08102025-LT-01.qxd 10/7/2025 10:26 PM Page 1 c m y b Ludhiana tribune CONG TO EXTEND ‘VOTE CHOR, GADDI CHHOR’ CAMPAIGN 2ND GEN APIARIST PUTS INDIA ON WORLD BEEKEEPING MAP GIVE IMPORTANCE TO MENTAL HEALTH, SAYS DIVYA DUTTA Office-bearers, activists of the Congress are working towards extending ‘vote chor, gaddi chhor’ campaign. P2 Ritu Kapoor Suri of Doraha inherited the art of beekeeping, a legacy rooted in tradition, from her father. P3 The actress emphasised importance of mental health and human connection in tech-savvy world. P4 » » » FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY, RAIN MAX 26°C | MIN 19°C YESTERDAY MAX 28°C | MIN 20°C SUNSET WEDNESDAY 6:03 PM SUNRISE THURSDAY 6:25 AM WEDNESDAY | 8 OCTOBER 2025 | LUDHIANA City set to lead disposal of unclaimed, impounded vehicles at police stations Leads the list with the maximum 7,039 vehicles of 75K lying all over the state Nikhil Bhardwaj Name of district Ferozepur Muktsar Moga Fazilka Faridkot Mansa Bathinda Patiala Sangrur Barnala Fatehgarh Sahib CP Ludhiana Ludhiana rural Khanna CP Jalandhar Tribune News Service Ludhiana, October 7 As the Punjab Police is set to clear the clutter of impounded and unclaimed vehicles lying at police stations in the state, Police Commissionerate, Ludhiana, is set to lead with disposal of maximum vehicles. Data prepared by the DGP Traffic, Punjab, states that Punjab has 424 police stations, where more than 75,000 vehicles (two and four wheelers) are lying in and outside the police stations for years. Due to lack of space and poor upkeep, most vehicles are now in poor shape and even some of their parts are missing. Now, in the new initiative taken by the DGP Traffic AS Rai, which is being technically implemented by DSP Gurdev Singh, as many as 35,323 vehicles are set to be disposed of in the first phase, either through auction or can be claimed by the vehicle owner during the disposal process. Most vehicles were impounded in accident cases, traffic rules violations, theft cases and other crimes. As per information, of over 35,000 vehicles, Ludhiana city police has the maximum Vehicles being disposed 592 216 668 2,352 317 1,679 1,656 489 855 899 985 7,039 771 1,558 3,388 7,039 vehicles followed by 3,841 in SAS Nagar, 3,388 in Ludhiana city, 2,352 in Fazilka, 1,679 in Mansa, 1,656 in Bathinda, 1,558 in Khanna, 1,510 in Tarn Taran and 985 in Fatehgarh Sahib. Confirming to The Tribune here on Tuesday, DGP Traffic AS Rai said that these vehicles would be disposed of by following the due procedure of court. Rai said that the BNSS, earlier called CrPC, grants power to the police station to send list of vehicles to be dis- posed of to court within 15 days of impounding or seizing the same in any crime, and this also empowers the owner of vehicles that he/she can start the process to claim possession of vehicles within 15 days and police will help the owners in the entire legal process. Now under the new law, vehicles needs not be kept at a police station for evidence as digital proof has also been made valid in the new law. DSP Gurdev Singh said that the BNSS also had the provi- sion that if a vehicle was auctioned and the owner, who earlier didn’t come to claim the possession, turned up at the police station later, then the auction amount of vehicle deposited in the treasury could be claimed by the owner. Why vehicles keep piling up at police stations? Vehicles keep piling up at police stations as due to high fines most people do not come to get their vehicles released because they can easily get a second-hand car for an Claim they are being forced to buy other products along with fertilisers Tribune News Service Ludhiana, October 7 Farmers have been raising their voices against what they call “organised loot” in the sale of fertilisers. They are accusing governmentbacked institutions and cooperative societies of exploiting farmers by forcing them to buy overpriced or bundled products, along with essential fertilisers. Harinder Singh Lakhowal, state president of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Lakhowal), condemned the practice, warning the Punjab Government of political conse- Vehicles being disposed Jalandhar rural Kapurthala Hoshiarpur CP Amritsar Amritsar rural Gurdaspur Tarn Taran Batala Pathankot SBS Nagar Rupnagar SAS Nagar Malerkotla Total 389 686 749 452 878 391 1,510 765 445 641 848 3841 264 35323 quences if corrective action was not taken. “The government came to power, claiming to be pro-people. But today, it seems to care little about these things,” Lakhowal said. “If it doesn’t wake up now, the people will make it pack its bags in 2027.” He alleged that while the official price of a urea bag is ~266.50, farmers are being forced to buy additional items worth ~150-~200 with each bag. Similarly, DAP fertiliser, priced around ~1,350, is being sold with bundled products of equal value, doubling the cost. Gurpreet Singh, a farmer from Mullanpur Dakha, shared his frustration, “I went to buy urea last week. The shopkeeper said I would have to buy a pesticide bottle with it, costing ~180. I didn’t need it, but he refused to sell the fertiliser alone. What choice do I have?” Baljit Kaur, who manages a small farm in Raikot, echoed similar concerns, “We already borrow money from arhtiyas to buy fertilisers. Now, we’re being forced to pay double. It’s not just unfair, it’s cruel.” Many farmers say they feel betrayed by the very institutions meant to support them. Manjit Singh from Samrala added, “Even the cooperative societies are doing this. If government shops are looting us, where do we go? We’re not asking for subsidies, just fair prices.” Lakhowal warned that if the government failed to act, then farmers would launch large-scale protests. “If the loot continues, we will assume it is happening with the government’s blessing. Farmers will rise in protest on a massive scale,” he declared. The BKU has demanded immediate action against profiteering shopkeepers and a formal warning to them and co-operative societies. amount less than the fine imposed on the same. For example, a challan of Rs 30,000 was imposed on a car worth Rs 20,000. In such a situation, the owners thought it better to leave the vehicles instead of getting them released. This is the reason why today, heaps of vehicles can be seen parked at various places in the police stations. According to estimates, about 80% of the vehicles have outstanding fines more than the current price. Unknown persons booked for illegal mining at Bhutta Mandi Ahmedgarh, October 7 The Dehlon police have booked unknown persons for allegedly contravening provisions of the India Mines and Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act and committing theft of public and private properties. A poclain machine and a tipper, used in excavation in mines and transportation of excavated materials, were seized at a deserted place on the outskirts of Bhutta village on Monday. An FIR was registered on the basis of a complaint lodged by Junior engineer-cum-mining officer, Dakha, Shubh Deep on Sunday. — OC A submerged South City underpass; and (right) artisans cover their goods with tarpaulins at the Saras Mela venue at PAU, Ludhiana. ASHWANI DHIMAN, HIMANSHU MAHAJAN Rain brings worries for farmers, Saras Mela exhibitors Shivani Bhakoo Tribune News Service Ludhiana, October 7 The rain that began around 7.30 am today brought concern not only to farmers preparing to harvest paddy crop, but also to hundreds of exhibitors participating in the 10-day Saras Mela at the PAU grounds. Farmers expressed anxiety over the untimely showers, The seven-storey multi-level parking complex near Mata Rani Chowk, opposite the MC Zone-A office, is in need of proper upkeep. PHOTO: INDERJEET VERMA Mata Rani Chowk facility lies in disuse as parking woes persist Manav Mander Tribune News Service Farmers cry foul over ‘loot’ at coop societies Manav Mander Name of district which they fear could damage their nearly ripened crop, especially when accompanied by strong winds. Raghbir Singh Benipal, a farmer and senior leader of the Jamhuri Kisan Sabha, said the rain had given stress to the farming community. “The crop is yet to ripen fully, and we were planning to harvest it in another 10-12 days. This rain can harm the grain, and the strong winds can flatten the standing crop. We can only pray for mercy from nature, otherwise, farmers will suffer losses,” he said. Although the Meteorological Department had predicted rain in advance, the showers still came as an unpleasant surprise for exhibitors at the mela. Many were seen hurriedly covering their stocks with tarpaulin sheets to prevent damage. “We are really worried. The rains not only affect our sales as visitors stay away, but also damage our products,” said Surdul, an artisan from Saharanpur, showcasing wooden handicrafts. At the same time, there were others who took everything with a positive spirit. An exhibitor from Panchkula c m y b said when everything was in God’s hands, then no one should crib. “We get visitors in good numbers when the rain stops,” he said. Meanwhile, the downpour has brought a sudden dip in temperature, with residents beginning to feel a slight chill in the air. For three-four hours, the incessant rain continued and around 12.30 pm, the rain stopped. Ludhiana, October 7 As Ludhiana struggles with an acute shortage of parking space — especially in the congested old city areas — one of its largest parking structures stands in disrepair. The seven-storey multi-level parking complex near Mata Rani Chowk, opposite the MC zone A office, was once envisioned as a solution to the city’s traffic chaos. Today, it lies in a shambles, its potential wasted amid broken infrastructure and years of neglect. Inaugurated in 1995, the complex was designed to accommodate over 400 vehicles and generate revenue through commercial space. For years, it did just that, earning ~1.5 crore for the municipal corporation. Yet, not a rupee was reinvested for its upkeep. The elevators have been non-functional for years, the ramps are dam- aged and the lighting system — installed over two decades ago — barely works. During rainfall, water accumulates across multiple levels, making the facility not only inconvenient, but also unsafe for use. The site’s deterioration has had a direct impact on nearby markets like Chaura Bazar, where daily visitors struggle to find parking. “I used to park here regularly, but climbing seven floors without a lift is exhausting,” said Alisha Verma, a city resident who visits the market twice a week. Shopkeepers in the area say the neglect is hurting business. “The upper floors are practically abandoned,” said Rajesh Malhotra, who runs a garment shop nearby. “Customers don’t want to walk up all those levels, so they park on the streets, blocking access and hurting business.” Harpreet Singh, another trader, added, “This place had potential. But Man lands in trouble over fake med report for arms licence without maintenance, it became a white elephant. If the renovation happens, it could really help revive footfall in Chaura Bazar.” Recognising the urgency, the MC has proposed a ?1.7 crore renovation plan, which includes installing two new elevators, repairing ramps, upgrading lighting and replastering the building. The proposal is currently awaiting approval of the Finance and Contracts Committee. Municipal Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal, who inspected the site earlier this year, ordered the renovation and emphasised its importance for easing traffic and improving accessibility in the city’s commercial core. If executed, the revival of this multi-level parking complex could be a turning point for Ludhiana’s old city areas, restoring not just infrastructure, but also confidence in urban planning. 70-year-old woman gives life to patient at DMCH Tribune News Service Nikhil Bhardwaj Tribune News Service Ludhiana, October 7 The Ludhiana police have registered a case against a man who had submitted a fake dope test report to the Ludhiana police to get an arms licence. After the lie of the applicant came to light, ACP Licensing, Ludhiana, lodged a police complaint, which led to the registration of a case against the accused, identified as Rajdeep Singh of Shaheed Karnail Singh Nagar. The ACP stated that the accused had fraudulently applied for a firearms licence by using a fake medical report (dope test). During verification of the dope test the same was found to be forged and fake. Yesterday, a case was registered against the accused. On August 28, three individuals were booked for resorting to the illegal practice. Among the three, two had already obtained the arms licences, while the lie of the third was caught during verification of the arms licences. On August 22, the Ludhiana police booked the three for submitting fake dope test reports to secure arms licences. One of them had already managed to obtain a licence using forged medical documents before the fraud came to notice. The accused have been identified as Hardik Khanna of Lajpat Nagar, Uday Pratap Singh Grewal of Guru Gobind Singh Nagar and Nishan Singh of Dashmesh Nagar. Separate cases were lodged against them at Division No. 5 police station under multiple sections of the BNS, including cheating, forgery and use of forged documents. In Grewal’s case, Section 30 of the Arms Act had already been added as he had managed to obtain a licence on a fake report. Even on May 13, a case was registered against Lalit Kumar, a driver-cum-security guard from Sahnewal Kalan, and international shooter Gurnihal Singh Garcha of Model Town for using fake dope test reports. Garcha had also won medals at international championships. Ludhiana, October 7 The Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) has achieved a milestone by successfully performing a cadaver organ donation. This noble act gave new life to several patients and showed the hospital’s strong commitment to advanced medical care and organ donation awareness. The donor was a 70-year-old woman named Jatinder Pal Kaur from Malout, Muktsar, who had been admitted to the DMCH after suffering severe brain haemorrhage. She was later declared brain dead. Doctors at the hospital explained to her family the importance of organ donation, telling them that a donor could save three lives. With great courage, the family agreed to donate her organs, turning their painful loss into hope for others. Under the guidance of Dr PL Gautam, head, Department of Critical Care Medicine, and a dedicated DMCH team, the liver and kidneys were retrieved with care from the body of the deceased. The liver was transplanted into a 51-year-old man from Sangrur by a liver transplant team led by Dr Gursagar Singh Sahota. The kidneys were safely sent to other hospitals through a green corridor, so that they could be transplanted without delay.