21052026-LT-01.qxd 5/21/2026 12:11 AM Page 1 c m y b Ludhiana tribune FORMER LIVE-IN PARTNER HELD FOR KILLING WOMAN DORAHA ‘STINKS’ AS WORKERS’ STRIKE ENTERS DAY 15 A CUP OF ELAICHI WALI CHAI AND FAMILY GOSSIP After months' long investigation, the police cracked the case and nabbed former live-in partner of woman. P2 Garbage has not been lifted from town for 15 days because of ongoing strike by sanitation workers. P3 On International Tea Day, celebs reveal their perfect tea moment as nothing can beat the warm feeling! P4 » » » FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY MAX 44°C | MIN 27°C YESTERDAY MAX 44.1°C | MIN 27°C SUNSET THURSDAY 7.13 PM SUNRISE FRIDAY 5:26 AM THURSDAY | 21 MAY 2026 | LUDHIANA Thieves decamp with machinery NRI used licensed weapons to kill worth ~2 cr from MC carcass plant Punjabisinger; look out notice issued Deployment of 3 guards at annual cost of ~6.38L approved recently Sukhpreet Singh Tribune News Service Ludhiana, May 20 Despite spending lakhs of rupees on security arrangements at the long-defunct carcass disposal plant in Noorpur Bet, the Municipal Corporation has reported a theft of costly machinery and equipment worth nearly Rs 2 crore from the premises, raising serious questions over the functioning of the security system at the site. The civic body had recently approved the deployment of three security guards at the plant at an annual cost of Rs 6.38 lakh. However, unidentified thieves allegedly managed to enter the premises on the night intervening May 14 and 15 and decamped with heavy machinery parts, motors, electrical panels and other valuable equipment without being detected. Municipal officials said the theft appeared to be a planned operation as the culprits specifically targeted expensive machine components installed at the plant. Following the incident, the MC lodged a com- The stalled project continues to remain a burden on the civic body. FILE LYING SHUT SINCE COMPLETION IN JULY 2021 The incident has again drawn attention to the fate of the carcass disposal plant, which has remained shut since its completion in July 2021. The project had faced stiff opposition from villagers, preventing the civic body from making it operational despite repeated attempts. Though crores of rupees were spent on the project, the plant reportedly functioned only for a few days. plaint with the police and an FIR was registered at the Ladhowal police station. Superintending Engineer Sham Lal Gupta said the stolen machinery and equipment were insured and the matter had been taken up with the police for investigation. He said the thieves took advantage of darkness and removed costly items from the non-functional plant. The incident has again drawn attention to the fate of the carcass disposal plant, which has remained shut since its completion in July 2021. The project had faced stiff opposition from villagers, preventing the civic body from making it operational despite repeated attempts. Though crores of rupees were spent on the project, the plant reportedly functioned only for a few days. A related matter is also pending before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) while the MC has been exploring alternative sites for shifting the plant. Officials had earlier estimated that relocating the project would cost another Rs 2 crore. Former councillor Mamta Ashu questioned how such a major theft could take place despite security personnel being deployed at the site. She demanded a detailed inquiry into the role of guards and said it was difficult to believe that heavy machinery could be stolen without negligence or possible connivance. The theft has further exposed the poor condition of the stalled project, which continues to remain a burden on the civic body while lying unused for years. c m y b Third suspect held, process to extradite Sukhwinder from Canada to be initiated Nikhil Bhardwaj Tribune News Service Ludhiana, May 20 The investigation into the brutal murder of Punjabi singer Inder Kaur, alias Yashinder (27), led to the revelations that key accused NRI Sukhwinder Singh, alias Sukhi, had brought his two .45 bore and .30 bore licensed pistols to eliminate the woman. Inder Kaur had been in a relationship with Sukhwinder One-day chemists’ strike hits patients Sukhpreet Singh Tribune News Service Ludhiana, May 20 A large number of residents faced inconvenience on Wednesday after around 4,000 chemist shops across Ludhiana district remained closed during a one-day nationwide strike called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists against online sale of medicines and alleged predatory pricing by e-pharmacy platforms. continued on page 2 Inder Kaur, the deceased for over five years. The NRI had promised her that he would marry her but the vic- tim was not aware that he was already married and had children. It was only when the woman came to know about his marital status, confrontation started between the duo. Sukhwinder decided to eliminate the singer when the latter flatly refused to marry him. The Ludhiana police arrested three suspects, Pritam Singh, father of Sukhwinder, his friends Karamjit Singh and Ravinder Singh, both also residents of Mahlan Khurd, Moga. Ravinder was arrested on Wednesday and the two others were nabbed earlier. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Rural) Jaskiranjit Singh Teja, along with ACP Inderjit Singh and SHO, Jamalpur, SI Dalvir Singh, addressed a press conference regarding the matter on Wednesday. The Ludhiana police had initially registered a kidnapping case against the suspects on May 15 and on Tuesday continued on page 2 Severe heatwave grips city, parents demand early summer holidays Tribune News Service Ludhiana, May 20 The city continued to reel under an intense heatwave on Wednesday as the mercury soared above 44°C, making it extremely difficult for residents to step outdoors during daytime. The scorching sun, hot winds and rising humidity led to roads and markets wearing a deserted look in the afternoon as people preferred to remain indoors. continued on page 2 Schoolgirls protect themselves from scorching heat in Ludhiana as mercury soared above 44°C on Wednesday. INDERJEET VERMA