11052025-LT-01.qxd 5/11/2025 12:28 AM Page 1 c m y b Ludhiana tribune PROBE ON AFTER SUSPECTED DRONE CRASH IN VILLAGE VINDU, MUKESH RISHI PRAISE GOVT, INDIAN ARMY SINGER SHREYA GHOSHAL’S CONCERT PUT ON HOLD A suspected drone or missile crash led to a loud explosion and fire at Khalyaan village near Phagwara. P3 Actor Vindu shared, “Operation Sindoor has touched our hearts. Army personnel, our Navy deserve salutes.” P4 Singer has decided to postpone her Mumbai show amid tensions between India and Pakistan. P4 » » FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY MAX 37°C | MIN 24°C YESTERDAY MAX 36°C | MIN 24°C SUNSET SUNDAY 7.06 PM SUNRISE MONDAY 5:32 AM » SUNDAY | 11 MAY 2025 | LUDHIANA Short-lived relief amid tensions Shivani Bhakoo Tribune News Service Ludhiana, May 10 As soon as reports of ceasefire between India and Pakistan being violated came around 8 pm tonight, there was utter confusion and shock among residents in the city. Phones started ringing again and TV sets were switched on to watch news to know the development. The residents were shocked to know that there were ceasefire violations by Pakistan. Earlier, when the news of “ceasefire” between India and Pakistan hit social media platforms around 5:10 pm, residents have started CEASEFIRE VIOLATION CAUSES CONFUSION As soon as reports of ceasefire being violated came around 8 pm, there was utter confusion and shock among residents in the city. Phones started ringing again and TV sets were switched on to watch news to know the development. While many residents started saying that India must not trust Pakistan and that the Indian Army should stay on high alert. The residents were shocked to know that there were ceasefire violations by Pakistan. exchanging messages, congratulating each other. Happiness writ large on the faces of residents as it was announced that both nations agreed to military ceasefire. The social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, were flooded with messages to welcome the development. Within no time, memes were made, highlighting US President Donald Trump as a “hero” and “mediator” between the two countries. The residents alleged that India had taught the neighbouring country a lesson. An Octogenarian, Savita, said she welcomed the move of both countries. “We are at the fag end of our lives and never wanted our peace to be hit. The past few days were scary and terrible for old people like us. I thank both countries as bloodshed will bring nothing but sorrow,” she said. At the same time, homemakers were seen messaging each other to hold “gettogethers”, which were postponed due to the war-like situation. Hotel and restaurant owners have welcomed the move as there were losses due to the poor footfall of visitors. Punjab Pradesh Beopar Mandal General Secretary Ayush Aggarwal hailed the decision, stating that it was for the bet- Four nabbed in snatching, drug smuggling incidents terment of both countries. At the same time, many residents believe that India had come out as a “responsible country with zero tolerance against terrorism”. Rakesh Kumar, a bank employee, said a loud and clear message had been conveyed to the neighbouring country that they should stop providing shelter to terrorists. “But innocent lives in both countries will be saved now,” he said. Expressing satisfaction over the peace between both countries, many migrants, who were panicky to go to native places, have decided to stay back. Police officials address mediapersons in Ludhiana on Saturday. PHOTO: INDERJEET VERMA Ludhiana, May 10 The Salem Tabri police claimed to have nabbed two snatchers and two drug smugglers in separate incidents and arrested four persons. ADCP Sameer Verma, ACP Davinder Chaudhary and Salem Tabri SHO addressed a press conference in this regard. In the first case, two persons, Sumit of Jawala Singh Nagar and Jaswinder Singh Jassi of Naveen Nagar, were arrested by the Salem Tabri police and two Honda Activa scooters, one motorcycle, four mobile phones and one dagger were seized from the suspects. Vehicles were stolen by the Migrants return to native places amid uncertainty Ashu condemns GST raids Ludhiana, May 10 Punjab Congress working president and party candidate for the Ludhiana West Assembly bypoll Bharat Bhushan Ashu on Saturday condemned alleged raids by the GST Department on traders in the city when the country was at war with Pakistan. In a statement, Ashu said he had been approached by traders, who said GST officials were conducting raids.There could not be a worse time than this for such punitive action. — TNS Several migrants were spotted walking to catch their trains at the railway station in Ludhiana on Saturday. TRIBUNE PHOTOS: HIMANSHU MAHAJAN Nikhil Bhardwaj Tribune News Service Ludhiana, May 10 Amid the ongoing war-like situation in the country, migrants were seen rushing to their native places in UP , Bihar and other states in large numbers. For the past two days, the railway stations at Ludhiana and Dhandari Kalan witnessed a number of migrants. Most trains, including the Amarpali and Dibrugarh expresses, ran on full capacity. A visit to the railway station revealed how hundreds of migrants were present on each platform, waiting for their respective trains. However, after the ceasefire announcement residents and migrants alike breathed a sigh of relief. There was hope that the migration would stop immediately. Industrialists welcomed the move as they were facing labour shortages which was affecting business. Lalit Kumar, a native of Bihar, said the war had him scared because his children and wife were alone in Bihar. Till the time the situation persists, he said he would live with his family. He promised to return to work once things were calmer. “I am a factory worker and the sole bread winner in the family. I didn’t want to leave my work but my family forced me to return,” added Lalit. Another UP-based migrant Amit Prasad, who was waiting for his train at the city railway station, said due to the ongoing war, the factory he worked at had stopped production for a while, hence he had no option than to return to his family. Notably, on Satuday the Railway Department rescheduled, cancelled and short-terminated many trains but after the ceasefire announcement these services were resumed. Continued on page 2 2 youths detained for posting Man nabbed for posing as cop fake videos on social media Tribune News Service Ludhiana, May 10 The Ludhiana police on Friday arrested a man, Kulwinder Singh, for impersonating a police officer by wearing a police uniform and possessing fake identification cards, belt, boots and other police gear. Kulwinder, who had failed to secure a job in the police force despite his aspirations, had tailored the Tribune News Service Ludhiana, May 10 To curb the spread of misinformation on social media amid the prevailing circumstances, the Ludhiana Commissionerate Police detained two youths on Saturday for circulating fake videos on various social media platforms. The videos caused unwarranted panic among the public. The duo had posted videos on social media claiming missile attack at some place in Ludhiana and a major fire in a private school. During a press conference, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rupinder Singh revealed that the detained individuals had shared the misleading videos from their personal social media accounts. The Ludhiana police’s social media cell launched an investigation after receiving reports of the videos, leading to the detention of the two youths. The DCP said that the social media cell is conducting an in-depth analysis of the suspects’ social media profiles to uncover any additional violations or related activities. Suspects in police net in Ludhiana on Saturday. HIMANSHU MAHAJAN Singh issued a strong warning to the public, urging them to refrain from creating, sharing or promoting fake videos and other forms of misleading content on social media. He emphasised that such actions not only disrupt public order but also undermine the district administration’s efforts to maintain safety and security. “Spreading misinformation is a serious offence and those found guilty will face stringent legal action as per the Ludhiana police’s zero-tolerance policy toward social media misuse,” Singh stated. To foster responsible online behaviour, the DCP appealed to citizens to verify the authenticity of information before sharing it, advising them to rely on credible and official sources. He underscored the importance of collective responsibility in supporting the authorities to uphold peace and communal harmony in the region. Singh also highlighted the proactive role of the Ludhiana police’s cybercrime unit and social media cell in monitoring online platforms and combating misinformation. For immediate assistance or to report suspicious content, Singh encouraged residents to contact the dedicated helpline at 78370-18500 or the emergency number 112. join the police force, which was not fulfilled. He had completed Class XII and had been eager to become a police officer. However, when he failed to achieve the goal, he resorted to impersonating a police officer. The police are investigating how Kulwinder obtained the fake ID card and who had assisted him in the same. The police have registered a case against the suspect. them and further investigation was on to bust the entire drug supply chain. Besides, the Police Division 3 also nabbed two snatchers, identified as Sukhwinder Singh Shinda of Meharban and Manish Kumar of Sundar Nagar Chowk. The police recovered one mobile phone and a Honda Activa scooter from the suspects. The SHO, Police Division 3, Aditya Sharma, said the police also nabbed a smuggler, Pardeep Kumar Babla, of Nirkari Kucha mohalla and recovered 15 gm of heroin from his possession. Cases were registered against the three suspects. — TNS Man opens fire at neighbour after argument, held Ludhiana, May 10 In a shocking incident on the intervening night of May 8 and 9, stopping a neighbour from abusing proved dear to a man as the former fired three bullets at the victim. The bullets hit the man’s shoulder and arm. He was identified as Nirmal Singh, a resident of Mullanpur. The police arrested the suspect, Jagdeep Singh of Mullanpur. Dakha DSP Varinder Singh Khosa said the suspect had been making a loud noise in the street and he was also abusing. When the victim stopped him from making noise and abusing, the latter brought his licensed gun and opened three fires at him. The victim suffered bullet injuries and was taken to a hospital. Though the man suffered critical bullet injuries, he was said to be out of danger. Khosa said the police recovered three empty bullet shells from the scene. The police arrested the suspect and a licensed revolver was also recovered from him. A case has been registered. — TNS The suspect in police custody in Ludhiana on Saturday. Wheat procurement drawing to a close in dist Tribune News Service Ludhiana, May 10 The procurement and lifting of wheat in Ludhiana district is drawing to a close as the mandi today had only few heaps of grain left. Ludhiana East has recorded the highest percentage of lifting in the state with 91.7 per cent produce being lifted. In Ludhiana West, 84.92 per cent was lifted till Thursday. In Ludhiana West, the total un-lifted produce is 51,670.82 MT and in the East, it is 28,498.25 MT. The total procurement by government agencies in Ludhiana East is 3,16,453.8 MT c m y b and in Ludhiana West, it is 3,25,627.22 MT. District Food and Supplies Officer (Ludhiana East) Shefali Chopra said that the lifting process is going on in full swing and payment was also being made to the farmers within the stipulated time. Harinder Singh, a farmer from Manuke village, said the procurement process this time went on smoothly and he received the payment as well. “I am relieved that my produce has been sold and I received the payment as there is a lot of tension going on between India and Pakistan,” he said. INDERJEET VERMA Nikhil Bhardwaj uniform and created the fake ID card to fulfil his desire to be a police officer. During interrogation, he revealed that he had previously worked as a security guard at a warehouse of LG company. He was apprehended in the Chand Nagar area while riding a motorcycle in the police uniform. The police investigation revealed that Kulwinder was motivated by his desire to suspects while mobile phones were snatched by them from city residents recently. A case on the charges of snatching and theft was registered against the suspects. In another incident, the police also nabbed two smugglers and recovered 100 gm of heroin from their possession. The suspects were identified as Manjit Singh Bali and Neeraj Arora Sethi from Chitti Colony. The police said during routine patrolling, the two pedestrians were stopped on suspicion for checking and during frisking, 100 gm of heroin was recovered from them. A case of drug smuggling was registered against Ludhiana East has recorded the highest percentage of lifting in the state with 91.7pc produce being lifted.