Chandigarh, January 16

          In order to ensure foolproof security arrangements in wake of forthcoming Republic Day-2025, Punjab Police on Thursday conducted a special Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) at and around all the Railway Stations across the state.

          The operation was conducted under the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav from 1 pm to 3 pm simultaneously in all 28 Police districts under which Police teams with the assistance of sniffer dogs frisked people arriving and departing at Railway Stations.

          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 deploy at least two Police teams per Railway Station under the supervision of gazetted rank officers to carry out this operation. Police Personnel were strictly advised to deal with every person in a friendly and polite manner during the course of this operation, he said.

          He said that around 250 Police parties, involving over 2300 Police Personnel, were deputed across the state to look for suspicious persons at different Railway Stations in the state, while ensuring minimum inconvenience to the general public.

          As many as 3299 persons were frisked during the operation conducted at 169 Railway Stations in the state, he said, while adding that 173 suspicious persons were detained for questioning.

          Apart from this, police teams were also asked to carry out checking of all the stationed vehicles around the railway stations by using the Vahan app, said the Special DGP, while adding that teams have checked as many as 2593 vehicles stationed at different parkings around railway stations, of which, 246 were issued traffic challans and 18 vehicles have been impounded.

Chandigarh January 16

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state, has arrested deed writer Deputy Singh, working in tehsil complex Faridkot, red-handed while he was accepting a bribe of Rs. 5000 in the name of Tehsildar.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the VB said the above mentioned accused has been arrested on the basis of a complaint lodged by Parmjit Singh, a resident of village Tehna, in Faridkot district.

Giving further details, he added that the complainant has approached the VB and informed that he had purchased a land in village Tehna in the name of his mother and in connection with registration of this land he has met the above said deed writer for writing of documents required for registration process who has demanded Rs 20000 so as to pay the money to the officer/officials of tehsil for this purpose. After submitting the documents in the office of Tehsildar Faridkot, the said accused has asked the complainant to pay the bribe money through Google pay and the complainant has paid Rs 15000. The accused has been demanding the remaining amount of Rs 5000 from the complainant who has recorded the conversation with the said deed writer on his phone regarding giving bribe, which was submitted to the VB as an evidence.

The spokesperson said that after a preliminary enquiry of this complaint, the team of VB laid a trap during which accused Deputy Singh has been apprehended red-handed while he was accepting the second instalment of bribe of Rs. 5000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses.

 In this regard, a case has been registered against the said accused under the Prevention of Corruption Act at the VB police station Ferozepur range. The accused would be produced in the competent court tomorrow. Further investigation of this case was under progress.

Chandigarh, January 16

In a bid to bolster the state’s cyber security infrastructure by enhancing the defence mechanisms of the state’s digital landscape, Punjab Government has decided to establish a Security Operations Centre (SOC) to ensure the protection of critical IT infrastructure including various applications and websites of the state government.

This significant decision was taken in 19th meeting of the Board of Governors of Punjab State e-Governance Society (PSeGS) chaired by Mr. Aman Arora, Minister of Governance Reforms and Public Grievances Punjab, here at MGSIPA, on Thursday.

With the implementation of SOC, to be established at the cost of Rs. 42.07 crore, Punjab will become one of foremost states in Northern India with high level Cyber Security capabilities. In the digital age, cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated and pervasive so the need to establish a Security Operations Centre (SOC) for the State was increasing. It will enable monitoring, detecting and responding to cyber security incidents in real time for protection of our critical IT infrastructure, he informed.

 After this meeting, the Governance Reforms Minister held a video conference meeting with all the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to discuss and review the key governance reforms and strategies to further improve citizen service delivery. He said that Punjab has 538 Sewa Kendras and 438 Government to Citizens (G2C) services are being delivered seamlessly. The state has successfully brought down pendency in citizen service delivery from 27% to less than 0.17%. He also lauded the DCs of Amritsar, Jalandhar and Pathankot for maintaining low pendency level in citizen service delivery, while asking all the DCs to ensure regular monitoring and review of district-level pendency to identify and resolve bottlenecks.

Mr. Aman Arora directed the DCs to identify and pull up the habitual delayers, who are sending applications back without solid reasons and putting unnecessary objections, while emphasizing on the importance of providing clear objection remarks on pending applications to enhance transparency and accountability.

While taking stock of the ambitious and pioneer project of the online verification of applications by Sarpanches, Nambardars and Municipal Councilors (MCs), Mr. Aman Arora directed the Deputy Commissioners to ensure that all Sarpanchs/Nambardars and MC are onboarded on the eSewa Portal within this month to eliminate the need for citizens to make multiple visits for document verification.  It was ordered that from 1st Feburary 2025, offline verification from Sarpanchs/Nambardars and MC shall be stopped and only online verifications shall be acceptables.

Additional Chief Secretary Governance Reforms Mr. Vikas Pratap assured the Cabinet Minister that the department is committed to provide hassle-free, efficient services to the public in a transparent manner to improve transparency and efficiency in citizen service delivery.

The meeting was also attended by Additional Chief Secretary Local Government Tejveer Singh, Director Governance Reforms Mr. Girish Dayalan, Special Secretary Revenue Mr. Harpreet Sudan, Additional Secretary School Education Parminder Pal Singh, Director Information Technology Mr. Mohinder Pal, Joint Secretary GAD Tejdeep Saini and other senior officials of the various state government departments.

Chandigarh, January 15

The Haryana Government has set a target of reducing 1,500 burdensome compliances and decriminalise 50 provisions (Business & Citizens) under Acts/Rules/Checklists by December 2025 in order to promote ease of doing business in the state.

This was disclosed at a review meeting for implementation and submission of Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP) and Reducing Compliance Burden (RCB) held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Dr. Vivek Joshi here today. The Chief Secretary directed departments to involve their stakeholders for seeking inputs for the reform action plan.  Dr. Joshi said stakeholder feedback was crucial in the successful implementation of Business Reform Action Points. He also directed that the departments must adhere to the stipulated timelines set by the government for completion of tasks. The Chief Secretary directed the Industries and Commerce Department to also involve all Deputy Commissioners for suggestions on business reforms.

He directed officials of Hartron to ensure that the information on online portals is available to entrepreneurs in Hindi as well so that more people are able to avail the benefits of digital services. He also asked the departments to avail the services of Hartron to get translation of work from English to Hindi.

Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Sh. D Suresh said total 985 business and citizen compliances have been reduced, out of which 746 pertain to business category while 239 relate to the citizen category. Till now, 30 provisions have been decriminalized and 19 provisions are under review. The meeting was informed that suggestions have been invited to reduce compliance burden under 23 Acts of various departments. The structure of reforms across all 23 Acts is being done through 4 steps: Simplification of forms, procedures and documentation, Elimination of Redundancy under which outdated laws/provisions and unnecessary compliances are being repealed, Digitisation for transition from offline to fully online platforms and Decriminalisation of minor offences such as delays in submission and non-filing of returns. For BRAP-2024, total 435 reforms are to be undertaken by 15 February, 2025 across various departments.

Additional Chief Secretary, Finance and Planning Departments and FCR, Sh. Anurag Rastogi, Additional Chief Secretary, Town & Country Planning and Urban Estates, Sh. AK Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, Social Justice, Empowerment, Welfare of Scheduled Castes & Backward Classes and Antyodaya (SEWA), Smt. G. Anupama and senior officers of various departments were present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, January 15

The Haryana Government will organize a Constitution Preamble Reading Programme across the state on January 17 at 11.00 am on the theme ‘Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Swabhiman’. The programme will be organized in all mini secretariats and other offices of all the districts as well as all government and private schools, colleges, universities and local bodies (gram panchayats, municipal councils and municipal corporations).

A letter to this effect was written by the Chief Secretary’s Office to all the Administrative Secretaries, Heads of Departments, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Managing Directors and Chief Administrators of Boards and Corporations, Vice Chancellors of all the universities of the state, Municipal Commissioners, Sub-Divisional Officers (Civil) and Chief Executive Officers of District Councils.

The letter states that the Central Government has started a year-long historic celebration from November 26, 2024 to commemorate the completion of 75 years of adoption of the Constitution of the country. This decision reflects the remarkable journey of our democracy and the enduring legacy of our founding principles and Constitutional values. The purpose of these celebrations is to honour the Constitution makers by reiterating the basic values enshrined in the Constitution. The Constitution Preamble Reading Programme is also being organized in this series. It has also been asked to ensure public participation in these programmes.

Instructions have been given to the concerned officials that the design of the poster of the Preamble is being sent separately by the Department of Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture. It should be framed and put up in all government and private schools, colleges, universities, government offices, gram panchayats, municipalities, municipal councils and municipal corporations before the fixed date of the programme i.e. January 17.

Apart from this, the departments have been asked to ensure uploading of the reports of all these programmes/activities along with photographs/videos on the websites of the Central Government as well as send them to the e-mail ID of the Department of Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture myconstitutiondprl@gmail.com.

Chandigarh, January 15

Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Mr. Shyam Singh Rana, has directed officials to revive the defunct ‘Pack House cum Cold Stores’ built by the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board with the cooperation of the Horticulture Department. This initiative aims to assist farmers in preserving their fruits and vegetables more efficiently. Additionally, he discussed the establishment of a kinnow fruit and vegetable market at the procurement center in Abubshahar under the Market Committee, Dabwali, which will significantly benefit farmers in the surrounding areas.

Mr. Rana chaired a meeting with officials today, where Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department, Dr. Raja Sekhar Vundru, Chief Administrator of Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board, Mr. Mukesh Ahuja, and Director General, Dr. Ranvir Singh were also present.

During the meeting, Mr. Rana instructed officials to prepare a report on the state government’s 100-day agenda. Speaking to the media afterward, the Agriculture Minister said that he has been holding meetings with various departmental officials to gather feedback on the 100-day roadmap prepared in October after the government was formed. He said that meetings with officials from agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, dairy, and fisheries departments are ongoing.

On Wednesday, a meeting with officials from the Animal Husbandry Department was held, where Mr. Rana emphasized the implementation of government schemes and announcements. He also directed the provision of all necessary facilities in the state’s gaushalas and Nandigram gaushalas.

Responding to a question about the Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and his cabinet colleagues attending the Mahakumbh-2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on February 7, Mr. Rana expressed that it would be a privilege for all, as this historic event is occurring after 144 years due to a rare planetary alignment.

Chandigarh, January 15

Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini today announced the establishment of a Research Chair in the name of the great freedom fighter and member of Constituent Assembly Pandit Shriram Sharma at Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak. In addition, the Chief Minister said that a University/Institution would be named after Pandit Shriram Sharma to honor his immense contribution to the nation.

He announced that the state government will also observe his birth anniversary, on October 1 every year. On this occasion, essay, poem writing, and speech competitions will be held in schools and colleges across the state, encouraging students to learn about and reflect on his life and legacy.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister announced the installation of a 30-feet tall national flag at the site of Pandit Shriram Sharma’s statue, along with a beautification project for the location. Regarding the two other demands made by the Pandit Shriram Sharma Vichar Manch—writing his saga of valor at the Pandit Shriram Sharma Metro Station in Bahadurgarh and including his biography in the school curriculum—the Chief Minister said that these requests would be forwarded to the relevant departments for fulfillment. He also announced a discretionary grant of Rs 21 lakh for the Pandit Shriram Sharma Vichar Manch Samiti, further supporting the continued promotion of his ideals and values.

The Chief Minister made these announcements while unveiling the statue of Pandit Shriram Sharma at a function organized at Pandit Shriram Sharma Park site in Rohtak today. He paid rich tributes to the great freedom fighter, highlighting his significant role in India’s freedom struggle, making of constitution and his contributions to nation-building post-independence.

Describing Pandit Shriram Sharma as a true patriot, respected politician, social reformer and Gandhian, the Chief Minister said that as a Member of the Constituent Assembly, he played an important part in strengthening the democratic framework of the country.

The Chief Minister said that on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Constitution, the Prime Minister has called for remembering and honouring the great personalities who played pivotal roles in its creation. Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar gave the Constitution to the country and Pandit Shriram Sharma also made a notable contribution to this monumental work. Deeply influenced by the ideology of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, Pandit Shriram Sharma participated in all five Satyagraha movements during India’s struggle for independence and was imprisoned multiple times for his efforts, he added.

In January 1922, during the Non-Cooperation Movement, Pandit Shriram Sharma boldly uprooted the British flag in Jhajjar and hoisted the tricolor, leading to his arrest and brutal torture by the British police. Undeterred by the mistreatment, he remained resolute in his cause. In 1923, he also launched a weekly Urdu newspaper, Haryana Tilak, to inspire and ignite the spirit of the freedom struggle among the people.

The Chief Minister said that Pandit Shriram Sharma served on many prestigious positions in Joint Punjab as well as in Haryana after 1966. In 1965, Pandit Sharma was appointed Chairman of the Haryana Development Committee by the joint Punjab Government. During his tenure, the committee produced a report in 1966, which highlighted the significant discrimination Haryana faced not only in terms of development but also in political participation and employment opportunities. This report played a crucial role in strengthening the demand for the creation of a separate Haryana state.

*Bahadurgarh Metro Station named after Pandit Shriram Sharma*

The government has honoured Pandit Shriram Sharma by naming the Bahadurgarh Metro Station after him. In addition, monthly Samman Pension provided to freedom fighters and their dependents has been increased from Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000. This pension is currently being given to 289 beneficiaries across the state, he added.

The Chief Minister also urged the youth to work towards preserving the dignity of culture and fostering the unity and integrity of the nation, following the path laid out by Pandit Shriram Sharma.

*Under Prime Minister’s leadership, BJP will again form the government in 2029*

He expressed gratitude to the people for electing the government for a third consecutive term in the state. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, he said that the BJP would again form the government in 2029. He also said that the state’s ‘non-stop’ development would continue without discrimination. He reassured the people that they need not worry under the present government, highlighting that 25,000 jobs have been provided to the youth purely on a merit basis, without any favoritism or corruption. The Chief Minister further stated that Haryana would reach new heights in terms of development and play a crucial role in realizing Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

*Pandit Shriram Sharma dedicated his efforts to the service of the entire nation –  Dr. Arvind Sharma*

Speaking on this occasion, Haryana Cooperation and  Tourism Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma, paid tributes to the great freedom fighter Pandit Shriram Sharma, acknowledging his tireless work for the nation. He fought for the country’s independence along with Mahatma Gandhi and Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Dr. Arvind Sharma also said that the old Rohtak district has produced many hardworking leaders and the freedom fighters. This region, he emphasized, is a land of martyrs, heroes, freedom  fighters and brave souls who made significant contributions to the country’s freedom struggle. Even after independence, this area has continued to uphold the values of  independence. He said that just as Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi is working for the development of the nation, in the same way Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini is also engaged in the all-round development of the state.

Expressing his gratitude to the people, Dr. Sharma said that the public had endorsed the schemes of both the central and state governments, and with their support, the BJP government was elected for the third consecutive term in Haryana. On this occasion, the Minister also announced a discretionary grant of Rs 11 lakh to the Pandit Shriram Sharma Vichar Manch Samiti.

Former Minister Sh Manish Grover, MLA Sh Om Parkash Yadav, President of Pandit Shriram Sharma Vichar Manch Dr Ashok Dixit, family members of the Pandit Shriram Sharma and other dignitaries were also present on this occasion.

Patiala, January 15

          Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday dedicated the first of its kind boutique and heritage hotel Ran Baas- Palace constructed at Quilla Mubarak here in the royal city to the people.

The Chief Minister said that this aesthetically designed hotel has been built on PPP mode and will set a new benchmark in comfort, hospitality and elegance. He envisioned that magnificent hotel will be a favourite place for destination weddings and others. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this Hotel will give a big boost to the tourism sector in the state in general and the royal city of Patiala in particular.

The Chief Minister expressed hope that the tourists will have a comfortable stay in the Hotel and they will enjoy the warm hospitality of the state during their visit. He said that this hotel will give further impetus to tourism in the royal city by providing a comprehensive and holistic wedding destination, in addition to its current status as a hub for religious tourism. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that besides grandeur this hotel is a reflection of the glorious cultural heritage of the state.

The Chief Minister expressed the state government’s unwavering commitment to making Punjab a leading tourist destination in the country through such projects. He said that day one after assuming charge of office it is his dream to showcase hidden aspects of vibrant and blessed Punjab to people across the globe. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that from day one his government is working tirelessly to enhance the income of the state exchequer adding that this is a step in this direction only.

The Chief Minister said that geographically Punjab is blessed land adding that the state government intends to take the tourism sector to a new zenith. He said that areas around Chohal Dam, Ranjit Sagar Dam, Shahpur Kandi Dam  and Kandi areas of the state are being developed as ideal tourist destinations for attracting the tourists from across the globe. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that there is a huge potential for developing these areas as a tourist destination for which all out efforts are being made.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has land even in other states like Goa, Jaipur (Rajasthan), Mcleodganj (Himachal Pradesh) and others which will be developed in coming days. He said that earlier the previous state governments used to sell the prime properties of the state to their close friends but now a reverse trend is being witnessed as the state government is developing these sites. Citing an example, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state has created history by purchasing Goindwal power plant owned by a private company GVK Power adding that for the first time this reverse trend has started that the government has purchased any private power plant whereas in the past the state governments used to sell their assets to the favorite individuals at ‘throw away’ prices.

The Chief Minister said that this is the first heritage hotel of the state adding that more such projects will be developed in the state by optimally utilizing the historic buildings of the state. He said that Punjab has a lot of scenic beauty in the state which can be duly utilized by the film industry and others adding that the state government is working tirelessly on this mission. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is leaving no stone unturned for giving major fillip to the tourism sector in the state. 

The Chief Minister said that the state government will construct a heritage street at the native village of Shaheed-e-Aazam Bhagat Singh to showcase the glorious contribution of Punjab and Punjabis in the national freedom struggle. He said that this 850 metre long heritage street will be constructed from the existing Museum to the ancestral house at Shaheed Bhagat Singh at Khatkar Kalan. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this street will showcase the glorious contribution of the state in the national freedom struggle thereby inspiring the youth to work zealously for the country.

The Chief Minister said that anyone has the right to form political parties in the state and the country but it is upto people to decide its fate. He said 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. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab is a sacred land of great Gurus, saints and seers who have shown us the path of mutual love and tolerance.

The Chief Minister said that located within Patiala’s 18th-century Qila Mubarak complex, Ran Baas- the Palace is a celebration of rich legacy, royal heritage, and bountiful culture of Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Ran Baas offers 35 suites, a range of dining and wellness amenities and curated immersive experiences for the modern travelers. He said that the palace and the larger fort, boasts of an enduring, eclectic legacy steeped in royal culture from the celebratory traditions of Patiala to the architectural character of the palace itself.

The Chief Minister said that this hotel has lent its own layer to this rich history, bringing experiences and services to the tourists. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the majestic fort is a key landmark in India’s history and a remarkable example of the synthesis between late Mughal and Rajasthani architectural styles, reflecting a rich cultural heritage. He expressed his appreciation for the remarkable addition to Punjab’s hospitality landscape, recognizing its potential to position Patiala as a tourist destination.

The Chief Minister expressed hope that this prestigious project will drive tourism, create opportunities for local businesses and showcasing Patiala’s rich cultural identity and heritage to attract global travellers, contributing to the region’s economic growth. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the hotel has been restored as Punjab’s first luxury palace hotel, seamlessly blending heritage with contemporary luxury. He said that the palace blends the old with the new, merging late Mughal, Rajput, Sikh, and Colonial styles while preserving the architectural integrity of Punjab’s rich heritage.

The Chief Minister said that spread across three floors, it will offer an array of modern amenities, including an all-day dining restaurant and others. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in addition to offering opulent accommodations, Ran Baas- the Palace provides a range of exhibition and baithak spaces, perfect for adding a touch of royal grandeur to private events and celebrations. He said that located near key tourist attractions, religious sites, and popular daily excursions, the hotel offers an ideal base for exploring the city.

The Chief Minister said that the dedication of this hotel reflects a significant milestone in Punjab government’s commitment to preserve the glorious cultural heritage of the state. He said that due to its marvelous location, opulence and excellent rail, air and road connectivity this hotel will become a treasured destination for tourists.

Chandigarh, January 15

In a path-breaking move to empower the state’s young women, Punjab Government has trained as many as 265 girls for Army, CAPF and Punjab Police for the first time through Centre for Training and Employment of Punjab Youth (C-PYTE) camps across the state, informed Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr. Aman Arora, who was chairing 5th Governing Council meeting of the C-PYTE, here at his office, on Wednesday.

Highlighting another major decision, he said that the state would soon open a C-PYTE camp exclusively for girls aspiring to join the armed forces at village Theh Kanjla in Kapurthala district and the camp will be run entirely by the women staff. An additional C-PYTE camp will also be established in Pathankot district to enable the state’s youth for employment into the Police, Armed Forces and CAPF. Currently, Punjab has 14 C-PYTE camps across the state.

Mr. Aman Arora directed the concerned officials to complete the work of under-construction three new camps situated at village Asal Uttar (Tarn Taran), village Kheri (Sangrur) and Borewal (Mansa) within stipulated time.  

Principal Secretary Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Ms. Jaspreet Talwar apprised the Cabinet Minister that as many as 2,58,760 youth have been trained totally free of cost through these C-PYTE camps, of which, 1,15,649 have been employed. Apart from training for uniformed forces, the youth are also being trained for alternative employment to enhance their employability. She informed that at least 150 youth will be trained as Drone Pilot, 300 youth as Security Guard and 150 as JCB/Crane Operators this year.

Director General of C-PYTE Major General Rambir Singh Mann informed that the staff of C-PYTE camps have been working assiduously to instil values including national integration, discipline, social concern in the youth to make them better citizens, besides training and guiding them to find job in the armed forces, police, para-military forces and other industries.

Secretary Industry Mr. DPS Kharbanda, IGP (HQs) Mr. Sukhchain Singh Gill, Special Secretary Personnel Ms. Gauri Prashar Joshi, Director Rural Development & Panchayats Mr. Paramjit Singh, MD PESCO Major General Harmandeep Singh, Additional Director (Admin) Information and Public Relations Mr. Sundeep Garha, Deputy Principal Secretary to CM Mr. Yash Pal Sharma and senior officials of other departments were also present in the meeting.

CHANDIGARH/TARN TARAN, January 15

          In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing war against drugs waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Tarn Taran Police has busted a Pak-backed drug trafficking cartel with the arrest of a kingpin and seized 5 kg heroin from his possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday.

          The arrested accused has been identified as Rashpal Singh, a resident of Village Bhai Ladhu, Tarn Taran. Apart from recovering heroin, police teams have also impounded his motorcycle.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that accused person was in direct contact with multiple Pakistan-based smugglers and had been receiving consignments of drugs from across the border. Probe revealed that the Pak-based smugglers were exploiting drones to ferry drugs across the border, he added..

          The DGP said that further investigations are going on to establish backward and forward linkages in this case. More arrests and recoveries are likely in coming days, he added.

          Sharing operation details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Tarn Taran Abhimanyu Rana said that acting on reliable information, a police team under the supervision of SP (D) Ajayraj Singh, DSP (D) Rajinder Minhas and DSP Sarbjit Singh Bajwa led by CIA Staff in-charge Inspector Amandeep Singh, conducted a targeted operation and apprehended Rashpal Singh in the area of Village Bhai Ladhu and recovered 5 kg heroin from his possession.

          The SSP said that efforts are being made to uncover the entire network of suppliers, dealers, and buyers, as well as to ascertain the total quantity of drugs purchased by the arrested individual so far.

          A case under FIR No. 06 dated January 15, 2025, has been registered under sections 21(c) of the NDPS Act at Sadar Patti Police Station, Tarn Taran.