19042026-LT-01.qxd 4/19/2026 1:03 AM Page 1 c m y b Ludhiana tribune GIRL WHO LOST MOTHER 6 MONTHS AGO SCORES 96.2% WOMAN LOSES GOLD EARRINGS TO SNATCHERS WHEN B’WOOD STARS SWAP SCRIPTS, WORLD TAKES NOTICE Varleen Kaur has shown even toughest challenges can’t keep one from success. P2 Two bike-borne miscreants snatched gold earrings from an elderly woman in broad daylight in Haibowal. P3 New generation of stars is transcending traditional boundaries of stardom to be pivotal figures in global diplomacy. P4 » » » FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY MAX 39°C | MIN 21°C YESTERDAY MAX 40°C | MIN 20°C SUNSET SUNDAY 6:52 PM SUNRISE MONDAY 5:51 AM SUNDAY | 19 APRIL 2026 | LUDHIANA Canada-based gangster Arsh Dalla NHAI asked to refund excess toll to threatens NRI on social media lawyer, pay ~20,000 compensation Suspect faces over 90 criminal cases; police initiate probe Nikhil Bhardwaj Tribune News Service Ludhiana, April 18 An NRI who recently returned from abroad along with his brother has received threats from Canada-based gangster Arsh Dalla. The gangster first issued threats during a Facebook live session and later made a WhatsApp call from a foreign number, warning the family of dire consequences. Following a complaint by the victim, the Sarabha Nagar police registered an FIR against Dalla and initiated further investigation. While lodging the complaint at the Sarabha Nagar police station, NRI Takdeer Singh stated that he and his brother Kuldeep Singh had recently returned to MAJOR RIVAL OF BISHNOI GANG Arshdeep Singh, alias Arsh Dalla, has been designated as a terrorist under UAPA. He is linked to the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), and considered close to Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Suspected to be hiding in Canada, Dalla faces more than 90 criminal cases, including targeted killings, extortion, murder, terror financing and cross-border weapon smuggling. He is regarded as a major rival of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. India from abroad. Takdeer, who is a resident of Barewal Awana, alleged that gangster Arsh Dalla, who is staying abroad, targeted their family a few days ago by going live on Facebook and issuing threats. Subsequently, the gangster again threatened them through a WhatsApp call from a foreign number. In the one-minute-11-second call, Dalla allegedly warned that he would get the entire family killed. Investigating officer inspector Vijay Kumar of Sarabha Nagar police station said on the basis of the complaint filed by Takdeer, an FIR had been registered against Dalla. The police said a detailed investigation into the entire matter had been initiated following the NRI’s complaint. Arshdeep Singh, alias Arsh Dalla, has been designated as a terrorist under UAPA. He is linked to the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), and is considered close to Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Suspected to be hiding in Canada, Dalla faces more than 90 criminal cases, including targeted killings, extortion, murder, terror financing and cross-border weapon smuggling. He is regarded as a major rival of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Sukhpreet Singh Ludhiana, April 18 The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to refund excess toll charged from a local advocate and pay Rs 20,000 compensation for “harassment and unfair trade practices”. The commission, headed by its president Sanjeev Batra and with Monika Bhagat as member, awarded the compensation to Anil Arora. The NHAI its officials were ordered to refund Rs 190 and pay Rs 20,000 within 30 days. According to the complaint, the incident happened on November 5, 2023, when Arora and his family were travelling from Ludhiana to Rishikesh. He said his car was equipped with a FASTag that had sufficient balance. During the jour- Incident occurred at Milk Majra toll plaza in Haryana’s Sabalpur. FILE ney, he crossed multiple toll plazas where charges were deducted without any issues. He, however, alleged the staff at Milk Majra toll plaza in Haryana’s Sabalpur, which falls under the jurisdiction of NHAI’s regional office, stopped him and informed him the FASTag did not have adequate balance. According to the complaint, they told Arora the charge of Rs 95 could not be deducted. Arora claimed the staff charged him Rs 190 in cash despite him showing proof of deduction repeatedly. The complainant also alleged the officials misbehaved with him and his family, used abusive language, and attempted to intimidate them. According to the complaint, the toll authorities later acknowledged their mistake in writing and admitted double payment had been charged. However, the amount was not refunded. Passing the order, the com- mission noted that despite issuance of a notice, the accused failed to appear and was proceeded against exparte. The complainant supported his case with documentary evidence, including toll transaction records, receipts, FASTag statement and the copy of a legal notice sent to the toll authorities. The commission held if a vehicle has a valid FASTag with sufficient balance and the system fails to process the payment, the vehicle should be allowed to pass without any charge and a zero-transaction receipt must be issued. The commission added the toll officials violated these rules and their actions amounted to deficiency in service and unfair trade practices. It observed the complainant and his family had undergone mental harassment due to the incident. CP issues warning against Rights panel seeks report from DGP, DM making reels on overbridges UNDERTRIAL’S DEATH AT CENTRAL JAIL Shivani Bhakoo Tribune News Service Ludhiana, April 18 Commissioner of Police (CP) Swapan Sharma warned of strict action against those who indulge in making attention-grabbing videos on overbridges and elevated roads in the city for social media. The CP said attempts to gain online attention in such a manner could prove dangerous and would not be tolerated. “We will take strict action against those indulging in such activities,” he said. A video currently circulating on Instagram and Facebook shows a woman in western attire posing on a busy elevated road in the city, which witnesses heavy vehicular traffic throughout the day. The video carries the caption “guess city”. THE TRIBUNE IMPACT NEED FOR STRINGENT MEASURES: EXPERT Road safety expert Kamaljit Soi stressed the need for stringent measures. “Such actions increase the risk of fatal accidents as onlookers tend to slow down or stop to watch. Had strict action been taken earlier, such incidents would not have been repeated,” he said. SUCH ACTS DISTRACT MOTORISTS, SAYS RESIDENT City resident Deepak Kapoor recounted a similar incident, where a youth was performing bike stunts while others filmed him. “Such acts distract motorists. In their bid for popularity, such individuals not only risk their own lives but also endanger others. Strict action must be taken,” he said. City resident Deepak Kapoor recounted a similar incident, where a youth was performing bike stunts while others filmed him. “Such acts distract motorists, leading to sudden braking as people try to see what’s happening. In their bid for popularity, such individuals not only risk their own lives but also endanger others. Strict action must be taken in such cases,” he said. Earlier, a couple had also shared a video of themselves dancing on a busy city road. Road safety expert Kamaljit Soi stressed the need for stringent measures. “Such actions increase the risk of fatal accidents as onlookers tend to slow down or stop to watch. Had strict action been taken earlier, such incidents would not have been repeated,” he said. Nikhil Bhardwaj Tribune News Service Ludhiana, April 18 Taking suo motu cognisance of a news report ‘Undertrial dies in Central Jail, kin allege custodial torture’ published in these columns recently, the Punjab State Human Rights Commission issued a notice to the DGP (Prisons), Punjab; District Magistrate, Ludhiana; and the Superintendent, Central Jail, Ludhiana. A copy of order which is with The Tribune states: “Based on the news report, the Commission comprising Chairperson Justice Sant Parkash, Member Justice Gurbir Singh and Member Jitender Singh Shunty of the Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC) while taking suo- 40-bed dengue ward ready at Civil Hospital Manav Mander Tribune News Service Ludhiana, April 18 With the onset of summer and temperatures reaching between 34°C and 38°C. Ludhiana faces an increased risk of dengue. One case of dengue and three cases of malaria have already been reported from Ludhiana. The Civil Hospital has set up a dedicated 40-bed dengue ward. Separate staff had also been assigned at the ward. Health Department officials have reported the presence of mosquito larvae in several areas. Localities where maximum larvae had been found include Asha Colony, Vijay Nagar, Durgapuri, SBS Nagar, Basti Jodhewal, Nanak Nagar, Shivaji Nagar, Salem Tabri and Shimlapuri. Inspections found larvae breeding in water coolers, tanks and other stagnant water sources. Dr Akhil Sareen, Senior Medical Officer, Civil Hospital, said the ward was prepared as a precautionary measure following recent A dedicated dengue ward at the Civil Hospital in Ludhiana. PHOTO: INDERJEET VERMA PREVENTIVE MEASURES ■ Clean coolers every five days and replace old units ■ Keep water tanks covered ■ Dispose of stagnant water in pots, tyres and containers ■ Ensure proper sanitation around homes and workplaces rainfall, which often accelerates mosquito breeding. Medical experts caution that negligence could lead to a surge in cases. They highlight that mosquito breeding sites are often overlooked, such as dis- carded tyres, flower pots and rooftop tanks. Early detection and preventive action are crucial to avoid serious health risks. Doctors also warn that dengue can quickly escalate if platelet counts drop, mak- ing timely medical intervention vital. The authorities are urging residents to take proactive steps to curb mosquito breeding. Schools and community centres are being roped in to spread information about preventive measures. Health officials stress that community participation is essential, as government efforts alone cannot eliminate breeding grounds. c m y b A report also sought from the Superintendent, Central Jail, Ludhiana. FILE Judicial Magistrate, postmortem examination report with videography, detailed report of the Superintendent, Central Jail, Ludhiana; report of the chemical examiner, if any, regarding viscera of the deceased, report regarding cause of death of the deceased by board of doctors and report of the Superintendent, Central Jail, Ludhiana, along with the name, designation and contact number of officials deputed/posted in the jail at the time of the incident. Commission also directed that the copy of the order be sent to the District and Sessions Judge, Ludhiana; District Magistrate, Ludhiana; and the Superintendent, Central Jail, Ludhiana; for submitting relevant reports to the Commission, one week before the next date of hearing. The case will come up for hearing on May 22. motu cognisance of the matter called for report from the authorities concerned by the next date of hearing. The order further states that the report mentions that the deceased, identified as Jatinder Singh, was lodged in the jail on charges of rape. He was rushed to a hospital in a serious condition, where he succumbed to his injuries. His family claimed that there were visible injury marks on his face and body. The deceased’s wife alleged that no one from the jail administration provided them with true information. She accused the same persons who had levelled rape charges against her husband and also threatened to Three robbed man of ~22 lakh Village girl alleges molestation by immigration agent Ludhiana, April 18 Miscreants robbed a wine contract company in-charge of Rs 22 lakh by pointing sharp weapons on Friday night in Dugri. The Dugri police registered a case and checking the footage of CCTV cameras installed around the scene. Shivkaran Singh Bisla, a resident of Gurdev Nagar, said he was a partner in Ganga Nagar Group wine contract company. He looks after 16 wine shops in Ludhiana. As usual, on April 17, incharge Hardeep Singh was going to deposit cash collected from wine shops at their office in Vishal Nagar. Around 10:15 pm, when Hardeep was about to leave the office, two miscreants on a bike reached the place. Two of the miscreants had their faces covered. Before Hardeep could understand anything, the miscreants snatched the cash bag and fled within minutes. When he checked the nearby CCTV cameras on his own, it was found that the miscreants had come on a bike, which was not having a number plate. SHO, Dugri, inspector Gurmukh Singh, said a case has been registered. It would be cracked soon. — TNS Lovleen Bains Sahnewal, April 18 A case of a physical abuse against a girl, by an immigration agent of Ludhiana has come to light. The girl, a resident of Dehru village, has lodged a complaint of physical abuse, blackmailing and threat to life by the agent, on the basis of which a case under Section 74 of the BNS has been registered. The complainant, Harpreet Kaur, of Dehru, told this correspondent over phone that she had been running from pillar to post for the past eight months to get her complaint registered. She was not guided in a proper manner by the police and faced harassment from the officials, she said. In her complaint, she alleged that the incident occurred at Guru Kirpa Marriage Bureau, Sahnewal, when the owner, named Lucky, was away for a meeting. As Harpreet had put forth her case to the owner to procure a visa, the latter asked her to join as a receptionist till the completion of the formalities and visa arrival of Visa. One kill him inside the jail of murdering him. The MLA assures thorough probe, saying that the autopsy would reveal truth. His family had demanded a fair and transparent investigation into the matter. The order directed the authorities concerned to submit inquest/ judicial magisterial inquiry report from the day as she was sitting at the reception, the suspect, Mahesh Kumar Sharma, who runs an immigration centre from Ludhiana and who was a regular visitor to the marriage bureau, called her inside the office and began to physically abuse her. She ran from the spot and complained to the husband of the owner sitting outside, who failed to come to her rescue. She raised the alarm and managed to come out. When she told the matter to the bureau owner, she too did not help her. Later, the victim approached the SSP Khanna, , who asked the DSP Khanna, , to investigate the matter. But no help was received, she said. After three months, she was told that the jurisdiction of the crime spot is in Ludhiana and was asked to approach the Atam Park police station. She alleged that despite repeated visits to the station for still another three months, no action was taken. Rather she was misled that her case had been forwarded, which she later found was not true. Afterwards, she approached Punjab State Women Commission chairperson Raj Lali Gill and narrated the sequence of events. The complainant alleged that she had since been facing threats and blackmail to withdraw her complaint. She claimed that the owner of the marriage bureau and another person also pressured her to withdraw the complain, offering money and promising to “get her work done”. Two other persons also allegedly approached her and threatened her, she added. Harpreet said these people were taking advantage of the fact that her father was paralytic and bedridden and she is the eldest of the siblings and she had to attend to each one of them. She said she had no faith in the system as she was refused a hearing at every point of her perusal of the case. The case has been finally registered at the Sahnewal police station on Friday, Harpreet said. Sahnewal SHO Varinder Pal Singh Uppal said the case had been registered under Section 74 of the BNS against the suspect and further investigation in the case was on.