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P4 » » SUNSET MONDAY 7.38 PM SUNRISE TUESDAY 5.31 AM » MONDAY | 6 JULY 2026 | AMRITSAR Despite ban, daytime movement of heavy vehicles goes unchecked Pawan K Jaiswar FRIDAY’S MISHAP FLAGS POOR LAW ENFORCEMENT Tribune News Service Amritsar, July 5 The death of a 30-year-old scooter rider, allegedly crushed by a speeding sand-laden tipper truck on Sultanwind Road, has once again brought the spotlight on the unchecked movement of heavy commercial vehicles within the city despite restrictions on their daytime entry. Although the district administration has imposed restrictions on the movement of heavy vehicles, including trucks, tippers, dumpers and buses, during the peak daytime hours to ease congestion and reduce accidents, residents allege that such vehicles continue to ply freely on busy city roads with little fear of enforcement. Friday’s accident, in which Gursimran Singh (30), a resident of Drumma Wala Bazaar, was run over by a sand-laden tipper, has renewed concerns over the implementation of these restrictions. The victim’s grieving family alleged that stricter ■ Friday’s accident, in which The tipper truck, which was involved in the accident that led to the death of a youth in Amritsar recently. enforcement against violators could have prevented the tragedy. They questioned why heavy vehicles continue to enter densely populated areas during prohibited hours despite repeated accidents. Since January last year, nearly half a dozen fatal accidents involving heavy vehicles have been reported in the city. Yet, residents say neither the district administration nor the police have taken adequate steps to ensure strict compliance with the restrictions. Many blame the influential transport lobby for the lack of effective enforcement, irrespective of the party in power. Bhagwant Singh, a resident of Sultanwind Road, said overloaded vehicles carrying sand, construction material and other goods are a common sight on Sultanwind Road and the adjoining 100 Feet Road throughout the day. “The situation is no different on Tarn Taran Road, Chheharta Road and sever- Gursimran Singh (30), a resident of Drumma Wala Bazaar, was run over by a sand-laden tipper, has renewed concerns over the implementation of these restrictions. ■ The victim’s grieving family alleged that stricter enforcement against violators could have prevented the tragedy. They questioned why heavy vehicles continue to enter densely populated areas during prohibited hours despite repeated accidents. ■ Heavy vehicles continue to ply through city; fatal crash raises fresh questions al other major stretches of the city,” he said. Ajit Singh, another resident, said the presence of heavy vehicles on narrow urban roads not only leads to frequent traffic congestion but also poses a constant threat to two-wheeler riders, cyclists and pedestrians. He alleged that many such vehicles are driven at high speed despite heavy traffic. “Frankly speaking, CCTV camera-based traffic monitoring has failed to improve the city’s traffic scenario. Rules continue to be flouted with impunity. Most of the time, only two-wheeler riders or vehicles from other states are penalised to meet enforcement targets,” alleged Ravinder Sharma, a retired government employee. Traffic experts said restrictions on heavy vehicles were introduced to segregate oversized and slowmoving vehicles from peak-hour traffic and minimise the risk of accidents. However, weak enforcement has undermined the objective of these orders. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Amandeep Kaur said action was being taken against vehicles found violating traffic rules whenever they were detected. She said the investigation into Friday’s fatal accident was in progress and legal action would be initiated against the driver if negligence was established. She added that the police would ensure stricter enforcement of restrictions on the entry of heavy vehicles into the city. SGPC marks Akal Takht’s foundation day with religious ceremony in Amritsar Charanjit Singh Teja Tribune News Service Victim Ajaypal Singh Youth ends life; goldsmith, 3 others booked in Tarn Taran Our Correspondent Tarn Taran, July 5 A youngster, Ajaypal Singh (28), son of Satnam Singh of Patti, working at a goldsmith’s shop, consumed poisonous substance here on Sunday. He was rushed to a private hospital in the city, where he died during treatment. Before ending his life, the victim made a video of the goldsmith and his three associates, who allegedly forced him to die. Later the video went viral on social media. Sandeep Singh, brother of the victim, said that his brother Ajaypal Singh had been working at a renowned goldsmith’s shop in the city for the last 12 to 13 years. But when the victim wanted to leave the job, the goldsmith accused Ajaypal of stealing lakhs of rupees from his shop. Sandeep said that he had gone to the goldsmith and talked to him regarding the theft allegations, but the goldsmith and his associates continued to demand about Rs 15 lakh from his brother. The demand for such a hefty amount left his brother Ajaypal Singh mentally disturbed and he took the extreme step. SHO (Patti city) Inspector Baljit Singh said that a case has been registered against the four accused on the statement of the deceased man’s family members. Amritsar, July 5 The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Sunday observed the Foundation Day of Akal Takht with religious fervour and devotion at the temporal seat of the Sikhs in Amritsar. The commemorative programme was attended by SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami, acting Jathedar of Akal Takht and Jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib Giani Tek Singh and other prominent Sikh personalities. The ceremony began with the bhog of Sri Akhand Path Sahib, followed by Gurbani kirtan by the Hazoori Ragi jatha. Giani Rajdeep Singh, granthi of Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib, shared the historical significance of the establishment of Akal Takht with the congregation. Devotees during a prayer on the occassion of the foundation day of Akal Takht in Amritsar on Sunday. Addressing the gathering, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj extended greetings to the Sikh community on the foundation day of Akal Takht. He said that the sixth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib, established Akal Takht to uphold truth, justice and righteousness, making it clear that whenever worldly powers fail to deliver justice, the Guru’s Takht would remain the supreme centre for safeguarding human rights and justice. He said history bears witness that rulers who challenged the supremacy of Akal Takht eventually faded away, while the institution has continued to stand firm and will remain steadfast in the future. He urged every Sikh to uphold the dignity, supremacy and directives of Akal Takht with complete faith and commitment. Referring to contemporary challenges facing the Sikh community, the acting Jathedar said the Panth’s strength lies in remaining united under the guidance of Akal Takht. He also called upon the community to actively combat the growing menace of drug abuse by connecting the younger generation with Gurbani, Naam Simran, selfless service and Sikh values. He said youth rooted in the Guru’s teachings would remain free from all forms of addiction. Appealing for unity, Giani Gargaj urged the congregation to reaffirm their commitment to preserving the supremacy of Akal Takht while working collectively for the progress of the Khalsa Panth through Gurmat principles, discipline and solidarity. Among those present were Akal Takht head granthi Giani Gurmukh Singh, SGPC members, senior office-bearers and officials of the SGPC and Sri Harmandir Sahib, besides a large number of devotees. Two operatives of gangster Jaurian held after encounter Tribune News Service A dedicated sub-centre at the ITI (Women), Beri Gate, in the Amritsar Central Assembly constituency. Special voter revision gains pace across dist Tribune News Service Amritsar, July 5 The district administration has intensified the door-to-door verification of voters across the city as part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), with over 2,100 Booth-Level Officers (BLOs) visiting households to ensure that every eligible citizen is enrolled ahead of the publication of the revised electoral rolls. “A total of 2,134 BLOs are visiting households across the district to distribute enumeration forms and assist voters in filling them,” said Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer Dalwinderjit Singh. To oversee the campaign, the administration has deployed 11 Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), 22 Assistant EROs, 110 Additional Assistant EROs and 213 Sector Officers across the district’s 11 Assembly constituencies. The District Election Officer said the rationalisation of polling stations would be completed by July 24, while the draft electoral rolls would be published on August 3. Claims and objections can be filed between August 3 and September 2, and these will be disposed of by September 28. The final electoral rolls are scheduled to be published on October 1. He said the administration was committed to ensuring that no eligible voter was left out of the electoral rolls and that no ineligible person was included. As part of field monitoring, continued on page 2 Amritsar, July 5 The Amritsar Rural Police on Sunday busted a module allegedly linked to foreignbased gangster Nishan Jaurian, arresting two of his associates after a brief exchange of fire near Ajnala. Acting on a secret tip-off, a police team intercepted an SUV near the Gujja Peer canal in Ajnala. The police said one of the accused, identified as Sukhraj Singh, alias Harry, a resident of Kotli Surat Malhi in Batala, allegedly opened fire on the police team in an attempt to escape. Police officials said the team retaliated, during which Sukhraj sustained a bullet injury to his left leg. He was immediately shifted to the Civil Hospital, Ajnala, for treatment. The second accused, Arjun Sharma, a resident of Dalerpur village under the Kalanaur police station in Gurdaspur, was arrested from the spot. The police recovered a .30 bore pistol, two live cartridges, three empty cartridge shells, two mobile phones and the Mahindra continued on page 2 Bhullar urges youth to stay away from cross-border smuggling Tribune News Service Amritsar, July 5 Behind every cross-border smuggling case involving a youngster lays a family burdened with years of legal battles. This was stated by Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, who urged the youth not to fall prey to false promises of drug and weapon smugglers operating from across the border. In a video message circulated on various social media platforms, he expressed concern over the increasing involvement of juveniles in cross-border smuggling. He said more than 50 minors have been found involved in such cases in the recent past. He said antinational elements and their local operatives deliberately target impressionable youngsters, luring them with promises of quick money and even the prospect of being sent abroad. “The reality is starkly different,” Bhullar said, adding that OVER 50 MINORS FOUND INVOLVED IN CRIME Gurpreet Singh Bhullar not a single youngster arrested in such cases received the money they had been promised or was helped to settle abroad. Instead, they were left to face criminal prosecution, while the masterminds remained behind the scenes. “The price these youngsters eventually pay is far higher than any promised reward,” he said. Families often spend lakhs of rupees on legal battles, while parents are forced to make endless rounds of police stations and courts in a desperate attempt to secure relief for their children. The emotional trauma, social stigma and uncertainty over the In a video message circulated on various social media platforms, he expressed concern over the increasing involvement of juveniles in crossborder smuggling. He said more than 50 minors havd been found involved in such cases in the recent past. future leave lasting scars on entire families. Appealing to parents to remain vigilant, Bhullar urged them to monitor their children’s activities, company and online interactions. He said timely guidance at home and awareness in society could prevent youngsters from becoming easy targets for cross-border smuggling networks. He also reiterated the Punjab Police stance to dismantle such networks and urged citizens to report any suspicious activity, saying public cooperation remains a key weapon in the fight against cross-border crime. ‘Nanji’ beloved tea stall owner Tarn Taran’s flood-hit families still homeless, , outside Khalsa College, dies at 83 await relief: Anti-Dalit Dastan Movement Charanjit Singh Teja Tribune News Service Amritsar, July 5 Niranjan Singh, fondly known as “Nanji” among generations of students of Khalsa College, Amritsar, passed away here on Saturday evening. He was around 83 years old. “Nanji” was far more than a tea seller. Seated quietly at his modest tea stall outside the college gates, he became a familiar and comforting presence, witnessing the dreams, struggles, friendships and journeys of countless young men and women over more than five decades. Soft-spoken and humble, WORKED UNTIL HIS FINAL DAYS ■ For more than five decades, Niranjan Singh ran the popular ‘Niranjan Tea Stall’, known for serving tea, samosas and omelettes. His stall became a landmark for thousands of students, scholars and visitors over the years. ■ Despite his advancing age, Niranjan Singh continued to work at his tea stall until his final days. Niranjan Singh earned a special place in the hearts of students with his kindness and dignity. He understood the hardships faced by many who came from modest rural backgrounds. “If a student forgot to pay for a cup of tea, he would never call them back or embar- rass them. Respect for others was one of his guiding principles,” said Nirankar Singh, an alumnus of Khalsa College now residing in Australia. His popularity was such that he once remarked that his shop consumed nearly 2 continued on page 2 c m y b Gurbaxpuri Tarn Taran, July 5 Ranjit Singh Shakri, state president of the Anti-Dalit Dastan Movement, has condemned the Punjab Government for allegedly failing to provide compensation to people whose houses were damaged during last year’s floods. He demanded that the affected families be compensated without further delay. Addressing the media here on Sunday, Shakri said the floods had wreaked havoc across the district, damaging farmers’ crops and destroying the houses of several poor families. He said that Members of the Anti-Dalit Dastan Movement submit a memorandum to officials in Tarn Taran. PHOTO: GURBAXPURI during the crisis, the government, particularly Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, had announced compensation for those whose houses had collapsed. He alleged that despite the Chief Minister’s announce- ment, no government official visited the affected areas to assess the damage or collect details of the collapsed houses. This, he said, had left the affected families disappointed and angry with the government. Shakri said that as no action was initiated by the authorities, members of the organisation conducted their own survey and documented 331 cases of collapsed houses across the district. He further alleged that when they attempted to submit a collective representation on behalf of the 331 affected families, the district authorities initially refused to accept their applications. Following a protest, they were finally able to submit the applications to the District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO) on January 6, 2026. He said that despite the passage of nearly six months, continued on page 2