The Times of India

Panjab University's International Hostel, meant for foreign and NRI students, has allotted a room to PUCSC president Gaurav Veer Sohal without a public vacancy notice. This follows a similar controversy in March. While the university claims temporary allotments are possible, students and faculty question the lack of transparency and a formal application process, raising concerns about discretionary decisions.

Chandigarh education secretary has requested a criminal inquiry from the SSP into a workplace harassment complaint by 24 women staff members at a government school. The complaint, alleging sexual harassment and victimisation, is now on a third track alongside departmental and CAT proceedings. Police will conduct preliminary verification at the school.

Punjab's May Day assembly session erupted in chaos after Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of attending the House drunk. Opposition parties, including Congress, BJP, and SAD, demanded alcometer tests and the CM's resignation, leading to a walkout and subsequent adjournment.

Punjab Police's Anti-Gangster Task Force, alongside Mohali Police, has nabbed a key operative connected to overseas gangsters. A pistol and live cartridges were seized. Preliminary findings suggest the arrested individual was directed by foreign handlers to execute multiple targets in the Tricity area, preventing significant criminal acts. This follows a prior bust of a gangster module.

The Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) has launched a Special Mercy Chance for students who failed Class 10 or 12 exams between 2010 and 2025. This initiative, dedicated to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib's martyrdom anniversary, offers a final opportunity to complete schooling. Eligible candidates can register online until May 25, 2026, to improve career prospects.

Punjab counter-intelligence has busted two ISI-controlled spy modules, arresting three suspects for using solar-powered CCTV cameras to monitor military locations. Footage was transmitted live to Pakistan-based handlers via mobile apps. The cameras, equipped with 4G connectivity, were strategically placed to bypass traditional wiring for surveillance.

The Anglican Church of India has challenged Punjab's new anti-sacrilege law in the high court, arguing it discriminates against other religions. The law offers exclusive protection to the Guru Granth Sahib with severe penalties, while ignoring other holy texts. Petitioners claim this violates secularism and constitutional principles of equality, seeking an immediate stay on its enforcement.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court suspended gangster Anil Chippi's life sentence in a 2009 murder case, citing over 14 years in custody and a distant appeal hearing. However, Chippi is unlikely to be released immediately as he faces 16 other serious cases where he is not on bail. The court stressed this relief doesn't impact other proceedings.

Nine Punjab residents were deported from Australia on a special flight due to criminal charges and immigration breaches. Seven men faced allegations including drug possession and assault, while one woman overstayed her visa. Their disruptive behavior on prior commercial flight attempts necessitated the chartered Nauru Airlines aircraft for their removal.