CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 13:

With sugarcane acreage rising to 1.16 lakh hectares and production target set at 700 lakh quintals this season, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian on Sunday announced a multi-pronged strategy to make sugarcane Punjab’s most remunerative crop through aggressive mechanisation, grassroots tech outreach and direct financial incentives for growers.

Describing sugarcane as Punjab’s third-most critical crop after wheat and paddy, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government is leaving no stone unturned to boost productivity, improve sugar recovery and cut cultivation costs by promoting large-scale adoption of advanced farming techniques.

Citing official data, the Agriculture Minister said that area under sugarcane in Punjab has increased from 1,11,818 hectares in 2025-26 to 1,16,131 hectares in the current 2026-27 season, which is expected to yield nearly 700 lakh quintals of cane if weather remains favourable. Of the total acreage, 47,295 hectares is under ratoon crop, 51,174 hectares under spring crop and 17662 hectares under autumn crop, he added.

“However, with the proactive interventions in place and a favourable weather outlook, we expect marked improvement in both yield and sugar recovery in the upcoming season,” said S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian.

For the 2026-27 season, the government has rolled out an incentive of Rs 3,200 per acre for farmers setting up demonstration plots showcasing recommended cultivation techniques. The scheme will be implemented in 12 districts — Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Fatehgarh Sahib, Rupnagar, SAS Nagar, Patiala, Fazilka, Faridkot and Kapurthala.

These demo plots will promote advanced practices such as wide-row spacing, trench planting, intercropping, mulching and scientific ratoon management to boost yields while cutting input costs.

To address shortage of farm labour during sowing and harvesting, the state government is promoting mechanisation by offering 40% subsidy on key equipment including sugarcane harvesters, small tractors, cane planters and ratoon managers. “Mechanisation is no longer an option but a necessity. Our aim is to make these machines easily accessible and affordable for every farmer,” Khudian said.

The Agriculture Minister informed that joint teams of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), the agriculture department and sugar mills are holding extensive awareness camps across the state, focusing on wide spacing trench  planting method, primary seed nurseries, disease-free certified seed varieties, balanced fertiliser use, integrated pest management and ratoon management. So far, 14 webinars have trained around 1,100 farmers, while 320 training camps have directly reached over 15,000 farmers. Real-time technical guidance is also being provided through Facebook, YouTube and field staff interactions.

“Sugarcane sustains a vast network of farming families and farm labourers across Punjab and their economic well-being is directly tied to this crop. It is our duty to make its cultivation more profitable and future-ready,” said S. Khudian.

Reiterating CM Mann-led Punjab government’s commitment to welfare of agrarian community, S. Khudian said the multi-pronged strategy combining financial incentives, technological upgradation, capacity building and farm mechanisation is aimed at making sugarcane cultivation a highly remunerative enterprise.

“Our comprehensive approach will bring down cultivation expenses, enhance productivity and improve sugar recovery. We are fully committed to ensuring that Punjab’s sugarcane farmers reap the rewards of their hard work and contribute meaningfully to the state’s agrarian prosperity,” he affirmed.

CHANDIGARH, September 13:

         In the recent years, due to the intensive crackdown against drugs being smuggled from across the internation border with Pakistan in the State of Punjab, there has been a change in the pattern of drug smuggling with an increased focus on pharmaceutical drugs. Addiction to pharmaceutical drugs has started replacing heroin addiction as the number one challenge in drug law enforcement in the State of Punjab.

         A Punjab Police Spokesperson stated that the multi-layered response to counter drone-based narcotic smuggling across the international border with Pakistan by Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police has led to a sharp decline in availability of street heroin in Punjab. Punjab Police is deploying 09 Anti-Drone Systems, with 03 “Baaj Akh” systems presently operational in Amritsar, Tarn Taran and Ferozepur since August 2025, providing early detection and jamming of rogue drones. 03 units of Drone Sense D200 Pro, a long-endurance mobile drone detection platform have been deployed at strategic locations in border districts since 03-09-2026, showing immediate results. The system precisely detects and pinpoints drone-related activity and actual dropping locations, enabling timely ground intervention. For immediate ground action, 52 Drone Response Teams (DRT) with 147 police personnel work in close coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF) responding to drone alerts, reaching suspected drop locations, conduct searches and intercept persons collecting the dropped consignments. This response is supported by 64 second-line defence nakas with 600 police personnel and 2367 CCTV cameras at 585 locations.

         The Spokesperson further stated that the Village Defence Committees (VDCs) in Border areas have been integrated with the Drone Response Teams (DRTs). The VDCs in border areas serve as “eyes and ears” of the police. The “Yudh Nashiyan Virudh” (YNV) campaign has resulted in arrest of nearly 80,000 persons since 01-03- 2025. 486 drones have been recovered. Financial investigation is being used to disrupt the economic base of drug network with freezing of property worth over Rs. 336 crores. The reward policy for anti-drug information provides cash reward of Rs. 25,000 for every drone recovery and during the current year nearly Rs. 02 crores have been disbursed under the reward policy.

         The Punjab Police Spokesperson stated that the multi-layered response of Punjab Police based on anti-drone technology, rapid response teams, coordination with BSF, community vigilance, CCTV surveillance, depth nakas, intelligence-led arrests, financial disruption, rehabilitation and prevention has led to sharp fall in the street availability in Punjab of drugs smuggled from across the international border. Concurrently, the latest trends indicate that pharmaceutical drugs smuggled from other states have emerged as the most important challenge in drug law enforcement in the state of Punjab.

         According to data analysed from pharmaceutical seizures in Punjab, most of the pharmaceutical drugs are not manufactured in Punjab and are manufactured in states like Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi etc. 

         The Spokesperson stated that substantial quantity of pharmaceutical narcotics is entering the State of Punjab from other states. Since 2025 onwards, 11.54 lakh pharmaceutical tablets/capsules were recovered from consignments linked to other States, including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Delhi and Himachal. It is roughly estimated that 80% of the pharmaceutical drugs available in Punjab are coming from the States of Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi etc, showing reversal of the earlier trend of 80% drugs being smuggled in Punjab from across the international border with Pakistan.

         The Punjab Police Spokesperson further stated that the emerging pattern of pharmaceutical drug abuse highlights the importance of inter-state coordination. There is need for continued coordinated action with source and transit States against manufacturers, distributors and organised pharmaceutical drug networks. Punjab police would take up the matter with concerned states for better regulation of manufacturing units, continuous monitoring of all sale, purchase and transportation of all pharmaceutical drugs, to avoid these being diverted to the State of Punjab.

CHANDIGARH/LUDHIANA, September 13:

         In a major breakthrough against criminal networks as part of the ongoing drive to eliminate gangster culture in the state as per the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, a joint team of the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab and Ludhiana Commissionerate Police on Sunday averted a mass shooting bid and neutralised two armed operatives belonging to the notorious Doni Bal gang during an encounter near Atam Park Under Bridge here.

         Commissioner of Police (CP) Ludhiana Swapan Sharma has identified the deceased assailants as Karanjot Singh alias Nona and Sandeep Singh, both residents of Sultanwind Road, Amritsar. Police teams have recovered three sophisticated automatic pistols along with around 50 live cartridges from their possession.

         Sharing operation details, the CP said that acting on precise intelligence inputs regarding a planned attack, joint teams laid a special naka at the Under Bridge near Atam Park and intercepted two suspects approaching on a black-coloured Hero Splendor motorcycle without a registration number. Upon being signaled to stop, the armed assailants attempted to flee and opened indiscriminate fire at the police personnel, he said.

         “During the hot chase, the assailants continuously fired multiple shots at the joint police party, and two bullets hit the official police vehicle. Exercising retaliatory fire in self-defence, the police team neutralised both armed attackers on the spot,” said the CP.

         CP Swapan Sharma revealed that preliminary investigations showed the neutralised assailants were directly in touch with gangster Doni Bal and Shaganpreet, and were tasked with orchestrating a mass shooting at a blood donation camp, organized at Marryland Palace on Dugri Road, Ludhiana on Sunday.

         Sharing the criminal antecedents of the deceased, the CP stated that Karanjot Singh alias Nona was a history-sheeter facing two previous criminal cases registered under the Arms Act, Robbery, and the NDPS Act. The second deceased, Sandeep Singh, was also facing one criminal case.

         He said that more accomplices of the neutralized individuals are being traced and will be nabbed soon. Further investigations are underway to establish backward and forward linkages of the gang, he added

 In this regard, a case is being registered under sections 109, 221, 132, 62 and 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and section 25 Arms Act at Police Station Model Town in Ludhiana.

CHANDIGARH, September 13:

         As the decisive ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign enters its 236th day, Punjab Police today conducted 634 raids at identified and mapped locations linked to associates of gangsters across the state.

         As per the information, the “Gangstran Te Vaar”— a decisive war to make Punjab a gangster-free state was launched by the Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on January 20, 2026. Police teams from all the districts in coordination with Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab have been conducting special operations across the state.

         On Day 236, Police teams arrested 335 individuals held with four weapons, taking the total arrests to 70,363 since the launch of the campaign.

 Apart from this, preventive action has been taken against 174 persons. Police teams have also arrested 18 Proclaimed Offenders (POs) during the operation.

         People can anonymously report information related to wanted criminals and gangsters, and also share tips on crime and criminal activity, through the Anti Gangster Helpline number 93946-93946.

         Meanwhile, Police teams have continued its drive against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” for 561st day with 135 drug smugglers arrested today and recovered 4.3 kg heroin, 2.3 kg opium, 862 intoxicant pills and Rs 4.01 lakh drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 77,844 in just 561 days. As part of De-addiction, the Punjab Police has convinced 19 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

CHANDIGARH; 14th September 2026:

Reaffirming that Punjab will never allow the sacrifice of its bravehearts to fade from public memory, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday dedicated a 200-foot-wide HR-2 road and a park in New Chandigarh to Shaheed Colonel Manpreet Singh (Kirti Chakra), who lost his life while defending the nation in Anantnag. “Our martyrs are our pride and legacy, and the Punjab Government will always stand firmly with their families,” the Chief Minister said, while reiterating that his government is leaving no stone unturned for the welfare of Armed Forces personnel and their families.

Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “I pay my heartfelt tributes to the great warrior, Shaheed Colonel Manpreet Singh (Kirti Chakra), who attained martyrdom while defending the nation in Anantnag, on his martyrdom anniversary. As a mark of respect to this braveheart, today we have named the road from Mundhopur Chowk to the T-Point ‘Shaheed Colonel Manpreet Singh Marg’ and the park in Sector 5-A ‘Shaheed Colonel Manpreet Singh Park’. The unparalleled sacrifice of this brave son of village Bharojian will always inspire our youth. Our martyrs are our pride and legacy, and the Punjab Government will always stand firmly with their families. Inquilab Zindabad.”

Interacting with media persons after dedicating a road and park in the name of Shaheed Colonel Manpreet Singh, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann paid heartfelt homage and deepest respect to the martyr, saying, “On this occasion, the state government remembers the immense contribution of this brave warrior to the nation. This braveheart made the supreme sacrifice while fighting the enemy in defence of the motherland,” he added.

Giving details of the tribute, the Chief Minister said, “In his memory, the state government has named the 200-foot-wide road from Mullanpur Chowk to the T-Point as ‘Shaheed Colonel Manpreet Singh Marg’.”

Similarly, he said, “The park in Sector 5-A Block has been named ‘Shaheed Colonel Manpreet Singh Park’ as a tribute to his memory and sacrifice. By naming these public places after this brave son of Punjab, particularly from the Chandigarh-Mohali region and village Bharojian, the state government has paid homage to his supreme sacrifice.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed hope that the initiative would inspire the youth of Punjab to serve the nation selflessly. He said, “I hope that this will help inspire the youth of Punjab to render selfless service to the nation in the time to come. The valour, guidance and sacrifice of Shaheed Colonel Manpreet Singh will continue to inspire us forever.”

Recalling the martyr’s service record, he said, “Shaheed Colonel Manpreet Singh attained martyrdom on September 13, 2023, while serving as the Commanding Officer of the 19 Rashtriya Rifles Regiment. Colonel Manpreet Singh displayed exceptional courage during an encounter with terrorists in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir and made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.”

Highlighting the recognition bestowed upon the martyr, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “In recognition of his extraordinary courage and supreme sacrifice, the Government of India posthumously conferred upon him the Kirti Chakra, the country’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award, on August 15, 2024.”

The Chief Minister stated, “Colonel Manpreet Singh was born in 1982 in village Bharojian and received his primary and higher education in Mohali and Chandigarh.” He added, “Following in the footsteps of his father, he joined the Indian Army in 2005 as a commissioned officer.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “His life of courage, dedication and selfless service to the nation will remain an enduring source of inspiration for generations to come. The state government is committed to perpetuating the legacy of this brave son of the soil who made the supreme sacrifice for the country.”

Highlighting the state government’s commitment towards the families of personnel making the supreme sacrifice, he said, “Recognising the immense contribution of jawans of the Armed Forces, paramilitary forces, Police and even Agnivirs in safeguarding the unity and integrity of the country, the state government gives financial assistance worth ₹1 crore to the family in case a jawan attains martyrdom in the line of duty.”

He said, “This is in consonance with the commitment of the state government to ensure the well-being of the soldiers from the Armed Forces, paramilitary and Police and their families.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further said, “This humble initiative by the state will go a long way in helping the aggrieved family on one hand and securing their future on the other.”

*On Education Sector*

Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said, “The state government has laid major thrust on the development of the education sector in the state.”

He said, “Due to the concerted efforts of the state government, the schools have witnessed a major overhaul in infrastructure.”

Highlighting the achievements of government school students, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Today, the students of the government schools in the state are excelling in coveted examinations like JEE, NEET and others, which is a matter of immense satisfaction for us.”

Lok Sabha MP Malwinder Singh Kang and others were also present on the occasion.

CHANDIGARH; 13th September 2026:

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday attended the closing ceremony of the inaugural Sher-e-Punjab T20 League at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali, describing the tournament as a powerful platform to identify, nurture and propel Punjab’s emerging cricketing talent towards the national stage. With 119 players showcasing their skills and Naman Dhir and Prabhsimran Singh earning selection to India A, the Chief Minister said the Punjab Government is committed to making the state the sports hub of the country and will continue its efforts to revive the sporting culture and connect the youth with sports grounds.

Sharing a few snippets from the occasion, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated on X: “Attended the final match and closing ceremony of the ‘Sher-e-Punjab T20 League’ at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali today. Starting on August 30, the tournament has provided an excellent platform for young cricketers from Punjab to showcase their talent. Heartiest congratulations to all participating teams, including finalists Ludhiana Lions and Amritsar Surmaaz, for their outstanding performances and fighting spirit. Our efforts to revive the sporting culture in Punjab and connect our youth with the sports grounds will continue unabated. Inquilab Zindabad.”

Interacting with players at the conclusion of the Sher-e-Punjab T20 Cricket League, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Sher-e-Punjab T20 League has been organised for the first time by the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA). This prestigious tournament has provided a platform to emerging cricketers of Punjab, and this sporting extravaganza has concluded today.”

Congratulating the organisers of the Punjab Cricket Association for successfully conducting the league, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “I congratulate the Punjab Cricket Association for the successful conduct of this league and extend my best wishes to all the participating teams and all the other teams for the upcoming season.”

The Chief Minister stated, “During this two-week-long league, several promising young cricketers from the villages and towns of Punjab came into the limelight. Many of these talented players are likely to go on to represent Punjab and India in the years to come.”

Congratulating all the players for participating in their own state league with great enthusiasm, commitment and determination, the Chief Minister said, “As many as 119 players from Punjab showcased their talent and skills during this league.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “At present, the captains of both the Indian men’s and women’s cricket teams, Shubman Gill and Harmanpreet Kaur respectively, hail from Punjab.”

The Chief Minister said, “As many as 21 players from Punjab are currently playing in the IPL. During the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League, talent scouts and selectors from various IPL teams also attended the matches. Following this league, we are hopeful that several more talented cricketers from Punjab will earn opportunities to play for different IPL teams.”

Highlighting the early results emerging from the league, he said, “The performances showcased during this league have already begun yielding results. Naman Dhir and Prabhsimran Singh from Punjab have been selected for the India A team. This demonstrates how such platforms can provide a pathway for emerging players to progress to the national level.”

The Chief Minister said, “I am particularly delighted to share that the Player of the Tournament will be honoured with the Yuvraj Singh Award.”

Describing the significance of the league, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Sher-e-Punjab T20 League is not merely a cricket tournament. It is an important initiative to identify, nurture and promote the immense cricketing talent present across the villages, towns and cities of Punjab.”

He expressed hope that “the young cricketers who have showcased their talent here will go on to bring greater glory to Punjab and the country in the future.”

^Amritsar Surmaaz, Ludhiana Lions Clash In Sher-e-Punjab T20 League Final*

The final match is being played today between Amritsar Surmaaz and Ludhiana Lions. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also met the players competing in the final.

Six teams participated in the league, with Fazilka Falcons led by Shubman Gill, Ludhiana Lions led by Arshdeep Singh, Amritsar Surmaaz led by Abhishek Sharma, Jalandhar Warriors led by Prabhsimran Singh, Mohali Kings led by Ramandeep Singh and Bathinda Royals led by Gurnoor Brar.

These six teams participated in the league, featuring some of Punjab’s leading cricketing stars. Besides them, cricketers including Anmolpreet Singh, Naman Dhir, Vihaan Malhotra, Imanjot Singh Chahal, Ashwani Kumar, Krish Bhagat, Sahil Bhaskar and Rahul Kumar also participated in the league.

Lok Sabha MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer and others were also present on the occasion.

Chandigarh, September 12 – Haryana Industries and Commerce Minister, Sh. Rao Narbir Singh, on Saturday, chaired an important review meeting with Municipal Corporation Gurugram (MCG) officers at the Public Works Department Rest House in Gurugram. During the meeting, he took detailed stock of ongoing, completed and upcoming development works in the Municipal Corporation area. The Minister directed officials to accelerate development works while ensuring quality execution within the stipulated timelines.

Officers apprised the Cabinet Minister that a large number of works related to roads, sewerage, drainage, water supply and other infrastructure are underway in various wards of the Municipal Corporation. The total value of ongoing works from Ward No. 1 to Ward No. 18 is Rs. 366.40 crore.

*Special Attention to Levelling During Road Construction*

Industries and Commerce Minister,  Rao Narbir Singh, directed officers to pay special attention to road levels during construction so that rainwater does not accumulate on roads. He said that the road level should be in accordance with the surrounding area and the drainage system.

He also directed that sewer manhole covers be kept level with the road surface so that uneven manholes do not inconvenience citizens and the drainage system is not affected.

*Focus on Drainage Projects to Prevent Waterlogging*

In the meeting, a review was also done regarding various works underway to strengthen the city’s drainage system. According to the engineering report, an RCC stormwater drain from Euro School to the GMDA Bus Stand and from Basai Road to Alpine School and Krishna Nagar in Ward No. 9 is being constructed at a cost of Rs. 4.22 crore, with December 16, 2026, as the stipulated completion date.

In the same ward, cleaning and desilting of the stormwater drain from Umang Bhardwaj Chowk to Gadoli culvert, along with conversion of the pipe drain from the HP pump to Gadoli culvert into a box drain, is underway at a cost of Rs. 1.69 crore. The work is scheduled for completion by November 30, 2026.

In Ward No. 16, work is also underway to connect the internal stormwater drains of the Uppal Southend area with the master drain, install a motor in the low-lying area and construct an RCC box-type stormwater drain from Vega School to the GMDA master drain. The project is being executed at a cost of Rs. 1.80 crore.

Similarly, a stormwater drain for Sector 9 in Ward No. 8 is being constructed at a cost of Rs. 7.41 crore, while stormwater disposal work in Sector 9A is underway at a cost of Rs. 5.16 crore. Both works are scheduled for completion by November 10, 2026.

In addition, a 900-mm diameter RCC stormwater drain from Rezang La Road to Vyapar Kendra Market and further up to the Bajghera Railway Flyover in Ward No. 4 is being constructed at a cost of Rs. 1.03 crore. Another 900-mm diameter stormwater drain from Sector 23 to the H-Block Water Booster is under construction at a cost of Rs. 1.02 crore.

*Focus on Road Construction and Model Road Projects*

Road construction and reconstruction works were also reviewed during the meeting. In Ward No. 15, work on an RCC model road, footpath and stormwater drainage from Baani Square Market to the Ward Councillor’s office at F-Block Market, South City-2, is underway at a cost of Rs. 1.83 crore and is scheduled for completion by September 25, 2026.

In the same ward, reconstruction of the model road from A-Block, South City-2, to the Nirvana Country main road is underway at a cost of Rs. 4.56 crore. Reconstruction of the Nirvana Country main road from Aspire Road to Baani Square Road is also in progress at a cost of about Rs. 5 crore. The stipulated completion timelines for these works are January and February 2027, respectively.

*Sewerage and Water Supply Infrastructure in Villages to be Strengthened*

Sewerage and water supply works in rural areas are also being expedited. Work to provide a sewerage system in the newly extended area of Dhankot is underway at a cost of more than Rs. 8 crore.

In Palra village, work on an underground tank, pump chamber, clear-water rising main and distribution water supply pipeline system is underway at a cost of Rs. 1.97 crore and is scheduled for completion by October 30, 2026. Sewer line and road restoration work in Palra is also underway at a cost of more than Rs. 1.32 crore. Residents have been asked to obtain sewer connections before road construction begins.

*2 MLD STP Under Construction at Begumpur Khatola*

As part of efforts to strengthen the sewerage system, construction of a 2 MLD capacity STP at Begumpur Khatola village in Ward No. 17 is also an important project. The project is being executed at a cost of Rs. 6.94 crore, with a target to begin the trial run by December 31, 2026.

*Several Important Projects Completed*

Officers also apprised the Minister of the development works that have been completed. These include construction of an RMC road connecting Khandsa with Mohammadpur Jharsa and the JBM company in Ward No. 9 at a cost of Rs. 1.74 crore.

Similarly, stormwater pipe drain work in Malibu Town, Ward No. 11, has been completed at a cost of Rs. 66.60 lakh. In Ward No. 14, construction of 18-metre RMC roads in Sector 46 has been completed at a cost of Rs. 4.83 crore, while road construction in Mayfield Garden has been completed at a cost of Rs. 2.13 crore.

*Directions to Shift RMC Plants Outside Municipal Limits*

Industries and Commerce Minister,  Rao Narbir Singh, also directed officers to take necessary action to shift RMC plants operating within the Municipal Corporation limits outside the municipal area. Issues relating to the quality of road construction and damage to road surfaces caused by the movement of heavy vehicles were also discussed.

Regarding the RMC road from Noorpur Mor to Aklimpur village, officials informed the meeting that regular movement of vehicles to and from the RMC plant, as well as spillage of RMC material on the road, is affecting the road surface. The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has been requested to take action in the matter.

*Encroachments on Dhankot Main Road to be Removed Before Construction*

Rao Narbir Singh also issued specific directions regarding the Dhankot main road. He said that encroachments in the area should be removed before road construction begins so that the road can be constructed according to the prescribed design and width and no obstruction arises in the future.

*Availability of Land for Development Works Discussed*

Information regarding the availability of land required for future public amenities and infrastructure was also presented during the meeting. The report indicated the requirement of land in various wards for community centres, STPs, boosting stations, dispensaries, sports complexes, cremation grounds and other public amenities.

*No Compromise on Timelines and Quality*

Industries and Commerce Minister,  Rao Narbir Singh, directed officials that merely commencing development works is not enough and that equal attention must be paid to their quality, utility and timely completion.

He particularly emphasised coordination in the execution of road and drainage projects so that roads do not have to be dug up again for another work after one project has been completed.

Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Gurugram, Sh. Pradeep Dahiya, Additional Municipal Commissioners, Sh. Yash Jaluka, Sh. Ravindra Yadav, Dr. Jaiveer Yadav and Sh. Kushal Kataria, Joint Commissioners, Dr Naresh Kumar, Dr Preetpal Singh, Sh. Ravindra Malik, Smt. Sapna Yadav and Dr Ashish Singla, Chief Engineer, Sh. Vijay Dhaka and other officers were present at the meeting.

Panchkula: The Purushottam Das Rungta Charitable Trust organised its 232nd Community Kitchen (Ann Bhandara) in Panchkula’s Industrial Area Phase 1, providing freshly prepared meals to needy and underprivileged people.

Speaking on the sidelines of the bhandara, Amitabh Rungta, Founder, Purushottam Das Rungta Charitable Trust and Social Worker, said community kitchens could play an important role in addressing hunger while promoting responsible use of food.

“Food is a basic necessity, and no one should have to go hungry when food is available in society. Regular community kitchens can ensure that wholesome meals reach those who need them while also encouraging people to value food and avoid unnecessary wastage,” Rungta said.

He added that food grains represented the hard work of farmers and the use of valuable resources such as water, land and energy. “We must learn to save food, avoid wastage and share surplus responsibly. Feeding someone in need is not only an act of charity but also a meaningful way of respecting the food we have,” he said.

Rungta said the Trust would continue organising Ann Bhandaras and community kitchens at regular intervals and encouraged individuals and organisations to adopt the principle of “save food, share food and do not waste food” in their daily lives.

CHANDIGARH, September 12:

         In a major breakthrough against transnational organised crime amidst the ongoing campaign ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police’s Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) and Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell (OFTEC), with the assistance of Central Agencies has secured the extradition of fugitive criminal Amritpal Singh alias Amrit Dalam, a key operative of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria Gang, from the Republic of Moldova, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday.

         The accused is wanted in multiple cases of murders, attempt to murder, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Arms Act, Narcotic offences, etc.

         Pertinently, accused Amrit Dalam was detained by Moldovan authorities on February 24, 2026, while he was attempting to cross the Otaci state border towards Ukraine, following which, the extradition process against him was initiated through OFTEC Punjab. During these proceedings, the ‘Court of Chisinau’ granted the extradition of Amritpal Singh to the India on May 26, 2026. His appeal against the extradition order was also rejected by the ‘Court of Appeal Centru’ on July 16, 2026, thereby making the extradition order final.

         DGP Gaurav Yadav said following the extradition of the accused, a four member team of Punjab Police was sent to Moldova to bring him back to India. The team, led by SP AGTF Bikramjit Singh Brar, comprised Inspector Pushvinder Singh, SI Jaspreet Singh and ASI Varinder Kumar as members.

         Accused Amrit Dalam was taken into custody by the team of Punjab Police from Chisinau Airport, Moldova on Friday, and arrived at IGI Airport in New Delhi on Saturday morning, he said, while adding that the accused is being brought back to face the law in Punjab.

         “This is the first-ever extradition secured by Punjab Police from a European country, marking a significant milestone in our fight against organised crime,” said the DGP, while adding that the operation marks the successful culmination of ‘Operation Eastern Reach’— a six-month-long intelligence-led international manhunt involving sustained surveillance, strategic intelligence gathering and close coordination with national and international agencies.

         While commending the relentless efforts of AGTF Punjab and OFTEC Punjab, DGP Gaurav Yadav also thanked the Moldovan authorities, Azerbaijan authorities, International Police Cooperation Unit of the Central Bureau of Investigation (IPCU-CBI), Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of External Affairs and all other central agencies as part of this international cooperation.

         Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) AGTF Promod Ban said that accused Amrit Dalam is wanted in at least seven murder cases including the murder of Dalbir Singh in Batala in 2019, double murder case of Amrjeet Lal and Kashmiri Lal in Hoshiarpur in 2024, murder of Dharamjit Singh alias Dharma in 2025, double murder case of Kanav Mahajan and Sarabjit Singh alias Kaka in 2025 and murder of Jasdeep Singh alias Deep Cheema in 2025. The accused had fled abroad in October 2024, using a fake passport prepared on particulars of Gurpal son of Hira Singh resident of Kurukshetra, Haryana India, he said. 

         Accused Amrit Dalam’s movements were tracked across multiple countries, while he was on run, said the ADGP, while adding that Punjab Police had issued Red Notice against the accused and shared inputs regarding his fake passport and whereabouts with central agencies at different intervals, which subsequently led to extradition of the accused.

         Inspector General of Police (IGP) Counter Intelligence Ashish Choudhary said that since establishment of OFTEC, nine high-priority fugitives have been deported from different countries in addition to the current extradition. Due to the meticulous efforts of the Cell, two extradition requests sent this year, have resulted in success, the earlier being the case of Amritpal Mehron from UAE, he said.

         The IGP said that the OFTEC is vigorously pursuing extradition matter of 11 other foreign-based fugitives.

CHANDIGARH, September 12:

Drawing a sharp contrast between the era when Akali and Congress leaders traded charges over gangsters on the floor of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha and the Bhagwant Mann Government’s crackdown that has now brought a wanted gangster back from Europe, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab President and Cabinet Minister Aman Arora on Saturday said the first-ever extradition of a gangster from Europe marks the Mann Government’s uncompromising stand against gangsterism. He said that while the previous Akali-BJP and Congress governments allowed gangsterism to flourish to the extent that leaders were openly debating in the 2021 Budget Session over “whose gangster” Jaggu Bhagwanpuria was, the AAP Government has pursued such fugitives across borders and ensured they are brought back to face the law.

The AAP Punjab President said that the Mann Government has left no stone unturned to eradicate drugs and gangsterism from Punjab and will not allow such elements to operate either from Punjab or from foreign soil. He said the Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell (OFTEC), established on January 20, 2026, has already secured the deportation or extradition of 10 wanted fugitives in seven months, while 21 more extradition proposals are pending with the Central Government.

Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, AAP Punjab President and Cabinet Minister Aman Arora said that the Bhagwant Mann Government had made the fight against drugs and gangsters a firm resolve since coming to power. “Our resolve throughout the tenure of the Bhagwant Mann Government has been that we will leave no stone unturned in eliminating drugs and gangsters from Punjab. We believe these are the very elements that previous governments allowed to flourish, whether it was the 10-year Akali Dal-BJP government or the five-year Congress government,” he said.

The AAP Punjab President stated that the situation during the previous regimes had reached such a stage that gangsterism had become a major issue even inside the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. “If you take out the speeches from the 2021 Budget Session of the Vidhan Sabha, when the Akali Dal was in Opposition and Congress was in power, you will see how gangsters had become so emboldened that they were openly being discussed on the floor of the House,” he said.

Referring to the records of the 2021 Budget Session, Aman Arora said Congress leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia had openly argued with each other over alleged links of political leaders with gangsters. “On one side Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and on the other side Bikram Singh Majithia would argue on record—‘Jaggu Bhagwanpuria is your product’, ‘that gangster is your product’. These things were happening inside the sacred Punjab Vidhan Sabha. This was the extent of the degradation that these parties had brought into Punjab’s politics,” he said.

The Cabinet Minister also recalled the incident in which a police personnel laid down his life while trying to protect his daughter. “That was also the time when a police personnel was trying to protect the honour of his daughter and bullets were fired into his chest. Punjab has emerged from those circumstances. The morale of the people is high today,” he said.

“Since the day our government came to power, we have tried to ensure that such elements are not allowed to operate on the soil of Punjab,” he added.

The AAP Punjab Chief said that as Punjab Police intensified action against such elements, many fugitives, hardcore criminals and gangsters fled abroad. “You have yourselves been reporting that whenever an incident takes place, an attempt is made to carry out an incident, or an extortion call is received, these activities often originate from foreign countries or other states,” he said.

He said the AAP government’s objective was to ensure that criminals sitting abroad could not disturb Punjab’s peace and security. “With the specific purpose that nobody sitting abroad should be able to disturb peace and harmony on the soil of Punjab, Punjab Police, on the directions of the government and CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, established the special Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell (OFTEC) on January 20, 2026,” he said.

The Minister said, “The specific purpose of this cell was to identify such elements, track them, trace them and ultimately bring them to jail and ensure that they face their consequences.”

He said the cell had achieved significant success within just seven months by coordinating with agencies at every level. “Whether it is state investigation, the Bureau of Investigation, the CBI, Interpol, the Ministry of Home Affairs, local-level police, the Ministry of External Affairs or the National Investigation Agency (NIA), OFTEC remains in coordination with all these agencies,” he said.

Aman Arora said this coordination was particularly important in cases where a crime or attempted crime in Punjab originated from abroad. “If a complaint comes that an attempt is being made to commit a crime here but it has originated in a foreign country, the cell works to connect the dots and reach the person behind it,” he said.

Congratulating CM Bhagwant Singh Mann and Punjab Police for the success achieved by OFTEC, the Minister said 10 wanted criminals have now been brought back to India through deportation or extradition, while 21 extradition proposals are pending with the Central Government. “The extradition process involves the state police sending proposals to the Central Government, which coordinates with the Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs for bringing the fugitives back from foreign countries,” he added.

Among those brought back is notorious gangster Amritpal Singh alias Amrit Dalam, who faces three serious cases and was brought back from Moldova on Saturday.

The AAP Punjab Chief said several other wanted gangsters have also been brought back from Malaysia, Indonesia, the UAE and the USA. “Ajay Singh alias Ajay Malaysia and Pawandeep Singh, both wanted in FIR No. 150 dated 27.10.2025 under the BNS and Explosive Substances Act at Police Station Jodhewal, Ludhiana, were brought back from Malaysia on 19th August of this year,” he added.

Aman Arora noted, “Jaspreet Singh alias Jass Behbal, wanted in three FIRs at Police Station City Kotkapura, Faridkot, and Police Station Tapa, Barnala, was also brought back from Malaysia on 19.08.2026. Manjeet Singh and Gurvinder Singh, both wanted in FIR No. 76 at Police Station Kotwali, Patiala, were brought back from Malaysia on 18.06.2026. Jobanjit Billa, wanted in FIR No. 94 dated 24.05.2023 under the IPC and Arms Act at Police Station Beas, Amritsar, was brought back from Indonesia on 24.07.2026.”

He pointed out, “From the UAE, Amritpal Singh Mehron, wanted in two FIRs at Amritsar and Barnala, was brought back on 10.04.2026. Bhuvnesh Chopra, wanted in seven FIRs registered in Ferozepur, Kharar, Fazilka and Patiala, was brought back from the UAE on 12.03.2026. Kamal alias Kamal Athwal alias Kamalpreet Singh Billa, wanted in FIR No. 132 at Police Station Machhiwara, Khanna, was brought back from the USA on 24.03.2026.”

Aman Arora said that the Bhagwant Mann Government and Punjab Police are effectively pursuing fugitives across countries and ensuring that those trying to disturb Punjab’s peace from abroad were brought back to face the law. While it is the state government’s duty to ensure that crime does not take place in Punjab, the Centre also has an important responsibility in dealing with gangsters operating from outside the state,” he added.

“I will appeal to the Central Government and the BJP Government, and I will also appeal to the Akali Dal, which is trying to enter into an alliance with the BJP, that gangsters who are sitting in jails in BJP-ruled states and operating from safe havens must be curbed,” he said.

The AAP Punjab President said that these gangsters were not merely running local operations but were operating national and international criminal networks. “These gangsters, sitting in jails and safe havens in BJP-ruled states, are running not only national but international rackets. They have hundreds and thousands of gangsters operating under them. They target whichever person they want, whichever state they want and whichever country they want to target,” he said.

He said, “They are in the custody of the Central Government or in the custody of BJP governments. There must be a check on them as well.”

Aman Arora reiterated that Punjab would continue its uncompromising action against gangsters. “As far as Punjab is concerned, I will reiterate once again that the Bhagwant Mann Government and Punjab Police will not allow such elements to operate here. Punjab Police is the force that sacrificed its lives to bring Punjab out of the dark days of terrorism. This is nothing compared to what Punjab Police has already faced,” he said.

However, he stressed that the nature of organised crime had changed with technology. “Today is the age of technology. There are encrypted messages and encrypted voice calls. Tracking these cannot be the responsibility of the state police alone. For this, there is a need for central agencies and a national-level campaign, a national-level movement,” he said.

Aman Arora congratulated Punjab Police on bringing the Moldova-based gangster back to Punjab and said the action reflected the success of the Mann Government’s directions and the work being carried out by OFTEC. “I congratulate Punjab Police on this major success achieved on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in bringing this gangster back from Moldova,” he said.

Reassuring the people of Punjab, Aman Arora appealed to citizens to immediately inform the local police about any criminal incident, attempted incident or extortion call that comes to their notice. “If any such incident takes place, if you come to know that an incident is going to happen, or if you receive any extortion call, report it to the local police so that the government and police can take firm action,” he said.

The AAP Punjab President assured the people of Punjab that the Bhagwant Mann government would continue to act decisively against criminal networks and protect the state’s peace and security.