Category Archives: News

A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart.

Punjab

Cabinet Minister Anmol Gagan Mann reviews the development works of different wards of Kharar city

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IEP Chandigarh, June 5

          Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Labour, Investment Promotion and Hospitality Minister Anmol Gagan Mann on Monday reviewed the development works of various wards of Kharar city.  On this occasion, the residents of Kharar informed the minister about their various problems.  Taking the problems of the people seriously, the minister solved most of the problems on the spot.  Apart from this, the officials of various departments were asked to take quick action by issuing necessary guidelines to solve the remaining problems.

          Giving more information in this regard, the minister said that efforts are being made by the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to develop the Kharar constituency. Referring to the development works of Kharar city, the minister said that adequate arrangements have been made for the drainage of rainwater in Kharar city, so that water will not enter people’s houses during the rainy season.

          Speaking about the scarcity of drinking water in Kharar city, the minister said that the project of providing canal water to Kharar city is progressing rapidly and will be completed very soon. She also mentioned that water supply to Zone A of Kharar will start soon. Furthermore, the work of setting up 5 sewerage treatment plants in Kharar city is about to begin. In addition, 6 tube wells in Kharar city, which have been running on generators for the past three years, have now been connected to the electricity. Moreover, tenders have been published for the installation of 6 new tube wells and the process is expected to be completed soon.

          She informed that more than 20,000 saplings will soon be planted by the forest department to make Kharar city greener. Minister assured that the development project will not face any shortage of funds.

          The minister appealed to the people to actively participate in the development of Kharar. She emphasized the importance of people monitoring the government’s development works to ensure that they are carried out according to the prescribed standards. She also stated that any form of corruption in development works will not be tolerated and strict action will be taken against any such cases that come to light.

          On this occasion, SDM Kharar Ravinder Singh, Executive officer of Kharar Gurdeep Singh, Chairman of the Market Committee Hakam Singh, Labour Coordinator Raghbir Singh, Avtar Singh, Daljit Singh Jhungian and other dignitaries were present.

Punjab

Jimpa directs Water Supply and Sanitation Department to complete all schemes in timebound manner

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IEP Chandigarh, June 5

          Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Mr. Bram Shanker Jimpa during a meeting with the employees of the head office of Water Supply and Sanitation Department in Patiala, gave instructions to ensure the completion all the schemes of the department in a timebound manner. On this occasion, Mr. Jimpa rejected the apprehension expressed by these employees regarding shifting of the head office of the department and entire staff from Patiala to SAS Nagar.

          During this meeting held here at Punjab Bhavan on Monday, Mr. Bram Shanker Jimpa asked the employees posted at the head office to boost their performance. He said that any delay in the completion of the schemes initiated by the department to provide better services to the people of the state would not be tolerated.

          Meanwhile, reiterating the commitment towards the welfare of the employees of the department, the Water Supply and Sanitation Minister said that the employees can meet him anytime to resolve any of their issues. He noted with concern that 95 cases of the jobs at the compassionate ground were pending since long at the head office along with the cases related to the promotion of employees of C and D categories. He said the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government is committed to the welfare of every section of the society and any undue delay in such cases would not be tolerated.  He directed the employees of the head office to take swift action in all such cases.

          On this occasion, rejecting the apprehension of the employees of the head office that this office and its entire staff were being shifted from Patiala to SAS Nagar, Mr. Jimpa said that there is a proposal to build Jal Bhavan at Mohali where HoD office would be shifted. “Apart from the setting up conference hall and digital presentation of the department, arrangements will be made for important meetings with the persons visiting state capital for work related to the department in this Jal Bhawan”, he added.

          Prominent amongst others, Principal Secretary DWSS Mr. D.K. Tiwari and Special Secretary DWSS Mr. Mohammad Ishfaq were also present in this meeting.

Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab

NO SHARE IN PANJAB UNIVERSITY: PUNJAB CM MAKES CLEAR TO HIS HARYANA COUNTERPART

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IEP Chandigarh, June 5

Asserting that Panjab University, Chandigarh is part of the emotional, cultural, literature and rich legacy of the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday categorically said that they need no share of Haryana in the University, which is an apex educational institute of the region. 

“Neither any college of Haryana will be given affiliation from the university nor will any attempt of Haryana for back door entry in the senate of university be allowed” said the Chief Minister while interacting with the media persons here at Punjab Bhawan.

The Chief Minister bemoaned that regular attempts are being made to change the status of the university. However, he said that the Punjab government will not allow any such move in the larger interests of the students. Bhagwant Mann said that 175 colleges of the state are affiliated with this premier university due to which generations of Punjab are emotionally attached with it.

The Chief Minister said that the University caters only to the state of Punjab and its capital Chandigarh. Citing the history of the University, its constitution, its ethnic, socio-cultural and historical roots as well as its faculty and students who hail primarily from the state of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann said that it is important that the present legal and administrative status of the Panjab University should be preserved. He reminded that at the time of the reorganization of the State of Punjab in 1966, Panjab University was declared as an ‘Inter State Body Corporate’ under section 72(1) of the Punjab Reorganization Act 1966 enacted by the Parliament.

The Chief Minister said that ever since its inception, the Panjab University has been continuously and uninterruptedly functioning in the state of Punjab. Bhagwant Mann recalled that after partition it was shifted from Lahore, the then capital of Punjab, to Hoshiarpur and then to Chandigarh the present capital of Punjab. He asserted that the entire territorial jurisdiction of Panjab University lies primarily in the state of Punjab and Union territory of Chandigarh.

The Chief Minister said that as per Sub-section (4) of Section 72 of the Punjab Reorganization Act, 1966, the maintenance deficit grants to the University were to be shared and paid by the states concerned, i.e., Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and UT Administration of Chandigarh in the ratio of 20:20:20:40, respectively. However, he said that in 1970 the then Chief Minister of Haryana Bansi Lal voluntarily pulled out his state’s share from the university adding that in 1973 even the state called back its members of senate from university. Bhagwant Mann said that since then the state of Punjab and UT Administration of Chandigarh have borne the financial responsibility of paying maintenance deficit grants to the University in the ratio of 40:60 respectively.

The Chief Minister said that despite increased financial burden caused by withdrawal of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh and the creation of new universities in the state, Punjab has continued to support Panjab University to ensure that the historical and emotional attachment of the people of Punjab with the University is maintained and preserved. He said that recently also the state government has given Rs 49 crore for construction of hostels to the university, even though no demand was made for it. Bhagwant Mann said that the state government has left no stone unturned for the holistic development of the university in all possible manners.

The Chief Minister further said that every step will be taken to retain the Interstate Status of the university and no one will be allowed to make any change in it. He unequivocally said that the interests of the state are not saleable so that anyone will offer money and purchase it. Bhagwant Mann said that the Haryana government’s proposal to bear the share of grants in university is totally unacceptable and unwarranted too.

The Chief Minister, while quoting a letter written by the Additional Chief Secretary of Haryana to the Vice Chancellors of all the universities of the state, said that the Haryana government had through communiqué expressed its inability to give funds to universities. He said that in this letter the Universities were asked to manage their own resources whereas on the other hand Haryana is too eager to put a share in Panjab University which indicates some nefarious designs of the state. Bhagwant Mann said that how can any state which is not able to manage its own universities fund a university of stature of Panjab University until and unless some higher agency was not funding it in a clandestine manner.

The Chief Minister said that after assuming the charge of office he had written two letters to Union Ministers Amit Shah and Dharminder Pradhan asking them that the university is heritage of the state and any sort of change in it will not be tolerated. Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to avert any change in the nature and character of the Panjab University, he said that the Punjab government is committed to safeguard the rights of the state and its people. Bhagwant Mann said that Panjab University is a symbol of Punjab’s legacy and is synonymous with the name of the State.

The Chief Minister also said that a resolution was also passed in Punjab assembly on June 30, 2022 to retain the original status of PU to avert any sort of intrusion in the senate of university. He said that the state government is not against the people of Haryana and it is also a well known fact that 35% students in university are from Haryana. Bhagwant Mann categorically said that Haryana is free to make its university anywhere but they will not be allowed any share in the Panjab University.

Taking the Akali and Congress leaders to cudgels, the Chief Minister slammed them for backstabbing the state and its people. He said that the then Chief Minister of state late Parkash Singh Badal wrote a letter to erstwhile Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on August 26, 2008 seeking central status for Panjab University. Bhagwant Mann said that going beyond that, the Akali Dal government had issued an NOC to the Union government for converting this premier institute into a central university.

The Chief Minister said that on what grounds the Akali leaders are thumping their chest when everyone knows that they have worked overtime against the interests of the state and its people. He said that granting NOC for the central university was a treacherous move aimed at weakening the claim of state over the university. Bhagwant Mann said that Akali Dal has no moral right to say even a single word on the issue.

The Chief Minister said that these leaders and parties had always preferred their own interests by jeopardizing that of the state. Likewise, he said that Congress was also dyed in the same wool as a female Congress MLA of Haryana had in August 2022 moved a resolution in state Vidhan Sabha to affiliate colleges of state with Panjab University. Bhagwant Mann said that both these parties were hypocrites who had always ignored the interests of the state for their selfish interests.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Ministers Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer and Harjot Bains, Chief Secretary Vijay Kumar Janjua, Additional Chief Secretary to CM A Venuprasad, Special Principal Secretary to CM Ravi Bhagat, Additional Special Principal Secretary to CM Himanshu Jain and others.

Chandigarh, Punjab

A Book ‘ALL ONE MUST KNOW ABOUT THE SIKH FAITH’ released

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IEP Chandigarh

A unique book titled ALL ONE MUST KNOW ABOUT THE SIKH FAITH, nineteenth by the author Colonel Daljeet Singh Cheema, a Panjab Ratan awardee, and published by Abhishek Publications, Chandigarh was released on 3 June at Chandigarh Press Club. Eminent dignitaries who were the guests of honor included Gen V P Malik (Retd), AVSM, PVSM, former army chief, Madhav Kaushik President National Sahitya Academy , Professor P K Khosla, Chancellor Shoolini University, Vivek Atray, former IAS officer, and  Roopinder Singh, The event began on a soothing note of Mool Mantar sung in the very melodious voice of  Sunaini Sharma. As MC, Lily Swran kept the audience glued to their seats with her exceptional oratory skills and sharp wit.

 Vivek Atray, in his opening remarks appreciated the courage of Col Cheema to attempt a book of love, compassion and peace. Gen Malik spoke about the need of such a book in a strife-torn world of today. Madhav Kaushik felt that the message of Oneness of God and Universal Brotherhood was the need of the hour. Professor Khosla brought about certain unknown facts that make Sikhism a unique faith. 

Later, Roopinder Singh and Col Cheema discussed the unique features of the book. Col Cheema laid emphasis on the necessity of future generations understanding and interpreting their cultural and religious heritage in correct perspective.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Universities of Punjab shines in Khelo India University Games

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IEP Chandigarh, June 4

          In the Khelo India University Games held in Uttar Pradesh, the Universities of Punjab have shined. Four Universities of the State occupied the first five places in the final medal tally. Panjab University Chandigarh became the overall champion while Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar was the runner-up. Punjabi University Patiala secured the fourth position and Guru Kashi University Damdama Sahib secured the fifth position.

          Punjab Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hare congratulated all the winning players and Universities for this achievement and attributed it to the students, their parents, coaches and higher officials of the Universities and sports departments.

          Meet Hayer said that this is a big boost to the efforts of the State Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to again make Punjab number one state in the country in the field of sports. Under the directives of the Chief Minister, a platform has been provided to the sportspersons to progress in the form of Khedan Watan Punjab Deya in the state.

          Panjab University Chandigarh, won a total of 69 medals with 26 gold, 17 silver and 26 bronze medals. Similarly, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, which came second, bagged a total of 68 medals with 24 gold, 27 silver and 17 bronze medals, Punjabi University, Patiala, which came fourth, bagged a total of 34 medals with 12 gold, 14 silver and 8 bronze medals and Guru Kashi University Damdama Sahib, which came in fifth place, won a total of 28 medals with 9 gold, 10 silver and 9 bronze medals.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Punjab Health Department to Organise Cycle Rallies across the state today: Dr. Balbir Singh

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IEP Chandigarh, June 2

          To sensitise people about the benefits of adopting healthy lifestyle to keep the various lifestyle diseases such as Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular and Stroke away, the Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh has directed to organise cycle rallies at all district headquarters and Health & Wellness Centres across state.

          It is pertinent to mention here that Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are accounting for more than 63% deaths in the country. Out of which Cardiovascular diseases cause 27%, Cancer causes 9%, Respiratory Diseases 11% and Diabetes contributes to 3% of deaths in India. Most of these NCDs are strongly associated with major behaviour risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol use, poor dietary habits, insufficient physical activity, and air pollution.

          Dr. Balbir Singh said that in order to promote and inculcate a healthy lifestyle and to prevent such diseases, a Cycle Event would be organised on Saturday in all the districts of Punjab. The Health Minister has also instructed the Mass Education and Media wing of the Health Department to conduct various awareness activities regarding the importance of physical activity for good health at all Health & Wellness Centres on the occasion of “World Bicycle Day’ to promote physical and mental well-being through eco friendly conveyance.

          Director Health and Family Welfare Dr. Adarshpal Kaur informed that “Cycling is a low-impact exercise and incorporating cycling into our exercise routine or as a recreational activity can benefit people of all ages and improve their quality of life. Cycling can also help us beat a sedentary lifestyle. “The activity in the state shall be organised under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) and theme of the day will be ‘Cycle for Health’.” She added.

          Assistant Director cum State Programme Officer Dr. Sandeep Singh Gill said that the focus has now shifted from communicable diseases to the non communicable diseases as NCDs are now more prevalent and cause more deaths. These diseases can be prevented by following healthy lifestyle habits.

Punjab

FATEHGARH SAHIB DACOITY CASE: PUNJAB POLICE’S AGTF ARRESTS TWO MAIN ACCUSED AFTER BRIEF EXCHANGE OF FIRE; THREE PISTOLS RECOVERED

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CHANDIGARH/FATEHGARH SAHIB, June 1:

          Amidst the ongoing drive against anti-social elements launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) of Punjab Police in a joint operation with Fatehgarh Sahib Police have successfully cracked the daylight dacoity in Fatehgarh Sahib with the arrest of two criminals after a brief exchange of fire, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Thursday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Gurpreet Singh of village Johal Dhai Wala in Tarn Taran and Harpreet Singh of village Bantara in Tarn Taran. Both the accused persons were involved in the loot of Rs 40.8 lakh from an employee of a petrol pump in Bhatmajra village of Fatehgarh Sahib.

          Police teams have also recovered three .32 bore pistols along with live cartridges from the possession of both the accused persons.

          Giving details, DGP Gaurav Yadav said that a team of AGTF headed by ADGP Promod Ban got a reliable input that persons involved in the daylight dacoity are expected to visit village Macchli Khurd to pick their car, which was used to commit the crime.

          Following the information, a team from AGTF led by AIG Sandeep Goel, DSP Bikram Brar and DSP Rajan Parminder along with local Fatehgarh Sahib Police laid a trap and signalled the car to stop. “Instead of stopping the car, people sitting in the car opened fire at the police party, prompting Police parties to retaliate,” he said.

          After a brief exchange of fire, the DGP said that Police teams have managed to overpower both the accused persons, who have sustained bullet injuries on their legs. Both the accused persons have been undergoing treatment at a local hospital, he added.

          Meanwhile, a fresh case FIR no. 115 dated 1-6-2023 has been registered under sections 307 and 473 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act at Police Station Kharar.

Punjab

State-Level Event for Women Journalists to be Held in Patiala Next Year: Chetan Singh Jaura Majra

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Chandigarh, June 1

          The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, remains committed to granting women their due status and respect. In line with this objective, Chetan Singh Jaura Majra, Minister of Services Welfare, Freedom Fighters, Information and Public Relations, and Minister of Horticulture, along with Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, and Social Security, Women and Child Development, attended the National Women Journalist Conference at the Press Club Chandigarh today.

          During the event, Public Relations Minister Chetan Singh Jaura Majra emphasized the indispensable role of women in society. The aim of this conference is to instill courage and enthusiasm among women who are successfully excelling in the field of journalism today. He announced that a state-level event for women journalists will be held in Patiala next year. The purpose of this gathering is to create a platform for women journalists to discuss the challenges they encounter in their profession and foster an environment conducive to finding solutions.

          Minister Chetan Singh Jaura Majra further expressed his profound respect for women, emphasizing their pivotal roles as mothers, sisters, and wives in society. He stressed that the progress of society is unattainable without the active involvement of women and urged everyone to honor and respect them.

          Regarding women’s safety, Minister Chetan Singh Jaura Majra acknowledged that even fathers, including himself, feel insecure about their daughters’ safety, regardless of their own professional roles. He condemned those who disregard the dignity of women and affirmed that the government is making comprehensive efforts to ensure women’s safety.

          Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister of Social Security, Women and Child Development, highlighted that today’s era is no longer dominated by males, as women are increasingly participating in various fields. She commended women for their exemplary contributions, whether in their domestic duties or outside responsibilities. Dr. Baljit Kaur viewed the present era as an opportunity for women to excel in all spheres of life. Encouraging women journalists, she emphasized their diverse skills and urged them to step forward and elevate their reputation in society.

          During the event, women journalists shared their experiences, addressing the challenges they face in their profession, and presented a list of demands to Public Relations Minister Chetan Singh Jodi Majra. The minister assured them that their legitimate demands would be met. Additionally, women journalists from Punjab, Haryana, Telangana, Delhi, and Odisha were honored.

Punjab

PUNJAB POLICE GEAR UP TO ENSURE PEACEFUL OBSERVANCE OF ‘OPERATION BLUESTAR ANNIVERSARY’

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CHANDIGARH, June 1

          Keeping in view the Operation Bluestar Anniversary— also known as Ghallughara Week, Punjab Police have beefed up the security across the state to ensure peaceful observance of this week.

          On Thursday, Police teams led by CPs/SSPs have also conducted Flag Marches in the sensitive and vulnerable areas of their concerned districts as a measure to instil the confidence among the general public. As many as 110 flag marches were conducted covering 192 sensitive/vulnerable areas in all the 28 Police districts.

          The exercise was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav as part of the ongoing drive to make Punjab safe and secure as per vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

          Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla said that the CPs/SSPs were directed to conduct Flag Marches in the sensitive areas of their respective districts. Police teams have also apprehended 368 suspicious persons during flag marches.

          He said that the exercise was aimed to boost the confidence of the general public, besides, preparing police personnel to tackle any untoward situation.

          “Punjab Police will ensure peaceful observance of the Operation Bluestar Anniversary, for which foolproof arrangements are in place and adequate security has also been deployed across the state,” said Arpit Shukla.

          The Special DGP said that deployment of police teams have also been intensified at vital places including bus stands, railway stations and other sensitive areas to prevent intrusion of anti-social elements.

          Meanwhile, CPs/SSPs have also been asked to intensify Police nakas in their jurisdictions and conduct checking of all the entering/exiting suspicious vehicles.

Haryana

10 shooters of Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldie Brar gang arrested with illegal weapons

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Chandigarh, June 1

In a major break-through, Haryana Police have arrested 10 shooters associated with notorious gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldie Brar from Gurugram district.

The police seized four pistols, 28 live cartridges, two vehicles (a Scorpio and a Honda City), and seven police uniforms from the possession of the accused. One of the vehicles recovered was reported stolen from Delhi.

Sharing the information here today, a Haryana Police spokesperson informed that arrested accused were identified as Rakesh Kumar alias Anil, Harjot Singh alias Leela, Ajay Isharwalia alias Punjabi, Prince alias Golu, Joginder alias Joga, Sandeep alias Deep, and Sinderpal alias Bittu. All the above seven accused were arrested on specific input from Mehandwada, Bhondsi, Gurugram while they were plotting to commit a crime.

After interrogating them, their three other companions named Dharmendra alias Dharma, Deepak alias Dilawar, and Bharat were also apprehended near Rajiv Chowk Devi Lal Stadium.

During the interrogation, it was revealed that the arrested individuals were active shooters for Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldie Brar gangs. They had come to Gurugram to carry out a major dacoity and kidnapping. Their plan involved posing as police officers, with Joginder alias Joga acting as a fake police inspector, and the other members wearing police uniforms during the crime. The intention was to kidnap someone and demand a ransom of crores of rupees. However, the police managed to apprehend them before they could execute their plan.

The accused individuals confessed that they carried out these crimes under the instructions of Goldie Brar, Rohit Godara, and Veeru, who are believed to be residing abroad. They had brought police uniforms, belts, shoes, and other items to facilitate their operations in Gurugram. The gang members maintained regular contact with Goldie Brar and others abroad, following their instructions to carry out kidnappings and collect ransom. Police were able to arrest them before they could carry out the planned incident.

It was also revealed that multiple cases have been registered against the arrested individuals, including charges of robbery, dacoity, attempted murder, theft, assault, possession of illegal weapons etc. These cases have been filed in various districts of Haryana, including Bhiwani, Panchkula, Sirsa, Ambala, Gurugram as well as Mohali (Punjab), and Rajasthan.

Here is some information about the gang members:

1.     Jogendra alias Joga: He is the leader of the arrested gang members and is associated with the gangs of Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldie Brar. He hails from Baddunai in Bhiwani district and has more than 15 charges against him, including robbery, dacoity, attempted murder, and extortion. Jogendra has been to jail multiple times and served a five-year sentence in Ambala Jail from 2017 to October 2021. He was released from jail in 2021 and was arrested again in February 2022 but obtained bail after about 35 days. He has been absconding since then and has not appeared in court. During his stay in Patiala Jail, he met Lawrence Bishnoi and his gang members and after that he became an active member of this gang.

2.     Harjot Singh alias leela: He is originally from village Badraklai in Moga district, Punjab. He has six cases registered against him in Badhni Kalan Moga police station, including charges of assault, attempted murder, and drug-related offenses.

3.     Sinderpal alias Bittu: He belongs to village Kalwanu in Patiala district, Punjab. Three cases, including dacoity and drug offenses, have been registered against him in Patiala.

4.     Sandeep alias Deep: He is from Sisai village in Hisar. He has been charged with attempt to murder.

5.     Ajay Isharwalia alias Punjabi: He is from Isharwal in Bhiwani and also faces charges.

A case has been registered against all the arrested accused. The police are conducting thorough interrogations of the arrested accused to gather more information.