Ludhiana / The Times of India
Additional District Election Officer Rohit Gupta briefed political parties on nomination filing for the Ludhiana West by-poll, following ECI guidelines. Key dates were announced, including the May 26 notification, June 2 nomination deadline, and June 19 polling date. Measures were implemented to monitor political activities, liquor distribution, and ensure a fair election.
Khanna police busted a drug trafficking ring, arresting eleven individuals, including a police head constable and three PSPCL employees. The operation led to the recovery of 230 grams of heroin and Rs 65,000 in drug money. Investigations revealed a network involving officials using their positions to procure and distribute drugs in multiple locations.
In Ludhiana's Nanak Pura, a factory wall collapse during a wind and dust storm claimed the lives of two labourers from Uttar Pradesh. Niranjan, 35, died instantly, while Ram Bhajan, 40, succumbed to injuries in hospital. They were at a dyeing factory when the fourth-floor wall collapsed.
The Election Commission of India has declared by-elections for the Ludhiana West assembly seat. Notification will be issued on May 26. Nomination submissions are open until June 2, excluding Sunday, June 1. Voting is scheduled for June 19, from 7 am to 6 pm. Vote counting and result announcement will occur on June 23.
In Ludhiana's Sanyas Nagar, three men died after allegedly consuming illicit alcohol, following a similar tragedy in Amritsar. Police have registered a case and seized cartons from a licensed vend, sending samples for forensic analysis. A medical board will conduct post-mortem examinations to determine the cause of death, while the excise department investigates the source of the tainted liquor.
Ludhiana's health department has issued a heatwave advisory as temperatures soar, cautioning residents, especially vulnerable groups, to take precautions. The advisory emphasizes staying hydrated, avoiding peak sun hours, wearing appropriate clothing, and recognizing heat stress symptoms. Farmers are advised to protect crops and livestock, while emergency contact information is provided for immediate assistance.
In connection to the Amritsar spurious liquor tragedy, two owners of Sahib Chemical Factory in Ludhiana, Pankaj Kumar and Arvind Singh, have been arrested. According to Ludhiana police commissioner Swapan Sharma, the main accused, Sahib Singh, confessed to procuring approximately 20 liters of methanol from their factory to produce the illicit liquor.