The Times of India

A toll manager was tragically killed at the Badopatti toll plaza on the Hisar-Sirsa National Highway after a dispute over toll charges. The deceased, Sanjay Shukla, was allegedly run over by an SUV by individuals claiming exemption from payment. The incident escalated with threats and assault, leading to the fatal encounter. Police have registered a murder case and are actively searching for the accused.

Fresh tension erupted in Channot village after authorities removed an allegedly illegal T-point water connection late Monday night. Protests led to police using tear gas and lathicharge, injuring an ASI. This reignited a long-standing water dispute, despite villagers believing their demands were accepted earlier. Officials maintain the connection was unauthorized, while promising alternative water supply arrangements for the village.

A 30-year-old contractor, Aman Sharma, reportedly died by suicide at his Hisar residence on Tuesday. Police suspect he used his licensed firearm. Family members, present at the time, discovered him unresponsive. Sharma had recently stepped away from his contracting business due to financial losses. Investigations are ongoing, with statements from family being recorded.

Officials Project It As Key Mechanism For Implementing Long-Pending Plans

Punjab's AAP government has reshuffled the special investigation team (SIT) tasked with probing the 2015 sacrilege incidents, appointing Bathinda range DIG Harjeet Singh as its chairman. This development occurs as the same officer joins another SIT investigating the Behbal Kalan police firing cases. The reconstituted SIT is directed to expedite its investigation into the deeply sensitive cases that have seen multiple leadership changes and legal hurdles over the years.

A top Haryana IAS officer, Pankaj Agarwal, has been apprehended by the CBI. He is accused of misusing government funds from accounts held by the Haryana School Shiksha Pariyojna Parishad and the Haryana State Agriculture Marketing Board at a Chandigarh bank. The investigation centers on the alleged diversion of these substantial sums. Agarwal is slated to appear in court today.

Unidentified assailants on a motorbike hurled a petrol bomb at Dr. Tarsem Garg's clinic in Bathinda late Monday night. The fiery projectile landed in the courtyard, causing minor damage to a parked scooter but no injuries. Dr. Garg, whose wife is a BJP nominee and whose clinic is near the RSS district office, expressed bewilderment regarding the motive. Authorities have launched an investigation, forming teams to apprehend the culprits.

Scrutiny Shifts From Degrees To PUs Handling of Controversy