28092026-LT-01.qxd 27-09-2026 23:22 Page 1 c m y b Ludhiana tribune AMRITSAR FARMER TURNS TO CHEMICAL-FREE FARMING FOOD ADULTERATION: CAUTION IS OUR FIRST & BEST DEFENCE ‘INTERSTELLAR, INCEPTION INSPIRED BY INDIAN EPICS’ Sukhbir uses microbial solutions to improve soil health, sustain yields and manage pests. P2 Residents say consumers must prefer homemade delicacies, learn simple quality tests. P3 At Shimla Film Festival, filmmaker Amit Rai links Hollywood blockbusters to Ramayana and Mahabharata. P4 » » FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY MAX 32°C | MIN 22°C YESTERDAY MAX 31°C | MIN 22°C SUNSET MONDAY 6.16 PM SUNRISE TUESDAY 6.15 AM » MONDAY | 28 SEPTEMBER 2026 | LUDHIANA Swine flu cases cross 100-mark in Fugitive rape accused poses as DSP for years, arrested dist; health officials urge caution Nikhil Bhardwaj Tribune News Service Ludhiana records highest cases in state; hospitals told to create flu corners Manav Mander PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN Tribune News Service Ludhiana, September 27 Ludhiana district has recorded at least 105 swine flu cases — the highest in the state — according to sources in the Punjab Health Department. However, the district health authorities refused to divulge details on the number of positive cases reported so far. Meanwhile, sources in the district confirmed that the count had crossed the 100mark. Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) has already treated nearly 50 swine flu patients this season, according to sources. Instructions have been issued by the Health Department to create flu corners at all hospitals. The Civil Hospital has earmarked three flu corners. Civil Surgeon Ramandeep Kaur appealed to the public to remain alert and said timely recognition of symptoms, appropriate medical advice ■ HAND HYGIENE: Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based sanitiser. ■ RESPIRATORY ETIQUETTE: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow while coughing or sneezing. ■ MASKS: Wear a mask in crowded places, especially if you or those around you have flu-like symptoms. KEY SYMPTOMS ■ Fever (often with sudden onset, sometimes with chills) ■ Cough and sore throat ■ Runny or stuffy nose ■ Body aches and headache ■ Fatigue and weakness ■ Occasionally, vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children) and early management could help prevent complications. She said symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, headache and fatigue should not be ignored. She advised the public to 7 weeks after highway attack, police book unidentified robbers Tribune News Service Ludhiana, September 27 Seven weeks after a 22-yearold factory worker was allegedly attacked and robbed by a group of motorcycle-borne men near Sherpur Chowk, the Ludhiana police have registered a case against unidentified persons. The victim’s family alleged that the complaint was delayed over jurisdiction-related issues. Investigating Officer ASI Jaswinder Singh could not be contacted despite repeated attempts to reach him over the phone. Five to six motorcycle-borne men allegedly targeted the victim on the Ludhiana-Delhi highway near Sherpur Chowk on August 7. They allegedly assaulted him and left him unconscious before fleeing with his mobile phone, cash and other valuables. Abhimanyu works at a Vardhman factory on Chandigarh Road. According to the complaint lodged with the police, he had gone towards Samrala Chowk on his motorcycle around 10 pm on August 7. Near Transport Nagar Chowk under the bridge, he encountered some youths on motorcycles who stopped him and asked where they could get cigarettes. Abhimanyu’s uncle, Ashok Kumar, said the men stopped his nephew and asked him about the location of a shop selling cigarettes. Abhimanyu directed them towards the railway station. Meanwhile, more youths arrived at the spot. Seeing their numbers increase, Abhimanyu became suspicious of their intentions and sped away on his motorcycle. The men allegedly chased him and attacked him when he reached near Sherpur Chowk. Kumar alleged that the family approached the police the next day and sought action on their complaint. He alleged that they had to make repeated visits to the police over jurisdictional issues involving Police Division No. 6 and the Giaspura police post. The family claimed that the registration of the case was delayed, with VIP duty and jurisdiction issues being cited at different times. Employees, pensioners announce fresh protests Ludhiana, September 27 A joint front of employees and pensioners has announced fresh protests against the Punjab Government. The decision was taken at a state-level meeting held here. Front leaders Satish Rana, Gurnam Singh Virk and Sukhchain Singh Khaira accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of “attempting to weaken their movement”. The state government employees have been protesting for the release of dearness allowance, restoration of the old-pension scheme, regularisation of contractual employees and minimum wages for mid-day meal, ASHA and Anganwadi workers. The front said a mega rally would be held in Sangrur on October 10. Around 200–250 unions are expected to participate in the rally. On October 21 and 22, employees across Punjab will observe a twoday mass leave. To ensure full participation, district-level meetings will be held across Punjab on October 1. — TNS ■ AVOID CLOSE CONTACT: Maintain distance from individuals showing symptoms of respiratory illness. ■ ISOLATION IF UNWELL: Stay home and avoid work, school, or public gatherings if you develop symptoms. ■ VACCINATION: Consider the seasonal flu vaccine, particularly for high-risk groups, after consulting your physician. ■ DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE: Avoid taking antiviral drugs or antibiotics without medical advice. ■ NUTRITION AND REST: Maintain adequate hydration, a balanced diet, and sufficient rest to support immunity maintain personal hygiene, wash hands frequently, cover their faces while coughing or sneezing and avoid close contact with persons suffering from flu-like symptoms. She appealed to people to avoid Three held after assault clip surfaces online Tribune News Service self-medication. Health Dept steps up awareness campaign The mass media team of the Health Department is conducting awareness sessions Suspected patients told to avoid crowded spots Those experiencing flu-like symptoms were advised, as far as possible, to limit close contact with others and avoid crowded places while unwell. Special emphasis was laid on the need for greater caution among pregnant women, young children, elderly persons and individuals with underlying health conditions. Was booked in Jammu and Kashmir in 2024 Karanvir Sharma (third from left), who posed as a DSP, attends a function at a Khanna village. Sharma was asked to produce his identification and official documents, raising suspicion about his claim of being a police officer. “Subsequent investigations revealed that he was posing as a DSP Ahluwalia said. ,” Police sources said a case had also been registered against Sharma at Doraha police station in the past for allegedly attempting to obtain police protection on the pretext of a perceived threat. Ahluwalia said the police would also investigate whether Sharma had extorted money from or duped anyone while allegedly posing as a police officer. 4-month-old baby kidnapped Servants sedate city from cousin’s lap in Haibowal businessman, flee Tribune News Service Ludhiana, September 27 The Malerkotla police have arrested three men in connection with the alleged assault of two brothers in Mohalla Sadewala on September 25. The brothers were allegedly attacked with a kirpan and other sharp-edged weapons following a dispute. A purported video of the incident was also circulated on social media. Those arrested have been identified as Ashif Ali, Mohammad Rafiq and Subhag, all residents of Malerkotla. Malerkotla SSP Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh said hooligans and rowdy elements would not be tolerated in the district and anyone taking the law into their own hands would face strict legal action. on H1N1 (swine flu) at Aam Aadmi Clinics with the aim of educating the general public about early identification of symptoms and preventive measures. A recent session was organised at Aam Aadmi Clinic at Salem Tabri during which the team explained that swine flu was a type of influenza infection that primarily affected the respiratory system and might cause symptoms similar to seasonal flu. Ludhiana, September 27 The Khanna police have arrested a man accused of posing as a DSP who had , been evading arrest in a rape case for years. An FIR against Karanvir Sharma, a resident of Kaddon village in Khanna, was registered in 2020. He was later declared a fugitive after failing to appear before the court for a prolonged period. Police said Sharma used to attend social events wearing a police uniform, and his confident demeanour made it difficult for people to suspect that he was not a genuine police officer. Khanna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Darpan Ahluwalia said Sharma’s name had also surfaced in another case in Jammu and Kashmir in 2024. The Srinagar police had arrested him while he was allegedly roaming around the Nehru Park area in uniform with an associate. During interrogation, Ludhiana, September 27 A four-month-old baby, Aryan, was allegedly kidnapped from a market in Haibowal’s New Chandra Nagar on Sunday evening after two persons on a motorcycle, posing as relatives of the family, snatched him from his cousin’s lap and fled. According to sources, Sonam (11), the child’s cousin, had taken her two younger brothers, including a fouryear-old, to a nearby shop to buy chocolates. When she found one shop closed and was looking towards another, a man and a woman suddenly approached her. “They told me that ‘Alok bhaiya’ (the child’s father) was calling for the infant and asked me to hand over the Infant’s father works as labourer Aryan, the kidnapped child child. They then suddenly snatched Aryan from my arms and ran away. I tried to chase them for some distance, but they disappeared into the lanes of the locality. I then raised an alarm,” Sonam told the police. The suspects were said to be between 26 and 30 years old. Alok, who was at home at the time, rushed out after being informed about the kidnapping. Hailing from Ayodhya, Alok has been living in New Chandra Nagar for the past two years and works as a labourer. He said his wife had been unwell and was undergoing treatment. The family had called their niece Sonam from Jalandhar to help look after the children. Haibowal SHO Jasbir Singh said the police reached the spot soon after receiving the information. Teams are examining CCTV footage from the surrounding area. Further details would be shared after the investigation and review of the footage, he added. Sources said the police had formed five teams to trace the child. with cash, jewellery Tribune News Service Ludhiana, September 27 A servant couple working at a businessman’s residence in Rose Enclave allegedly mixed a sedative in his milk and fled with jewellery worth lakhs of rupees after he fell unconscious. According to the family, the businessman became unconscious after consuming the milk. His family members rushed him to a hospital for treatment after finding him in that condition. Taking advantage of the family’s absence, the couple allegedly stole jewellery worth lakhs of rupees. The Division 8 police have registered a case against the couple, identified as Arjun and his wife, Maya, both originally from Nepal. In his statement to the police, house owner Neeraj Sachdeva said that on the night of September 24, Arjun and Maya offered him milk to drink. Soon after consuming it, he fell unconscious. His family members admitted him to DMC Hospital after finding him in that condition. When he and his family members returned home, they found cash and valuables kept in an almirah missing. The police said the couple fled with about Rs 2.5 lakh in cash, nearly 105 grams of gold jewellery and silver ornaments, including anklets and rings. A manhunt has also been launched to trace the couple. Jashan-e-Inquilabto mark Bhagat Singh’s birth anniv today Tribune News Service Ludhiana, September 27 Freedom fighter Bhagat Singh’s legacy will take centre stage in the city tomorrow as the state government hosts Jashan-e-Inquilab, a programme to mark his birth anniversary. The event at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) ground will feature theatre, Punjabi music and traditional performances, besides paying tribute to fellow revolutionaries Sukhdev and Rajguru. Ruling AAP’s media incharge Baltej Pannu described the programme as a celebration of Punjab’s cultural heritage, music, history and the legacy of its martyrs. Event to feature Piyush Mishra’s play Gagan Damama Bajyo and performances by prominent Punjabi singers CM, ministers to turn up Preparations underway at Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana for a programme to mark the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh. TRIBUNE PHOTO: HIMANSHU MAHAJAN Pannu said the programme would bring together people from across the state, along with Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, ministers and MLAs. Addressing reporters, Pannu said, “The Jashan-eInquilab programme is dedicated to Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh and will cele- c m y b brate the culture, music, history and glorious heritage of Punjab.” “The programme will begin at 3 pm at the PAU ground in Ludhiana and I appeal to Punjabis from every part of the state to participate in this celebration with their families,” he added. He said the renowned play Gagan Damama Bajyo, written by Bollywood actor Piyush Mishra, would be staged during the programme. Prominent Punjabi artistes, including singers Ranjit Bawa and Kulwinder Billa, along with dhadi jathas, will also perform. Remembering the martyrs, Pannu said, “Along with Shaheed Bhagat Singh, we will remember Shaheed Sukhdev, who belonged to Ludhiana, and Shaheed Rajguru. Their sacrifices are an inseparable part of our history, and through this programme, we want to ensure that the younger generation remains connected with their legacy.” Traffic diversions To ensure the smooth movement of traffic, the Ludhiana police have issued a detailed diversion plan covering key roads, entry points and parking zones around the venue. Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Jatin Bansal said there would be no entry through Gate No. 8 of PAU. Visitors holding pink, white, aqua, grey and violet passes would be permitted to enter only through Gate No. 4. Other pass holders can enter through Gate Nos. 2 and 5 of PAU. Gate No. 7 will be reserved for MPs, MLAs and ministers. Bansal said heavy vehicles would be diverted through outer routes, mainly via Ladhowal–Jalandhar Bypass–Shivpuri–Basti Jodhewal–Samrala Chowk–Sherpur Chowk–Sahnewal Chowk–Tibba Canal Bridge–Dehlon Chowk–B-7 Chowk–Malakpur. Traffic approaching from Jagraon/Raikot, Samrala, Doraha, Ladhowal, Phillaur, Rahon and Hambran will be diverted to these designated routes. No heavy traffic will be permitted from the Dakha and Jodhan sides towards the restricted PAU area.