the youngest ever Indian Olympic Gold medalist in an individual event and a first to win a medal on Olympic debut. Following the Olympic win, Neeraj registered World No.2 in Mens javelin throw rankings. June 2022: Second at Paavo Nurmi Games with new personal best at 89.30 m. 2022 Diamond League: Neeraj broke his own national record with a throw of 89.94 m. July 2022: Silver medal at the World Athletics Championships (Indias second ever medal at the championships). 2022: Diamond League finals where Neeraj won gold and qualified for the 2023 World Championships. May 2023: Top spot at the Doha Diamond league with a throw of 88.67 m. Neeraj placed at the first position of the Mens Javelin throw rankings issued by the World Athletics. August 2023: Gold medal at the World Athletics Championships, making Neeraj the first Indian to win gold at the event. October 2023: Second gold at the Asian games with season best throw of 88.88 m. 2024: Finished second at the Doha Diamond league. Neeraj won the gold at the Federation cup in India and the Paavo Nurmi games before the Paris Olympics. For the qualification in the finals at the Paris Olympics, Neeraj in his first attempt at 89.34 m secured the top spot of the table. He won the silver medal with a throw at 89.45 m. After the two Olympic wins, Neeraj became fifth individual medalist from India and the first one to win a gold and silver combination. Neeraj was placed second at the Lausanne Diamond League javelin throw competition. For Neerajs contribution to the sport he has been honored by the Government of India with: Arjuna Award for sporting excellence in 2018, Khel Ratna Award which is the highest sporting honor in the country in 2021, Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian honor in 2022, Apart from this, Neeraj Chopra was also named as Sportsman of the year (2021) by The Times of India. The Army Sports Institute Stadium in Pune is now named as Neeraj Chopra stadium. Neeraj also got featured on Vogue Indias cover named as the Man of the Year (2021). Now, we know why Neeraj Chopra is the most loved sport athlete of India. The achievements of the star are many, and we even look for more. As said true, the best of the star is yet to come. Wishing Neeraj a new milestone year with a gold medal from every event he steps into!

A gram panchayat in Punjab to extend financial support to IAS aspirants, MBBS, engineering students

CHANDIGARH: A gram panchayat in Punjab has resolved to financially support candidates appearing for civil services examinations, opting for armed forces or pursuing their MBBS or engineering studies. A resolution towards this extent was passed by the Akrri village panchayat, which has a population of 800 inhabitants. The village is situated in Ghanaur block of Patiala. The newly elected panchayat of the village which has 562 voters met for the first time on Sunday after the Panchayat election and took several decisions in the presence of all the villagers. The sarpanch and panches of the panchayat are all below 40-years of age and have been elected for the first time. Talking with this newspaper, sarpanch of Akrri village 38-year old Jaswinder Singh who is a carpenter by profession said that the panchayat meeting held on December 22 unanimously decided to financially support IAS aspirants and others who was to become a doctor, engineer or join the armed forces. The money spent on the deserving youth will be a one-time investment so that they can continue to help fellow villagers after they achieve something in life thus other youngsters will get inspired from their achievement, he said. The villagers said several girl students were earlier hesitant to approach coaching institutes for preparation but the resolution passed by the newly elected panchayat would help them in a big way. Last year, six girls from the village had topped in various exams. Of them, five were from a poor families, now such bright students will be able to chase their dreams and compete in competitive exams, the villagers said. Besides funding studies, those who bring laurels to the village by participating in sports events at district, state, national and international level will be given financial help and additional facilities, Jaswinder Singh said. To ensure a drug-free village, Singh said, 98 per cent of the youth in the village are not into drugs, if by chance any one gets into this habit the family of that youth can approach the panchayat and we will ensure free de-addiction treatment for the addict at government-sanctioned de-addiction centres. The panchayat has also decided to boycott anyone dealing in drugs inside the village. Singh added that, among other things, the panchayat decided to give Rs 21,000 shagan to the girls of the poor families in the village when they get married. Singh noted that in 2020, land was acquired for the village and thus the panchayat got Rs 52 crores. As of now it has Rs 36 crore in its kitty.