13072026-ATR-01.qxd 12-07-2026 23:51 Page 1 c m y b Amritsar tribune RAJMA SUCCESS ENCOURAGES FARMER TO EXPAND ACREAGE Sher Singh from Kapurthala also explores low-water crops, like groundnut, soybean. P2 » AKANSHA RANJAN WEDS SHARAN SHARMA Akansha Ranjan and filmmaker Sharan Sharma tie the knot, embarking on their journey of Mr and Mrs. P4 » FORECAST MAINLY CLOUDY/RAIN MAX 34°C | MIN 24°C YESTERDAY MAX 33°C | MIN 22°C SINGER JASMINE SANDLAS ANNOUNCES ENGAGEMENT Jasmine announced her engagement during the opening night of ‘The Dream Girl India Tour’ in Delhi. P4 » SUNSET MONDAY 7.37 PM SUNRISE TUESDAY 5.35 AM MONDAY | 13 JULY 2026 | AMRITSAR Heaps of garbage dot roadsides, Witnesses claimed harassment, threatsduring Khalramurdertrial raise big stink in city amid rains Pawan K Jaiswar Tribune News Service Charanjit Singh Teja SANITATION DRIVES NEEDED: EXPERTS Tribune News Service Amritsar, July 12 The legal battle that eventually led to the conviction of police personnel in the abduction and murder of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra was marked by repeated attempts to intimidate key witnesses and others associated with the case. The case has once again come into focus amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the film Satluj, based on Khalra’s life and struggle. Several witnesses and supporters of the Khalra family allegedly faced threats, while some were implicated in criminal cases over the years, including charges of reviving terrorism and even rape. Many of these cases were later found to be false, quashed after investigation or ended in acquittals following prolonged legal battles. In April 1998, the Sultanpur Lodhi police registered a case against Khalra’s widow Paramjit Kaur, his friends Surinder Singh Ghariala, Gurbhej Singh Palasaur, Rajiv Singh and Balwinder Singh Chabhal. They were accused of allegedly bribing Special Police Officer (SPO) Kuldeep Singh to make a false statement in the Khalra case. However, the case was cancelled within a few weeks following the intervention of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which was probing Khalra’s murder. A few months later, in July 1998, another FIR was registered against Rajiv Singh, advocate Sarabjit Singh Verka, who was assisting the Khalra family, and Rashpal Singh, accusing them of involvement in terrorist activities. The allegations were later examined in an inquiry conducted by an officer of the rank of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) on the recommendation of the Punjab Human Rights Commission (PHRC). The inquiry concluded that the case had been registered because of their association with the Khalra case and found the allegations to be false. The PHRC subsequently recommended cancellation of the case and action against the police personnel concerned. However, the Punjab Government did not implement the recommendations. The accused were later acquitted by a local court and were awarded compensation in 2007, nine years after the FIR was registered. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch also wrote to the Punjab Government, urging it not to register false cases against those associated with the matter. The issue was also raised in the UK House of Commons with the Indian High Commission. In another instance, in 2003, a rape case was registered against Kirpal Singh Randhawa, an eyewitness in the Khalra case, who has since passed away. After a full trial, the court acquitted him of all charges, ruling that the prosecution had failed to prove its case. The court later awarded him compensation of Rs 49 lakh for malicious prosecution. “Such prosecutions were intended to pressurise witnesses, weaken the prosecution and discourage those pursuing justice,” said advocate Sarabjit Singh Verka, who was associated with the case. Despite the alleged intimidation and prolonged legal battle, key witnesses stood by their testimonies, ultimately contributing to the conviction of several police personnel in the Khalra case, he added. Amritsar, July 12 Heaps of garbage lying along roadsides in several parts of the city have become a major concern for residents and commuters during the ongoing monsoon season. Waterlogging around garbage dumps and the resulting foul smell have made daily travel difficult, while residents fear that unhygienic conditions could trigger the spread of diseases. A glaring example is the waste dumped near the bridge at the Vallah sabzi mandi. People, especially shopkeepers, are frequently seen throwing garbage bags from the bridge. Stray cattle searching for food often tear open the plastic bags, leaving waste scattered across the area. Similar scenes can be witnessed in several other localities, where household waste, plastic bags and other refuse have accumulated along roadsides and on vacant plots. Frequent rainfall over the past week has worsened the situation, with stagnant water collecting around the garbage heaps and creating an unpleasant environment. Commuters passing through these stretches complain of a strong stench, particularly during the morning and evening hours. Residents expressed concern that the combination of accumulated waste and stagnant water could become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, flies and other diseasecarrying insects. They fear a rise in cases of dengue, Woman dies in Tarn Taran road accident Motorcycle rally honours ’71 war Monsoon showers bring relief from heat heroes at Pul Moran memorial Our Correspondent Tribune News Service Tarn Taran, July 12 A 43-year-old woman, Amarjit Kaur, a resident of Bhai Ladhu village falling under the Valtoha police station here, was killed in a road accident on Saturday. Amritsar, July 12 A motorcycle rally was organised on Sunday to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Pul Moran (Pul Kanjri) during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Jointly organised by Amritsar Riders, a local youth group, and the Vajra Corps of the Indian Army, the rally began from Company Bagh and concluded at the Pul Moran (Pul Kanjri) War Memorial after passing through the Attari border. The event paid tribute to the soldiers of the 2 Sikh Regiment, who recaptured the strategically important border post after it was initially occupied by Pakistani forces during the 1971 war. Army personnel and youth participated in the rally, carrying messages of Police register case against car driver The victim was going to Algon Kothi village on a motorcycle with Gursahib Singh, also a resident of Bhai Ladhu village, when their motorcycle was allegedly hit from behind by a speeding car. Gursahib Singh and Amarjit Kaur fell on the road. Amarjit Kaur sustained severe injuries and died on the spot. ASI Waryam Singh of the Valtoha police said a case has been registered against the unknown car driver. ■ Residents fear that stagnant water around waste dumps could lead to the spread of dengue, malaria and other diseases. ■ Waste dumped near the Vallah sabzi mandi bridge continues to create unhygienic conditions and foul odour. ■ Health experts have urged proper waste disposal and regular sanitation drives to prevent monsoon-related illnesses. ■ Stray cattle often tear open garbage bags, scattering waste across roads and public spaces. << A garbage dump on the roadside in Amritsar on Sunday PHOTO:VISHAL KUMAR malaria, diarrhoea and other water-borne diseases if prompt action is not taken. Shopkeepers operating near the affected areas said the foul smell has led to a decline in customer footfall. According to them, the situation deteriorates after every spell of rain, affecting both business and public convenience. Health experts have repeatedly warned that improper waste disposal during the monsoon increases the risk of infections and vector-borne diseases. They advise residents to avoid littering, ensure proper disposal of waste and urge civic authorities to conduct regular sanitation drives. Residents have appealed to the Municipal Corporation to clear the garbage without delay and intensify sanitation operations across the city. They also demanded regular lifting of waste from collection points and stricter monitoring of sanitation services. “Those throwing waste under bridges or along roadsides should be penalised. The Municipal Corporation should ensure that waste collection is properly managed,” said Rajinder Singh, a local resident. Tribune News Service The Vajra Corps of the Army and Amritsar Riders pay tributes to the soldiers of the Battle of Pul Moran during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, in Amritsar on Sunday. PHOTO: VISHAL KUMAR patriotism and remembrance. Floral tributes were offered to Lance Naik Shangara Singh, who was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his gallantry, as well as to the nine other soldiers of the 2 Sikh Regiment who laid down their lives in the battle. A solemn ceremony was held at the war memorial, where participants remembered the martyrs and reaffirmed their commitment to preserving the legacy of the Armed Forces and inspiring the younger generation with the values of courage, sacrifice, and national service. Amritsar, July 12 After days of sweltering heat and high humidity, the city and surrounding areas received substantial rainfall on Sunday, bringing muchneeded relief to residents and significantly lowering temperatures. Thick cloud cover persisted for most of the day as intermittent showers and steady rain began early in the morning. The rainfall brought respite from the uncomfortable weather conditions that had prevailed over the past several days. Residents stepped out to enjoy the cooler atmosphere, while parks and public places witnessed increased footfall. The drop in temperature also reduced the use of airconditioners and coolers, offering some relief from rising electricity consumption. Residents said the showers not only brought down FUN-FILLED MOMENTS: Youngsters enjoy in the rain at Company Bagh in Amritsar on Sunday. VISHAL KUMAR the mercury but also improved air quality. “The weather has become pleasant after many days of heat and humidity. It is a welcome change,” said Rajesh Sharma, a city-based shopkeeper. Farmers also welcomed the rainfall. Gurpreet Singh, a farmer from a nearby village, said the showers would benefit crops and reduce irrigation requirements. “The rain has come at the right time and will help farmers save water and electricity,” he said. However, waterlogging was reported in several low-lying areas of the city, causing inconvenience to commuters. Traffic moved slowly on some roads as motorists negotiated continued on page 2 456 students get degrees at GNDU’s 51st convocation Police, BSF recover over 10 kg heroin from fields in Tarn Taran Neha Saini Tribune News Service Amritsar, July 12 Punjab Governor and Chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) Gulab Chand Kataria conferred degrees and the Chancellor’s Medal on students during the university’s 51st annual convocation here on Sunday. Addressing the gathering, the Governor said the true objective of education is not merely to secure employment but to prepare responsible, sensitive and ethical citizens who contribute actively to the development of society and the nation. Degrees were conferred on 456 students, including three recipients of the Chancellor’s Medal, 35 students who received Memorial Medals, 82 research scholars awarded Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria (second from left) confers a degree on a student during the convocation at Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar on Sunday. PHOTO: VISHAL KUMAR PhD degrees, and 336 students who received graduate and postgraduate degrees. Governor Kataria and ViceChancellor Prof Karamjeet Singh also conferred the Honoris Causa degree on Jaspreet Singh, a renowned Attorney-at-Law from New c m y b York, USA, in recognition of his outstanding achievements and contributions to academic development. Punjab Higher Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, Additional Principal Secretary Vivek Pratap Singh, IAS, and members of the university’s Senate and Syndicate were also present on the dais. The Governor said Guru Nanak Dev University was established in 1969 to commemorate the 500th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. “Its establishment was not merely the creation of another institution of higher learning; it represented a national resolve to strengthen and advance the cultural, spiritual and educational heritage of Punjab and the nation. It is within these continued on page 2 Gurbaxpuri Tarn Taran, July 12 The Tarn Taran police, in a joint operation with the Border Security Force (BSF), has recovered 10.9 kg of heroin allegedly dropped by a drone from Pakistan, foiling an attempt to smuggle a large consignment of narcotics into Indian territory. The seizure was made from agricultural fields near Lakhna village on Sunday night. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Surinder Lamba said the police had received specific information that a drone had dropped several packets near the farm of Jaswinder Singh, a resident of Lakhna village. Acting on the tip-off, Station House The seized contraband. Officer Sub-Inspector Vipin Kumar led a police team to the spot and launched a search operation along with BSF personnel. During the search, the teams recovered a plastic sack and several loose packets from the fields. On weighing, the seized contraband was found to be 10.9 kg of heroin. The Valtoha police have registered a case against unidentified persons under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and launched an investigation to identify the intended recipients and dismantle the cross-border smuggling network behind the consignment. According to preliminary estimates, the seized heroin has an international market value of around Rs 55 crore. Investigators are also examining the drone’s route and possible local links connected to the smuggling attempt.