20092026-JTR-01.qxd 9/19/2026 10:41 PM Page 1 c m y b Jalandhar tribune AFTER AAP, CONG PROTESTS LEVY ON UPI PAYMENTS ABOVE ~2,000 NEW CARS TO BRIGHTEN UP UPCOMING FESTIVAL SEASON FROM ACTRESS KATRINA KAIF TO EVERYDAY MOTHERS Congress workers raised slogans against the Centre terming the decision of imposing additional levies as outright fraud. P2 The pre-Diwali phase is the busiest for the auto industry as sales rise. Know about new launches by major carmakers. P3 Celebs question body shaming and trolling over postpartum phase, lending support to new mums. P4 » » FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY MAX 33°C | MIN 21°C YESTERDAY MAX 33°C | MIN 22°C SUNSET SUNDAY 06.23 PM SUNRISE MONDAY 06:09 AM » SUNDAY | 20 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. Large rides come up at Sodal Mela ground despite MC denying approval Civic body withheld nod over safety concerns; residents flag damage to park Rishika Kriti Tribune News Service INBRIEF MAN HELD WITH 20 GM HEROIN Kapurthala: The police here have arrested Lakhwinder Singh, a resident of Lattianwal village near Sultanpur Lodhi in a drug case, following the recovery of 20 gm of heroin and ~5,000 in drug money. A motorcycle was also seized from him. According to the police, the arrest was made during a checking in the Dhadwindi area. OC NARCOTICS SEIZED FROM JAIL INMATES Kapurthala: The jail authorities have recovered 39 gm of a narcotic substance concealed in a cooking furnace outside Room No. 10 of Barrack No. 2 at the Kapurthala Central Jail, according to officials. The substance was recovered following the questioning of jail inmates Gursharan Singh and Ranjit Singh. Yogesh Abrol was identified as the person who had come to purchase it. OC 40 TABLETS SEIZED, TWO ARRESTED Phagwara: The police here have arrested Neeru, a resident of Sita Ram Wali Gali, and Raju, a resident of Guru Nanak Nagar, Bhogpur, after recovering 40 intoxicant tablets from them. According to the police, the two were stopped near the Lakhan Kalan cremation ground after they allegedly tried to slip away on seeing the police. OC Jalandhar, September 19 The installation of large amusement rides continued at Nehru Garden Park, also known as Sodal Ram Lila Ground, on Saturday despite the Jalandhar Municipal Corporation cancelling permission for the work over safety concerns. The development comes just days ahead of the annual Baba Sodal Mela. During a visit to the park on Saturday, it was observed that large amusement rides, including two ferry rides measuring 20 to 40 feet, were being installed close to a residential area. Voicing their concerns, residents said the ground had traditionally been used for Ram Lila activities and that such large rides had never been installed there in around 25 years, when the site was not a developed park. The development has also raised concerns over alleged damage to the public park. A complaint submitted to the civic body pointed out that the park’s footpath, fountain and entrance gate grill have been demolished to make space for the rides. It alleged that trees, some of which were decades old, were cut and grass uprooted, while the ground was ploughed to facilitate the installations. Following these complaints, the MC’s Tehbazari wing, in an order dated September 17, A tree (above) chopped down to make space for a ride; and a part of a giant ferries wheel brought to Nehru Garden Park near Sodal Chowk for installation on Saturday. SARABJIT SINGH cancelled the permission with immediate effect after an inspection found three truckloads of amusement ride equipment there. In the letter, the civic body noted that the permission had been granted only for a small children’s ride, but large rides were being installed instead. It termed the installation of the larger rides as “unacceptable”. The MC had also directed the local police to stop the installations and remove the equipment already brought to the site, citing public safety and the need to prevent any untoward incident during the fair. However, residents said police personnel visited the site on Saturday afternoon and asked the organisers to remove the installations, but the work continued. Jalandhar North MLA Bawa Henry questioned the use of the public park for commercial activities and the manner in which the space had allegedly been allotted. “This is a public park used by residents and cannot be rented out for commercial activities. If the Municipal Corporation has given this space to organisers, why was no tender issued?” Henry said. He also questioned the safety arrangements, pointing out that houses were located barely 18 to 20 feet from the area where the rides were being installed. “Who will be responsible if any mishap takes place,” he asked. Highlighting violations in the setting up of these giant rides, Henry said trees had been cut and the park’s ground ploughed to make space for the rides. He demanded that an FIR be registered for the alleged damage to public property and said he would approach the National Green Tribunal and the Vigilance Bureau if the MC failed to act. Municipal Commissioner Surinder Singh said the matter was under consideration and the civic body would take a final decision within a day or two. Phagwara: The police have registered a case against Karandeep Singh and his sister Lovpreet Kaur, both residents of Meowal village, following a complaint concerning the disappearance of a girl aged 17. The complainant alleged that the girl’s friend took her to a fair at Phillaur on September 11, after which she did not return home. The complaint alleges that the accused lured her away on the pretext of marriage. OC TWO ARRESTED IN SNATCHING CASES Phagwara: The police have arrested Jaskaran, a resident of Khanpur village, and Ravinder, a resident of Chohra village, in connection with alleged snatchings from labourers on the GT Road here. The two were arrested on September 18. A mobile phone and motorcycle were among the items recovered from them. OC FOREST WORKER ASSAULTED ON DUTY Garhshankar: A Forest Department worker was allegedly assaulted at a checkpost in Maili village on the night of September 17. According to an official report submitted by the Forest Department, the incident occurred around 8.45 pm. Two youths arrived at the checkpost on a motorcycle. Both residents of Maili, they assaulted Chhinda, a daily-wage employee posted at the checkpost. He lost some of his teeth in the attack. OC Major SHO reshuffle after Commissioner’s surprise night check Tribune News Service Jalandhar, September 19 Jalandhar Police Commissioner Satinder Singh on Saturday ordered a major reshuffling of SHOs in the city following a late-night surprise checking. The Police Commissioner had on Friday night visited various police stations and checked for the presence of the staff there. Even though officials have not disclosed any details about absenteeism of the personnel, Satinder Singh ordered a reshuffle just the next day. Police Station Division No. 1 SHO Rakesh Kumar has been transferred to Police Station Division No. 8. Division No. 5 SHO Jagdish has been posted as the SHO of Division No. 3. New Baradari Police Station SHO Ravinder Kumar has been posted as CIA Staff Inspector, while Division No. 8 SHO Sahil Chaudhary has been transferred to New Baradari Police Station as SHO. CIA Staff Inspector Surinder Kumar has been posted as the SHO of Rama Mandi, while Rama Mandi SHO Jaspal Singh has been posted as the SHO of Police Station Division No. 1. Told to join immediately All SHOs have been directed to assume charge at their new postings with immediate effect and start checking their respective areas. During the checking, the Police Commissioner walked through the streets of Model Town, inspecting various nakas and PCR teams deployed at different intersections. He directed all teams working in day and night shifts to remain active and vigilant throughout their duty hours. Truck driver robbed Sanjay Kapila elected Hariana MC president of ~50,000, mobile at gunpoint in Phillaur Teachers’ stir in Sangrur from today Our Correspondent Jalandhar, September 19 Computer teachers working in government schools will start an indefinite stir in Sangrur — the home district of CM Bhagwant Mann — on Sunday to demand permanent appointments. The protest will be held under the banner of the Computer Teachers’ Union, Punjab. Union state leader Gurvinder Singh and district president Lakhveer Singh said the protest was being held as per the decision taken at the union meeting on September 5. They said the agitation would continue until their demands were met. At the centre of the dispute is the status of 6,640 computer teachers who, according to the union, were issued a regularisation notification by the government on December 2, 2010, followed by regular appointment letters in 2011. They alleged that despite this, the teachers continued to be treated as employees of the Punjab Information and Technology Education Society. The union leaders criticised the government for challenging a “favourable” Punjab and Haryana High Court judgment in the Supreme Court instead of implementing it, saying the move had delayed their regularisation. According to the union, the 6,640 computer teachers had been serving in government schools for the past 21 years but continued to be denied the benefit of regularisation. Our Correspondent CASE AGAINST 2 AS GIRL GOES MISSING Police Commissioner Satinder Singh during a surprise check at a police station in Jalandhar. Phagwara, September 19 A truck driver was allegedly robbed at gunpoint by a group of four to five unidentified youths near Bhattian village in Phillaur in the early hours of Saturday. The incident occurred shortly after midnight when the truck, carrying a consignment from Khanna to Jammu, was intercepted by the assailants. According to the complaint, the accused were travelling in an i20 car and allegedly overtook the truck before placing their vehicle in front of it, forcing the driver to stop. The assailants allegedly attacked the truck with sticks and other blunt objects, smashing its windows and assaulting the driver. The victim, identified as Asif Hussain, a resident of Satwad in Jammu and Kashmir, told the police that one of the assailants pointed a pistol at his head and threatened to shoot him. The accused allegedly took away Rs 50,000 in cash and his mobile phone before fleeing the spot. The incident created panic in the area when some youths from nearby Bhattian village heard the driver’s cries for help and attempted to intervene. According to the village sarpanch, the assailants allegedly brandished a pistol and chased the villagers when they tried to rescue the driver. Following information about the incident, the 112 Accused brandish pistol, chase villagers emergency response team and a police party led by Phillaur SHO Dharminder Singh reached the spot. The injured driver was taken to hospital for medical examination and treatment, while his statement was recorded by the police. SHO Dharminder Singh said the police had reached the spot immediately after receiving information through the police control room. A preliminary investigation suggested that the incident was a case of robbery, he said, adding that the investigation was under way. Police are examining the possibility of identifying the suspects through CCTV footage from establishments near the crime scene. The village sarpanch said cameras had been installed at Sandeep Karyana Store, located close to the spot. Police are expected to examine the footage once the shop opens to establish the movement of the suspects and their vehicle. The complainant has reportedly provided the police with the registration number of the i20 car allegedly used in the crime. The police are tracing the vehicle and its registered owner on the basis of the number. Investigators are also verifying whether the vehicle was stolen or had been used without the owner’s knowledge. Hoshiarpur, September 19 Sanjay Kapila was elected president of the Hariana Municipal Council on Saturday, while AAP councillor Ramjit was elected vice-president. The elections were held at the municipal council office in the presence of Cabinet Minister Ravjot Singh. Congratulating the newly elected office-bearers, the minister said the new team would work towards accelerating development in the town and providing better civic amenities to residents. He said Hariana was an important town in the Kandi Punjab Minister Ravjot Singh with newly elected Hariana Municipal Council office-bearers on Saturday. region and that the state government was making continuous efforts for its develop- ment. He also thanked the residents for their continued support. Kapila was elected from Ward No. 2 on the AAP ticket, while Ramjit was elected from Ward No. 11. The Hariana Municipal Council has 11 wards, of which AAP had won seven in the elections. After assuming charge, Kapila and Ramjit said the smooth functioning of the municipal council and addressing developmentrelated issues would remain their priorities. They assured residents that efforts would be made to provide better civic facilities. Councillors Meenakshi Kapila, Pooja Kapila, Asha Kumari and Pawan Kumar were among those present. NRI’s house damaged Petrol bombs thrown in fire, foul play alleged at Phagwara house Our Correspondent Kapurthala, September 19 A fire broke out at the house of an NRI family in Khaira Bet village of Kapurthala last night, damaging an SUV parked inside the premises and several household items. The family has suspected the involvement of certain persons, but the police have not so far substantiated the allegation. The house belongs to Kulwant Singh Khaira, son of nambardar Karnail Singh. The family has been living abroad for some time now. The fire reportedly broke out all of a sudden and spread rapidly, engulfing the car along with other household items. The intensity of the fire led c m y b to a loud sound when the car’s tyres reportedly burst. Hearing the noise, the neighbours rushed to the spot and made efforts to control the blaze. The family living abroad was subsequently informed of the incident over the phone. Kulwant Singh claimed that he had an ongoing dispute with a local dera. He expressed apprehension that some persons associated with the dispute could have a role in the incident. However, there is currently no independent or police confirmation establishing any such involvement. Following information about the incident, a police team from the Fattu Dhingha police station reached the spot and initiated an investigation. Ashok Kaura Phagwara, September 19 Petrol bombs were allegedly hurled at a house by three masked men at Chapar Colony in the Basant Nagar area in the early hours on Saturday. According to information, the incident took place around 3 am. The three masked men arrived on a motorcycle and threw petrol-filled bottles towards the house before fleeing from the scene. Ravi Kumar, the owner of the house, told the media that the family was inside the house when the incident took place. He said no person was injured in the incident. Kumar alleged that the police were informed within a few minutes of the incident, but no police personnel reached the spot until later in the day. Expressing concern over the incident, he appealed to the authorities to investigate the matter and ensure justice. Concerned area residents claimed they had previously informed the police about the movement of unidentified persons in the area. They demanded prompt investigation, identification of the accused through available evidence, and adequate security measures to prevent any such incident in the future. Phagwara DSP Palwinder Singh said the matter was being investigated in detail. Tribune News Service