03122024-JTR-01.qxd 12/2/2024 10:44 PM Page 1 c m y b Jalandhar tribune JALANDHAR SHUTTLERS SHINE AT B’MINTON CHAMPIONSHIP JAI RANDHHAWA IS UPBEAT ABOUT HIS NEW FILM BADNAM SHABBIR KUMAR REGALED AUDIENCE WITH GOLDEN HITS Jalandhar’s Manya Ralhan and Mridul Jha emerge as best performers as both won two gold medals. P2 Actor Jai Randhhawa, angry Jattfrom Je Jatt Vigarh Gya, is upbeat about his film Badnam, which is set for 2025 release. P4 The audience were not only treated to songs from the 80s and 90s, but also got a chance to listen to Shabbir Kumar. P4 » » » FORECAST FOGGY MAX 24°C | MIN 10°C YESTERDAY MAX 25°C | MIN 10°C SUNSET TUESDAY 5.24 PM SUNRISE WEDNESDAY 7:11 AM TUESDAY | 3 DECEMBER 2024 | JALANDHAR INBRIEF TWO BOOKED FOR KIDNAPPING Phagwara: The police have booked two Ludhiana residents on the charge of kidnapping and extortion. Shahkot DSP Onkar Singh Brar said the accused had been identified as Gulab Singh of Haidra Nagar under Kum Kalan police station in Ludhiana and his brother Jashan Singh. A resident of Bahmanai village complained to the police that the accused kidnapped his brother Jagjit Singh (50) on November 30, kept him in their custody and forced him to pay Rs 1.92 lakh. OC JCT WORKERS STAGE DHARNA Phagwara: The irate workers of JCT Mill, Phagwara, again staged a dharna before JCT Mill Gate under the leadership of Ajay Kumar, president JCT Mill, Phagwara (Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh), Kamal Saroj, local level Shiv Sena Leader, Sunil Pandey, president, JCT Mill, Phagwara, INTUC, against their pending arrears and electricity issue in Thapar Colony. The protesters were raising slogans against JCT director Sameer Thapar for not giving pending arrears of workers. Later, they met SDM, Phagwara, Jashanjit Singh and then XEN, PSPCL, Hardeep Kumar to demand restoration of power supply of the colony. OC 1 BOOKED, 2 HELD FOR FARM FIRE Phagwara: The police have booked a villager for burning paddy stubble. The suspect had been identified as Surinder Kumar of Ramuwal village. The police had received online complaints of burning fields at Raully village. The Nurmahal police arrested Makhan Singh and Ajaib Singh of Bundala village for the same reason. OC VILLAGER HELD FOR SNATCHING Phagwara: The police have arrested a villager on the charge of snatching cash. The accused has been identified as Amardeep, alias Hama, of Shah Salempur village. Nayam Khan of Purewal Colony, Nakodar, complained to the police that he was selling fruits in Mehatpur and the accused and his accomplices snatched Rs 2,000 from him on Dec 1 evening. A case had been registered against the accused. oc WOMAN HELD FOR SELLING LIQUOR Phagwara: The Mehatpur police have arrested a woman and booked another on the charge of selling illicit liquor. Investigating Officer Avtar Singh said 80 bottles of illicit liquor were recovered from the possession of Rajani Bala, Mohalla Kila; Mehatpur. A case had been registered against the accused while another woman of the same locality managed to flee. oc BIKERS ASSAULTED, CASH LOOTED Phagwara: Five miscreants attacked and wounded two men who were on a motorbike and snatched their belongings near Nanak Nagri in Phagwara last night. The motorcyclist Tushar Singh and his pillion rider friend Suraj Kumar were going to an eating joint but their bike developed a snag on the way. Five assailants attacked them with iron rods. The miscreants snatched three mobile phones and Rs 18,000 from them. oc Gang of robbers busted, six arrested indrug money recovered Phillaur 3 bikes, four mobiles, weapons, Tribune News Service Jalandhar, December 2 The Jalandhar Rural Police have achieved a significant breakthrough by arresting six members of a robbery gang operating in the Phillaur area. The operation led to the recovery of two motorcycles, four mobile phones, 93 drug pills, lethal weapons and ?1,450 drug money. The arrested accused have been identified as Chetan, resident of Bakhlor, Sunny, resident of Mukandpur, Sukhjit Singh, resident of Mallomjara, Manpeet Kumar, resident of Mallomjara, all of district Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar; Hira, resident of New Market, and Chetan Sharma, resident of New Market, Goraya, Jalandhar. Speaking to the media, SSP Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh stated the operation Six persons arrested for robbery in police custody. was conducted under the supervision of the SP Investi, gation, Jasroop Kaur Bath and DSP Sarwan Singh Bal of Phillaur and led by Inspector Sanjeev Kapur, Station House Officer, Phillaur Police Station. The police team, which included Sub-Inspec- Brain behind shop heist in cops’ net Phillaur outlet looted on Nov 16 Tribune News Service Jalandhar, December 2 The Jalandhar Rural Police have apprehended the main conspirator behind the robbery at a shop on Akalpur Road, Phillaur. The arrest comes after a thorough investigation involving CCTV analysis, which also led to the capture of two of his accomplices earlier. The accused has been identified as Subham Suman, alias Sabi, a resident of Mohalla Ravidaspura, Phillaur. His co-accused Satvir Singh, alias Sattu, and Karnpreet Singh, alias Kanar, both from Goraya, Jalandhar, were previously arrested in connection with the crime. SSP Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh stated that the arrest was a critical step in addressing the organised crime in the district. The investigation, led by Inspector Sanjeev Kapur, Station House Officer, Phillaur Police Station, was conducted under the supervision of Deputy Superintendent of Police Sarwan Singh Bal, Phillaur. The team’s analysis of the CCTV footage was instrumental in tracing the suspects. The incident occurred on November 16, 2024, when six men stormed a shop on Akalpur Road, assaulted the shopkeeper, and looted ~10,000 in cash and six wristwatches. An FIR was registered at Phillaur Police Station. Preliminary investigations revealed that the accused, recently returned from abroad, conspired with five others to execute the robbery. Their plan involved ambushing the shopkeeper and fleeing with the stolen items. The arrested accused will be produced in a local court and police remand will be sought to investigate their forward and backward links and possible involvement in other crimes. “Zero tolerance for street crime remains a priority. Every effort will be made to ensure the safety and security of the public,” SSP Khakh stated. tor Nirmal Singh, in-charge of chowki Appra, carried out intensive checking operations in the region, leading to the arrest of the accused. During the preliminary investigation, it was revealed that the gang operated primarily at night, targeting mobile Kala Sahitya Akademi honours Tiwari Jalandhar, December 2 The Punjab Kala Sahitya Akademi has honoured Prof Raghavendra Prasad Tiwari, Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Punjab (CU Punjab), with the prestigious ‘Rashtriya Shiksha Ratna Samman’ during its 28th Annual Academy Awards Ceremony held here on Sunday. The award recognises Prof Tiwari’s outstanding contributions and dedicated service to the field of education over more than four decades. The honour was presented by Dr Simar Sadosh, president of the Punjab Kala Sahitya Academy, in the presence of political leaders and educationists, including Prof Kamlesh Singh Duggal (OSD, Guru Nanak Dev University College) and Captain Bhagat Singh (President, Merchant Navy Association). Prof Tiwari was presented phulkari during the ceremony. Dr Nidhi Sharma, Academy Director and Master of Ceremonies, highlighted Prof. Tiwari’s contributions not only to the university but also to Punjab’s education and cultural domains. — TNS phones and motorcycles to support their drug addiction. They also sold stolen items at low prices to unsuspecting buyers. The accused have a history of criminal activities, with previous cases registered under the NDPS Act, confirming their involvement in drug-related offenses. An FIR has been registered under No. 322 dated 01.12.2024, sections 303(2) and 317(2) BNS, 22/27A-61-85 NDPS Act, at Phillaur Police Station. The arrested individuals will be presented in the local court and police remand sought to further investigate their forward and backward links, including their supply and distribution network. “Street crime will not be tolerated under any circumstances. The police will continue to act decisively against criminal elements to protect the community,” warned SSP Khakh. 2 of inter-state gang of snatchers held Tribune News Service Jalandhar, December 2 The Kapurthala police have arrested two persons of an inter-state snatching gang who had been conducting snatchings across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. A mangalsutra, three gold chains and a stolen bike have also been recovered from them. Under the direction of SSP Gaurav Toora, a special operation against notorious criminals was conducted. This operation led to the arrest of two individuals involved in robberies and thefts and recovered stolen goods. The accused have been identified as Rajbir of Ali Nagar, district Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, and Ravi of Ali Nagar, Shamli. On November 29, 2024, Preeti of Chahal Nagar, Phagwara, reported that two individuals on a motorcycle snatched her gold mangalsutra and fled. Following this, a case was registered. A dedicated police team used technical methods, including CCTV footage and scientific investigation, to trace the accused. Within 12 hours, the police succeeded in arresting Rajbir and Ravi. They were arrested along with the motorcycle (PB-10HV-4305) used in the crime, the mangalsutra and three gold chains. Both accused were placed under a 4-day police remand for further interrogation. During questioning, they revealed that they had committed thefts and robberies in various cities across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. Cases have been registered against them in these regions. The police anticipate more sensational revelations as the investigation progresses. The SSP said both accused had 10 cases of snatchings registered against them in Punjab, while 26 cases are registered in other states. Jalandhar best in taking steps against HIV/AIDS Tribune News Service Jalandhar, December 2 The district has been recognised as the best-performing district in Punjab for its exceptional efforts in implementing the District Integrated Strategy for HIV and AIDS Programme. The award was presented by Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh during a state-level event on December 1 at Patiala on World AIDS Day. Deputy Commissioner Dr Himanshu Aggarwal highlighted that the district also received an award for outstanding activities conducted by its Red Ribbon Clubs. With 39 active clubs led by the Youth Services Department, these initiatives had been instrumental in raising awareness among the youth about HIV/AIDS and the dangers of drug addiction. Their efforts had been acknowledged as the best practices at the state level. This award underscored the significant contributions made to the fight against HIV/AIDS, including early Jalandhar bags the top award for best HIV/AIDS strategy in Punjab. diagnosis, rapid treatment, patient care and public education, ultimately improving the lives of those affected, he added. Dr Aggarwal commended the Health and Youth Services Departments for their unwavering dedication to eradicating HIV/AIDS from society. He specifically lauded the contributions of Civil Surgeon Dr Gurmeet Singh and Assistant Director Youth Services Ravi Dara along with their teams for their pivotal roles in this achievement. The DC called on other departments to emulate these efforts, ensuring that government welfare initiatives reach the grassroots. One held with stolen scooter Jalandhar, December 2 The Commissionerate Police has recovered a stolen Activa scooter and apprehended one accused in connection with the case. An accomplice of the accused has also been identified and hunt is on to nab him too. The matter had been reported by Jyoti, a resident of chungi no. 9, Basti Danishmanda. She had reported that her Activa scooter (PB08EU-8277) had been stolen from outside her shop on October 22. An FIR was registered under Sections 303(2) and 3(5) of the BNS Act at Police Station, Basti Bawa Khel. During a nakabandi at Baba Buddha Ji Bridge on November 28, the police intercepted Munish Kumar, a resident of Shaheed Babu Labh Singh Nagar, with the stolen scooter. Further investigations revealed the involvement of another accomplice, Gurdeep Singh, alias Deep, a resident of Nizatam Nagar, Jalandhar. Efforts are underway to apprehend him. The arrested accused, Munish Kumar, has no prior criminal record. TNS Patwari held for taking bribe Jalandhar, December 2 The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state, has arrested a patwari Gaurav Gupta, posted at Saloh and additional charge at Fambra, in Nawanshahr district for accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000. An official spokesperson of the state VB said the accused had been arrested based on a complaint lodged by Kesar Singh, a resident of Garhi Sheru village, in Ludhiana district. He further said the complainant had approached the VB and said the patwari had been demanding Rs 20,000 for execution of land transfer case of his family and had already taken Rs 10,000 in this regard. He further alleged that the accused patwari had demanded the remaining money for mutation of the land and he had recorded the conversation held with patwari for demanding the bribe. He added that after a preliminary inquiry into this complaint, the VB team laid a trap and the accused patwari had been arrested while he was accepting the bribe money from the complainant. — TNS No elevators at rly station & offices, govt seems to be cold to disabled WORLD DISABILITY DAY TODAY Deepkamal Kaur Tribune News Service Jalandhar, December 12 Even as society is increasingly getting aware for the welfare of the physically challenged, the government seems to be doing little to comfort their lives. Several public places in the city are not accessible to the disabled. The biggest trouble that the people with disability in legs face is travelling by train. Even as they are able to take trains from platform no.1, they have to cross over to the platform no. 2 and 3 via the staircase. It is common to see the physically challenged persons or the aged persons face a lot of difficulty in climbing up the stairs. For the past over seven years, there has been a pro- posal to have an escalator or elevator at the railway station but the project has not yet taken off. A formal launch for the upgrade of the railway station was held by the Centre in February this year, but there has been a little progress. Several government offices, including those of PUDA and Income Tax Department, have no provision other than the stairs to move to offices on the upper floor. Even the Municipal Corporation has not strictly got enforced the provisions to make all public places, including newly constructed showrooms and shopping centres, accessible to the physically challenged persons. Advocate and activist Harleen Kaur said, “Even if some public places are acces- An old man suffers difficulty climbing the stairs at the Jalandhar City Railway Station. TRIBUNE PHOTO: SARABJIT SINGH sible, the law mandates that the authorities have to provide wheelchairs and atten- c m y b dants to all those who need these services. But not everyone is complying. But, thank- fully, because of the efforts of some social organisations, the elevators in the adminis- trative complex and MC building are all working.” Ashok Sharma, a physically challenged lawyer, said, “The Disability Act stipulates that not just the government or semi-government offices, even privately owned public places have to be accessible. There are so many banks, marriage palaces and shopping malls in the city which are devoid of ramps. So, I cannot go to such places. They all have to maintain toilets for the disabled with low seats and supporting frames but not even government offices are equipped with this basic facility. I face a lot of issues while parking my vehicle. The staff of government offices do not allow me to park my scooter near the entrances saying that it is reserved for the cars of officers. This despite my telling that I have problem in walking. I have been fighting all my life and now I am tired of it”.