16092026-JTR-01.qxd 9/15/2026 11:24 PM Page 1 c m y b Jalandhar tribune ENGINEER HONOURED FOR ENSURING SMOOTH WATER SUPPLY SERVICES Hindustan Welfare Blood Donors Club (regd) honours Pardeep Chutani, SDO, on the occasion of Engineers’ Day. P2 » VILLAGERS OPPOSE ELECTRICITY CONNECTION TO STONE CRUSHER Bhol Badmania village residents are opposing the move to provide an electricity connection to a stone crusher in their area.P3 EMMYS 2026 BLUE CARPET STARS STUN AND SHINE Celebs deliver plenty of glamour and shimmer, embracing everything from beaded embellishments to statuette-inspired look.P4 » » FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY/RAIN MAX 30°C | MIN 25°C YESTERDAY MAX 31°C | MIN 23°C SUNSET WEDNESDAY 6.32 PM SUNRISE THURSDAY 6.12 AM WEDNESDAY | 16 SEPTEMBER 2026 | JALANDHAR HEALTH & WELLNESS The Tribune has started 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 MAN DUPED OF ~6.86 LAKH Phagwara: The Mehatpur police have registered a case against a woman for allegedly duping a man of Rs 6.86 lakh on the pretext of sending him to New Zealand. A case was registered on the complaint of Balkaran Kainth of Mehatpur. The complainant alleged that Nisha Tanwar of Sonepat had allegedly lured him with the promise of arranging his travel to New Zealand. He alleged that she subsequently took money from him but failed to fulfil the promise. OC MAN DIES BY SUICIDE Phillaur: The police have registered a case following death of a man by suicide, with his wife named as the accused in the FIR. The case was registered on the complaint of Virinder Kaur of Lasara village. The accused was identified as Manpreet Kaur, wife of Gulab Singh, originally a resident of Barnala, presently residing at Lasara. The complainant alleged that on September 14, around 7 am, Gulab Singh allegedly took the extreme step after getting distressed following a domestic dispute with his wife. The police initiated a preliminary probe to ascertain the circumstances leading to death of Gulab Singh. OC MAN HELD WITH 50 GM HEROIN Phagwara: The police have arrested a man after allegedly recovering 50 grams of heroin from his possession. The accused has been identified as Chiranjit Lal of Mohalla Santokhpura, Phillaur. Phillaur DSP Bharat Masih said the recovery was made during a police operation in the locality. A case was registered against the accused under the relevant provisions of the law and he was taken into custody. Further probe is on to ascertain source of the contraband. OC ONE ARRESTED WITH TABLETS Phagwara: The Goraya police have arrested a man after allegedly recovering 15 intoxicating tablets from his possession during a patrolling operation. The accused has been identified as Robin Hans of Indana Klaske village. A police party was on patrol near Dussajh Kalan when the accused was intercepted. A search of the accused allegedly led to the recovery of intoxicating tablets. A case was registered him. OC VILLAGER HELD WITH 56 TABLETS Phagwara: The police have arrested a man after allegedly recovering 56 intoxicating tablets from his possession. The accused has been identified as Gurpreet, alias Gopi, a resident of Nangal Ambian village under the Shahkot police station. A case was registered against the accused. OC Errors in new DiGi Punjab portal raise concerns over accuracy of vital certificates Ashok Kaura Kapurthala, September 15 The newly introduced DiGi Punjab online service portal, which became functional on September 1, appears to be facing teething problems, with discrepancies reportedly surfacing in certificates issued through the system and causing inconvenience to applicants. The portal has replaced the eSewa system, which remained operational from September 2019 to August 31, 2026. Prior to e-Sewa, Punjab’s e-District system had been in use from 2013 to August 2019. The digital platforms have been facilitating a range of citizen services, including registration of births and deaths, correction of birth certificates, issuance of birth and non-availability certificates, adoption-related services and delayed registration of births and deaths. A birth certificate generated through DiGi Punjab online service portal full of mistakes. Since the launch of DiGi Punjab, applicants have reportedly encountered errors in various digitally generated documents, including caste certificates, birth and death certificates, residence certificates and marriage certificates. The nature of the discrepan- cies varies, but officials have acknowledged that several such issues have come to their notice. A recent case reported by Ashu Gill, a resident of Kapurthala, highlights the problem. Talking to The Tribune, Gill said he had submitted an application on August 19 for obtaining the birth certificate of his newly born daughter, who was born on August 6. Gill said he had submitted all requisite documents while applying for the certificate. According to Gill, when the birth certificate was subsequently generated, but he was surprised to find that the address had not been recorded correctly. Instead of the proper address, the certificate reportedly carried “KapurthalaKapurthala”, with “Kapurthala” appearing repeatedly, resulting in an incorrect entry in the official document. The discrepancy has caused concern because birth certificates are important records and are subsequently required for a range of official and administrative purposes. Any error in such documents can require applicants to undertake an additional correction process, potentially defeating the purpose of providing speedy and conven- ient online citizen services. When contacted, Vikas Malik, Superintendent, Birth and Death Certificate Office, Kapurthala, acknowledged that several discrepancies had come to the department’s notice following the introduction of the new portal. Speaking to The Tribune here today, Malik said the matter regarding various mistakes and discrepancies had already been brought to the notice of the higher authorities for necessary rectification. He said corrective measures were required to ensure that people did not have to spend additional time getting errors in digitally generated certificates rectified and that the online system could provide better and more efficient services to citizens. Malik expressed confidence that the errors and other discrepancies would be removed and an improved version of the portal would be available for citizens. Two arrested with 35 gm heroin near Kala Sanghia phatak in Kapurthala Our Correspondent Kapurthala, September 15 Two men were arrested after police allegedly recovered 35 grams of heroin from their possession during a special checking operation near Kala Sanghia phatak, the police said. An unnumbered motorcycle was also impounded. The accused were identified as Hansdeep Singh, alias Nikka, a resident of Kapurthala, and Joga Singh, a resident of Purani Dana Mandi, Kapurthala. According to the police, a patrol party was conducting a special nakabandi to check suspicious persons and vehicles near Kala Sanghia phatak when it spotted two men approaching from the railway station side on an unnumbered blue CT100 motorcycle. The police said the rider was signalled to stop, but he allegedly tried to turn the motorcycle around after seeing the police party. He allegedly took out a transparent polythene packet from the right pocket of his trousers and threw it by the roadside before attempting to flee. The police party, with the assistance of accompanying personnel, apprehended both men. The rider was identified as Hansdeep Singh, alias Nikka, while the pillion rider was identified as Joga Singh. The police said the packet was recovered and found to contain 35 grams of heroin. The motorcycle was also taken into custody. A case has been registered against the two accused under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act. Further investigation is underway to establish the source of the contraband and ascertain whether the accused were allegedly involved in its supply or distribution. 4 jail inmates booked after Issues of ex-servicemen, martyrs’ families to be resolved on priority: DC recovery of cellphones Our Correspondent Our Correspondent Phagwara, September 15 Four inmates lodged in Kapurthala Central Jail have been booked following the alleged recovery of mobile phones and SIM cards during a search of the prison premises. The accused have been identified as Ajay Kumar, a resident of Shahjahanpur near Sultanpur Lodhi; Balwinder Singh, a resident of Dhilwan; and Paramjit Singh and Mukhtiar Singh, both residents of Subhanpur. According to the police, the case was registered on the basis of a communication received from the Central Jail authorities vide letter No. 1864-CTR. During the search operation, jail officials allegedly recovered two OPPO touchscreen mobile phones along with SIM cards and two black Nokia keypad mobile phones, including one with a SIM card. Following the recovery, the jail authorities informed the police, which initiated legal proceedings against the four inmates. The police are investigating how the prohibited devices and SIM cards entered the high-security prison and whether anyone else was involved in supplying or facilitating their entry. The recovered devices and SIM cards are also likely to be examined as part of the investigation to determine their use and establish any possible communication with persons outside the jail. Phagwara, September 15 Deputy Commissioner (DC) Akash Bansal on Tuesday chaired the quarterly meeting of the District Sainik Board at the District Administrative Complex and reviewed various issues concerning ex-servicemen, war widows, martyrs’ families and their dependents. Addressing officials present at the meeting, Bansal said the district administration was fully committed to ensuring the welfare and well-being of ex-servicemen, war widows, martyrs’ families and their dependents. He assured that their genuine grievances would be taken up on priority and resolved promptly in coordination with the departments concerned. Deputy Commissioner Akash Bansal presides over a meeting with officials in Kapurthala on Tuesday. He said soldiers make immense sacrifices to safeguard the sovereignty, honour and integrity of the nation and that their contribution to the country remains invaluable even after retirement. He said the administration had a special responsibility towards families of those who had made the supreme sacrifice for the nation. “The services and sacrifices of our soldiers and ex-servicemen could never be repaid. The district administration will make every possible effort to ensure that their genuine concerns are addressed in a timely, sensitive and effective manner. We will remain committed to providing all possible support and ensure that no deserving case is unnecessarily delayed,” he said. He further directed officials concerned to maintain regular coordination with the District Sainik Board and ensure that issues pertaining to ex-servicemen and their families were resolved without unnecessary delay. He stressed that welfarerelated matters should be dealt with a sensitive and serviceoriented approach. The meeting witnessed detailed discussions on the collection of the Flag Day Fund, redressal of grievances, difficulties faced by ex-servicemen and their families, reopening of the ECHS Polyclinic at Bholath and reestablishment of the Veterans Sahayta Kendra, among 65-year-old woman, teenaged grandson race together, steal show at Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan in Bholath Aparna Banerji Tribune News Service Jalandhar, September 15 A heart-warming moment unfolded at the block-level Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan in Bholath sub-division on Monday when a 14year-old boy and his 65year-old grandmother competed in races at the same sporting event. Gurbaksh Kaur, 65, participated in the 200-metre race, while her grandson, Jobanpreet Singh, from Salamatpur, competed in the 60metre race at Government High School, Khassan. Their participation became one of the special moments of the day. While Jobanpreet displayed the energy of youth, Gurbaksh Kaur showed that age is no barrier to staying fit and participating in sports. It is not the first time the duo has raced together. Gurbaksh has been accompanying her grandson to various races for the past 10 years. Together, they have won 11 medals — four for Gurbaksh and seven for Joban. Speaking to The Tribune, Gurbaksh Kaur said, “Enna Gurbaksh Kaur with her grandson Jobanpreet Singh at Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan at Bholath in Jalandhar. TRIBUNE PHOTO diyan madaman daurdiyan siyan, main keha mai vi daurangi.” (When I saw the teachers running, I thought, I should run too.) She said, “I’ve been fond of kho-kho and races since childhood. I competed a lot. Then I got married. Initially, I HAVE BAGGED 11 MEDALS Gurbaksh Kaur runs 200-metre race while her 14-year-old grandson Jobanpreet takes part in 60-metre race. The duo often run together and have won 11 medals in the past. faced a lot of hardships. I had studied till Class 10. Mai kai vari rona. Enni parhai khoo c m y b ch pai gayi (I used to cry that my education had gone down the drain). But in my children and grandson, I found a new life. We have been racing for 10 years. I love it.” Gurbaksh has won prizes and cash awards for her performances in races, leaving fellow sportspersons impressed with her enthusiasm and spirit. A daredevil at 65, Gurbaksh Kaur is equally energetic in her daily life. She says she does not believe in taking medicines, grows her own vegetables, never sits on chairs reserved for the elderly at the gurdwara, and insists on cooking for her entire family throughout the day. She says, “People used to tell me, enna dukh vekh ke vi hasdi rehndi hai (You remain happy despite having witnessed so many sorrows). But I tell them, that’s what life is — you have to keep moving on. I’ve made my home with my own hands and supported my children. Now, I just want my grandchildren to have a good and prosperous life.” Gurbaksh Kaur’s son works in Dubai. She lives in Bholath with her daughterin-law and three grandchildren. She says the family was filled with cheer and happiness after hearing about the duo’s achievement. Lauding the state government for organising Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan, she said the event gives people of all ages an opportunity to participate in sports, stay fit and inspire others. other issues. Following the discussions, Bansal directed the departments concerned to take timely and coordinated action on the issues raised and ensure their prompt resolution. He also asked officials to keep the District Sainik Board informed about the progress of such cases. The DC also handed over cheques for financial assistance to ex-servicemen on the occasion. Secretary, District Sainik Board-cum-District Defence Services Welfare Officer Lt Col Rohit Sharma (retd) presented a detailed report on the functioning and performance of the District Defence Services Welfare Office. Members of the District Sainik Board and heads of various government departments attended the meeting. K’thala man arrested with 62 gm heroin Our Correspondent Kapurthala, September 15 The Kapurthala Sadar police have arrested a man after allegedly recovering 62 grams of heroin from his possession during a patrol operation in the Meenwa area. According to the police, a patrol party was conducting checking when it noticed a young man walking towards Meenwa from side of the Dhunkhi Jagir road. The police said on seeing the patrol vehicle, the man suddenly turned back and allegedly threw a transparent polythene packet containing some substance on the road side. Suspecting the packet to contain contraband, the police party apprehended the man with the assistance of accompanying personnel. During questioning, the man disclosed his identity as Pavandeep Singh, alias Gopia, a resident of Meenwa village near Kapurthala. The police subsequently checked the packet allegedly thrown by him and recovered heroin from it. A case was registered against the accused and further probe initiated to ascertain the source of the drug and the destination where it was to be taken.