20082025-LT-01.qxd 8/20/2025 12:54 AM Page 1 c m y b Ludhiana tribune KHANNA POLICE ARREST 22 FOR CYBER FRAUDS CHARITABLE LABS PROVIDE RESPITE TO POOR PATIENTS FACTS ABOUT RANDEEP, WHO CELEBRATES HIS BIRTHDAY Khanna police claimed to have cracked two major cyber fraud cases and nabbed 22 suspects in past weeks. P2 Charitable laboratories at Jandali Road and Karamsar Rara Sahib are providing respite to poor patients. P3 As he turns a year older, lesser-known facets of his journey remind us that he’s much more than a brilliant actor. P4 » » » FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY MAX 34°C | MIN 27°C YESTERDAY MAX 34°C | MIN 27°C SUNSET WEDNESDAY 6.59 PM SUNRISE THURSDAY 5:53 AM WEDNESDAY | 20 AUGUST 2025 | LUDHIANA ~40L major robbery cracked, 3 nabbed, ~15 lakh recovered Suspects had looted a man, kin at gunpoint in New Kitchlu Nagar area on Aug 16 Nikhil Bhardwaj Tribune News Service Ludhiana, August 19 The Ludhiana Commissionerate Police claimed to have solved a recent major robbery of over Rs 40 lakh, in which a Western Union agency owner was targeted, and arrested three members of a gang. The police also recovered Rs 15.78 lakh in cash and $695 US dollars from the suspects. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigation) Harpal Singh, DCP Rupinder Singh, ADCP Amandeep Singh Brar, ADCP Kanwalpreet Singh Brar, ACP Jatinderpal Singh and PAU SHO inspector Harshvir Singh addressed a press conference in this regard on Tuesday. The DCP (Investigation) said the suspects were identified as Varun Mittal of Amritsar, Sanjeev Goyal of Jamalpur and Gagandeep Police officials address mediapersons in Ludhiana on Tuesday. HIMANSHU MAHAJAN Sharma, alias Gagan, of Jodhewal, Ludhiana. They were wanted by the police in a case registered at the PAU police station on August 16. The suspects, along with their absconding accomplices Deepak Singh and Navdeep Singh, alias Romi, both residents of Amritsar, and Jagga of Ludhiana, had looted Charis Garg and his uncle at gunpoint in the New Kitchlu Nagar area here on August 16. He said after committing the robbery, the suspects fled to Amritsar. Police teams were formed to crack the case and during police investigation, vital clues about whereabouts of the suspects were gathered. Following which, the police party conducted a raid and nabbed them from Amritsar. Three of their accomplices were still at large and police parties were already conducting raids at their suspected whereabouts and they would also be nabbed soon. “The total looted amount could be over Rs 40 lakh as claimed by the complainant. The remaining looted amount could be in the possession of other suspects,” Harpal Singh added. ADCP (Crime) Amandeep Brar said the police remand of the suspects would be obtained from court so that whereabouts of their accomplices could be traced. The police would also verify if the gang had committed any other robberies or loot incidents in Ludhiana or other regions in the past. GLADA razes 4 illegal colonies Video of scuffle over alleged drug trade goes viral Ludhiana, August 19 Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority’s (GLADA) regulatory wing, supported by the Duty Magistrate and the police force, successfully demolished four unauthorised colonies in Jandiali, Bholapur, and Sahibana villages. The enforcement team dismantled illegal roads, constructions and structures at these sites, following demolition orders issued by the Additional Chief Administrator-3, GLADA. Despite prior notices, the developers continued illegal constructions, prompting the decisive action, which proceeded unopposed. Chief Administrator, GLADA, Sandeep Kumar, emphasised that such enforcement drives were part of a broader strategy to curb proliferation of unauthorised colonies at their inception. He said GLADA had planned additional demolition drives in coming weeks to ensure compliance with government regulations and protect the public from fraudulent developers exploiting innocent buyers with promises of affordable plots in unapproved colonies. The Chief Administrator also urged the public to verify the legitimacy of properties before purchasing, cautioning that unauthorised colonies would not be provided with essential services such as water supply, sewerage or electricity connections. A comprehensive list of approved and regularised colonies, along with their sanctioned maps, was available on GLADA’s official website (www.glada.gov.in) for prospective buyers to consult. — TNS An illegal colony being demolished by the enforcement team in Ludhiana. Ludhiana, August 19 A video of a scuffle between two groups was circulated on social media. The clash allegedly occurred over the allegations of drug trade by some youths by local residents. The suspects who faced drug trade allegations came armed with sharp weapons, iron rods, sticks and attacked the residents. During the attack, they also damaged cars parked outside their houses. Two youth suffered injuries. In the video, youths were seen damaging cars and pelting stones at people. The residents of the area said some youths sell drugs in the area and when they were stopped from doing the same, the miscreants attacked the people. On receiving information, Inspector Balwinder Singh from the Model Town police station reached the scene along with his team and inspected the spot. The people alleged that drug smugglers had been active in this area for a long time. If anyone complains about them, they intimidate the person with death threats. Inspector Balwinder Singh said two parties clashed due to enmity on Sunday night. Firstly, people from one group stopped the youths of the other group near a temple and beat them up. Later, people of the other group also reached the place to attack them. There were reports of vandalism, stone pelting and damaging of car windows. Acting on the statement of the complainant, Sagar, a resident of Ambedkar Nagar, a case was registered against 15 persons. The other party had also given a complaint, the matter was being investigated. If drug smuggling was found, action would be taken in the matter also. — TNS Cops take drug peddler to a court in Ludhiana on Tuesday. Gangster lodged in Faridkot jail arranged heroin,arms for peddler via Pak suppliers Nikhil Bhardwaj Tribune News Service Ludhiana, August 19 A day after the Ludhiana police nabbed a drug peddler, Mukkal Mattu, of Mohalla Fatehgarh and seized drugs and arms, including 1.05 kg of heroin, two pistols (.30 bore), 1 Glock pistol 9 mm, 21 cartridges and Rs 2.5 lakh drug money, the police probe found that a gangster, Ashu, lodged in a Faridkot jail, arranged supply of heroin and illegal sophisticated weapons to Mattu through Pakistan-based suppliers. The Glock pistol, which can only be used by the police force or disciplined forces in the country, was among the weapons sent by the Pakistan-based suppliers. The development has raised further questions about how the suppliers based in Pakistan delivering the same to criminal elements in Punjab. The entire network was busted by inspector (Crime Branch) Beant Juneja. Police sources said Mattu had a criminal record as he was facing several cases of Ludhiana, August 19 In a celebration of light, lens and lived experience, the Ludhiana Photojournalist Association has opened its annual two-day photo exhibition ‘One Thousand Words’ at Sutlej Club here, marking World Photography Day with a vibrant display of visual narratives. Assn opens two-day photo exhibition to mark World Photography Day Being held on August 19 and 20 at Sutlej Club, the exhibition brings together the city’s most seasoned and spirited photojournalists, whose work chronicles the pulse of Punjab — from quiet resilience to public upheaval and from fleeting moments Visitors click photos displayed at an exhibition in Ludhiana on Tuesday. HIMANSHU MAHAJAN to enduring memories. Punjab Cabinet Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian, Mayor Inderjit Kaur and Additional Deputy Commissioner Amarjit Bains graced the inaugural ceremony as chief guests. In his address, Mundian praised the association for their efforts in capturing the essence of Ludhiana’s beauty and diversity through their lenses. He emphasised the vital role of photography in preserving fleeting moments and fostering creativity in society. “The exhibition is a powerful tribute to the art of storytelling through photography. Each image narrates untold stories and unique moments that weave the rich tapestry of the city,” he said. The exhibition features 42 captivating photographs by c m y b 21 photojournalists from various media houses. The event is more than a gallery — it’s a window into the Ludhiana’s soul. Each photograph on display tells a story — of farmers in the fields, children in monsoon puddles, protest marches, festivals and the everyday poetry of street life. These are not only images — but also testimonies, captured in split seconds, that speak to city’s joys, struggles and transformations. Association president Kuldeep Singh Kala and chairman Gurmeet Singh said the exhibition was a tribute to the tireless work of photojournalists who often remain behind the scenes, even as their images shape public memory. “It is our way of honouring craft and the courage it takes to document the truth,” he said. General secretary Gurpreet Singh said the exhibition was attempt to murder, under Arms Act, etc. He also has a connection with gangster Ashu lodged in Faridkot jail. Ashu was also facing cases of murder, attempt to murder, etc, registered against him in the past. “Mattu contacted Ashu over phone and raised a demand of illegal weapons and huge quantity of heroin. Ashu further contacted drug and weapon suppliers in Pakistan through phone and asked them to deliver the same to Mattu in Ludhiana. Heroin and weapons are suspected to be delivered through drone by Pak suppliers, which was further collected by their aides in India and then delivered to Mattu in Ludhiana while weapons, including the sophisticated Glock pistol was also arranged by Pak suppliers through their aides staying in this country,” inspector Beant Juneja told The Tribune. Now, Ashu would be brought on production warrant from the Faridkot jail and his questioning will surely further expose links between the jailed gangster, Pakistan-based suppliers and their other aides. Inspector Beant Juneja said first time in the history Glock pistol was seized by the Ludhiana police from any criminal element. This Austria made pistol is sophisticated one which is used by the police force or disciplined forces. Mattu bought the pistol by paying Rs 3 lakh and it is a matter of investigation to whom he made the payment of the procured heroin and weapons. “The Ludhiana police will investigate the recoveries religiously as international links of peddler Mattu, jailed gangster Ashu with Pakbased suppliers have emerged. More disclosures will be made in the case in coming days,” he said. Missing man’s body found in canal Tribune News Service Ludhiana, August 19 The body of a man who went missing about two days ago was found from the Gill Canal in the Shimlapuri area near on Tuesday. The deceased was identified as Amritpal (30), son of Daljit Singh and a resident of Threeke village. He was staying in Aryan Enclave, City lensmen capture life in frames, display visual narratives Tribune News Service City police seized Glock pistol for first time; Pak men using drone to deliver heroin, weapons: Cops open to all, from 10 am to 6 pm, with free entry. “We want every citizen to walk in and witness the power of a photograph,” he said. “It’s about aesthetics and also awareness,” he added. The work of lensmen spans decades, disasters and celebrations — each frame a silent witness to history. As visitors move through the gallery, they are met with images that evoke emotion, provoke thought and demand reflection. In a world saturated with fleeting visuals, the exhibition reminds us of the enduring power of a well-timed photograph — one that captures a moment and also preserves its meaning. In Ludhiana, where the pace of life is swift and stories unfold daily, these photojournalists continue to do what they do best — freeze time, frame truth and focus on humanity. here. According to information, Amritpal had jumped into the canal about two days ago, after which a search was on to trace him. As per information, Amritpal had a family dispute and it was being suspected that due to the same, he left the house and did not return. In the morning, passers-by saw the body in the Gill Canal near Shimlapuri and informed the police. The police reached the scene and took out the body and sent it for autopsy. It was learnt that he was under mental stress over a dispute in his family. The matter is being investigated and the cause of the death will be confirmed only after the arrival of the post-mortem report. 4 land in police net with heroin during CASO Tribune News Service Ludhiana, August 19 Under the special campaign ‘ War Against Drugs’ launched by the state government, the Ludhiana police claimed to have arrested four drug smugglers from Peeru Banda, Salem Tabri, and seized 30 gm of heroin from them. The suspects were nabbed during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in the area. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone-1, Sameer Verma said a police team, led by Inspector Amritpal Singh, Station House Officer, Salem Tabri, Ludhiana, had arrested the four smugglers during CASO. Of the arrested suspects, Vijay Gill, alias Petro, and Vinod Kumar were nabbed with 20 gm of heroin. A case was reg- istered against them under the NDPS Act. Meanwhile, Saurav Kumar, alias Shankar Kumar, and Talu were nabbed with 10 gm of heroin. A separate case was also registered against them under the NDPS Act at the Salem Tabri police station. Verma revealed that Vijay already had four cases registered against him under the NDPS Act in the past. The suspects would be presented before court to obtain a police remand for questioning regarding their associates. During their further questioning, the entire drug supply chain can be busted and big drug suppliers be identified and nabbed. The ADCP said several drugs peddlers were on the police radar and they would be arrested and the entire drug supply line would be busted.