05082026-JTR-01.qxd 8/4/2026 11:30 PM Page 1 c m y b Jalandhar tribune K’THALA POLICE RECOVER 250 LOST, STOLEN MOBILE PHONES HOSHIARPUR ADMN GEARS UP FOR MATA CHINTPURNI MELA KABUL TO COPENHAGEN JOURNEY VIA BOLLYWOOD SSP Gaurav Toora said the recovered mobiles had an estimated market value of around ~50 lakh. P2 Special attention is being given to maintaining uninterrupted traffic flow on routes leading to Mata Chintpurni. P3 Bollywood inspired an Afghan refugee to become one of Europe’s celebrated ambassadors of Indian cuisine. P4 » » FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY MAX 33°C | MIN 26°C YESTERDAY MAX 34°C | MIN 28°C SUNSET WEDNESDAY 7.22 PM SUNRISE THURSDAY 5:47 AM » WEDNESDAY | 5 AUGUST 2026 | JALANDHAR Major tragedy averted as blaze erupts at Civil Hospital, 20 women rescued INBRIEF SHAHKOT VILLAGER DIES IN ACCIDENT Phagwara: A Shahkot villager died in an accident on Sunday. The police said the deceased has been identified as Gurpreet Singh, alias Gairi, son of Tarsem Singh and a resident of Dhando Wal village. Saranjit Singh, a resident of the same village, told the police that Gairi was travelling on his motorcycle when he fell from the two-wheeler and sustained fatal injuries. The SHO said the police, acting under Section 194 of the BNSS, handed over the body to the family after a postmortem examination. OC Patients shifted to Trauma Centre |Probe underway to ascertain cause of fire Rishika Kriti Tribune News Service Jalandhar, August 4 A major fire broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the two-storey Mother and Child Hospital at Civil Hospital Jalandhar at around 5.30 am on Tuesday, triggering panic among patients and their attendants. According to hospital authorities, around 20 pregnant women and newborns from wards closest to the NICU were evacuated immediately after the fire broke out. As a precautionary measure, 40 other patients admitted to different wards of the Mother and Child Hospital were also shifted to safer areas. Four pregnant women who were in the affected ward were moved to the Trauma Centre, where they were examined by doctors and nursing staff, authorities added. Eyewitnesses said the fire is suspected to have started after an air conditioner in the NICU overheated, leading to a short circuit. Thick black smoke quickly engulfed the ward, forcing attendants and hospital staff to rush patients to safety. Fire Brigade teams reached the hospital soon WOMAN ASSAULTED, THREE ARRESTED Phagwara: The Nakodar Sadar police have arrested three members of a family on charges of assaulting a woman from their village. The police said the accused were identified as Gurmail Singh, a resident of Chak Kalan village, his wife Manjit Kaur, and their son Gur Kamal Singh. Harpreet Kaur, wife of Narindar Jit Singh and a resident of the same village, told the police that the accused confined her in a room and assaulted her on July 10, causing injuries. The police said a case under Sections 115(2), 127(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has been registered against the accused. OC Park boundary wall collapses, residents flag safety concerns the damaged boundary wall. The association urged the Municipal Corporation to undertake repair work without delay to prevent any untoward incident in future. The delegation also drew attention to several other civic and infrastructural issues within the park and sought their early resolution. Office-bearers of the association said Virinder Park serves as an important recreational space for local residents, offering facilities for morning and evening walks, exercise and children’s activities. They expressed hope that the civic administration would address the matter on priority. MC Commissioner Randeep Singh Heer assured the delegation that the site would be inspected and necessary steps taken at the earliest to repair the wall and address other issues concerning the park. Ashok Kaura Phagwara, August 4 Panic gripped residents after a section of the outer boundary wall of Virinder Park, maintained by the Phagwara Municipal Corporation, suddenly collapsed on Tuesday morning. Fortunately, no casualties or damage to property were reported, but the incident has sparked serious concerns regarding the park’s safety and maintenance. Following the incident, a delegation of the Virinder Park Welfare Association (regd), led by president Amarjeet Singh Basuta, secretary Davinder Kaushal and treasurer Raman Nehra, met Municipal Corporation Commissioner Randeep Singh Heer and submitted a memorandum seeking the immediate reconstruction of A damaged air conditioner and blackened walls after the fire broke out at the Civil Hospital in Jalandhar. NOT THE FIRST INCIDENT The incident is the latest in a series of disruptions at the region’s largest state-run hospital, which records a daily footfall of between 1,500 and 3,000 patients, many of whom come from economically weaker sections. On July 15, a power outage lasting nearly seven hours disrupted essential healthcare services in after being alerted. As the smoke was extremely dense, firefighters broke several glass panes of the building to ventilate the area and clear the smoke. The incident caused extensive damage to the ward’s electrical wiring. Walls were blackened by the blaze, while beds, mattresses, electrical the Emergency Department, OPD and several wards, forcing authorities to shift 44 admitted patients. It was the fourth major power outage reported at the hospital within a month. Last year, on July 27, three critically ill patients on ventilator support at the Trauma Centre died after a technical fault disrupted oxygen supply. equipment and other essential items in the unit were gutted. A visitor whose belongings were damaged in the incident said the smoke spread within minutes. “Everything happened so fast. We rushed out as smoke filled the ward. My clothes and medical reports were damaged. Fortunately, everyone is safe, but it is frightening to think what could have happened if the fire had spread further,” she said. Medical Superintendent Dr Namita Ghai said a major tragedy had been averted after a junior doctor on night duty noticed the smoke and immediately alerted senior doctors and the Fire Brigade. “The patients were shifted without delay and no one was injured. We are examining the electrical wiring to ascertain the exact cause of the fire,” she said. The incident is the latest in a series of disruptions at the region’s largest staterun hospital, which records a daily footfall of between 1,500 and 3,000 patients, many of whom come from economically weaker sections and depend on the government facility for affordable treatment. On July 15 this year, a power outage lasting nearly seven hours disrupted essential healthcare services in the Emergency Department, OPD and several wards, forcing authorities to shift 44 admitted patients. It was the fourth major power outage reported at the hospital within a month. Last year, on July 27, three critically ill patients on ventilator support at the Trauma Centre died after a technical fault disrupted oxygen supply. The repeated incidents have once again raised concerns over the hospital’s infrastructure, maintenance standards and ability to handle emergencies without affecting patient care. A woman shows burnt items at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Cong calls it govt failure, seeks high-level probe Tribune News Service Jalandhar, August 4 Municipal Corporation councillor and senior Congress leader Dr Jasleen Sethi has expressed deep concern over the fire incident at Jalandhar Civil Hospital, stating that it was not merely an accident but a consequence of the government's failed “Sehat Kranti” campaign and administrative negligence. She said a fire breaking out in a ward housing around 20 pregnant women and newborn babies raises serious questions about the state’s healthcare system. According to Dr Sethi, had the blaze not been brought under control in time, it could have resulted in a major tragedy, for which the government would have been entirely After High Court intervention, Officials of Excise Dept Nawanshahr MC poll today shot at in Bhargo Camp Tribune News Service Nawanshahr, August 4 Congress leaders in Nawanshahr are upbeat as the election for the posts of president and vice-president of the local Municipal Council is scheduled to be held on Wednesday following the intervention of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The court has directed that the election be conducted under tight security arrangements and comprehensive videography. The Congress councillors had approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court over the delay in conducting the election. The court subsequently ordered that the poll be held within 10 days. Act- COURT DIRECTIONS ■ All 19 Municipal Councillors must be provided police protection and safely escorted to the election venue before the scheduled time. ■ Nawanshahr SSP shall be responsible for ensuring the safe and unhindered arrival of all councillors. ■ The entire election process, both inside and outside the venue, shall be comprehensively videographed from all possible angles. ■ A court-appointed observer, as in earlier proceedings, shall remain present to oversee the election process. ing on the directions, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) had initially fixed July 30 as the election date. However, the election could not be conducted after the authorities cited disruptions and law-and-order concerns on the scheduled day. The poll has now been rescheduled for Wednesday at 3 pm and will be held at the Block Samiti office instead of the Municipal Council office. Interestingly, neither of the two major political camps enjoys a clear majority in the 19-member Municipal Council. The Congress won eight wards, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) secured six. The Congress also enjoys the support of Independent councillor Advocate Paramjit Singh Bakshi, taking its tally to nine. continued on page 2 Jalandhar, August 4 An Excise Department team conducting a raid in the Budha Mall area of Bhargo Camp on Monday evening allegedly came under fire from a local youth while acting on inputs regarding the smuggling of illicit liquor. The incident triggered panic in the locality, with the sound of gunfire causing chaos among residents. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. According to sources, the excise officials had reached the accused’s residence to verify information and take action against the alleged illegal liquor trade. During the operation, the youth allegedly opened fire on the team, creating a stampede-like situation in the area as people rushed for safety. The officials managed to escape unharmed and move to a secure location. The accused reportedly fled the spot immediately after the firing. On receiving information about the incident, police personnel from Bhargo Camp Police Station rushed to the area, cordoned off the locality and launched an investigation. Police teams are examining CCTV footage from nearby locations and conducting raids to trace and arrest the accused. ACP (West) Aatish Bhatia said there was no loss of life in the incident and that investigations were underway. Police sources said the accused had been identified and efforts were being made to apprehend him at the earliest. Following the incident, a large number of residents gathered at the scene, leading to tension in the area for some time. — TNS Temple mgmt seeks action against miscreants Seechewal urges EAM to ensure safe Religious leaders meet Police Commissioner after stone pelting at Devi Talab shrine return of Indians stranded in Russia BJP REACTS ■ BJP district president Ashok MALKIAT SINGH Jalandhar, August 4 The controversy surrounding the stone pelting incident at the revered Siddh Shaktipeeth Shri Devi Talab Temple has intensified, with members of the Sant Samaj on Tuesday approaching the Police Commissioner's office and seeking strict action against those responsible. The violence was reported during a thanksgiving procession led by Mayor Vaneet Dhir following his appointment as the Aam Aadmi Party's Halqa In-charge for Jalandhar North. Representatives of the Sant Samaj and the Shri Devi Talab Temple Management Committee submitted a complaint to the Police Commissioner's office against the persons allegedly involved in the The Sant Samaj submits a complaint to the Commissioner of Police. stone-pelting within the temple premises. The complaint called for stringent action against the accused and sought enhanced security arrangements at the historic religious site. Speaking on behalf of the Bharat Sadhu Samaj, Mahant Bansi Dass strongly condemned the incident. He said the temple is a centre of deep faith for millions of Sanatan followers and attracts thousands of devotees from across India and abroad every day. “The temple is a centre of unwavering faith for millions of Sanatan devotees. Every day, thousands of devotees from across India and abroad Sareen Hicky strongly condemned the incident of stone pelting, vandalism, and assault that took place at the sacred Shaktipeeth Shri Devi Talab Mandir. He stated that any attempt to disturb the sanctity of religious places and create an atmosphere of fear among devotees is completely unacceptable. visit the shrine to offer prayers and seek the blessings of Mata Shri Tripurmalini. Such acts of stone pelting, vandalism, disorder and the violation of the sanctity of a revered religious place by anti-social elements have deeply hurt the religious sentiments of the entire Sanatan community,” he said.—TNS c m y b Our Correspondent Kapurthala, August 4 Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal has written to External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, seeking immediate diplomatic intervention to ensure the safe return of Indian nationals stranded in Russia. In his letter, he urged the Centre to take up the issue of tracing Indians reported missing during the Russia-Ukraine conflict and to facilitate compensation from the Russian Government for the families of those who lost their lives in the war. Seechewal said he had consistently raised the issue in Parliament and had also spo- ken on it during Zero Hour. He noted that although the Government of India had held discussions with Russian authorities, several Indian youths continued to remain stranded in Russia. He added that he had intended to raise the matter during the ongoing Monsoon Session as well, but was unable to do so owing to disruptions in parliamentary proceedings. He said he was currently pursuing the cases of ten Indian youths who are stranded or otherwise affected in Russia. Some remain trapped there, some have gone missing, while others lost their lives during the conflict. Referring to the case of Mahikpreet Singh, he said the youth had travelled to Russia on a study visa and is currently in custody. Despite his family depositing the court-imposed fine, he has yet to be released. Seechewal also highlighted the case of Gagandeep Singh, who sustained serious injuries while serving in the Russian Army during the Russia-Ukraine war and is currently undergoing treatment in hospital. He further stated that Jarnail Singh, Harvinder Singh and Jagroop Singh have been missing for a prolonged period while serving in the Russian Army. He urged the Centre to coordinate with Russian authorities to trace continued on page 2 responsible. Dr Sethi said the state government had consistently made tall claims about its “Sehat Kranti” initiative and healthcare reforms, but the ground reality painted a very different picture. She alleged that even basic safety measures were not being ensured in government hospitals and that the safety of patients had effectively been left to chance. Demanding a high-level inquiry into the incident, Dr Sethi called for a detailed investigation into the exact cause of the fire and strict action against those found responsible for any negligence. She also urged the authorities to conduct a comprehensive audit of the hospital’s fire safety systems to prevent similar incidents in the future. Three minors go missing in K’thala Ashok Kaura Phagwara, August 4 A mysterious case involving the disappearance of three minor children has emerged from Baba Deep Singh Nagar in Kapurthala, sparking concern among local residents and prompting an intensive police search. The missing children include a 13-year-old girl. According to family members, the three children were playing together in their street on Sunday evening. When they failed to return home for a prolonged period, their families began searching for them. Despite extensive efforts in the neighbourhood and visits to relatives’ homes, no trace of the children was found, following which the matter was reported to the police. The families, who earn their livelihood as daily wage labourers, said the children were not attending school and often assisted with household chores. They also stated that they have no known enmity or personal dispute with anyone that could explain the children’s disappearance. Meanwhile, the families claimed they had received information from an individual who alleged that the three children had been seen near Phagwara in a white-coloured vehicle. Acting on this lead, the families have intensified their own search efforts. Following the complaint, the police swung into action. DSP (Sub-Division) Sheetal Singh said the process of registering a case at the City Police Station had been initiated on the basis of the statements provided by the family members. Police teams are examining CCTV footage from the children’s residence and surrounding areas to trace their movements. The police officials said the case is being investigated from every possible angle given its sensitive nature.