CHANDIGARH/FEROZEPUR, April 1: 

          Amidst the ongoing war against drugs waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence (CI) Ferozepur has busted a cross-border drug smuggling racket with the arrest of a drug smuggler and recovered 3.5 kg heroin from his possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Tuesday.

          The arrested accused has been identified as Sukhdev Singh alias Sukhi, a resident of Mohan Ke Uttar in Ferozepur. Apart from recovering heroin, police teams have also impounded his Hero Splendor motorcycle (PB-05-AM-5620), which he was riding. 

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation revealed that the arrested accused was in direct contact with the Pakistan-based smuggler, who was using drones to drop the drug consignments from across the border. Further investigation is underway to trace the forward and backward linkages in this case, he added. 

          Sharing operation details, AIG Counter Intelligence Ferozepur Gursewak Singh Brar said that following a reliable input about involvement of accused Sukhdev Sukhi in smuggling activities, police teams from CI Ferozepur launched an intelligence-based operation in the area of Village Lakho Ke Behram in Ferozepur and apprehended him along with seven packets of heroin, weighing 500 grams each, kept in a plastic bag.

          He said that the accused was going to deliver the consignment to someone, when police teams apprehended him. Efforts are being made to uncover the entire network of suppliers, dealers, and buyers, as well as to identify the person to whom accused Sukhdev Sukhi was to deliver the drug consignment, he said, while adding that more recoveries and arrests are likely in the coming days.

          In this regard, a case FIR No. 10 dated 31.03.2025 has been registered under section 21-C of the NDPS Act at Police Station State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), Fazilka. The accused will be produced before the Hon’ble Court to obtain police remand for further investigation.

Chandigarh, April 1

Punjab State Women Commission Chairperson Raj Lali Gill strongly condemns the horrific crime against 12-year-old girl in Patiala as reported in the media. She expressed deep dissatisfaction by this incident and stands in solidarity with the survivor and her family in this time of distress. 

As per reports, an auto driver has been arrested for sexually assaulting and impregnating a minor. An FIR has been registered under Sections 65(2) and 68 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The Commission urges the law enforcement agencies to ensure a swift and thorough investigation so that the accused is brought to justice without delay. 

Chairperson of the Punjab State Commission for Women, Ms. Raj Lali Gill has taken suo motu cognizance of the case and sought a detailed report from the concerned authorities. “This is a grave violation of a child’s rights and a brutal crime that cannot be tolerated in our society. We demand the strictest possible punishment for the accused. The Commission will closely monitor the proceedings to ensure that justice is served,” said the Chairperson. 

Additionally, the Commission is coordinating with local authorities to provide all necessary medical, psychological and legal support to the survivor. The Commission urges the public to remain vigilant and report any instances of abuse or exploitation to the authorities immediately. 

Furthermore, the Commission recommends that all vehicles used for student transportation be thoroughly checked and properly documented. It is imperative that such vehicles be equipped with emergency kits, GPS tracking systems, speed monitors, fire extinguishers and emergency exits to ensure the safety of children. Additionally, all drivers operating these vehicles must undergo mandatory police verification to ensure the safety and security of students. Regular inspection and monitoring should be conducted to maintain compliance with these safety measures. 

The Punjab State Commission for Women remains committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of women and children. The Commission calls upon all stakeholders, including the police, judiciary and civil society to work together in creating a safer environment for our children.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, April 1:

          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, Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has averted a possible terror attack in the state with the arrest of an operative linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency and recovered one hand grenade from his possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Tuesday.

          The arrested accused has been identified as Jaiveer Tyagi alias Jawed, a native of Village Baroli in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh (UP) and currently residing in Ludhiana.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that CI Amritsar teams has received an input revealing about the Abroad-based individual identified as Sehlam, who is working for Pak-ISI agency, along with his cousin identified as Jaiveer Tyagi has been hatching a conspiracy to target the government infrastructure through terror attacks in various cities to disturb peace and harmony of the state.

          The input further revealed that Jaiveer Tyagi has also retrieved the consignment of hand grenade from the area of Amritsar and is waiting for his other accomplices near Tara Wala Pul in Amritsar to commit a major crime, he said, while adding that acting swiftly on credible inputs, police teams from CI Amritsar launched an intelligence led operation and apprehended accused Jaiveer Tyagi after recovering one hand grenade from his possession.

          The DGP said that further investigations revealed that arrested accused Jaiveer had been residing in Ludhiana for the last 14-15 years and was in contact with Sehlam through encrypted messaging apps. Probe has also revealed that on Sehlam’s instructions, accused Jaiveer had procured the grenade, he said, while adding that further investigations are on to establish forward and backward linkages in this case.

          A case has been registered under section 25 of the Arms Act, sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act, and sections 61(2) and 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) in Amritsar.

Chandigarh, April 1

Chairperson of the Punjab State Women Commission Ms. Raj Lali Gill welcomed the court’s verdict sentencing Pastor Bajinder to life imprisonment till death in the Zirakpur rape case, calling it a significant step toward justice for women. 

In a press release, the Chairperson said that this judgment sends a strong message that crimes against women will not be tolerated and the law will ensure justice.” The Commission had earlier taken suo motu cognizance of the matter.

Ms. Gill also urged other survivors of similar crimes in Punjab to come forward, assuring them of full support. “The Punjab State Women Commission is committed to providing all necessary legal, emotional and rehabilitative assistance to victims of sexual violence. If you or anyone you know needs help, please reach out to us. Justice and safety for women remain our top priority”, she added.

CHANDIGARH, April 1:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 32nd day, Punjab Police on Tuesday conducted a cordon and search operation (CASO) at all the Railway Stations across the state.

          The operation was carried out in all the 28 Police districts on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav.

          Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla, who was personally monitoring this state-level operation, said that all the CPs/SSPs were asked to ensure heavy deployment of police force under the supervision of Superintendent of Police (SP) rank officers to make this operation successful.

          He said that around 1925 people were checked during the operation conducted at around 147 railway stations in the state. Six suspicious persons were also rounded up for questioning during the operation, he added.

          Apart from this, Police teams have continued its drive against drugs and conducted raids at 490 locations on Tuesday leading to the arrest of 40 drug smugglers after registration of 28 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 4690 within 32 days.

          The Special DGP said that the raids have resulted in recovery of 320.5 grams heroin, 500 grams opium, 1422 intoxicant tablets/pills and Rs 7978 drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          He informed that over 255 Police teams, comprising over 1500 police personnel, under the supervision of 107 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state and checked as many as 546 suspicious persons during the day long operation.

          He said that Punjab Police has devised a comprehensive strategy and such operations will be continued till the scourge of drugs eradicated from the state.

          The Special DGP said that with 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 four persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.

Malerkotla, March 31:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday said that the state government will oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill moved by the BJP led NDA government tooth and nail.

Interacting with the media persons after participating in festival of Eid, the Chief Minister said that the Muslim brethren are opposing this bill vehemently and the Aam Aadmi party is solidly with the community in this hour. He said that the party will oppose the bill strongly both in the Parliament and Vidhan Sabha to safeguard the interests of the Muslim community. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is committed to ensure the well being of every strata of society and no stone will be left unturned for it.

Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that the state government is committed for making the optimum utilization of the groundwater in Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said after assuming charge the AAP government has revived 15947 water courses in the state due to which water has reached at the tail ends even in remotest villages. He said that this is acting as a catalyst in saving the groundwater on one hand and ensuring canal water to the farmers for their irrigational needs.

Buoyed over the prayers being offered in local Eid Gah for wiping out the menace of drugs from the state, the Chief Minister said that it is heartening to learn that people are supporting the Yudh Nasheyan Virudh in a big way. He said that this is the need of hour as the crusade against drugs can be won only through active support and cooperation of people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that active public participation is much needed for winning the war against drugs and making Punjab a drug free state.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is working zealously to facilitate the people and in one such initiative a complete facelift is being given to all the roads in the state. He said that these Roads act as a catalyst in commuting besides smooth transportation of the goods and services to people. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these roads give impetus to the economic growth of the state and facilitate the people residing in the state.

Meanwhile, addressing a massive gathering here after offering prayers at the local Eid Gah, the Chief Minister, in a major Eid bonanza to the Muslim brethren of the state, announced development works worth Rs 200 crore for the holistic development of the historic town of Malerkotla. Bhagwant Singh Mann congratulated the people on this sacred festival which symbolizes universal brotherhood, peace and amity. He said that this festival marks the culmination of the holy month of Ramzan, which re-affirms the spirit of charity and generosity and highlights the feelings of empathy.

The Chief Minister expressed hope that this sacred occasion will further strengthen the bonds of communal harmony, peace and brotherhood, which are reflected in noble human values as propagated by our great Gurus, Saints and Seers since time immemorial. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this auspicious festival strengthens mutual goodwill and inspires each one of us to follow the path of love, friendship, harmony and amity. He called upon the people to celebrate this joyous festival collectively by rising above parochial considerations of caste, color and creed with great enthusiasm and religious fervor.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister further said that the state government is duty bound to develop the historic town of Malerkotla and it will be spruced up as ‘Model district’. He said that Punjabis in general and Sikhs in particular can never repay the noble gesture made by the Nawab of Malerkotla by raising voice against the execution of ‘Chotta Sahibzadas’ at Sirhind. Thus, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that no stone will be left unturned to ensure a comprehensive and all-round development of this city for which a roadmap has been already prepared.

The Chief Minister further said that the district will be equipped with the ultra modern infrastructure and basic civic amenities for which the efforts were on foot. He said that the state government is committed to strengthen the ethos of communal harmony, peace and brotherhood in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated that the social bonding in the state is so strong that any seed could grow on the fertile land of Punjab but the seed of hatred will never germinate here at any cost.

Announcing major projects for Malerkotla residents, the Chief Minister said that a 100 seat medical college will be soon constructed at Malerkotla which will emerge the district as a hub of medical education. He said that along with the Medical college a super specialty 200 bedded hospital will also come up at Malerkotla to provide quality healthcare services to people. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the existing girls’ college in Malerkotla will be upgraded to improve educational facilities. 

The Chief Minister further said that funds have been released for the construction of a new District Administrative Complex and Tehsil Complex in Malerkotla along with another Tehsil Complex in Amargarh. Likewise, he said that a new bus stand, link roads, sanitation facilities, and playgrounds will be developed in Malerkotla and nearby villages. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Jarg-Rauni and Khanna Road will be strengthened and constructed for better road connectivity to the people.

The Chief Minister said that Mini Bus Service will be started for Rural Areas and permits of Mini buses will be given to unemployed youth thereby creating job opportunities and improving rural transport.  He said that the government will continue its campaign against illegal properties, corruption in the Revenue department and menace of drugs. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Rs 200 crore has been allocated for Malerkotla’s progress as the state government is committed to inclusive growth and prosperity of the district.

Chandigarh, March 31:

Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that the state government has disbursed Rs. 27.79 crore to 20,229 farmers, who adopted the water-saving Direct Sowing Rice (DSR) technique during the 2024 Kharif season.

He shared that paddy was directly sown on 2.53 lakh acres in 2024, a 47 percent increase compared to the 1.72 lakh acres cultivated in the 2023 Kharif season. Notably, Rs. 4.34 crore was released to over 9,500 farmers in the first phase during the first week of March 2025 and now, all the remaining amount has been transferred into the bank accounts of the beneficiary farmers.

To promote sustainable agriculture and reduce water consumption, the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government has been actively encouraging farmers to adopt Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), he added.

The Agriculture Minister said that the state government provides an incentive of Rs. 1,500 per acre to farmers who directly sow rice seeds into the field, eliminating the need for transplanting seedlings and significantly conserving water. This initiative aims to address the depletion of groundwater and support the state’s agricultural sustainability. The initiative aligns with the state government’s commitment to water conservation and environmental protection.