30062025-JTR-01.qxd 6/29/2025 10:00 PM Page 1 c m y b Jalandhar tribune SCHOOLS SET TO REOPEN WITH FOCUS ON STUDENT ATTENDANCE VARUN SLAMS MEDIA’S COVERAGE OF SHEFALI’S FUNERAL CHARLIZE THERON TALKS ABOUT NOLAN’S THE ODYSSEY School heads told to create a positive, festive atmosphere in schools to encourage maximum student attendance. P2 Actor Varun Dhawan criticised media for their insensitive coverage of actress Shefali Jariwala’s funeral. P4 Charlize Theron opened up about her shoot schedule for Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. P4 » » FORECAST GENERALLY CLOUDY MAX 35°C | MIN 28°C YESTERDAY MAX 36°C | MIN 28°C SUNSET MONDAY 7.35 PM SUNRISE TUESDAY 5.26 AM » MONDAY | 30 JUNE 2025 | JALANDHAR Two killed in road mishap near Phagwara Phagwara, June 29 Two youth were killed in a fatal road accident shortly after midnight on Friday near Lovely Professional University (LPU) on the national highway, the police said. The victims were identified as Robinpreet Singh, a resident of Kahnuwan in Gurdaspur district, and Nitish Saini, a native of Himachal Pradesh. According to preliminary information, the two friends were returning to Jalandhar after shopping in Phagwara when their car went out of control and crashed into a heap of roadside stones. The impact of the crash was so severe that both youth died on the spot. Robinpreet Singh was employed as a physiotherapist at Shriman Hospital in Jalandhar. Nitish Saini had reportedly come from Himachal Pradesh to pay him a visit. — OC One arrested for snatching cellphone Phagwara, June 29 On a complaint lodged by Bengaluru resident Amog Krishna, who is presently residing in a paying guest accommodation at Miherru village, the police arrested a snatcher identified as Manjit Kumar, a resident of Darveshpind village, near Phagwara, and recovered an Iphone-15 Pro Max and a motorcycle from his possession. The accused snatched mobile phone of the complainant on June 27. A case was registered against the accused in this connection. — OC Exposed wires on Damoria Flyover pose serious threat to commuters Trees uprooted, traffic stalled as rain lashes city on Day 3 Tribune News Service Naked wires on Damoria Flyover in Jalandhar. PHOTO: SARABJIT SINGH Avneet Kaur Tribune News Service Jalandhar, June 29 As rain continues to lash the city for the third consecutive day, turning several areas into waterlogged zones, a new danger is lurking on Damoria Flyover — exposed electric wires hanging from streetlight poles, posing a serious threat to the safety of commuters. The flyover, one of the busiest routes connecting various parts of the city, has turned into a risky passage due to multiple electric poles along its stretch having open or dangling wires. The ongoing rainfall has only heightened the danger, with wet surfaces and rising water levels increasing the risk of electrocution. While many areas in the city remain inundated, including Model Town, BMC Chowk, Jyoti Chowk and Maqsudan, — Damoria Flyover — meant to ease traffic movement during such disruptions —is now under the scanner for potentially turning into a death trap. Several two-wheeler riders and pedestrians navigating the flyover on foot have expressed concern over the risk of coming in contact with live wires. “This is not just negligence; it’s playing with lives,” said Gurpreet Singh, a daily commuter who uses the flyover for going to work place. “At night, when visibility is low and the road is slippery, anyone could brush against these wires and get electrocuted,” he said. The exposed wires, some hanging loosely from poles and others lying dangerously close to the edge, are the result of unmonitored or incomplete electrical repair work. With no warning signs, barricades or insulation measures in place, the situation poses a direct threat, especially during downpours when electric current can easily pass through water. Despite repeated appeals from residents and social media users tagging the Municipal Corporation and the Electricity Department, no significant action has been taken so far in this connection. The area lacks basic safety audits and streetlight maintenance has remained neglected for months, residents say. Meanwhile, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting more rain in the coming days, residents are urging the authorities to respond before a serious incident occurs. “This is the kind of negligence that only gets attention after a tragedy,” said Anjali Sharma, a student who uses the flyover regularly. Residents have demanded immediate inspection and repair of the exposed wiring, warning that delays could prove fatal. With urban flooding already disrupting daily life, the added threat of electrocution from exposed wires has made the flyover a symbol of administrative apathy during the monsoon. Jalandhar, June 29 For the third consecutive day, the city witnessed rainfall, bringing much-needed respite from the searing summer heat. While cooler weather was welcomed by residents, waterlogged roads and uprooting of trees created major hurdles at few places in the city. On Saturday evening, several low-lying areas reported severe waterlogging as heavy rain lashed various parts of the city. Commuters were left stranded as roads were flooded with rainwater slowing down vehicular movement and leading to traffic jams. Today, a tree collapsed on Ladowali Road, one of the city’s busiest stretches. It resulted in traffic chaos in the area as commuters were unable to go either side. The authorities rushed to the spot and in few hours restored traffic movement. No injuries were reported. However, traffic movement was stalled and public transport faced disruptions. Another tree was uprooted near the Congress Bhawan. Residents have raised concerns over poor drainage system which fails to cope even with moderate rain. “Frequent flooding of main roads and residential colonies has become a seasonal issue, with no long-term solution in sight,” rued Raman Kumar, a retired teacher. A waterlogged road; and (below) a huge tree that fell on the road near the DC office during heavy rain in Jalandhar. PHOTOS: SARABJIT SINGH As the monsoon sets in, residents brace for more showers and hope for a balance between relief and safety. While rain offer a break from the blistering heat, the city’s infrastructure struggles to keep up with the changing weather patterns. In wake of the recent rainfall, Jalandhar Municipal Corporation Commissioner, along with Mayor and officials of the operation and maintenance (O&M) cell visited several areas across the city to check post-rainfall sit- uations and ensure effective water drainage. Key areas such as 120 Feet Road, Dera Satkartar Road, Model Town, Mall Road, Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar, Basti Sheikh and Jyoti Chowk were inspected by officials. Four booked for forging documents to avail bail Two held for kidnapping, demanding ransom 2 snatchers, jeweller arrested in Bholath Hoshiarpur: The Sadar police have booked four persons on the charge of forging documents for availing bail. A complaint was lodged at the police station on behalf of the court of JMIC Amandeep Singh that Ashish Kumar, a resident of Chaloohpar village, along with Ram Dhani and Indra Singh, residents of Kotli, and Mohit, a resident of Rishi Nagar, gave fake documents for availing bail. After registering a case against the accused, the police initiated probe into the matter. — OC Phagwara, June 29 In a swift operation, the Phillaur police, under the leadership of DSP Sarwan Singh Ball, successfully rescued a kidnapped man and arrested two prime accused within hours of reporting of the incident. According to the police, June 27, Kamaljit Kaur, wife of victim Teja Singh, a resident of Chaharra village, falling under the Ladowal police station, Ludhiana district, dialled the emergency helpline number 112, and reported that her husband Locked house burgled; gold, cash stolen Phagwara, June 29 A house was burgled at Nadala town in Kapurthala district while its occupants were away visiting their relatives in Amritsar. The incident came to light when the family returned home to find the locks broken and household items scattered. According to complainant Ranjit Singh, the theft occurred on June 25. Burglars allegedly entered the house by breaking kitchen grill and ransacked cupboards. The stolen items include two gold chains, three gold rings weighing approximately 15 gm, one gold ring and four gold earrings weighing around 14 gm. Besides, Rs 10,000 was also missing from the house. SubInspector Amandeep Nahar, SHO, Subhanpur police station, said an FIR has been registered in this regard. — OC Our Correspondent was kidnapped. She said the kidnappers were demanding Rs 20,000 for releasing her husband. Acting promptly, SubInspector Govindar Singh, ASI Paramjit Singh, and other police personnel from the Phillaur police station, with assistance from the technical cell, traced the victim’s location using his mobile number. Based on the coordinates, the police team successfully located and rescued Teja Singh and arrested two kidnappers — Mandeep Singh, a resident of Jagatpura Panjdera village and Kamlesh Singh, resident of Tehing village. During interrogation, it was revealed that the accused were part of an organised gang, including Narinder Kumar, a resident of Jagatpura, and Kiranjit Kaur, also from Jagatpura. The gang operated a honey trap scheme in which Kiranjit would lure unsuspecting men to her house under false pretences. Once the victim was engaged in a relationship with her, male members of the gang would arrive at the location, abduct the individual and demand ransom. On the day of the incident, victim Teja Singh was taken by the gang on different motorcycles to a remote area of Jhandepeer village near the Sutlej river. Later, he was confined at an under-construction house belonging to Kiranjit. The victim was safely rescued and kidnappers arrested from the spot. The police also recovered five mobile phones, one motorcycle and a toy pistol used to intimidate victims. The accused were presented before a court which sent them to police custody for further investigation. Phagwara, June 29 The Bholath police have arrested two youth involved in a chain-snatching incident, along with a jeweller who allegedly purchased stolen gold chain from them. The arrests follow a swift investigation in daylight robbery near Kamarawa Adda. Bholath Station House Officer (SHO) Ranjit Singh said the incident was reported a few days ago. He said Sukhwinder Kaur, a resident of Kamarawa, was returning home from Bholath market on an Activa scooter, accompanied by her young daughter and mother-in-law. As Snatched gold chain recovered they approached a sweet shop near Kamarawa Adda, two motorcycle-borne youths snatched her gold chain and fled towards Akhara village. A preliminary inquiry by the victim’s family led to identification of suspects as Varinder, alias Sunny, and Deepak Kumar, both residents of Ambgarh under the Kartarpur police station. A case was registered at the Bholath police station and both accused were apprehended by ASI Manjit Singh. No teacher available, Urdu classes suspended since four years fied Urdu teacher. “We require someone with an MA in Urdu to hold classes. Despite our efforts, we haven’t been able to find a suitable candidate,” said a senior official from the department. Public interest in classes remains high, with regular inquiries being made by those eager to learn Urdu. “We keep getting calls and visits by language enthusiasts, who ask when classes will resume. Unfortunately, we have no teacher at the moment,” the official said. Aakanksha N Bhardwaj Tribune News Service Jalandhar, June 29 For several decades, Urdu language classes offered by the Language Department were a cherished initiative, attracting enthusiasts from all walks of life. However, since 2022, the classes have come to a complete halt, much to disappointment of those who wish to learn the language. The classes were conducted regularly and free of cost for over several decades. But for the past four years, no sessions have been held. The classed were held twice a year — from January to June and July to December. Now the department has introduced a one-time fee of Rs 500 for Urdu examination. According to department officials, the primary reason for the suspension of classes was the unavailability of a quali- ‘Urdu Amoz’ book out of stock “Urdu Amoz”, the 267-page book is designed to teach Urdu through the Punjabi medium. c m y b In 2023, the Language Department had published its first official Urdu book. Titled “Urdu Amoz”, the 267page book is designed to teach Urdu through the Punjabi medium. The introductory page reads, "Punjabi mad- hyam rahi Urdu sikhavan di mudli pustak" (A preliminary book for learning Urdu via Punjabi medium). But, now the book is no longer available at the Jalandhar district Language Department as it sold out quickly. The book was edited by then Language Department Assistant Director Ashraf Mehmood Nandan and Dr Rehman Akhter, head, Urdu Department, Punjabi University. Priced at Rs 89, 2,000 copies of the book were printed. Until a qualified Urdu teacher is found, the future of these much-loved classes remains uncertain. However, officials maintain that they were still on the lookout and hopeful that the classes could be resumed soon. For now, Urdu learners have to wait. As per information, the Urdu classes are being held in other districts of Nawanshahr, Kapurthala and Hoshiarpur. During interrogation, the accused confessed that they sold stolen chain to a local jeweller, Yashveen Singh, a resident of Kapurthala. Yashveen was also arrested and named in the case. The SHO said Varinder had five cases of snatchings registered against him, while Yashveen had eight cases related to purchasing of stolen gold registered at various police stations. “All accused are currently in custody. Further investigation is in progress to uncover their links in snatchings and illegal gold trade network,” the SHO said. — OC Man dies after being hit by train Phagwara, June 29 A man died after he was hit by a train near Shekhupur railway crossing in Kapurthala. The deceased was identified as Gursewak Singh, a resident of Bhagatpur village. ASI Shakeel Mohammad of the Railway Police, said Singh was mentally disturbed for some time. He reportedly left his home in the night without informing his family. When his family members came to know that he was missing, they started searching for him. Singh’s body was discovered on railway tracks at kilometre marker 23/4-5 on Saturday morning. The Railway Police reached the spot and took custody of the body for further investigation. The authorities have not ruled out possibility of suicide, but an official cause of death will be confirmed following a post-mortem examination and further inquiries. — OC