05102026-LT-01.qxd 10/5/2026 12:48 AM Page 1 c m y b Ludhiana tribune WORKSHOP ON HERITAGE SEES OVER 200 PARTICIPANTS DILJIT DOSANJH’S AURA INDIA TOUR TO ROCK 7 CITIES JANHVI BRINGS DESI DRAMA TO BOF 500 GALA IN PARIS The workshop was organised by Directorate of Students Welfare, PAU, at Vidyarthi Bhawan. P2 Diljit Dosanjh is set to take his music to more Indian cities with Aura India Tour 2026 in Nov and Dec. P4 Janhvi brought Indian craftsmanship to global fashion stage as she attended the BoF 500 Gala in Paris. P4 » » FORECAST MAINLY CLEAR SKY MAX 33°C | MIN 24°C YESTERDAY MAX 34°C | MIN 23°C SUNSET MONDAY 6:03 PM SUNRISE TUESDAY 6:19 AM » MONDAY | 5 OCTOBER 2026 | LUDHIANA Illegal hoardings cover signages in city as election fever catches on Identify, remove unauthorised ones, impose penalties on violators, say residents Sukhpreet Singh Tribune News Service Ludhiana, October 4 With election activity gaining momentum, illegal political and religious hoardings have again started appearing at prominent points across the city, raising questions over the enforcement of rules governing public advertisements. Road signages, electricity poles, dividers and other public spaces are increasingly being used to display pictures of political leaders, local representatives and religious figures. In several cases, boards also carry photographs of senior leaders, including MLAs and the Chief Minister, apparently to give greater visibility to local leaders and their supporters. The practice is noticeable along busy roads and near major intersections, where large hoardings are difficult for commuters to miss. In an area in the city, a reli- becomes more visible whenever elections approach as leaders and party workers try to establish their presence through banners and hoardings. They said the unchecked display of such material Commission orders fresh probe into caste-based complaint, FIR against 2 Sukhpreet Singh Tribune News Service Ludhiana, October 4 The Chandigarh Police have registered an FIR against Parvinder Singh and Gurbinder Singh on the directions of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) on a complaint filed by Dr Surjit Singh Bhadour, General Manager, Verka Milk Plant, Ferozepur. The case relates to his allegations of caste-based harassment, public defamation and attempts to harm his employment. The NCSC has also ordered a fresh investigation after taking note of the alleged brutal assault on him on September 1. Bhadour had submitted a representation to the panel on July 31, 2024, stating that while serving as General Manager at Verka Milk Plant, Ludhiana, and Patiala he was subjected to caste-related harassment and false allegations of financial embezzlement. According to his complaint, a press conference was held at Kisan Bhawan, Sector 35, Chandigarh, on July 19, 2024, by Gurbinder Singh, then suspended director of Verka Milk Plant, Ludhiana, and Parminder Singh Chalaki, former chairman of Verka Milk Plant, Mohali, under the leadership of farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal. Bhadour alleged that false allegations of embezzling around Rs 1.11 crore during his posting at the Ludhiana plant in 2012-13 were also made against him. He told the commission that departmental inquiries and a special audit of milk plants and units affiliated with Punjab State Cooperative Milk Federation Limited had been conducted for the period of his posting and no irregularities were found. During its hearing on September 12, 2025, the NCSC observed that Parvinder and Gurbinder had allegedly made false allegations against Bhadour and insulted him publicly. It recommended registration of an FIR under Section 3(1)(r) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, along with relevant BNS provisions and an impartial investigation. However, the Chandigarh Police later reported that after examining the press conference recording, no atrocityrelated words were found and the allegations under the SC/ST Act could not be established. The matter was closed on the basis of legal opinion. During the hearing of September 15, 2026, the NCSC noted that its earlier recommendation had not been acted upon and that Bhadour had not been contacted to record his statement. The commission also took note of information that he had allegedly suffered a brutal assault on September 1 and was undergoing hospital treatment. Tribune News Service Ludhiana, October 4 The September 30 deadline for Mixed Land Use (MLU) areas has passed but thousands of industries are still awaiting a clear decision from the state government. Industry representatives have raised the issue with the government and urged it to resolve the matter at the earliest. Gurmeet Singh Kular, president of the Federation of Industrial and Commercial Organisation (FICO), met Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann in this regard. FICO said the September 30 deadline had expired but thousands of industries in MLU areas were still waiting for clarity from the state government. Kular said many industries in these areas had been operating for over 35 to 40 years. Industrialists had invested their life savings in land, buildings, machinery and businesses. He said relocating these industries was not feasible for most MSMEs. Small- Many units in MLU areas have been operating for decades. FILE TAKE EARLY DECISION IN WORKERS’ INTEREST: FICO The Federation of Industrial and Commercial Organisation has appealed to the state government to take an early decision in the interest of thousands of MSMEs, workers and their families. scale units could not afford to purchase new industrial land, construct factories and shift heavy machinery. Relocation would also increase costs, disrupt production and could adversely affect employment. FICO demanded that the existing MLU areas be declared industrial zones and that units operating there be regularised through a simple and practical policy. “The deadline has passed but the industry cannot be left in uncertainty. These industries provide employment and contribute significantly to the state economy. We request the Chief Minister to protect the industries and provide a permanent solution.” FICO has appealed to the state government to take an early decision in the interest of thousands of MSMEs, workers and their families. PAC calls for restoration of Buddha Dariya, protection of Sutlej floodplains Firing at bizman’s house, probe on An illegal hoarding hides a key signage on Ferozepur Road in Ludhiana. ASHWANI DHIMAN gious hoarding found covering a prominent road signage, adding to concerns that official signage and public infrastructure were being used for unauthorised publicity. Residents said the trend sion is required for putting up hoardings, the same rules should apply to everyone,” Jasmehar Kaur, a city resident said. The residents also pointed out that local leaders often display photographs of senior party leaders along with their own, turning routine political publicity into large roadside displays. The Municipal Corporation and other civic agencies have been removing unauthorised hoardings but residents said the problem keeps returning as soon as enforcement teams move away. They demanded a sustained drive instead of occasional removal exercises. With political activity expected to increase further in coming months, residents have urged the civic authorities to identify unauthorised hoardings, remove them promptly and impose penalties on violators. Industry urges state govt to regularise MLU areas not only affects the appearance of the city but can also hide road signs and distract motorists. “Public spaces and road infrastructure should not become platforms for political publicity. If permis- Ludhiana, October 4 The Public Action Committee (PAC), Mattewara Forest, Sutlej and Buddha Dariya, has called for a coordinated programme to restore the Buddha Dariya, protect the Sutlej floodplains and regulate development in the ecologically sensitive areas along the watercourse here on Sunday. The demand followed a reconnaissance and field assessment undertaken by a PAC team, comprising advocate Yogesh Khanna, S Dan Singh Osahan, Vikrant Dogra, Jaskaran Singh and Col CM Lakhanpal. The team surveyed areas along the Northern Bypass, Agrotech industrial units, research centres of Punjab Agricultural University, Forest Department areas and villages, including Gorsian and Noorpur Bet, before reaching the Sutlej. During the visit, the team collected a preliminary water The PAC expressed concern over possible groundwater contamination along both banks of the watercourse. sample from the dariya near the bridge at Talwara village on the Northern Bypass. The field reading showed TDS of 715 while the pH was reported to be above 8. The PAC said these were preliminary readings and detailed laboratory testing was needed to establish the extent of pollution, including organic, microbial and industrial contamination. The team also observed black and foul-smelling water flowing through the Buddha Nullah, including the stretch near Bansal Nursing College along the highway. The PAC expressed concern over possible groundwater contamination along both banks of the watercourse. It said the extent, depth and causes of any contamination should be established through systematic groundwater sampling and a hydrogeological study. The committee also flagged increasing residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial development in the floodplain landscape. It sought verification of land-use designations and permissions in areas where industrial units were reportedly coming up in zones understood to be meant for residential use. The PAC has proposed a joint survey of all discharge points and drains, laboratory testing of groundwater and drinkingwater sources, mapping of flood-prone areas and natural drainage channels and protection of the floodplain from unplanned development. The committee suggested that, after environmental suitability is established, the area could also be explored for nature walks, birdwatching and environmental education. The PAC proposed a 30-day deadline for a joint inspection and sampling plan, 60 days for initial findings and floodplain mapping and 90 days for a phased restoration plan. — TNS Survey reveals decline in iodised salt usage 2 aides of gangster held with pistol Growing popularity of rock salt, other speciality variants contributes to drop Manav Mander BENEFITS OF IODINE SALT Tribune News Service Ludhiana, October 4 The recently concluded National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6) has revealed a worrying trend in the district. It has brought forward that the proportion of households consuming iodised salt has dropped from 94.9 per cent in the last survey to 88.7 per cent. Iodised salt is a critical source of iodine, a trace mineral required for the production of thyroid hormones that regulate growth, metabolism and development. Public health experts warn that the decline in usage could reverse decades of progress made under India’s Universal Salt Iodisation (USI) programme, which was introduced to combat iodine deficiency disorders. ■ Supports thyroid health ■ Promotes brain development before and after birth ■ Helps maintain cognitive function in childhood The growing popularity of sendha namak (rock salt) and other speciality variants has contributed to the decline. “While these alternatives are often marketed as ‘natural’ or ‘pure’ but they lack adequate iodine content. Sendha namak may be used occasionally, but relying on it exclusively for daily cooking deprives the body of essential iodine,” said Dipti, a nutritionist. India’s soil is naturally defi- cient in iodine, making fortification through salt mandatory to prevent severe developmental and cognitive disabilities. The USI programme has been instrumental in reducing cases of goitre and other iodine-deficiency disorders across the country. Health specialists are urging households to continue using iodised salt as their primary choice. Iodised salt remains the simplest and most effective way to ensure thyroid health. “Substituting it entirely with rock salt is a dangerous trend. Iodised salt is used to prevent a health problem known as iodine deficiency disorder (IDD). Iodine is a natural element that is essential to human life. Some of the most vital functions of the human body such as proper development of brain and body and maintenance of body temperature depend upon a steady supply of iodine,” said Dr Sandeep, a medicine specialist. Iodine deficiency has remained a significant public health across the country, though national programmes have improved the situation over decades and the people should not reverse the situation by discontinuing the use of iodised salt. c m y b Tribune News Service Ludhiana, October 4 The Division No 8 police have arrested two Rajasthan residents for allegedly possessing an illegal firearm and working for gangster Harman Sandhu, who is suspected of being involved in an extortion network targeting businessmen and social media influencers. The suspects have been identified as Rahul Kumar and Radhey Shyam Rawla, both residents of Rajasthan. The police have recovered a 9mm Glock pistol, 10 cartridges and a motorcycle from them. Sandhu, who is reportedly staying abroad, is yet to be arrested. The arrests were made during a police operation on Saturday after a team led by sub-inspector Sukhwinder Singh conducted a routine patrolling R’sthan native suspects allegedly involved in firing incidents targeting houses of bizmen in the area. Acting on information received from a source, the police learnt that the two men were carrying an illegal weapon and had stopped near an abandoned land close to the Mini-Secretariat. The police team reached the scene and apprehended the suspects before their escape from the area. During preliminary questioning, the police learnt that the duo allegedly operated at the behest of Sandhu. Investigators suspect that they were being used to threaten potential targets and facilitate extortion. The police have also received information that the suspects were allegedly involved in firing incidents, targeting houses and offices of businessmen and social media influencers in Mohali and Chandigarh. The firing was allegedly intended to intimidate the victims and force them to pay extortion money. The police have now included Sandhu as a suspect and are investigating his alleged role in the network. His whereabouts are being ascertained. A case has been registered at the Division No 8 police station under Sections 111(1) and 308(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), besides Sections 25, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act. The suspects were produced before a ocal court on Sunday. The court remanded them in two-day police custody. Tribune News Service Ludhiana, October 4 Shots were fired at a businessman’s house in the Kot Mangal Singh area here late on Saturday night, with the police suspecting that a personal dispute involving the complainant’s son and a girl may have led to the incident. The Division No 6 police have registered a case against Shaan Grewal of Jagraon and his unidentified associates after two shots were allegedly fired at the house. The suspects reportedly reached the locality in a Toyota Fortuner and fled the scene soon after the firing. Two empty cartridges were recovered from the scene. The incident occurred around 9.30 pm, when businessman Parminder Singh and his family were inside their house. In his complaint to the police, Parminder alleged that the suspects arrived outside the house, abused the family and opened fire before speeding away. The family informed the police after the assailants left the place. A police team reached the scene and examined the area while investigators began collecting evidence and checking movements of the suspects. Division No. 6 SHO subinspector Parmod Raj said the initial inquiry had brought to light a dispute between Grewal and the complainant’s 22-year-old son over a girl. According to the police, the two youths had earlier quarrelled and Grewal had allegedly threatened the complainant’s son with serious consequences, if he continued to meet the girl. “The complainant has alleged that Grewal opened fire at his house. His involvement is also being examined during the investigation,” the SHO said. The police have booked Grewal and his unidentified associates under relevant provisions concerning acts endangering life or personal safety and the Arms Act.