21022026-JTR-01.qxd 2/20/2026 10:30 PM Page 1 c m y b Jalandhar tribune PUNJAB POLICE TEAM WINS BRONZE AT EQUESTRIAN C’SHIP ‘PUNJAB DA BODHI ITIHAS’ AUTHOR CHARTS FORGOTTEN HISTORY ACTRESS MICHELLE YEOH GETS HOLLYWOOD STAR The Punjab Police team delivered an impressive performance at the All India Police Equestrian Championship. P2 Did the Buddha ever come to Punjab? What was it like studying at Taxila, one of the earliest centres of learning? P3 Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at a ceremony in Los Angeles. P4 » » » FORECAST MAINLY CLEAR MAX 25°C | MIN 10°C YESTERDAY MAX 25°C | MIN 9°C SUNSET SATURDAY 6.19 PM SUNRISE SUNDAY 7.02 AM SATURDAY | 21 FEBRUARY 2026 | JALANDHAR Cooperative society secretary booked for embezzlement of ~34 lakh in Sultanpur Lodhi Our Correspondent Phagwara, February 20 The district police have registered a criminal case against a suspended secretary of a multi-purpose cooperative agricultural society in Sultanpur Lodhi subdivision over alleged financial irregularities amounting to more than Rs 34 lakh. The accused, identified as Gurpreet Singh, is a resident of Nuroval village under the jurisdiction of Talwandi Chaudrian police station. At the time of the alleged offence, he was serving as secretary of the Maidpur Bahumantari Cooperative Agricultural Society in Sultanpur Lodhi. According to official records, the action follows a complaint received at the police station. The matter was marked to Assistant SubInspector Balbir Singh for inquiry. During verification, it emerged that a checking of the society’s financial and administrative records had been conducted by the managing committee in July 2024. The inspection reportedly revealed incomplete documentation and suspected misappropriation of funds. A special audit report for the financial year 2023-24 assessed alleged embezzlement of Rs 34,85,145.60. The report fixed prima facie responsibility on the then secretary, Gurpreet Singh, who had since been placed under suspension. Officials stated that approximately Rs 20,32,135 had already been recovered, while the remaining amount was yet to be accounted for. Acting on legal opinion obtained from the office of the Deputy District Attorney, it was recommended that a case be registered under Section 316(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (criminal breach of trust by a public servant or by a person entrusted with property). Following directions from the Senior Superintendent of Police, Kapurthala, an FIR was registered at the police station concerned in the district. The police confirmed that further investigation was underway to examine financial records, verify transactions and determine the complete extent of liability. 60,000 health cards issued every day: Health Minister Tribune News Service Jalandhar, February 20 Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh today said around nine lakh health cards had so far been issued in the state under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana (MMSY). He said the Punjab Government was working actively to cover every family in the state under this scheme. While interacting with the media after a detailed review meeting regarding the scheme at the District Administrative Complex here, the Health Minister, accompanied by Punjab Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat, MLA Balkar Singh, MLA Inderjit Kaur Mann, District Planning Committee Chairman Amritpal Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Urban Development) Jasbir Singh and Civil Surgeon Dr Rajesh Garg, said more than 70 per cent patients in government hospitals would get free of cost treatment under the scheme. Dr Balbir Singh said, “The scheme is receiving an overwhelming response from the people of the state. A large number of citizens are arriving daily for registration. The enrolment process has been accelerated. At present, around 60,000 health cards are being issued every day. To further speed up the process, additional staff and machinery are being deployed. The number of registration Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh addressed the media in Jalandhar on Friday. MALKIAT SINGH 70% PATIENTS TO GET FREE TREATMENT ■ Under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, cashless ■ The state government has released ~500 crore to treatment up to ~10 lakh per family per year is being provided to beneficiaries ■ More than 70% patients in government hospitals will get free of cost treatment under the scheme the insurance partner to ensure timely payments to all hospitals empanelled under the scheme ■ 10,000 health cards will be issued daily in Jalandhar in the coming days camps will also be increased in the coming days.” The Health Minister said the state government had already released Rs 500 crore to the insurance partner to ensure timely payments to all empanelled hospitals. He also stated that there were no pending dues of hospitals up till January 31, 2026. He said under the scheme, cashless treatment up to Rs 10 lakh per family per year was being provided. He said the objective of the scheme was to minimise the financial burden on families during medical emergencies. He appealed to people to get reg- istered without delay. Earlier, during a meeting with administration and Health Department officials, the minister reviewed the registration progress under the scheme in the district. He directed the administration, Health Department, Common Service Centres (CSCs), Sewa Kendras and other departments concerned to work in better coordination to ensure effective implementation of the public welfare scheme so that it benefits reach every individual in the state. He also asked SDMs and SMOs to address any issues being faced in the registra- tion process immediately. He said in the coming days, 10,000 health cards would be issued daily in Jalandhar. When questioned about the infrastructural discrepancies at district hospitals, especially the shortage of staff, the minister replied that efforts were being made to address these issues. AAP leaders Rajwinder Kaur Thiara, Nitin Kohli, Dinesh Dhall, Pinder Pandori, Principal Prem Kumar, all SDMs and officials of the Health Department, Municipal Corporation, Sewa Kendras and CSCs were present on the occasion. AAP govt’s claims of ‘education revolution’ in state hollow, says Pargat Tribune News Service Jalandhar, February 20 Former Education Minister and MLA Pargat Singh has dismissed the Punjab Government’s claims of an “education revolution” as hollow. He stated that while Education Minister Harjot Bains claims that government schools were being modernised, but he himself had admitted that many teachers do not know how to teach. “If teachers lack proper training, it is the government’s failure,” Pargat reacted. He further alleged that the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) had suffered a serious administrative and technical lapse. Gross negligence was shown during the board examinations held today, he said. Pargat Singh said three questions worth 15 marks were missing from the Punjabi (Gurmukhi) version of the Class VIII science question paper, while the Hindi and English versions contained the full set of 30 questions. He termed this not a minor mistake, but a clear case of administrative negligence and discrimination against a regional language. Due to this error, over three lakh Punjabi-medium students were at risk of losing approximately 19 per cent of their marks, putting their academic futures at risk. He said such serious mistakes cannot be tolerated. The police show weapons recovered from the two accused at a press conference in Kapurthala on Friday. Two arrested with illegal Congprotesthurtnation’simage:Sampla Twoheldwithpoppyhusk weapons in Kapurthala Tribune News Service Jalandhar, February 20 The CIA staff, Kapurthala, have arrested two men with country-made pistols. Gaurav Tura, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Kapurthala, said in a special campaign launched by the Punjab Government and the Punjab DGP against bad elements, two men were arrested with weapons. The SSP said during patrolling of the unpaved road heading from Villa Kothi, the duo — Jobandeep Singh, alias Tau, resident of Kokalpur, Kapurthala, and Karan One held for theft at gurdwara Nurmahal: The Bilga police have arrested a miscreant on charge of theft at a gurdwara. Investigating officer (IO) Vijay Kumar said the accused was identified as Malkit Singh, alias Laddu, a resident of Pati Bagga locality, Bilga village. Raghu Veer Singh, a resident of the same locality, had complained to the police that the accused barged into Gurdwara Shri Guru Ravidass ji on February 18 night and stole Rs 5,100 garland from the idol of Shri Guru Ravidass ji. The IO said a case under Sections 331(4) and 305(D) of the BNS was registered against the accused. — OC Kumar, alias Karan, a resident of Begowal, were arrested after recovering country-made weapons. A .32 bore pistol and three live rounds were recovered from Jobandeep Singh and another country-made .32 bore pistol and two live rounds were recovered from Karan Kumar. A case was registered under Section 25 of the Arms Act at the Kapurthala Kotwali police station in this connection. The SSP said the duo had many other cases registered against them under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and other Acts. Jalandhar, February 20 The BJP issued a condemnation of the Youth Congress’ protest at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 organised at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. BJP leader, former National Scheduled Caste Commission chairman Vijay Sampla said, “Protest by Youth Congress workers during such an important and development-accelerating programme is extremely unfortunate and shameful, damaging for the India’s dignity.” Addressing a press conference at the Punjab Press Club in Jalandhar, Sampla said, “On the platform where India is presenting its technological capability, innovation and digital leadership at the global level, it is not only inappropriate for Youth Congress workers to Our Correspondent Ex-Minister of State Vijay Sampla addresses the media in Jalandhar. come and protest, but it is an act aimed at tarnishing the international image of the country.” He said, “This is not just a political protest, but a shame on senior leaders of the party to appear shirtless.” He said, “When representatives of 60 countries of the world are present in India and discussing the country’s progress, technological development and achievements in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), at that time this kind of display hurts India’s reputation.” BJP district president Sushil Sharma, district general secretary and other leaders were present on the occasion. — TNS Kapurthala, February 20 The police have arrested two individuals after recovering 1kg poppy husk at a hightech naka (checkpoint) near the Beas bridge area in Kapurthala district. A case has been registered against them under Sections 15, 29, 61, and 85 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985. According to official information, a police team led by Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Naveen Kumar was checking vehicles at the naka. During checking, a Maruti Suzuki Alto car bearing registration number PB-76A-3844 approaching from the Goindwal side was spotted by the police team manning the naka. Upon noticing the naka, the car driver allegedly tried to turn the vehicle around. Acting promptly, the police team intercepted the car. Upon questioning, car driver identified himself as Daljit Singh, alias Sonu, a resident of Mundi village under the Fattudhinga police station. The passenger seated beside him was identified as Bikram Singh, also a resident of the same village. Upon searching the car, the police recovered a light green polythene packet concealed in the pocket of the rear seat. When questioned about contents, the car occupants allegedly disclosed that the packet contained poppy husk (doda chura post). The contraband and the vehicle were seized by the police. Woman among two arrested with 10 gm Woman held under NDPS Act heroin, banned tablets in SBS Nagar district Our Correspondent Banga, February 20 The police have arrested a man and a woman after recovering 10 gm heroin along with 30 intoxicating tablets from them at a naka near Khatkar Kalan village. A case has been registered under Sections 21, 22 and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act against the accused. According to official information, Banga Sadar police station SHO Inspector Satnam Singh, along with staff, had set up a checkpoint near the turn heading towards Khatkar Kalan village for routine checking of suspicious persons. Around 9.30 pm, a motorcycle approaching from the main road towards Khatkar Kalan village drew the attention of the police party deployed at the naka. The vehicle was being driven by a young man, with a woman seated on the rear side. On spotting the police personnel at the naka, the bike driver allegedly became nervous and threw a blackcoloured polythene packet on the ground. He then attempted to turn back at high speed, but lost control over the bike, causing it to skid. Both bike riders reportedly tried to flee, but were apprehended by the police personnel after a brief chase. The accused were identified as Davinder Singh (30), a resident of Jindowal village, and Manisha Rani (32), a resident of Khatkar Kalan village, both in Shaheed Bhagat Singh (SBS) Nagar district. Upon checking discarded polythene packet, the police recovered c m y b three strips of tablets, each containing 10 pills — totalling 30 tablets labelled as “Etizolam mouth dissolving tablets (Etizolam-MD)”. In addition, the police recovered 10 gm heroin from the possession of the accused. The contraband was taken into custody, and the black colour Hero Splendor motorcycle bearing registration number PB 32 U 5385 was seized. A formal case was registered after arresting both the accused in this connection. Phagwara, February 20 The police have arrested a woman for allegedly attempting to hand over intoxicating tablets to an undertrial outside a local court complex in Phagwara. A case has been registered against her under Sections 22, 61, and 85 of the NDPS Act, 1985. A police party had escorted several accused persons from Kapurthala Modern Jail to the court of Judicial Magistrate Harshbir Sandhu in Phagwara in connection with a case registered at the Satnampura police station. The police said as the escort vehicle was parked outside the court premises and the accused were about to disembark, a woman approached the vehicle. Before the accused could step out, she allegedly attempted to pass a tapewrapped packet to one of the undertrials identified as Ravi Kumar. Alert police personnel noticed the exchange and immediately intervened. Upon questioning, the woman identified herself as Sonia, a resident of Gandwa village under the Satnampura police station. The taped packet was opened and checked in the presence of officials, leading to the recovery of 410 whitecoloured intoxicating tablets. Following the recovery, a case was registered against Sonia and Ravi Kumar. Sonia was taken into custody, while further investigation was underway to ascertain the source of the contraband. — OC Pargat Singh further stated that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) formed the government in Punjab by promising an education revolution on the Delhi model. For the past four years, tall claims had been made about transforming education in Punjab, but the reality, he said, was very different. When Education Minister Harjot Bains inspected schools, he reportedly found that teachers were unable to teach effectively. “If teachers are not adequately trained, what kind of education revolution has the government been claiming for four years?” he asked. He added that the Education Minister cannot hide his own onus and the state government’s incompetence by blaming teachers for the poor state of education. He also alleged that the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, had painted government schools in colours of its party flag, thereby politicising educational institutions. “Such tactics cannot improve education,” he said. He reiterated that thousands of vacant posts of principals, headmasters, and teachers in government schools must be filled immediately. School infrastructure must be strengthened, and dilapidated buildings must be renovated. He pointed out that many schools still lacked basic facilities, including separate toilets for boys and girls. Passport Adalat to clear pending applications on Feb 25 Tribune News Service Jalandhar, February 20 Regional Passport Officer Yashpal has announced that the Passport Office, Jalandhar, would organise a Passport Adalat on February 25 (Wednesday), at the Regional Passport Office, SCO No. 4251, Pocket 1, near bus stand. Applicants urged to attend with relevant documents The special initiative aims to facilitate passport applicants of all categories whose applications, submitted up to January 31, 2026, are pending at the RPO office due to compliance issues from the applicant’s side or other reasons. The Regional Passport Officer (RPO) said, “Eligible applicants are advised to visit the office between 9.30 am and 12.30 pm on the scheduled date, along with relevant documents, to enable expeditious disposal of their pending cases.” He further clarified that no institution or middleman had been authorised by the Ministry of External Affairs to process passport applications. “Citizens have been advised to apply directly through the official portal of the Ministry of External Affairs at — www.passportindia.gov.in — and avoid dealing with agents or intermediaries. Applicants may also visit the office for enquiries or any other passport-related assistance,” he added.