04012026-LT-01.qxd 1/3/2026 11:08 PM Page 1 c m y b Ludhiana tribune BAINS TO INAUGURATE NATIONAL SCHOOL GAMES NO STUBBLE FIRES, SAMRALA VILLAGES SET EXAMPLE BAND BAAJA BAARAAT SET FOR RE-RELEASE ON JAN 16 A total of 937 athletes from 38 states, UTs to participate in the games from Jan 6 to 11. P2 Ghulal and Bamb villages lead the way in environment-responsible farming practices. P3 Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma-starrer marked beginning of a new era in Bollywood. P4 » » FORECAST MAINLY CLEAR SKY MAX 14°C | MIN 9°C YESTERDAY MAX 16.1°C | MIN 9.6°C SUNSET SUNDAY 5.36 PM SUNRISE MONDAY 7.19 AM » SUNDAY | 4 JANUARY 2026 | LUDHIANA People risk lives to cross roads as visibility dips in foggy weather ~4cr fraud: 25 youths duped on promise of UK work permits Practice common on Ludhiana-Jalandhar highway, Chandigarh & Hambran roads Tribune News Service Tribune News Service Ludhiana, January 3 With the foggy weather reducing the visibility to almost zero in the morning and evening hours, commuters and pedestrians are putting their lives at risk by crossing roads through undesignated spots. Dense fog impairs the ability of motorists to react and stop in time, putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk. The violation is not limited to city roads, but people can also be seen crossing highways in a similar manner. The practice is common on the Ludhiana-Jalandhar highway, near Ladhowal, Basti Jodhewal, Chandigarh road, Hambran road, etc. On Saturday morning, Tribune team spotted many pedestrians, two-wheeler riders and cyclists crossing the highway near Jalandhar bypass, unmindful of their personal safety. When asked why he was risking his life by crossing the highway amid high volume of traffic, a cyclist said People rush to cross a highway amid approaching traffic in Ludhiana. he was taking a short cut, as crossing the road through designated path required more time. Another cyclist said he was not the only person crossing the highway. “Daily, several people cross the highway without the fear of accident. I pay due care while crossing the road on foggy days,” he added. Shopkeepers near the Jalandhar bypass said the police should issue challans PHOTO: INDERJEET VERMA to the commuters, who violate rules, because they are not only putting their lives at risk, but also posing a threat to others. Traffic police officials maintained that they had been holding awareness camps to spread awareness regarding the issue, but people do not heed. Officials urged the people to avoid shortcuts and take designated crossings to reach other side of the road. Ludhiana, January 3 The Ludhiana police have booked a Gujarat-based travel agent for duping 25 Punjab youths of Rs 4 crore on the pretext of sending them to the UK on work permits. A case has been registered against Mihul Soni, Director of Current Consultant Private Limited, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The FIR was lodged following a complaint by Sukhchain Singh, a resident of Jaito in Faridkot district. The accused has been charged under sections related to cheating and the Immigration Act. Investigating Officer ASI Sukhdeep Singh stated that the police will soon arrest the accused. According to the IO, complainant Sukhchain Singh had filed a complaint with senior police officials on June 16, 2025. Sukhchain had stated that he intended to send 25 youths to the UK on work permits and contacted Mihul Soni, a travel agent and consultant based in Gujarat. Soni promised to secure work visas for the 25 individuals, prepared their documents, and collected over Rs 4 crore. However, he accused failed to deliver on his promise, thereby committing a breach of trust and fraud. The complainant told the police that as part of the deal, the accused had assured him of sending all youths to the UK soon. After receiving the payment, the accused sent three youths abroad. Upon arriving abroad, the youths discovered that the work permits they held were fake. “After facing significant harassment and hardship, the three youths eventually returned to India,” the complainant said. The police are conducting raids to arrest the accused. ‘Tainted’ travel agents running business Despite facing cases, many travel agents have been running offices in the name of other persons and duping gullible youths wanting to go abroad. A city-based travel agent is still into the immigration business and duping the innocents, despite facing many FIRs. Miscreants target liquor stores, loot ~1.2L Tribune News Service Ludhiana, January 3 Unidentified persons have looted Rs 1.20 lakh in cash and liquor bottles from different liquor stores of a company on Hambran Road in past one week. A case was registered against unidentified miscreants on the complaint of Sandeep Chheena, a resident of South City, at the PAU police station yesterday. As per the complainant, he is in-charge of Vishnu Enterprises Wine Company West. He said in the past week, some miscreants riding twowheelers had targeted their company’s liquor stores located on Hambran Road. Sandeep added that the first incident took place on December 23. Three miscreants, who came on a scooter and a motorcycle, looted cash from workers at the liquor store located in Syal Complex by threatening them with sharp weapons. They also looted other stores of the company located on Hambran Road at night. After three incidents, the three accused joined some of their other associates. Seven of them carried out the fourth incident of looting at the Barnhara store. The police have launched an investigation. Minor boy stripped, Cold wave persists, orange alert sounded for 3 days beaten up; 9 booked after video goes viral Manav Mander Tribune News Service Nikhil Bhardwaj Tribune News Service Ludhiana, January 3 The police have booked nine persons after a video of a 15year-old boy, who was allegedly kidnapped and beaten up after being stripped, went viral on Saturday. The police have identified four accused. They, however, denied the allegation of kidnapping and didn’t mention the charge in the FIR. Bindu, Sunny, Shivam, Naveen and five unidentified persons have been booked. Police division-7 SHO Inspector Bhupinder Singh said one suspect had been rounded up and raids were on to nab the remaining. Asked why kidnapping charge was not added to the FIR, the SHO said it was not a kidnapping and ransom case, as per their preliminary investigation. The victim and accused were known to each other. The boy was not kidnapped, but he went with the accused at this own will, the SHO said, adding that the victim was brutally beaten up and stripped. The police added required charges in the FIR, as per the law, the SHO added. Talking to the media, the boy claimed that he was kidnapped and relevant charges should be added to the FIR. He alleged that the accused also had an illegal weapon, which they pointed at him while making a video call to his family. Ludhiana, January 3 The Meteorological Department has sounded an orange alert for the next three days in Ludhiana, with a warning of dense to very dense fog at several places and continuation of cold wave conditions across the region. Dry weather conditions are expected to prevail, with residents bracing for another spell of biting chill. On Saturday, the city recorded a maximum temperature of 15°C and a minimum of 9.6°C. The persistent fog has reduced visibility during morning and evening hours, affecting road traffic and daily routines. Authorities have urged commuters to exercise caution while driving in low visibility conditions. In view of the prevailing cold wave, schools across Ludhiana have extended the winter break till January 7. Classes have shifted to online mode, ensuring continuity of learning while safeguarding students from exposure to harsh weather. Parents have welcomed the move, citing the difficulty of sending children out in dense fog and freezing mornings. Health experts have advised residents, particularly children and elderly, to remain indoors as much as possible. Doctors recommend warm drinks such as soups and herbal teas, along with plenty of water to stay hydrated. Foods rich in vitamin C and warm meals are being encouraged to boost immunity during the cold spell. “The risk of respiratory infections increases in such conditions, so preventive care is essential,” said Civil Surgeon Dr Ramdeep Kaur. A balloon seller arranges his wares on the roadside amid foggy weather in Ludhiana. Meanwhile, experts from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) have urged farmers to protect their crops from frost damage. Covering sensitive plants and ensuring adequate irrigation are among the suggested measures to minimise losses. Livestock owners have also been urged to provide shelter and warmth to animals, as pro- longed exposure to cold can affect their health and productivity. Despite biting cold, Ludhiana’s residents continue to adapt to the seasonal challenge. Morning walkers were seen wrapped in layers of woollens, while roadside tea stalls witnessed brisk business as people sought warmth in steaming cups. For many, the foggy mornings have become a test of endurance, but the community spirit remains strong. According to the Meteorological Department, the cold wave is likely to persist over the next few days, with no immediate respite in sight. Dense fog conditions may continue to disrupt visibility, while temperatures are expected to remain unchanged. Authorities have reiterated the need for caution and preparedness until weather conditions improve. Action committee challenges Seechewal for debate Health sector set for major infra boost in Ludhiana dist BUDDHA NULLAH CRISIS Tribune News Service Ludhiana, January 3 The Ludhiana Public Action Committee (PAC) has challenged Rajya Sabha member Balbir Singh Seechewal to a debate over the long-standing issue of pollution in Buddha Dariya. In a letter, the PAC has invited Seechewal to participate in an open debate on January 10, asserting that the 20-year struggle over the polluted stream must move beyond diversion and towards truth now. PAC alleges that efforts have consistently been made to shield dyeing factories, which it claims are the largest source of pollution. According to the committee, whenever the dyeing industry is discussed, attention is deliberately shifted towards dairy waste and sewage. It argued that despite the National Green Tribunal (NGT) clarifying the matter, attempts to keep the issue entangled continue. The committee has questioned Seechewal’s actions, pointing out that while he personally operated a JCB to cut illegal dairy connections last year, the same machinery was never used against dyeing factories whose 40 and 50 MLD CETP pipes lie close to the ghats he had constructed. PAC insisted that the Covid lockdown — when factories were shut and the Buddha Nullah began to clean itself — proved that the dyeing industry is the primary source of toxic discharge. The committee maintained that only a public, transparent discussion can resolve the matter. It has proposed venues such as Ishmeet Academy, Circuit House, Guru Nanak Auditorium or any other suitable location in Ludhiana for the debate. Manav Mander Tribune News Service Rajya Sabha member Balbir Singh Seechewal cleans Buddha Nullah with a JCB machine. PANEL’S NINE POSERS TO RAJYA SABHA MEMBER ■ Why dyeing industry’s wastewater, unsafe for farming, is repeatedly presented as suitable for agriculture? ■ If CETPs are legal, why have PPCB, CPCB and NGT ordered their closure? If illegal, how are they still operating against orders for over a year? ■ When NGT has clearly stated that environmental clearance is mandatory, why is discharge allowed under the excuse of pending cases? ■ Why strict action against dairies, while dyeing factories are treated with leniency? Isn’t this a clear case of discrimination? ■ What should be the BOD-COD limits for aquatic life in Buddha Nullah and how often the limit is breached? c m y b ■ Is the silt being disposed of scientifically and where is it dumped? Has it been labtested? Could it contain heavy metals? ■ Does desilting increase the risk of toxic water seeping into groundwater? ■ What progress has been made on the NGT-ordered green buffer zone? ■ Are dyeing pipes laid during your tenure valid under environmental clearance? Ludhiana, January 3 The health sector in Ludhiana is set for a significant expansion with the department rolling out new facilities, strengthening infrastructure in hospitals and extending services to rural communities across the district. From Ayushman Arogya Kendras to critical care units and maternal health initiatives, the roadmap reflects a commitment to bringing healthcare closer to people’s doorsteps while building a stronger, more resilient system for the future. Civil Surgeon Dr Ramandeep Kaur shared, “This year, the health sector is preparing for a major expansion aimed at making healthcare more 48 Arogya Kendras, 3 PHCs, critical care unit to come up accessible and inclusive. By February, 48 new Ayushman Arogya Kendras will be opened across urban and rural areas. These centres, formerly known as Aam Aadmi Clinics, are designed to bring essential healthcare services closer to people, reducing the need for long travel and ensuring timely medical attention.” She added that in the urban belt, three new Primary Health Centres (PHCs) are in the pipeline. The objective is to reduce the overwhelming rush at the Civil Hospital and to provide healthcare services nearby. By decentralising care, the department hopes to ease patient load on tertiary facilities and improve efficiency in treatment delivery. For rural populations, more Ayushman Arogya Kendras will be established to ensure villagers do not have to travel to the city for basic medical needs. The expansion is expected to bridge the urbanrural healthcare divide and provide equitable access to services. “At the Civil Hospital, a fivebedded Critical Care Unit will be opened, alongside the establishment of an Integrated Public Health Laboratory. These additions will strengthen emergency response and diagnostic capabilities. continued on P3