05082025-JTR-01.qxd 04-08-2025 23:16 Page 1 c m y b Jalandhar tribune FARM WORKERS’ PROTEST OVER LAND POOLING GOVT SCHOOL PUPILS SHUN CHEATING DURING EXAMS DIFFICULT TO MAKE ANOTHER SHOLAY, SAYS HEMA MALINI A protest was held for more than two hours in front of minister Mohinder Bhagat’s house over policy. P2 A banner outside GGSSS, Sarih, reads, “School Sans Cheating — All students pledge that they will never cheat.”P3 The iconic film has completed 50 yearsof its release, marking a significant milestone in its cinematic journey. P4 » » » FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY MAX 33°C | MIN 26°C YESTERDAY MAX 33°C | MIN 27°C SUNSET TUESDAY 7.20 PM SUNRISE WEDNESDAY 5:47 AM TUESDAY | 5 AUGUST 2025 | JALANDHAR INBRIEF 2 TRAVEL AGENTS BOOKED FOR ~43 LAKH FRAUD Phagwara: The Shahkot police have booked two travel agents for allegedly duping a man of Rs 43 lakh on the pretext of sending his wife and son abroad. The accused have been identified as Dalar Singh of Fateh Jalal village in Jalandhar and Paramjit Singh of Bhago Arayin village in Kapurthala. Harjit Singh of Gurdaspur and presently residing at Malsian village had complained to the police that he had paid Rs 43 lakh to the accused for facilitating the migration of his wife and son to Canada. However, neither did they send them abroad, nor did they return the money. OC WOMAN HELD FOR ABETTING SUICIDE Phagwara: The Shahkot police have arrested a woman on the charge of abetting suicide. The accused has been identified as Sarabjit Kaur of Mohalla Simbal, Shahkot. Sukhjit Kaur, wife of the deceased Sukhwindar Singh, of Model Town, Shahkot, had complained to the police that her husband was working as a clerk in Indian Oversees Bank, Nakodar, and the accused Sarabjit Kaur took Rs 16.67 lakh on credit basis but refused to return the money. She said whenever they demanded money back, they were insulted, and this became a headache for her husband, who committed suicide on July 3, and wrote a suicide note blaming the accused for his death. oc BURGLARY BID AT KHANGURA Phagwara: A group of thieves attempted a burglary in a house in village Khangura on Sunday. According to resident Parmjeet Singh, the incident occurred around 3:30 am when he woke up to take his dog outside. He noticed six individuals standing inside the lobby of his house.The intruders reportedly gained entry by breaking through a grill and proceeded to ransack the house by forcing open cupboards and scattering household belongings. Fortunately, no loss has been reported so far. The police were immediately informed and a team reached the spot to examine the scene. OC MAN ARRESTED FOR MURDER BID Phagwara: The Shahkot police have arrested a miscreant on charge of attempted murder. The accused has been identified as Abhishek Gharu, alias Kirra, a resident of Kangana village. Akashdeep Singh, a resident of the same village, had complained to the police that the accused and his three other accomplices had attacked his brother Karandeep, intending to kill. OC TWO ARRESTED UNDER NDPS ACT Phagwara: The Bilga police have arrested a drug peddler on the charge of selling intoxicating tablets. As many as 75 intoxicating tablets were recovered from the possession of the accused Davinder Pal of Pati Mehanna Bilga village. The Nakodar Sadar police also arrested drug peddler Paramjit Kumar, alias Billa, with 23 tablets. oc Youth knifed to death Elected 6 months ago, Nadala Nagar Panchayat chief yet to assume charge near rehab centre Third murder in Jalandhar West in 3 weeks MLA Khaira slams govt for defying HC order Tribune News Service Tribune News Service Jalandhar, August 4 A 25-year-old youth of Basti Sheikh was stabbed to death outside a de-addiction centre near Babu Jagjeevan Ram Chowk here this afternoon. Victim Sachin was attacked using a knife by accused Shubham Kalyan over some old rivalry. The two had indulged in a physical fight even yesterday and the victim had reportedly even went to the Civil Hospital for getting a medico-legal report issued for the FIR. This afternoon, they again came across each other outside a de-addiction centre as both of them were reportedly addicts and were taking treatment for it. In a fit of rage, Kalyan took out his knife and stabbed Sachin, creating panic in the area. SHO Division No. 5 Sahil Chaudhary said, “We did not get the complaint regarding the previous day incident. We are on a hunt to nab the accused.” This is the third such fight of youths ending in a murder in Jalandhar West in the past three weeks. On July 14 night, a youth of Bhargo Camp Kapurthala, August 4 Six months since elections have been held for Nagar Panchayat, Nadala, elected president Baljit Kaur (representing the Congress) has still not been able to assume charge. Baljit Kaur, supported by local MLA Sukhpal Khaira, had even moved Punjab and Haryana High Court in this regard. Despite directives on July 24 to the Director, Local Bodies, to ensure the handing over of powers to Baljit Kaur in seven days, no action has been taken from the government even after 10 days have lapsed. Khaira has termed the delay in formal joining “wilful defiance of the judicial orders and obstruction of the democratic mandate of the people of Nadala”. The Nagar Panchayat polling had taken place on December 21 but the poll to elect its chief had been deferred on one ground or the other. The NP chief election finally was conducted on February 10. Despite a communication from the Executive Officer of the Nagar Panchayat on May 16 authorising Sachin, who was stabbed to death near Babu Jagjivan Ram Chowk, in Jalandhar on Monday. Varun was killed using sharpedged weapons while his two cousins were injured over a petty fight. Three youths had been booked in the case, of whom two had been arrested. On July 31, a fight had taken place at Ghah Mandi wherein 18-year-old youth Varun had been waylaid by some boys and stabbed to death near his house. The youth had even threw stones and bricks at the house of the victim before fleeing the spot. The incident had been captured on CCTV after which the arrests had been made. On repeated fights of youths leading to murders, the SHO said, “All three murder cases have been isolated cases. There is an issue of control of temperament among the youth and it is hard to ensure that they do not go haywire. Still we are trying to step up policing in the area”. Baljit Kaur, who had been elected as president of Nadala NP, has not been able to assume charge. her to take charge, Khaira noted that the handover had been obstructed without explanation, leaving the town without a functioning local governance. “This is not only a procedural lapse, but also a blatant and deliberate defiance of the judiciary,” he said. “The continued denial of office to an elected representative undermines not just democratic principles, but also the constitutional right of citizens to local self-governance,” Khaira said. “The silence and inaction from the Department of Local Government are unacceptable and raise serious questions about political interference,” he said. He further warned that such inaction amounts to contempt of court and could invite further judicial scruti- ny. “If the government continues to defy the court’s order, it must be held accountable in a court of law. I appeal to the High Court to consider taking suo motu cognizance of this matter to uphold the sanctity of its own rulings,” he said. Khaira emphasised, “The impasse has had a direct impact on the daily lives of Nadala residents. With no active Nagar Panchayat leadership in place, civic services have stalled, developmental projects remain on hold, and the local administration is virtually paralysed,” Khaira added. Calling for immediate action, the Congress MLA demanded that the government should implement the High Court’s directive with- out any further delay and ensure that Baljit Kaur is allowed to assume office. Randeep Waraich, EO, Nadala, has been reportedly made to leave charge after the ECI had found him guilty of taking part in the recent Ludhiana West bypoll campaign of now minister Sanjeev Arora. With the charge of EO going vacant, Khaira said he had put up a request with Director, Local Bodies, Deepti Uppal. Uppal too said that she had left the Director’s additional charge as she was now Special Secretary for PMIDC works. Gurpreet S Khaira, who has resumed the Director’s charge, said, “I was on leave and have joined back today. I shall see the matter tomorrow to know the glitch in her joining.” US boy abducted, Highway robbery gang busted, Cop attempts to kill woman in K’thala rescued from J&K; six arrested with weapons 6 mobile phones, a bike two in police net and 288 intoxicating Our Correspondent Our Correspondent Phagwara, August 4 The Kapurthala police have arrested two Jalandhar residents Siminder Kaur and her husband Ajitpal Singh for allegedly abducting an 11year-old US citizen and taking him to Jammu and Kashmir. SP (D) Prabhjot Singh said the arrests were made on August 3 in Feesal village, Yaripora area of Kulgam, following an intensive search operation led by the police with assistance from local intelligence units and in close coordination with the US Embassy. The accused were found hiding in a remote village with the abducted child, who had been missing for nearly three months. The case was originally registered on May 14 at Police Station, Dhilwan, after the child’s grandmother his legal guardian in India reported that her grandson was taken without her consent by Siminder Kaur, a relative from Jalandhar. Though the child was returned, he was abducted again on May 12, prompting the authorities to launch a full-scale investigation. Both accused, Siminder Kaur, wife of Ajitpal Singh, and Ajitpal Singh of Guru Amardas Nagar, Jalandhar, were presented before a court along with the child. On the court’s direction, custody of the minor was returned to the grandmother, and the US Embassy was immediately notified of the recovery and the child’s safety. Phagwara, August 4 The police have arrested six members of an inter-district gang involved in a series of violent highway robberies across Punjab. Acting on a tip-off, the police launched a targeted operation resulting in the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of dangerous weapons and narcotics. The operation was conducted under the supervision of Harvinder Singh Virk, SSP , Jalandhar Rural, as part of an ongoing special campaign against criminal elements and drug trafficking. The action was led by SI Govinder Singh of Phillaur, under the guidance of SP (Investigation) Sarbjit Rai, DSP (Phillaur) Sarwan Singh Ball, and Chief Officer Bhushan Kumar. According to police officials, tablets recovered a vigilant citizen informed the police that a group of offenders was planning a robbery near the GT Road, targeting passersby in the early morning hours. The accused had allegedly been operating in Ludhiana, Goraya and Rahon road, using intimidation and violence to rob victims of cash and valuables. Based on this information, a team led by SI Govinder Singh swiftly conducted a raid at Zakheera, Phillaur. The suspects were found gathered with sharp-edged weapons, including kirpans, a datar, and a sword. while discussing plans to loot an ATM. The police apprehended all six suspects and recovered six mobile phones, a motorcycle (PB-08- CC-2948, Bajaj Platina), and 288 loose intoxicating tablets. The arrested individuals have been identified as Ranjit Kumar, Kulveer Kumar, Sandeep Kumar, alias Babu, Harjeet Singh, alias Sonu, Mandeep Singh, alias Mani, and Harjeet Singh, alias Jeeti. Police records indicate that several of them are repeated offenders with past cases of theft, robbery, and drug-related crimes. Ranjit Kumar and Harjeet Singh, alias Jeeti, each have five previous cases registered against them. An FIR has been registered under Sections 399, 402, and 111 of the BNS, with additional charges under the NDPS Act. The police have obtained the remand of the accused and further interrogation is underway to uncover the full extent of their operations and possible connections to other criminal networks. Our Correspondent Phagwara, August 4 A shocking incident has come to light from the Santanpura locality of Kapurthala where a Sub-Inspector (SI) allegedly attempted to run over a woman by his car following a confrontation on July 30. The entire episode has reportedly been captured on CCTV camera. According to victim Gurpreet Kaur, she was leaving her home on a scooter when she was called to a nearby plot by SI Baljeet Singh, who is posted in Jalandhar. Upon reaching the location, she found Baljeet Singh and another person Nishan Singh allegedly consuming alcohol. Kaur alleged that SI Baljeet Singh made lewd remarks against her. When she protested, he threw a glass filled with liquor on her face. Disturbed by the incident, she immediately contacted the police to report the assault. Before the police could arrive, the two attempted to flee the scene in a car bearing registration number PB09 T 0862. When the woman tried to stop them, the driver allegedly attempt to run her over. She sustained injuries and is undergoing treatment at the Civil Hospital. Her four-year-old son, who was with her at the time, narrowly escaped. In further allegation, the woman stated that she had been in a live-in relationship with an inspector. Baljeet had developed interest in her. She claimed that he had been harassing her for some time. Attempts to contact SI Baljeet Singh for his version of events were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, DSP Deepkaran Singh confirmed that both have submitted complaints. Underpass near JCT Mill turns virtual drain amid rains Worker ‘electrocuted’ Ashok Kaura Phagwara, August 4 The underpass beneath the national highway in front of JCT Mill on the GT Road continues to pose a serious challenge to commuters during the rains as waterlogging renders it impassable. The issue, persisting for over two years, has again come to the fore following recent rainfall. Taranjit Singh Bunti Walia, Councillor and president of Block Congress (Urban), Phagwara, highlighted the longstanding nature of the problem. “Every time it rains, the underpass turns into a virtual drain. Deep potholes on the road filled with rainwater, making it extremely haz- ardous for pedestrians and two-wheeler riders,” he said. The area surrounding the underpass is a busy marketplace, with numerous fruit and vegetable vendors operating from roadside stalls and carts. Shoppers frequent the area in large numbers, but the persistent waterlogging severely disrupts pedestrian and vehicular movement. Walia expressed concern that even brief showers leave the road submerged for days. He also warned of a looming public health threat, as stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, leading to outbreaks of vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria. Walia urged the Municipal Commissioner to take imme- at Kapurthala RCF Our Correspondent diate steps to address the issue. “Just like the underpass near the sugar mill was reconstructed and provided with proper drainage, the JCT Mill c m y b underpass must also be rebuilt with an effective water drainage system,” he said. He emphasised the need for swift and permanent res- olution, stating that the current condition of the road not only hampers daily life, but also poses a risk to public safety and health. Phagwara, August 4 A contract worker at the Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala, died under mysterious circumstances on Monday afternoon, with sources indicating the cause may have been electrocution. The incident occurred around 11 am in the factory’s furnishing workshop, where the worker reportedly collapsed while on duty. The deceased has been identified as Daler Singh (21) of Muradpur village. He was employed by RCF contractor Rampal. Co-workers rushed Daler to the RCF hospital after he fell unconscious. The on-duty doctor declared him dead on arrival. While sources within the factory have claimed that the worker came into contact with a live electrical source, RCF officials have not confirmed electrocution as the cause of death. In a statement, RCF Senior Public Relations Officer Anuj Kumar acknowledged the death, stating that the worker had complained of uneasiness before collapsing. “Initial findings suggest he experienced discomfort, after which he was taken to the hospital where doctors declared him brought dead,” said Kumar.