11082024-JTR-01.qxd 8/10/2024 10:50 PM Page 1 c m y b Jalandhar tribune BADMINTON: SAMRIDHI, JASMINE TO CLASH IN WOMEN’S FINALS MEETA PANDIT & RAM KUMAR LEFT MUSIC LOVERS IN AWE HACKED: ARJUN RAMPAL HAS FALLEN VICTIM TO A CYBER-ATTACK Shuttlers from across Jalandhar participated in the quarterfinal and semi-final matches organised by the Dist Badminton Assn.P2 Vocalist Meeta Pandit, from Gwalior Gharana, & tabla maestro Ram Kumar Mishra, from BanarasGharana,leftmusicloversinawe.P4 The actor took to Instagram on Saturday and revealed that his account on the social media platform ‘X’ was hacked. P4 » » » FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY MAX 34°C | MIN 27°C YESTERDAY MAX 35°C | MIN 27°C SUNSET SUNDAY 7.14 PM SUNRISE MONDAY 5:51 AM SUNDAY | 11 AUGUST 2024 | JALANDHAR Eight booked for assault, rioting Our Correspondent Phagwara, August 10 The Shahkot police have booked eight persons on the charges of assault, criminal intimidation and rioting. Investigating Officer (IO) Kewal Singh said three suspects had been arrested in this connection. He said they were identified as Rawal, Sheru and Preet, all residents of Pati Akalpur Malsian village. Yuvraj Singh, a resident of Pati Akalpur Malsian village, complained to the police that the suspects waylaid him and his brother and attacked them with weapons. He said the suspects injured and threatened them. The IO said a case under Sections 115(2) and 117(2) (voluntarily causing grievous hurt), 127(1) (wrongful confinement), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 190 (unlawful assembly and 191((3) (rioting) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita had been registered against the suspects and their unidentified accomplices. Drug network spanning UP, Jharkhand, Punjab busted, 3 held with 2kg opium Tribune News Service Jalandhar, August 10 In a significant operation against drug trafficking, the CIA team of Jalandhar (Rural) police successfully uncovered an inter-state opium racket, leading to the arrest of three individuals and seizure of 2 kg of opium from them. The arrested suspects have been identified as Usma Khan, from Atroli, Aligarh district, Uttar Pradesh, Junaid Ansari Ahmid, and Adarsh Kumar, both residents of Majh Gawan village, falling under the Bisarat Gang police station, Bareilly district, Uttar Pradesh. The suspects were arrested in the Lambra area, where the police intercepted them and recovered the contraband. While addressing mediapersons Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Jalandhar Three suspects arrested with contraband in custody of the CIA in Jalandhar on Saturday. (Rural), highlighted the concerted efforts of the police to curb drug smuggling in the region. The SSP said, “Special police teams have been constituted across all subdivisions of Jalandhar (Rural) under the supervision of gazetted-rank officers to intensify the crackdown on drug smugglers.” Acting on the information, a police team led by CIA Inspector Pushap Bali under the supervision of DSP (D) Lakhvir Singh laid nakas near Rampur Laliana on Lambra Road, the SSP said. The arrested suspects confessed to procuring opium from Jharkhand at a price of Rs 2,60,000 per kg with the intention of selling it further for Rs 3,00,000 to their clients. Upon its further sale, the suspects expected to earn Rs 7,000 each. An FIR No. 80 was registered on Friday under the NDPS Act at the Lambra police station against the three suspects, the SSP added. The SSP said this operation had exposed a crucial link between drug suppliers in Jharkhand and distributors in Uttar Pradesh, highlighting the inter-state drug trade. He said “The police are now focusing on uncovering the broader network involved in the illegal trade.” He said arrested individuals would be presented in court for seeking their police remand to further investigate the network. The focus would be on tracing both forward and backward links, with an aim of dismantling the entire supply chain and apprehending other key players involved in the illegal trade, the SSP said. Bizmen write to Gadkari, raise issue of deteriorating service lanes, infra Jalandhar, August 10 Industrialists from the Focal Point, home to over 200 industrial units, have raised serious concerns over the deteriorating condition of service lanes along the Jalandhar-Amritsar highway, particularly heading from the Focal Point to Lamba Pind Chowk. In a letter addressed to the Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, Nitin Gadkari, they have urged for immediate action to address the pressing issues that have made commuting in the area a daily ordeal. Industrialists highlighted the miserable state of service lanes, which had become almost unusable due to persistent waterlogging and complete collapse of the drainage system. “The accumulation of rainwater has turned lanes into a filthy mess, forcing the public to wade through the dirty PHOTO: SARABJIT SINGH Tribune News Service An e-vehicle overturns in a service lane along the Jalandhar-Amritsar highway near Pathankot Chowk. are embarrassed while escorting parties from other ❝Weand countries through such poorlyclients and businesslanes and roads states maintained service heading to the Focal Point. It’s humiliating to showcase our factories amidst potholed roads, non-functional streetlights and scattered garbage, where stray animals scavenge in groups. Rajan Sharda, AN INDUSTRIALIST ❞ water. The situation has become hazardous with daily accidents causing damage to vehicles,” the letter stated. The situation is further compounded by the narrow underpass that serves as the primary entry point of the Focal Point. Describing it as an “accident-prone area”, the letter urged the authorities to conduct a survey and consider expanding the underpass to facilitate the smooth movement of heavy traffic. “What was once a straightforward entry has now become a significant challenge for commuters, creating a hellish experience for everyone who uses this route,” industrialists lamented. Rajan Sharda, an industrialist, said they were embarrassed while escorting clients and business parties from other states and countries through such poorly maintained service lanes and roads heading to the Focal Point. “It’s humiliating to showcase our factories amidst potholed roads, non-functional streetlights and scattered garbage, where stray animals scavenge in groups,” he said. The letter also drew attention to the issue of encroachment along service lanes, with street vendors occupying significant portions of the area, further obstructing the traffic flow. Industrialists claimed that they had requested the municipal corporation to take swift action to remove these encroachments and restore lanes for their intended use, but to no avail. Besides these concerns, the letter pointed out that highway lights on the stretch were out of order, exacerbating the safety risks for commuters, especially during the night-time travel. “We appeal for immediate repair of the road and restoration of streetights to prevent mishaps. We have invested crores in establishing our units. Does the government now expects us to fund basic infrastructure improvements too,” industrialists said. 1 held for selling drugs A man dies after injecting powder Jalandhar, August 10 In a case related to death due to consumption of drug in Mehatpur on Thursday, the Jalandhar (Rural) police have apprehended a key suspect in this connection. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh said today after death of a 29year-old man an intensive investigation was launched. The deceased procured drugs from a toll plaza, the SSP said. The arrested suspect was identified as Jaswinder Singh, a resident of Beetla. Sukhwinder Kaur alias Goga, a resident of Gonaswal, was also named in the case. Sukhwinder Kaur sold drugs in Pakhowal village falling in Ludhiana district. Jaswinder and Sukhwinder Kaur were cousins. On August 8, Amritpal Singh Lovely (29), was found dead near a cremation ground at Pakhowal village. A syringe was found stuck in his arm. Hailing from Bangiwal Khurd village in Mehatpur, Amritpal’s elder brother Jagroop Singh had also died after a drug overdose two years ago in 2022. The SSP said an investigation was launched after a complaint was filed by Gagandeep Singh, cousin of deceased Amritpal. He said Amritpal had procured white powder from the suspects at the Mehatpur toll plaza. After injecting the substance, he died, the SSP said. An FIR No. 93 was registered in this regard on August 9 under Sections 105 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against the suspects at the Mehatpur police station. A police team led by SHO Mehatpur initiated an investigation and arrested the suspects. The SSP said, “Amritpal returned from Hazur Sahib a day before. His family disclosed that earlier he was admitted to a de-addiction centre. After returning from Hazur Sahib, he went to Pakhowal village with his friends. He bought drug at the Mehatpur toll plaza from the suspects.” The SSP said, “To elude law, both drug smugglers switch sides — operate from Jalandhar and Ludhiana by turns — whenever the police initiated action to curb the menace.” During preliminary investigation, the suspect admitted that they sold drugs to the victim. The police was conducting raids to arrest Sukhwinder Kaur, who was still at large, the SSP said. — TNS Man hangs himself after domestic quarrel Live streams suicide on social media Jalandhar, August 10 A tragic incident unfolded in Sudama Vihar on Friday when a 27-year-old man, identified as Goldy, took his own life by hanging himself from a ceiling fan at his home. The shocking act was broadcast live on his social media account, leaving viewers in a shock as the video quickly went viral. Goldy, originally from Uttar Pradesh, had been living in a rented house in Sudama Vihar with his wife. According to the police, the couple had an argument earlier in the day, after which Goldy’s wife left the house. Distressed by the situation, he decided to take his life. The video footage reveals the disturbing sequence of events, showing Goldy using a “dupatta” to tie a noose around the fan, standing on a stool and then hanging himself. In the video, he had also blamed his wife and in-laws for the mental harassment he was going through and accused them of forcing him to take the extreme step. Confirming details of the incident, Anu Paliyal, SHO, Division No. 7 police station, said Goldy’s family in UP had been informed about his death. The police were awaiting for their arrival to conduct a postmortem examination of the deceased, he said. On the basis of the family’s statement further proceedings would be initiated, the SHO added. — TNS MC to spend ~6.45 crore on laying No end to snatchings, thefts in city despite hike in sewer lines, beautification of parks surveillance, security ahead of Independence Day Proposals passed amid strong protest by Cong-led Opposition Hoshiarpur, August 10 The Hoshiarpur Municipal Corporation (MC) has passed proposals worth Rs 1,088.45 lakh for projects related to water supply, laying of sewer lines and beautification of parks. The proposals were passed in a chaotic meeting of the MC House held today amid strong show of resentment by the Congress-led Opposition. Municipal councillors belonging to the Opposition objected to the passing of various projects. They alleged that on behest of the local MLA and Cabinet Minister, the municipal corporation’s funds were being mis-utilised on laying of sewerage system in several colonies which were not within the civic body’s jurisdiction. They also gave a representation to the MC Commissioner opposing passing of resolutions from number 1 to 61. The representation contains the signatures of 19 municipal councillors. They boycotted today’s proceedings 3,600 STREETLIGHTS TO BE INSTALLED ■ ~6.45 crore to be spent on laying sewer lines and beautification of various parks in Hoshiarpur ■ 3,600 streetlights to be installed on priority basis in various wards of the city ■ Four hand-held fogging machines to be purchased at a cost of ~1.50 lakh ■ Fire brigade station to be shifted outside city to respond to firerelated emergencies ■ ~34.50 lakh to be spent on cleaning various sewer lines ■ 174 safai karamcharis and 38 sewermen working on contract basis to be regularised in the MC House. After the meeting, Mayor Surinder Kumar said in this meeting, proposals were passed to spend Rs 6.45 crore mainly for laying sewer lines and beautification of various parks of the city. Apart from this, approval was given to instal 3,600 streetlights on priority basis in various wards of the city, Kumar said. Purchase of four hand-held fogging machines at a cost of Rs 1.50 lakh was also approved to prevent the spread of dengue, he said. Besides, a decision was also taken to shift the fire brigade station outside the city to respond and provide resolution for fire incidents immediately, Kumar said. An expenditure of Rs 34.50 lakh was approved for cleaning of various sewer lines laid in the city to remove blockage, he said. The Mayor said the House, keeping in mind the principle of natural justice, had approved the proposal to regularise the services of 174 safai karamcharis and 38 sewermen, who were currently working under the MC on contract basis. The proposal was sent to the state government for its approval, Kumar said. — OC Avneet Kaur Tribune News Service Jalandhar, August 10 Despite heightened security measures and increased police patrolling ahead of the state-level Independence Day function, the city continues to grapple with a surge in thefts, snatchings and petty crimes. The increasing cases have compelled residents to raise question over the effectiveness of the security arrangements. Early this morning, a case of theft was reported from the busy Attari Bazaar, where thieves targeted Ganpati Jewellery Point (an artificial jewellery shop). The shop, which was locked the previous night, was found ransacked, with majority of valuables stolen. The entire incident was captured on the store’s CCTV camera footage, showing two thieves breaking into the shop under the cover of darkness. The shopkeeper, Kishor, was c m y b The police investigate about jewellery stolen from a shop at Attari Bazaar in Jalandhar on Saturday. alerted about the crime by a neighbouring shop owner who noticed the shop’s shutter partially open on Saturday morning around 7 am. Upon arriving at the spot, the shopkeeper found that majority of branded items had been cleaned out from the store. He immediately informed the police, which arrived promptly to investigate the theft. A police officer from the Division Number 3 police station confirmed that they had obtained the CCTV camera footage and were examining it for clues. On the basis of the shop owner’s statement, further proceedings would be initiated, he said. This incident is the latest in a series of crimes that plague Jalandhar in recent weeks, despite the authorities’ attempts to clamp down on the criminal activities. On Friday, a carpenter was robbed of Rs 40,000 near Basti Guzan and the same day, a vegetable vendor was targeted by some unidentified men, who took away his daily earning of Rs 4,000 by scaring him with sharp weapons. Not just this, recently a social activist, Sanjay Sehgal wrote to Arpit Shukla, ADGP Law and Order, Punjab, urg- ing him to direct the Jalandhar Police Commissioner (CP) to start a drive against crime cases which were not resolved and the suspects involved who were roaming freely. He said a number of vehicles were stolen daily in the jurisdiction of the Commissionerate Police. He said “cap gang” having tattoos mark on their arms was active. The gang members were captured in the footage of the CCTV cameras, but the police had failed to find clues about their activities. Sehgal further said that he lodged an FIR No. 79 at the Division Number 7 police station regarding a stolen vehicle and the suspect involved in the crime was identified through the footage of the CCTV cameras, but the police failed to arrest him. “Frustration among residents is growing with each passing day. Many shop owners have expressed concerns over the apparent ineffectiveness of the current security measures,” he said.