05042025-JTR-01.qxd 4/4/2025 11:15 PM Page 1 c m y b Jalandhar tribune BOLLYWOOD PRODUCER KARAN JOHAR VISITS THE GOLDEN TEMPLE TOM CRUISE OPENS CINEMACON SPEECH WITH MOMENT OF SILENCE CELEBS MOURN ‘BHARAT’ KUMAR’S PASSING AWAY Punjabi actor-singer Gippy Grewal and Bollywood producer Karan Johar on Friday paid obeisance at the Golden Temple.P4 Tom Cruise opened his CinemaCon appearance with a moving tribute to his Top Gun co-star, Val Kilmer. P4 Born on July 24, 1937, the actor lived in an era when patriotism was not associated with any political party. P4 » » FORECAST MAINLY CLEAR MAX 35°C | MIN 17°C YESTERDAY MAX 34°C | MIN 15°C SUNSET SATURDAY 6.49 PM » SUNRISE SUNDAY 6:09 AM SATURDAY | 5 APRIL 2025 | JALANDHAR INBRIEF SSP RURAL TRANSFERRED Jalandhar: Hardly a month after Gurmeet Singh had been posted as SSP, Jalandhar Rural, the government has now replaced him with another PPS officer, Harvinder S Virk. Virk was last posted as Zonal AIG in CID Patiala, the post which has now gone to Gurmeet Singh. Gurmeet Singh had earlier replaced Harkamalpreet Singh Khakh as SSP Jalandhar Rural on March 2. Khakh had remained posted on the position for about seven months. TNS ASI SHOOTS HIMSELF Phagwara: ASI Narinderjit Singh on Friday shot himself after taking assault rifle from his colleague near the SSP office in the Distrct Administrative Complex. SP Sarabjit Rai confirmed the news. The police said the deceased went to the strong room of EVM machines and took the assault rifle from his colleague and shot himself. The deceased was posted in Police Lines. The police have begun investigation to ascertain the reasons behind the suicide. OC 3 WOMEN BOOKED FOR THEFT Phagwara: The Lohian Khas police have booked eight persons, including three women, for stealing items from a tubewell. The accused have been identified as Jogindar Singh of Jamsher village, his wife Jagdeesh Kaur, sons Sukhraj Singh, Balveer Singh and Lakhveer Singh, daughter-inlaws Rajwant Kaur and Amandeep Kaur and Charanjit Singh of the same village. Balwindar Kaur of Sabuwal village complained to the police that the accused reached her motor room during night, ransacked it and stole many items and threatened her with dire consequences. OC BOOKED FOR MURDER BID Phagwara: The Nakodar Sadar police have booked miscreants on the charge of attempt to murder. Paramjit Kaur of Haibowal Kalan, Ludhiana, complained to the police that her nephew Amril Singh of Dhaliwal village in Nakodar phoned her that her son Sarabjit Singh was going to Jalandiala village on his motor cycle on march 29. Some miscreants attacked him with an intention to kill him. OC 2 DRUG PEDDLER ARRESTED Phagwara: The Nakodar police have arrested two 'drug peddlers' on the charge of selling heroin. Eleven gram of heroin were recovered from the possession of the accused Jatindar Singh of Mohalla Kharadian and Navjot of Mohalla Rishi Nagar, Nakodar . oc GOODS STOLEN FROM KIOSK Phagwara: Thieves targeted a kiosk under the Satnampura bridge in Phagwara, breaking the lock and stealing cash and other items. Bablu, the kiosk owner, stated that he had locked his kiosk and left the previous night. However, in the morning, he discovered that cash, cigarettes and other goods had been stolen. In a similar incident, thieves stole an autorickshaw battery from the premises of the Civil Hospital. Pradeep Kumar, autorickshaw owner, reported it to the police. OC Sarpanches invite Bajwa to see Seechewal model on ground Hoshiarpur boy Puneet gets 100% in Class VIII Seek his apology for calling Rajya Sabha MP ‘contractor’ or face boycott Tribune Reporters this had been possible due to the grace of God. He said Puneet has been a talented child since the beginning. Principal of the school Paramjit Kaur said the school is proud of his achievement. Janiya Chahal, Nall Mank, Bhaneval, Sherpur Dona, Talwandi Madho and Wara Jagir shared that Seechewal had been at the forefront of relief efforts during the floods of 2008, 2019, and 2023, when the local communities were saved by his intervention. They recalled that Bajwa had not made any contributions during those times. Moreover, the panchayat and sarpanch representatives emphasised that Seechewal has always been among the first to respond during flood situations when there is a breach in the Sutlej embankments. Even before the government could act, Seechewal and his team would be on the ground saving lives. They acknowledged his enormous contribution to making Punjab’s villages greener. As a Rajya Sabha member, Seechewal had also contributed a large portion of his discretionary funds toward the development of these villages. Hoshiarpur, April 4 In the Class VIII results declared by the Punjab School Education Board today, Puneet Verma of Hoshiarpur has brought laurels to his school and the district by securing 100 per cent marks. Arrangements in place for smooth wheat procurement: Kataruchak Una travel agent booked for duping 124 lakh MT wheat expected to arrive across 1,864 mandis in state PHAGWARA, APRIL 4 The Mehatpur police have booked a migrant travel agent for allegedly duping a Shahkot village resident of Rs 29.98 lakh on the pretext of sending him abroad. Shahkot DSP Onkar Singh Brar said the accused has been identified as Sanjay Kumar of Una district, and presently living at Dashmesh Nagar in SBS Nagar. Harkirat Singh, a resident of Sohal Jagir village under Shahkot, complained to the police that he paid Rs 29.98 lakh to the accused for facilitating his migration to England but he neither sent him abroad, not returned the money. — OC Couple dies in road mishap Tribune News Service Jalandhar, April 4 Ahead of the Congress rally at Sultanpur Lodhi tomorrow, over a dozen villages in the Doaba have announced to boycott the party. Villagers have come in support of environmentalist-cum MP Balbir Singh Seechewal over the alleged remark of ‘contractor’ made against him in the Vidhan Sabha recently by LoP Partap Bajwa. As Bajwa too is expected to visit the town tomorrow, the sarpanches have extended an invitation to him to come to the ground and witness the work done under the Seechewal model. The sarpanches have challenged Bajwa to visit the villages of Shahkot to observe the Seechewal model’s work first hand. They have also warned Congress MLA Hardeep Singh Laddi that if he fails to clarify the situation, they will protest against him. The sarpanches have accused Bajwa of deliberate- Tribune News Service Jalandhar, April 4 The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister, Punjab, Lal Chand Kataruchak today announced that the government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has made extensive preparations to facilitate over 8 lakh farmers during the ongoing wheat procurement season. The minister was chairing a review meeting with senior officials from four districts —Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar. Speaking to the media, the Villagers protest against Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa over his remark against BS Seechewal. ly causing damage to the party. They stated that Bajwa’s remarks, calling Seechewal a “contractor” and labelling the Seechewal model as a “failed model”, were a low point in political discourse. This model has been recommended by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). minister revealed that Punjab is set to witness a bumper wheat crop this year, with a target procurement of 124 lakh metric tonnes. He stated the government has already secured a cash credit limit of Rs 28,894 crore for wheat procurement for ensuring smooth operations throughout the season. The minister also mentioned that 99 per cent of the required bardana (sacks) has been arranged, alongside sufficient space and crates for efficient storage. To cater to the massive arrival of crops, the government has established 1,864 purchase centres (mandis) The arpanches from several villages have warned the Congress leadership that if Bajwa does not apologise for calling Seechewal a “contractor,” the villages will boycott the Congress and will not vote for them. Jogga Singh, Congress sarpanch of Chak Chela, stated across the state, where farmers can sell their wheat. In light of the bumper crop, around 600 temporary purchase centres have also been set up. Kataruchak assured farmers that they would receive payments within 24 hours of procurement, with the government setting the MSP at Rs 2,425 per quintal. Disclosing district-specific procurement targets, he stated that over 3.14 lakh MT of wheat is expected to arrive in Hoshiarpur, while Jalandhar, Kapurthala and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar will contribute 5.25 lakh MT, 3.61 lakh MT, and 2.64 lakh MT, respectively. that there was anger in the village due to Bajwa’s remarks. He accused Bajwa of having no understanding of ground realities and claimed that his action has already caused a significant harm to the party. Sarpanches from Gatta Mundi, Gidarpindi, Seechewal, Chak Chela, Kasu, Janiya, The minister emphasised the government’s commitment to purchasing every single grain brought by farmers, stressing that no negligence would be tolerated in the procurement process. He highlighted the government’s efforts over the past three years to streamline wheat and paddy procurement operations. In the review meeting, Kataruchak also examined facilities for farmers, including cleanliness, drinking water availability, lighting, and sheds at the mandis. He directed the officials to remain present in their mandis to ensure farmers face no hardships. Verma, son of Ashok Verma, resident of Mohalla Gokul Nagar, a student of Shri Guru Harikrishan Public School, Model Town, Hoshiarpur, running under the Chief Khalsa Diwan, has scored 100 per cent marks. On hearing the news, there was an atmosphere of happiness in the house and congratulations poured in from relatives and friends. Verma’s parents said all Hoshiarpur, April 4 A couple from Muradpur Nariyal riding a motorcycle died in a road accident near a petrol pump in village Nanowal Vaid. The accident took place on Friday afternoon when the motorcycle rider Harjinder Singh alias Prince and his wife Rekha Rani were seriously injured after being hit by a car while taking a turn towards the petrol pump. The team of Shri Guru Nanak Charitable Seva Society, Bure Rajputs, rushed the injured to Government Hospital, Hoshiarpur, but both of them died. Prince used to work in government school, Sikri. 17 from Jalandhar in merit The result of Class VIII of Punjab School Education Board was declared on Friday in which 17 students from the district got merit positions. The meritorious students included five from government schools and 12 from private schools. The five government school merit holders include Harsimranjit Kaur from Government High School-Apra who has obtained 99 per cent marks. Harnoor Kaur Ubhi from Government Middle School-Sangatpur has got 98.50 per cent, Diya Rattu from Government Girls Senior Secondary SchoolNakodar too has got 98.50%. Niharika from government school at Basti Sheikh has got 98.33 pc and Sanjana Kumari from GHS Kandola Kalan has obtained 98 per cent. File photo of the victim couple. The police have taken the vehicles into custody and started an investigation. — OC 9-year boy hit PRTC conductor Cop’s arrest Khaira seeks probe by bike, dies attacked,5booked into police-drug mafia ‘nexus’ Main accused held for delivery boy’s murder Our Correspondent Our Correspondent Ashok Kaura Hoshiarpur, April 4 A nine-year-old boy died on the spot in Fatehpur Kothi village on Friday evening after being hit by a motorcycle. According to information received at Civil Hospital, Mahilpur, the boy’s father Sukhwinder Singh, a resident of Fatehpur Kothi, stated that his nine-year-old son Harmanpreet Singh came out of the house to play, Harmanpreet Singh when suddenly he collided with Satnam Singh, a resident of the same village, who was coming from Mahilpur to Fatehpur Kothi village on a motorcycle. They were admitted to the Civil Hospital, Mahilpur, where doctors declared Harmanpreet Singh dead, while Satnam Singh was referred to the Civil Hospital in Hoshiarpur for treatment due to his serious condition. Harmanpreet’s father said that he was studying in Class IV at a private school in village Ladhewal. The Chabbewal police have taken the body into custody and started further investigations. Garhshankar, April 4 In Garhshankar, a PRTC bus conductor was taken off the bus and attacked with sharp-edged weapons and severely injured last late night. The police reached the spot and admitted the seriously injured conductor to the Civil Hospital, Garhshankar. The police have registered a case against five youths on the statement of the conductor. After primary treatment, doctors referred the seriously injured conductor to Chandigarh. Injured conductor Sandeep Singh of Chakk Kheva, Fazilka, told the police that the PRTC bus left for Hoshiarpur from Chandigarh last night. There were two youths in the bus who were drunk and were repeatedly asking him to tell when to reach Garhshankar. The passengers were also getting disturbed by this. He asked them to sit comfortably and not to disturb people. On this they threatened him. As soon as the bus reached Garhshankar in the night, they stopped the bus at Anandpur Sahib Chowk and the two youths along with three more who had come on their call attacked him with axe, sword and rod and fled. ASI Lakhbir Singh said a case has been registered against five youths and soon the accused will be caught. Phagwara, April 4 Sukhpal Khaira, MLA and former Leader of the Opposition in Punjab, has called for an independent and impartial investigation— preferably by the CBI — into the alleged nexus between certain police officials and drug trafficking networks in the state. His demand follows the arrest of constable Amandip Kaur, who was reportedly found in possession of illegal substances at a police check-point. In a statement to the press on Thursday, Khaira expressed grave concern over what he described as “deeprooted complicity” between elements within the police force and drug syndicates. He said the case involving the constable has raised serious questions about the integrity and accountability of law enforcement in Punjab. According to Khaira, during her arrest, Kaur allegedly PHAGWARA, APRIL 4 The Mehatpur police have arrested the main accused on the charge of murdering a 19year-old delivery boy. SHO Lakhbir Singh said the accused has been identified as Yuvraj Singh Yuvi, a resident of Sangowal village. Charanjeet Singh of Haripur village, had informed the police thar the accused and his accomplice murdered his son Rajveer Devit. Indarjit Kaur, wife of Charanjit Singh, a resident of Haripur village, had complained to the police that her son Devit was working as a delivery boy with a Mehatpur restaurant. He did not return home on Monday. The complainant had said when she went to Mehatpur road in search of her son, she found the body of Devit in a field of Dulla a resident of Mehatpur, who was murdered with sharp-edged weapons. A case under the BNS was registered against the accused and his juvenile accomplice who was earlier arrested. OC c m y b Constable Amandip Kaur was caught with illegal substance highlighted her ties with a senior IPS officer. “Such claims, if verified, suggest the possibility of a broader network shielding illegal activities under the guise of the authority,” Khaira stated. The issue has gained further traction due to the circulation of a leaked audio clip, purportedly implicating the same senior IPS officer. While the authenticity of the audio is yet to be officially confirmed, Khaira maintained that it points to a troubling pattern. “This is not an isolated incident,” he said. “The officer in question has reportedly been named in multiple legal complaints and currently occupies a key position in the police hierarchy.” Khaira has urged the state government to act decisively and transparently. “Given the potential involvement of high-ranking officials, only an independent agency like the CBI can ensure a fair and thorough probe,” he said. “The people of Punjab want to know the truth and justice must not only be done but be seen to be done.” The government has not yet issued a formal response to Khaira’s demands. The police department has also not commented on the allegations. Khaira emphasised that the focus should remain on systemic reform rather than individual blame. “This is about restoring public trust in the rule of law and ensuring that those tasked with protecting society are not themselves complicit in its harm,” he said.