Chandigarh, February 28 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the government is moving forward with the resolve of “Viksit Haryana-Viksit Bharat” in line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision to transform India into a developed nation by 2047.

The Chief Minister was addressing the gathering during a program held at Karasan village in Ambala on Saturday. On this occasion, he unveiled the statue of Swami Vivekananda. The Chief Minister said that Swami Vivekananda was not merely a saint, but a legendary figure who awakened India’s dormant national consciousness. His statue is not just a stone monument, but a living symbol of inspiration, self-confidence, and patriotism for future generations.

Congratulating the Swami Vivekananda Utthan Samiti for this noble initiative, he said that such efforts spread positive awareness in society. On this occasion, the Chief Minister announced a grant of Rs 21 lakh for development works in village Karasan and another Rs 21 lakh for the Swami Vivekananda Utthan Samiti. The Chief Minister was accorded warm welcome by Jasveer Singh, President of the Vivekananda Utthan Samiti and Additional Advocate General of Haryana, along with committee members and villagers.

The Chief Minister said that in 1893, at the World’s Parliament of Religions held in Chicago, USA, Swami Vivekananda began his address with the words “Sisters and Brothers of America,” which was a glorious moment in Indian history. That speech established India’s spiritual and cultural strength on the global stage. He added that just as Swami Vivekananda waived the flag of Indian culture across the world in the 19th century, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is now taking India’s global prestige to new heights. 

Referring to youth, the Chief Minister said that Swami Vivekananda considered youth as the greatest strength of the nation. He believed that if he had 100 energetic and virtuous young people, he could transform the country. Today, the Haryana Government is continuously working to empower youth in the fields of education, sports, skill development, and employment.

He informed that as many as 34,000 youth have been recruited in the last one year, and over the last 11 years, around 2 lakh youth have been given the job on merit base. Better arrangements were made for the CET examination, and candidates did not face any inconvenience.

The Chief Minister stated that through the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam, youth are being provided employment opportunities in India and abroad through legal channels. Strict laws have been enacted to curb the illegal “donkey route.” Recently, a demand for 10,000 positions has been received from abroad, and the selection process for eligible candidates is underway. A total of 1,14,000 youth have been given skill training, and under the “Future Ready Skill” program, those aspiring to go abroad are being provided 75 hours of special training along with knowledge of Artificial Intelligence.

Speaking on women empowerment, the Chief Minister said that Swami Vivekananda was a strong supporter of women’s empowerment. The government is also committed to making women self-reliant. Under the Deen Dayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana, around 9,22,000 women from families with an annual income of up to Rs 1 lakh are being provided financial assistance of Rs 2,100 per month. So far, Rs 634 crore has been distributed under the scheme.

During the program, the Chief Minister also distributed sewing machines to 25 women.

On this occasion, Jasveer Singh, President of the Vivekananda Utthan Samiti and Additional Advocate General of Haryana, expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister and other dignitaries present and provided detailed information about the social welfare activities being carried out by the committee.

Former MLA Dr. Pawan Saini, RTI Commissioner Dr. Jagbir Singh, Deputy Commissioner Ajay Singh Tomar, Superintendent of Police Ajit Singh Shekhawat, and others were present on the occasion.

Chandigarh, February 28 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh.Nayab Singh Saini made several major announcements at the ‘Krishi Vikas Mela’ in Ladwa. He announced that an Institute of Organic Agriculture and Modern Management System will be set up on 10 acres of land in village Mathana. The institute will offer undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD courses in Agricultural Science.

He also announced that the Kaithal to Yamunanagar road via Dhand, Pipli and Radaur will be made four-lane. This four-lane road will connect NH-152D, NH-44 and the Shamli Expressway. In addition, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of the new building of the Ladwa Sub-Divisional Secretariat and nine roads of the Public Works Department.

The Chief Minister inaugurated the State-Level ‘Krishi Vikas Mela’ organised by Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University at the Ladwa Grain Market. He toured the mela and visited the stalls set up by the university and farmers while sitting on a tractor.

The Chief Minister described the ‘Krishi Vikas Mela’ as a celebration of Haryana’s agricultural spirit and a festival of the hard work, determination and innovation of farmers. He congratulated and extended best wishes to the university and all the organisers for the grand event. The Chief Minister also conveyed his heartfelt greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Holi.

Vice-Chancellor, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Dr. B.R. Kamboj, honored the Chief Minister and the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana with a memento, shawl and bouquet.

While addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that progressive farmers have accelerated the agricultural sector through innovation and have become a source of inspiration for others. The theme of the mela is “Water Conservation – More Crop per Drop.” In the present time, changing climate conditions, declining groundwater levels and irregular rainfall have created new challenges for agriculture. In such a situation, a fair focused on water conservation is a visionary initiative. “More crop per drop” also means bringing change in our thinking along with technology. He said that we must understand that water is not unlimited. This fair will connect farmers with advanced water management technologies and take the shape of a mass movement.

Scientific research should reach every field and every farmer

The Chief Minister said that scientific research of the university should not remain confined to laboratories but should reach every field and every farmer. Direct dialogue between farmers and scientists can take agriculture to new heights. The fair is a strong platform to connect farmers with modern agricultural equipment, improved seeds, new technologies and scientific advice. More than 150 stalls, display of modern farm machinery, soil and water testing facilities, diagnosis of diseased crops, crop competitions and lucky draws together make this fair a confluence of knowledge, innovation and inspiration.

Government’s vision is to make farmers energy providers, employment generators and builders of the economy

The Chief Minister said that Haryana is an agriculture-based state. Our identity lies in our fields, and our prosperity comes from the hard work of our farmers. Haryana has always played a leading role in making the country self-reliant in food production. He said the clear vision of the double-engine government is that farmers should not only be food providers but also energy providers, employment generators and builders of the economy. Therefore, government policies are focused not only on increasing production but also on raising farmers’ income, reducing costs and minimizing risks.

Rs.157 Crore financial assistance given to farmers for shifting from Paddy to alternative Crops

The Chief Minister said that farmers should grow crops that require less water. To promote such crops, the government launched the “Mera Pani Meri Virasat” scheme in 2020. Under this scheme, farmers growing alternative crops or leaving fields fallow are given financial assistance of Rs.8,000 per acre. Under the scheme, Rs. 157 crore has been given as financial assistance to farmers for sowing alternative crops instead of paddy on 2.20 lakh acres.

To conserve water, rainwater harvesting and micro-irrigation techniques such as drip and sprinkler systems are being promoted. Subsidy of up to 85 percent is provided on micro-irrigation technologies. Up to 85 percent subsidy is also given for constructing ponds.

11 schemes to use treated sewage treatment plant water for irrigation completed

The Chief Minister said the government has prepared 27 schemes to use treated water from sewage treatment plants for irrigation, out of which 11 have been completed. These will provide a sustainable source of water for irrigation, reduce pressure on canals and decrease groundwater extraction.

He said the government has created awareness among farmers to tackle the problem of crop residue and stubble burning and has provided more than one lakh machines for stubble management. The government has also enacted a law to curb fake seeds and pesticides. The Chief Minister urged representatives of seed and pesticide companies present at the event to cooperate in preventing fake products.

21 crops included under Mukhya Mantri Bagwani Bima Yojna

The Chief Minister said progressive farmers in the state have adopted modern technologies such as net houses, polyhouses and hi-tech green net houses for vegetable and fruit cultivation. To promote horticulture, the government has implemented the ‘Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana’ for vegetables and fruits. So far, more than Rs.157 crore has been given as compensation to over 35,000 farmers under this scheme.

He said Haryana is the first state in the country to protect horticulture farmers from weather-related risks by including 21 crops under the Mukhya Mantri Bagwani Bima Yojna(MMBBY).

Government bringing drones, remote sensing, AI-Based systems and digital farming to farmers

The Chief Minister said digital technology has transformed agriculture. The government is working to bring innovations such as drones, remote sensing, AI-based decision systems and digital farming to farmers. Through a transparent procurement system, timely payments and digital platforms, farmers are being empowered. This ‘Krishi Vikas Mela’ is a strong step in that direction. The knowledge, inspiration and energy gained here will be grateful when implemented in the fields.

Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said Haryana produces rice for the world. The country imports pulses from other nations, so farmers need to move beyond routine crops and grow other varieties. In paddy cultivation, which requires high water usage, technology and direct seeding methods should be adopted. He said the government is promoting allied activities such as animal husbandry, fisheries and vegetable production to make farmers prosperous.

He added that the government is continuously formulating schemes to increase farmers’ income, keeping in mind the goal of a developed India by 2047. He said earlier generations used to cultivate a variety of crops, and that method needs to be adopted again.

HAU conducts successful research on nearly 50 varieties

Principal Secretary, Agriculture Department, Sh. Pankaj Agarwal welcomed all the guests and elaborated on departmental schemes. Vice-Chancellor, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Prof. Dr. B.R. Kamboj said that HAU organised the fair outside its campus for the first time. The university has conducted successful research on nearly 50 varieties, including millet, sugarcane and paddy. Farmers are being encouraged to adopt direct seeding of paddy.

Chief Minister honors progressive women farmers

The Chief Minister honored progressive women farmers from across the state at the fair, including Kajal from village Agondh (Karnal), Indira Devi from village Mirpur Korali (Mandkola), Rekha from Adampur (Hisar), Munni Bai from village Nathuwas (Bhiwani), Rajni from village Bahadurpur (Yamunanagar), Pushpa Devi from village Basara (Panipat), Neetu Yadav from village Gudha (Mahendragarh), Nirmala from village Ikkas (Jind), Pooja Devi from village Batta (Kaithal), Sarita from village Faizupur Khadar (Faridabad), Sunita Devi from village Baladwala (Panchkula), Sonia from village Purkhas Rathi (Sonipat), Mandeep Kaur from village Dhanora Jattan (Kurukshetra), Manchanl Rani from village Sangel (Nuh), Saroj from village Dhani Dult (Fatehabad), Manisha from Dev Nagar (Jhajjar), Neha Devi from village Kathgarh Chhapra (Ambala), Sheela Devi from Mohamadpur (Rewari), Babita from village Pahrawar (Rohtak) and Kuldeep Kaur from village Mithri (Sirsa).

Former Minister of State, Sh. Subhash Sudha, Deputy Commissioner, Sh. Vishram Kumar Meena, Superintendent of Police, Sh. Nitish Agarwal, Chairman,  Livestock Development Board, Sh. Dharmveer Mirzapur and a large number of farmers were present at the event.

Chandigarh February 28, 2026:

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against  corruption in the state, has apprehended  Sub-Inspector Mewa Singh posted in police station cyber cell, Sangrur, red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. 50000/-.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above-mentioned accused has been arrested based on a complaint lodged by a resident of  village Kothe Maha Singh Wala district Bathinda.

He said that  the a case was registered in police station cyber crime Sangrur against the complainant and his wife  wherein the accused Sub-Inspector was the investigating officer. In this regard, complainant alleged that the accused Sub- Inspector demanded bribe money of Rs. 50,000/- to help him to get discharged his wife from this case.

Unwilling to pay any illegal gratification, the complainant approached the Vigilance Bureau range , Patiala. After a preliminary enquiry on his complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which the accused Sub- Inspector Mewa Singh was arrested red handed while accepting  bribe money of Rs 50,000/- from the complainant in presence of two official witnesses.

In this regard, a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused at VB police station Patiala and further investigation into this case is under progress.

CHANDIGARH, February 28:

In a transformative step that reflects a bold and forward-looking vision for Punjab’s future, the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is set to introduce ‘Khed Pitara’, a comprehensive play-based learning kit, across Government Primary Schools to ensure joyful and meaningful learning for young students. Far more than a classroom intervention, this initiative represents a long-term investment in Punjab’s human capital. By focusing on children between the ages of 3 and 8, the Bhagwant Singh Mann Government is strengthening the very foundation of learning at a stage that determines future academic success, confidence and cognitive development.

This initiative reflects the Bhagwant Mann Government’s commitment to transforming classrooms in the Foundational Stage from Nursery to Class 2 into engaging, child-centred, play-based learning environments that promote learning through play, exploration and hands-on activities. It is a first-of-its-kind initiative being implemented by the Punjab Government at this scale. All printed materials are being provided in Punjabi to ensure better comprehension and meaningful learning for young children across Punjab.

*What is Khed Pitara?*

Khed Pitara is a comprehensive play-based Learning-Teaching Material kit designed for children aged 3 to 8 years, covering Nursery to Class 2. The kit promotes experiential, activity-based and joyful learning by enabling children to learn through play, exploration and interaction rather than memorisation. By shifting the focus from rote learning to activity-based engagement, the Bhagwant Government is nurturing curiosity, creativity and confidence in young learners from the very beginning of their educational journey, laying a strong foundation that will shape Punjab’s future workforce and leadership.

*How the Initiative Will Help Students*

Through Khed Pitara, classrooms will become more interactive, inclusive and child-friendly by enabling learning through play and exploration. The kit is designed to strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy, improve language and communication skills, foster creativity and imagination, develop problem-solving abilities, support social and emotional growth and reduce stress and fear associated with early schooling. Instead of passive learning, children will participate in storytelling, games, hands-on activities and collaborative tasks that make learning natural and enjoyable. By investing at this foundational stage, the Bhagwant Mann Government is ensuring that learning gaps are addressed early, reducing long-term disparities and building a confident generation prepared for higher education and emerging opportunities.

*What the Kit Contains*

The kit includes age-appropriate learning materials for early grades such as toys and manipulatives, puzzles and games, story cards and flash cards, posters and activity books, puppets and play materials, along with teacher resource materials. Each component supports key developmental areas including language, numeracy, creativity and social learning, ensuring holistic development of children across Punjab.

*Beneficiaries & Distribution*

The initiative will benefit approximately 7.5 lakh children studying in the Foundational Stage across Punjab. Khed Pitara kits will be distributed to around 12,856 Government Primary Schools across Punjab, ensuring near-universal coverage of early grade classrooms. Teachers handling Foundational Stage classes will also receive structured support through activity-based teaching materials to strengthen classroom implementation. The Bhagwant Mann Government is investing approximately ₹9.3 crore in this initiative. Procurement has been completed in a timely manner, distribution is in the final stage and work orders are being issued for supply to schools. The kits will be distributed to all Government Primary Schools by 1st April.

On this, Punjab’s Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains stated that the Bhagwant Mann Government believes the real transformation of education begins at the foundational stage. “By investing in children between 3 and 8 years of age, the Bhagwant Mann Government is making a strategic, long-term investment in Punjab’s future. Khed Pitara will ensure that children do not experience schooling as pressure, but as discovery, creativity and confidence-building, and that this initiative reflects the government’s commitment to building strong academic foundations that will yield results for decades to come,” he added.

*Bhagwant Mann Government’s Commitment to Transforming Early Education*

This initiative underscores the Bhagwant Singh Mann Government’s strong commitment to strengthening foundational learning and ensuring every child receives a joyful and engaging start to schooling. By moving classrooms away from rote learning toward playful, activity-based education, the Bhagwant Singh Mann Government is not merely reforming curriculum but reshaping the future of Punjab through sustained, visionary investment in its youngest citizens.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, February 28:

          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, Amritsar Commissionerate Police has busted three organised cross-border drug and illegal arms smuggling modules with the arrest of total 10 accused persons and recovered 5.4 Kg Heroin, three sophisticated pistols and ₹4500 drug money from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Gurpreet Singh alias Billa (21) of Guru Ki Wadali in Amritsar, Lovepreet Singh alias Love (25) of village Boparai Baj Singh in Amritsar, Satnam Singh alias Judge (28) of village Sursingh in Tarn Taran, Rohit Sharma alias Dakku (21) of Mohkampura in Amritsar, Gurlal Singh alias Dima (38) of village Mastgarh in Tarn Taran; Manpreet Singh alias Manna (30), Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi (24), Shankar Kumar (53), Anish alias Yakki (23) and Ravi alias Ganja alias Takla (30), all residents of of Patti in Tarn Taran.

          The recovered weapons include one 9MM Glock, one 9MM Zigana and one .32 bore along with 34 live cartridges. Police teams have also impounded their one motorcycle.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested accused were in contact with Pak-based smugglers through social media platforms. Heroin and illegal weapons were being smuggled into Indian territory and further distributed across different areas through a well-organised network, he said.

          The DGP said that further investigation is underway to establish forward and backward linkages and dismantle the entire network.

          Sharing details of first operation, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that acting on specific secret information, police teams apprehended Gurpreet alias Billa and recovered 230 grams of heroin from his possession. Further investigation led to the arrest of his accomplices Lovepreet alias Love and Satnam Singh alias Judge and recovery of 3 kg Heroin, one 9MM Zigana and 9MM Glock along with 32 live cartridges was effected.

          He said that accused Lovepreet alias Love is also wanted in a murder case registered at Police Station Lopoke in Amritsar Rural.

          In a related operation, the CP said that police teams have apprehended Manpreet alias Manna and Gurlal alias Dima after recovering 205 grams heroin, ₹4500 drug money and one motorcycle. Further investigation led to the nomination and formal arrest of Gurpreet alias Gopi (lodged in jail), who was running the module from jail, he said, while adding that on his disclosure, his accomplices identified as Shankar Kumar, Anish alias Yakki and Ravi alias Ganja alias Takla were arrested. Acting on the disclosure of Shankar Kumar, 2 kg 3 gm heroin was further recovered.

          CP Gurpreet Bhullar said that in another operation against illegal arms, police teams have arrested Rohit alias Dakku and recovered one .32 bore pistol along with two live cartridges from his possession.

          In this regard, three separate cases— FIR no. 31 dated 18-02-2026 under sections 21 and 21-C of the NDPS act and sections 25(5, 6, 7) of the Arms Act at Police Station Contonment; FIR no. 52 dated 20-02-2026 under sections 21-B, 21-C, 27-A and 29 ofthe NDPS act at Police Station Islamabad and FIR no. 28 dated 23-02-2026 unde section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station Mohkampura in Amritsar— have been registered.

Chandigarh/ SAS Nagar, February 28:

Reaffirming Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s commitment to fostering innovation, The Education and Information & Public Relations Minister, S. Harjot Singh Bains, today asserted that the trajectory of a developed nation is defined by its scientific discoveries. He called upon the youth to embrace the spirit of inquiry to propel the nation’s growth story onto the global stage.

Inaugurating the annual Science Fest “TATTVA” at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Mohali, on the occasion of National Science Day, Minister Bains urged students to view science not merely as a subject, but as the ultimate tool for national resurgence.

“From the invention of the wheel to the advent of Artificial Intelligence, every leap in human progress has been a leap in scientific thought. The progress of our nation is written in the language of science,” said Minister Bains, addressing a gathering of young.

Drawing a direct line from historical breakthroughs to contemporary ambitions, the Education Minister highlighted that India’s advancement in high-speed rail, aerospace, medical sciences, and digital infrastructure is the direct result of scientific temper. He urged students to draw inspiration from the giants of Indian science—Dr. C. V. Raman, whose discovery of the Raman Effect we celebrate today; the Father of Fibre Optics, Dr. Narinder Singh Kapany; nuclear pioneer Dr. Piara Singh Gill; and Nobel laureate Dr. Har Gobind Khorana.

“These visionaries did not just solve problems; they built the foundational pillars of modern India. I urge you to make scientists your icons and books your lifelong companions. The goal is not just to secure admission to prestigious institutions like the IITs, IIMs, or IISER, but to emerge from them as nation-builders,” he added.

The Education Minister Harjot Bains emphasised the critical role of curiosity in driving national development, encouraging students to question the “why” and “how” of everyday phenomena. He expressed pride in the fact that the Punjab Government’s focus on quality infrastructure and competitive coaching is yielding results, with over 300 government school students qualifying JEE Mains this year alone.

In a move to strengthen the science ecosystem, the Education Minister assured IISER Mohali Director Dr. Anil Kumar Tripathi of the Punjab Government’s full cooperation. He expressed a strong desire for a formal collaboration between the state’s school education department and premier research institutes to inculcate scientific temper at the grassroots level.

“Institutions like IISER are the engines of innovation. We want our students to have direct access to these engines—to work in their labs, to learn from their faculty, and to dream of walking their corridors as students one day,” he stated.

During the event, the Minister released the science magazine ‘Meraki’ and unveiled the IISER Mohali alumni website. He later toured the student exhibition, engaging enthusiastically with young innovators and appreciating their scientific models.

Earlier, Dr. Anil Kumar Tripathi welcomed the Education Minister S. Bains and highlighted the significance of National Science Day in commemorating the Nobel-winning discovery of the Raman Effect, which put Indian science on the world map.

Chandigarh, February 28:

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is taking continuous, concrete and people-centric steps to ensure the health, security and dignity of senior citizens, treating them as a valuable asset of society. As part of the state-level campaign “Our Seniors, Our Pride”, more than 22,000 senior citizens have been registered through health check-up camps and connected with various government welfare schemes.

Sharing this information, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that under the Senior Citizen Action Plan, a budget provision of ₹7.86 crore has been made during the financial year 2025–26 to ensure comprehensive care for the elderly, with a special focus on taking healthcare services closer to their doorstep.

She informed that during the health camps, 6,622 senior citizens underwent general health check-ups, 2,544 received orthopedic examinations and eye check-ups were conducted for 4,719 beneficiaries. In addition, 2,267 senior citizens participated in yoga sessions, 1,676 availed homeopathic treatment and 2,054 benefited from Ayurvedic treatment along with assistive devices, significantly strengthening both physical and mental well-being.

The Cabinet Minister further stated that under the ALIMCO scheme, 421 senior citizens were registered, out of which 89 were provided with wheelchairs, spectacles and hearing aids. Besides this, old-age pension forms of 566 senior citizens were prepared and senior citizen cards were issued to 455 beneficiaries.

She added that health camps have been successfully organized in most districts of the state, while camps will soon be conducted in Faridkot and Sangrur. At these camps, senior citizens were sent for further treatment for cataract surgery, provided free assistive devices, pension-related services, senior citizen cards, yoga camps and legal awareness programmes — all under one roof.

Under this initiative, 5,110 senior citizens were also made aware of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. To promote socially active and dignified ageing, productive and inter-generational activities were organized, in which 459 senior citizens participated in active ageing camps, while 2,192 took part in cultural and inter-generational activities such as Giddha, Bhangra, poetry and theatre. Additionally, 3,005 senior citizens adopted a healthier lifestyle through yoga camps.

The Punjab Government has also launched a dedicated helpline number 14567 for senior citizens. Any elderly person can call this helpline to seek immediate assistance.

Dr. Baljit Kaur said that senior citizens are an invaluable treasure of society and caring for them is both a moral and social responsibility of the Mann Government. She appealed to families and social organizations to actively support senior citizens by helping them avail these government welfare facilities.

CHANDIGARH, February 28:

          Amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) SAS Nagar has busted a foreign-based terror module and foiled a major terror conspiracy with the arrest of two operatives and recovered one fully assembled RDX-laden Improvised Explosive Device (IED), weighing approximately 2.5 kg, and Glock pistol along with four live cartridges from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Mahavir Kumar alias Kaka, a native of village Qalam in SBS Nagar and currently residing at Ghanuali in Rupnagar and Manpreet Singh alias Mani, a resident of village Qalam in SBS Nagar. The recovered IED was fitted with dual detonation mechanisms— remote and timer.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav preliminary investigation has revealed that the accused were acting under the directions of foreign-based handlers and had concealed the IED near the SBS Nagar bypass after retrieving the consignment for further instructions regarding the intended target. The device was fully assembled and ready for use, indicating an imminent threat to public safety, he said.

          The DGP said that further investigation is underway to dismantle the entire network and trace the supply chain and funding links.

          Sharing operational details, AIG SSOC SAS Nagar Deepak Pareek said that acting on specific intelligence inputs police teams have arrested suspects Mahavir alias Kaka and his associate Manpreet Singh from District SBS Nagar. At the time of arrest, one Glock pistol was recovered from possession of Mahavir alias Kaka, he said.

          The AIG said that during sustained interrogation, Mahavir disclosed that he had retrieved a consignment containing the IED, which he had concealed near SBS Nagar bypass and was awaiting further instructions regarding the intended target. Acting promptly on his disclosures, police teams have recovered the IED and a remote control device from the spot pinpointed by the accused, he said.

 In this regard, a case under relevant sections of Explosive Substances Act and Arms Act at Police Station SSOC Mohali.

CHANDIGARH, February 28:

          As the decisive ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign launched under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann enters its 39th day, Punjab Police on Saturday conducted 548 raids at the 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 has been conducting special operations across the state.

          On Day 39, Police teams arrested 224 individuals and recovered 17 weapons from their possession, taking the total arrests to 12,024 since the launch of the campaign.

 Apart from this, preventive action has been taken against 111 persons, whereas, 136 persons were verified and released after questioning. Police teams have also arrested four 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 364th day with 89 drug smugglers arrested on Saturday and recovered 2.3 kg heroin, 1.8 kg opium, 1766 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 15,980 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 51,616 in just 364 days. As part of De-addiction, the Punjab Police has convinced 35 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

CHANDIGARH, February 28:

          In a major blow to an organised international drug trafficking network, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of Punjab Police has busted an international narcotics network operating across the Tricity region and Ludhiana, with the arrest of six key operatives involved in the supply of highly potent, foreign-origin party drugs targeting urban youth, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Rishav, Mukesh Kumar, Lakhwinder Singh, Ravi Kumar, Baljinder Singh and Talwinder Singh.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav stated that the scale of the seizure is unprecedented, marking one of the largest MDMA tablet recoveries in the country.

          The seized contraband includes 1,215 MDMA tablets, 263 grams cocaine, 82 grams methamphetamine (ICE), 1.2 kg of various THC variants, 16 grams magic mushrooms, and 400 grams of opium, he said, while adding that drug proceeds amounting to ₹9 lakh were also recovered from the possession of the accused persons.

          The DGP said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the syndicate sourced narcotics from abroad through air courier channels and used encrypted social media platforms to coordinate distribution and evade detection.Further investigation is underway to trace backward and forward linkages and identify other associates, he added.

          Sharing operational details, AIG ANTF Ashwini Gotyal said that the action was initiated following specific human intelligence inputs indicating that a drug supplier, identified as Rishav, was operating from an apartment in Kharar and distributing narcotics within club and party circuits, primarily targeting youth in the Tricity area.

          Acting swiftly on this information, police teams conducted a well-planned raid at the identified premises, leading to the arrest of suspect Rishav with 1215 MDMA tablets, 155 gram cocaine, 82 gram ICE, 10 variants of THC weighing 973 grams, 16 grams of magic mushrooms, 400 grams of opium and ₹3 lakh drug money from his possession.

          The AIG said that further investigation uncovered a broader distribution module based in Ludhiana, which was functioning as a key supply and

redistribution hub for the Tricity region. Subsequent coordinated raids resulted in the arrest of key operatives— Mukesh Kumar, Lakhwinder Singh, Ravi Kumar, Baljinder Singh and Talwinder Singh and 108 grams cocaine, 278 grams of THC, and ₹6 lakh in drug money was recovered from their possession, she said.

          AIG Ashwini Gotyal said that several of the seized substances are recognised globally as highly potent and dangerous, and have been subject to public health advisories and enforcement warnings in their countries of origin owing to their severe psychological and physiological effects.

 In this regard, a case FIR No. 42, dated 27.02.2026 has been registered under sections 18, 20, 21, 22, 22 (C), 27 and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station ANTF in SAS Nagar.