Chandigarh, November 8 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the life of Hind Ki Chadar, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, is a source of inspiration for the entire humanity. He said in the 17th century, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s supreme sacrifice against injustice, oppression, and tyranny stands as one of the highest ideals not only in Sikh history but in the history of human civilization.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini was addressing a National Seminar on “Life and Philosophy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji” at Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa, as the Chief Guest today. Earlier, the Chief Minister also visited an exhibition of paintings created by students based on the lives of the Gurus.

The Chief Minister announced that on the martyrdom day of Hind Ki Chadar Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, a Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Study Chair will be established at Chaudhary Devi Lal University, where students will be able to conduct research on his life and teachings.

He informed that programmes commemorating the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji began on November 1 and will continue until November 25, with the main event to be organized in Kurukshetra. The Chief Minister said that four religious processions (yatras) will be taken out, the first of which was flagged off today from Rori in Sirsa district.

Welcoming saints, scholars, and researchers from across the country, the Chief Minister said that it is our privilege to reflect upon the life and message of such a great soul who taught that religion is not merely about protecting one’s own faith, but about upholding the moral conscience of the entire world.

The Chief Minister said that even as humanity steps into the technological era, the ideals of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji continue to guide India. In the 21st century, India’s true strength lies not in technology, but in its moral values, spiritual resolve, and courage. He said when the youth face challenges such as intense competition and mental pressure, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and his four martyred disciples serve as beacons of light for the new generation.

He further stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, India today is working to guide humanity in accordance with the teachings of Guru Maharaj Ji. He added that the Modi government is advancing the principle of “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” which is a true reflection of the spirit of the Guru tradition.

Haryana Government Committed to Preserve Sikh Heritage

The Chief Minister said that the State Government is continuously working to preserve and promote Sikh history and heritage. He informed that one member each from 121 Sikh families in Haryana who lost their kin in the 1984 riots has been provided government employment. In December 2022, the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee was established, fulfilling a long-pending demand and granting autonomy to the Sikh community. He added that 70 kanals of land have been transferred to Gurdwara Sri Chilla Sahib in Sirsa.

He further said that the upcoming medical college in Yamunanagar will be named “Hind Ki Chadar Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Singh Ji Medical College.” The college in Assandh has been named “Baba Fateh Singh Ji College.” The “Mata Gujri VLDA College” has been established at Lakhnaur Sahib, and the foundation stone of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Memorial has been laid at Lohgarh in Yamunanagar.

To facilitate pilgrimages to historic Sikh shrines such as Sri Hazur Sahib, Sri Nankana Sahib, Sri Hemkunt Sahib, and Sri Patna Sahib, the State Government has launched the “Swarn Jayanti Guru Darshan Yatra Yojana.”

The Chief Minister said that the honour and recognition accorded to Sikh heritage and the historic sites of the Gurus over the past 11 years have become an integral part of national policy. From the 550th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji to the 350th martyrdom year of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, India has made remarkable progress.

He said that we must not only remember the teachings of Guru Sahib but also imbibe them in our lives. He prayed that by the grace of Guru Sahib, peace, harmony, and spiritual strength may prevail in the lives of all humankind.

On this occasion, Chaudhary Devi Lal University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Vijay Kumar, Chief Minister’s OSD Dr. Prabhleen Singh, OSD Sh. Raj Nehru, Prof. Jagdeep Singh, Prof. Kuldeep Singh Agnihotri, along with many scholars and dignitaries, were present.

Chandigarh, November 7

Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda has said that the Election Commission failed to fulfill its responsibility impartially, and BJP formed the government through vote theft. He said revelations made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi have made it clear that the BJP and the Commission have jointly disrespected the mandate.
Responding to questions from reporters at his Chandigarh residence, Hooda said the voter list was so flawed that, in addition to the Brazilian model, 223 votes were registered for a single woman at one booth. The photographs of 122,000 voters were found to be fake.
“When the media itself investigated after Rahul Gandhi’s revelations, all the allegations were found to be true. Votes were registered for 501 people in a 300-yard house owned by a BJP leader, even though only seven people live there. Showing photographs, Rahul Gandhi explained that some people have registered their votes in both Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, and they are close to the BJP,” he stated.
Hooda said irregularities detected in the voter list have shaken public confidence in the Election Commission. “Therefore, the Congress party has resolved to protect democracy and will take every possible step to do so,” he said.
He said that after the voting on October 5, 2024, the Election Commission reported a total voter turnout of 61.19 percent in Haryana. “On the 6th, this figure was increased to 65.65 percent, and on the 7th, the figure was revised again to 65.9 percent. Will the Election Commission answer how the vote count was increasing automatically for three consecutive days? How did the counting of votes cast through EVMs take such a long time in this era of fast internet and telecom revolution,” he questioned.
“That is why, as soon as the election results were announced, we immediately went to the Election Commission and filed a complaint. We have repeatedly appealed for elections to be held using ballot papers, as everyone saw that Congress was winning 73 seats in the postal ballot count, but was reduced to 37 seats in the EVM count. The results of the last five elections show that the party that wins the postal ballot count forms the government,” the stated.

Hooda said today Congress is not just talking about Haryana, but about the entire country, the Constitution, and democracy. “If the Election Commission does not act impartially, people’s democratic rights will be nullified. However, Congress will not allow the people’s democratic rights to be violated. Therefore, protests will be held across the state against vote theft. The party is preparing a blueprint for this,” he stated.
Speaking on the issue of law and order, the former Chief Minister said crime is at its peak in Haryana today. “More than 60 gangs of criminals are active, committing crimes like murder, robbery, extortion, loot, and kidnapping. The police, who are supposed to protect the people, are themselves not safe,” he said.
“Today, another police officer was killed. Prior to this, an ADGP and ASI-level officer committed suicide. It’s been a month since that case, but the investigation hasn’t revealed anything. Meaning, the case has been put on hold in the name of investigation,” he pointed out.
“From day one, we demanded a CBI investigation into the ADGP and ASI case under the supervision of a sitting judge, but the government refused to accept the demand. The government’s intentions were revealed that day itself,” he stated.
Hooda said that a report published today revealed that Haryana is the worst in terms of response to the government-issued women’s helpline number. Only 5% of calls made by women were responded to, he said.
He said that the BJP’s plan to provide ₹2,100 to women has also been exposed. “During the elections, a promise was made to give ₹2100 to all women, but later conditions were imposed which excluded most women from the beneficiary category,” he said.
“At the time of the elections, the government declared 80% of Haryana’s population as BPL and issued ration cards for them, but as soon as they came to power, their ration cards are being cancelled again.

This means that the BJP has betrayed the public at every step,” he added.
Speaking on the issue of farmers, Hooda said scams are continuously taking place in the name of paddy procurement. “The investigation report of the last scam that was exposed has not yet been released, and another scam has been exposed in Karnal. This scam is not limited to Karnal, but is happening throughout Haryana, as no farmer is receiving the MSP for their crops,” he stated.
He said the BJP government is neither providing MSP to farmers, nor compensation, nor fertilizer. Farmers are being made to stand in lines to receive fertilizer and are being labeled criminals. “This is an insult to the food providers,” he stated.

Chandigarh, November 7:

Punjab Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sibin C today held a video conference with district officials to review the final phase of preparations for the Tarn Taran bye-election, scheduled for November 11. The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer Rahul, SSP Dr. Ravjot Grewal, and Returning Officer Gurmeet Singh.

During the meeting, the CEO instructed officials to remain on high alert during the crucial 72, 48, and 24 hours before polling and until the completion of the entire election process. He directed that any complaints related to the distribution of cash, liquor, or freebies to influence voters be dealt with strictly and promptly. Sibin C further emphasized that after the conclusion of the election campaign at 6 PM on November 9, no outsiders associated with political parties should remain within the constituency.

The CEO also ordered that 100% live webcasting of polling stations be ensured for real-time monitoring. He instructed officials to make adequate arrangements at polling booths, strong rooms, and counting hall to ensure a smooth and secure polling experience for both voters and election staff. Any violations of the Model Code of Conduct must be addressed swiftly as per the guidelines of the Election Commission, he added.

Sibin C directed police authorities to maintain round-the-clock surveillance through CCTV monitoring and patrolling teams at checkpoints to curb the illegal movement of liquor, cash, drugs, or other prohibited materials.

The Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer and SSP apprised the CEO that all necessary arrangements for the bye-election had been completed and that the election would be conducted in full compliance with the Commission’s guidelines and rules.

The District Election Officer informed that a total of 222 polling booths have been set up at 114 locations across the constituency, 60 in urban areas and 162 in rural areas. Of these, 100 polling stations have been identified as vulnerable, where special security measures as per deployment plan approved by Observers of ECI will be enforced. Additionally, 9 model polling stations, 3 women-managed polling booths, 1 booth for persons with disabilities, and 1 booth for young voters have been established. All polling stations are equipped with CCTV cameras and covered under 100% live webcasting. All the All Polling locations to have Central Armed Police Force deployment.

The SSP informed that as per the Election Commission’s instructions, a “dry day” has been declared from 6 PM on November 9 to 6 PM on November 11. Police and Excise Department teams have been deployed to keep strict vigil on any illegal liquor movement. To strengthen security arrangements, 768 personnel from CAPF and 876 from Punjab Police have been deployed. All 114 Polling locations to have 480 Central Armed Police Force deployment.

Six inter-district checkpoints have been set up along the borders of Tarn Taran constituency to prevent illegal activities and monitor anti-social elements.

Moreover, 22 patrolling parties will carry out intensive patrolling in areas of all polling locations specially the vulnerable and critical to deal with any kind of emergency situation during the 72 hours preceding the election.

The Tarn Taran constituency has a total of 1,92,838 voters, including 1,00,933 male, 91,897 female, and 8 third-gender voters. The total number of service voters is 1,357, while there are 1,657 voters above 85 years of age, 306 NRI voters, and 1,488 voters with disabilities. The constituency also includes 3,333 young voters aged between 18 and 19 years.

The review meeting was also attended by Additional CEO Amandeep Bansal, Joint CEO Sakatar Singh Bal, and other senior officials from the CEO office and the Tarn Taran district administration.

Chandigarh, November 7:

Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that under the leadership of Chief Minister S.Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is fully committed to the welfare of every section of society, giving special attention to the upliftment and empowerment of persons with disabilities.

Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that the Punjab Government has so far released ₹287.95 crore as financial assistance to persons with disabilities, benefitting 2,76,175 eligible beneficiaries across the state.

She further added that the government has made a budgetary provision of ₹495 crore for the financial year 2025-26 to ensure the effective and transparent implementation of this welfare scheme.

The Minister emphasized that integrating persons with disabilities into the mainstream of society is among the top priorities of the Punjab Government. Along with financial assistance, focused efforts are being made to provide them employment opportunities, skill development training, and accessible infrastructure to make them self-reliant and empowered. She said the government’s aim is not merely to provide assistance, but to enable every specially-abled person to lead a dignified and independent life.

Dr. Baljit Kaur directed the officials to ensure that the benefits of this financial assistance scheme reach every eligible beneficiary and that no deserving person is left out of this initiative.

CHANDIGARH/HOSHIARPUR, November 7:

          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, the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab, in a joint operation with Hoshiarpur Police, has arrested two active members of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria Gang and recovered four sophisticated weapons from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Swinder Singh alias Bodhi and Sukhman alias Jashan, both residents of Kalanaur in Gurdaspur district. The recovered weapons include two Glock pistols, one Zigana pistol and one PX30 Pistol. Police teams have also impounded their motorcycle, which they were riding.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the duo was active members of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang and were working on the directions of their Foreign handler identified as Amrit Dalam. Bothe the arrested persons were wanted in a firing incident at a medical shop took place in Wadala Bangar, Kalanaur targeting Dr Hari Singh, which was carried out on the directions of their handler, he said.

          The DGP said that further investigation is underway to establish forward and backward linkages in this case to dismantle the whole network.

          Sharing operational details, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) AGTF Promod Ban said that acting on reliable inputs, police teams from AGTF led by DSP AGTF Jalandhar Range Jatinderjit Singh in coordination with Hoshiarpur Police has arrested both the accused persons from T-Point near Gurdwara Shri Garna Sahib at village Bodla in Dasuya.

          Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Hoshiarpur Sandeep Malik said that both the accused have a criminal background and are involved in cases of Murder, Kidnapping and child trafficking. Further investigation is underway, he said.

          In this regard, a fresh case FIR No. 229 dated 06.11.2025 has been registered under section 25(6) of the Arms Act at Police Station Dasuya in Hoshiarpur.

Chandigarh, November 7:

Taking suo motu cognizance of a media report regarding the disrespectful use of the images of Bhai Jiwan Singh (Bhai Jaita Ji) and Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji during the Tarn Taran Assembly by-election, the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission has summoned the Leader of Opposition Pratap Singh Bajwa to appear personally before the Commission on November 10, 2025.

Giving details, Commission Chairman Jasvir Singh Garhi said that the issue came to the Commission’s notice through social media and newspapers. Acting on this, the Commission has directed Pratap Singh Bajwa to be present in person.

In addition, the Deputy Commissioner, Tarn Taran has been instructed through an official communication to submit an inquiry report in this regard by November 17, 2025 through the competent authority. The report is to include the action taken after considering the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, November 7:

          In an intelligence-led operation amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a drug free state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Amritsar Commissionerate Police has busted two drug supply modules with links to Pakistan-based smugglers with the arrest of two key operatives and recovered a total of 2.815 kg Methamphetamine, commonly known as ICE, from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Gursevak Singh alias Sevak, a resident of village Gharyala in Tarn Taran and Baljit Singh, a resident of Guru Nanakpura in Amritsar.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the accused were in contact with Pak-based handlers through virtual numbers to coordinate pickup and delivery of drug consignments within Punjab, often selecting delivery points near religious places to avoid suspicion.

          The DGP said that further investigation is on to establish forward and backward linkages in this case.

          Sharing operational details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that in the first case, the police set up a checkpoint near Dana Mandi, Amritsar, based on specific intelligence inputs. During the operation, accused Gursevak Singh alias Sevak was apprehended and 40 grams of Methamphetamine (ICE) drug was recovered from his possession.

          He said that on the basis of his disclosure, a follow-up operation led to the recovery of additional chunk of 1.96 kg of ICE drug.

          The CP said that arrested accused Gursevak, who is a resident of the border area, was in regular contact with a Pakistan-based smuggler through virtual communication platforms and had been personally picking up and delivering consignments as directed by his handler.

          In another operation, CP Gurpreet Bhullar said that police teams acting on reliable information set up a checkpoint near Ryan International School at Vallah Bypass Road in Amritsar and arrested suspect Baljit Singh after recovering 45 grams of ICE drug from his possession. further recovery of an additional 770 grams of ICE was made based upon his disclosure, he said.

          He said that further investigation is ongoing to identify cross-border handlers, trace supply routes, and dismantle the entire distribution chain operating between Punjab and Pakistan-based networks.

          In this regard, two separate cases— FIR No 306 dated 06-11-2025 under section 21(B) of the NDPS Act at Police Station Gate Hakima, Amritsar and FIR No. 240 dated 27-10-2025 under section 21(B) and 21(C) of the NDPS Act at Police Station Maqboolpura, Amritsar— have been registered.

SAS Nagar, November 7:

The Punjab Government today gave a grand reception to World Champion cricketers Harleen Deol and Amanjot Kaur on their arrival at Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Mohali. The duo, members of India’s first-ever Women’s World Cup–winning team, were accorded a warm welcome by the State Government, District a

Administration, and Sports Department amid festive celebrations, drums, and cheers.

Representing Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Member of Parliament Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, and MLA Dr. Amandeep Kaur Arora led the felicitation. They were joined by District Planning Board Chairperson Prabhjot Kaur, Jaswant Kaur and Councillor Sarbjeet Singh Samana. The atmosphere at the airport was electric, with Punjab’s pride being celebrated through dhol beats, flower garlands, and loud cheers from fans and supporters.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “Our daughters have made Punjab and the entire country proud on the world stage. The Chief Minister will soon honour Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol, and Amanjot Kaur for their historic achievement.”

He added that under the new Sports Policy, the Punjab Government is extending cash awards and government jobs to players, enabling the state to reclaim its position as India’s leading sporting hub.

MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer said that India’s World Cup victory would usher in a new revolution in women’s cricket. This triumph, he noted, is the result of teamwork and determination, and it demonstrates that world-class players are emerging from Punjab’s small towns and villages. He cited the examples of Shubman Gill, Harmanpreet Kaur, Arshdeep Singh, Harleen Deol, and Amanjot Kaur as inspirations for the next generation.

Expressing gratitude, Harleen Deol and Amanjot Kaur thanked the Punjab Government and Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann for honouring sportspersons and said that the warm welcome in their home state has inspired them to work even harder. They appealed to parents to encourage their daughters to pursue their ambitions and take pride in their achievements. Both players also expressed their thanks to their families, coaches, and the BCCI for their continuous support and guidance.

The celebrations at the airport culminated in a grand victory procession through the roads of Mohali, where both players were greeted with flower petals and traditional beats as they waved to cheering crowds from open jeeps. Among those present were Amanjot Kaur’s father Bhupinder Singh, Grandfather Ishar Singh, Sister Kamaljot, and Coach Nagesh Gupta, as well as Harleen Deol’s parents B.S. Deol and Charanjit Kaur, and brother Manjot Singh.

Also present on the occasion were Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal, Dronacharya Awardee Jiwanjot Singh Teja (Director, PIS Training Centre), District Sports Officer Rupesh Kumar Begra, and a large number of sports enthusiasts and admirers who joined in celebrating Punjab’s world champions.

Amritsar, November 7:

Continuing the campaign to provide employment to the youth, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today handed over appointment letters to 2,105 young people recruited in the Punjab State Power Corporation. This brings the total number of government jobs given to youth so far to 58,962.

At a ceremony organized at the auditorium of the Government Medical College, Amritsar, the Chief Minister said unemployment is the root of many social problems, and therefore, the state government is focused on eradicating it. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that within about three and a half years of taking office, nearly 58,962 government jobs have been provided to youth, which is a record in itself. He said that today 2,023 linemen, 48 internal auditors, and 35 revenue accountants have been appointed in PSPCL and PSTCL.

The Chief Minister said that Since April 2022, a total of 8,984 appointments have been made in these two corporations. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this campaign will continue because the state government is putting the highest emphasis on creating employment opportunities for the youth. He expressed pride that all these appointments have been made solely on the basis of merit.

The Chief Minister said that during the previous governments, youth could only get jobs through ‘cash and favor,’ but we have completely ended that practice. Now, he said that government jobs can be obtained purely on merit, without any recommendation adding that not a single appointment has been challenged in court. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this has deeply upset our opponents who are now making baseless statements against the state government.

Citing the example of Baba Sahib Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the Chief Minister said that this great national figure endured enormous hardships to achieve greatness, and youth should draw inspiration from him to excel in every field. Despite facing difficulties, he said that the Chief architect of the Indian Constitution attained education and touched remarkable heights in life. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Every young person should learn from his life and philosophy to achieve success.

The Chief Minister said these newly appointed youth are now an integral part of the government and should serve the people with missionary zeal. He hoped they would use their pens to help the poor and underprivileged. Bhagwant Singh Mann urged them to assist the public as much as possible so that every section of society benefits.

The Chief Minister compared the government to a runway that helps an airplane take off, saying the state government will help youths fulfill their dreams. He pledged that every possible effort will be made to help them realize their aspirations. Bhagwant Singh Mann emotionally appealed to the youth to struggle to carve out their own recognition and place in society.

The Chief Minister said that An idle mind is the devil’s workshop due to which the state government is trying to provide maximum employment to the youth so they remain away from social evils. He appealed all the youngsters to join campaigns like the war against drugs so that the state government can uproot this menace. Speaking about reforms in the power sector, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Powercom was drowning in debt when his government came to power, but they cleared Rs 2,000 crore of that debt.

Since July 2022, the Chief Minister said that 90% of households have been receiving 600 units of free electricity, which has improved families’ financial conditions. He further said that the government also restarted the Pachhwara coal mine to ensure a steady coal supply, making Punjab a surplus coal state.

Bhagwant Singh Mann further stated that the government purchased the GVK thermal plant in Goindwal Sahib for Rs 1,080 crore and renamed it after the third Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Amar Das Ji.

The Chief Minister said that For the first time in Punjab’s history, a state government has bought private property, whereas previous regimes sold public assets to their favorites for pennies. Blaming past governments for plunging Punjab into debt, he said they inherited a debt of Rs 2.75 lakh crore but, sadly, none of the borrowed money contributed to Punjab’s development. His government, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that is spending every penny on the state’s progress and welfare.

The Chief Minister reiterated that traditional political parties envy him because he comes from a common  background. He said these leaders cannot digest the fact that an ordinary man is running the state so effectively adding that since independence, they have misled people and deprived them of basic amenities, which is why the people have rejected them. Bhagwant Singh Mann remarked that these leaders, educated in boarding schools in the hills, are unaware of Punjab’s ground realities.

Criticizing the BJP-led central government for interfering in Punjab’s matters, the Chief Minister said the Centre is deliberately targeting Punjab. Dissolving the Senate and Syndicate of Panjab University, he said, was a direct attack on the state’s proud heritage. Punjab University is not just an academic institution but an emotional part of Punjabi identity, where three generations have studied. Bhagwant Singh Mann noted that earlier, the Centre had tried to pressure Punjab into merging Haryana colleges with Panjab University, but his government had strongly resisted those moves.

The Chief Minister also said the Centre continues to act unjustly by pressing Punjab to release extra water from the Bhakra Dam to Haryana and Rajasthan, but “we will never bow to such pressure.”

He declared that The central government must stop bullying Punjab. Punjab knows how to fight for its rights and how to claim them.”

Meanwhile, During the event, many of the newly appointed youth emotionally expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister.

Punjab State Power Corporation Chairman-cum-Managing Director Basant Garg and other dignitaries were also present.

CHANDIGARH, November 7:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 251st day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 244 locations on Friday leading to the arrest of 78 drug smugglers after registration of 70 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 35,641 in 251 days.

          The raids have resulted in recovery of 2.8 kg ICE, 388 grams heroin, 995 intoxicant pills and Rs 24,550 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 100 Police teams, comprising over 800 police personnel, under the supervision of 55 gazetted officers have conducted 244 raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 265 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 29 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.