21072025-JTR-01.qxd 7/20/2025 10:34 PM Page 1 c m y b Jalandhar tribune PHAGWARA LAUNCHES ‘YUDH NASHON KE VIRUDH’ DRIVE CLEAN DRAINS, INVOLVE CITIZENS AND STOP PARTY FEUDS MOTHERHOOD IS NOT DEFINED BY BLOOD, SAYS MANDIRA BEDI The initiative aims to foster a drugfree society through community participation and vigilance. P2 Regularly monitor progress of civic initiatives and finalise plans for parallel sewer lines immediately. P3 Bedi, the mother of a biological and an adoptive child, said: “For us, adoption was never the last resort.” P4 » » FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY MAX 34°C | MIN 26°C YESTERDAY MAX 32°C | MIN 25°C SUNSET MONDAY 7.30 PM SUNRISE TUESDAY 5:37 AM » MONDAY | 21 JULY 2025 | JALANDHAR INBRIEF FRAUD IN LAND DEAL ALLEGED Phagwara: A resident of Hadiabad, Phagwara, has filed a complaint alleging financial fraud in a land deal, prompting the Satnampura police to register a case under Section 406 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which relates to criminal breach of trust. The complainant, Naresh Kumar, has alleged that Sarwan Singh, a resident of Chiherru village near Phagwara, took ?15 lakh from him with the assurance of facilitating the purchase of a plot of land. However, according to the complaint, the transaction was neither completed, nor was the money returned. Naresh further stated that the accused was introduced to him by NRI Bakhtawar Singh, who has passed away in Belgium. The police have confirmed that an investigation is underway. OC SCOOTERIST COP DIES IN MISHAP Phagwara: A Punjab Police employee scootorist was killed on the spot when his Activa PB07CD-2030 was hit by a speeding car DL-01LE-3699 on Phagwara--Hoshiarpur road on Saturday. The deceased identified as Deepak Kumar of Hoshiarpur was returning from his duty on high-tech naka near Phillaur. The car driver managed to flee.The police have registered a case under section 304A, 279, 427, IPC, against car driver. OC PURSE SNATCHED, MAN ARRESTED Phagwara: The Phagwara police have arrested a snatcher identified as Ravi Kumar, resident of village Mandhali, under Section 304,BNS, on the charge of snatching a purse of a woman Kareena, resident of village Bhungarni. The accused tried to escape after snatching but was nabbed by cops. OC Three minor girls ‘abducted’ in Phagwara Our Correspondent Phagwara, July 20 Three minor girls have gone missing under suspicious circumstances at Onkar Nagar, Phagwara, since July 4. Rina Devi, a domestic worker originally from Bihar and presently living in a rented accommodation in Onkar Nagar, has filed a complaint, alleging that her daughters were abducted by a man Kamaruddin known to the family. According to the complaint, Rina Devi had been residing in Onkar Nagar for the past several months along with her three daughters – aged 10, aged 6 and aged 3. She claims that for the past six months, Kamaruddin, reportedly from Baba Gadhia, Phagwara, had been living in the same house and working as a painter. The woman told the police that on July 4, she left for work, leaving the children at home. When she returned in the evening, she was shocked to find all three daughters missing. She now suspects that Kamaruddin has taken the children and may be keeping them at an undisclosed location. The police have registered a case. Cops are treating the matter with urgency, given the involvement of minors. Japneet’s last handshake with grandad Fauja Singh Aakanksha N Bhardwaj Tribune News Service Jalandhar, July 20 Ramandeep and Japneet, grand-daughters of Fauja Singh, stood shoulder to shoulder in silent sorrow as they bade their final goodbye to their beloved Baba ji. Ramandeep, who spent initial 22 years of her life before moving to Canada, wept aloud, unable to hold back her emotions. Japneet, who was considered the most favourite of Fauja Singh, was equally devastated. Broken, she just wanted one thing. “I just want to shake hand with Baba ji, like I always did,” she said. For Japneet, that daily handshake with her grandfather had become a ritual. The day he passed away, she had shaken his hand and gone off to study, never knowing it would be the last time. Fauja Singh would often say, “Giano aa gayi,” referring to Japneet by the name of his late wife Gian Kaur. He saw his wife’s reflection in his grand-daughter. At weddings, Japneet would always make sure Fauja Singh tasted every dish, lovingly insisting he enjoy each moment with her. Ramandeep, his other granddaughter, was born in Beas village. After a few months, her mother—Fauja Singh’s elder daughter—passed away. From then on, Ramandeep lived with him for her initial 22 years until she married and moved to Canada. Through tears, she said, “Since I had already lost my mother and remained with him for 22 years, he was my mother and father. Now it feels like I’m alone.” She recalled their last meeting, just two months ago—a visit that has now become a treasured memory. She told The Tribune that Fauja Singh was a different man after the passing of his Governor Gulab Chand Kataria with Cong leaders and villagers at Beas Pind in Jalandhar on Sunday. PHOTO: SARABJIT SINGH Family members bow before Fauja Singh; and (below) villagers attend the funeral procession on Sunday. PHOTOS: SARABJIT SINGH Tribune news Service elder son Kulbir Singh. “He hardly got angry in his life, but after the death of his son, he would ask us not to laugh. He was shattered,” Ramandeep said. Fauja Singh’s great granddaughter Noor shared a special memory too: “Tension vich vi khush rehna, kuch mazak labb lende si.” (“Even in tension, Cyclists ride 80 km to bid final farewell to ‘Turbaned tornado’ Aparna Banerji Tribune News Service Jalandhar, July 20 Riders from Jalandhar, Phagwara and Nakodar rode for 50km to 80 km to Beas Pind in Jalandhar to pay their final tributes to “Turbaned tornado” Fauja Singh this morning. Starting from their locations at 5.30 am, they reached Fauja Singh’s village between 6 am and 6.30 am and spent nearly an hour there to pay their last respects to the world’s oldest marathon runner. Representing their local clubs, the initiative was jointly undertaken under the banner of the Sky Riders Club for which 25 to 30 people undertaking the ride amid heat of the partially sunny skies. They all had a common goal – MLA Pargat, Cong leaders pay tribute expressing their love for their idol 114-year-old Fauja Singh – whose life was cut short by a tragic accident on July 14. The riders included doctors, professors, coaches, sports veterans and students – all inspired by Fauja’s journey. Baljit Kaur, former hockey coach and member of the cycling club, said, “Fauja Singh’s death was emotional for all of us. We unanimously decided to pay him our last tributes. Even in our personal encounters, he was the most humorous and spirited man. We saw his medals, and photographs and stayed at his house for 15 to 20 minutes and returned after paying tributes to him. We also think his belongings and memorabilia should be preserved as a museum so that students can take inspiration.” Amarpreet Kaur, 57-year-old former teacher at the Kendriya Vidyalaya, said, “A turbaned man running across the world – Fauja Singh gave Punjab its pride of place on the world map. I had joint pains. But his journey inspired me to take up cycling. I thought this feisty man started at 89, can’t I start at 57? We have all been touched by his spirit. We did not want to miss the opportunity to pay him our last respects. We owe a lot to him. We spent time at his home too and interacted with his daughters. Since we had to cycle back 50 km or more, we started the trip early on. I myself rode over 48 km this morning.” A Sky Riders Club team reaches Fauja Singh’s village. c m y b he could find something to laugh about.”) As Ramandeep was holding Japneet tightly at the cremation ground and Fauja Singh was about to be cremated with state honours, Japneet looked at his hands one last time and whispered through tears: “Hun Baba ji kade nai milne.” (“Now, I’ll never meet Baba ji again.”) Jalandhar, July 20 Hockey Olympian, MLA and secretary of the All-India Congress Committee Pargat Singh paid heartfelt tributes to legendary centenarian runner Fauja Singh, 114, who was laid to rest on Sunday at his native village Beas Pind. Pargat Singh visited the family to offer condolences, joined the funeral procession, and paid floral tributes at the cremation ground, honouring the memory of a man who became the global icon of endurance, discipline, and Punjabi spirit. Also present during the final rites were senior Congress leaders, including MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh, MLA Hardev Singh Laddi Sherowalia, and MLA Sukhwinder Kotli. Pargat said, “Fauja Singh was not just a runner — he was the embodiment of Punjab’s soul and the essence of Sikh values. Even at the age of 114, he remained an inspiration for generations. The youth must learn from his unwavering discipline and commitment to health and purpose.” He added that Fauja Singh followed a strict routine till his final day and had even gone out for his daily run when the unfortunate accident occurred. Expressing concern over the rising hit-and-run cases in Punjab, Pargat Singh said, “We have lost a gem like Fauja Singh to a hit-and-run tragedy. These reckless incidents are robbing our society of its treasures. I urge the government to implement stricter action and policies to address the growing menace of hit-and-run cases.” All unite to honour marathon legend Aakanksha N Bhardwaj Tribune News Service Jalandhar, July 20 Beas village in Jalandhar was awash with emotion as people from far and wide gathered to bid a tearful farewell to legendary marathon runner Fauja Singh. From dignitaries to villagers, a sea of mourners came to catch one last glimpse of the man affectionately known as Fauja Singh — always cheerful, always inspiring. A common sentiment echoed among those present: “Had this tragedy not happened, he would have lived much longer. Haje nai si jana ohna ne, kaim si,” — a heartfelt expression of disbelief and sorrow from admirers who felt his time had not yet come. Author Khushwant Singh, who shared a two-decadelong association with Fauja Singh, attended the cremation and urged the government to honour his legacy by promoting sports among the youth. “Punjab needs more young Fauja Singhs,” he said. Deep Shergill, a fellow runner who affectionately called him ‘Baapu ji,’ shared a deeply personal tribute. “He pulled me out of the darkest phase of my life. It’s because of him that I began running — he gave me a second life,” she said, visibly emotional. Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann were also present to pay their respects to the world-renowned athlete whose spirit inspired Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and Governor Gulab Chand Kataria at Fauja Singh’s last rites; and (below) an Air Force veteran salutes the runner in Jalandhar on Sunday. PHOTOS: SARABJIT SINGH generations. Among the many mourners was Jinder Singh, an elderly resident of Sarmastpur village. “I often met him once... never thought he would be gone so soon. It’s hard,” he said quietly. At the cremation ground, people and children were seen trying hard to have a last look of their beloved and famous Fauja Singh.