03102026-JTR-01.qxd 02-10-2026 23:43 Page 1 c m y b Jalandhar tribune BJP MOURNS DEATH OF ACTIVIST AT HOME MINISTER’S RALLY AUTHOR SEEMA FETED FOR ENRICHING HINDI LITERATURE BIG B SUFFERS KNEE INJURY AT KAUN BANEGA CROREPATI 18 Home Minister Amir Shah’s rally in city on September 30 saw the tragic demise of BJP activist Rajneesh Sehgal. P2 Bilingual writer Seema Jain felicitated with the “Punjab Hindi Sahitya Ratna” honour by the Department of Hindi, GNDU.P3 Amitabh Bachchan recently revealed he suffered a knee injury while shooting for Kaun Banega Crorepati 18. P4 » » FORECAST MAINLY CLEAR SKY MAX 33°C | MIN 21°C YESTERDAY MAX 32°C | MIN 22°C SUNSET SATURDAY 6.10 PM SUNRISE SUNDAY 6.23 AM » SATURDAY | 3 OCTOBER 2026 | JALANDHAR HEALTH & WELLNESS The Tribune has started 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 MAN ARRESTED UNDER NDPS ACT Shahkot: The police have arrested a drug peddler on the charge of selling intoxicating tablets. Investigating Officer (IO) Varun Patiyal said 32 (loose) intoxicating tablets were recovered from the possession of the accused, identified as Vijay Kumar, a resident of New Employees Colony, Shahkot. The IO said a case under sections 22/61/85 of the NDPS Act was registered against the accused. OC SHAHKOT WOMAN DUPED OF ~3 LAKH Shahkot: The Jalandhar (rural) Cyber Crime police station has booked unidentified miscreants on the charge of duping a Shahkot woman of Rs 3 lakh. Manjit Kaur, a resident of Bagga village, complained to the police that the accused duped her online of Rs 3 lakh. Investigating Officer Gurjant Singh said a case was registered against unidentified accused after an inquiry. OC THREE BOOKED FOR MOLESTATION Nakodar: The Nakodar Sadar police have booked three villagers on the charge of outraging a woman’s modesty. Investigating Officer (IO) Paramjit Singh said the accused were identified as Veeru and Jassa, residents of Pati Takhar, Shankar village, and Lovely, a resident of Chak Kalan village. Lakhveer Singh, a resident of Kako Wal village in Ludhiana, complained to the police that the accused barged into his in-law’s house in Shankar village and forcibly tried to kidnap his brother-inlaw’s daughter and attacked him. The IO said a case was registered against the accused. OC Pargat in saddle, Congress AAP’s Sanghera stakes claim to Nakodar Assembly seat set to get a boost in Doaba Deepkamal Kaur Tribune News Service Deepkamal Kaur Tribune News Service Jalandhar, October 2 With the post of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) chief returning to the Doaba region after a gap of 16 years, Congress leaders in Jalandhar appear to be in a jubilant mood. The party, which had remained subdued for a long time due to internal factionalism, seems to have received a fresh boost. Pargat Singh is also expected to enjoy the support of a majority of Doaba-based leaders, including almost all MLAs and halqa in-charges. While he shares good relations with Kapurthala MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh, he is equally New PPCC president Pargat Singh. close to Bholath MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira. Similarly, if he enjoys cordial ties with Jalandhar North leader Bawa Henry, he also shares family relations with Shahkot MLA Hardev Singh Laddi Sherowalia. Having served as a Cabinet Minister during the tenure of former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, Pargat Singh is expected to have Channi’s backing as well. Channi’s support is considered significant, particularly as he is the MP from Jalandhar. A three-time MLA from Jalandhar Cantonment, Pargat Singh began his political career with the Shiromani Akali Dal. A hockey Olympian and a former Punjab Police officer who also served as Director Sports, he is considered an experienced hand with a strong understanding of political and administrative affairs. However, Pargat Singh was never on particularly good terms with former PPCC chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. About a year ago, Warring had visited him in an attempt to bridge differences during a rally, but relations between the two remained strained. Pargat Singh had strongly backed former MLA Bharat Bhushan Ashu during the Ludhiana West bypoll, while Warring was seen supporting a different camp. He was also reportedly upset after being denied the Congress ticket from the Anandpur Sahib Lok Sabha constituency in the 2024 polls. Many within party had been looking forward to a change in leadership. Rana Gurjeet Singh, who is learnt to be keen on bringing his son and Sultanpur Lodhi MLA Rana Inder Partap into the party fold, may now find the circumstances more favourable. Nakodar: The Nakodar city police have arrested a man on the charge of stealing a motorcycle. Investigating officer (IO) Rajindar Pal Singh said the accused was identified as Mohamad Najrudin, a resident of Mudh village. Baldev Singh, a resident of Nangal Jiwan village, complained to the police that the accused and his accomplice stole his motorcycle (bearing registration number PB-08 DW-4852) on September 30. The IO said a case was registered against the accused and his unidentified accomplice. OC PO ARRESTED AFTER 12 YEARS Nakodar: The Nakodar Sadar police have arrested a proclaimed offender (PO) absconding for the last 12 years. Investigating Officer (IO) Jiwan Singh said the accused was identified as Mandeep Singh, a resident of Sarai Kham village. He was wanted in a case of murder bid and firing registered in 2011 and was declared a PO in 2014, the IO said. OC AAP spokesperson Jagtar Singh Sanghera. sented by AAP MLA Inderjit Kaur Mann, and Sanghera’s post is being viewed as an attempt to challenge her position. While Sanghera did not respond to queries, Mann said, “Anyone in the AAP who feels he has worked hard for the party and has the potential to win an electoral battle has the Labourer found dead Chabbewal lays foundation stone of ~1-cr bridge in K’thala village fields Our Correspondent Our Correspondent Jalandhar, October 2 A 21-year-old labourer was found dead under mysterious circumstances at fields of Sidhwan Dona village in Kapurthala district, triggering concern in the area. Following information about the incident, the police from Kapurthala Sadar police station reached the spot, took the body into custody and initiated an investigation. The deceased has been identified as Shanbaz, 21, a resident of Sidhwan Dona village. According to his wife, Khushboo, Shanbaz worked as a daily-wage labourer. She said he left home the previous day, telling the family that he was going to attend a rally, but did not return throughout the night. The family was informed the following morning by a villager who reportedly found Shanbaz’s body lying in the fields. Khushboo had initially expressed suspicion that her husband may have been murdered. However, the police said during investigation, it emerged from her statement that Shanbaz was addicted to alcohol. The police are examining the possibility that excessive alcohol consumption may have contributed to his death. ASI Gurmeet Singh of Kapurthala Sadar police station, who is investigating the case, said the statement of the deceased’s wife had been recorded. He said the exact cause of death had not yet been confirmed. The police have initiated proceedings under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), corresponding to the earlier Section 174 of the CrPC, on the basis of the family member’s statement. The body was handed over to the family after a post-mortem examination on Friday. Phagwara, October 2 Member Parliament (MP) Raj Kumar Chabbewal laid the foundation stone of a 10metre single-span bridge over Bist Doab Canal near Kukowal village, close to Panshta village, to be constructed at a cost of Rs 1 crore .The project, being executed by the Punjab Mandi Board, would be completed within two months and provide improved connectivity and greater convenience to residents of the surrounding villages. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Chabbewal said the construction of the bridge would address the long-standing connectivity requirements of the local population and facilitate smoother movement for residents. He added that strengthening rural infrastructure and improving road connectivity remained important priorities to ensure greater convenience for people living in villages and the adjoining areas. MP Raj Kumar Chabbewal interacts with people near Panshta village in Phagwara. Providing details of other ongoing development initiatives, Chabbewal said the repair work on the Rawalpindi-Panchhat road had also commenced at a cost of Rs 82.8 lakh. Besides, the phirni in Panchhat village was being upgraded at an estimated cost of Rs 1.41 crore. These projects would improve road conditions, facilitate smoother movement and enhance connectivity for residents, com- Asiad bronze-winning sprinter gets hero’s welcome Aakanksha N Bhardwaj ONE HELD FOR STEALING BIKE Jalandhar, October 2 Former Jalandhar Improvement Trust (JIT) chairman and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) spokesperson Jagtar Singh Sanghera has stirred political circles by staking claim to the Nakodar Assembly seat for the next elections. Sanghera took to Facebook on Friday morning and posted a photograph of himself along with a message that read: “I will contest elections from the Nakodar Assembly seat. Punjab Legislative Assembly elections are expected to be held in February 2027 to elect all 117 members.” Nakodar is currently repre- Tribune News Service Jalandhar, October 2 Sprinter Gurindervir Singh received a rousing welcome at Adampur airport on returning home after winning a bronze medal in the 4x100m mixed relay at the Asian Games in Japan. After spending nearly a year away from home, an emotional Gurindervir was greeted by family members, friends and supporters who had gathered to welcome the athlete, who recently emerged as India’s fastest sprinter in the 100m event. Speaking to The Tribune, Gurindervir said he had stayed away from home with a single-minded focus of returning with a major international medal. “I had not come home since last year. I wanted to bring back a big medal for my family and only then return. Now, I have achieved that,” he said. The athlete is now looking forward to spending quality time with his family. He revealed that he had already planned his favourite food stops during the visit and had asked his mother to prepare “choori”, a traditional Punjabi dish. “I had already decided muters and other road users, he said. The construction of a bridge on the Sahni-Malikpur link road would also soon start as the government had released Rs 2.5 crore, he said. Making another significant announcement, Chabbewal said the Punjab Government had released Rs 3 crore for the construction of a bridge on the Nadalon-Panjoda in Chabbewal constituency with work expected to commence where I would eat. I had also asked my mother to make “choori” for me. At Delhi airport, I ate six “motichoor laddus”. I am excited to spend this entire week with my family,” he said. Recalling the medal-winning moment, Gurindervir said he was overwhelmed with emotion. “My hands were shaking. I was emotional. I had waited a long time for this day,” he said. The sprinter said the reception he received after setting the national record in the 100m was also unforgettable. Earlier this year, he clocked 10.09 seconds in the event, further cementing his status as India’s fastest sprinter. “After setting the national record with a timing of 10.09 seconds, I felt like a celebrity. I am grateful for c m y b all the love and support,” Gurindervir said. For Gurindervir, however, the Asian Games medal has made his homecoming even more special. After a year of intense training, competition and time away from his loved ones, he is eager to enjoy a week of celebrations, home-cooked food and cherished family moments. “I will never forget this day,” he said. Friend stabs man to death Our Correspondent Jalandhar, October 2 A man was allegedly stabbed to death by his friend following an argument while the two were drinking together. The deceased, identified as Davinder Singh of Guru Nanakpura in Jalandhar, was allegedly killed by his friend Varinder Singh, alias Roopi, who has been arrested by the Rama Mandi police. An FIR (No. 280) has been registered against the accused under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Sharing details, ACP (Central) Rajesh Thakur said initial claims suggested that Davinder had been murdered by a group of migrant labourers. However, the police investigation found these allegations to be false. According to the ACP Davin, der was last seen consuming alcohol with Roopi before the incident. He added that the police had obtained the accused’s remand from a local court for further investigation. Mid-day meal payment delays leave teachers, vendors in limbo Our Correspondent Gurindervir Singh with his parents and coach Happy (right) in a jubilant mood at the Adampur airport in Jalandhar. TRIBUNE PHOTO: MALKIAT SINGH soon. He said the proposed bridge would further strengthen connectivity in the area and provide greater convenience to residents, while supporting the movement of people and vehicles between adjoining villages. Chabbewal further said the Punjab Government was committed to transforming Phagwara into a developed city with modern infrastructure and improved civic amenities. right to stake claim for a ticket from the seat. It is up to the party leadership to decide on the candidature. If the party feels Sanghera is more suitable and winnable, it can field him.” Meanwhile, there has been speculation over meetings between AAP leaders and Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) leader Gurpartap Singh Wadala in the past. Some local AAP leaders believe that although Mann has remained active in the constituency, she has often found herself at odds with farmer leaders. Most recently, she was involved in a public spat with singer Romy Randhawa during a cultural programme at a village in Nakodar. Phagwara, October 2 Members of the Gazetted and Non-Gazetted SC/BC Employees Welfare Federation Punjab, Kapurthala unit, have raised concerns over the alleged delay in payment of cooking costs under the Mid-Day Meal Scheme. The federation has claimed that payments to vendors have remained pending since April 2026. Addressing the media, Kapurthala federation president and Punjab senior vice-president Satwant Toora, along with Manjit Gaat, Lakhvir Chand, Vinod Kumar, Balwinder Niddharak and Ashok Mool Niwasi, said the Mid-Day Meal Scheme was being implemented in government and government-aided schools for the benefit of students. However, they alleged that despite funds being shown as released to school accounts on several occasions, payments were not reaching the accounts of shopkeepers and other suppliers from whom essential items for prepar- ing meals were procured. The federation members said the delay had created resentment among teachers, particularly those entrusted with responsibility for managing the mid-day meal arrangements. They claimed that the procedure for utilising cooking-cost funds was changed from time to time, creating difficulties for school staff in making payments and managing ration supplies. According to Toora, in the absence of a separate readily available fund at the school level, teachers or mid-day meal in-charges were often compelled to arrange payments from their own pockets, while some vendors extended credit for a limited period. He alleged that prolonged delays in reimbursement were putting an additional financial burden on teachers and affecting their household budgets. The federation also claimed that budgets for cooking costs had at times been shown as allocated to schools and subsequently withdrawn or modified, adding to confusion among the school authorities. Federation members said such administrative complications could also divert teachers’ attention from their primary responsibility of teaching students. Toora appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains to streamline the payment mechanism and ensure timely release of funds. He suggested that schools should receive the required cooking-cost budget in advance, preferably for an entire academic year based on student enrolment, with school heads being authorised to make payments directly to vendors through appropriate banking channels. He said such a mechanism would enable schools to clear vendors’ bills promptly after receiving supplies and reduce the financial pressure on teachers as well as the dependence on credit from shopkeepers. Ram Pal, Gur Sevak, Jasvir Singh, Manjit Das, Balwinder Masih, Sohan Lal and Rashpal Singh were also present during the interaction with the media.