01102025-LT-01.qxd 10/1/2025 12:40 AM Page 1 c m y b Ludhiana tribune OVER 500 STUDENTS TAKE PART IN TRACK, FIELD EVENTS GARHDIWALA’S SEWA DAL: A BEACON OF HOPE & RESILIENCE CELEBS OFFER PRAYERS AT DURGA PUJA PANDAL Over 500 students are taking part in track and field events during the district school athletics meet. P2 Baba Deep Singh Sewa Dal provides monthly rations to over 2,000 people across 95 villages in region.P3 Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor visited the North Bombay Durga Puja and offered prayers there. P4 » » » FORECAST MAINLY CLEAR SKY MAX 35°C | MIN 24°C YESTERDAY MAX 35°C | MIN 25°C SUNSET WEDNESDAY 6.09 PM SUNRISE THURSDAY 6:16 AM WEDNESDAY | 1 OCTOBER 2025 | LUDHIANA Statue was temporarily removed during flyover construction The statue of martyr Major Bhupinder Singh and the captured tank are now located outside the Rose Garden; and (right) social activists at Bharat Nagar Chowk where these were installed in the past. HIMANSHU MAHAJAN Manav Mander Tribune News Service Ludhiana, September 30 Social activists in the city are disheartened over the continued absence of Major Bhupinder Singh’s statue and the captured tank from Bharat Nagar Chowk. The statue, once proudly installed at the city’s central junction, was temporarily removed during the flyover construction. Now that the work is complete, activists are demanding its immediate reinstatement, but the administration remains silent. The activists gathered together at Bharat Nagar Chowk and the Public Action Committee (PAC), Mattewara, condemned what they called a “deliberate erasure of Ludhiana’s historic identity.” The event drew public support. Dr Amandeep Singh Bains and Er Kapil Arora from the PAC, Mattewara, pointed out that instead of restoring the statue and tank, the roundabout now features a corporate instal- lation by Hero Cycles, complete with a bicycle model and insignia. They also revealed that the name “Bharat Nagar Chowk” has been removed from signage, paving the way for the junction to be unofficially renamed “Hero Cycle Chowk.” “This is not neglect but a calculated replacement of our real heroes with corporate branding,” said Dr Bains. “Major Bhupinder Singh’s legacy belongs to the heart of Ludhiana,” he said. The PAC members further objected to the absence of Punjabi language on the signage, calling it a violation of the state government’s official language policy and an affront to Punjabi cultural rights. They also cited engineering violations, noting that the roundabout’s height exceeds permissible limits and features glaring advertisements — both prohibited under civil codes and a 2013 Supreme Court directive banning private structures on public roads and chowks. The PAC, Mattewara, has initiated legal steps and announced its intent to serve a contempt notice to the Municipal Commissioner, Ludhiana, and the owner of Hero Cycles. “Martyrs deserve remembrance, not replacement,” said Jaskirat Singh and Kuldeep Singh Khaira of the PAC. Gurpreet Singh Plaha, Mohit Saggar and Yogesh Maini were also present at the press meet. The flyover may be complete but Ludhiana’s tribute to its hero remains unfinished,” Dr Bains said. Public gathering to mark martyrdom anniv To mark the 60th martyrdom anniversary of Major Bhupinder Singh, PAC, Mattewara, has called for a public gathering at Bharat Nagar Chowk on October 3 at 11am. Citizens, ex-servicemen, students and civic groups are expected to join the event in solidarity. Who was Major Bhupinder Singh Major Bhupinder Singh SHO suspended for failing to act after woman attacked by spouse Ludhiana, September 30 Adopting zero tolerance against the lackadaisical attitude and unwanted delay in taking action on a complaint of a woman, Commissioner of Police (CP) Swapan Sharma placed Station House Officer (SHO), Tibba police station, SI Jaspal Singh under suspension. After suspension, he was sent to the Police Lines and a departmental inquiry was ordered by the top cop. The CP confirmed to The Tribune that recently, a woman, Dolly, was attacked by her husband and she had suffered serious injuries. The incident occurred due to an ongoing dispute between the couple. As the victim had suffered injuries, she had reached the police station and apprised the SHO Jaspal Singh and sought action against the assailant but the policeman while adopting lethargic approach in dealing the case, delayed the registration of the FIR. Sharma said on Tuesday, the woman had approached him and after he listened to her grievance, he ordered suspension of the SHO and instructed the official concerned to send him to the Police Lines. “After removing Jaspal from the post of the SHO, Tibba, another SHO has been appointed. I also directed the official concerned to record statement of the victim and register an FIR. The police had been extending justice to people in all respects and such careless attitude of a police station head will not be tolerated. SHOs must give justice to the complainant on time by following the due course of law,” he asserted. Meanwhile, ACP East Sumit Sood said he was not aware about the suspension of the SHO and what he knew was that the new Tibba SHO was appointed. “I was told to call the woman and record her statement and extend justice to her,” he said. — TNS Gearing up for Dasehra hailed from Harnampura village in Ludhiana. For displaying exemplary gallantry, leadership and devotion to duty during the India-Pakistan war of 1965, he was awarded Maha Vir Chakra posthumously. In 1965, Major Bhupinder was commanding the squadron ‘B’ of 4th Horse which was deployed to cut the enemy line off along the Gadgor-Phillora road and provide a fire base for the attack on Phillora. Though Major Bhupinder’s tank was hit on several occasions, he continued to remain in effective command. On September 19, which happened to be his birthday, his tank got hit by a missile and caught fire. He suffered grievous injuries and lost his life on October 3, 1965. His statue and a Patton tank were installed on the rotary in the centre of Bharat Nagar Chowk, later shifted near the main gate of the GCG after the rotary was razed and is now located outside the Rose Garden. Cops conduct CASO, arrest three peddlers Tribune News Service Ludhiana, September 30 The Police Zone 1 carried out a cordon and search operation (CASO) at various places and arrested three drug peddlers. They also recovered drugs from the peddlers. ADCP-1 Sameer Verma, who led the operation, said the operation was conducted under the ongoing campaign against drugs. All SHOs of police zone along with force conducted surprise raids at houses and other places of peddlers who are either on bail now or suspected to be involved in drug peddling. “Three peddlers were arrested by the police and drugs were also recovered from their possession. A case under the NDPS Act was registered against the suspects and now, the police will obtain their police remand to bust the entire drug supply line,” Verma said. He said the police would continue to conduct such operations in coming days and drug peddling would not be allowed in the Police Zone 1. HEALTH & WELLNESS An effigy of Ravana being transported to a ground in Ludhiana. HIMANSHU MAHAJAN The Tribune is starting a Q and A column to address your health-related queries. Please mail your questions (not exceeding 40 words) at healthandwellness@tribunemail.com. The Tribune’s panel of doctors will answer all your healthrelated concerns. c m y b Paddy arrival picks up pace in district grain markets Ludhiana, September 30 Deputy Commissioner (DC) Himanshu Jain conducted a thorough inspection of the Halwara International Airport on Tuesday. Officials from the Public Works Department (PWD), Public Health, PSPCL, Airports Authority of India (AAI), NHAI, Drainage Department and representatives from contractual firms were also present. During the visit, Jain inspected critical infrastructure, including the terminal building, taxiway within the IAF station, trolley gate, apron operational area, parking facilities and other key areas. The departments informed the Deputy Commissioner that work was fully complete. During inspection, an implementation report also found satisfactory. The DC said the administration would now write to the Punjab Civil Aviation Department to take up handover formalities with the AAI. He also emphasised seamless coordination between the district administration and other agencies to ensure the airport’s swift operationalisation. He highlighted the airport’s potential as a catalyst for economic growth, stating, that it will drive industrial development, boost exports and create substantial job opportunities in the region”. — TNS Manav Mander Tribune News Service Ludhiana, September 30 District’s grain markets are gradually witnessing an uptick in paddy arrivals as the harvesting season gains momentum. According to the official data, a total of 12,307.92 metric tonnes (MT) of paddy had reached various mandis 12,307.92 MT of paddy had reached mandis by Sept 29 across the district by Monday. The highest arrival was recorded at Macchiwara (5,074.64 MT), followed by Samrala (3,340 MT) and Khanna (2,882 MT), indicating a steady but cautious start to the procurement season. So far, no private purchases have taken place and government procurement agencies have collectively purchased 11,498.63 MT of the produce. Of this, 7,388.60 MT has already been lifted from mandis while the remaining stock awaits transportation and processing. Farmers, however, are experiencing mixed emotions. While some have managed to sell their produce without delay, others are still waiting for their stock to be lifted. Gurmeet Singh, a farmer INDERJEET VERMA Martyr’s statue still missing from city’s heart, activists demand restoration DC inspects Halwara airport, apprised of work completion Highest paddy arrival of 5,074.64 MT was recorded at Machhiwara. from Samrala, said: “I had to clear my field for the next crop — potatoes. Hence, I sold my paddy early, though rates weren’t ideal. Timely procurement is crucial for us to keep the cropping cycle on track.” On the other hand, Baldev Singh, a farmer from Khanna, expressed concern over delays in lifting. “My paddy has been lying in the mandi for a day. I’m waiting for it to be lifted. The longer it stays, the more it risks getting damaged,” he said. District officials have acknowledged the slow start but remain optimistic. Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain has urged farmers to bring only dry paddy to the mandis to ensure smooth procurement and avoid quality- related rejections. “We are committed to purchasing every grain brought to the mandis. Farmers must cooperate by ensuring their produce meets moisture norms,” the DC stated. With the harvesting season entering its peak, the officials expect arrivals to increase significantly in coming days. The district administration has assured that all necessary arrangements, including labour, transport, and storage, are in place to handle the surge efficiently. As the procurement process unfolds, farmers are hoping for timely payments, swift lifting and fair prices — all essential to sustaining their livelihoods and preparing for the next sowing cycle.