09042025-JTR-01.qxd 4/8/2025 10:38 PM Page 1 c m y b Jalandhar tribune 'DEHI' SHOWCASES HUMAN EMOTIONS, AI AT RANG UTSAV LEADERS CONDEMN GRENADE ATTACK ON KALIA'S HOUSE CELEBS SHINE AT MADDOCK FILMS’ ANNIVERSARY BASH The state-level Rang Utsav is celebrated annually on the birth anniversary of the legendary Shri K L Saigal. P2 BJP leader Avinash Rai Khanna slams AAP-led state govt over law & order breakdown. P2 Maddock Films celebrated its 20th anniversary with a star-studded party attended by B-town celebrities. P4 » » » FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY MAX 36°C | MIN 21°C YESTERDAY MAX 37°C | MIN 19°C SUNSET WEDNESDAY 6.52 PM SUNRISE THURSDAY 6:05 AM WEDNESDAY | 9 APRIL 2025 | JALANDHAR INBRIEF LEADERS CONDOLE HANS WIFE'S DEATH Jalandhar: Following the death of ex-BJP MP Hans Raj Hans' wife Resham Kaur, leaders from all parties expressed condolences with him at his place on Tuesday. Among those who visited his place were Haryana CM Nayab Saini, Union MoS Ravneet Bittu, BJP state president Sunil Jakhar and AAP MP Balbir S Seechewal. TNS TWO 'DRUGS PEDDLERS' HELD Phagwara:The police have arrested two 'drugs peddlers' and recovered 7gm of heroin and 35 intoxicating tablets from their possession on Monday night. Both accused Surinder Kumar of village Narangshahpur and Nitin Kumar of Balmiki Mohalla, Phagwara, were arrested at check points in the city. The police recovered 7 gm of heroin from Surinder while 35 tablets were recovered from Nitin. OC VILLAGER HELD FOR SHRINE THEFT Phagwara: The police have arrested a person on the charge of stealing cash and CCTV camera from a village gurdwara. Satnam Singh complained to the police that the accused barged into a gurdwara on April 6 and stole cash from coin box and CCTV camera. OC Grenade attack at Kalia’s house sparks outrage Avneet Kaur Tribune News Service Jalandhar, April 8 Just weeks after a grenade attack rocked Raipur Rasoolpur village on the outskirts of Jalandhar, a fresh explosion at the residence of former BJP minister Manoranjan Kalia in the heart of the city has again brought the law and order situation under intense public and political scrutiny. The latest incident, reported around 1 am on Tuesday at Kalia’s residence in Central Town — a busy and prominent locality — has raised serious questions about public safety. This is the third grenade attack in less than a month in the state, with two reporting in Jalandhar alone. The growing frequency of such incidents has stirred concern not only among opposition parties, which have slammed the state government for “failing to maintain order,” but also among residents who are now openly expressing fear and frustration. “If someone can throw a grenade at the house of a former minister in such a prime location, what hope does a common man have?” said BJP Punjab president Sunil Jakhar along with Union Minister Ravneet Bittu, former minister Manoranjan Kalia and BJP leaders addresses the media in Jalandhar on Tuesday. PHOTO: MALKIAT SINGH Suresh Verma, a shopkeeper in Central Town. “We are already dealing with vehicle thefts, daylight chain snatchings and armed robberies. Now these grenade attacks are making us feel like no one is safe.” Many residents echoed similar sentiments, highlighting how frequent crimes — from burglaries to home break-ins — are fast becoming the norm in the city. “Everyday, there’s some news of robbery or assault. It’s like the criminals know they won’t be caught. These grenade attacks have just taken the fear to another level,” said Manjit Kaur, a local resident. Despite police claims of cracking down on crime — with three police encounters already reporting in the Jalandhar Commissionerate since the start of the year — there seems to be little deterrence on the ground. Criminals, it appears, remain unfazed and continue to carry out attacks with impunity. However, the police moved swiftly in the latest case. Within 12 hours, the police c m y b announced the arrest of two accused and revealed that the attack was orchestrated by an ISI-backed terror module. Commissioner of Police Dhanpreet Kaur said investigations are underway in coordination with central intelligence agencies to trace the network behind the attack. “Security has been tightened across the city, especially at sensitive points like the bus stand, railway station and all major entry and exit routes,” she said, assuring residents of enhanced vigilance. Execution plea pushes MC into action, road repair begins Avneet Kaur Tribune News Service Jalandhar, April 8 On the day of the hearing on the execution petition filed by residents of Defence Colony, led by their society general secretary Harbinder Singh through advocate Vikram Dutta, the Municipal Corporation (MC) finally swung into action and began long overdue repair work on the colony’s main road. The petition was filed over the MC’s failure to comply with a Permanent Lok Adalat order issued in October 2024, directing it to complete road repair by November 30. After months of inaction, it was only when the execution appeal came up before the Lok Adalat that the MC responded. Speaking to Jalandhar Tribune, advocate Dutta said, “The MC counsel appeared in the court and assured the Lok Adalat that the road would be repaired on priority and the work would begin the same day. To our relief, the MC actually began repairs and the work is now progressing well.” Dutta added that if the current pace of work continues and the road is restored soon or before the next hearing on May 15, the residents would consider withdrawing the The MC starts road repair work at Defence Colony. SARABJIT SINGH execution appeal. Meanwhile, the road, which connects Defence Colony to PAP Chowk, had remained in a crumbling state for over two years. Despite the Lok Adalat’s clear directive last year, the MC had only carried out cosmetic repairs by recarpeting one side of the road while leaving the other covered in gravel, which the residents said made the situation worse. “The loose gravel turned into a hazard. Two-wheeler riders frequently skidded and several minor accidents occurred,” said a resident, adding that it’s unfortunate that it took a legal push to get the MC moving, but they are glad their efforts have finally borne fruit. Residents expressed hope that the full stretch would soon be motorable and pothole-free. “This road has been a nightmare. It’s riddled with potholes and becomes almost unmanageable after dark,” said another local. “For over two years, we kept raising the issue but were met with apathy.” They said now that the work has started in earnest, they are watching closely to ensure it is completed on time. “The next hearing is scheduled for May 15 by which time we hope the road will finally be restored to a safe and usable condition”, they added.