12072025-JTR-01.qxd 7/11/2025 10:42 PM Page 1 c m y b Jalandhar tribune GANGSTER SHOT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO FLEE IN K’THALA DEEPIKA HAS DONE WHAT NO ONE — NOT EVEN THE KHANS ACTRESSES GET MEATIER PROJECTS ON STREAMING: VAANI A key figure in Punjab’s criminal underworld was injured in a police encounter during weapon recovery operation.P2 With over ~10K crore in global box office collections, Deepika Padukone outpaced Shah Rukh, Salman & Aamir. P4 Vaani Kapoor is set to make her streaming debut with Mandala Murders, a mythological-crime thriller series. P4 » » » FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY MAX 33°C | MIN 26°C YESTERDAY MAX 32°C | MIN 26°C SUNSET SATURDAY 7.34 PM SUNRISE SUNDAY 5.32 AM SATURDAY | 12 JULY 2025 | JALANDHAR INBRIEF TWO HELD FOR CONSUMING DRUG Phagwara: The Lohian Khas police have arrested two addicts for consuming heroin. Investigating Officer (IO) Balveer Chand said the accused were identified as Sharanjit Singh of Mohalla Guru Nanak Colony and Rakat of Balmik Mohalla. The IO said a lighter, a silver paper and a plastic pipe used for consuming drug were recovered from their possession. A case was registered against the accused, he said. OC Residents of areas adjoining Latifpura demand eviction of protesters from road Residentsdemandclosure of bone-processing unit near Phagwara village Will take up issue with Chief Minister, says Improvement Trust Chairperson Our Correspondent ONE ARRESTED FOR MURDER BID Phagwara: The Nakodar Sadar police have arrested a miscreant on the charges of attempt to murder and firing. Investigating officer (IO) Gurnam Singh said the accused was identified as Gurmit Singh, alias Saabi, of Kalanour in Gurdaspur. Kuldeep Singh of Sahem village complained to the police that he was returning home from his poultry farm on his motorcycle when the accused waylaid him near Balbir Singh's motor, snatched Rs 2,000 from his pocket and fired at him from a pistol, but he escaped unhurt. He said the accused then attacked him with sharp weapon leaving him seriously injured.The IO said a case was registered against the accused. OC All set for installation of new Bishop today Jalandhar, July 11 It a big day for the Christian community in the region as the Diocese of Jalandhar is set to install Monsignor Jose Sebastian as its new bishop on Saturday. The event will be held at Trinity College campus. His recent appointment by Pope Leo XIV marks the end of a six-year wait for the community to have a new Bishop in Jalandhar since former Bishop Franco Mulakkal was relieved. The episcopal ordination will take place in the presence of Vatican Monsignor Jose AmbasSebastian sador Archbishop Leopoldo Girrelli. Principal Consecrator for the occasion will be Archbishop of Delhi and Secretary of Congregation of Catholic Bishops of India Anil Joseph Thomas Couto. He will be joined by Bishop Agnelo Rufino Gracias, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Jalandhar, and Sebastian Vadakkel, Bishop of Ujjain, as Co-Consecrators. — TNS Joint action committee members hold a meeting; and (right) occupants of Latifpura houses protest against their evacuation in Jalandhar. PHOTOS: SARABJIT SINGH Phagwara, July 11 Tehsildar Jaswinder Singh conducted an inspection of a bone-processing unit located near Khatti village on the outskirts of Phagwara. The facility recently came under public scrutiny after several tonnes of cow meat was allegedly recovered from the rear of the building of a roadside eatery on the GT Road, reigniting long-pending demand for the unit’s closure. Residents from around 15 nearby villages, including Khatti, Khurampur, Dhadde, Chak Prema, Gulabgarh, Ambedkar Nagar Dhadde, Bir Dhandoli, Dhandoli, Rawalpindi, Seekri, Bhogpur, GNA University, Varyah, and Lakhpur, submitted a memorandum to the Phagwara Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), demanding permanent shutdown of the unit. Local leaders, including Jathedar Joga Singh Dhadha, sarpanch Jaspreet Singh Jassal of Khatti, and numberdar Kuldeep Ram, said foul smell and unhygienic conditions created by the unit were severely affecting public health and Jalandhar, July 11 The two-and-a-half-year-old issue of demolition of houses of occupants at Latifpura by the Jalandhar Improvement Trust (JIT) which had been lying low once again was raked up on Friday as residents of all adjoining colonies came up demanding clearing of the road passage. Ever since the demolition by JIT officials in December 2022, the road in front of houses has not yet been cleared. The occupants whose houses were demolished have put up tents there to protest. Debris, half-razed constructions continue to keep the proposed road passage choked much to the disappointment of residents of several colonies all around. Today, a joint action committee of all these colonies, including residents of Model Town, Shiv Vihar, Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar, Mithapur, the PPR Market area and the Curo Mall area and committee members of nearby gurdwaras and temples gathered at the site and demanded that the road be cleared immediately. They called on JIT Chairperson Rajwinder Kaur Thiara and presented her a memorandum of their demands. Lucky Oberoi, who led the joint action committee, said residents of the area had been facing daily traffic congestion as the road had not been cleared. “Our children get stuck in traffic jams while going to school for over half an hour every morning and afternoon. We face trouble while commuting during the peak office hours or rush time. We have sympathy for those who lost their dwellings, but this issue cannot be allowed to linger on. The road passage has to be cleared for the convenience of hundreds of families which pass through this route every day, said Oberoi. Vijay Khullar of Geeta Mandir Society, Rajiv Duggal of Model Town Market and Lally Ghuman were among those who gathered at the site in support of the joint action commit- tee. As the numbers of the residents from surrounding areas began to swell, the Latifpura occupants too spread mattresses and began dharna in middle of the road. A face-off between the two sides, however, was somehow prevented. Thiara said, “The matter had to be buried after demolition as there had been a lot of hue and cry. We did not want to disturb the law and order situation. The government had offered occupants flats at another location. We did not leave them shelterless. But they have not accepted the offer. I will take up the matter with Punjab CM soon and try to get it resolved at the earliest.” One arrested with intoxicating tablets, capsules FIRregisteredinBhakhriana village shooting incident Tractor stolen from fields near Bhularai village Purse snatching in posh locality raises concern Our Correspondent Victim alleges family feud behind attack Our Correspondent Our Correspondent Phagwara, July 11 A tractor was reportedly stolen from agricultural fields near Bhularai village on Thursday night. The tractor belonged to Kulbir Singh, a resident of the village. He learnt about the theft early in the morning when he went to check on his crops. Kulbir Singh immediately informed the police, following which a case was registered in this connection. Sources in the Police Department said initial investigation suggested that the tractor was likely taken away under the cover of darkness, possibly by more than one individual. No arrests have been made yet in this connection. The police are scanning footage of the CCTV cameras from nearby areas and checking with scrap dealers and second-hand tractor outlets to trace the stolen vehicle. Phagwara, July 11 A purse-snatching incident in the city’s upscale Hargobind Nagar locality has raised concerns about public safety. Two unidentified motorcycle-borne youth reportedly snatched a purse from a pedestrian, identified as Bimla, a resident of Prempura locality. The snatching took place in broad daylight at Hargobind Nagar, considered one of Phagwara’s posh neighbourhoods. The police have registered a case in this connection and are examining CCTV camera footage from the area to identify the accused. Besides, the police have arrested several persons in separate cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. In the first case, Tarandeep, Deepkamal Kaur COURT HEARING ON JULY 29 Tribune News Service Phagwara, July 11 In a significant breakthrough in fight against drug trafficking, the police have arrested a man with a large quantity of intoxicating tablets and capsules. The accused, identified as Krishan Sharma, a resident of Baba Gadhia locality in Phagwara, was intercepted during a routine checking at a naka near Dussehra Ground. During search, the police recovered a staggering 16,300 intoxicating tablets and 15,500 capsules from his possession. Phagwara SP Rupinder Kaur Bhatti said the recovered drugs could be part of a larger distribution network targeting the region. A case under the NDPS Act was registered against the accused. The accused is currently in police custody and is being interrogated to uncover further leads and possible links to other drug rackets operating in the area. At the back of the whole narrative-building exercise that re-started today is the fact that the Punjab and Haryana High Court is set to hear the matter on July 29. "The state government and JIT officials perhaps want everything to be sorted out and some roadwork done before the next hearing," said a local leader. Our Correspondent Phagwara, July 11 The police have registered an FIR in connection with a shooting incident at Bhakhriana village that left a 59-yearold man injured. The victim alleged that the attack stemmed from a family land dispute. Superintendent of Police Rupinder Kaur Bhatti visited the crime scene and the hospital where the victim was admitted, confirming that investigation was underway with all leads being pursued. The victim, Paramjit Singh, suffered a bullet injury on his right thigh after two unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants opened fire at him on the evening of July 9 while he was en route to meet a panchayat member, accompanied by another person identified as Manjit Singh. The victim was rushed to the Phagwara Civil Hospital for treatment. Doctors confirmed that his condition was stable. Based on Manjit Singh’s statement, an FIR (No. 52, dated July 10) was registered under Sections 109 and 115(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 25 of the Arms Act in this connection. Two empty cartridges were recovered from the site by the police. While at the hospital, Paramjit Singh alleged that his brother Surjit Singh and nephew Davinder Singh orchestrated the attack due to an ongoing dispute over 7.5 acres of agricultural land. He claimed that Davinder and an accomplice named Vicky opened fire at him. The Superintendent of Police said the case was being investigated thoroughly from all angles, with efforts underway to collect all relevant evidence and establish accountability. a resident of Chachoki, was apprehended with 8 gm of heroin. In the second case Sunil Bangar was arrested with 45 grams of intoxicant powder from Pandwa village, while another resident, Jaskaran, was found in possession of 55 grams of a similar substance. The police confirmed that these arrests were part of intensified efforts to curb the sale and distribution of narcotics in the rural and urban fringes of the district. In the third incident, three individuals — Dhyan Singh, Bhajan Singh, and Sandeep Kumar — all residents of Rihana Jattan village were arrested while allegedly consuming intoxicants in the public area. The police said these individuals were taken into custody on the spot and legal proceedings under the NDPS Act were initiated against them. polluting the environment. They alleged that what was initially a regular boneyard was illegally converted into a full-scale meat processing factory. The area around the facility is reportedly swarming with stray dogs, posing a serious threat to pedestrians and commuters, as the unit is situated near the main Hoshiarpur Road. Residents claim the presence of these animals has led to several near-miss accidents. During a specially convened meeting involving village heads and residents, it was unanimously decided to start a protest if immediate action is not taken in this connection. The leaders issued a strong warning that a mass agitation would be launched if their demand was not met. Present during the inspection were Vijay Kumar Jassal, Malkeet Singh (Panch, Khatti village), Gurdev Singh (Panch, Dhadde village), Kulwant Singh (Panch, Dhadha village), Giani Amritpal Singh (Khurampur village), Vicky (Bhogpur village), Mahinder Singh, Giani Balkar Singh (Seekri village) and Narinder Kumar (Gulabgarh village) among others. Two booked for ~6 lakh fraud Our Correspondent Phagwara, July 11 The police have registered a case against two brothers from Kurali for allegedly duping a woman of Rs 6 lakh on the false promise of sending her son abroad. The accused, identified as Jugraj Singh and Simardeep Singh, are currently under investigation, but have not yet been arrested. A complaint was lodged by Ranjit Kaur, a resident of Bhanolanga village. According to the police, she alleged that the duo had taken money from her on the assurance of facilitating her son travel abroad for employment. However, neither did they fulfil their promise nor return the money despite repeated requests. Based on her complaint, a case was registered against the two accused. The police confirmed that an investigation was underway and efforts were on to trace the accused and recover money from them. Dengue drives elsewhere, Civil Hospital’s own premises teaming with mosquitoes Tribune News Service Jalandhar, July 11 Amidst an intensive districtwise drive against dengue when a workforce of thousands of ground staff (1,790 health workers) hunt for wet utensils and areas in the district daily, to destroy mosquito larvae during the monsoon, the Health Department’s own backyard is ironically teeming with mosquitoes. Accumulated water, stinking sewage puddles and garbage mar the exterior premises of the Civil Hospital where thousands of patients come every day for availing treatment. Outdated sewer network, old building, leak- ing pipes and shortage of cleaning staff have aggravated the sanitation mess on the hospital premises. These issues plague the hospital despite the fact that the Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner today released a helpline number for the public to lodge complaint against garbage dumping on vacant plots. Around 1,000 to 1,500 patients, who visit the hospital every day, are at risk. Right by the entrance of the mother and child wing flies buzz on packets and eatables discarded by patients. Near the hospital pharmacy — leaking pipes and sewer lines, discarded bottles, packets and eatables — have created a Staff shortage The Civil Hospital is short of at least 100 employees that include ward servants and sweepers. Of the 110 sanctioned posts of ward servant, only 50 have been filled. Of the 57 posts of sweeper only 23 have been filled. The authorities say at least 50 more Safai Sewaks are required to handle garbage generated at the hospital. TRIBUNE PHOTOS: MALKIAT SINGH Aparna Banerji A sordid mix of sewage and garbage right by the pharmacy; and (right) stagnant water near the Civil Hospital building in Jalandhar. Official speak mini sewage pond which lets out an unbearable stench. Metres away, lies the maternity ward where mothers nurse their newborn babies. Right by the pond, a little board announces “Safai rakho ji” (Keep the place clean). Water puddles with mosquitoes swarming on them dot areas near the main building, parking, under the huge Peepal trees and spots near leaking pipes of ACs among others. There are huge garbage piles in front of almost every c m y b wing of the hospital. A main dump near the mortuary has piles of waste bags which are not lifted for days’ altogether. Notably, while the Civil Hospital’s main building itself cries for repairs and the sewer system is outdated. The authorities say call for floating tenders and required funds for revamp of the health facility has already been given to officials concerned. Lack of sanitation at the hospital is mainly attributed to shortage of Safai Karamcharis. Jalandhar Civil Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Rajkumar Baddhan said, “Apart from Safari Sewaks, we are also facing shortage of ward servants during night shifts. For one or two wards, we have single ward servant. Special instructions have been issued to sisters to ensure that their respective wards, which they supervise at night, are cleaned. Tonnes of waste is generated every day at the hospital which requires a mammoth task to clean.” “The cleanliness work at the hospital will be outsourced. Within a month or so all problems will be solved. Tenders will be floated to replace old sewer line of the hospital,” he said. “An estimated budget of Rs 1.7 crore has already been passed by the construction wing of the Health Corporation for the renovation works. An amount of Rs 35 lakh will be sanctioned through the MPLAD funds to replace sewer line,” he said.