11052026-JTR-01.qxd 5/11/2026 12:02 AM Page 1 c m y b Jalandhar tribune FARMER BLENDS TECH, TRADITION TO RUN THRIVING DAIRY UNIT PROTECT GREEN COVER, INSTALL UNDERGROUND WIRING SANJAY DUTT SHARES TRIBUTE TO NARGIS DUTT Honoured with the Chief Minister Award in 2019, Gurpreet has become a role model for dairy farmers across the state. P2 Develop eco-friendly pedestrian cooling shelters and promote rooftop solar, rainwater harvesting.P3 Sanjay Dutt marked Mother’s Day with a tribute to his late mother Nargis Dutt, sharing a series of photographs. P4 » » FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY MAX 36°C | MIN 26°C YESTERDAY MAX 37°C | MIN 25°C SUNSET MONDAY 7.13 PM SUNRISE TUESDAY 5:34 AM » MONDAY | 11 MAY 2026 | 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. INBRIEF YOUTHS BOOKED FOR ASSAULT Phagwara: The police have registered a case of robbery and assault against two youths following an attack on a bike rider near Khera Road in Phagwara. Manoj Kumar of Kaithal, residing in Phagwara, said he was returning home on his bike. When he reached a deserted spot near his residence, two youths signalled him to stop. He alleged that the youths requested a lift. Trusting them, he allowed both to sit on his bike. After covering some distance, the youths asked him to stop his bike. As soon as he halted the bike, one of the accused pulled out an iron rod and attacked him. oc MAN BOOKED FOR ATTACKING COUPLE Phagwara: The police have booked a man accused of assaulting a couple and outraging modesty of a woman. According to a complaint by Balvir Kaur of Khehra village, the accused Amardeep Singh picked a quarrel with her husband Sarbjit Singh and assaulted them. During the altercation, the accused allegedly tore the complainant’s clothes and also removed her husband’s turban. The police said raids were on to arrest the accused. OC ONE HELD WITH PREGABALIN Phagwara: The police have arrested a man with 33 pregabalin capsules. The accused Balvir Singh, residing at Ajit Nagar, Kapurthala, was arrested. The accused, who ran a salon at Kadupur village, was allegedly selling pregabalin capsules to addicts. Acting on the information, the police conducted a raid and arrested the accused. OC MAN BOOKED FOR STUBBLE BURNING Kapurthala: The police have booked a villager in connection with stubble burning at Raipur Pirbakhshwala village. According to the police, information was received regarding an incident of stubble burning. The police said wheat residue was set on fire near Bholath. oc BIKE STOLEN FROM NURMAHAL Phagwara: The police have registered a theft case after an unidentified person allegedly stole a motorcycle from Nurmahal in Jalandhar district. Narendra Kumar told the police that his Hero Honda motorcycle (PAX-2057) was stolen. Acting on his complaint, the police have registered a case. OC MAN ARRESTED WITH HEROIN Phagwara: The police have arrested a man after recovering 12 gram of heroin along with a digital weighing scale from him in Jalandhar district. The accused has been identified as Sher Singh, alias Shera, a resident of Malsian village. oc AAP-BJP face-off during protest in Balachaur Heated exchanges between Banga MLA Sukhi, BJP’s Lucky ■ BJP accuses AAP supporters of vandalism, hooliganism ■ Tribune News Service Jalandhar, May 10 Tension prevailed in Balachaur on Sunday after a protest by AAP workers against ED raids on party leader Sanjeev Arora escalated into a confrontation between AAP and BJP leaders and their supporters. Banga MLA Dr Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi and BJP’s SBS Nagar district president Rajwinder Singh Lucky were engaged in heated exchanges, with the BJP alleging intimidation, vandalism and hooliganism by AAP workers. BJP leaders also alleged that MLA Sukhi attempted to snatch a mobile phone during the altercation. AAP however, claimed that , its leaders were called for a “compromise”, which turned contentious after BJP members began recording videos and levelling accusations. The situation escalated when AAP leaders was staging a protest outside the BJP office in Balachaur. What began as a peaceful demonstration soon took a turn after an altercation broke out between workers of both parties outside the office. BJP later alleged that MLA Sukhi entered the party office and vandalised it. Lucky claimed that he initially welcomed the protesting AAP workers by offering water and tea and made a light-hearted remark about the turnout. However, he alleged that AAP workers soon engaged in pushing and shoving outside the office and that a speaker was taken away. “When I confronted them, Sukhi entered the office and an altercation followed. He tried to snatch a mobile phone and BJP workers were attacked without provocation,” Lucky alleged, also accusing AAP workers of vandalism. Responding to the allegations, Sukhi said AAP workers Heated exchanges between AAP and BJP workers at the BJP office in Balachaur; and (below) AAP Punjab working president Ashwani Sharma along with BJP leaders engages in sloganeering against the AAP outside the SSP office, Nawanshahr, on Sunday. TRIBUNE PHOTOGRAPH PSPCL pulled up for ~6.86L bill to Jalandhar consumer Rishika Kriti Tribune News Service Jalandhar, May 10 In a major embarrassment for Punjab State Power Corporation Limited, the Corporate Consumer Grievances Redressal Forum (CGRF), Ludhiana, has pulled up the power utility for issuing electricity bills of over Rs 6.86 lakh to a Jalandhar consumer after finding serious discrepancies in the billing process following installation of a rooftop solar system. The forum observed that the PSPCL had issued a bill showing consumption of 79,280 units for a 60-day period between August and September 2025, whereas the recorded consumption actually pertained to nearly 10.5 months. The case was filed by Gurpreet Singh, a resident of Urbana by AGI in Jalandhar, who has a domestic electricity connection with a sanctioned load of 58 kW along with a rooftop solar plant installed in November 2024. According to the complaint, billing issues started soon after installation of the solar system as the solar meter was allegedly not properly inte- Minor girl kidnapped in Kapurthala were protesting peacefully about 20 feet away from the BJP office without flags or banners. He claimed BJP leaders invited him for talks but began making provocative announcements on a loudspeaker and hurling allegations. “Later, I was called alone for a peaceful compromise, but as I tried to sit, videos were recorded. I objected and tried to stop the filming, after which the situation escalated and workers from both sides gathered,” he said. Lucky added, “There is no question of compromise when there was no fight.” The entire episode was captured on camera and videos went viral. BJP MEETS SSP, SEEKS FIR AGAINST AAP LEADERS ■ BJP Punjab working president Ashwini Sharma reached Nawanshahr and submitted a complaint to the SSP, Nawanshahr, Tushar Gupta, demanding an FIR against AAP leaders. ■ In his complaint to the SSP, BJP district president Rajwinder Singh Lucky alleged that AAP Banga MLA Dr Sukhwinder Singh Sukhi forcibly entered the BJP office with associates and started fighting with them, tried to snatch Lucky's mobile phone and threatened to kill him. He also alleged AAP vandalised the office and took away some documents. ■ Lucky also said if a case against AAP leaders isn't filed in 24 hours, they will again hold a day-long protest outside the SSP office on Tuesday. Reacting to the incident, Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar termed it an example of “AAP’s hooliganism” in a post on X, while Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu alleged that attacks on BJP workers were becoming increasingly frequent in Punjab. Jakhar, in his post, accused the AAP MLA of entering the BJP office and assaulting party workers in the presence of the police and questioned the state government’s handling of law and order. Kapurthala, May 10 The Kapurthala police have registered a criminal case after a woman alleged that her minor daughter was abducted from her house by a youth on the pretext of marriage. The complainant, Ramawati, resident of New Sabzi Mandi, stated that her minor daughter, had gone missing from their residence since April 19. She had gone to work on the day of the incident while her daughter remained at home. However, upon returning later in the day, she found that the girl was not present in the house. She alleged that a youth Satyam had taken away the minor girl after promising to marry her. — OC Forum directs PSPCL to issue revised bills grated with the regular electricity meter despite the system being operational. The consumer informed the forum that after initially receiving and paying bills of around Rs 76,000, he was later issued a bill of Rs 6.86 lakh on October 17, 2025. Another bill dated November 6, 2025, raised the outstanding amount to Rs 7.32 lakh while a subsequent bill issued in February 2026 showed dues crossing Rs 8.2 lakh. The consumer alleged that such massive consumption was impossible for a residential premises supported by a rooftop solar plant and blamed faulty adjustment of solar export units and billing irregularities. During the proceedings, the PSPCL maintained that the meter was technically correct. The utility informed the forum that the meter was replaced in December 2025 after being challenged by the consumer and was later tested in the lab where it was found accurate. The PSPCL also submitted data taken from the meter and consumption records before the forum. However, after examining the records, the CGRF observed that the disputed bills contained incorrect particulars regarding billing period, initial readings and consumption details. The forum noted that while the overall electricity consumption pattern appeared broadly consistent, the bills wrongly projected nearly 10.5 months of accumulated consumption as if it had occurred within just 60 days. Holding the billing process to be flawed, the forum quashed all bills issued between November 15, 2024, and December 7, 2025, and directed the PSPCL to issue revised bills strictly on the basis of actual meter readings and correct billing particulars. 10 honoured for zero stubble burning Tribune News Service Jalandhar, May 10 Ten progressive farmers from Nawanshahr along with farmers from other districts were honoured as “Champions of Greener Punjab” for their commitment to zero stubble burning. The recognition took place during the ‘Sustainable Agriculture & Crop Residue Management Summit’ held at PAU-Ludhiana. The event was organised by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, and Clean Air PB, under the aegis of ICARATARI, Zone-1, Ludhiana. The 10 farmers recognised for their “zero burning” achievements include Kewal Singh, Gurnek Singh and Gurrakesh Singh from village Sahdra, Amanjeet Singh from Jainpur, Jarman Singh from Chhadauri, and Davinder Singh (Sarpanch), Gurdial Singh, Kuldeep Singh, Amarjeet Singh and Arvinder Singh from Julah Majra. Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, VC, PAU, Ludhiana, along with Dr Hanuman Sahay Jat, Director, ICAR-IIMR, Dr Makhan Singh Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, Dr Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research, and Dr GS Makkar, in-charge, Plant Health Clinic, PAU-Ludhiana, presented the awards. Phagwara MC staff to join From kabaddi mat to sprint track statewide strike from today Ex-kabaddi player Harjit emerges Punjab’s top sprinting talent with 10.32s run Regular job, restoration of OPS among demands Our Correspondent Phagwara, May 10 The Municipal Corporation Employees Union, Phagwara, has announced an indefinite strike from May 11 in support of the ongoing agitation by employees of the municipal corporations and municipal councils across Punjab. The union has submitted notices regarding the strike to the Municipal Corporation Commissioner’s office and Deputy Mayor Vicky Sood. Union leaders said the decision was taken due to non-fulfilment of long-pending demands of the employees. Addressing mediapersons, union chairman Deepak Sehajpal and union president Manjeet Kumar said the Municipal Employees Action Committee, Punjab, and Nagar Palika Sangathan, Punjab, had already launched an indefinite statewide strike from May 6, demanding regularisation of contractual employees, restoration of the old pension scheme, abolition of the contract system and enhancement of salaries. They said the Municipal Corporation Employees Union, Phagwara, along with the Safai Karamchari Union, Phagwara, had decided to join the agitation from May 11. The union leaders stated that their key demands include ending the outsourcing and contract system and regularising computer operators, drivers, firemen, sewadars, malicum-watchmen, electricians and sanitation workers working in the Municipal Corporation, Phagwara. Other demands include implementation of pending promotions for Class III and IV employees, restoration of the old pension scheme, increase in salaries, release of pending dearness allowance and arrears, filling of vacant posts and timely completion of pending departmental inquiries. The employees have also sought timely payment of salaries and resolution of other service-related grievances. The union warned that the strike would continue until all demands were accepted and held the Punjab Government and local administration responsible for any situation arising out of the agitation. Among those present on the occasion were senior vicepresident Harvinder Pal, vice-president Bahadur Singh, secretary Vinay Kumar, joint secretary Deepak Kumar, press secretary Sunil Chander, Harman Pal, treasurer Yogesh Kumar, Dharminder Kumar, besides advisors Ravinder Singh Negi, Baljeet Singh, Vipin Kumar, Babloo Raja and Deepak Sharma. c m y b Aakanksha N Bhardwaj Tribune News Service Jalandhar, May 10 Harjit Singh (28) has emerged as one of Punjab’s brightest sprinting talents after delivering a remarkable performance at the National Athletics Series-5 held in Sangrur on May 9. Interestingly, the rising sprinter revealed that he was once a kabaddi player before making a late switch to athletics during his school years. Representing Punjab, Harjit Singh clocked an impressive 10.32 seconds in the 100metre race to secure the first place and register a new personal best. The competition was organised under the Indian Series initiative by the Athletics Federation of India, which aims to promote athletics across different regions of the country through national-level events. Currently training at the Sports College, Jalandhar, under coach Sarabjeet Singh Happy, Harjit’s latest achievement has again high- Harjit Singh clocks his personal best at National Athletics Series-5. lighted Jalandhar as a major hub for sprinting talent in Punjab. The city has produced several international athletes over the years, continuing its legacy in athletics. Harjit belongs to Majri village in Fatehgarh Sahib. Apart from being a dedicated athlete, Harjit is also serving in the Indian Air Force. His outstanding timing of 10.32 seconds has brought him into the spotlight and strengthened his position as a strong contender for upcoming national and international competitions. Adding an interesting dimension to his journey, Harjit, son of a retired PSPCL employee, shared that he played kabaddi till Class XI before shifting his focus completely to athletics. “My father used to take me to the ground when I was very young. My father was also a kabaddi player and when I started playing athletics, there was no looking back,” said Harjit. Harjit has previously represented India at international events, including the World University Games, and has earned success in several national championships. His latest performance reflects his consistent hard work and growing confidence ahead of major competitions. Speaking after the event, both Harjit Singh and coach Sarabjeet Singh shared insights into their training methods and race strategies that helped achieve the personal best timing. Harjit stated that his focus is now firmly set on upcoming inter-state championships, national championships and future Asian-level competitions, where he hopes to continue bringing glory to Punjab and India.