CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, February 19:

          Amidst the ongoing war against drugs waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has busted a cross-border drug smuggling racket with the arrest of a drug smuggler and recovered 10 kg heroin from his possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday.

          The arrested accused has been identified as Harmandeep Singh, a resident of village Ghumanpura in Amritsar. Apart from recovering heroin, Police teams have also impounded his black coloured Hero Splendor Motorcycle (PB02EW5675), which he was riding.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that the team of CI Amritsar received a reliable input that accused Harmandeep has established relations with the Pakistan-based drug smugglers and recently got a huge consignment of heroin from Pakistan, which he is going to deliver to someone at Ram Tirath Road, Morh Village Kale near Dera Radha Swami in Amritsar.

          Acting swiftly on the inputs, CI Amritsar has launched an intelligence-based operation and arrested accused Harmandeep Singh at a Special Police Checkpoint established at Ram Tirat Road in Amritsar, he said, while adding that during search, 10 Kgs of heroin has been recovered from the accused.

          The DGP said preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested accused was constantly in-touch with Pakistan-based smuggler identified as Chacha Bawa, who sent heroin consignment via drones in the Attari sector for further supplying to other parties of the state.

          He said that further investigations are going on to establish backward and forward linkages in this case and identify other associates involved in this drug smuggling racket. More recovery of narcotics and arrests are likely in coming days, he added.

          In this regard, a case FIR No. 8 dated 18.02.2025 has been registered under sections 21, 25 and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Amritsar.

Chandigarh, February 19:

          The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is fully committed to promoting the Punjabi language across the state and is consistently taking measures to ensure its propagation. This was stated by Punjab’s Finance Minister, S. Harpal Singh Cheema, during a meeting with the Kendri Punjabi Lekhak Sabha (Sekhon) held at his office today.

          S. Cheema emphasized that the State Government is working alongside various literary organizations to promote Punjabi language, culture, literature, and art. He highlighted that under the aegis of the Punjab Arts Council, a series of ‘Punjab Nav Sirjana’ events are being organized across different regions of the state to celebrate and promote literature, art, and culture.

          After attentively listening to the demands put forth by the Writers’ Sabha, the Finance Minister assured that the government has already been taking adequate measures to enforce the use of the Punjabi language. He further directed the Director of the Language Department to ensure the implementation of the Language Act and to take strict action against any department or employee violating it. He reiterated that the government is continuously working to make Punjabi the primary language of communication in all spheres and to ensure the installation of signboards in Punjabi.

          Subsequently, the Cabinet Sub-Committee, which includes Finance Minister S. Harpal Singh Cheema and NRI Affairs Minister S. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, held meetings with representatives of the Mur Bahal Kacche Adhyapak Union, Sanyukat Atma Punjab Association (SAPA) Zameen Prapti Sangharsh Committee. The Sub-Committee assured these organizations that the government is sympathetic to their demands and maintains a positive approach towards their concerns. The committee also assured prompt action regarding the issues and legitimate demands raised by these organizations.

          Present at the occasion were MLA Jaswant Singh Gajjanmajra, Additional Chief Secretary (Development) Anurag Verma, Director of the Language Department Jaswant Singh Zafar, along with representatives from various organizations.

Chandigarh/Udaipur, February 19:

Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Hardip Singh Mundian has demanded immediate release of pending funds to the tune of Rs. 111.13 Crore for Punjab under Jal Jeevan Mission so that the prestigious projects started to provide canal water to villages affected by water quality can be completed on time. Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil gave assurance of early release.

Mr. Mundian was addressing a two-day conference on ‘India 2047: A Water Secure Nation’ being held in Udaipur, Rajasthan. He said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led State Government is making continuous efforts to provide clean drinking water to the people of the state and has achieved major goals in this direction.

Mr. Mundian, while mentioning the challenges faced by the state before Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil during the conference, said that for the last few years, uranium, arsenic, selenium have been found in the groundwater of the state beyond the required limits. Due to this, work is underway on 15 surface water projects at a cost of Rs. 2200 Crore to provide canal water to the affected villages, which will provide clean and safe water to 25 lakh rural residents. These projects are currently being completed in phases. The Government of India should immediately release the necessary funds for their timely completion.

The Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Minister said that the Punjab Government had achieved the target of providing 100 percent drinking water to the rural population of the state through taps under the ‘Har Ghar Jal’ mission in April 2023 itself. Punjab is the fifth state in the country to achieve this target, while the entire country achieved this target in March 2024. Now the Punjab Government’s target is to provide 24-hour drinking water to the rural population.

Divulging details of the unprecedented work being done by Punjab, Mr. Mundian said that Punjab had set up a grievance redressal center in 2009, in which 1,38,331 complaints were received till January 31, 2025 and out of them 99.70 percent complaints were successfully resolved. He further said that the state has implemented IOT for high-level monitoring of water supply schemes through a technological system and SCADA projects have been adopted to monitor water supply schemes.

Stating that the participation of the society, especially women, is important for maintaining the water supply infrastructure well, the Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Minister said that efforts are being made in this direction in the state, such as the government has made it mandatory to have at least 50 percent representation of women in the (GRWSC) Gram Panchayat Water and Sanitation Committees.

The Minister said that the participation of all citizens is required to fulfil the goal of making India a ‘water secure nation’ so that clean and potable water is available for future generations. The Punjab Government is continuously working to fulfill this mission.

Apart from Union Ministers, officials and Water Supply and Sanitation Ministers of various states, Principal Secretary Water Supply and Sanitation Neelkanth S. Avhad was also present in the conference along with the Punjab Cabinet Minister.

Chandigarh 19 February 2025:

The Administrative Reforms and NRI Affairs Minister S. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal held a third online NRI Milnee today to address the complaints and concerns of NRI Punjabis at Punjab Civil Secretariat-1and personally heard the problems and complaints of NRI Punjabis through online Video-Conferencing.

He highlighted that this is a unique initiative which was started under the visionary leadership of S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, Chief Minister of Punjab to sort out the grievances of NRI Punjabis forthwith.  He added that no other state does such type of NRI Milnee for the redressal of NRI grievances.

He directed the ADGP NRI Wing of Punjab Police  Praveen K Sinha and SSPs of the concerned districts to resolve their grievances forthwith.  He informed that 109 complaints have been received out of which 56 complaints received through email and 53 complaints received on whatsapp number in this Milnee.  He assured that their grievances would be resolved at the earliest.

He felt extremely delighted to inform that NRI Punjabis participated enthusiastically in this Milnee.  He added that we have already held 9 NRI Milnees across Punjab through offline mode.  Dhaliwal assured the NRI Punjabis that I am always at your disposal to solve your problems and concerns and we will leave no stone unturned to help you.  He asked the NRIs that they can meet him at any time as per their convenience.

Dhaliwal requested the complainants to mention their address, mobile number and email id on their complaints so that concerned officers can contact them easily.  He appealed to the youth of Punjab that they should not follow the illegal ways for going abroad and the ‘Dunki’ route can put their valuable and precious life in danger.  He said that human trafficking is very dangerous and gullible people easily fall in trap of fraudsters agents resulting in wastage of crores of rupees. This NRI Milnee can also be watched on this link https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AWykhLvqw/?mibextid=wwXIfr.

The 3rd monthly online NRI Milnee was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Dilip Kumar, ADGP NRI Wing of Punjab Police Praveen K Sinha, President NRI Sabha Parvinder Kaur and AIG NRI Ajinder Singh.

Chandigarh, February 19:

The newly appointed youth of the state who were given a job letter by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday profusely thanked the state government for illuminating their lives by giving them jobs purely on merit.

Sharing his views Sukhpreet Singh thanked the Chief Minister by asserting that he and his wife Harpreet kaur had returned from abroad to join as Assistant Professor. He said that now there is no need to go abroad but work hard as the state government led by the Chief Minister is offering a number of opportunities to them.

Similarly, Dr Alka Kalyan said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that they have got the job purely on merit. She said that 1158 assistant professors had received fulsome support from the state government. She said that after 30 years the colleges of the state have got professors and the selection has been made completely on merit. She profusely thanked the Chief Minister and said that they will realize the mission of Rangla Punjab of CM .

In the same manner, Fatehjeet Singh said that he has been selected as JE in Rural Development department for which he profusely thanked the Chief Minister. He said that he was slated to go abroad but got a job by the department after which he shunned the idea.

Likewise, Kuljinder Dhiman, who has also been selected as JE, said that she is indebted to the Chief Minister for providing the opportunity. She said that the state government has given her an opportunity to become an active partner in the progress of the state.

CHANDIGARH, February 19:

          In consonance with the instructions issued by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government emphasising transperancy, accountability and integrity in public service delivery, Commissioners of Police and Senior Superintendents of Police (CPs/SSPs) in all districts have dismissed 52 police officials for their involvement in corrupt practices, malpractices, criminal activities or prolonged absenteeism, informed Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday.

          The dismissed Police officials includes one Inspector, five Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs), four head-constables (HCs) and 42 constables across various districts.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav, who was addressing a press conference at Punjab Police Headquarters here, said that CPs/SSPs in their respective districts and commissionerates are undertaking the excercise to identify instances where police officers have been wanted in FIRs, facing serious allegations or indulged in corrupt practices. Officers concerned have been thoroughly examining the evidence and following due procedure in each case to initiate action, he said.

          He said that recently, a Station House Officer (SHO) Sadiq and two constables in Faridkot district were arrested after they found involved in extortion of money.

          Reaffirming the commitment of Punjab Police on ‘Zero Tolerance Against Corruption’, the DGP said that any elements found indulging corruption will be taken with iron hand. “Black sheep in the Punjab Police are not going to be tolerated. Strict action as per law will be taken,” he reiterated.

PUNJAB POLICE TO INTRODUCE E-FIR FACILITY

          Sharing details on upcoming projects in the Punjab Police, DGP Gaurav Yadav said that Punjab Police is all set to introduce e-FIR facility for motor vehicle theft, which will allow public to lodge an FIR using online platform or visiting SAANJH Kendras.

          For this purpose, an e-Police Station is also being established at a state level, said the DGP, while adding, “We will also request Hon’ble High Court through the state government to get the E-Courts notified in each district.”

          He said that the e-FIR project is aimed at reducing direct interface of public with the police and delivering citizen friendly services with the use of technology. Punjab Police has been offering as many as 43 police services online under the SAANJH project, he added.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav further said that Punjab Police in collaboration with the Indian Police Foundation has launched a project on Internal Police Reforms making Punjab the first state to launch such project. The project, which was initially launched in SAS Nagar and Rupnagar, is now being expanded to two more districts including Fatehgarh Sahib and Khanna.

          He said that this groundbreaking initiative focuses on improving complaint/FIR registration, improving police response, behaviour and conduct ,minimising harassment, citizen services, community engagement, he added.

BOX: DISTRICT-WISE DATA OF OFFICIALS DISMISSED

CP Amritsar: 2

CP Jalandhar: 2

CP Ludhiana: 4

Batala: 2

Bathinda: 2

Fatehgarh Sahib: 1

Fazilka: 2

Faridkot: 3

Ferozepur: 1

Gurdaspur: 1

Hoshiarpur: 4

Jalandhar Rural: 2

Kapurthala: 4

Khanna: 1

Ludhiana Rural: 3

Mansa: 1

Malerkotla: 1

Pathankot: 1

Patiala: 5

Rupnagar: 1

Sri Muktsar Sahib: 2

Sangrur: 2

SAS Nagar: 2

SBS Nagar: 1

Tarn Taran: 2

Chandigarh, February 19:

Carrying forward the policy aimed at proper upkeep of the wildlife in the State with renewed vigour, the Forests and Wildlife Preservation Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak today released two Little tiger cubs from the Intensive Care  into the ‘Kraal’ (Semi Open Enclosure) at the Chhatbir Zoo. It is noteworthy that the mating of white tigress Gauri and Yellow tiger Arjun resulted in the birth of Abhay and Aryan at Diwali night 12 PM on October 31st, 2024. These two tiger cubs are healthy and would be released in the enclosure for viewing by common people after one more vaccine dose.

The Minister also inaugurated various projects on the occasion. These comprise the new building of the veterinary hospital after the old one,  office of the Senior Veterinary Officer as well as the Veterinary Officer, Room of the veterinary staff, Laboratory – 1 and Laboratory – 2, Dispensary, Research Room, Pantry and two washrooms.

Apart from this, the service circulation path for use by the staff, feed fodder vehicle were also inaugurated. This would lead to the uninterrupted supply of feed as well as the fodder to the enclosures housing animals. Besides, the 800 Metre long and 4 Metre wide visitor path has also been constructed outside the animal enclosures for the facilitation of public. Not only this but two night shelters for the night duty  watchmen and a logo of the Punjab Zoos Development Society (PZDS) were also unveiled.

The Minister also inspected the ongoing works pertaining to the parking stand for wildlife safari buses, visitor shelter near lion safari canteen, crocodile enclosure, parking stand for battery operated vehicle and feeding platform for angulets in deer safari.

The Chhatbir Zoo undertakes multitude of activities from time to time which are aimed at ensuring empathy towards the wild animals apart from awareness generation. Such initiatives include blood donation camps, Run for Wild race and Zoo education program. Through these programs, children, youth and other sections of the society are sensitized in the direction of developing an attitude of love and care towards the wild animals.

Among others present on the occasion included the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force) Dharminder Sharma, Field Director of the Chhatbir Zoo Neeraj Kumar and Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Sagar Setia.

Chandigarh, February 19:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday slammed the traditional political leaders especially Sukhbir Badal and Sunil Jakhar for posing while enjoying weddings, receptions and feasts whereas food growers of the state are undergoing fast to get their demands met.

The Chief Minister said that this clearly reflects the insensitivity and insincerity of this ‘elite’ political class that has ruled the state for decades. He said that these political leaders have always hobnobbed with each other to secure their interests while ignoring the matters of the state and its people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these leaders spit venom against each other from their respective stages but embrace each other in such private functions which expose their dubious face.

The Chief Minister quipped that these leaders will justify their move by saying that this is their social obligation but they forget that due to their venomous speeches the social fabric of the state is disturbed adding that these leaders divide the people for their vested political interests but shamefully are hand in glove with each other. He said that these political leaders befool the people as in villages of state people fight with each other on the name of political parties but these leaders attend the marriages and functions of each other and embrace them which is surprising. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that such people should be taught a lesson and people should always elect the government of the common man.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the traditional parties are envious of him because he hails from a common family. He said that these leaders who believed that they have divine right to rule the state due to which they are not able to digest that a common man is running the state efficiently. Bhagwant Singh Mann  said that these leaders have befooled the people for a long time but now people are not getting swayed by their misleading propaganda.

The Chief Minister said that people of state have ousted the political parties that used to play musical chairs of power to loot them after every five years. He said that his government has been given a chance by people to serve them and they will work hard to fulfill their expectations. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the opposition leaders start their day by slamming him just because they are envious of the pro-people decision taken by his government.

Taking a jibe at the Akali leaders, the Chief Minister said that despite their lip service, these leaders failed to deliver anything tangible to the people. He said that due to such misdeeds only the Akali leaders are now facing public wrath adding that in a democracy the power of a common man is supreme. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that those who claimed that they will rule for 25 years have been sent to political oblivion by the people.

CHANDIGARH, February 19:

          Continuing its crackdown on fraudulent immigration consultants exploiting innocent individuals, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Punjab Police, headed by ADGP NRI Affairs Praveen Sinha has registered five new first information reports (FIRs) against travel agents and arrested two more fraudulent travel agents.

          With this development, the total number of FIRs reached to 15, while, arrest count has reached to three. The FIRs were filed against agents who allegedly deceived victims with false promises of facilitating illegal entry into the United States, resulting in their deportation.

          The latest FIRs were registered in districts including Tarn Taran, SAS Nagar, Moga, and Sangrur, on February 17 and 18, 2025. The accused agents, operating through unauthorised networks, have been found charging hefty amounts from victims by promising safe and legal immigration routes, but instead have been exposing them to inhumane conditions, detention, and eventual deportation.

          The details of FIRs include FIR no. 25 dated 17.02.2025 registered at Police Station Patti in Tarn Taran against an agent, operating from Chandigarh and Yamuna Nagar, fraudulently took ₹44 lakhs from a victim under the pretence of legal immigration to the USA but instead routed him through Nicaragua and Mexico; and FIR no. 19 dated 17.2.2025 registered at Police Station Majri in SAS Nagar against agents Mukul and Gurjinder Antaal, who misled a victim, took ₹45 lakhs, and sent him via Colombia and Mexico.

          Similarly, FIR no. 30 dated 18/2/2025 registered at Police Station Dharamkot in Moga accused identified as Sukhwinder Singh, Talwinder Singh, Pritam Kaur and Gurpreet Singh, including members of Ekam Travels Chandigarh, who lured a victim with a false work permit and direct USA flight, for an amount of 45 lakh rupees. Instead, they sent him via Prague, Spain, and El Salvador.

          Remaining two FIRs includes FIR no. 15 dated 18/2/2025 registered at Police Station Khanauri in Sangrur against visa and travel company operated by Angrej Singh and Jagjit Singh from Haryana, who duped a victim of 50 lakh rupees, by promising a Canada visa but instead sent him through Egypt, Dubai, Spain, Guatemala, and Nicaragua and FIR no. 95 dated 18/2/2025 registered at Police Station Goindwal Sahib against agent Goldy, operating near IGI Airport, Delhi, deceived a victim into paying ₹45 lakhs for a legal entry into the USA.

          As mentioned above, two travel agents identified as Angrej Singh and Jagjit Singh have been arrested by the Sangrur Police. This is in addition to the arrest made by Police Station NRI Patiala a few days ago.

          Pertinently, the SIT is actively coordinating with cybercrime units, financial authorities, and central agencies to resolve the identities of the entire network of human traffickers. District Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) and Commissioners of Police (CPs) have intensified investigations, leading to multiple arrests and freezing of bank accounts linked to human trafficking networks.

          DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav reiterated that the Punjab Police is fully committed to dismantling these fraudulent immigration syndicates. He urged victims to come forward without fear and assured them of strict legal action against culprits. The public is advised to only consult licensed immigration consultants and verify their credentials before engaging in any overseas travel arrangements. 

          The Punjab Police continues to seek cooperation from citizens in identifying and reporting unlicensed travel agents who are exploiting vulnerable individuals.