25122024-JTR-01.qxd 12/24/2024 11:12 PM Page 1 c m y b Jalandhar tribune SPORTING TALENT GETS FAME, BUT LANGUISHES AT GROUND LEVEL PADDY RESIDUE REPURPOSED AS SEATING FOR PILGRIMS FOR THE SLICE OF HAPPINESS It was a year of celebrating Jalandhar’s talent in sports at the national and international level. P2 Paddy residue is being repurposed as eco-friendly seating for pilgrims attending the Shaheedi Jor Mela. P3 Bakery shops in Ludhiana have come up with a range of mouthwatering plum cakes. P4 » » FORECAST SUNNY MAX 21°C | MIN 6°C YESTERDAY MAX 22°C | MIN 6°C SUNSET WEDNESDAY 5.31 PM SUNRISE THURSDAY 7.24 AM » WEDNESDAY | 25 DECEMBER 2024 | JALANDHAR INBRIEF GOLD CHAIN SNATCHED Phagwara: Two unidentified motorcycle-borne miscreants snatched a gold chain from the neck of a woman in Raja Garden Colony, Phagwara, on Monday. The victim Harjit Kaur was sitting out in the sun when the snatchers asked her about the house of a policeman and snatched her chain while talking to her. The snatchers managed to flee after committing the crime. The police have registered a case under Section 379 of IPC. OC ELECTRICIAN FALLS FROM LADDER, DIES Phagwara: An electrician fell down from a ladder and died while repairing power lines in a rice sheller in village Dosanjh-kalan on PhagwaraMukandpur road on Monday. The deceased was identified as Sukhbir Singh(45), a resident of village Khalwara (Phagwara). It could not be ascertained yet whether Sukhbir was electrocuted or died after falling down from the ladder. However, the police have registered a case under Section 304 of IPC against the rice sheller owner, manager and two others. The body of the deceased was handed over to the family members after post-mortem examination. No arrest has been made so far. However, the police are investigating the matter. OC City awaits announcement of new Mayor Aakanksha N Bhardwaj IN RACE FOR POST Tribune News Service Jalandhar, December 24 After a delay of nearly two years, elections for Jalandhar’s municipal wards have finally concluded, with 85 councillors now elected. The focus has now shifted to the selection of the city’s next Mayor, a position that has been vacant since 2022. Among the names being considered, Ashwani Aggarwal has emerged as a frontrunner. Other contenders reportedly in the race include Vaneet Dhir, Amit Dhall and Aruna Arora. While nothing has been confirmed officially, Aggarwal appears to be leading the race for the prestigious position. Aggarwal, a 47-year-old businessman and first-time councillor from Ward 80, has previously served as the Lok ■ Among the names being AAP's Ashwani Aggarwal in his ward in Jalandhar. TRIBUNE FILE Sabha in-charge for his party. When contacted, he said, “Whatever decision the party takes, I am with them. I am a dedicated worker who will always act in the party’s best interests.” Vaneet Dhir, another strong candidate, was previously associated with the BJP His . Phagwara, December 24 The Kapurthala police have arrested a man for killing 9year-old Golu, whose body was found on November 26 in Bhulath. Theaccused,Sahib, was apprehended from Varanasi, UttarPradesh, and has confessed to the crime. He was presented in court and placed under four days of police remand for further ONE ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT Phagwara: The Shahkot police have arrested a villager on the charge of assaulting another villager and trespassing. Investigating officer Gurnam Singh identified the accused as Sahil, alias Sukha, of Saidpur Jhirri village. His wife, Mandeep Kaur, three sons — Sahil, Anmol, and Sourav — and Dulla of Sarag Wal village, along with 12 unidentified accomplices, are also accused in the case. According to the complaint filed by Sukhdev Singh, a resident of Saidpur Jhirri village, the accused and his accomplices barged into his house, attacked him with sharp weapons, seriously injured him, ransacked his property, and threatened him with dire consequences. The police have registered a case. OC YOUTH MISSING, CASE REGISTERED Phagwara: A 23-year-old youth from Sianni Wal village has been missing for the past seven days. Taranjit Singh reported to the police that his brother, Manpreet Singh, left their house on December 17 and has not returned since. Investigating officer Rajindar Pal Singh stated that a missing person’s report has been registered. OC Schoolchildren celebrate Christmas in Jalandhar on Tuesday. TRIBUNE PHOTO Bizman attacked by over 10 men in Model Town, FIR lodged Tribune News Service Jalandhar, December 24 Saurav Sachdeva, a mobile accessories businessman, was attacked by a group of over 10 assailants in the upscale Model Town area a few days ago. The police registered a case late last night under various sections of the BNS at Police Division Number-6, based on Sachdeva’s statement. The businessman sustained serious injuries in the assault. The incident, captured on CCTV has recently come to , light, showing the attackers beating Sachdeva. Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Kulwinder Singh of Police Division Number-6 said efforts are underway to identify the culprits, with arrests expected soon based on the video evidence. Sachdeva, a resident of Gopal Nagar, recounted that the attack occurred outside the gym he regularly visits in Model Town. On the day of the incident, as he was about to enter his Thar vehicle after finishing his workout, a group of 10 to 15 unidentified youths attacked him. The attackers used iron chisels and sharp weapons, leaving Sachdeva severely injured. Amid the chaos, his gold chain was stolen, and his Apple watch was damaged. The assailants fled the scene immediately after the attack. The police registered the case on Monday following a preliminary investigation. While no arrests have been made so far, officials stated that they are close to identifying the accused. Cong protests outside councillor’s house over defection to AAP Tribune News Service Jalandhar, December 24 Following the defection of six newly-elected councillors, including two Congress members, to the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Congress staged a protest outside the residence of Councillor Parveen Wason from Ward 65. The protest was led by District Congress Committee chief and former MLA Rajinder Beri, along with party councillors Jasleen Sethi, Paramjot S Sherry Chadha, and other workers. Protesters held placards reading ‘traitor’ and shouted slogans against Wason and AAP However, they were . stopped by the police before reaching Wason’s house. Beri said, “The Congress had given full respect and honour Congress leaders hold a protest in Jalandhar on Tuesday. to the Wason family. The Congress workers who worked tirelessly from this ward to help her win this seat are feeling cheated. Even the voters have said they had voted seeing the Congress symbol, and it was unfair for Wason to switch sides after victory.” He added, “We have no answer to the grouse being recently joined the Aam Aadmi Party, is also in contention. Arora, who won her fifth election after switching parties, has become a significant fig- 1 held for killing 9-yr-old boy December to remember MAN BOOKED FOR RASH DRIVING Phagwara: The Nakodar city police have registered a case against a man for rash driving, causing grievous hurt and mischief. Investigating officer Rajindar Pal Singh identified the accused as Lovpreet Singh, whose residence is currently unknown. According to a complaint lodged by Neha, daughter of Pawan Kumar and a resident of Kalian Mohalla, the incident occurred on November 24 when she and her friend Kavita were to visit Sultanpur Lodhi. Neha stated that Lovpreet, who was known to Kavita, forcibly entered their vehicle. He reportedly broke Neha’s mobile phone and recklessly drove the vehicle. OC wife, Shweta Dhir, also served as a councillor under the saffron party’s banner. Four-time Congress councillor Aruna Arora, who considered, Ashwani Aggarwal has emerged as a frontrunner. Other contenders reportedly in the race include Vaneet Dhir, Dinesh Dhall and Aruna Arora. While nothing has been confirmed officially, Aggarwal appears to be leading the race for the prestigious position ■ Aggarwal, a 47-year-old businessman and first-time councillor from Ward 80, has previously served as the Lok Sabha in-charge for his party. When contacted, he said, “Whatever decision the party takes, I am with them. I am a dedicated worker who will always act in the party's best interests.” ure in the ruling party due to her dedication and personal connections. Known for her proactive approach, she regularly visits the Model Town area to ensure proper cleanliness in her ward. Her late husband, Manoj Arora, was a staunch Congressman, which further bolsters her political credibility. Discussions are also underway about the possibility of appointing a Mayor from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community, with some groups pushing for greater representation. Beyond the mayoral race, elected members are lobbying for other key positions, including Senior Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor. For now, the city eagerly awaits the announcement of its new Mayor as deliberations continue. shown by the voters and workers in this area.” The protesting Congress leaders also stated, “If Wason has any integrity, she should resign as a Congress councillor and re-contest elections under the Aam Aadmi Party. She should have the guts to show that she has the trust of the voters as an AAP leader.” c m y b investigation, confirmed SP (D) Sarabjit Rai. The victim, Golu, son of Vinod Kumar, had been missing for a week before his body was discovered on the roof of a room in a field in Bhulath. According to his father, a resident of Bahadurpur, Varanasi, Golu had gone to the market on November 20 around 7 pm to buy green chilies but never returned. Police investigations revealed that Sahib, son of Ramji and a co-worker of Golu’s father, was also missing from the same day. Suspecting his involvement, Vinod Kumar filed a complaint with Bhulath police. An FIR was registered, and a manhunt was launched for Sahib. — OC 1 dead as two groups clash in Hoshiarpur Our Correspondent Hoshiarpur, December 24 A person was killed in a fight between two gangs at the Hoshiarpur bus stand late last night. The fight involved sharp weapons, and the victim’s companion also sustained serious injuries. Following the attack, the fleeing assailants, driving at high Fleeing assailant involved in fatal accident speed in a car, collided with a tractor trailer at Gondpur village. Five attackers in the car were injured, and one of them later died while being taken to Amritsar. The others were admitted to Dasuya Hospital for treatment. The fight between the two groups is believed to have been triggered by old grudges, and the incident has created a sense of fear among the residents of the town. Gurdayal Singh, the father of Avinash, a resident of Mirzapur village who died in the quarrel, shared details in his statement. He explained that his son, who owned the Avinash Picture Gift Centre on Gardiwala Main Road, had gone to the bus stand. When continued on page 2