06062026-JTR-01.qxd 6/5/2026 11:45 PM Page 1 c m y b Jalandhar tribune POLICE STEP UP VIGIL AHEAD OF GHALLUGHARA DAY PHOTOGRAPHER FINDS ART IN THE ORDINARY RAM CHARAN-STARRER PEDDI EARNS ~135 CRORE Extensive flag marches and checking operations conducted as part of the enhanced security measures . P2 “In college, I took up art as a hobby course first, but my sketches were loved and before I knew it, I was painting.” P3 Peddihas registered a blockbuster opening at the worldwide box office on its first day, the makers announced on Friday.P4 » » » FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY MAX 38°C | MIN 24°C YESTERDAY MAX 37°C | MIN 22°C SUNSET SATURDAY 7.29 PM SUNRISE SUNDAY 5:23 AM SATURDAY | 6 JUNE 2026 | JALANDHAR HEALTH & WELLNESS The Tribune is starting a Q and A column to address your health-related queries. Please mail your questions (not exceeding 40 words) at healthandwellness@tribunemail.com. The Tribune’s panel of doctors will answer all your healthrelated concerns. INBRIEF FOUR ARRESTED FOR PEDDLING Phagwara: The Bilga police have arrested two persons on the charge of selling intoxicating tablets. Investigating officer Charanjit Singh said 120 intoxicating tablets were recovered from the possession of the accused identified as Harpreet Singh, alias Happy, resident of Burj Hassan village, and Kamalpreet Singh, a resident of Mao Sahib village. A case under the NDPS Act has been registered against the accused. The Nurmahal police arrested Gurpreet of Sangatpur village with 41 tablets. The Shahkot police arrested Punit Gupta, alias Popal, of Pati Khurampur Malsian village with 60 tablets . oc WOMAN HELD FOR CHEATING Phagwara: The Nakodar police have arrested a woman on the charge of cheating and criminal conspiracy. The accused has been identified as Lakhwindar Kaur of Uggi village. Baldev Singh of Uggi village had complained to the police that the accused had agreed to sell her house and received Rs 11 lakh from him but did not give possession of the house and cheated him. OC MAN HELD FOR LOOTING CASH Phagwara: The Bilga police have arrested a miscreant on the charge of looting cash. The accused has been identified as Rachhpal Singh of Gorsian Nihal village. Naresh Rai, a native of Bihar and working as labourer in Gorsian Nihal village, complained to the police that the accused attacked him with weapon on June 3 evening and looted Rs 45,000 and threatened him with dire consequences. OC son booked for N’shahr girl’s body ‘carried AAP leader’sDasuya Cong assault on in suitcase, burnt in forest’ councillor’s husband Khuralgarh murder probe deepens Our Correspondent Garhshankar/Nawanshahr, June 5 The investigation into the murder of a 15-year-old girl has taken a disturbing turn, with the police probing allegations that the body was packed in a suitcase, transported to a forest near Khuralgarh Sahib and set ablaze in an attempt to destroy evidence. The victim, Radhika, daughter of Usha Rani of Peer Wali Gali on Garhshankar Road in Nawanshahr, had been missing since May 29. Her family had lodged a complaint at the City Police Sta- The police inspect the spot in a forest near Khuralgarh Sahib where the charred body of a girl was found. tion after failing to trace her. A breakthrough came after a suspect was detained and questioned. Acting on information obtained during interrogation, a police team led by SHO Avtar Singh recovered a charred body from a forested area near the Khuralgarh Sahib–Garhi Mansowal road. The remains were later identified as those of the missing teenager. Investigators are examining claims that after the murder, the accused allegedly placed the body in a suitcase and transported it to the secluded location before setting it on fire to conceal the crime. The suspect, identified by sources as Gurbinder Singh alias Gopa, remains under police scrutiny. Officials are working to establish the exact sequence of events, including the circumstances of the murder, the vehicle used and whether others were involved. Police have collected evidence from the spot, and the remains have been sent for post-mortem and forensic examination. Officials said the forensic findings will be crucial in determining the cause of death and reconstructing the events. While several leads have emerged, police have not issued a detailed official statement, citing the sensitive nature of the investigation. Further disclosures are expected as forensic reports and additional evidence become available. 3 more booked, mother of accused had lost election Our Correspondent Dasuya, June 5 The police have registered a case against Kamalpreet Singh, alias Happy, son of an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, and three others in connection with an alleged murderous assault on Bhulla Rana, husband of newly elected Congress councillor Charanjit Kaur of Ward No. 7 in Dasuya. According to the complainant, the attack was the result of political rivalry following the recent Municipal Council elections. Kamalpreet’s mother Rajinder Kaur had contested the election from the same ward as an AAP candidate but was defeated. In his statement to the police, AAP, SAD start naming halqa in-charges Deepkamal Kaur Tribune News Service Jalandhar, June 5 Even as the Assembly elections in Punjab are over six months away, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party has begun reshuffling halqa in-charges, replacing incumbents to improve prospects. Amid reports that around 30 halqa in-charges may be changed across the state, the exercise has started with two reserved seats in the Doaba region — Phagwara and Phillaur. From Phagwara, sitting Hoshiarpur MP Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal is set to contest the Assembly poll. A Ravidassia, he replaced Majhbi Sikh leader Harnoor Harji Mann about 10 days back. Dr Chabbewal has been given the charge of Phagwara well ahead of time so that he is able to work at the microlevel in the area and change the fortunes in favour of AAP . Here, Congress MLA Bal- winder S Dhaliwal has been two-time MLA. Just three days ago, AAP appointed Harjot Kaur Lohtia from Banga as halqa in-charge of Phillaur. She has replaced Principal Prem Kumar, who had unsuccessfully contested from Phillaur in 2022. Lohtia had contested from Banga in 2017. Since the party clearly intends to give ticket to Dr Sukwinder Kumar Sukhi, sitting Banga MLA, who switched from SAD to AAP it chose to shift , Lohtia to Phillaur so that she gets suitable time to shed the outsider tag. In Phillaur, Lohtia has been daily raking up issues, including those of illegal sand mining. She has also been mobilising campaign against the rampant drug problem in the area. If made to contest, she will also be the first woman candidate to contest elections from Phillaur. Like AAP SAD too had for , the past two months been Bhulla Rana alleged that on the evening of June 1, he was returning home on his scooter when the accused intercepted him. He claimed that Kamalpreet and several associates assaulted him brutally and left him seriously injured before fleeing the scene. Residents rushed to the spot after hearing the cries for help, prompting the attackers to escape. Rana sustained multiple injuries in the attack and was initially given medical treatment before being referred to a private hospital in Jalandhar. Doctors later confirmed a fracture in his arm and he subsequently underwent surgery. Based on the victim’s statement recorded on June 3 and the medical examination Hoshiarpur woman loses life as tipper hits e-rickshaw Our Correspondent AAP leader Harjot Kaur Lohtia welcomed in Phillaur after her appointment as halqa in-charge. appointing its new halqa incharges in Doaba. It appointed Sukhdeep Singh Sukar from Nawanshahr, former Jalandhar MP Mahinder S Kaypee from Kartarpur and singer KS Makhan from Nakodar. The BSP too had recently appointed some halqa in-charges as Balwinder Kumar got the charge of Adampur. report, the police registered a case against Kamalpreet Singh and the other accused under various sections of the law. The complainant also alleged that the accused threatened to kill him during the assault. Police officials said the crime scene has been inspected and statements of witnesses are being recorded. The investigation has been entrusted to SI Balbir Singh. Further legal action will be taken on the basis of evidence and facts that emerge during the course of the investigation. The incident has triggered political reactions in the area, with the victim’s family alleging that the attack was motivated by postelection animosity. Hoshiarpur, June 5 A woman lost her life in a tragic road accident after a tipper hit the battery-operated rickshaw in which she was travelling. The Chabbewal police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the incident. According to a complaint lodged with the police by Raj Kumar, a resident of Mannan village, his aunt Surinder Kaur, wife of Ajit Singh and a resident of Chandeli, was travelling from Mahilpur to Hoshiarpur in a battery rickshaw. He stated that when the rickshaw reached near Chagra village, a tipper coming from behind allegedly struck the vehicle. The impact left Surinder Kaur seriously injured. Family members immediately rushed her to the Civil Hospital in Hoshiarpur for treatment. However, she succumbed to her injuries on the way to the hospital. After receiving information about the incident, officials from Chabbewal Police Station reached the spot and began an investigation. Based on the statement of the complainant, the police have registered a case and started further legal proceedings. The police said efforts are underway to ascertain the exact circumstances leading to the accident and appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the findings of the investigation. The untimely death of the woman has left her family and relatives in deep grief. Surjit Hockey Stadium set for major upgrade MP opens ~6.21 cr treated High-level meet reviews works | Departments told to finish project by mid-September Aakanksha N Bhardwaj Jalandhar, June 5 A high-level review meeting was held to assess preparations for the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in October. Senior officials from multiple departments, along with representatives of Hockey India, participated at the meeting to review the ongoing works and finalise arrangements for the prestigious international tournament. Among those present was Gurjant Singh, Extra Assistant Commissioner (Under Training) with the Sports Department, who described the meeting as comprehensive and detailed. He said officials from all departments concerned attended it and discussed the requirements necessary for the successful hosting of the event. District Sports Officer Gurpreet Singh said there was a discussion on the budget as well and a proper inspection was done ahead of the mega Is expected to benefit around 600 farmers in Jalandhar MATCH WITH PAK LIKELY ON NOV 1 Tribune News Service waste water irrigation project ■ Aam Aadmi Party Jalandhar Central constituency in-charge Nitin Kohli, along with representatives of Hockey Punjab, the Sports Department, PWD, and the Tournament Director from Hockey India, visited the stadium to review the progress of the ongoing development works (pic). ■ Kohli said six international teams, including Pakistan, will participate in the Asian Hockey Championship to be held in Jalandhar. In addition, the Punjab Government will soon launch a Punjab League Team and a Junior League Team for the development of hockey in the state. ■ He stated that work is underway to equip the stadium with top facilities at an estimated cost of around ?18 crore. He further said efforts are being made to organise a match between India and Pakistan on November 1, Punjab Day. To make this tournament memorable, the stadium is being given a modern and attractive look. ■ Kohli also said the opening and closing ceremonies of the league will be held in Mohali, while the remaining matches of the league will be played in Jalandhar. The construction work of the practice pitch outside the stadium is also progressing rapidly and will be completed soon. event. Officials from Hockey India had also presented a detailed report outlining the infrastructure and operational standards required for the tournament earlier. Based on these recommendations, various development works are being undertaken, including upgrades to the stadium infrastructure and lighting systems. The officials directed all departments to complete the required arrangements by mid-September to ensure the venue is prepared ahead of the championship. Known for producing some of India’s finest hockey players, Surjit Hockey Stadium will undergo extensive redevelopment to meet international standards. The upgrade plan includes the construction of an umpire room, broadcasting and production rooms, a media centre, VIP hall, the Chief Minister’s lounge, dining facilities, a medical room, goalkeeper storage facility, technical dugouts, modern changing rooms, and dedicated rest areas for players. The hostel on the premises, which is in a dilapidated con- dition, will also be renovated. At present, no players are residing in the facility due to poor living conditions. The rooms and washrooms are in severe disrepair, with peeling cement, broken windows and frequent bird intrusion. In addition, a new VIP parking facility and an upgraded sewerage system will be developed around the stadium complex. The road outside the stadium will also be recarpeted as part of the overall infrastructure improvement project. The stadium’s recently c m y b Tribune News Service installed floodlights will be replaced with high-mast lighting systems that conform to international specifications, ensuring the required lux levels and height standards for global television broadcasts and night matches. According to official sources, renovation work is expected to commence shortly. Tenders for the project have already been floated and are scheduled to be opened next week, paving the way for the timely execution of the upgrades ahead of the tournament. Jalandhar, June 5 Rajya Sabha member Balbir Singh Seechewal inaugurated a Rs 6.21 crore irrigation project designed to utilise 25 MLD (million litre per day) of treated waste water from the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at Basti Peer Daad for irrigating more than 550 hectares of agricultural land across four villages. The inauguration was done on World Environment Day. The project, developed under the Smart City scheme, is expected to benefit around 600 farmer households. Kartarpur MLA Balkar Singh and officials of the district administration were also present. Addressing a gathering, Seechewal said groundwater resources were depleting at an alarming rate, with 117 out of the state’s 150 blocks covering nearly 80 per cent of its geographical area already falling under the over-exploited category. He stressed the need to develop alternative surface water-based irrigation sources and maximise canal water use to combat the decline in groundwater levels. He further said as treated waste water is rich in nutrients, it can help reduce the requirement for fertilisers, lower farming input costs and enhance farmers income. Seechewal said the project would serve as an important step towards sustainable water management and help reduce dependence on groundwater for irrigation. He also warned that if current levels of water consumption continue, Punjab could face severe water scarcity and desertification over the next 20 to 25 years. He urged farmers to adopt diversified cropping patterns requiring less water and to embrace efficient irrigation techniques to safeguard water resources. MLA Balkar Singh said the treated water, which would otherwise have been discharged into drains, would now provide year-round irrigation to more than 550 hectares of farmland. He added that the project would also help reduce the state’s electricity subsidy burden by decreasing dependence on tubewells in the command area. He hailed farmers from Safipur, Chamiara, Gill and Gazipur villages for their cooperation in the successful completion of the project. Manpreet Singh, Divisional Soil Conservation Officer, said approximately 21 km of underground pipeline, comprising 14 inch and 10 inch diameter pipes, had been laid under the project, benefiting 550 hectares of agricultural land of 600 farmer households. Lupinder Kumar, Sub Divisional Soil Conservation Officer, proposed the vote of thanks.