05102026-ATR-01.qxd 04-10-2026 22:31 Page 1 c m y b Amritsar tribune FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY MAX 34°C | MIN 23°C YESTERDAY MAX 34°C | MIN 24°C CLOSE THE GAP BETWEEN POLICY, GROUND REALITY DILJIT DOSANJH’S AURA INDIA TOUR TO ROCK 7 CITIES JANHVI BRINGS DESI DRAMA TO BOF 500 GALA IN PARIS Ensure strict ear-tagging and transparency in disbursal of cow cess to local bodies, say residents. P3 Diljit Dosanjh is set to take his music to more Indian cities with the Aura India Tour 2026 in November and December. P4 Janhvi Kapoor brought Indian craftsmanship to the global fashion stage as she attended the BoF 500 Gala in Paris. P4 » » » SUNSET MONDAY 6.07 PM SUNRISE TUESDAY 6:23AM MONDAY | 5 OCTOBER 2026 | AMRITSAR Possible terror plot foiled; hand grenades, live cartridges seized Pawan K Jaiswar Tribune News Service related attack,” said the official, adding that the intended target had not yet been established and cautioned that the investigation was still at a preliminary stage. According to the police, Navjot and Sukhbir were classmates. Officials are examining the suspected overseas connection and the possible involvement of additional members of the network. Navjot, a Class V passout, worked as a truck driver and had no previous criminal case, though he was a drug addict and involved in the cross-border smuggling of small drug consignments, his hand in trafficking of sophisticated and lethal weapons has set the alarm bells ringing. Bhullar said foreignbased handlers frequently used intermediaries and separate modules to conceal identities and coordinate the movement of weapons and explosives. They are also examining whether the recovery is linked to the confiscation of an AK 47, an AK 56 and around 10 kg of heroin around five days ago. Amritsar, October 4 Claiming to have foiled a potential terror plot, the Amritsar rural police arrested a truck driver and recovered an AK-47 rifle, two hand grenades and nine live cartridges from him in the Gharinda area here. Identified as Navjot Singh (28), a resident of Cheema Khurd village in Tarn Taran district, the accused was arrested on September 30 following an operation, said IG, Border Range, Gurpreet Singh Bhullar. A mobile phone and a motorcycle were also recovered from him. He was reportedly promised Rs 50,000 for picking up the consignment and then delivering it. But got nothing, the police said. During preliminary questioning, Navjot allegedly told the police that he was in contact with Sukhbir Singh, a Dubai-based handler, who allegedly arranged consignments of illegal arms and explosives. The consignments were allegedly further supplied to another person after receiving instructions and his live location for a target- 36,360 metric tonne paddy reaches mandis Charanjit Singh Teja Tribune News Service Amritsar, October 4 The Maqboolpura police have booked district Congress (urban) president Saurabh Madan, alias Mithu, for allegedly entering the house of party leader Shivani Sharma, assaulting her and vandalising the property. An FIR was registered against him on Saturday night, the police said. According to the complainant, Madan arrived at her residence in New Amritsar on Saturday afternoon in a car. He wasaccompaniedbyhisgunman. She said her daughter told her that Saurabh Madan was at the door. When she went outside to meet him, he allegedly began abusing her and threatened to kill her. She alleged that when she objected, he assaulted her, entered the house and damaged the property. Aftertheincident, Madan Saurabh Madan fled the spot in his car along with his gunman, she alleged.The police have started a probe. Madan, however, claimed that he had monetary dispute with her and denied all allegations. Police personnel during a checking drive in Pathankot. Better road infra: A dream too good to come true, say locals as pleas remain unheard Tribune News Service District Cong (urban) chief booked for trespass IG, Border Range, Gurpreet Singh Bhullar (second from right), along with other officials, briefs the media about the seizure in Amritsar on Sunday. PHOTO: VISHAL KUMAR IN CONTACT WITH DUBAI-BASED HANDLER; COPS TRACKING OTHER MEMBERS ■ Identified as Navjot Singh (28), a resident of ■ During preliminary questioning, Navjot allegedly told Cheema Khurd village in Tarn Taran district, the accused was arrested on September 30 following an operation, said IG, Border Range, Gurpreet Singh Bhullar. A mobile phone and a motorcycle were also recovered from him. ■ He was reportedly promised ~50,000 for picking up the consignment and then delivering it. But got nothing, the police said. the police that he was in contact with Sukhbir Singh, a Dubai-based handler, who allegedly arranged consignments of illegal arms and explosives. ■ Navjot and Sukhbir were classmates. Officials are examining the suspected overseas connection and the possible involvement of additional members of the network. Also, any links to previous seizures is being established. ed attack in the neighrouring district, the IG added. “We are probing whether the recovered weapons were intended for a specific target or a planned terror- Tribune News Service Amritsar, October 4 As procurement picks up, a total of 36,360 metric tonnes of paddy arrived in district mandis, of which, 35,766 metric tonnes was procured till the evening of October 3. Deputy Commissioner Dalwinderjit Singh said 18,655 metric tonnes of paddy arrived in the district mandis on October 3, of which, 18,471 metric tonnes was procured by various government agencies. He said the government procurement rate for paddy had been fixed at Rs 2,461 per quintal. Of the total procurement so far, PUNGRAIN procured 14,963 metric tonnes, Markfed 13,839 metric tonnes, PUNSUP 2,703 metric tonnes and Punjab State Warehousing Corporation Procurement rate for paddy had been fixed at ~2,461 per quintal (PSWC) 4,261 metric tonnes. The Deputy Commissioner added that the lifting of procured paddy had also commenced, with a total of 3,574 metric tonnes lifted so far. This includes 627 metric tonnes lifted by PUNGRAIN, 2,137 metric tonnes by Markfed, 445 metric tonnes by PUNSUP and 365 metric tonnes by PSWC. The district administration has made all necessary arrangements in mandis for the convenience of farmers. The officials concerned are being issued regular directions to ensure smooth and timely completion of procurement, lifting and payment. The Deputy Commissioner appealed to farmers to follow the prescribed quality parameters, while bringing their produce to the district grain markets. Amritsar, October 4 Another part of the city, but the story is the same. Residents of Imperial City are in the same boat as others when it comes to better road infrastructure. They say the civic authorities after digging up roads for laying sewer pipes forgot to get those repaired. The work was undertaken under the Punjab Rural Water and Sanitation Sector Improvement Project for the installation of a borewell, a water tank and a pipeline, said Sukhwinder Singh Arora, a resident. “Once the work was over, the authorities did not task anybody with the road repair work,” he added. He said the roads were in a good condition before the work was started. Another resident said they had repeatedly approached the Chief Minister’s office and also mailed their complaints to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Grievances were also aired on the state government’s helplines. The CMO forwarded the complaints to senior officials, A damaged road in Imperial City, Amritsar. PROPOSAL TURNED DOWN DUE TO FUND CRUNCH ■ The residents said civic officials visited the colony, saying around ~1.25 crore would be required for the reconstruction of the main roads. ■A proposal was prepared and sent to the government only to be turned down later due to fund shortage. including the Amritsar Deputy Commissioner, but nothing concrete happened. The residents said civic officials visited the colony, saying around Rs 1.25 crore would be required for the reconstruction of the main roads. A proposal was prepared and sent to the government only to be turned down later due to fund shortage. They alleged that another official had assured them of arranging funds, but that too turned out to be a lie. The residents also raised questions over the jurisdiction of the colony. They said Local Bodies Department officials told them that Imperial City did not fall under the Municipal Corporation. The former disputed the claim, saying during a special camp organised by the department last year, they had deposited property tax and sewerage tax for nearly 12 years in one go. “If the colony does not fall under the Municipal Corporation, why were we taxed?” they asked. Following which, the officials concerned reportedly assured them of looking into the matter. The authorities were willing to spend public money on road work in established areas, while basic infrastructure in colonies such as Imperial City was being ignored, the residents said. They demanded that the Punjab Government and the district administration immediately clarify the colony’s civic jurisdiction, release funds and restore the damaged roads. They warned of an agitation if the issue was not resolved. 150 cops comb drug hotspots, arrest two Ravi Dhaliwal Tribune News Service Pathankot, October 4 The police on Sunday arrested two persons during a cordon and search operation (CASO) launched as part of the state government’s “Yudh Nashiyan Virudh” initiative. Led by SSP Manpreet Singh, police personnel identified various drug “hotspots” and searched those. At Lamini, a hamlet on the outskirts of the town, several places were raided. Two FIRs were also registered during the drive. For the operation, the SSP constituted a team of 150 personnel, including an SP two , DPSs and six SHOs. The SSP said, “The operation was carried out as part of the ongoing efforts to curb drug related activities and Indian women’s hockey team’s member Baljit Kaur being felicitated at her naitive village, Kakka Kandiala, in Tarn Taran. PHOTO BY WRITER Village breaks into celebrations as hockey star Baljit returns home Gurbaxpuri Tarn Taran, October 4 As it dawned, locals started making arrangements to welcome Baljit Kaur after the Indian women’s hockey team’s earned 1-0 win over China to bag the Asian gold medal after 44 years. As the young player reached her native village — Kakka Kandiala, friends and family broke into celebra- tions. Be it her coaches, villagers or those living nearby, all gathered to felicitate Baljit. MLA Harmeet Singh Sandhu said the Punjab Government had announced Rs 1 crore and a job as a token of appreciation. From a humble background, Baljit braved all obstacles to achieve her goal. Her father Lakhwinder Singh is a small vendor, mother a housemaker and Twin suicides: Between ifs and buts, a mind drowning in deep grief Neeraj Bagga Tribune News Service Amritsar, October 4 Twin suicides, panic and a trail of questions — the city has too much to deal with. First is the case of a 15-yearold girl, who died by suicide on September 29. In pain and grief, her father, Ashok Kumar (60), said his daughter was not outgoing and kept to herself. There were just two mobile phones in the family of five, said her father, who cycles miles every day to sell jalebi. In tears, the deceased’s mother said: “My daughter was always prim and prom. I do not understand what made her choose the noose.” The grieving mother has not eaten in days. She said the police refused to register a case, dashing the family’s last hope to at least know the reason behind their daughter’s death. The victim is survived by her two siblings and parents. On digging deep, it was learnt that the victim faced humiliation by teachers. She was among the four girls placed under suspension for a month. The second case is that of a 17-year-old girl, who allegedly took the extreme step on May 30 following “harassment” over school fee. The family of one of the suicide victims. c m y b strengthen police presence and enforcement in identified drug sensitive areas of the district. A 360-degree action was in evidence at the ground level. Addicts were also sent to rehabilitation centres as part of the drive.” An official said they were using the expertise of the cyber cell to track down narcotic suppliers. “We are also using human and technical intelligence to bust supply chains,” he added. The police are also forming mohalla committees in urban areas on the lines of village defence committees. “We are leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to wean away youngsters from the scourge. The results of our anti-drug drive will be visible after a few days,” said SSP Manpreet. The maternal aunt of the deceased said the latter consumed some poisonous substance on the evening of May 22, eight days before her death. The family said their daughter was “harassed” by the school staff, including the principal, for not able to clear the dues amounting to Rs 20,000. The suicides have shocked the city. Trying to figure out the state of mind of the teens, the correspondent approached Dr Rupam Dhillon, head, psychology department, Guru Nanak Dev University, who said suicide was generally reported as the third leading cause of death following accidental death and homicide in the 1524 age-group. “Digital media has enabled its users to do social comparison which deeply impacts them,” she underlined. Studies suggest that women were more likely to take the extreme step, linking it to depression and feelings of hopelessness. Another perspective states that there are individuals who commit suicide because they are not able to integrate into society. Such individuals are loners, with no social network to see them through the period of stress and hence have ideas of suicide. elder brother a cabbie. Baljit’s younger brother lives in Italy. Her father said he did everything possible to help Baljit achieve her dream, while her mother was in tears as villagers thronged their residence to congratulate Baljit. At a loss for words, her elder brother said Baljit had made them proud and inspired many others who aspired to be like her one day. Thieves break into shop, flee with gold Our Correspondent Tarn Taran, October 4 Thieves made away with jewellery worth Rs 50 lakh from a shop at Adda in Daburji village. They also destroyed the CCTV cameras while leaving. Shop owner Tarsem Singh said when he opened his shop, he found valuables missing. He estimated the loss at around Rs 50 lakh. A case under Sections 331 (4), 305, 3 (5) of the BNS has been registered.