CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, September 17:

          In a major breakthrough against cross-border narco-terror networks amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a drug-free state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Amritsar Commissionerate Police has busted drug smuggling syndicate being operated by Moga-based Jagpreet Singh alias Jagga with the arrest of its key operative and recovered 7.1 kg heroin from his possession, Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday.

          The arrested accused has been identified as Yasin Mohammed (22), a resident of village Atwa in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh (UP), presently residing at Village Lalru in Mohali. The accused has criminal background with cases pertaining to Arms Act, NDPS Act, Theft and Snatching registered against him.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that accused Jagpreet Singh alias Jagga was in touch with Pak-based smugglers and he along with arrested accused Yasin Mohammed was running the network.

          The DGP said that a thorough investigation is currently underway to uncover the full nexus, including both backward and forward linkages of the network.

          Sharing operation details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that the police teams had received a reliable input that on instructions of accused Jagpreet, his associate picked up the heroin consignment— dropped via drone by Pak-based smugglers— from designated area in Ajnala sector. Acting swiftly police teams launched an intel-based operation and arrested suspect Yasin Mohammed from Wadali in Chheharta, when he was returning after retrieving the heroin consignment, he said.

          The CP said that preliminary investigation has revealed that after retrieval of contraband, arrested accused Yasin used to deliver it to Jagpreet, who further disseminated it to his linkages in Malwa region of Punjab. They both were together lodged in Ludhiana jail, he said.

          He said that further investigation is on. More arrests and recoveries are likely in coming days, he added.

          In this regard, a case FIR No. 186 dated 15.09.2025 has been registered under sections 21C and 25 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Chheharta in Amritsar Commissionerate.

Chandigarh, September 17:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday launched ‘Mission Chardi Kala’- a global fundraising campaign to raise funds for the state Government’s rehabilitation efforts for 2025 Punjab flood victims

In a video message, the Chief Minister said that in the past days, the state witnessed a scene that our generations will never forget. He said that the floods didn’t just bring water rather it washed away millions of dreams. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that 2,300 villages submerged, more than 2 million people affected, five lakh acres of crops destroyed, 56 precious lives were lost and seven lakh people have become homeless.

Likewise, the Chief Minister said that 3,200 government schools have been damaged, 19 colleges turned into rubble,1,400 clinics and hospitals have been ruined, 8,500 kilometers of roads have been destroyed and 2,500 bridges have collapsed. He said that According to initial estimates, the loss is around ₹13,800 crore, and the actual damage may be even greater. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is the most horrifying tragedy in Punjab’s history adding that this is state’s biggest test too as every time Punjab has faced a crisis, we have never bowed down but we have stood tall, with strength and courage.

The Chief Minister said that even during this flood, he saw how the youth risked their lives to save others, how gurdwaras and temples opened their doors and served food to distressed people and how entire Punjab stood together like one big family, which is our greatest strength. He said that now it is time to move beyond relief and begin rehabilitation as our farmers need to sow their fields again, Our children need to return to school and Families need to rebuild their homes. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is the reason why the state government has launched Mission Chardi Kala, which means strength even in sorrow, hope even in darkness.

The Chief Minister appealed to every Punjabi, to every citizen of India, to industrialists, artists, charitable trusts, and to all Punjabi brothers and sisters across the world that today Punjab needs them. He gave them a clarion call to come together and hold Punjab’s hand in this time of need adding that all of them should open their hearts and support Punjab generously. Bhagwant Singh Mann promised that every single rupee of their contribution will be used with full honesty and transparency, solely for rehabilitation and rebuilding.

The Chief Minister urged the people that they should contribute by visiting www.rangla.punjab.gov.in. He expressed hope that together Punjabis will once again prove that Punjab never gives up and it always remains in Chardi Kala. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a special war room has also been set up in his office to directly oversee all activities related to Mission Chardi-Kala adding that he will monitor these efforts personally on a daily basis.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister held a video conference with the Deputy Commissioners of all districts to review the flood relief efforts. He directed the Deputy Commissioners to visit the flood relief camps and other affected areas daily to ensure that people do not face any kind of inconvenience. Bhagwant Singh Mann apprised them of Mission Chardi Kala and stated that every single penny collected under this mission will be spent on the rehabilitation of the flood-affected people.

On the occasion Finance Minister Harpal Cheema, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha and others were also present.

Chandigarh, September 17 – Under the guidance of Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij, the Labour Department organized a ‘Shramik Samman evam Jagrukta Samaroh’ across the state on the auspicious occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti. This programme was held simultaneously at a total of 146 labour squares located in all districts of the state, in which around 33,000 workers participated. A large number of workers from factories, shops, construction sites, and the unorganized sector were present.

A government spokesperson informed that the main objective of this programme was to make workers aware of their rights, safety provisions, and welfare schemes being run by the government, as well as to honour their contribution to society. On this occasion, workers were informed about their rights and safety provisions under labour laws. They were also given detailed information about various welfare schemes being run by the Labour Department.

He further said that to explain the information in a simple and effective way, specially prepared information brochures, posters, and banners were used. Through this, workers could easily understand the schemes in simple language. During the programme, sweets were distributed among all the workers as a mark of respect. Departmental officers, public representatives, social workers, and local distinguished guests were present at each venue. They appreciated the workers’ efforts and contributions and encouraged them to avail the benefits of welfare schemes.

On this occasion, speakers said that workers are the backbone of the state’s economic and industrial progress. It is through their hard work and dedication that industries, construction, transport, and trade flourish. The goal of the Labour Department is to ensure that every worker is aware of his rights, works in a safe environment, and can secure a better life for his family.

The workers also shared their problems and experiences, which the departmental officers discussed attentively and assured solutions.

This initiative of the Haryana Labour Department is not only an important step towards spreading awareness among the working class but also a symbol of honouring their contribution and enhancing the dignity of workers in society.

Chandigarh, September 17 – Haryana Environment and Forest Minister, Rao Narbir Singh said that from September 17 to October 2, a Special campaign will be carried out across the state, fully dedicated to promoting environmental protection and greenery.The aim of this campaign is to spread Mahatma Gandhi’s message of maintaining cleanliness to every citizen and to implement Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.

Sharing information in this regard, the Forest Minister said that the Haryana Forest Department has prepared a special action plan to make this campaign a great success. Under this plan, the slogan “Ek Ped Hazaron Sanson Ka Sahara, Aaj Lagao Kal Bachao” will be widely promoted. As part of this effort, ‘Namo Van’ or parks will be established at 75 locations across the state. These parks will serve as a unique gift from the people of Haryana to Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday. Through these forests and parks, Haryana will not only enhance greenery but will also provide a clean environment for future generations.

He further said that on September 25, on the occasion of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Jayanti activities like, cleanliness drive, awareness campaign etc. will be organised under the “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” campaign. On this day, all Forest Department officers, and employees will also participate in this cleanliness drive at various public places, promoting the message of cleanliness in society.

Rao Narbir Singh said that to spread the message of importance of cleanliness and greenery to the general public, the department has prepared four special mobile vans. These vans will be deployed sequentially in all circles and districts of the state. In the North Circle, the campaign will run for three days each in Panchkula, Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, and Ambala districts. Similarly, in the Central Circle, the vans will be active for three days each in Karnal, Panipat, Sonipat, Rohtak, and Jhajjar. In the South Circle, programmes will be conducted for three days each in Faridabad, Nuh, and Rewari, and for two days each in Palwal, Gurugram, and Mahendragarh districts. In the West Circle, the campaign will run for three days each in Jind, Sirsa, and Bhiwani, and for two days each in Fatehabad, Hisar, and Charkhi Dadri districts.Through these vans, the general public will be motivated toward environmental protection and cleanliness.

Rao Narbir Singh appealed to the people of the state that every citizen must actively participate in the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign and treat the cleanliness initiative as a personal responsibility. He especially appealed to the youth and students to take part in environmental and cleanliness-related programmes during this Special campaign, inspiring their families, society, and the entire state.

During the Special campaign, the Forest Department will also organise slogan writing, painting competitions, and other cultural activities for school children to raise environmental and cleanliness awareness from childhood itself. He emphasised that if even small children in society start thinking and taking steps in this direction, not just Haryana but the entire country will surely become clean and green, he added.

Rao Narbir Singh further said that the Special campaign is not just a government formality but a call to every citizen’s responsibility. If everyone comes together to plant trees and make the pledge of cleanliness part of life, environmental protection will no longer be a distant dream but a near-future reality.

Chandigarh, September 17 – The Haryana Government has designated the Commissioners of Municipal Corporations of Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Panchkula, and Hisar as ex-officio Additional Chief Executive Officers of their respective Metropolitan Development Authorities. An order in this regard was issued by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi. 

Additionally, the Commissioner of Municipal Corporation, Manesar, has been designated as ex-officio Additional Chief Executive Officer-II of the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority with immediate effect.

The existing Additional Chief Executive Officers of the Metropolitan Development Authorities will continue to hold their present posts.

Chandigarh, September 17 – Turning his birthday into a moment of national service, Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi launched a countrywide drive for women’s health and nutrition by unveiling the ‘Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar’ campaign and inaugurating the ‘8th Poshan Maah’ from Madhya Pradesh.

Meanwhile, in Haryana,  Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Sh. J.P. Nadda and Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, launched the campaign  during a grand state-level ceremony organised in Rohtak on Wednesday, marking a major step towards strengthening healthcare and nutrition services for women, adolescent girls, and children.

This campaign has been termed a historic step towards strengthening healthcare and nutrition facilities for women, adolescent girls and children. It also marks significant progress in realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of raising the quality of life for women and ushering in a new era of women-led development. The ‘8th Poshan Maah’ aims at spreading awareness about the importance of nutrition for pregnant women, lactating mothers, adolescent girls and children under six years of age. 

Notably, at  the Rohtak ceremony, several initiatives were  also rolled out, including women’s health check-up camps, the fourth phase of the ‘Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan’, and a Special Immunization Drive.  Sh. J.P. Nadda also symbolically launched  ‘Poshan Maah’ by feeding a child with a nutritious meal.

Furthermore, to highlight progress in improving gender balance, village sarpanches namely Renu from Samchana village, Saroj from Kharawar, and Kajal from Bhaini Surjan were honored for leading villages where the birth rate of girls has surpassed that of boys. Besides this, senior citizens above 70 years of age were provided Vay Vandana cards under the Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. Beneficiaries of the scheme were also distributed Ayushman Cards on the occasion. Cancer survivors, who triumphed over the disease, were honored as ‘Cancer Champions.’ 

During the ceremony, Union Minister, Sh. J.P. Nadda and Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini also administered a pledge to the gathering, encouraging people to commit to organ donation and to adopt a balanced, nutritious diet. 

Co-operation Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma, Health Minister, Kumari Arti Singh Rao, Women and Child Development Minister, Smt. Shruti Choudhry, BJP State President, Sh. Mohan Lal Badoli, former minister, Sh. Manish Grover, and other distinguished guests also graced the event.

Chandigarh, September 17 – The “Swasth Nari – Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan” was launched on Wednesday to mark the 75th birthday of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Sh J.P. Nadda inaugurated the exhibition in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini at Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak.

Haryana Cooperation Minister Dr. Arvind Kumar Sharma,  Health Minister Aarti Singh Rao and Irrigation and Water Resources Minister Shruti Chaudhary were also present on the occasion.

Sh Nadda said that the campaign is aimed at ensuring protection, awareness, and improved healthcare for women and children. The campaign will run from September 17 to October 2, 2025.

*Women’s Health – Family Strength emerges as key focus at Exhibition*

The exhibition highlighted various health services and programs with inspiring messages such as “Healthy Mother, Safe Child – Foundation of a Strong Society.”

During the visit, Chief Guest Sh J.P. Nadda and Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini reviewed the TB-Free India Campaign.

*Special focus on Tuberculosis Eradication*

Dedicated panels on the Nikshay Poshan Yojana informed visitors that TB patients receive monthly nutritional assistance of Rs 1,000 directly into their bank accounts during treatment. Demonstrations were also given on verification and tracking facilities available through the TB Aarogya Sathi app and the Umang app.

*Women actively seek information on disease prevention and treatment*

The stalls provided detailed guidance on cancer screening, anemia control, thalassemia testing, high blood pressure, diabetes, and tuberculosis. Messages such as “You illuminate the happiness of your entire family – get TB treatment and support your loved ones” drew significant attention from visitors.

Posters related to the nutrition campaign were also displayed, highlighting key issues such as balanced diets for children, adolescents, and pregnant women, the importance of breastfeeding, and anemia prevention. In addition, informative posters, banners, and stalls set up by different departments showcased various schemes and initiatives focused on women’s and children’s health, nutrition, and awareness.

*A massive health check-up and blood donation camp organized*

The campaign underscored the importance of social participation along with health services. On September 17, a large-scale health check-up and blood donation camp was held, in which youth and voluntary organizations participated with great enthusiasm.

*Special Vaccination Campaign (VHSND)*

As part of the campaign, special vaccination camps will be organized from September 17 to October 2. These camps will cover children aged 0 to 16 years as well as pregnant women. In addition, routine immunizations will be emphasized to ensure universal vaccination coverage.

*Digital Health Initiatives*

A special highlight of the exhibition was a stall promoting the “I am a Digital Health Champion” photo frame and the ABHA Health ID card. Citizens were informed about the convenience of storing their health records on their mobile devices.

*Helplines and Health Services*

Health Department officials at the exhibition informed women that the Haryana Health Helpline 104 and the Nikshay Sampark Helpline 1800-11-6666 (toll-free) are available 24×7 to provide guidance and assistance on health-related issues.

On this occasion, former Minister Manish Kumar Grover, Mayor of Municipal Corporation Rohtak Ramavtar Valmiki, Additional Chief Secretary Health Department Sudhir Rajpal, Director General of Information, Public Relations and Language Department K Makarand Pandurang, Deputy Commissioner Sachin Gupta, MD National Health Mission RS Dhillon along with other officers and dignitaries were present.

Chandigarh, September 17 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that cleanliness, drug de-addiction and a healthy living should now transform into a mass movement. With active public participation in this pledge, we can build a strong and prosperous nation.

The Chief Minister was addressing the youth during the Namo Marathon, held near Mansarovar Park in Rohtak on Wednesday morning, organized under the theme Drug-Free Haryana to commemorate the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Earlier in the morning, he personally participated in a cleanliness drive in Rohtak and planted a sapling in Mansarovar Park to spread the message of environmental protection.

On behalf of the people of Haryana, the Chief Minister extended birthday greetings to Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi. Addressing the youth, he said that today is a day of dedication, service and nation-building. The Prime Minister’s life journey from humble beginnings to extraordinary leadership is an inspiration for all of us. We are proud of such a dynamic personality for whom leadership is not a position but a symbol of service, sacrifice, and honesty. He further said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has achieved unprecedented progress in self-reliance, innovation and inclusive development, gaining a new identity on the global stage.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment, the Chief Minister said that the double-engine government has undertaken remarkable initiatives such as Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, Ujjwala Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, and promotion of self-help groups, which have strengthened women’s role in society. He described the Namo Marathon as a significant step toward a drug-free society, aiming to channel the energy of the youth toward sports and fitness.

The Chief Minister also urged people to actively contribute to environmental conservation. Referring to the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, he said planting trees is not just an environmental step but a pledge to honour Mother Earth and safeguard the future of coming generations. Stressing the importance of cleanliness, he said that it is the responsibility of every citizen, not just sanitation workers. The Swachh Bharat Mission, initiated by Prime Minister today become a mass movement.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister also administered the oath of drug de-addiction to the youth.

Former Minister Manish Grover, Rohtak Mayor Ram Avtar Valmiki and other dignitaries were present on this occasion.

Chandigarh, Sept 17 – Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Sh Jagat Prakash Nadda inaugurated the Namo Van, being developed through the Miyawaki method, in Sector 2 of Rohtak city on the occasion of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi’s birthday by planting a sapling. Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, Co-operation Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma, Health Minister, Aarti Singh Rao and BJP State President Sh Mohan Lal Badauli were also present.

Union Health Minister Sh Nadda, along with the Chief Minister, pledged to protect the environment by planting around 10,000 saplings in the Namo Van with the active participation of Rohtak residents. Women, youth, children and senior citizens turned out in large numbers to join the plantation drive. While interacting with nature lovers during the event, Sh Nadda said that Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, through his vision of healthy living in a clean environment, is steering the nation towards a developed India. It is our collective responsibility to contribute in making this vision a reality, he added.

He encouraged women to participate in environmental protection in the same way they diligently manage their household responsibilities, and also become guardians of the environment by planting more sapling. Thousands of women present at the event assured Sh Nadda and Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini that the women of Rohtak would actively support the Prime Minister’s campaign for a Clean and Healthy India.

The Union Health Minister and the Chief Minister lauded the enthusiasm of women and children who participated in the plantation drive. They said that creating a balanced environment is essential to realizing the vision of a healthy life. On this occasion, the gathering also extended birthday wishes to Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi.

Former Minister Sh Manish Grover, Rohtak Mayor Sh Ram Avtar Valmiki, Director General of Information, Public Relations and Languages Department Sh K. Makarand Pandurang, Director of Urban Local Bodies Department Sh Pankaj, and other dignitaries were also present at the inauguration of the Namo Van.

Panchkula/Karnal, September 17
Haryana Police’s Cyber Cell has busted a major cyber fraud network, exposing a fake current account opened in a Kotak Mahindra Bank branch in Karnal. The account was opened under the guise of fruit and vegetable trade, showing an annual turnover of ₹20 lakh. However, within just six months, suspicious transactions worth ₹5.70 crore were detected in this account. Police have registered a case against accused Pulkit Bhardwaj along with other accomplices and initiated an investigation. Director General of Police Shatrujeet Kapur congratulated the Cyber team of Panchkula for this achievement.

How was it exposed?
A special team constituted under the directions of the Inspector General of Police, Cyber Haryana, conducted an inspection of Kotak Mahindra Bank’s Karnal branch on 16 September. Account number 034956181 was opened by Pulkit Bhardwaj, resident of Sant Nagar, Karnal. At the time of opening, he cited fruit and vegetable trading as the business, declaring an annual turnover of ₹20 lakh. But the reality was entirely different. Investigations revealed that between November 2024 and May 2025, deposits of ₹5,70,48,200 and withdrawals of ₹5,70,44,822 were made. The current balance in the account stands at only ₹3,377.

Fake address and business cover
During the probe, police found that the address submitted for account opening was shown as a commercial area, while in reality, it was a residential area. On-site verification revealed no fruit or vegetable shop, warehouse, hoarding, or nameplate. This made it clear that the account was opened solely for rotating money linked to cyber fraud.

14 complaints from across the country
So far, 14 complaints have been registered against this account on the NCRP (National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal), one of which is related to Haryana. This confirms that the account was part of a nationwide cyber fraud chain.

Legal action
In this case, FIR No. 148 dated 16.09.2025 has been registered at Cyber Crime Police Station, Karnal under Section 318(4) of BNS against Pulkit Bhardwaj and his associates. Police are now tracing the entire money trail to determine into which accounts these large sums were transferred.

91 suspicious bank branches on police radar
Haryana Police informed that 91 bank branches in the state have been found suspicious so far, where cybercriminals opened fake accounts to circulate fraud money. Police are continuously identifying such accounts, and banks have also been directed to strictly follow rules while opening accounts.

Public advisory
Cyber Police have cautioned citizens not to deposit money into unknown accounts, not to trust suspicious calls, messages, or links, and to immediately inform the bank or police if someone shows small business credentials but engages in large-scale transactions. In case of any cyber fraud, people are advised to immediately call the National Cyber Helpline 1930. Special teams have been activated to crack down on fake bank accounts, and regular arrests of criminals are being carried out.