03122025-LT-01.qxd 12/3/2025 12:21 AM Page 1 c m y b Ludhiana tribune MUNDIAN KALAN, AMARGARH TO VIE FOR HOCKEY TITLE In girls’ category, Mundian Kalan centre and Amargarh secured spots in hockey c’ship final. P2 » RANVEER APOLOGISES FOR MIMICKING ACTOR RISHAB MAINLY CLEAR SKY MAX 20°C | MIN 4°C YESTERDAY MAX 20°C | MIN 4°C TV STARS TELL US HOW THEY ARE ENJOYING THE WINTER Ranveer Singh has issued an apology after facing criticism for reportedly mimicking actor Rishab Shetty. P4 FORECAST From riding bikes to sipping ginger tea, our TV stars are absolutely loving gentle nip in Mumbai air. P4 » SUNSET WEDNESDAY 5.22 PM SUNRISE THURSDAY 7:03 AM » WEDNESDAY | 3 DECEMBER 2025 | LUDHIANA Chaura Bazaar set for ~150-cr revamp City’s oldest market to be transformed with arched openings, domed parapets, jharokha-style balconies Manav Mander WHAT’S PLANNED Tribune News Service Ludhiana, December 2 Ludhiana’s historic Chaura Bazaar is poised for a transformation that will weave the grandeur of the Lodhi era into its modern identity. Under a Rs 150-crore redevelopment plan, the city’s oldest market will be transformed with arched openings, fluted columns, domed parapets and jharokha-style balconies — architectural motifs designed to restore rhythm and elegance to its crowded lanes. Known for its dense alleys, vibrant trade and old-world charm, Chaura Bazaar will undergo a facelift modelled after Amritsar’s famed Heritage Street. The project, spearheaded by the Municipal Corporation, has been selected as a centralised business district under the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Consultants are preparing a detailed project report with Guru Nanak Dev University providing inputs on aesthetics and planning. The design blueprint proposes uniform facades for shops, pedestrian-friendly pathways, underground water tanks, improved lighting, benches, water ATMs, CCTV surveillance, dustbins and emergency response sys- ■ Uniform facades inspired by heritage architecture Tribune News Service ■ Pedestrian pathways and restricted vehicle access ■ Underground water tanks and improved drainage ■ Water ATMs, benches and public amenities ■ CCTV surveillance and emergency response systems ■ Mechanical parking near key junctions ■ Cultural elements to preserve local identity << Chaura Bazaar will undergo a facelift modelled after Amritsar’s famed Heritage Street. INDERJEET VERMA tems. Signage will adopt heritage-inspired fonts with bilingual identity while façade colours will draw from Lodhi-era palettes, anchoring the market in history yet inviting contemporary engagement. Officials expect central funding of about Rs 150 crore to address long-standing issues of congestion, encroachment and inadequate infrastructure. The revamp aims to boost local trade and position Chaura Bazaar as a premier business hub, attracting shoppers from across the state and neighbouring states. “Chaura Bazaar is the heartbeat of Ludhiana’s trading culture,” said Mohammad Imran, a garment trader whose family has been running a shop here for three generations. “We’ve seen the market grow but also struggles neglected by the authorities concerned. If the redevelopment plan respects our heritage and improves access, it will be a blessing,” he said. Traffic management is a key focus. Four-wheeler access will be restricted during peak hours with delivery timings streamlined to reduce chaos. Mechanical parking facilities — once shelved under the Smart City MC seals six illegal buildings Ludhiana, December 2 After building owners failed to submit dues with the civic body and raised illegal structures in the past, the Municipal Corporation (MC) sealed six buildings in different parts of the city on Tuesday. Of the total six buildings, one is situated on the Malhar road, two in BRS Nagar, two, including a hotel, on the Ferozepur road and one on the Dugri road. Working on the directions of MC Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal, action against the illegal buildings was taken by the building branch of the MC, Zone D office. Assistant Town Planner (ATP) Harvinder Singh said the owners failed to submit the dues, including CLU charges, and had established 22-year-old youth’s body found hanging, investigation on Mission — are being reconsidered, with potential sites near Laxmi Cinema and Girja Ghar Chowk. A senior MC official explained: “We want to make Chaura Bazaar walkable and welcoming again. The goal is to retain its character while making it safer and more accessible for traders and visitors alike.” Local residents and shoppers have cautiously welcomed the initiative. Ravinder Kaur, a retired teacher, said: “The market holds memories for generations. Any change must be sensitive to its soul. Beautification is good but don’t erase its essence.” The legacy Meaning a wide market, Chaura Bazaar was once famed for its spacious layout and bustling trade. Established over a century ago, it became Ludhiana’s commercial nucleus, renowned for wholesale hosiery, garments, household goods and festive shopping. Today, its lanes are narrow and congested, shaped by organic growth and urban sprawl. Yet its cultural significance endures — echoed in the Sunday bazaar’s energy, the aroma of street food and the resilience of family-run shops that have stood the test of time. Ludhiana, December 2 A man allegedly died by suicide under suspicious circumstances by hanging himself with a rope in his room. On receiving information about the incident, police officials rushed to the spot, and sent the body to the Civil Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination. Investigating officer in the case assistant subinspector (ASI) Davinder Singh said the deceased had been identified as Sunil Kumar (22), a resident of Baba Mukand Singh Nagar. The police informed his wife and other family members. The autopsy will be conducted on Wednesday after the arrival of Sunil’s wife. The ASI said Sunil used to sell vegetables in the past and was recently employed at a factory. Investigation revealed that the victim, who was a jovial man, was married six months ago to a woman from Uttar Pradesh. He was staying in a rented room. On Tuesday morning, Victim, who was working at factory, got married six months ago when the deceased’s cousin, who stays nearby, came to meet Sunil Kumar, he was shocked after opening the door of the room as the youth was found hanging from a fan. The Investigating officer said no suicide note was recovered. The case was being investigated to ascertain the cause of death. Several aspects of the case were expected to be unveiled after the autopsy on Wednesday, he said The assistant subinspector also revealed that during the investigation, it came to light that Sunil KUmar frequently played the PUBG mobile phone game. Further action would be taken after the arrival of deceased’s family members on Wednesday. Flowery treat An illegal building being sealed in Ludhiana. illegal structures in the past. The buildings had now been sealed and the owners were directed to submit the dues with the civic body. Recently, the MC Commissioner had issued strict directions to building branch officials to expedite the recovery of dues from residents and take strict action against illegal buildings, otherwise strict departmental action would be taken against them. Meanwhile, the civic body officials said the drive against illegal constructions would continue in coming days too. — TNS Visitors admire flowers on the first day of the Chrysanthemum Show that began at the PAU on Tuesday. HIMANSHU MAHAJAN P2 Man gets 10-year jail for sexually exploiting woman, daughter Legal Correspondent Ludhiana, December 2 The Court of Additional Sessions Judge Harvinder Singh has sentenced Vikramjit Singh, a resident of Gurpal Nagar, to 10 years’ imprisonment for sexually exploiting a woman and her daughter. The court has also directed him to pay a fine of Rs 1,40,000. The complainant, Chaman Lal Ghai, told the court that in 2016, he was in the process of purchasing a plot owned by a woman. After accepting the earnest money from him, the woman allegedly got the land registered in the name of the suspect. When the complainant reported the matter to the police, a case of cheating was registered against the woman and her daughter. During investigation, the woman and her daughter revealed that the suspect had exploited them and later recorded an obscene video to intimidate them, forcing them to register the land in his name. Based on these statements, the Jamalpur police arrested the accused. When produced in court, the accused pleaded innocence. However, both victims deposed before the court, describing how the accused exploited them. After hearing arguments from both sides and examining the evidence, the court found the accused guilty and awarded the sentence. No arrest in theft cases, residents fume 6 held for stealing, damaging transformers Shivani Bhakoo Tribune News Service Ludhiana, December 2 Rising cases of theft in the city have raised concerns over the safety of residents and their belongings. Victims whose valuables and cash were stolen in the past one week feel helpless as they continue to make rounds of police stations with no positive outcome. Leaders of various political parties have urged the government to intervene and restore public trust in lawenforcing agencies. Chetna, whose shop is located a few yards away from the official residence of the Commissioner of Police (CP), complained that on the intervening night of November 30 and December 1, thieves broke shutters and stole artificial bridal jewellery worth Rs 5 lakh and a tablet. She said she went to register a complaint at Division Number 8 and the police visited the spot, but she was not satisfied with the way the case was being handled. “There are CCTVs installed all over — at the nearby hospital and right at the CP’s house. If the police want, these footages can easily be taken but they just gave assurances that they were looking into the matter,” says Chetna. Another resident, Vicky Kalra, said his shop, Kalra Traders, located at Jassian Chowk, Haibowal, was also targeted. “Last Thursday, on November 27, thieves entered my shop by breaking shutters. They took away the camera connector and Rs 35,000 in cash from the drawer. We have lodged a formal complaint but there is no headway. Our shop was not the only target, a few days ago, thieves stole valuables from another shop as well and the CCTV footage are available. Still, no one has been arrested so far,” said Kalra. In yet another example, Bablu, a safai karamchari, who has a shop near Vishal Mega Mart on Ferozepur Road, complained that his brother and family were away when some miscreants came three days ago, broke the shutters and took possession of the shop illegally. Bablu said the place was allegedly given to them by someone who had taken a loan from his brother and was unable to repay it and the matter was already in court. “My concern is that whether the shop belongs to me or someone else, it is for the court to decide. But we have been staying here for the past 10–12 years, and a few persons came, broke the shutters and took possession of the shop after removing our belongings — and the police are not even bothered to check. We are making rounds of the police station and the area councillor but to no avail. There is no law and order, anyone can come and grab your property anytime,” rued Bablu. Former MC councillor Parminder Mehta said lawlessness was prevailing all over and the police were not bothered to provide safety to residents. He said incidents of crime and violence were increasing with each passing day, leaving the common man living in anxiety and panic under unsafe conditions. CP Swapan Sharma said he would look into the matter. “These cases need some time, they cannot be solved within a few hours. The police must be looking into the matter and all angles have to be checked to nab the culprits. We are here for the safety of the public and will crack these cases soon,” the CP said. c m y b Our Correspondent Mandi Ahmedgarh, Dec 2 The police claimed to have arrested six members of a gang of miscreants who had been involved in theft and damage of electrical installations at localities falling under the Ahmedgarh, Amargarh and Sandaur blocks for a long time. Stolen goods worth lakhs were recovered from the possession of the suspects, identified as Satnam Singh, Kulwinder Singh, Sukhwinder Singh Babbu and Jaswinder Singh Jo-Jo, all residents of Adamwal village, and Soma of Raikot and Vijay Kumar of Ahmedgarh. SSP Gagan Ajit Singh said police personnel, led by SP (D) Satpal Sharma and incharge CIA, Mahorana, Harjinder Singh, had nabbed six miscreants who were involved in damaging and The suspects in custody of the police at the CIA wing in Mahorana, Malerkotla. stealing electrical installations, including transformers and cables, from fields at localities in various blocks of Malerkotla district. “Having received inputs about illegal activities of a group of miscreants we got them booked under Sections 310 (4) and 310 (5) of the BNS and constituted teams of police officials under the supervision of SP (D) Sat Pal Sharma for apprehending them,” said SSP Gagan Ajit Singh, adding that the suspects were arrested by the police from different places. Besides stolen goods, sharp weapons and a car were recovered from the possession of the suspects, the police said. Preliminary investigations revealed that Satnam and Jaswinder were already facing cases registered against them at various police stations.