18112025-JTR-01.qxd 11/17/2025 10:57 PM Page 1 c m y b Jalandhar tribune MINISTER LAYS FOUNDATION STONE FOR FIRE STATION FLOOD-RAVAGED SCHOOLS BATTLE BACK TO NORMALCY MARRYING FACT WITH FICTION IN FILM HAQ The project will come up on 2 acres of MC land and is expected to be completed within a year. P2 Although students have resumed inperson classes, several challenges continue to persist. P3 Suparn Varma approached Shazia Bano’s story as a domestic dispute that became a national issue. P4 » » FORECAST MAINLY CLEAR MAX 24°C | MIN 9°C YESTERDAY MAX 25°C | MIN 9°C SUNSET TUESDAY 5.27 PM SUNRISE WEDNESDAY 6:58 AM » TUESDAY | 18 NOVEMBER 2025 | JALANDHAR HEALTH & WELLNESS 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. BJP to contest block samiti, zila parishad polls on party symbol Tribune News Service INBRIEF MAN ARRESTED WITH HEROIN Phagwara: 17The police have arrested a man for alleged possession of heroin during a routine patrol near Satampura on Sunday night. A police team was conducting checks near a gas agency in Nanak Nagri when they noticed a young man approaching them on foot. On spotting the police, the man appeared nervous and allegedly discarded a packet from his trouser's pocket before attempting to flee. The police detained him on suspicion and recovered the packet, which was found to contain around six gram of heroin. The accused has been identified as Ajay Dubey of Govindpura New Colony. OC TWO WOMEN PEDDLERS HELD Phagwara: The Bilga police have arrested a woman on the charge of selling heroin. Twenty gram of heroin was recovered from the possession of Navjot Kaur, alias Rekha, of Sangowal village. The Nakodar police arrested Paramjit of Thabalke village with 500 gram of poppy husk. The Lohian Khas police arrested Chiman Singh of Mandar Kalan village in Moga with 25 intoxicating tablets. OC PADDY PURCHASE 20% LESS IN BILGA Phagwara: The total purchase of paddy by the government and private agencies from farmers has crossed 5,11093 lakh quintals under the jurisdiction of the Bilga market committee on November 14, which is less by 20 per cent of the purchase last year on this date. Committee secretary Sukhjinder Singh said they were expecting more purchases this season. OC TWO BOOKED FOR FARM FIRE Phagwara: The Shahkot police have booked two farmers on the charge of burning paddy stubble. The accused have been identified as Darshan and Gurpreet Singh of Nangal Ambian village. The nodal officers have sent their reports to the police, which were verified and examined at the place of occurrence. oc TWO DRUG ADDICTS ARRESTED Phagwara: The Nurmahal police have arrested two persons on the charge of consuming heroin. The accused have been identified as Pargat Singh, alias Kaka, and Harnek Singh, alias Gori, of Chuheki village. oc ADDL SECTION IN EX-SHO CASE Jalandhar: The additonal charge has been included in an FIR registered against the ex-SHO Bhushan Kumar. Section 21 (1) (failure to record/report the commission of an offence) has been added to the FIR for the SHO's alleged delay in registering the FIR in a rape case. TNS Jalandhar, November 17 Post-Tarn Taran bypoll, the BJP leadership today declared that it would contest the upcoming zila parishad and block samiti elections with enthusiasm on its election symbol. The decision was taken today at a meeting held under the chairmanship of BJP Punjab’s working state president Ashwani Sharma. The meeting was attended by members of the State Core Committee, state office-bearers, district in-charges and coin-charges, district presidents, MLAs and former MLAs, MPs and former MPs, and candidates who contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The decision follows close on the heels of the just-concluded Tarn Taran bypoll in which the BJP lost its security deposit and slipped to the 5th spot in a poll which was won by AAP’s Harmeet Singh Sandhu by 12,091 votes. However, an upbeat BJP has since said bettering it’s vote share compared to 2022, in a closely contested, pure Panthic seat, is yet viewed as a triumph by the party. At the meeting, BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh, parliamentary board Decision taken at core committee meeting BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia lights a lamp before the core committee meeting of the party in Jalandhar on Monday. member Iqbal Singh Lalpura, organisation general secretary Manthri Srinivas Sullu, former state president and former leader of Legislative Party Manoranjan Kalia, former state president and former Union Minister Vijay Sampla, former state president and former MP Avinash Rai Khanna and Shwait Malik, former Union Minister Som Parkash, Core Commit- tee members Manpreet Badal, Kewal Dhillon, SS Virk, Tikshan Sood, Avinash Chandra, and Jeevan Gupta, among others, participated. There was discussion on the grand religious programmes organised by the BJP to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, particularly, the grand Kirtan Darbar on November 19 at Sri Anand- Three hurt in group clash at Bhullarai over plot dispute Our Correspondent Phagwara, November 17 A dispute between two groups in Bhullarai village escalated into a violent clash, leaving three persons injured. The injured have been admitted to the Civil Hospital. According to Gurdial Singh, a member of the first group, some people from the Gujjar community had been living on his plot. He said several villagers confronted him over this issue and began arguing with him. Gurdial claimed that around 15–20 individuals attacked him, causing serious injuries. He also accused the village sarpanch and a few others of being involved in the assault. However, members of the second group, Gagandeep Singh and Ashwani Kumar, stated that when they reached the spot after seeing the commotion, they tried to intervene and stop the fight. They alleged that Gurdial Singh and his son instead attacked them.They claimed that the dispute was related to the plot where members of the Gujjar community were residing, adding that the village panchayat had earlier asked those residents to vacate the place. They also accused the opposite side of attempting to incite an attack on the sarpanch over the issue. At the Civil Hospital, where the injured are undergoing treatment, another minor scuffle reportedly broke out between the two sides. c m y b Another agent booked for fraud The police have registered a case against a travel agent for allegedly cheating a local resident of Rs 3,36,700 on the pretext of sending him to Canada. According to a complaint filed by Manjinder Singh, a resident of Bihala village under Sadar Kapurthala police station, accused Gurdit Singh allegedly took the amount after promising overseas placement and immigration assistance. However, even after receiving the money, the agent neither fulfilled the commitment, nor returned the funds, he said. The police have booked Gurdit under Sections 406 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code, along with relevant provisions of the Punjab Travel Professionals Regulation Act, 2014. ~5.50L, foreign currencies seized in raid MC’s anti-encroachment drive to boost cleanliness, ease traffic flow Phagwara, November 17 Acting on a tip-off, the Phillaur police carried out a major operation and seized cash along with multiple passports from a residence of gangster Ritish near Phillaur. The raid resulted in the recovery of Rs 5.50 lakh and an additional Rs1.50 lakh in foreign currency of various denominations, besides one .12 bore rifle and six cartridges. The police also found 12 passports belonging to individuals, raising concerns about a possible immigration racket. — OC Tribune News Service SIC Harpreet Sandhu presents a book on Guru Tegh Bahadur to foreign delegates at Nakodar. A handful of foreign scholars, intellectuals and curators applauded the book dedicated to the 350th martyrdom year of Guru Tegh Bahadur as a valuable edition to the global discourse on the Guru’s legacy. Bradley Fields, an scholar from Australia, praised the book dedicated to the pious life journey of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib for its insight into the Phagwara, November 17 Jasbir Ram of village Bullowal was booked on the charges of duping Paramjit Kaur of village Nathuchahal near Kapurthala Rs 4 lakh on the pretext of sending her daughter to Spain for employment. The police said the complainant alleged that the accused assured her that he would arrange travel documents and overseas placement for her daughter. However, after taking the money, he neither fulfilled his promise, nor provided any papers required for travel abroad. The woman reportedly waited for several months, receiving repeated assurances but no progress, before approaching the authorities. Following her complaint, the police initiated legal action and began investigating the allegations. Officials stated that efforts are underway to verify the facts and trace the suspects involved in the alleged fraud. No arrest has been made. Sahib at all 628 party mandals. This plan has been finalised. The meeting also discussed successfully organising upcoming programmes such as the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, the campaign to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the campaign marking 150 years of Vande Mataram, and more. Tribune News Service participate as a speaker, acknowledged the efforts of the author and said the book stands as a meaningful contribution towards promoting the Sikh heritage on a global platform, fostering greater international understanding and respect for the ninth Sikh Guru’s enduring values and his supreme sacrifice for the humanity. Our Correspondent pur Sahib, where renowned Raagi Jathas will recall the teachings and sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur through Gurbani Kirtan. Party leaders also said a district-level Kirtan Darbar will be organised in every district till November 30. Along with this, on November 24, thousands of devotees and party workers will participate in the recitation of Sri Sukhmani International visitors appreciate book on Guru Tegh Bahadur Jalandhar, November 17 The visiting delegates from different countries at the 4th HKL (Humility, Kindness and Love) International Conference at Nakodar near here appreciated the book on religious heritage dedicated to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. They expressed admiration for the pious book depicting Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s spiritual legacy, his supreme sacrifice and his message of compassion, human rights and universal harmony. They had interaction with the State Information Commissioner Harpreet Sandhu and conveyed that such initiatives play a vital role in bridging cultural distances and offering profound insights into India’s rich religious heritage. Ulrich Wolfgang Auwärter, HKL Ambassador, Germany, who is currently on a visit to Woman cheated of ~4 lakh over visa fraud,manbooked Guru’s timeless message of universal brotherhood, compassion, religious freedom. Adam from the US described the volume as an illuminating, beautifully crafted tribute that enriches the understanding of Sikh martyrdom in a global context and much appreciated the author of the book for his noble contribution. Jalandhar, November 17 In an effort to enhance urban convenience, cleanliness and traffic flow, the Municipal Corporation today carried out a special anti-encroachment drive across key areas of the city. The operation was led by the Tehbazari Branch under the supervision of Superintendent Mandeep Singh and Amit Kalia. The Traffic Police and Division No. 4 Police Department also played a crucial role by providing on-ground assistance throughout the operation. Today’s drive covered Rainak Bazaar, Jyoti Chowk, and Civil Hospital Road, areas that have been facing persistent issues of illegal encroachments. Footpaths and roads were being obstructed by goods displayed outside shops, unauthorised parking, street vendors, and roadside stalls, leading to traffic congestion and inconvenience for pedestrians. During the operation, the MC team removed all encroachment material, including wooden platforms, racks, goods, carts and stalls, and deposited these in the corporation store. Shopkeepers and street vendors were also sensitised about MC regulations. They were warned that strict action would be taken if any illegal occupation of footpaths or roads was found. The corporation reaffirmed its commitment to keeping major city areas free from traffic obstructions, inconvenience and unhygienic conditions. Meanwhile, Mayor Vaneet Dhir also issued special instructions to the Tehbazari Branch to continue these drives ensuring that every market and main road in the MC officials and police during anti-encroachment drive in Jalandhar. Illegal LED advertising screen installed in Model Town removed city remains free of encroachments. The Mayor emphasised that the objective of the MC was not merely to conduct anti-encroachment operations, but to provide residents with a clean, safe and comfortable environment. The MC has also appealed to citizens, shopkeepers, and vendors to cooperate with the administration and refrain from any form of encroachment, so that the collective effort to maintain a clean and traffic-free city can be successful. Regular enforcement drives will continue in various parts of the city in the coming days, officials said. The corporation also took an action against an illegal LED advertising screen installed in Model Town. In accordance with the Commissioner’s orders, a letter requesting registration of a police FIR regarding this unauthorised installation had earlier been issued by Superintendent Amit Kalia. Prior to this, an official notice was also served on the advertiser, instructing them to remove the screen, but no action was taken. Last week, a team led by Superintendent Amit Kalia and Inspector Vicky Sahota attempted to dismantle the screen with the help of a crane. However, due to the high-rise structure of the building, the screen could not be accessed. Today, the illegal LED screen was removed.