Chandigarh/Chennai, October 17:

On their visit to Tamil Nadu, Punjab Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO and Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today witnessed the proceedings of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in Chennai.

Both the Cabinet Ministers observed the functioning of the House and gained insights into its legislative procedures and practices.

On the occasion, Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Mr. M. Appavu extended a warm welcome to the visiting Cabinet Ministers on behalf of the Chief Minister, Members of the Legislative Assembly and the people of Tamil Nadu. The Speaker expressed happiness over the Ministers’ visit and appreciated the spirit of inter-state cooperation between Punjab and Tamil Nadu.

The Ministers thanked the Tamil Nadu Speaker and conveyed greetings from the Government and people of Punjab, reaffirming the commitment to strengthen mutual understanding and cultural exchange between the two states.

CHANDIGARH/ SAS NAGAR, October 17:

In a significant initiative to further enhance the road safety, the Sadak Surakhiya Force (SSF) of the Traffic and Road Safety Wing, Punjab Police on Friday launched the “Hauli Chalo” Sticker Campaign from Bhago Majra Toll Plaza on NH-5 (Mohali–Chandigarh) Highway. Notably, the campaign is being supported by Yara India and implemented by the Sadak Surakhiya Force (SSF).

After launching the drive, Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Traffic & Road Safety, Punjab, AS Rai informed that around 30,000 reflector stickers will be pasted on tractor-trolleys across 144 routes of the SSF in the first phase, covering approximately 4,100 kilometres of key road stretches in Punjab.

He shared that Punjab witnessed 2,048 road accidents involving tractor-trolleys, resulting in 1,569 fatalities, mostly farmers between 2017 and 2022. These incidents accounted for 5-6% of all road accident deaths in the state took place during this period, underscoring the need for targeted safety initiatives. AS Rai stated that the safety of Punjab’s farmers, the backbone of our agrarian economy, on the roads is paramount. The ‘Hauli Chalo’ campaign would mitigate tractor-trolley accidents by improving visibility and promoting road awareness, particularly during the harvesting season.

He said that Punjab has witnessed a reduction in road accident fatalities in 2024, with a notable decline in deaths within 24 hours of accidents. This positive trend is attributed to the combined efforts of enforcement, road engineering, and awareness initiatives by the Punjab Police’s Traffic and Road Safety Wing.

He further informed that all SSF units across Punjab will launch the campaign simultaneously. Considering the ongoing harvesting season, the Punjab Police are acting proactively to safeguard farmers’ lives and raise awareness about safe movement of agricultural vehicles, especially during early morning and late evening hours.

Chandigarh, October 17:

On the fifth day of filing nominations for the bye-election to the 21-Tarn Taran Assembly Constituency, a total of six nomination papers were submitted.

A spokesperson of the Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, informed that Harjit Singh Sandhu, the candidate from the BJP, filed his nomination papers today. In addition, Harmeet Singh Sandhu, the candidate of the Aam Aadmi Party, submitted two nomination papers. Rajesh Walia also filed nomination papers as  covering candidate of Aam Aadmi Party. Meanwhile, Sham Lal Gandhi, the candidate of the Sacho Sach Party, filed his nomination papers as well.

It is noteworthy that Indian National Congress candidate Karanbir Singh also submitted another nomination paper today. Earlier, he had filed his nomination papers on October 15.

The last date for filing nominations is October 21, while the scrutiny of nomination papers will be held on October 22. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is October 24, 2025.

CHANDIGARH, October 17:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 230th day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 326 locations on Friday leading to the arrest of 59 drug smugglers after registration of 57 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 33,280 in 230 days.

          The raids have resulted in recovery of 2.1 kg heroin, 1598 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 3.17 lakhs drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

          Over 120 Police teams, comprising over 1000 police personnel, under the supervision of 66 gazetted officers have conducted 326 raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 349 suspicious persons during the day-long operation.

          The state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 28 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh, October 17:

The maiden meeting of the recently constituted Sector-Specific Committee for the Real Estate sector, aimed at bringing positive transformation, was held at PUDA Bhawan, SAS Nagar.

Addressing the committee members, Punjab Housing and Urban Development Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government recognises the significant contribution of the real estate sector to the state’s development as its progress directly strengthens the state’s economy. He expressed confidence that the Sector-Specific Committee would extend valuable suggestions to the government to set new benchmarks for the real estate sector.

During the meeting, Punjab CREDAI President Mr. Jagjit Singh Majha appreciated the state government’s proactive step in forming this committee to streamline policy formulation for the real estate sector. Committee Chairman Mr. Deepak Garg (Director, Marbella Group) thanked the Punjab Government for this initiative and assured that the committee would fulfil its assigned responsibilities with complete diligence. It was agreed that in the coming days, meetings would be organised in Jalandhar and Ludhiana between builders and respective development authorities to outline strategies for encouraging more investments in the real estate sector in these cities.

To make the real estate sector more investment-friendly and growth-oriented, the committee members unanimously agreed on the need for immediate measures to expedite the issuance of CLU, LoI, licences and other approvals, to simplify the process for partial and final completion certificates and to make the system for plot hypothecation and de-hypothecation more efficient.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included GMADA Chief Administrator Mr. Vishesh Sarangal, Additional Chief Administrator and Member Secretary of the Sector-Specific Committee Mr. Amarinder Singh Malhi, Committee Vice Chairman Mr. Rupinder Singh Chawla (MD, CEE ENN Promoters and Developers Pvt. Ltd.) and members Mr. Sukhdev Singh (Director, AGI Group), Mr. Pradeep Kumar Bansal (Director, HLP Group), Mr. Baljeet Singh (Director, Jubilee Group), Mr. Deepak Makhija (Business Head Punjab, Emaar Group), Mr. Rupinder Singh Gill (MD, Gillsons Construction Ltd.), Mr. Rohit Sharma (Executive Director, DLF Group), Mr. Mohinder Goyal (Chairman, Affinity Group) and Mr. Varun Dham (Director, KLV Builders).

Chandigarh, October 17:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday sought the support of the United Kingdom’s legal fraternity to assist the state government in procuring rare video footages of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh.

Interacting with a delegation of the Bar Council of England and Wales at his residence, the Chief Minister said that no video record of the legendary martyr is available in India. However, he noted that it has been learnt that Scotland Yard may possess rare footage of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, particularly from the time of his arrest and trial. Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized that such footage holds immense significance for all Indians, especially Punjabis, who deeply revere the iconic freedom fighter.

The Chief Minister stated that the state government is already making earnest efforts to acquire this footage so that it can serve as an inspiration for future generations. He urged the Bar Council of England and Wales to support the state government in this noble endeavour, ensuring that the glorious legacy of the martyr continues to inspire the youth. Bhagwant Singh Mann affirmed that the state government will leave no stone unturned in pursuing this matter of great national importance.

Dwelling on another agenda, the Chief Minister also sought strong support and cooperation from the Bar Council to attract investments in Punjab from British investors. He highlighted that the state offers immense potential in sectors such as information technology, food processing, and automobiles, which can yield substantial benefits for investors. Bhagwant Singh Mann invited British investors to participate in the “Invest Punjab Summit” scheduled to be held in March next year.

Meanwhile, Chair of the Bar Council of England and Wales Barbara Mills KC, Adviser to the Chair of the Bar Piran Dhillon-Starkings, Consultant Melisha Charles, Barrister at 4PB Baljinder Bath, and others assured their full support and cooperation to the Chief Minister. They also lauded several transformative initiatives undertaken by Bhagwant Singh Mann aimed at accelerating the state’s economic growth and ensuring the welfare of its people.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, October 17:

          In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab, in a joint operation with Amritsar Rural Police, arrested gangster Jasvir Singh alias Lalla — a key associate of foreign-based gangster Harpreet Singh alias Happy Jatt and Bambiha Gang, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.

          The Police teams have also recovered one foreign-made .30 caliber pistol along with eight live cartridges from the possession of arrested accused person.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary interrogation has revealed that accused Jasvir Singh alias Lalla was being directed by his foreign-based handlers to target rival gang members.

          ADGP AGTF Promod Ban said that the arrested gangster was wanted in murder of Parminderdeep Singh alias Prince that took place in July 2024, besides his involvement in attack on Police Party in February 2025, in which one ASI of Punjab Police was injured.

          Sharing operational details, AIG AGTF Sandeep Goel said that acting on specific intelligence, police teams under the supervision of DSP AGTF Bikramjit Brar and DSP D Amritsar Rural Gurinder Pal Singh Nagra intercepted the suspect Jasvir alias Lalla at village Wadala Bhitewind, where resorted to indiscriminate firing on police party in order to escape but was overpowered after a brief exchange of fire. The police teams were led by Inspector Vikram, SI Chandar and SI Komal, he said.

          The AIG said that the arrested gangster is a key shooter of wanted gangster Happy Jatt, who has fled abroad. The latter is wanted in several cases of murder and attempt to murder, he said.

          Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Amritsar Rural Maninder Singh said that the arrested accused has a criminal history with number of criminal cases including murder, attempt to murder, Arms Act, etc registered against him. Further investigations are ongoing and more arrests and recoveries are likely in coming days, he added.

          In this regard, a case FIR no. 199 dated 17/10/2025 has been registered under sections 109, 111, 221 and 132 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and section 25 (8) of the Arms Act  at Police Station Kamboo in Amritsar Rural.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, October 17:

          In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing special checking and special operations to ensure safe and peaceful festive season as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) Amritsar, in coordination with a central agency, arrested five members of a smuggling network linked to foreign handlers and recovered four 9MM calibre Glock pistols along with ammunition and 2 kg of heroin from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Shivam Arora of New Jaspal Nagar, Sultanwind road, Amritsar; Gurpreet Singh of New Kapoor Nagar, Amritsar; Anmoldeep Singh of Sultanwind Road, Amritsar; Abhishekh Singh of village Dhand in Tarn Taran and Kulmit Singh of Colony Ganga Nagar village Dhand Tarn Taran.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigations have revealed that the accused were acting under a Dubai-based smuggler in touch with Pakistani associates. The seized consignment originates from Pakistan, he said.

          The DGP said that efforts are underway to nab the remaining members and dismantle the entire network.

          Sharing operational details, AIG SSOC Amritsar Sukhminder Singh Mann said that following reliable inputs about the involvement of these suspects in smuggling activities, police teams in joint operation with central agency teams had launched an intelligence led operation and arrested five accused persons and recovered consignment of narcotics and sophisticated weapons, which was supposed to be delivered further to criminals.

          The AIG said that further investigations are being conducted to establish forward and backward linkages in this case to unearth this entire network. Accused will be produced in the court in due course, he said.

           In this regard, a case FIR No. 61 dated 16.10.2025 has been registered under sections 21 and 29 of the NDPS Act, section 25 of the Arms Act and section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station SSOC Amritsar.

Chandigarh, October 17:

The Group of Ministers of the Punjab Government overseeing the events to commemorate the 350th martyrdom day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji on Friday finalized detailed arrangements for this mega event.

GoM held a meeting at the Tourism office, sector 38, presided over by Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond, Education & IPR Minister Harjot Singh Bains and Advisor (Tourism & Cultural Affairs) Deepak Bali. Representatives from all concerned departments attended it.

The GoM briefed the officers about their respective roles and responsibilities to ensure that the events are organized in a seamless and spiritually uplifting manner across Punjab and at key historical locations.

Harjot Singh Bains emphasized that the entire month of November will be observed on a grand scale to pay homage to the supreme sacrifice of the Ninth Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, and his devoted disciples who stood as eternal symbols of courage, righteousness, and faith. He said that all departments have been instructed to work in close coordination to make the commemorations memorable for the devotees arriving from across India and abroad. “This historic occasion is not just a tribute, but a spiritual responsibility for us to ensure that the sanctity and devotion associated with the 350th Martyrdom Day are reflected in every arrangement,” he added.

The Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond further shared that the city of Sri Anandpur Sahib will be painted white, symbolizing purity and peace, in time for the main events scheduled from November 23 to 25. He said the state government is committed to providing every possible facility for the Sangat from road carpeting and tent city arrangements to clean drinking water, washrooms, medical aid, and efficient traffic management. As many as 29 parking slots have been identified and will be operational during the event, supported by a dedicated shuttle bus service to ferry devotees to and from the holy site. “The Punjab Government, under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the commemorations are organized in complete alignment with religious beliefs and cultural traditions,” he asserted.

Both Ministers elaborated that every department is working with deep commitment and coordination to uphold the spiritual significance of this commemoration. They said that the review meeting was held to assess preparedness and to ensure that all facilities and infrastructural requirements are completed well in time. “The martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji, and Bhai Dayala Ji represents the highest ideals of sacrifice for faith and humanity. Our collective effort is to make sure that devotees from every corner of the world experience the sanctity and smooth organization of this historic event,” they remarked.

Speaking on the occasion, Advisor (Tourism & Cultural Affairs) Deepak Bali further revealed that Chief Ministers from 28 states across India have been invited to participate in the commemorations, which are envisioned as a reflection of India’s spiritual unity and diversity. He said that Punjab, being the land of the Ninth Guru, holds the honor of leading these historic observances, which will include Kirtan Darbars, Nagar Kirtans, Light and Sound Shows, and interfaith conferences. “We are confident that with the blessings of the Guru and the collective spirit of service, this sacred occasion will be remembered for generations as a symbol of peace, devotion, and oneness,” he concluded.