22102025-CT-01.qxd 10/22/2025 12:42 AM Page 1 c m y b Chandigarh tribune SULTANS UPSET PANTHERS, CAPT’S 18 MARCH INTO SEMIS 1,600 REPORT WITH INJURIES ON DIWALI NIGHT IN CITY SHOLAY JAILER GAVE US REASONS TO LAUGH Sultans of Swing pip joint defending champions Partee Panthers 4-3 in a thrilling quarterfinal encounter. P2 26 treated at PGI for eye injuries caused by firecrackers, half of the victims below 14 years of age. P3 Asrani, one of the industry’s most respected character artistes, passed away at the age of 84. P4 » » WHAT’S ON APNI MANDI Chandigarh: Sectors 15, 40, 46 Panchkula: Sector 25 Please send information about events in tricity at: whatson@tribunemail.com UT DECLARES HOLIDAY TODAY Chandigarh: On account of Goverdhan Puja and Vishwakarma Day, a public holiday has been declared in Chandigarh on Wednesday, October 22. According to a notification issued by the UT Administration, October 22 will now be observed as public holiday in all government offices, boards, corporations and institutions, including industrial establishments under the Chandigarh Administration, instead of restricted holiday. TNS CH01DB series: Registration for e-auction starts today Chandigarh, October 21 The registration for the e-auction of the new “series, CH01DB”, along with the reauction of the leftover fancy/special registration numbers — “CH01DA”, “CH01CZ”, “CH01”CX” & “CH01CZ” — will start from October 22 (10 am) and continue till October 28 (5 pm). E-bidding will start from October 29 (10 am) to October 31 (5 pm). The owner of the vehicle can register on the National Transport website: https://vahan.parivahan.gov.in/f ancy. The link is also available on the Chandigarh Administration, Transport Dept website: www.chdtransport.gov.in, where they can obtain the Unique Acknowledgement Number (UAN). Only the owner of a vehicle purchased with a Chandigarh address will be allowed to participate in the e-auction. — TNS AQI drops to ‘very poor’ category, noise level rises to 80.7 decibel Dushyant Singh Pundir Tribune News Service Chandigarh, October 21 As festivities swept the city on Diwali, residents burst firecrackers worth Rs 5 crore. On the flip side, the air quality plunged into the “very poor” category and noise pollution saw a rise. “We have sold firecrackers worth nearly Rs 5 crore this Diwali. Barring a few stall owners, the entire stock was sold this time,” said a member of the Cracker Dealers’ Association. The UT Administration had issued 96 temporary licences for the sale of green firecrackers at 12 sites across the city this year. Efforts were also made to limit the environmental impact, with the Administration implementing specific guidelines for the use of firecrackers for Diwali and other festivals. As part of the measures, residents were permitted to burst only green firecrackers between 8 pm and 10 pm on Diwali night. The public response to the guidelines was overwhelmingly positive. Notably, the evening before Diwali passed with minimal noise PGI resident doctors celebrate Diwali in Chandigarh. TRIBUNE PHOTO: PARDEEP TEWARI and air quality remained at par with that of a regular day. On Diwali itself, most residents adhered to the twohour time window, and the quantity of firecrackers used was significantly lower than previous years. The Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC) and the Environment Department, which had held “Green Diwali” awareness events at schools, also acknowledged the support of citizens. To monitor the impact, air and noise levels were measured at six loca- tions—once on a normal day (October 13) and again on Diwali (October 20). On October 13, AQI readings remained in the “satisfactory” to “moderate” range (below 120) across all sites. On Diwali, the figure stayed Continued on page 2 OCT 13 OCT 20 (Diwali until 8 pm) OCT 20 (Diwali after 8 pm) OCT 21 (1 am onwards) SATISFACTORY MODERATE POOR-VERY POOR SATISFACTORY FACEBOOK/CHANDIGARHTRIBUNE Fire-related mishaps decline, 17 reported Tribune News Service Chandigarh, October 21 The city has witnessed a notable decline in firerelated incidents this Diwali, with the department receiving only 17 genuine calls compared to 21 in 2023 and 20 in 2024. On October 20, the Fire and Rescue Services, MC, responded to 18 emergency calls, including one bogus call. Most incidents involved minor fires in garbage heaps, dry grass and waste materials. Thanks to prompt action, no loss of life or major injuries were reported. Property damage was minimal and localised. Average response time of firefighting teams was approximately 5 to 6 minutes. This positive trend is attributed to extensive fire safety awareness campaigns and community outreach initiatives led by the MC Fire Department. Ahead of Diwali, the fire and rescue services wing of the MC had implemented a safety and emergency response strategy to ensure the well-being of all city residents during the festive celebrations. Chandigarh was divided into seven strategic fire zones, each overseen by a Station Fire Officer. This enabled swift and effective EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN Ahead of Diwali, the fire and rescue services wing of the MC had divided the city into seven strategic fire zones, each overseen by a Station Fire Officer. Fire tenders were deployed at high-footfall and vulnerable areas. coverage across all sectors. Fire tenders were deployed at high-footfall and vulnerable areas including Patel Market (Sector 15), Plaza (Sector 17), Sadar/Palika Bazar (Sector 19), Aroma light point covering Shastri Market (Sector 22), Grain Market (Sector 26) the and main bazar (Manimajra). Fire vehicles were stationed at 12 cracker sale sites designated by the District Magistrate, Chandigarh, to ensure safety and rapid response if needed. All operational leaves were restricted from October 19 to October 21, ensuring full deployment of fire personnel during the festival. Fire staff posted in various MC branches were reassigned under the Station Fire Officers to strengthen field-level response. A dedicated WhatsApp group was established for seamless coordination and communication among officers and field staff. 26 witnesses get court protection in grenade attack case Ramkrishan Upadhyay Tribune News Service Chandigarh, October 21 The National Investigation Agency (NIA) court here has declared 26 witnesses in the Sector 10 grenade attack case as protected witnesses. The court, in its order, said the copies of statements of these witnesses as well as protected documents shall not be supplied during the trial. The court passed the order on an application moved by the NIA for the protection of witnesses as per Section 44 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967 read with Section 17 of NIA, 2018. NIA court also begins proclamation proceedings against BKI terrorist Shamsher Singh The court has also started proclamation proceedings against Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist Shamsher Singh, alias Shera, after the prosecution submitted non-execution report of non-bailable warrants issued against him. The court said, “The prosecution has moved an application for protection of witnesses as per Section 44 of UAPA, 1967 read with Section 17 of NIA, 2018. Since, security and safety of these witnesses is necessary, so their identity is required to be kept secret, therefore, this request of the prosecution is hereby allowed. 26 witnesses i.e. from serial nos.116 to 140, 142 (from list of witnesses) are categorised as protected witnesses. Further, the documents connected to these witnesses are also ordered as protected documents. Consequently, copies of statement of the protected witnesses and copies of protected documents shall not be supplied.” The NIA has already filed a charge- sheet in the case. It says US-based gangsterturned-terrorist Harpreet Singh, alias Happy Passia; and Pakistan-based terrorist Harwinder Singh Rinda planned the attack in Chandigarh through Rohan Masih and Vishal Masih. The NIA claimed that Rohan and Vishal allegedly hurled a hand grenade at a house in Sector 10, Chandigarh, at the behest of Passia and Rinda. Both accused hurled the grenade from a moving autorickshaw on February 10, 2024. The NIA is probing the wider angle of the conspiracy and also how weapons and UT police pay floral tributes to martyrs Tribune News Service Chandigarh, October 21 The Chandigarh Police today observed Police Commemoration Day by remembering its martyrs who laid down their lives in the line of duty. The commemorative parade was held at the Police Station Ground in Sector 17 and attended by senior officers, serving personnel and the families of the fallen heroes. Dr Sagar Preet Hooda, Chandigarh DGP led the offi, cers in paying floral tributes at the Martyrs’ Memorial. The ceremony began with the presentation of arms, followed by the reading of names of those who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation. The family members of the slain officers were also honoured on the occasion. Every year, 21 October is observed across the country as Police Martyrs’ Day. The day traces its origins to 21 October 1959, when a patrol party of the Central Reserve Police Force was ambushed by Chinese troops in Ladakh, resulting in the martyrdom of AIR QUALITY BREAKDOWN MAX 33°C | MIN 19°C YESTERDAY MAX 34.2°C | MIN 18.9°C SUNRISE THURSDAY 6:29 AM /THETRIBUNECHD ~5-crore crackers light up Diwali, but bring down air quality in UT PARTLY CLOUDY SUNSET WEDNESDAY 5.45 PM » WEDNESDAY | 22 OCTOBER 2025 | CHANDIGARH FORECAST Chandigarh DGP Sagar Preet Hooda with the family of a martyr at the Sector 17 police station in Chandigarh on Tuesday. TRIBUNE PHOTO: VICKY 10 jawans. Since then, the day has symbolised the courage, duty and selflessness of police personnel across India. Between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025, a total of 191 police officers and personnel from various state and Central police forces sacrificed their lives while on duty. Three of the martyrs were from Chandigarh Police. The department has lost 10 brave personnel since its inception in 1966. They include Inspector Jagjit Singh, who was martyred during an encounter with terrorists in Sector 45 in 1988; ASI Amarjit Singh, who fell to terrorist gunfire near Kajheri in 1989; and ASIs Lalu Ram and Amin Chand, who died in a bomb blast in 1991 while serving as part of the SSP’s security detail. Constable Shamsher was shot dead by militants outside his home on 25 January 1991 after completing his duty at Police Station, Sector 11. The force also remembered SI Amarjit Singh, who fought courageously during a terrorist attack on a police escort c m y b team in 1992, and Inspector Sucha Singh, who was fatally stabbed in 2013 while on night duty near the District Courts complex in Sector 17. The recent roll of honour also included Head Constable Sukhjinder Singh, who died in a road accident while executing summons in Punjab earlier this year, and Constable Sukhdarshan Singh along with Home Guard Volunteer Rajesh Kumar, both of whom were martyred in March 2025 when a speeding car rammed into a police checkpoint at the Zirakpur barrier during night duty. During the ceremony, a twominute silence was observed to pay homage to all martyrs. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Hooda lauded the bravery and sacrifice of the fallen officers and reaffirmed the force’s commitment to uphold peace, law and public safety. “Their courage continues to inspire us. The Chandigarh Police stands united in honouring their memory and in carrying forward their legacy of service and sacrifice,” he said. explosives were smuggled across borders. The court earlier issued non-bailable warrant of arrest against accused Shamsher. As the warrant could not be served, the prosecution filed another application for initiating proclamation proceeding under Section 84 BNSS against him. The court said the whereabouts of the accused were not known and his presence couldn’t be secured through ordinary way of service. Consequently, proclamation under Section 84 of the BNS be issued against him forthwith, returnable for December 4, 2025. Continued on page 2 Chd Marathon’s first edition put off to March 1 Deepankar Sharda Tribune News Service Chandigarh, October 21 The first-ever Chandigarh Marathon, which was originally scheduled to be held on November 2, has now been postponed to March 1 next year. The development comes in view of the recent orders by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which directs UTs to seek prior approvals for any new projects or acceptance of tenders, confirmed highly placed sources. Though the Sports Department had planned to hold the event well-in-time, tenders for various arrangements are yet to be issued. With the MHA’s September 19 letter, the power to approve or sanction schemes, administrative approval (works) and expenditure sanction for projects and power to accept tenders were withdrawn from UT officials. “The event has been postponed, not owing to some technical reasons but due to some restrictions Continued on page 2 The High Court had taken suo motu cognisance of The Tribune news report on the stinking garbage heaps, muddy roads and encroachments in the Sector 26 mandi in Chandigarh. FILE PHOTO HC seeks action against inactive mandi officers LITTERING ISSUE Saurabh Malik Tribune News Service Chandigarh, October 21 The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Chandigarh Administration to disclose what action has been taken against the officers and employees of the Market Committee, Sector 26, who failed to ensure cleanliness and prevent encroachments in the vegetable and fruit market. A Bench, comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry, passed the order while dealing with a suo motu PIL based on The Tribune news report concerning the unhygienic conditions and rampant encroachments in the Sector 26 mandi. The Bench noted that the UT had, in compliance with its earlier order, filed an affidavit stating that penalties had been imposed on contractors outsourced for cleaning the market, but added that the affidavit was silent regarding the role of the Market Committee offi- cers and employees. “The affidavit is silent with regard to the role of the officers and employees of the Market Committee, who had failed to discharge their duties of supervising and ensuring that no such encroachment or littering takes place,” the Bench added. Making it clear that the matter could not end with imposing fine on private contractors alone, the Bench directed: “Let another affidavit be filed so as to disclose what action has been taken against inactive employees of Mandi, Sector 26, Chandigarh,” the Bench ordered. The case will now come up for further hearing on November 10. The High Court had earlier taken suo motu cognisance of The Tribune news report on the stinking garbage heaps, muddy roads and encroachments in the mandi before seeking an affidavit from the UT Administration. It was stated in the report that sanitation at the market had remained in a poor state over the years despite the Administration’s tall claims.