09102024-JTR-01.qxd 10/8/2024 10:22 PM Page 1 c m y b Jalandhar tribune BJP LEADERS OVERJOYED OVER HARYANA VICTORY MELODIOUS NOTES OF SINGER MONALI THAKUR OTT ALLOWS ACTORS TO LEND DEPTH TO THEIR CHARACTERS Express their happiness over the BJP's third consecutive victory in the Haryana Assembly elections. P2 One needs to evolve with changing trends in industry, but essence of music remains eternal, says Monali. P4 Sonakshi Sinha has done two OTT shows so far, a rustic Dahaad and a period drama Heeramandi. P4 » » FORECAST MAINLY CLEAR MAX 34°C | MIN 22°C YESTERDAY MAX 34°C | MIN 22°C SUNSET WEDNESDAY 6.02 PM SUNRISE THURSDAY 6:27 AM » WEDNESDAY | 9 OCTOBER 2024 | JALANDHAR INBRIEF MAN NABBED WITH 9 CARTRIDGES Phagwara: The police have arrested a person under the Arms Act and seized nine cartridges and a car bearing registration number PB-22S4348 from his possession on Monday night. The aaccused was identified as Jaspreet Singh, resident of Khajurala. OC PEDDLER HELD UNDER NDPS ACT Nurmahal: The Bilga Khas police have arrested a person on the charge of selling intoxicated tablets. Investigating officer Avtar Lal said 100 tablets (loose) were recovered from the possession of the accused Surinder Singh, alias Babu, a resident of Mao Sahib village. A case under the NDPS Act has been registered against the accused. OC DRUG ACCUSED PO ARRESTED Nakodar: The Mehatpur police have arrested a proclaimed offender (PO) who has been absconding since last year. The accused has been identified as Harjindar Singh, alias Shaily, a resident of Dharme Dian Chhana village. He was wanted in a case of drug peddling. The Nurmahal police arrested PO Akash of Gumtali village in a theft case. OC FEAR OF BREACH OF PEACE, 3 HELD Nurmahal: The Nurmahal police have arrested three persons for the apprehension of breach of the peace and tranquillity of an area. The accused have been identified as Gurdeep Singh of Mohalla Rangarran, Nurmahal, Sandeep Singh of Sunerr Kalan village and Surinder Pal Singh, a resident of Mehsampur village. OC Mann meets local leaders Jalandhar, October 8 Having reached Jalandhar last evening amid a flip-flop over the venue of Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann this morning met the local leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party. Mann reached here last evening and stayed at his residence at Royal Estate near Jalandhar Cantonment. His OSD Sukhbir Singh accompanied him. Among those who had gone to meet Mann this morning were Jalandhar Central MLA Raman Arora, Jalandhar Improvement Trust Chairman Jagtar S Sanghera, Chairman of the Punjab Safai Karamchari Commissioner Chandan Grewal, party leaders Rajwinder Thiara, Surinder Sodhi and Mangal Singh. The newly appointed minister Mohinder Bhagat was away to Chandigarh. DC Himanshu Aggarwal, Commissioner of Police Swapan Sharma and SSP Jalandhar , Rural, Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh too were at his place last evening and this morning. The Cabinet meeting venue confusion prevailed till last evening as it was earlier announced that the meeting would be held in the Conference Room of the PAP Complex in Jalandhar at 1 pm today. However, a revised order was passed by Chief Secretary Anurag Verma and the meeting venue was changed to CM’s residence in Chandigarh for 2 pm tomorrow. — TNS Arms smuggling gang busted, kingpin 2 ASIs found dead after juvenile arrested with 5 pistols, cartridges escapes custody Tribune News Service INT’L CONNECTION Jalandhar, October 8 The Jalandhar rural police have busted an inter-state illegal arms smuggling gang, arresting its kingpin and recovering five countrymade pistols. The operation, which targeted the illegal transportation of arms from Madhya Pradesh to Punjab, is set to curb the flow of illegal weapons into the region. The arrested accused has been identified as Sunil Kumar, alias Jeona, a resident of Mandiala village of Lohian in Jalandhar. SSP Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh said on October 2, the police received a specific information about a consignment of illegal weapons being delivered in the Lambra area. Following this, Inspector Pushp Bali, in-charge of the CIA staff, Jalandhar Rural, formed a special team. The police team, while patrolling the Puara Puli area, received information about Sunil Kumar’s presence at Adda Nijharan with the illegal weapons. Acting swiftly, the police conducted a raid and apprehended Sunil Kingpin Sunil’s network is linked to high-profile criminals operating from abroad, including Jagdeep Singh, alias Jagga Fukiwal, who is known for running an extortion racket from England, and Pawan Kumar, alias Pamma Powder. SSP Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh with officers during a press conference in Jalandhar on Tuesday. Kumar on the spot. During the search, one .32 bore pistol with a magazine and two rounds were recovered from Sunil Kumar’s possession, while three additional pistols and six rounds were found in his kit bag. In total, the police recovered five pistols and eight rounds of ammunition. An FIR has been registered at Lambra Police Station under Sections 29/54/59 of the Arms Act. Preliminary investigations revealed that Sunil had been involved in smuggling arms from Madhya Pradesh to Punjab, where they are sold at inflated prices. The accused, who was recently released on bail in a drug traf- ficking case, has a long history of criminal activity, including arms and drug-related offences. His network is linked to high-profile criminals operating from abroad, including Jagdeep Singh, alias Jagga Fukiwal, who is known for running an extortion racket from England, and Pawan Kumar, alias Pamma Powder. Sunil’s connections to international gangsters like Jagga Fukiwal and Pamma Powder, both linked to the notorious criminal Landa Harike, indicate a broader criminal network involving arms smuggling, drug trafficking and extortion. Investigations are ongoing to trace further links and to apprehend other members of this criminal syndicate. The accused will be produced in the local court and police remand will be sought to investigate his forward and backward links, including the procurement of arms and planned criminal activities. The search for other absconding members of the gang is ongoing and further recoveries are expected as the investigation deepens, said SSP Khakh. Initial probe points to suicide by officers Tribune News Service Jalandhar, October 8 Two ASIs, posted in Hoshiarpur district, were found dead after a juvenile escaped their custody near Adampur. Three ASIs had been deputed to take along two teenagers from Hoshiarpur Juvenile Home to Kapurthala court for hearing. They were on the way back when a 17-year-old boy escaped their custody. The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of the Jalandhar Rural Police. The escaped teenager was facing charges, including murder, criminal intimidation and conspiracy. The second accused of the same age is facing trial for gangrape and offences under the POCSO Act. While returning from the court hearing, one of the minors escaped near Adampur bus stand. Despite immediate pursuit by ASI Jiwan Lal and ASI Pritam Dass, the accused ran away. Subsequently, the Chariot horses run Special drive to curb drinking in public amok, injure two Police check 110 vehicles, issue Tribune News Service Jalandhar, October 8 A shocking incident unfolded at the Old Sabzi Mandi Chowk here this afternoon when two horses tied to a chariot went out of control, colliding with several vehicles, leaving two persons seriously injured. The chaotic scene saw one of the horses dead on the spot after hitting a car. Witnesses described the situation as panic-stricken, with bystanders scrambling for safety as the out-of-control horses wreaked havoc. One of the injured person is reported to be critical and is receiving treatment at a hospital. Prince, a witness, recounted how the chariot, with no rider, suddenly entered the crowded place, hitting people and vehicles indiscriminately. He said the chariot and horses were believed to belong to a local service provider, Happy Ghori Wala, though the owner was not present, and the cause of the horses’ loss of control remained unknown. Residents immediately informed the police, who are investigating the incident and trying to trace the horse owner. The police authorities are yet to determine the circumstances that led to the accident. 17 challans Tribune News Service Jalandhar, October 8 The Commissionerate Police conducted a special drive last night, targeting the illegal consumption of liquor in vehicles and public places at PPR Mall. The operation, led by ACP , Model Town, Sirivennela, took place between 8pm and 11pm and focused on enhancing public safety and maintaining law and order in the busy area. The drive, conducted by the SHO of Police Station Division No 7, was supported by the emergency response system The police conduct a drive to check drunken driving in Jalandhar. (ERS) team of the police. The team aimed to prevent the serving and consumption of alcohol inside vehicles and outside the ahatas (licensed outlets near wine shops), where such activities often spill into public areas, causing disturbances. The initiative was part of an ongoing effort by the police to address the rising concerns over public drinking and its potential impact on road safety and public peace. Police officers checked 110 vehicles during the operation, using breath analyzers to identify drivers under the influence of alcohol. As a result, 17 challans were issued for various violations. Six drivers were fined for driving under the influence of alcohol and four challans were issued to two-wheelers without number plates. In addition, four drivers were fined for using black films on car windows, which are illegal due to security concerns. Lastly, three challans were issued for triple riding on two-wheelers, a common but dangerous practice. “This drive is one of several initiatives by the Commissionerate Police to ensure public safety and reduce illegal activities around key commercial zones. With efforts like these, the police hope to check such violations and create a safer environment for the city’s residents”, said the ACP . Teenager facing charges of murder, criminal intimidation bodies of the two officers were discovered at Adampur Railway Station. Preliminary reports have suggested that they consumed a toxic substance. ASI Harjinder Singh, the third officer, retained the custody of the second accused during the incident and promptly informed the authorities about it. Senior Superintendent of Police, Jalandhar Rural, Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh, said upon receiving information about the incident, a police team, led by SHO, Adampur, under the supervision of DSP , Adampur, rushed to the spot and immediately launched a probe into the matter. A case has been registered against the escaped juvenile. A thorough investigation is underway and efforts are being made to apprehend the fugitive, said the SSP . 18 sarpanches elected unopposed PHAGWARA, OCTOBER 8 Sarpanches of 18 village panchayats, including 12 women, were elected unopposed in Phagwara. This was stated by Phagwara SDM Jashanjit Singh while talking to this correspondent here today. Those elected unanimously included Rajwinder Kaur has been elected sarpanch unopposed in village Dhadhe, Kulwant Kaur in village Dhanoli, Mamta Kaur in village Sikri, Amritpal Singh in village Pandori, Surinder Kaur in village Fatehgarh, Amarjit Singh in village Darveshpind, Balvir Kumar in village Tanda Baghana, Amarjit Kaur in village Gulabgarh. — OC Strike over, 1,656 MT paddy Wedding cancelled due to Covid-19, procured in district mandis court orders resort to refund ~2 lakh Avneet Kaur Aakanksha N Bhardwaj Tribune News Service Tribune News Service Jalandhar, October 8 The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Jalandhar, has ruled in favour of Bhavish Kalia, ordering a city-based marriage resort to refund Rs 2,00,000 along with interest after the cancellation of an event due to Covid-19 restrictions. The commission, led by Dr Harveen Bhardwaj, found the resort guilty of service deficiency by refusing to return the deposit despite the pandemic forcing the cancellation of the event. The dispute arose after Kalia booked Mandakini Farms in March 2020 for his daughter’s wedding, scheduled for November 20, 2020. An advance payment of Rs 2,00,000 was made to the resort. However, due to Covid, nationwide lockdown and restrictions were implemented by the central and state gov- Jalandhar, October 8 It was a different scene today at the main grain market here with rows of tractors, hustle bustle of farmers and heaps of paddy crop in the mandi. Since procurement of the paddy starts from October 1, due to arhtiyas’ strike, no lifting had been done, while some farmers were bringing their produce to mandis, others were avoiding harvesting their produce because of uncertainty. Today, more farmers were seen in the mandis. The grains were getting cleaned and were also put into the sacks. As much as 8739 MT of paddy arrival has been reported in the district mandis of which 1,656 MT of the crop has been procured. Today, 1,788 MT of paddy arrived. As per the information, 500 mt of paddy was procured from the main grain market. Workers busy in the grain market in Jalandhar. PHOTO SARABIT SINGH Yuvraj Singh, a farmer from Nussi, had brought paddy. “Finally, the strike is over and we could bring our produce. It was a long wait this time. Now, we will reap the paddy on rest of our field as well,” he said. Farmers, who had brought paddy in the mandis a few days ago, were also spending nights to guard their produce. A 72-year-old farmer Gurnam Singh spent three nights in mandis. “It was for the first time that I saw something like this happened,” he added. Nirangpur village farmer Hardev Singh said the moment the strike ended, the farmers started harvesting the paddy. “We were waiting for this moment. Now, hopefully everything will go smoothly,” he said. c m y b PAY WITHIN 45 DAYS, RESORT TOLD The consumer court awarded Bhavish Kalia Rs 15,000 as compensation for mental anguish and Rs 8,000 to cover litigation costs. The resort was directed to comply with the order within 45 days ernments, limiting the number of wedding attendees to 30. Kalia approached the resort in September 2020, requesting a refund due to the government’s restrictions, which made the original plan to host 800 guests impossible. However, the resort refused to return the deposit, leading Kalia to file a complaint with the Deputy Commissioner of Jalandhar in March 2021 and, thereafter, with the city police, but nothing helped. He then took the matter to the consumer court. During the hearing, Kalia’s counsel, advocate Sushant Kumar, argued that the resort’s refusal to refund the amount constituted negligence and unprofessionalism. He cited the government guidelines that had restricted large gatherings, making it impossible to hold the wedding as planned. The respondent resort contested the claim, arguing that the booking agreement explicitly stated that the deposit was non-refundable in case of cancellation. They further claimed that the complainant had been attempting to harass the resort by filing multiple complaints with the authorities. The resort also cited the government guidelines allowing weddings with up to 100 guests outside containment zones, arguing that the complainant could have proceeded with a smaller event. The court, however, found that the restrictions in place during the lockdown were sufficient grounds for Kalia to cancel the booking. The court emphasised that the pandemic was a “natural calamity” and that the safety of guests was paramount. The resort’s defence that the complainant could have gone ahead with a scaled-down wedding was dismissed, given that Kalia had already cancelled the event before the relaxation of guidelines, allowing a gathering of 100 people. In its ruling, the court held that the resort could not enforce a non-refundable clause in an extraordinary situation like the pandemic. The court concluded that there was a clear deficiency in service, ordering the resort to refund the Rs 2,00,000 deposit with 6 per cent interest from the date of booking. Additionally, the court awarded Kalia Rs 15,000 as compensation for mental anguish and Rs 8,000 to cover litigation costs. The resort was directed to comply with the order within 45 days.