23032026-ATR-01.qxd 3/22/2026 11:38 PM Page 1 c m y b Amritsar tribune LOCALS QUESTION NEED FOR RECARPETING OF MALL ROAD POP ICON SHAKIRA’S INDIA CONCERT POSTPONED The road upgradation work of Mall Road has drawn criticism from local residents and activists. P2 Shakira’s performance was scheduled in Mumbai on April 10 & in Delhi on April 15. All ticket holders will receive full refund.P4 » FORECAST MAINLY CLEAR SKY MAX 25°C | MIN 15°C YESTERDAY MAX 25°C | MIN 12°C ON A RAMP-AGE AT LAKME FASHION WEEK » Bollywood actors Tamannaah Bhatia, Disha Patani, Malavika Mohanan light up the runway for designers. P4 » SUNSET MONDAY 6.43 PM SUNRISE TUESDAY 6.29 AM MONDAY | 23 MARCH 2026 | AMRITSAR Rights body demands arrest of accused in Randhawa death case Tribune News Service Amritsar, March 22 The Jamhoori Adhikar Sabha Punjab has demanded the immediate arrest of those allegedly responsible for abetting the suicide of Punjab Warehousing Corporation District Manager Gagandeep Singh Randhawa. In a joint statement issued by state president Prof Jagmohan Singh, general secretary Pritpal Singh, and organising secretary Narbhinder Singh, the organisation termed the incident deeply tragic and alarming. They alleged that Gagandeep Singh was forced to take the extreme step due to pressure from Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar and others. The family members and employees had earlier demanded the registration of an FIR, which has now been lodged under relevant sections. However, the Sabha said that despite the case Supporters back Bhullar, seek impartial probe in case Our Correspondent Tarn Taran, March 22 Supporters of Laljit Singh Bhullar, who has been booked for allegedly abetting the suicide of Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, District Manager of the Punjab State Warehouse Corporation (PSWC), gathered at the former minister’s office in Patti on Sunday and expressed their wholehearted support for him. On the other hand, the district leadership of the Aam Aadmi Party and all three MLAs from the area stayed away from the gathering. District Manager Gagandeep Singh Randhawa allegedly died by suicide on Saturday and Laljit Singh Bhullar tendered his resignation the same day. Speaking to mediapersons, the AAP leader from the Patti constituency, Advocate continued on page 2 Members of various unions of government departments and trade unions sit outside the private hospital where Gagandeep Randhawa was brought for treatment after he allegedly died by suicide in Amritsar. being registered, no arrests have been made so far, including those of the minister, his associate Sukhdev Singh Bhullar, and others named in the complaint. The organisation also questioned the statement of the Chief Minister, who said that an inquiry would be conducted before further action. It alleged that such Police conduct massive search operations at key locations in city Tribune News Service Amritsar, March 22 The Amritsar Police Commissionerate carried out a checking and patrolling drive across various sensitive areas of the city on Sunday to ensure public safety and maintain law and order. The operation involved personnel from the Special Operations Group (SOG), police commandos, along with local police teams, who conducted thorough checks at multiple checkpoints set up across both inner-city and outer areas. Vehicles were inspected in detail, while individuals moving without valid reasons were questioned rigorously. Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that the drive was aimed at deterring anti-social elements and preventing any untoward incidents. Special nakas (checkpoints) were established at key locations and Police personnel during a special operation in Amritsar on Sunday. continuous patrolling was carried out in vulnerable pockets of the city. He urged the public to remain vigilant and to immediately report any suspicious person or illegal activity in their locality. Officials assured that the identity of informants would be kept strictly confidential. A day earlier, the police also carried out search operations at the bus stand, the railway station and other parts of the city. Khaira meets Randhawa family, wants lookout circular issued statements indicate a reluctance to act against influential persons. The Sabha supported the family’s demand for a postmortem to be conducted outside Punjab and called for an independent probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). It said a fair investigation is not possible under the local police due to alleged government pressure. Highlighting the seriousness of the issue, the Sabha said the incident reflects the difficult and unsafe working conditions faced by government employees. It claimed that there were reports suggesting that Gagandeep Singh had informed senior officials about the pressure he was facing before his death. The organisation expressed solidarity with the grieving family and reiterated its demand for the immediate arrest of all the accused and a CBI inquiry to ensure justice. Amritsar, March 22 Senior Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira on Sunday met the family members of Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, District Manager of the Punjab State Warehouse Corporation (PSWC), who allegedly ended his life by consuming a poisonous substance on Saturday. He demanded the issuance of a look-out circular (LOC) against former Punjab cabinet minister Laljit Singh Bhullar and other accused. “When the police can arrest a sitting MLA from his house without any notice by jumping walls like thieves or arrest SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia, then what was stopping the AAP government, led by CM Bhagwant Mann, and the Punjab DGP from arresting former cabinet minister Bhullar,” he said. After meeting the family members, including the deceased Gagandeep’s wife Upinder Kaur, Khaira said that the family had alleged physical and mental torture, including threats by the accused, which drove him to take the extreme step. He pointed out that when the government could not protect Mobile tower parts theft: Three held Fresh investigation demanded in bodybuilder’s death case Tarn Taran, March 22 The Bhikhiwind police have arrested three persons who were stealing major and expensive parts from mobile towers here on Friday. The police said on Sunday that the accused have been identified as Sandeep Singh, Maninderjit Singh and Harashdeep Singh, residents of Bala Chack in Tarn Taran. Narinder Singh, legal manager of the GO Company, brought the matter to the notice of the police and said that the accused were attempting to flee after stealing an RRH (Radio Remote Head), a crucial component of a mobile tower responsible for generating internet signals. The three suspects were nabbed by a team of the GO Company while they were escaping with the company’s tower apparatus and were identified on the spot. The police said that the accused have been booked under Section 303(3) of the BNS. — OC Manmeet Singh Gill Tribune News Service Amritsar, March 22 After the registration of an FIR against four doctors of a private hospital for alleged medical negligence in the death of bodybuilder Varinder Ghuman, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has termed the investigation one-sided and demanded a fresh probe. Punjab IMA president Dr RS Sethi said that the association’s representative was not included in the investigation, which is against the prescribed rules. He also alleged that a case was registered against four doctors of Fortis Hospital without consulting the IMA. IMA Amritsar president Dr Amrita Rana and financial secretary Gurvinder Singh also stated that there are serious lacunae in the inquiry report, which require an immediate review by a fresh Special Investigation Team Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira at Randhawa’s house in Amritsar on Sunday. its own employee, what can be expected from it. This raises grave concerns over the safety and justice for ordinary citizens. The incident has created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among the general public. He said the victim had submitted complaints to his higher-ups seeking action, but no prompt steps were taken. He added that the police must include sections related to illegal confinement and extortion in the FIR registered against the accused, including (SIT) comprising expert doctors. Calling the issue highly sensitive, Dr Sethi said that excluding the association raises serious concerns about the fairness and transparency of the investigation. He added that, as per Punjab government guidelines, it is mandatory to include an IMA member in the District Medical Board formed to probe medical negligence cases. “This rule ensures that investigations remain impartial and based on expert opinion,” he said, adding that leaving out the IMA undermines the credibility of the process. Dr Sethi demanded that the probe be conducted afresh and must include the IMA’s nominated member. He stressed that the participation of all stakeholders is necessary so that conclusions are based on verified facts and no injustice is done to any party. Dr Sethi said the Punjab former minister Laljit Bhullar. Meanwhile, unions and various organisations have expressed strong outrage over the officer’s death and demanded justice for the bereaved family. They said they stand firmly with the family and warned that a strong protest would be launched if swift and strict action is not taken against those found guilty. They have urged the government to expedite the investigation and arrest the accused without delay. — TNS Government has set up District Medical Boards in every district to ensure transparent investigations into medical negligence cases. The move follows directions of the Supreme Court of India in the Jacob Mathew vs State of Punjab case, as well as orders of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The notification came into effect on February 13, 2026. According to the rules, the board must include the Civil Surgeon as Chairperson, the Medical Superintendent as Member Secretary, two subject specialists, and one IMA representative. However, Dr Sethi pointed out that no IMA member was included in the Ghuman case, calling it a clear violation of norms. He said the board is meant to examine complaints against both government and private doctors through a transparent process, where all members must be present and sign the final report. PHRO for judicial probe into BSF Awareness walkathon highlights need for water conservation jawan’s death in NCB custody Tribune News Service Pawan K Jaiswar Tribune News Service Amritsar, March 22 The Punjab Human Rights Organisation (PHRO) has demanded a high-level judicial inquiry into the “suspicious” death of a BSF jawan, Jaswinder Singh, who died while in the custody of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). Expressing concern, the organisation termed the death a “serious case of custodial torture” and an alleged violation of human rights. In a statement, the PHRO questioned the circumstances leading to the jawan’s arrest and subsequent transfer. It pointed out that he was brought to Amritsar after being arrested in Jammu, while his fam- ily was allegedly kept in the dark about the reasons for his arrest. “This raises serious questions about adherence to legal procedures,” said Sarabjit Singh Verka, the organisation’s principal investigator, along with Dr Khushal Singh, media incharge. The PHRO also highlighted allegations made by the deceased’s family regarding physical assault and mental harassment during custody. “Such behaviour towards a soldier serving the nation is unacceptable in any civilised society,” Verka added. The organisation demanded a judicial inquiry under the supervision of a sitting High Court judge to ascertain the truth. It also called for the registration of a mur- der case against the officials concerned if the postmortem report confirms torture. Additionally, it sought videography of the postmortem examination, to be conducted by a panel of expert doctors under magisterial supervision. The PHRO further demanded adequate compensation for the victim’s family and the transportation of the body to his native place with full honours. The organisation said it would approach the Punjab Human Rights Commission to ensure accountability of the officials concerned. It also warned that if concrete steps were not taken by the government, the matter would be taken up with national and international human rights bodies. Amritsar, March 22 On the occasion of World Water Day, the Amritsar Municipal Corporation organised an awareness walkathon to promote water conservation. The walkathon was flagged off by Mayor Jatinder Singh Bhatia. The event, held at Ranjit Avenue D-Block, witnessed enthusiastic participation from children, elderly citizens, and youth, all coming together in large numbers to spread the message of water conservation. Addressing the participants, Mayor Bhatia said that life without water is unimaginable and even the possibility of humans settling on other planets depends entirely on the availability of water there. He said that the name of Punjab is also related to c m y b Participants attend an event in Amritsar on Sunday. water and the birth, development and existence of our thousands of years old civilisation is also due to water. However, due to the excessive exploitation of groundwater and heavy dependence on wheat and paddy cultivation over the past several years, the groundwater level in Punjab has declined significantly. If this trend continues, Punjab may eventually turn into a desert. Keeping these concerns in mind, the Punjab Government has prioritised canal water for irrigation and strengthened canal infrastructure. As a result, the use of canal water for irrigation has increased, and for the first time in many years, the groundwater level in Punjab has also shown improvement. He appealed to the citizens to use water judiciously and avoid wastage in their daily lives. On this occasion, Kuldip Singh Saini, Project Manager of Punjab Municipal Services Improvement Project, stated that according to the Water Resources of Punjab 2024 report, all 10 blocks of Amritsar district have been declared dark zones. In the Amritsar Urban block alone, groundwater extraction has continued on page 2