05062025-LT-01.qxd 6/5/2025 12:15 AM Page 1 c m y b Ludhiana tribune SMUGGLER ARRESTED WITH 50 CASES OF ILLICIT LIQUOR PUBLIC, RELIGIOUS PLACES BECOME CAMPAIGN HOTSPOTS IPL 2025: FINALLY, JERSEY NO. 18 — AFTER 18 YEARS The suspect was identified as Jagwant Singh, alias Jagga, a resident of Jugiana in Sahnewal. P2 Public parks and religious places have emerged as preferred campaign hotspots of candidates. P3 The IPL witnessed a momentous achievement as Royal Challengers clinched their maiden title. P4 » » FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY MAX 38°C | MIN 21°C YESTERDAY MAX 36°C | MIN 21°C SUNSET THURSDAY 7.21 PM SUNRISE FRIDAY 5:21 AM » THURSDAY | 5 JUNE 2025 | LUDHIANA Ex-Army man shoots wife, son with licensed weapon Son succumbs to injuries, spouse undergoing treatment at hospital Lovleen Bains Doraha, June 4 An ex-Army man shot his wife and son with his licensed gun in an inebriated state at his home in Buani village on Tuesday. His son was declared dead upon arrival at hospital while his injured wife was admitted to a private hospital in Ludhiana. Doctors said her condition was stable. The suspect fled the scene with his weapon, following which the Doraha police have registered a case under Sections 103 of BNS, 2023, and 27 of the Arms Act, 1959. Identified as Baljinder Singh, the suspect had taken voluntary retirement from the Army seven years ago and returned to stay with his mother, wife and two sons. Sources said he had a trou- HAD A TROUBLED MARRIAGE Sources said the suspect had a troubled marriage with his wife Balwinder Kaur and frequently fought with her over petty issues due to his alcoholism. Balwinder Kaur’s father, Takwinder Singh, alleged that Baljinder used to Jagmeet Singh, abuse his wife and two sons. the deceased bled marriage with his wife Balwinder Kaur and frequently fought with her over petty issues due to his alcoholism. Balwinder Kaur’s father, Takwinder Singh, alleged that Baljinder used to abuse his wife and sons, Manpreet Singh (28) and Jagmeet Singh (23), in an intoxicated state. “He did not only beat them but also terrorise them with his licensed weapon,” he said. “On June 3 also, he continued his acts, but I never imagined it would end so tragically,” he said. According to Takwinder, his daughter called him for help as Baljinder was threatening the family in a drunken rage. When he arrived, he tried to pacify the situation but left soon after. After some time, Baljinder allegedly climbed the stairs, where his wife and son Jagmeet were sitting, and opened fire at them. Jagmeet suffered gunshot injuries on his chest and stomach while Balwinder in the rear part. “I dragged them downstairs and rushed them to a hospital in Doraha,” said Takwinder. “Doctors declared my grand- son dead and referred my daughter to SPS Hospital before finally shifting her to Fortis Hospital, where she is undergoing treatment,” he said. Speaking to this correspondent, the grieving father lamented: “For over 25 years, my daughter and her sons endured his abuse, which ultimately ended in the tragedy. I begged her countless times to leave him and return to her parental home but she refused. Baljinder is entirely responsible for the incident but his mother, Manjit Kaur, played a sinister role in their suffering. Her interference cost my grandson his life and left my daughter battling for survival.” Doraha SHO Akash Dutt said a case had been registered against Baljinder and raids were on to nab him. Unidentified suspects booked in architect’s murder case Woman,sonlandinpolicedragnet with heroin, countrymade pistol Ludhiana, June 4 A shocking case of murder has come to light in the city, where a 35-year-old architect was brutally killed. The police on Tuesday registered a case against unidentified miscreants based on the complaint filed by the victim’s mother, Meena Devi. The police said, Meena Devi’s son, Ghanaiya Kumar, was working with an office in South City. On May 26, he went to work but did not return. The family received a call on May 27, informing them that Ghanaiya was admitted to the DMCH. When the family members reached the hospital, they found Ghanaiya in a critical condition. Later, he was shifted to Maharishi Markandeshwar Hospital in Ambala. On June 1, despite efforts to save him, the victim succumbed to his injuries. Meena Devi alleged that her son was brutally beaten by unidentified miscreants, which led to his death. She also suspected that his employer might be involved in the case. — TNS 3 nabbed with mobiles, sharp weapon in another incident Ludhiana, June 4 The city police arrested a woman and her son and seized 60 gm of heroin, a .32 bore countrymade pistol, two cartridges and a motorcycle from their possession. The suspects, identified as Davinder Singh Ganji (23) and his mother Kuldeep Kaur (42), are residents of Salem Tabri. ADCP-1 Sameer Verma while addressing a press conference said on Tuesday, when a team from the Salem Tabri police station was patrolling on GT Road, they stopped the duo on suspicion. Upon checking their belongings, the officials found heroin and an illegal weapon. The police registered a case under the NDPS Act and Arms Act and launched an investigation to trace sources of the drugs and weapons. The Salem Tabri police also apprehended three Cops address mediapersons in Ludhiana. INDERJEET VERMA snatchers and recovered nine mobile phones, a sharp weapon, a motorcycle, and a scooter from them. The suspect, identified as Honey Sethi (27) of Green City, Vinay (26) of Hussainpura and Bobby Kumar (25) of Hussainpura were reportedly running a snatchers’ gang. The ADCP said the officials received intelligence about their activities and conducted a raid on Tuesday, leading to their arrest. According to the police, the suspects had a criminal record, with cases registered against them. Investigators are now working to track their past crimes, if any, and gather further evidence. — TNS Election scene hots up as protests escalate in city One of 4 suspects held in petrol attack incident LUDHIANA (W) BYPOLL Tribune News Service Shivani Bhakoo Tribune News Service Ludhiana, June 4 As the election battle intensifies in Ludhiana, protests against the ruling government are gaining momentum. Various unions gathered at different locations in the Ludhiana West constituency, braving the scorching heat to press for their long-pending demands. Anganwari Mulazam Union workers staged a massive protest outside the PAU, with many women carrying their children under the blazing sun. Led by Harjeet Kaur Panjola, the protesters accused the government of neglecting their welfare. “India ranks 105th out of 127 countries in the 2024 Global Hunger Index. This is alarming,” said Subhash Rani, highlighting the urgent need for reforms. The workers expressed frustration over stagnant wages and unfulfilled promises. Before coming to power, the government assured them of doubled salaries but the reality has been starkly different. “For- Anganwari workers and members of teachers' unions (right) hold protests in support of their demands in Ludhiana on Wednesday. PHOTOS: ASHWANI DHIMAN get about salary hikes — our fixed wages don’t even arrive on time,” lamented a protester. They also criticised the government for failing to provide nutritious meals to women and children. Despite the unbearable weather, the workers remained steadfast in their protest. Teachers’ unions raise their voice yet again Members of the Democratic Teachers Front Punjab, 6635 ETT Union and 4161 Master Cadre Union marched to the DC’s office on Wednesday, demanding long-overdue reforms. The unions had warned the government on May 4, after which the Punjab Education Minister promised a dialogue. However, no action has followed, prompting today’s demonstration. With elections approaching in Ludhiana West, the teachers escalated their protest, listing grievances ranging from job insecurity to delayed promo- tions. “Many of our colleagues remain unregularised, forced to work hundreds of km away from their home districts,” said a union representative. Teachers accused the government of failing to fill vacant posts, leaving many schools understaffed. They warned of a larger protest on June 11, if their concerns remain ignored. Mid-day meal workers demand fair pay The Mid-Day Meal Cook Union Punjab, led by president Karam Chand Chindalia, took to the streets, chanting “Thali Kharkao, Sutti Punjab Sarkar Jagao” in a spirited protest near Chattar Singh Park. Workers decried their meagre wages and government’s repeated failures to address their concerns. Despite multiple submissions, officials have ignored their pleas. “We serve countless chil- dren every day, yet our earnings remain shockingly low,” said a protester. Midday meal workers and assistants vowed to continue their agitation till their demands are met. With protests surging across Ludhiana, political tensions are rising, setting the stage for a volatile election campaign. Coming days will determine whether the government responds or the agitations intensify further. Ludhiana, June 4 The Ludhiana police have arrested Jaswinder Singh, one of the four suspects in the murder of Surinder Kumar. The victim died at a hospital on June 2 after the attackers allegedly poured petrol on his face and head during a heated argument over a disputed wall on May 30. The police have registered a case against Jaswinder Singh, his son Sonu, Gola and Jatin, residents of Kitchlu Nagar. ASI Sukhwinder Singh said the police acted swiftly after receiving a complaint from Surinder’s father, Sawan Kumar. He alleged that the suspects were constructing a wall on a piece of land his family had possessed for a long time. On May 30, the dispute escalated into a violent altercation. During the fight, the suspects allegedly poured petrol on Surinder. His health deteriorated and he died at the hospital on June 2. His family claimed that petrol also entered his mouth, which led to his death. The land in question reportedly belongs to Dargah Baba Sunet Wali in Kitchlu Nagar. Sawan Kumar accused Jaswinder of attempting to build a wall without leaving the required space, triggering the confrontation. The police arrested Jaswinder on Tuesday and presented him in a court. Raids are ongoing to capture the other suspects, who remain at large. Sources said Surinder Kumar had worked with the Electricity Department in Shimlapuri for several years. He had been engaged a few months ago and his wedding was scheduled in five months. His family said the dispute had flared up before but this time it turned deadly. Court stays arrest of dist cricket assn Over 20 volunteers rejoin AAP ahead of bypoll office-bearers in embezzlement case Tribune News Service Rajneesh Lakhnapal Ludhiana, June 4 The Court of Additional Sessions Judge Amandeep Kaur has stayed the arrest of Gagandeep Bhalla, alias Sunny Bhalla, honorary secretary of the Ludhiana District Cricket Association (LDCA), along with LDCA president Satish Kumar Mangal and treasurer Manik Bassi till July 1, in a case pertaining to alleged embezzlement and cheating. All three are supporters of Congress leader and party candidate from Ludhiana West Bharat Bhushan Ashu and have been actively involved in his election campaign. The FIR, lodged recently, Cong alleges political vendetta, Ashu’s close supporters get respite names several LDCA office-bearers and accuses them of financial and procedural irregularities. However, the Congress has termed the case as a classic example of political vendetta. Deepika Sunny Bhalla, Congress councillor from Ward 69 and wife of Sunny Bhalla, alleged that the AAP-led government and the police had done all this to stop them from playing active role in the Ashu’s campaign. A battery of lawyers, including senior advo- cates Pawan Ghai, AK Shori, and Manan Berry, represented the petitioners in court and argued that the FIR was politically motivated. “The complainant has already withdrawn his complaint from the Punjab and Haryana High Court,” they said, adding that the case was being kept alive solely for political reasons. The FIR is based on a report from the Deputy Commissioner’s office, which mentions that irregularities were found in the functioning of the Ludhiana District Cricket Association. However, the FIR does not specify who committed the alleged embezzlement or the exact amount involved. The report vaguely refers to procedural and financial lapses committed by the president, general secretary, honorary secretary, treasurer, and other officials of the association. The court has granted interim protection from arrest to the three petitioners and ordered a detailed probe to ascertain the identities of those responsible and the extent of the alleged misappropriation. Meanwhile, Congress leaders have accused the AAP candidate from Ludhiana West, Sanjeev Arora, of orchestrating the FIR to silence Ashu’s key supporters ahead of the crucial June 19 bypoll. c m y b Ludhiana, June 4 The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Punjab, has regained momentum ahead of the Ludhiana West Assembly byelection, with over 20 volunteers rejoining the party. The workers, who had previously shifted allegiance to the Congress, returned on Wednesday, citing dissatisfaction with their former party. The volunteers, who initially left alongside Ward 58 AAP councillor Sunny Master, voiced their concerns about Congress’s approach, stating that it does not value ordinary workers. They emphasised that AAP remains the only party that truly respects and prioritises the common man. Vishal, Ranjit, Varinder, Lovepreet, Satish, Sachin, Gary, Rahul, Ranjeet, Amit, Sourav, Nitin, AAP leaders address the media in Ludhiana on Wednesday. INDERJEET VERMA Pankaj, Anil and Honey are among the volunteers who rejoined AAP. Their return was facilitated by AAP leader Vicky Makkar, who played a crucial role in reconnecting them with the party. AAP Punjab working president Amansher Singh Shery Kalsi welcomed the returning members in the presence of senior party leaders, including state general secretary Harchand Singh Barsat, MLAs Ashok Parashar Pappi, Daljit Singh Bhola Grewal, Rajinder Pal Kaur Chhina and Madan Lal Bagga and AAP leaders Sunny Ahluwalia, Raman Chandi and Vicky Makkar. Addressing the media, Kalsi highlighted the significance of their return, stating that these individuals had been long-time loyal volunteers of AAP . “Their presence will strengthen our campaign and they will work passionately to ensure the victory of the party candidate,” he said.