CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, May 12:

          Dealing a major blow to an international drug smuggling and hawala cartel amidst the ongoing anti-drugs campaign Yudh Nashian Virudh launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Commissionerate Police Amritsar busted a narco-hawala cartel linked to Turkey-based smuggler Navpreet Singh alias Nav Bhullar with the arrest of his three operatives, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Monday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Gurdeep Singh alias Saab (35), a taxi driver from Amritsar, Pardeep Sharma (29), a garment shop worker from Bikaner in Rajasthan and Mani Sharma (36), a Ludhiana-based garments businessman. Police teams have recovered 1.10 kg heroin, ₹1.06 crore hawala money (₹84.02 lakh in cash & ₹22 lakh frozen in bank accounts), one cash counting machine, besides, impounding their Swift Dzire car (without number plate).

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that accused Gurdeep was operating the local network of hawala and drugs smuggling on directions of his handler Nav Bhullar, who had provided him a house to use it as a hideout in Amritsar and all the logistic support to run the cartel. Accused Nav bhullar is wanted in big hauls of drug and hawala cases by different centre and state agencies, he added.

          The DGP said that further investigation is underway to trace backward and forward linkages of the cartel.

          Sharing operation details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that acting on a specific intelligence input, Incharge CIA-1 Amolakdeep Singh along with the police team, strategically formed different teams and apprehended Gurdeep Singh alias Saab from near Lok Heart School, Ram Tirath Road, Amritsar and recovered the drug consignment and drug money from his possession. The operation was conducted under the supervision of DCP Detective Ravinderpal Singh, ADCP Detective Jagbinder Singh and ACP Detective Harminder Singh Sandhu.

          The CP said that during interrogation, accused Gurdeep Singh mentioned about the involvement of accused persons Pardeep Sharma and Mani Sharma, and also revealed that the latter had delivered ₹5 lakh each in drug money. Following the revelations police teams have successfully tracked both the accused persons and arrested them, he said, while adding that further investigations are on.

          A case FIR No. 76 dated 06-05-2025 has been registered under sections 21-C, 27-A, 25 and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Cantonment in Amritsar.

Chandigarh, May 12:

The Punjab Government has initiated decisive legal measures against the Chairman of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) Sh. Manoj Tripathi for deliberate misrepresentation of facts before the Hon’ble Punjab and Haryana High Court.

In a strongly-worded rebuttal filed as a detailed reply in CWP PIL No.101 of 2025 against CM No.123 of 2025, the Punjab Government has vehemently refuted assertions of illegal detention concerning the BBMB Chairman.

An official spokesperson of the state government informed that during the live court proceedings on May 8, 2025, Sh. Tripathi admitted he was only surrounded by local citizens and was assisted by Punjab Police in leaving safely. However, in a subsequent affidavit dated May 9, 2025, Sh. Tripathi contradictorily alleged he was subjected to illegal detention, a claim directly conflicting with his prior in-court statement.

Consequently, the Punjab Government has invoked Section-379 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, requesting the Hon’ble High Court to initiate an inquiry into an offence under Section-215 of the BNSS, which pertains to the submission of a knowingly false affidavit.

Further, the state seeks the initiation of contempt of court proceedings against both Sh. Tripathi and Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, Director (Water Regulation) for willful disobedience of the High Court’s order dated May 6, 2025.

Elaborating on the matter, the state government clarified that the Hon’ble High Court’s order dated May 6, 2025, solely mandated the implementation of decisions taken during a meeting on May 2, 2025. The Punjab Government contends that no such decisions were ever formally communicated to either the state authorities or the BBMB Chairman himself.

Despite this, Sh. Tripathi misrepresented the court’s order, claiming that the court had ordered the release of 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana, thereby misleading the BBMB staff, the Court and stakeholders and distorting the factual matrix before the judiciary.

CHANDIGARH/FAZILKA, May 12:

          Striking a major blow to pharma opiod supply network amidst the ongoing anti-drugs campaign Yudh Nashian Virudh launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Fazilka Police apprehended three drug smugglers and recovered 60,000 Tramadol Hydrochloride (100mg) tablets, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Monday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Prince Kumar, a resident of Mohkam Araiyan in Jalalabad, Sandeep Kumar alias Sanju and Jashanpreet Singh alias Jashan, both residents of Kamrewala in Jalalabad. Apart from recovering a major haul of intoxicating pharmaceutical substances, police teams have impounded their Maruti Alto car (DL-2AF-7049), in which they were travelling.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that further investigations are underway to trace backward and forward linkages in this case to dismantle the entire pharma drug syndicate.

          Sharing operation details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Fazilka Varinder Singh Brar said during special naka at Jalalabad-Sri Muktsar Road near village Ladhu Wala Utar, police teams under the supervision of Incharge CIA-2 Fazilka Inspector Sunil Kumar and led by SI Amrik Singh stopped an Alto car with three occupants coming from Sri Muktsar Sahib’s side for checking.

          During a search, the police recovered 60,000 Tramadol tablets concealed in cardboard boxes kept on the rear seat of the car, he said, while adding that trio accused persons have been arrested.

          The SSP said that preliminary investigations have revealed that the arrested accused persons were part of an inter-district drug smuggling network and were supplying these banned pharmaceutical opioids in the region. Further investigations are on, he added.

          A case FIR No. 52 dated 11-05-2025 has been registered under sections 22-C and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Vairoke in Fazilka.

CHANDIGARH, May 12:

          With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state completed 72 days, Punjab Police has registered 6280 first information reports and arrested 10444 drug smugglers since March 1, 2025.

          Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann had asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. Since the launch of the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign, Punjab Police under the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav has been conducting different operations including cordon and search operations, night domination and raids at drug hotspots acros the state.

          Divulging details, Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla, who has been personally monitoring these operations, said that police teams have recovered 398 kg heroin, 186 kg opium, 117 quintals poppy husk, 8 kg charas, 135 kg ganja, 2.5 kg ICE, 1.2 kg cocaine, 23.57 lakh intoxicant pills/tablets and Rs 8.58 crores drug money from their possession.

          Sharing details of outcome of Day 72, the Special DGP said that Punjab Police has arrested 133 drug smugglers and recovered 2.2 kg heroin, 54 kg poppy husk, 73000 intoxicant pills and ₹13.22 lakh drug money from their possession.

          Over 250 Police teams, comprising over 1400 police personnel, under the supervision of 90 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 495 locations across the state leading to the registration of 89 first information reports (FIRs) across the state, he said, while adding that police teams have also checked as many as 503 suspicious persons during the day long operation.

          Meanwhile, 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 104 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.

Chandigarh, May 12:

The Punjab Government has initiated decisive legal measures against the Chairman of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) Sh. Manoj Tripathi for deliberate misrepresentation of facts before the Hon’ble Punjab and Haryana High Court.

In a strongly-worded rebuttal filed as a detailed reply in CWP PIL No.101 of 2025 against CM No.123 of 2025, the Punjab Government has vehemently refuted assertions of illegal detention concerning the BBMB Chairman.

An official spokesperson of the state government informed that during the live court proceedings on May 8, 2025, Sh. Tripathi admitted he was only surrounded by local citizens and was assisted by Punjab Police in leaving safely. However, in a subsequent affidavit dated May 9, 2025, Sh. Tripathi contradictorily alleged he was subjected to illegal detention, a claim directly conflicting with his prior in-court statement.

Consequently, the Punjab Government has invoked Section-379 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, requesting the Hon’ble High Court to initiate an inquiry into an offence under Section-215 of the BNSS, which pertains to the submission of a knowingly false affidavit.

Further, the state seeks the initiation of contempt of court proceedings against both Sh. Tripathi and Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, Director (Water Regulation) for willful disobedience of the High Court’s order dated May 6, 2025.

Elaborating on the matter, the state government clarified that the Hon’ble High Court’s order dated May 6, 2025, solely mandated the implementation of decisions taken during a meeting on May 2, 2025. The Punjab Government contends that no such decisions were ever formally communicated to either the state authorities or the BBMB Chairman himself.

Despite this, Sh. Tripathi misrepresented the court’s order, claiming that the court had ordered the release of 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana, thereby misleading the BBMB staff, the Court and stakeholders and distorting the factual matrix before the judiciary.

Chandigarh, May 12:

In a significant step towards bringing uniformity and boosting agricultural education, Punjab Government has given a go ahead to adopt ICAR Model Act, 2023 (Revised) for B.Sc (Hons.) Agriculture in the State.

This decision was taken in a meeting of Punjab State Council for Agricultural Education (PSCAE), chaired by Dr. Basant Garg, Chairperson PSCAE-cum-Administrative Secretary Agriculture and Farmers Welfare department, Punjab.

Dr. Garg informed that a detailed discussion on implementing the ICAR Model Act 2023 (Revised) for B.Sc (Hons.) Agriculture in Punjab led to a unanimous decision to adopt the Act.

He said that the revised minimum standards for B.Sc (Hons.) Agriculture (per 120 students/ a unit) include 35 faculty members, 43 supporting staff, and specific land requirements: 37.5 acres of total land area, with 19 acres (within a 7-KMs radius) dedicated to farm area, which can be owned or leased for 33 years, or a combination of 10 acres owned and 9 acres leased land for 10 years. Additionally, the program requires 13 laboratories equipped according to ICAR specifications.

With this decision, the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has fulfilled a long-standing demand of the Joint Association of Colleges, Punjab, he added.

Previously, the B.Sc (Hons.) Agriculture program’s minimum standards for 60 students included 35 faculty members, 28 supporting staff, 40 acres of agricultural land, and 12 ICAR-prescribed laboratories.

According to Dr. Basant Garg, PSCAE was set up by the Punjab Government to oversee agricultural education in the government and private institutions. Till date, 16 colleges and universities have obtained PSCAE accreditation for their B.Sc (Hons.) Agriculture program by fulfilling the required standards.

Prominent attendees at the meeting included Vice Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Agriculture Commissioner, Punjab Ms. Babita, Dean Colleges of Agriculture (PAU) Dr. CS Aulakh and ADO (PSCAE) Jaideep Singh.

Chandigarh, May 12

Punjab Government has issued a show cause notice to the Amritsar Municipal Commissioner for dereliction of duty.

Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh informed that persistent complaints about Amritsar city’s sanitation had been received over the past few months. He said that the concerned official had demonstrated significant negligence in performing his duties, necessitating to proceed this action. The official has been instructed to submit a detailed response within 24 hours, he added.

Dr. Ravjot Singh said, “We have received numerous complaints from citizens and media regarding sanitation in Amritsar, which cannot be overlooked.”

“Taking the matter seriously, a show cause notice has been issued to the Amritsar Municipal Corporation Commissioner, with clear instructions to respond within 24 hours”, he added.

The Cabinet Minister said that Amritsar is a sacred city requiring special attention to cleanliness. He directed all the officials across Punjab to ensure exceptional sanitation arrangements to protect people from potential diseases. With the approaching summer season, he stressed, the critical need for comprehensive city cleaning to prevent ailments like malaria, dengue and other hygiene-related health risks.

Dr. Ravjot Singh clarified that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government will not tolerate any negligence or casual approach from any official or employee, affirming that the government is committed to providing robust and efficient administration to the people of Punjab and is determined to implement this vision with strict adherence.

The Cabinet Minister made it unequivocally clear that no laxity will be tolerated during duty hours. He warned that any future instances of negligence or carelessness would be met with stringent action.

Chandigarh, May 10:

Gearing up to tackle any unforeseen situation amidst ongoing escalation in border, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday dedicated fire apparatus worth Rs 47 crore to strengthen emergency response in border areas of the state.

Addressing the gathering Chief Minister said that the state government is fully sensitised about the tension brewing at the borders along with the state. He said that in order to cater to needs of border region fire apparatus, including small and medium fire tenders and other essential machinery worth ₹47 crore has been dedicated to people of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this include Disaster Deployment Kit (DD Kit), Hydraulic Combi Tool Collapse Structure and Rescue Kit (CSSR Kit),  Gas Detectors, Fire Entry Suits, Battery Backup Lighting Tower, Multipurpose Fire Tender, Quick Response Vehicle (Small) and others.

The Chief Minister said that these equipments will be deployed in sensitive regions such as Pathankot, Rajasansi, Ferozepur, and other vulnerable locations. He said that these will be helpful in tackling any sort of awkward situation arising at the border due to mounting tension between both the countries. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is duty bound to ensure that all necessary requirements for the safety and security of border residents are fulfilled. 

The Chief Minister envisioned that these machines will be very helpful in relief and rescue operations in time of crisis. He said that the state government is fully prepared to tackle any sort of challenge in the prevalent harsh times. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is committed to help the Armed forces in this hour of crisis and no stone is being left unturned for this cause.

Chandigarh, May 10:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday categorically said that there is no shortage of essential commodities in the state and people should refrain from panic buying in this hour of crisis.

In a statement, the Chief Minister urged the people to not get panic about anything during these days of crisis as the state government has already made elaborate arrangements for all the essential supplies. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that there is no shortage of anything so panic situation amongst the people should be avoided adding that any person creating artificial shortage will be dealt with strictly, so that people do not face any problem. He also appealed to the media to exercise restraint in coverage to avoid amplifying tensions and further aggravating the situation adding that it is the moral duty of every one of us to ensure that any sort of confusion , panic or misinformation does not prevail amongst the masses especially during these harsh times.

The Chief Minister further said that he has asked the Ministers of the border areas to be permanently stationed at their respective towns to oversee the relief operations. Likewise, he said that other Cabinet colleagues will also be visiting these border towns on rotation basis so that people can be assured help in case of emergency. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Ministers will visit Fire Stations, Hospitals, Ration depots and other places so that people in these areas do not face any type of problem adding that they will supervise the rescue operations and give necessary directions to the officers.

The Chief Minister said that the entire country was thankful to the border residents for braving all odds while living in this part of the state as these brave people of the region have to confront number of problems during their day to day life.  Assuring fulsome support and cooperation to the people, he assured them that the state government will take every step to safeguard their interests at every cost. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the residents of border region are true patriots and the state government is committed to safeguard their interests in this hour of crisis.

The Chief Minister said that in order to provide immediate hassle-free medical treatment to victims of War and terrorist activities in Government / empaneled private hospitals in the State, to save precious lives and to encourage the general public to bring the War victims and terrorist activities to the nearest government and empaneled private hospitals, coverage under the Farishtey Scheme 2024 has been expanded. He said that this will provide coverage for victims of war and terrorist activities, ensuring comprehensive support and

relief to affected individuals. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this expansion reinforces the state government’s commitment to help those facing extraordinary hardships due to such turbulent times .