Child rights panel calls for steps to ensure safety of school buses
Landa gang member critically injured after police encounter
Kitchlu Nagar store robbery: 3 of 4 accused held
Forgotten for years, smog guns make comeback in Ludh West
Khanna Police, Glada demolish houses of drug traffickers
AAP trying to vitiate relations between 2 states: Dhiman
Khanna police and GLADA demolish houses of drug traffickers in Dhamkot Kalan village in Ludhiana
Khanna police, collaborating with GLADA, demolished the illegally constructed houses of three drug traffickers in Dhamot Kalan village, Payal, as part of Punjab's anti-drug campaign. SSP Dr. Jyoti Yadav Bains emphasized the government's zero-tolerance policy towards drugs, highlighting multiple cases against the involved families under IPC and the NDPS Act.
Terrorists aide held after encounter in Punjab
Chandigarh, May 1: The Ludhiana police arrested a key member of the foreign-based terrorist Lakhbir Landa gang following a brief encounter near village Sahibana, said DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Thursday. The police recovered one illegal weapon along with several cartridges. The DGP said the accused was wanted in a firing incident registered [] The post Terrorists aide held after encounter in Punjab appeared first on Northlines .
Pahalgam terror attack fallout: Kashmirs tourism freeze ruins Ludhiana hosiery industrys summer
BJP prepares workers for West assembly bypoll in Ludhiana without naming the candidate.
Political battle over credit for Pakhowal Road railway bridge project in Ludhiana.
Grants allocated, but Ludhiana lags on industry clusters
PAU students serve up innovation: Healthy snacks impress minister
Narrow escape for factory owner, mother as fire breaks out at garment unit
AAP taking credit for community centre project: Talwar
Halwara airport becomes bone of contention for rival parties
Land Acquisition Delays In Ludhiana Threaten Delhi-Katra Expressway's Progress, NHAI Raises Concerns
TheEmployees State Insurance Corporation Ludhiana (ESIC Ludhiana) has released an official notification for the recruitment of 75 Teaching Faculty, Super Specialists and More posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply Offline through the official ESIC Ludhiana website. The last date to submit the application form is 30-04-2025.
Kartarpur corridor remains open amid rising India-Pakistan tensions, but pilgrim numbers dip
CHANDIGARH: Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 tourists, the Kartarpur corridor remains open, though the number of Sikh pilgrims visiting Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan, has reportedly declined. This comes even as the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari on the Indo-Pak border in Amritsar stands shut. The ICP at Dera Baba Nanak in Punjabs Gurdaspur district, which facilitates access to the Kartarpur corridor, continues to operate, allowing pilgrims to cross over. Sources in the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) confirmed that around 250 pilgrims travelled to Kartarpur on Wednesday to pay obeisance at the gurdwara and returned the same evening, as per the corridors day-return policy. Devotees continued their visit on Thursday as well, with a group of about two dozen from Machhiwara near Ludhiana and another 50 from various places crossing the border in the morning. However, the Union government has yet to clarify whether the corridor will remain open or face closure like the ICP at Attari. The shrine is of immense spiritual significance to Sikhs, as Guru Nanak Dev, the first Sikh guru, spent the last 18 years of his life there and passed away at the site. The fully air-conditioned terminal near Dera Baba Nanak features over 50 immigration counters. According to LPAI records, 10,025 devotees visited the gurdwara via the corridor in 2021, with the number rising to 86,097 in 2022 and 96,555 in 2023. Inaugurated on 9 November 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the corridor is a visa-free border crossing that allows Indian citizens and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders to visit the gurdwara, located 4.7 km from the India-Pakistan border, without requiring a visa. The corridor was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic and reopened after a gap of one and a half years in November 2021. As per the bilateral agreement, up to 5,000 pilgrims are allowed to use the corridor daily, but actual footfall remains low, averaging 200 to 400 visitors per day. Pilgrims must register online at least a week in advance with their passport details to receive an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Police verification is carried out prior to the issuance of ETA. In October 2023, both nations extended the corridor agreement for five more years until 2029, committing to uninterrupted access despite deteriorating diplomatic relations. Interestingly, Pakistan charges a USD 20 fee per pilgrim at its ICP, generating substantial revenue from the visiting devotees. In view of the continued requests of pilgrims regarding the removal of USD 20 service charge levied by Pakistan per pilgrim per visit, India has once again urged Pakistan to not levy any fee or charges on the pilgrims, read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs last year. Several Sikh delegations have also urged the Indian government to press Pakistan for a waiver. Last year, Pakistan completed the 420-metre-long bridge at the Kartarpur Corridor zero line after a delay of two and a half years. Earlier, incidents of flooding had disrupted pilgrim movement to Kartarpur Sahib.
AAP MLAs take out candle light march against attack, demand action from Centre
Seechewal: Get tough on those misusing ground water, polluting Buddha Dariya
Have a splash in Ludhiana MCs new swimming pool this summer
Canal-based water supply project reviewed
Love, betrayal, rivalry made doting dad a killer: Police
Spring melts into sizzling summer as mercury crosses 40-degree mark
In pain, new mother seeks help from husband, gets strangled
Panjab University has opened registrations for the PU CET PG 2025 entrance test for admission to postgraduate courses. Candidates can apply online at cetpg.puchd.ac.in by May 26. The exam will be held from June 17 to 19 across centres in Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Muktsar, and Hoshiarpur. The application process includes registration, fee payment, and document upload.
When Kerala police went on a Gujarat road trip to pick up cyber fraudster
This one began with a hush-hush of easy money and ended with a high-stakes manhunt across blistering highways and the bustling alleys of Surat. When a resident of Kizhakkambalam in Ernakulam recently reported the loss of Rs 7.8 lakh in an online trading scam, it appeared to be just another cybercrime. But what followed was a covert operation straight out of a crime thriller. A special investigation team (SIT), guided by Ernakulam Rural Police Chief Vaibhav Saxena, swung into action. What followed were false identities, undercover disguises, and a stakeout that culminated in the dramatic arrest of a seasoned fraudster 34-year-old Gujarat native Reeten Hakkani. Thadiyittaparambu Station House Officer P J Kuriakose recalls the case:The victim came into contact with the accused through social media and was lured with promises of high returns from online trading. After gaining his trust, the accused asked him to invest through an app. Between February 17 and 7 March, the victim transferred Rs 7.8 lakh to multiple bank accounts. However, when he attempted to withdraw the displayed profits, the accused demanded a commission. This prompted the victim to file a complaint, Kuriakose says. The SIT traced the money trail to banks in Aurangabad and Surat. Senior Civil Police Officer K K Shibu, who was part of the team, notes that the funds were eventually withdrawn using a cheque in Surat. After freezing the bank accounts involved, the team quickly left for Gujarat. We chose to travel in our own vehicle. It was essential for the operation, as we needed the vehicle for local travel in Surat and to bring the accused back, says Shibu. Driving such a long distance in the scorching heat, with temperatures touching nearly 42 degrees in some places, was quite exhausting. Once in Surat, we also had to conceal the Kerala state registration number of our vehicle to avoid alerting the accused. We would park the vehicle in discreet locations, or cover the number plates with cloth or dry leaves to maintain our cover. Police officers with Reteen (centre) Officers visited the bank concerned to collect Reteens address. But the documents used to open the account turned out to be fake, including a counterfeit Aadhaar. Further investigation revealed that the accused had opened multiple accounts in Surat using fake documents, which posed the first major challenge, says Shibu. The breakthrough came when a bank manager, familiar with the locality, offered to help. He provided us with bank ID cards and suggested we pose as audit officers, says Shibu. Thats how we located the suspects luxury flat. Disguised as bank staff conducting KYC verifications, we visited the flat. But there, we found only his mother, who refused to provide any contact details. Then came a filmy twist when Reeten himself contacted Shibu via WhatsApp, having found the latters mobile number on a notice regarding the freezing of his and his mothers bank accounts. I told him I could help reactivate his mothers account at a cost. To earn his trust, I demanded a bribe, Shibu smiles. He offered Rs 1 lakh. I told him I wanted a heftier sum. He then claimed only Rs 2.54 lakh was left in the account, and offered the whole amount. I pretended as if I didnt trust him and asked for a bank statement to verify his claim. He agreed to visit the bank and get the necessary document. Officers were split to positions in and around the bank for surveillance. Reeten did arrive at the bank, but he hesitated to enter the bank. Like an ace criminal, he suspected a trap. As if he could smell police presence in the area. Reteen attempted to flee on a motorcyle as a plainclothes officer approached him. We intercepted after a brief chase and took him into custody, says Shibu. During the return journey to Kerala, Reeten refused to cooperate or eat. He even offered a bribe of up to Rs 15 lakh. He promised that the money would be arranged by a bhai in Mumbai, says Shibu. Grilling revealed that Reetens younger brother was the mastermind behind the scam, operating through a fraudulent trading app called Alice Blue from Ludhiana, Punjab. The police are now tracking three more individuals linked to this cyber fraud network. Time for another road trip.
Ludhiana: Report immediately or face action, Mundian to transferred revenue officials
Punjab Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian announced that he, along with the Financial Commissioner (Revenue), will inspect the offices of Tehsildars and Naib Tehsildars on Wednesday, April 23, to verify compliance; absenteeism or failure to join duties will result in swift action, he warned
Punjab opposition parties accuse AAP-led govt of unleashing 'tax terrorism' on trading community
CHANDIGARH: The opposition parties in Punjab including the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)- led government of unleashing ax terrorism on the trading community. The opposition alleged that the government had directed all excise and taxation officers (ETO) of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) wing to carry out at least four raids every month. Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal claimed that the AAP government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is trying its best to destroy the medium enterprises by raiding the premises. The government has issued orders to conducted 1000 raids every month, he claimed. Shiromani Akali Dal appeals to traders to oppose this government hooliganism, otherwise it will spoil the business environment in the state. We ourselves will start a public movement against these raids and demand abolition of the Inspector State and re-implementation of the 'relief' scheme initiated by the Akali government, he said. Badal added that the 'Rahat' scheme had eased the intervention of tax officers in commercial locations by allowing traders to pay tax of Rs 5,000 for a turnover of Rs 25 lakh to Rs 20,000 for a turnover of Rs 1 crore. This is essential for the safety of the trading community, who are already facing gangsterism and forced extortion. Punjab BJP General Secretary Anil Sareen said that the government has devised a plan to loot the traders to cover the expenses of its leaders from Delhi. The AAP government is now using the taxation department as a tool for extortion. There is a saying in Punjabi: Eat your own, bring ours too. Thats exactly the state of affairs under the AAP government, he said. Sareen alleged that on April 18, the AAP government issued a new directive instructing Deputy Commissioners in the taxation department to ensure that each ETO conducts four inspections every month. This would result in around 1,200 inspections across the state each month. If an average penalty of Rs 8 lakh is imposed per inspection, the monthly collection would total Rs 96 crore and annually a staggering Rs1,152 crore, he claimed. Sareen warned that if the government does not roll back this directive and stops forcibly extorting traders, the BJP will launch a statewide agitation in protest. Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring alleged that finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema had directed all 250 excise and taxation officers (ETO) of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) wing to carry out at least four raids each in a month. He added that the ETOs were asked to collect at least Rs 8 lakhs during each raid. The Ludhiana MP pointed out that this translates to 1,000 raids with Rs 80 crore in penalties every month, leading to collection of Rs 960 crore annually. He said the state government, already at the verge of bankruptcy, has now resorted to a novel way of robbing and looting the traders. Punjab Pradesh Beopar Mandal president Amit Kapoor also alleged that the govt has set aggressive monthly raid targets for excise and taxation officers (ETOs), under which each officer was expected to conduct multiple raids resulting in hefty penalties. With 250 ETOs in the state, nearly 1,000 raids will be carried out every month. This is nothing short of organised extortion, projected to squeeze around Rs 1,000 crore annually from the trading community, Kapoor alleged. Senior spokesperson of AAP, Punjab, Neel Garg criticized the BJP for its baseless allegations against the Punjab governments taxation policies. Garg accused the BJP of perpetuating ax terrorism nationwide while hypocritically accusing the AAP government of similar practices. Presenting comprehensive data, Garg showcased AAPs unparalleled achievements in revenue collection and public welfare. It is laughable that BJP leaders, who institutionalized tax terrorism in India, are accusing Punjabs AAP government of spreading the same, Garg said. He highlighted the BJP's imposition of GST on essential items like milk, curd, and educational materials, as well as worship materials for temples and gurdwaras. The BJP, which promised no taxes when it came to power, has instead burdened the common man with a complex GST structure that harasses small traders and shopkeepers, he added. Taking aim at SAD-BJP, Garg accused them of fostering mafia raj that siphoned public funds for personal gains. Under AAP, every rupee of tax collected is spent on public welfarenot private pockets, he said.
8 model roads to set example of traffic rule compliance: CP
Industry reaching out to CICU with reverse engineering projects
Ludhiana Police to launch 10 emergency response vehicle huts for improved traffic mgmt
Cratered roads under scrutiny: PSHRC demands Ludhiana MC response
Hours of wait in heat: Paperwork an uphill task for Amarnath pilgrims
2 women cops injured after being attacked inside police post
Subsidy on Bt cotton seeds to bring more area under cultivation: PAU V-C
Punjab Food Supply Recruitment 2025 for 9000+ Vacancies under Ration Depot
Punjab Food Supply Recruitment 2025: District Controller, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Punjab is inviting applications for Depot Holder. More than 9000 vacancies are available across the state including Fatehgarh Sahib, Sangrur, Pathanko, Childrens, Bhagat Singh NagaR, Kapurthala, Painters Cotla, Tarn Taran, S.A.S.NagaR, Mansa, Amritsar, Fazilka, Faridkot, Gurdaspur, Firozpur, Rupnagar, Patiala, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Bathinda [] The post Punjab Food Supply Recruitment 2025 for 9000+ Vacancies under Ration Depot appeared first on Testbook Blog .
Punjab govt to provide 33% subsidy on BT cotton hybrid seeds
The Punjab government is set to provide a 33% subsidy on BT cotton hybrid seeds recommended by PAU, Ludhiana, allocating 20 crore for the initiative. This move aims to alleviate financial strain on cotton farmers, discourage non-recommended hybrids, and expand cotton cultivation to 1.25 lakh hectares, promoting crop diversification and sustainable practices.
NIT-Rourkela selected as PAIR hub under Anusandhan Foundation's research initiative
ROURKELA: National Institute of Technology-Rourkela (NIT-R) has been selected as one of the seven hub institutions under the prestigious Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) programme of Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) of the Central government. It is the only NIT across the country and only hub institute from eastern India to earn the recognition. The PAIR initiative is a transformative step toward fostering a collaborative, inclusive and high-impact research ecosystem across higher education institutions in India. It is designed to enhance the research capabilities of institutions where research is currently at a nascent stage but holds significant potential. Out of 30 proposals evaluated nationally, only seven institutes were selected for funding in the first phase. Besides the NIT-R, the other selected institutions are three Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and two Central Universities. NIT-R was selected after a rigorous review process and a final presentation before the apex review committee in Bengaluru. The presentation was led by NIT-R director Prof K Umamaheshwar Rao along with senior faculty members Prof SK Pratihar, Prof HB Sahu, Prof SK Behera and others. In its first phase, the PAIR programme focuses on institutions with demonstrable or promising research potential while also ensuring regional diversity. Each PAIR comprises one hub and a network of seven spoke institutions to promote interdisciplinary collaboration on nationally-relevant research themes aiming to deliver tangible and measurable outcomes. Prof Rao said this recognition is a testament to the collective dedication, research excellence and collaborative ethos that define NIT-Rourkela. The PAIR grant will play a transformative role in expanding our research network and strengthening our capacity to mentor emerging institutions. Through this initiative, we aim to uplift and empower our partner (spoke) institutions and contribute meaningfully to Indias vision of a robust, inclusive, and innovation-driven research ecosystem, he said. NIT-R will mentor a network of seven spoke institutions including Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT), Burla, Sambalpur University, Burla, Odisha University of Technology and Research (OUTR), Bhubaneswar, Fakir Mohan University, Balasore, International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Bhubaneswar, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar and Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana in Punjab. NIT-R sources informed that the Hub-and-Spoke model will promote institutional collaboration through shared research infrastructure, joint conferences and workshops, hands-on training, faculty development and access to advanced expertise. Each approved PAIR network will be eligible for up to Rs 100 crore funding over five years distributed in a 30:70 ratio between hub and spoke institutions respectively. NIT-R will lead a collaborative research initiative titled Consortium of Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture, Health, Energy and Environment with thrust on four key thematic areas of Energy Technologies, Environmental Sustainability, Health & Medical Technologies and Sustainable Agriculture.
SAD announces candidate for Ludhiana (west) bypoll
SAD announced that Parupkar Singh Ghumman, he was a former president of the Ludhiana Bar Association and also served as a member of the Punjab and Haryana Bar Council
Jugal, Arvind inaugurate new branch of BoM
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 15: Aimed to expand banking services in the region, Jugal Kishore Sharma, Member of Parliament, along with Arvind Gupta, MLA Jammu West, today inaugurated the new business unit of Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) at Akhnoor Road, Jammu. The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of S K Trivedi, Zonal Manager of the Banks Ludhiana Zone, Romit Sharma, Branch Manager and several prominent citizens. Speaking on the occasion, Jugal Kishore Sharma said, The opening of the new business [] The post Jugal, Arvind inaugurate new branch of BoM appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
No leader bigger than party, 'indiscipline' will not be tolerated: Congress leader Bhupesh Bhagel
CHANDIGARH: Congress General Secretary and the All India Congress Committee (AICC) Punjab in-charge, and Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister, Bhupesh Bhagel, firmly said that 'indiscipline' in the party will not be 'tolerated' at any cost. He also said that the party had already started working on strengthening the organisation across the State. Bhagel said that no matter how big a leader may be, he cannot be 'bigger' than the party. He made it categorically clear that action would be taken against any leader who tries to harm the party's interests. To another question, Bhagel said that several senior leaders from various political parties were in touch with the Congress and have expressed their keenness to join the party. He said, during his two-day visit to Punjab, he had met many leaders including the district and block presidents. He said, the AICC has already spelt out the agenda to strengthen the party right from the grassroots to the top. In this context, he added, in Punjab, the work has already begun with the meetings and other programs at the district, block and booth level. He said the party would empower the DCC chiefs as 2025 has been declared the year for strengthening the organisation. The party will be strengthened right up to the booth level, he added. On the Ludhiana West assembly by-election, he said the party would formulate a comprehensive strategy, and committees would be formed to fight the election effectively and successfully. To a question on the party's preparations for the 2027 assembly elections, he remarked that the preparations have already begun, referring to a series of meetings he held during the last two days. Bhagel said that besides strengthening the party, various issues were also discussed, particularly the ideological fight the party will be leading. To a separate question on the possibility of voter list manipulations, he said, it is very much possible in Punjab. If lakhs of votes can be added suspiciously in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Delhi, it can very much be done in Punjab also. For this, he added, the DCC and block presidents and booth level workers have been asked to keep a close watch against the voter-list manipulations. Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring taunted the Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badals re-election as the president of the party. When did he resign? Warring remarked about Sukhbir when asked for his reaction on the development. He observed that Sukhbir had taken only a sabbatical for his family engagements and was very much calling the shots in the party even when he had supposedly resigned, which he actually never did. He alleged that Sukhbir had not followed the instructions of the Akal Takhat, which had given clear orders for his removal as the SAD president. Replying to another question on the NSA being withdrawn from jailed MP and radical preacher Amritpals aides by the Punjab government, Warring observed, Let the law take its course. He said the Congress party has full and firm faith in the country's judiciary and judicial process. Asked about the partys preparations for the Ludhiana West by-election, due anytime now, the PCC president said the entire rank and file will work together and ensure the victory of the party candidate Bharat Bhushan Ashu. He also made it clear that it is not Ashus election alone but also that of entire party. We will fight it together and we will win it, he asserted.
Customs To Pay Ludhiana Importer Rs 50 Lakh For Delayed Kiwi Consignment
The Punjab and Haryana High Court lambasted the Customs department and a private shipping company, instructing them to pay Rs 50 lakh in compensation to a Ludhiana-based fruit importer.
Punjab Congress leaders voice dissent against MP Warring, LoP Bajwa's Leadership
CHANDIGARH: With two years left for the 2027 Assembly elections, dissent is brewing within the Punjab Congress, as several senior leaders have raised concerns over the working style of state unit president and Ludhiana MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa. Sources said that on Thursday, several top leaders, including state unit working president Bharat Bhushan Ashu, vice-presidents Pargat Singh, Khushaldeep Dhillon, Inderbir Bolaria, former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and former Cabinet minister Tript Rajinder Bajwa, met Punjab affairs in-charge and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in New Delhi to air their grievances. The meeting, sources said, was triggered by a show-cause notice issued to former Faridkot MLA and state party vice-president Khushaldeep Dhillon for allegedly breaching party discipline by airing issues during a television interview. Former Cabinet minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu, who has been given a ticket by the Congress from Ludhiana (West) for the upcoming bypolls, is reportedly upset over the lack of support from the state leadership when he was arrested by the Aam Aadmi Party-led state vigilance bureau in what he called a political vendetta. Ashu is facing corruption charges in a foodgrain transportation case. The dissenting leaders told Baghel that the notice to Dhillon was unwarranted, asserting that he had not said anything against the party. They also complained of being sidelined in key decision-making by the states top leadership. Meanwhile, Jalandhar Cantonment MLA and former Indian hockey team captain Pargat Singh is also learnt to have voiced displeasure with Bajwa during the meeting. This comes just days after Baghel met senior Punjab Congress leaders to address internal differences. Earlier, Baghel had supported both Warring and Bajwa, urging party members to unite ahead of the 2027 Assembly polls. He had also dismissed rumours of a leadership change following senior leader Rana Gurjeet Singh calling Warring a selfish leader and expressing willingness to take over the state unit. Rana Gurjeet's son, Rana Inder Partap Singh, had contested as an Independent from Sultanpur Lodhi after being denied a Congress ticket in the 2022 Assembly elections and won. Warring, however, downplayed the meeting, saying the leaders met Baghel not against him, but to strengthen the party, and termed the notice to Dhillon an internal matter of the party. There seems to be no end in sight to the infighting within the Punjab Congress. Just last month, during the partys political affairs committee meeting in Delhi, objections were raised against Warring and Bajwa for allegedly not involving all members in major decisions and placing personal interests above those of the party.
Punjab governor Kataria flags 'Pad Yatra' against drug menace from Kartarpur Corridor
CHANDIGARH: Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria flagged off a foot march, Pad Yatra, against drug abuse from the Kartarpur Corridor, urging people to turn it into a public movement (Jan Andolan). Until the public supports the cause, no government can eradicate the menace of drugs that has been plaguing the state, he said. The march, which began today, will conclude on April 8 at Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar. Kataria will walk through villages in the border districts of Gurdaspur and Amritsar over six days to mobilise public awareness. Yesterday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, accompanied by AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, led a massive oath-taking ceremony in Ludhiana as part of his government's Yuddh Nashayan Viruddh (War on Drugs) campaign. Hundreds of schoolchildren participated in the yatra, which passed through various streets and markets of the border town of Dera Baba Nanak before culminating at St Francis Convent School. Kataria said his previous visits to border villages revealed the alarming rise in drug abuse and the increasing challenge of narcotics smuggling from Pakistan via drones. When I visited a border district, mothers and sisters told me that their main concern was saving their children from drugs. Their pain was clear as they watched their children suffer, he said. He called drug trafficking a ig conspiracy by Pakistan, accusing the neighbouring country of waging a arco-terror war to weaken India's youth. The Union government has provided anti-drone systems to the Border Security Force, while the Punjab government has also allocated funds for the same, he added. Through this programme, we will show Punjab and the nation how to make India free from drugs. I promise to honour and respect your efforts, he said. On the Yuddh Nashayan Viruddh campaign, he stressed the need for Punjab Police to target major figures in the illegal drug trade and deliver concrete results.
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Waqf Board owns a total of 36,625.83 acres of land across the state, but over 14,000 acres of this land are currently under illegal encroachment. Ongoing litigation regarding these encroachments is being heard in various courts, including the Supreme Court. According to sources, data from the Board reveals that the Punjab Waqf Board has a total of 75,965 registered properties and 25,403 registered waqf estates. The Board owns 36,625.83 acres of land across the state, with approximately 14,085.004 acres, or 38.46%, currently under illegal encroachment. The remaining 61.45% of the land is being used for its intended purposes. While 18 cases are pending in the Supreme Court, 462 cases going in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, 1,157 civil suits in different courts for declaration, possession or eviction pending before the five waqf tribunals in the stare and civil courts, said sources. Talking with the TNIE, Latif Ahmed Thind, Executive Officer of Punjab Waqf Board, said, The total number of waqf board properties in Punjab is 75,965. The major problem is illegal encroachments across the state as the maximum encroachments are in Bathinda, followed by Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar and Patiala. In many cases, the illegal encroachers are sitting on these properties since 1947 and in many others the lease with the board finished but they did not vacate the property or gave its procession to someone else. Both influential people and common persons have encroached upon the waqf board properties. While in Samana near Patiala many shanties are there and those people refuse to vacate. It is just of people from other religions have encroached upon also people from the same community have also done illegal encroachment of the board properties in some cases, he says. We follow the due procedure of the law and cases are going in different courts including supreme court. With the amendment coming in the process will become for cumbersome.he added.
CHANDIGARH: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has fundamentally changed India's political discourse, shifting the focus to governance and public welfare. Addressing an executive summit in Ludhiana, Mann emphasised the role of AAP volunteers as the backbone of the partys success and reiterated its commitment to the people. AAP volunteers are not just political workers; they are a revolution in themselves. Whenever the party calls upon them, they respond immediately without hesitation, dedicating themselves fully to the cause of clean and people-centric politics, said Mann. He credited Kejriwal for compelling other parties to focus on governance rather than divisive agendas. Earlier, election manifestos were filled with divisive agendas based on religion and caste. It was AAP that forced all political parties to focus on real issues like education, healthcare, and free electricity. We compelled them to change their priorities because we showed that good governance is possible, he asserted. Mann praised senior AAP leaders, including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and ex-Health Minister Satyendar Jain, for their contributions to Delhis education and healthcare sectors. Manish Sisodia revolutionised government schools, making them world-class institutions. Satyendar Jain introduced a healthcare model that became a benchmark across India. Their work has left an indelible mark on the lives of common people, he stated. Highlighting AAPs increasing representation, he noted, In 2022, we had 92 MLAs, and now we have 95. Thousands of our sarpanches, councillors, and mayors have been elected. The responsibility of Punjab has been entrusted to us, and we assure you that our AAP family will never have any greedy members. AAP Punjab in-charge and senior leader Manish Sisodia stressed that the partys vision extends beyond the state. This is not just Team Punjab; this is Team Hindustan. When I meet volunteers, I realise that our Punjab workers are everywhere from Delhi to Haryana to Gujarat working tirelessly to plant the seeds of change months before elections and ensuring AAPs victory. He recalled a conversation with a volunteer who had dedicated 12 years to the party. This volunteer did not ask me for a position or for an appointment with Arvind Kejriwal or Bhagwant Mann. He only had one request: 'Manish bhai, I have given 12 years to this party, but if Punjab is not freed from drugs, my 12 years will be wasted.' Tears welled in his eyes as he pleaded with me, not for personal gain, but for the future of Punjab. This is the spirit of AAP selfless, dedicated, and driven by a vision of a better Punjab. Sisodia urged AAP workers to remain vigilant to ensure government initiatives reach the people without corruption or inefficiency. Our battle is not just against drugs but also against corruption. The money allocated for public welfare should be spent on the people, not wasted in scams. This is the responsibility of every AAP worker. Punjab AAP President Aman Arora credited the partys grassroots workers for its success and urged them to continue their unwavering dedication. Comparing them to high-voltage power lines, he warned adversaries against underestimating their strength. Looking ahead to 2027, he called on the cadre to work relentlessly, pledging to surpass AAPs record-breaking 2022 mandate.
Trump's reciprocal tariffs: Punjab, Haryana exporters are a worried lot
CHANDIGARH: As US President Donald Trump is all set to launch reciprocal tariffs on April 2, exporters and manufacturers in Punjab and Haryana are a really worried lot. President World MSE Forum Badish Jindal said that auto parts, garments, hosiery, steel products and fasteners are likely to be hit by Trump's move. We do Rs 50 lakh crore import of which Rs 9 lakh crore worth products are imported from China. Our exports to China is worth Rs one lakh crores. Our export is to the tune of Rs 30 lakh crore. Last year's trade deficit was Rs 19.96 lakh crore. This year it is expected to rise to Rs 22 lakh crore, he noted. Badish Jindal pointed out that the countries that will benefit from Trump's reciprocal tariffs are Pakistan and Bangladesh. These neighbouring countries are India's main competitors. Instead of increasing imports, we should increase manufacturing in the country. CII Punjab President Amit Jain said that India will suffer in the short and medium terms, but there won't be long-term impact for the country since India enjoys a favourable relationship with the US. However, the industries exporting to US will suffer the consequences. Auto Parts Manufacturers Association of India President GS Kahlon who exports auto parts said that the association has 300 members in Ludhiana who manufacture auto parts, said that they were supplied to US and other countries. Already our business is affected due to countries such as Syria, Iran, Iraq and Morocco having stopped buying from us and now with US imposing tariffs, business will be further affected, he added. Former President of Federation of Indian Export origination Ashwani Kumar said that hand tool industry and sports manufacturing industry will not be hit as they do not fall under the purview of the new tariffs. Duty on steel will be set back for the time being later when markets recover as it will stabilize ass epical steel is exported to US. India is acting touch and in longer run we will be benefited, he added. The new Trump Tariff regime reflects a major protectionist policy shift for America that counters world trade flows of the past. For decades WTO and other global bodies, with US nudging, have worked towards dropping barriers for freer trade. This will start trade wars and protectionism of scales unfathomable. Punjab will not escape the negative impact of upto 25 per cent tariffs that are expected to come into play by tomorrow. Hosiery of Ludhiana, textiles of Amritsar, Engineering and other industry is expected to hit troubled waters for sure, says Gunbir Singh, past chairman, CII Punjab. Meanwhile the exporters of Panipat in Haryana have submitted their representation to Union Minister for Commerce and Industries Piyush Goyal through Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC) to resolve any issues at the earliest, said Lalit Goyal President of Panipat Exporters Association. He further that India imports machine-made carpet that invites 22 per cent tariff while the export tariff was around 0-6 per cent on handloom products. Though the import of machine-made carpet from the US was of only Rs 50 crore, the export of handloom products was to the tune of Rs 10,000 crore per annum. We have requested the government to reduce the import tariff to protect the industry, he said as there are 1000 units in Panipat alone and of these 500 exporters and 35 lakh labour working in them.
CHANDIGARH: The ties between INDIA bloc allies-- the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) -- took a plunge after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that Rahul Gandhi lacks leadership quality. A day after Mann made the remark, top Congress leaders Partap Singh Bajwa and Amarinder Singh Raja Warring on Monday retorted saying that AAP is a B-team of the BJP. They accused Mann of taking diktats from Amit Shah. He (Mann) seems to have lined up as one of the eserve players, they added. Punjab Congress president and member of parliament from Ludhiana, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring posted a message on platform X saying, Sad that Sardar @BhagwantMann has completely enrolled himself into the @BJP4India troll army as another foot soldier. It is an acknowledged fact that Mann Sahab takes diktats from the union @HMOIndia @AmitShah, he said. After unleashing ruthless reign of terror on farmers, now our CM Sahab has gone a step further by trying to be more loyal than the King. Hes not only doing what he is being asked to do, he seems to have volunteered himself for going an extra mile to please and appease the BJP. As @AamAadmiParty and its Punjab offshoot @AAPPunjab turn to be the BJPs B-team, Mann Sahab seems to have lined up as one of the reserve players! May be, he has some unexplained compulsions to target @RahulGandhi without any reason. Kuchh toh majbooriyan rahi hongi, yu he koi be-wafa nahi hota, Warring added. Leader of Opposition in Punjab Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa wrote on X, @BhagwantMann , Rahul Gandhi walked 4,080 km in Bharat Jodo Yatra to unite India and fight for the poor and minorities, while Punjab drowns in drugs and despair under your #6pmNoCM watchunfulfilled promises and skipped Budget Sessions. @RahulGandhi robustly defends the constitution in Parliament; you hide from questions, echoing @BJP4India lines. Chandrayaan soared, but your booze-fueled leadership stays grounded. Look at your dawn-to-dusk failures before mocking @INCIndias LoP, he added. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had yesterday targeted Rahul Gandhi saying he lacks leadership quality. He doesnt have that quality. God has not given him that. Why you are pushing him to become a leader? Its not like a family fiefdom that after father his son takes charge. Please leave him. Poor guy! He is very sad about where he has got stuck, CM Mann said. Both parties were part of the Opposition INDIA bloc. While both had come together to contest the Lok Sabha poll in Delhi last year, they fell apart in the subsequent assembly elections in Haryana and Delhi.
Punjab govt mulls restart of traditional bullock cart races in Ludhiana's Kila Raipur
The Punjab government is considering new rules to resume traditional bullock cart races at the Kila Raipur sports event in Ludhiana. The 2019 amendment to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act supports this initiative, with further legal consultations underway to ensure these cultural sports comply with current laws.
Punjab BJP President Jakhar slams AAP, Congress over farmer protests, accuses CM Mann of betrayal
CHANDIGARH: Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, and farmer leaders, accusing them of exploiting farmers for political gains and engaging in low-level politics. He claimed that farmers genuine demands were being ignored while Punjab was being demolished. Jakhar alleged that a conspiracy was underway to defame farmers. Until now, they used farmers' names, but today, they razed farmers' tents with bulldozers. Pagri sambhal Jatta. You are being used by AAP, Congress, and even the farmer leaders for their political agendas, he said. Targeting Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Jakhar accused him of betraying farmers after once championing their cause. It is AAP that instigated the farmer protests. Mann, who once stood with farmers, has now turned hostile. In my 70 years of life, I have never seen a lawyer turn hostile against his own client, he remarked. Jakhar also questioned the Punjab governments sudden removal of farmer leader Jagjit Dallewal from a protest site. He pointed out that in December, the state government had told the Supreme Court it could not remove Dallewal, fearing the situation would become uncontrollable. How is it that the same government was able to clear the protest site in just twenty minutes yesterday? This was only possible through careful planning by the state government, he stated. Taking a dig at AAP convener and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Jakhar accused him of using farmers for political mileage during the Delhi elections. Kejriwal used farmers to stage protests during the Delhi elections. Now, after more than a month, he is pleasing industrialists with his industrial policy, but there is no sign of a farmers' policy, nor will there be one. This is merely a political move ahead of the upcoming by-election in Ludhiana, he added. Jakhar further challenged the Congress to clarify its stance on the Minimum Support Price (MSP). He criticised the party for not supporting MSP when its own MLA, Rana Gurjeet Singh, proposed it for all sugarcane farmers in the state. Why doesnt Congress hold a protest where farmer leader Jagjit Dallewal has been hospitalised or at the Shambhu border, where farmers were cleared? he questioned. He also warned farmers against being misled by political leaders. Ordinary farmers are unable to see through the haze of political manoeuvring. Think about your future and decide. Farmers were also misled against the BJP after the death of protesting farmer Shubhkarman, he said.
Study reveals India unprepared for growing heatwave threat; warns of rising deaths
NEW DELHI: A new report indicates India is poorly prepared to handle the increasing number of extreme heatwaves in the future. It claims the country primarily focuses on immediate responses to heatwaves while long-term strategies remain scarce. It warns that India may witness more deaths due to more frequent, intense, and prolonged heatwaves in the coming years. The report is produced by the Sustainable Futures Collaborative (SFC), a non-profit based in New Delhi, and co-authored by scholars from Kings College London, Harvard University, Princeton University, and the University of California, Berkeley. Many long-term measures must be implemented now, with urgency, to have a chance of preventing significant increases in mortality and economic damage in the coming decades, says Aditya Valiathan Pillai, a researcher at Kings College London and coauthor of the study. Experts pointed out that a major problem with short-term measures is that their impact cannot be easily verified until long-term measures are implemented. Short-term measures are life-saving actions, while long-term actions look at strengthening and capacity-building health systems and environmental steps to reduce future impact. It surveys nine major metro cities and identifies short-term and long-term emergency measures to mitigate rising heatwaves. These cities Bengaluru, Delhi, Faridabad, Gwalior, Kota, Ludhiana, Meerut,Mumbai and Surat together make up over 11 percent of Indias urban population, according to Census 2011, and are some of Indias most at-risk cities for future heat. The report finds that the surveyed cities focus on immediate responses to heat waves, while long-term actions remain rare. Even where they do exist, they are poorly targetted. The report recommends urgent institutional changes to measures, including assessing vulnerability and identifying urban heat islands, building the capacity of health staff and implementers of the heat action plan, and investing in technology to provide energy-efficient cooling devices. However, the report also underlined barriers to implementing the heat wave mitigation action plan. It states that coordination problems among institutions emerged as the top barrier, followed by competing priorities limiting the focus on heat. Around 14% of surveyed people said they do not see heat as a problem. The study used different climate models to identify the nine cities with a recent rise in dangerous heat index values and a population above one million. For analysis, interviews were conducted with city, district, and state government officials responsible for implementing heat actions in these cities.
Indian cities most vulnerable to heat waves focus on short-term fixes: Report
New Delhi: Some of Indias cities most vulnerable to future heat waves focus mainly on immediate responses while long-term measures remain rare, according to a study published on Wednesday. The analysis by the Sustainable Futures Collaborative, a New Delhi-based research organisation, examines how nine major Indian cities Bengaluru, Delhi, Faridabad, Gwalior, Kota, Ludhiana, Meerut, 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 .
Meet man, only Indian to own a train, not Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, Narayana Murthy, he is...
A farmer from Katana village in Ludhiana, Punjab, became the owner of an entire train.
2 injured in clash over playing DJ music in Ludhiana
Ludhiana: Two groups clashed with each other over playing of DJ music during Holi celebration here on Friday evening, leaving two persons injured, police said. Seven people have been detained in connection with the incident that took place in Bihari Colony, they said. A heated argument broke out between the two groups over one of 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 .
AAP MP Sahney calls for crop diversification, agri processing for Punjab's development
CHANDIGARH: Dr Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha from Punjab, who unveiled the report titled Punjab Vision - A Blueprint for Progress, discussed the importance of crop diversification, agri-processing, industrial infrastructure, and skill training for the development of Punjab. The report, a part of the Punjab Vision 2047 held in November last year, details various recommendations in the agriculture sector for crop diversification, including millets in the mid-day meal and providing millets in the 5 Kg Ration Scheme. Punjab should create and promote AI technology for sustainable crop diversification and should set up AI-driven chatbox to assist farmers, Sahney said. On agri-processing, Sahney said that there is an urgent need to set up food processing parks, preferably through multipurpose cooperative societies in a cluster of villages with storage and processing facilities, oil extraction, flour mills, processing and packing of spices, pulses, honey, mushrooms etc. He also emphasised the need for organic farming with institutions like MARKFED and Punjab Agro to provide market linkages. Sahney also proposed setting up of crop specific clusters like pulses, oil seeds, and cotton in Malva, Sugarcane in Doaba, Maize in Hoshiarpur, dairy development in Kapurthala, Floriculture in Ludhiana, Litchi in Pathankot and Chillies in Ferozpur . Regarding trade and industry, Sahney reiterated that Punjab should develop strong industrial zones and revamp key areas in Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Mohali, and Amritsar. He mentioned that the Rajpura Industrial Zone should commence operations within this year. Additionally, he highlighted that further strengthening of STPIs to establish IT hubs and BPOs could be a game changer for Punjab, as skilled IT talent from the state is currently migrating to Bangalore and Hyderabad. Sahney highlighted that skill training for the youth of Punjab is crucial to safeguard lives and livelihoods. He provided details about five world-class skill centers being established by him, along with the 10 ITIs he has adopted. He expressed deep concern over the depleting water level and the presence of Arsenic and other harmful substances in the water. He expressed concern over the declining water levels and the presence of arsenic and other harmful substances in the water. To address these issues, he suggested adopting Direct Seeded Rice along with a micro-irrigation system. He further demanded that Punjab should receive immediate funds under the Atal Bhujal Yojana for water conservation, noting that the state meets all the criteria of the scheme. While appreciating the State governments war on drugs, Sahney said that skill training for drug rehabs is very critical to bring back youth into mainstream. He also advocated the need for investing in solar energy to optimize subsidy allocation for free power.
Drug trafficker wanted by FBI held in Punjab
An Indian-origin international drug lord, Shawn Bhinder, connected to a major US drug seizure, was apprehended in Ludhiana after fleeing FBI capture. Bhinder, who was involved in smuggling cocaine from Colombia, had been operating under the pretense of a legitimate transport business in Canada since 2014.
Indian-origin drug lord wanted by FBI arrested in Ludhiana: Punjab Police
Shehnaz Singh, also known as Shawn Bhinder, had been operating under the guise of a transportation business in Canada since 2014 and allegedly facilitated the movement of drugs from Colombia to the U.S. and Canada via Mexico, the police said
Punjab Police arrest FBI-wanted Indian-origin drug lord Shawn Bhinder
CHANDIGARH: Punjab Police on Monday arrested an Indian-origin international drug lord Shehnaz Singh alias Shawn Bhinder who is wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) of United States of America (USA). Shawn Binder is the alleged kingpin in a global narcotics network and smuggled cocaine from Colombia into the United States and Canada. Bhinder belongs to Mandiala village in Batala and had been residing with his family in Brampton in Canada since 2014. The Federal Bureau of Investigations on February 26 had seized a big cache of drugs and weapons, including 391 kilograms of methamphetamine, 109 kilograms of cocaine, and four sophisticated weapons from multiple residences and vehicles linked to the syndicate. The FBI had arrested six accused in Amritpal Singh alias Amrit alias Bal, Amritpal Singh alias Cheema, Taqdeer Singh alias Romi, Sarabjit Singh Saabi, Fernando Valladares alias Franco and Gurlal Singh in the operation. Bhinder, who was living in Canada then, evaded arrest and clandestinely landed in India in March. Director General of Police, Punjab Gaurav Yadav said that Shawn Bhinder was a key player in a global narcotics syndicate, smuggling cocaine from Colombia into the USA and Canada. We successfully tracked and arrested him from the jurisdiction of Ludhiana. He was also wanted in an Arms Act case registered in December 2024, wherein Tarn Taran Police had arrested five members of the notorious Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Amritpal Batth Gang leading to recovery of significant cache of arms and ammunition from their possession, said Yadav. Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Ferozepur Range Swapan Sharma and Senior Superintendent of Police of Tarn Taran Abhimanyu Rana said that preliminary investigations reveal that Bhinder played a key role in transporting large consignments of drugs across international borders using trucks and trailers. Rana who was tracking Bhinder since December last year said that it was found during interrogation that Bhinder, operating under the guise of a legitimate transportation business in Canada since 2014, allegedly facilitated the movement of drugs from Colombia to the US and Canada via Mexico. The investigations revealed that Bhinder along with his accomplices were transporting approximately 600 kgs of cocaine from Colombia every week, he added. Rana said that Bhinders network is believed to have ties with notorious drug traffickers, including Amritpal Singh alias Baath and Gurjant Singh Bholu Havelia. Further investigations are on, he added. Rana said that in the murder of sapranch last year Bhinder had provided shooters to Amritpal Batth. Meanwhile, over the past four months, the Tarn Taran police has registered 125 cases under the NDPS Act, arresting 145 individuals and recovering 34 kg heroin, 4 kg opium and Rs 2.29 lakh drug money. Additionally, 29 proclaimed offenders in the cases of NDPS Act have been apprehended during this period.
Punjab factory collapse: Rescue ops continue as teams search for trapped workers
LUDHIANA: Rescue operation was underway Sunday to see if anyone was still trapped under the debris, a day after a factory building collapsed here. A worker was killed after a building of a textile factory collapsed in the Focal Point area here late Saturday evening, officials said. The six workers trapped under the debris were brought out by the NDRF teams, of which one was found dead and three sustained serious injuries. An eyewitness had earlier said a loud sound was heard before the building caved in. Sources said repair work was being taken up in the factory when a pillar gave way. Two teams of National Disaster Response Force and other teams of police, fire brigade and factories departments, the Municipal Corporation were undertaking the rescue operation.
Multi-storey factory collapses in Punjab's Ludhiana, one dead, rescue operation on
The six workers trapped under the debris were brought out by the NDRF teams. While one of them was found dead, the condition of three others is critical, officials said
Multi-storey factory collapses in Punjab's Ludhiana, 1 dead, rescue operation on
LUDHIANA: A worker died after a multi-storey building of a textile factory collapsed in the Focal Point area here late Saturday evening, officials said. The six workers trapped under the debris were brought out by the NDRF teams. While one of them was found dead, the condition of three others is critical, they said. The deceased worker is yet to be identified, they said. The rescue operation is still underway to see if anyone is still trapped under the debris, they said. According to the officials, one worker was earlier rescued and rushed to a nearby hospital, they said. The incident occurred in the Focal Point Phase-8 area on Saturday evening. According to an eye witness, a loud sound was heard before the building caved in. Two teams of National Disaster Response Force and other teams of police, fire brigade and factories departments, the Municipal Corporation were undertaking the rescue operation. Initially, seven workers were trapped under the debris. Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian and Deputy Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal are personally overseeing the rescue efforts at the site. They emphasised that the top priority is to rescue the trapped workers. The deputy commissioner stated that the health department has been instructed to deploy medical teams and ambulances at the site until the operation is complete. The municipal corporation and fire safety department have also been directed to depute their additional staff there round-the-clock.
6 Workers Trapped After Portion Of Factory Collapses In Punjab's Ludhiana, Rescue Ops Underway
At least 6 workers were feared trapped after a portion of a factory collapsed in Ludhiana. Rescue operations were underway.
Six Feared Trapped As Multi-Storey Building Collapses In Ludhiana
At least six people were feared trapped after a multi-storey building in Ludhiana collapsed on Saturday, officials said.
Samples of Methamphetamine smuggled into Punjab from Pakistan
CHANDIGARH: In a new 'one-plus-one' scheme, free samples of Methamphetamine also known as 'ICE' or 'Crystal meth', is being packaged with Heroin by smugglers crossing into Punjab from Pakistan. Sources said the state police last year alone seized a record 22 kg of ICE as compared to 2 kg seized in 2023 an increase of 11 times. In the last about a week another 2 kg of ICE has been seized in a special anti-drug operation. In May last year Amritsar Rural Police arrested two drug smugglers and seized 3 Kg Heroin and 1 Kg ICE. In the preliminary investigations was was reveal that the arrested accused were in touch with Pakistani smuggler Dogar Rajput. Also last year a case was registered by the Jalandhar Rural police in which Ice drug was seized from Harpreet Singh, brother of Khadoor Sahib MP and pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh, and his accomplice Lovepreet Singh. In 2022, the special task force (STF) had recovered 20-kg Ice drug in Ludhiana, but senior STF officials consider it an isolated case that was meant to be delivered to other states. An official privy to this development said that the smugglers from across the border are sending ICE free of cost to enable local smugglers make money by selling it and at the same time create a market of this form of drug so that its demand may rise. He further added that ICE is significantly cheaper in the international market as it costs about one-tenth the price of heroin besides its dosage is significantly small. Numerous instances have documented by the authorities where ICE was sent via drones alongside heroin shipments to Punjab. The arrested smugglers reportedly told the officials during their questioning that ICE was being distributed free of cost. A police official claimed, a Pakistan-based drug lord Haji Salim also known as Haji Baloch whos considered one of the worlds biggest smuggler is reportedly behind the large-scale supply of ICE. He operates a global network and is now shifting focus to ICE produced in Afghanistan. Police sources claimed that one of the reasons behind the rise in smuggling of ICE is the decrease in supply of heroin to Pakistan smugglers from Afghanistan because of the Taliban-led governments control over opium cultivation. But the growth of ephedra plant remains unchecked despite the ban by Taliban on opium cultivation since 2021. Thus the supply of heroin which is chemically derived from opium has been significantly impacted by the opium ban. There has been a 70 per cent reduction in opium cultivation and smugglers have been relying on existing stock. An official further added that this supply of ICE is sourced from Afghanistan and is derived from ephedra plant, which grows wild in that region. This drug chemically known as methamphetamine is produced in chemical factories. This Afghan-made ICE is cheaper and accessible now, becoming a challenge for law enforcement agencies to curb its spread. At present, there are very few users of ICE in the state. The idea is to set up a smuggling network and market in Punjab so that they continue with their nefarious design. It is a serious cause of concern for all of us, said a police officer on condition of anonymity. While the experts argue that ICE is a stronger and more addictive substance than heroin and is the most addictive drug in the world as it is said to be three times more powerful than cocaine.
Eyeing 2027 assembly polls, Punjab Congress kickstarts Judega Block, Jittegi Congress campaign
CHANDIGARH: With an eye on the 2027 assembly elections, the Punjab Congress today launched the Judega Block, Jittegi Congress campaign from Dera Bassi and Sanaur to strengthen the partys grassroots network in the state. Addressing gatherings at Dera Bassi and Sanaur, Punjab Congress president and Ludhiana MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring highlighted the significance of grassroots connections and on-ground efforts. The strength of any political party lies in its grassroots network, Warring said. Through this campaign, we aim to empower our workers, understand their challenges, and chart a roadmap for the future. It is not just the senior leadership that will help us form the government, but the relentless efforts of our block and booth leaders and workers. Emphasising the importance of regular block meetings, he urged all Block Presidents to hold monthly gatherings on the third Tuesday of each month to address concerns, share feedback, and ensure the partys roadmap reaches every household. We must connect with every household, understand their issues, and become their voice. This is our responsibility, and through this groundwork, we will secure victory in 2027, he asserted. Acknowledging the hard work of the partys workers in the recent Lok Sabha elections, Warring said, Our victory in the Lok Sabha elections was possible only because of the relentless efforts of our workers on the ground. Now, we must work even harder to ensure Congresss victory in the 2027 Vidhan Sabha elections. Let us strive together with positivity and determination to make this vision a reality. Warring reiterated the crucial role of social media in amplifying the partys message. In todays age, social media is a powerful tool. We must use it effectively to disseminate our message and connect with people across Punjab. This campaignJudega Block, Jittegi Congressis not just a program; its a mission. If our blocks are strong, Congress will win, he said. He was accompanied by Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, Patiala MP Dr Dharamvir Gandhi. The campaign aims to unite and strengthen block-level leadership and workers to prepare a robust foundation for the 2027 Vidhan Sabha elections. During the meeting, views and suggestions from block and booth workers and office bearers were heard, and preparations for the upcoming elections were discussed. As part of the campaign, Warring will tour all 234 blocks in Punjab to strengthen its network, understand ground-level challenges, and prepare for the 2027 elections. Warring expressed his commitment to this mission, stating, I will personally visit every block under this program because Punjab needs us, and we need to become the voice of the people. Together, we will build a stronger Punjab, one block at a time.
Samyukt Kisan Morcha to hold dharnas in front of residences of all AAP MLAs on March 10, 15
CHANDIGARH: Recalling all the ongoing dharnas across the state, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), the umbrella organization of farmer unions that led the 2020-21 protests, has decided to hold demonstrations outside the residences of all Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs on March 10 and on March 15. Furthermore, the SKM has invited Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for an open debate with the farmer leaders on their demands. After an emergency meeting in Ludhiana on Thursday, attended by 22 of the 28 farmer leaders from various unions within the state unit of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), BKU (Lakhowal) president and senior SKM leader Harinder Singh Lakhowal told TNIE that it was decided farmer unions will stage dharnas in front of the residences of all AAP MLAs across the state on March 10, from 11 AM to 3 PM. Additionally, the ongoing dharnas by farmers, which had been prompted after the Punjab Police stopped them while they were heading to Chandigarh, have been called off. On March 15, SKM leaders will be holding a meeting at the Kisan Bhawan in Chandigarh so we extended an invitation to the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to come and have an open debate with us on all the farmer issues. As he (Mann) had said that the demands of the farmers are not related to state government but are related with central government, he said. Lakhowal further said, It was also decided that if CM Mann is not available on March 15, he can give us any time, date and place and we will send five for our leaders to have an open debate with him. The resentment of the farmer leaders against the government has grown after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann walked out of a meeting with SKM leaders, which was called on March 4 to resolve issues with farmers unions to cancel a scheduled farmers protest on Wednesday, March 5. Punjab Police thwarted the `Chandigarh Chalo attempt of farmers on SKMs call for a week-long dharna as multiple checkpoints were set up across the state and security stepped up at all entry points of the Union Territory. This move is seen as an escalation of SKMs agitation against the state government, as it is now targeting the ruling party.
'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 CM Mann warns striking tehsildars: Return to work or be replaced
CHANDIGARH: After a heated exchange with farmer unions yesterday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today took on the agitating tehsildars across the state, who have been on mass casual leave since Monday in protest against vigilance inquiries. Mann issued a stern warning, telling them to return to work immediately or face replacement. The Punjab Revenue Officers Association had announced on Monday that property registrations would remain suspended until March 7 in protest against vigilance action on a sub-registrar, a nambardar, a registry clerk, and others in Ludhiana over an alleged fraudulent land deal. Mann, accompanied by Additional Chief Secretary-cum-Financial Commissioner (Revenue) Anurag Verma, personally visited tehsil offices in Kharar and Fatehgarh Sahib to ensure that the strike was not disrupting public services. He directed Verma to present an agenda for recruiting new revenue officials at the next state cabinet meeting. They want a licence for corruption, but our government has zero tolerance for corruption and will not be blackmailed, Mann declared. We have assigned kanungos and other officials to handle property registrations. If necessary, we will even delegate these powers to school principals and headmasters. But the protesting tehsildars will not be allowed to blackmail the government and inconvenience the public. He reiterated his commitment to honesty, stating, I have never taken money, nor is there any allegation against me. I will not allow anyone to indulge in corruption. If they do not resume work immediately, the government will find replacements. There are thousands of qualified people. We will employ them. Mann also suggested that once the striking tehsildars return, the people will decide when and where they should rejoin after their holiday. Writing on X, he criticised the protesters, saying, Tehsildars are protesting in favour of their corrupt colleagues, but our government is against bribery. They can enjoy their mass casual leave, but the people will decide where they will be posted when they return. The state government has issued a warning to striking officers, demanding they return to work immediately or face suspension. In a letter to all Deputy Commissioners, the Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) stated that revenue officers had gone on mass leave and suspended registration work. He cited Section 6 and Section 12 of the Registration Act, 1908, which empower the state government to appoint suitable personswhether public officers or notas registrars and sub-registrars of districts and sub-districts. Following the Chief Minister's directive, kanungos and PCS officers in the district have been assigned the duties of tehsildars. When questioned about his meeting with Samyukta Kisan Morcha leaders yesterday, Mann remarked that Punjab was turning into a 'dharna state' due to frequent protests. He expressed concern over the economic impact of daily road and rail blockades. We are suffering economically. My soft approach should not be mistaken for an inability to take action. I am the custodian of 3.5 crore people, and I have to look after everyone, he asserted. Mann said that during discussions, he asked farmer leaders about their protest plans, to which they responded that the sit-in would proceed as planned. I asked them, Why did you make me sit here for two-and-a-half hours then? Their demands are not related to the state government but to the central government. Yet, they were unwilling to call off their protest and still wanted to hold talks, he added.
Join back duties or face suspension, says Punjab govt to protesting revenue officers
Chandigarh, Mar 4: The Punjab government on Tuesday asked the protesting revenue officers to join back their duties or face suspension. The strict orders came a day after the Punjab Revenue Officers association suspended the property registration work till March 7 in protest against the vigilance bureau action against some revenue officials in Ludhiana in a fraudulent land deal. They are also protesting against the vigilance bureau action on some revenue offices, saying such actions are creating an atmosphere of [] The post Join back duties or face suspension, says Punjab govt to protesting revenue officers appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
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 cabinet approves Rs 200 crore OTS schemes for industrialists
CHANDIGARH: With an eye on the 2027 assembly elections, the Punjab cabinet today approved a one-time settlement (OTS) policy to clear dues on industrial plots allotted before January 2020. This policy will provide Rs 200 crore in relief to 1,145 industrialists who were unable to pay their dues due to the increase in land costs. This is the third major initiative by the AAP government in its attempt to strengthen its position after setbacks in the recent Delhi elections. After the cabinet meeting, while providing details about the first OTS scheme, Punjab Industries Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond said that plot holders who had not paid their land enhancement charges would not be required to pay penal and compounding interest on their dues. They can now pay simple interest at the rate of 8 per cent to clear their dues under the OTS. The compounding and penal interest will be waived. About the second OTS scheme, he said that industrialists who were allotted industrial plots but could not pay their principal amount for any reason can now clear their dues with 8 per cent simple interest. They don't need to pay compounding and penal interest, he added. Sond said that the new policy will benefit around 1,145 industrialists. He stated that these two one-time settlement schemes will remain in effect until December 31, 2025, urging industrialists to take advantage of the scheme. The AAP government is committed to promoting the industry. The cabinet has approved two OTS schemes for industrialists. There are 52 focal points, covering 8,000 acres of land and comprising 14,000 industrial plots across the state. Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora said it was a major demand of industrialists and would benefit small and medium enterprises the most. The issue had been pending for more than three decades. It will primarily benefit industrialists in Ludhiana, Mohali, and Jalandhar, he said. Sources revealed that dues worth Rs 330 crore are pending from industrialists for plots allotted by the Punjab State Industrial Export Corporation (PSIEC).
Punjab police arrest accused for running fake website impersonating state mining department
CHANDIGARH: The State Cyber Crime Division of Punjab Police has arrested the prime accused for running a fake website impersonating the official website of the Mining Department of the Punjab Government. The accused generated 2,000 counterfeit receipts and forms, facilitating the movement of vehicles involved in illegal mining. This resulted in a loss of around Rs 40 to Rs 50 lakh to the state exchequer. Director General of Police, Punjab, Gaurav Yadav said on Monday that the accused, Gaurav Kumar from Kharar in SAS Nagar, had created an exact replica of the official Mining Department website minesgeologypunjab.gov.in, impersonating it as minesgeologypunjab.in. The accused created the fake website in November 2024, and it remained operational until January 2025. Yadav said the fake slips even included a Bar/QR code similar to the official mining website, allowing vehicles to pass security checks meant to curb illegal mining. The initial investigation revealed that the accused, in connivance with a person from Ferozepur, generated over 2,000 fake mining receipts, causing an estimated loss of Rs 40 to Rs 50 lakh to the Punjab government exchequer, he added. He said the website backup, along with data containing details of fake receipts, images of vehicles, mining material sources and destinations, and the computer systems used in the offence, has been recovered. Further investigation is underway to uncover the full nexus, he added. Sharing more details, Additional Director General of Police, Cybercrime Division, V Neeraja said the investigation began after a complaint was filed by the Chief Engineer of the Mining Department, alleging that the official website had been compromised and a fake website was being used to facilitate illegal mining activities. During the investigation, it was revealed that the fake website was registered and hosted on GoDaddy, a US-based domain provider, she said, adding that Cybercrime officials, in coordination with GoDaddys legal authorities and various Internet Service Providers, traced the websites creation to accused Gaurav Kumar. She said police teams led by DSP Cybercrime Simranjit Singh obtained information regarding the IP addresses and mobile numbers of the accused and conducted raids at different locations, leading to Kumar's arrest. Police teams have also identified another accused involved in the scam, and raids are being conducted to nab him, she added. Neeraja further revealed that records recovered during the investigation indicated that most of the fake mining forms generated were linked to Navyug, a firm based in Ludhiana.
Shah: Government unsparing in punishing drug traffickers
NEW DELHI: Noting that the government has been unsparing in punishing drug traffickers, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that 29 drug traffickers had been convicted by courts in 12 different cases across India as a result of the bottom to top and top to bottom approach adopted in investigation by the agencies. Taking to his X handle, Shah said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership, the government pledges to continue combating the drug menace with ruthless and meticulous investigations to build a drug-free Bharat. The Home further asserted that the successes are the testament to the bottom to top and top to bottom approach adopted by the agencies under the direction of the government. Later, in a statement the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said, in pursuit of the governments zero-tolerance policy against drugs, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has achieved this significant success. Some of the instances cited by the ministry include: the seizure of 23.859 kg charasat the Sabarmati Railway Station in Gujarats Ahmedabad in 2019, where three people were arrested and sentenced to 14 years in jail. In July 2022, the NCB in MPs Mandsaur intercepted two vehicles in Shahdol and seized 123.080 kg of ganja. Four people were arrested and sentenced to 12 years RI with a fine of Rs 2 lakh each. In July 2022, the NCB in MPs Mandsaur intercepted two vehicles in Shahdol and seized 123.080 kg of ganja. Four people were arrested and sentenced to 12 years RI with Rs 2 lakh each as fine. In the Chandigarh Zone last year, a parcel containing two hockey sticks packed with 438 grams of opium was intercepted at DHL Express, Ludhiana, which led to arrest of two accused. They were sentenced to three years of imprisonment by a Punjab court. A man was held at Chandigarh Railway Station in 2021 for possession of 390 grams of charas. He was sentenced to six months in jail. In June, 2021, a Zimbabwean woman was arrested at Cochin International Airport with 2.910 kg of heroin and was sentenced to 11 years in jail. In January 2018, the NCB seized 450 grams of charas, arrested one person in Dehradun, who was later sentenced to one year in jail. In 2021, the NCB seized 1.950 kg of charas from the possession of two accused. A court in January 2025 sentenced the accused to 10 years in jail. In February 2021, the NCB seized 681.8 kg of ganja in the Ranga Reddy district of Telangana and arrested eight accused. They are undergoing 10 years in prison.
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.
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.
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ED conducts searches in Chandigarh and Ludhiana against unscrupulous visa consultants
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ED Raids 3 Visa Consultancy Firms in Ludhiana and Chandigarh
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Arvind Kejriwal to enter Parliament after Delhi poll debacle? Here's how it's possible
Sanjeev Arora - an industrialist from Punjab's Ludhiana - was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2022 - and his tenure is set to end in 2028. If he wins the bypoll to the Ludhiana West seat, he will have to resign as an MP. In that case, his seat may be allocated to another AAP leader.
Arvind Kejriwal News | APP Sources Reveal That Kejriwal Is Not Going To Rajya Sabha | News18
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday announced its Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab Sanjeev Arora, as its candidate for the Ludhiana West bypolls. The announcement came at a time when it is likely that AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal may explore the option of moving to the Rajya Sabha, after his defeat in the Delhi Assembly polls earlier this month.The dates for the elections are not yet announced by the Election Commission of India but on Wednesday, the AAP released the list with Aroras name in it. n18oc_breaking-newsNews18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube
Arvind Kejriwal to enter Rajya Sabha? AAP says...
Arora, a Ludhiana-based industrialist, has been a member of the Rajya Sabha since 2022 for a six-year term ending in 2028.
Arvind Kejriwal to make Parliament debut? AAP's recent bypoll pick sets off the buzz
The Aam Aadmi Party has nominated Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora for the Ludhiana West assembly bypoll, sparking speculation that Arvind Kejriwal might return to the Upper House. Arora thanked the party for their faith in him. Kejriwals potential move to Punjab is being closely watched following AAPs loss in Delhi.
AAP names Rajya Sabha member Sanjiv Arora as candidate for Ludhiana West Assembly bypoll
The announcement was made by AAP national general secretary Sandeep Pathak in a post on X
