20102025-LT-01.qxd 10/20/2025 12:21 AM Page 1 c m y b Ludhiana tribune LAVISH PARTIES, SHOPPING MARK DIWALI FESTIVE SPIRIT HE’S FINALLY HERE: PARINEETI, RAGHAV WELCOME BABY BOY City is currently wrapped in festive fervour as people are enjoying every bit of festival season. P2 Actress Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha announced the birth of their first child, a baby boy. P4 » FROM SILK SAREES TO FUSION OUTFITS, DIVAS ARE DIWALI READY Bollywood celebs are ultimate style muses who blend traditional aesthetics with contemporary trends. P4 » » FORECAST MAINLY CLEAR SKY MAX 32°C | MIN 18°C YESTERDAY MAX 32°C | MIN 17°C SUNSET MONDAY 5.47 PM SUNRISE TUESDAY 6.28 PM MONDAY | 20 OCTOBER 2025 | LUDHIANA Two Civil Hospital lab technicians held for faking dope test reports Working on a contractual basis, they fabricated at least 8 reports Tribune News Service Ludhiana, October 19 The police have taken two contractual laboratory technicians from the Ludhiana Civil Hospital into custody following an investigation that uncovered a scam of forging medical documents. The duo allegedly fabricated at least eight negative dope test reports, a mandatory requirement to enable applicants to secure firearm licences they might not have otherwise qualified for. The arrests come as the authorities grapple with a growing issue of manipulated medical paperwork being used to circumvent official licensing protocols across the city. The suspects were identified as Ram Kumar and Avtar Singh, both of whom were working in the hospital’s laboratory on a contractual basis. ADCP-1 Sameer Verma while addressing a press conference said the technicians used to accept payments from applicants in exchange of producing fraudulent negative test results, often without even conducting the required medical examination. A case was registered against the duo under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, covering serious offences such as cheating, forgery and Fire breaks out at hosiery scrap godown Bursting of firecrackers allowed from 8 pm to 10 pm on Diwali Ludhiana, October 19 A major fire broke out at a godown storing hosiery waste in Tajpur village on Sunday afternoon. After getting information, fire teams started dousing the flames. Residents of the area alleged that the fire broke out when sparks from firecrackers ignited the hosiery waste. The blaze spread fast, following which fire officials had to call for two extra fire tenders. In a few minutes, the entire godown was burning fiercely. Firefighters worked for several hours to douse the flames. People who stay near the godown said the owner have suffered huge damages due to the fire. Fortunately no one was hurt or injured in the incident. Police officials began a probe to find out the exact cause of the fire. — TNS Shivani Bhakoo ADCP Sameer Verma, along with other cops, addresses the media in Ludhiana. HIMANSHU MAHAJAN Tribune News Service Ludhiana, October 19 The Ludhiana police have allowed bursting of crackers on Diwali for two hours. Residents can burst crackers from 8 pm to 10 pm on the festival. Besides, the police have also allowed to burst crackers on the occasion of Gurpurb between 4 am and 5 am and from 9 pm to 10 pm, on November 5. Besides, the authorities have issued guidelines for residents and cracker dealers, which are to be followed while celebrating the festivals. The authorities have specifically stated that only “green crackers”, which do not contain barium salts or compounds antimony, lithium, mercury, arsenic, lead or strintium chromate, will criminal conspiracy. The ADCP said the suspects had been employed at the hospital for several years. They meticulously falsified doctor’s signatures and used counterfeit stamps to prepare the bogus dope test reports. Two of the fake official stamps integral to the operation had been be allowed for sales and bursting. People having no licence would not be allowed to sell firecrackers and no other than green crackers will be purchased or stocked. The crackers cannot be purchased through any online platform. Bursting of the same will not be allowed near sensitive areas such as hospitals or educational institutes. And it has also been advised to burn firecrackers in the open so that patients or elderly persons should not suffer from respiratory issues. Talking to The Tribune, Commissioner of Police Swapan Sharma said the crackers would be allowed for two hours on both festivals. Sharma said in case of blatant violation of the guidelines, an FIR would be registered against offenders. seized by the police. “Now, the police would question the suspects in an effort to identify any other accomplices involved and to calculate the exact amount of money exchanged for each fabricated document. No one will be spared if found involved in issuing fake dope test reports,” Verma added. He said only prescribed crackers could be burst, keeping in mind saving the environment from pollution. Dealers at the cracker market said a huge rush of customers was witnessed in the wholesale cracker market. “Being Sunday today, we expect maximum rush at stalls and it seems to be a good time for cracker dealers,” said Pradeep Gupta, president of the Cracker Dealer Association here. At the same time, youngsters feel that for one day, the time must not be restricted to just two hours. “We don’t burst crackers throughout the year and wait only for Diwali to celebrate the festival. Till late, rituals are held and two hours are not sufficient to burst firecrackers,” said Raghuraj, a school student. Power packed & guilt-free: Dry fruit laddoos add extra flavour to Diwali festivities in city Offer healthier alternative to sugar-laden treats, nutritionists encourage trend Manav Mander Tribune News Service Ludhiana, October 19 In a season known for indulgence, city’s festive sweet scene is seeing a quiet revolution — dry fruit laddoos and mithai are stealing the spotlight, offering a healthier, handcrafted alternative to sugar-laden treats. From homemakers rolling laddoos in their kitchens to boutique sweet shops offering sugar-free and ghee-rich bites, city’s Diwali platters are getting a power-packed upgrade. Neha Bansal runs a homerun venture in Model Town and her date and nut laddoos are flying off the shelves. “People want sweets that taste festive but don’t spike sugar levels,” says Neha Bansal, who uses figs, almonds, pistachios and flaxseeds in her recipes. As per a report, health-focused sweets now account for a growing share of festive sales. TRIBUNE PHOTO: HIMANSHU MAHAJAN “We don’t add refined sugar — just natural sweetness from dates and raisins.” The trend is also visible in gifting. Boutique stores are curating dry fruit mithai boxes with kaju anjeer rolls, pista squares and walnut-stuffed khoya bites, often wrapped in eco-friendly packaging. “These sweets feel premium and thoughtful,” says Ritika Malhotra from a boutique sweet shop. “They’re perfect for health-conscious families and corporate gifting.” As per a recent industry report, health-focused sweets, including sugar-free, proteinfortified and dry fruit-based options, now account for a growing share of festive sales. City’s sweetmeat shops are responding with innovation. Such shops have also introduced a sugarless dry fruit barfi and kesar pista laddoo made with jaggery and almond flour. For many homemakers, the shift is also personal. Simran Kaur, a mother of two from BRS Nagar, began making dry fruit laddoos during the pandemic. “Now it’s a Diwali tradition. I make them with my kids. No sugar, just roasted nuts, dates and a bit of ghee. They’re nutritious and nostalgic.” Nutritionists are also encouraging the trend. “Dry fruit mithai offers fiber, good fats and energy without the crash of refined sugar,” says Dr Deepti Arora, a Ludhianabased dietician. “Just watch the portion size — two laddoos can be a meal,” she said. As Ludhiana lights up for Diwali, these homemade and wholesome sweets are proving that tradition and health can go by hand in hand — one laddoo at a time. c m y b Bike-borne miscreants open fire at realtor’s house, demand ~5 cr extortion ‘Kaushal Chaudhary group’ mentioned on slip, bullets damage glass balcony Nikhil Bhardwaj Tribune News Service Ludhiana, October 19 Bike-borne miscreants opened fire at the house of a real estate businessman at Begoana village. Bullets damaged the galss balcony on the first floor of the house. A slip was found outside the house, which mentioned ‘Kaushal Chaudhary group, Rs 5 crore’. It is being suspected that gangster Chaudhary has demanded Rs 5 crore as extortion. The realtor reported the matter to the police following which a probe has been initiated. On receiving information, the Sadar police reached the house and cordoned off the area. The police are examining CCTV camera footage from nearby areas to identify and arrest criminals as soon as Bullet marks on the balcony of victim's house at Begoana village. possible. As per information, Nandlal retired from the Army as a subedar in 2006 and now, he is into the real estate business in Ludhiana. He has two sons, one is a doctor and the other a bank manager. According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred at 3 am on Sunday. The suspects, who were riding a bike, came from the Lohara bridge side. After firing, they fled towards GNE College. Taking to the media, the victim said a slip in the name of Kaushal Chaudhary was found outside his house, on which Rs 5 crore was written and it could be possible that the gangster through the slip demanded the extortion. He, however, had never received any threat or extortion call in the past. During police investigation, bullet shells were found at the scene. One live cartridge was also found. “I do not even know who is gangster Kaushal Chaudhary. I have asked the police to provide security till the suspects are arrested by the police,” he said. “Glasses of the balcony were damaged due to firing. I was with my relatives during the incident. My wife is in Rajasthan for Diwali celebrations. In-charge, Marado police post, ASI Kapil Kumar, said about 20 shots were fired by two-bike borne suspects and 16 empty cartridges were recovered from the scene. The businessman had not received any threatening calls and a police probe would uncover the truth behind the incident. PAU, vet varsity students to observe ‘black Diwali’ Ludhiana, October 19 The ongoing protest by the Agriculture Students Association of Punjab at the PAU entered its 26th day on Sunday, with students intensifying their demand for recruitment against vacant posts in agriculture and allied depart- ments across the state. Student leaders expressed disappointment over the government’s continued silence and indifference, announcing that they would observe ‘black Diwali’. “The students will spend their night at the protest site,” said a stu- dent representatives. Meanwhile, Veterinary Students’ Union of Ludhiana, GADVASU, has also announced the observance of ‘black Diwali’ this time as their longstanding demands continue to remain unaddressed. The decision reflects the growing discontent among the students, who have been on a peaceful, indefinite strike for the past 25 days at the university’s veterinary hospital. No government minister has yet visited the protest site or directly engaged with the students. — TNS