CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, May 28:

          In a major crackdown on narco-illegal-arms smuggling networks amidst the ongoing anti-drugs campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Border Range Amritsar has arrested three drug traffickers linked to cross-border smuggling and recovered 521 grams of heroin and four sophisticated .30 bore Px5 storm pistols along with seven magazines and 55 live cartridges, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Maninderjit Singh (26) of village Badowal in Gurdaspur, Peter (22) and Lovejit Singh alias Raja (21) of Dharamkot Randhawa in Gurdaspur. Apart from recovering heroin and weapons, police teams have also impounded their two motorcycles, which they were using to deliver consignments.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said preliminary investigations have revealed that the arrested accused persons were in touch with Europe and Pakistan-based drug smugglers, and were receiving narco and weapon consignments from across the border via drones.

          He said that ANTF is actively pursuing both forward and backward linkages to dismantle the entire network. More arrests and recoveries are likely in coming days, said the DGP.

          Sharing operation details, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) ANTF Nilabh Kishore said that ANTF Border Range Amritsar team had received credible inputs about the trio’s involvement in retrieving narcotics and weapons from across the border. Acting swiftly on the inputs, police teams led by Superintendent of Police (SP) ANTF Border Range Amritsar Gurpreet Singh launched an intelligence-led operation and apprehended accused persons from near Shankar Dhaba on Attari Road in Amritsar, he said.

          In this regard, a case FIR No 141 dated 27.05.2025 has been registered under sections 21-C, 25 and 29 of the NDPS Act and section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station ANTF in SAS Nagar.

Chandigarh, May 28:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched a scathing attack on Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Majithia, accusing him of hypocrisy and attempting to mislead the public through baseless propaganda. Addressing the media, Mann dismantled Majithia’s recent claims while highlighting Akali Dal’s dubious record during its tenure.

CM Mann slammed Bikram Majithia for politicising a recent tragic incident in Amritsar where a poor man lost his life while attempting to dispose of a live explosive device. Mann said, “Majithia questions law and order. But who is he to speak? During your regime, an SHO was shot while trying to protect the honour of his daughter, and slogans of ‘Majithia Zindabad’ were raised. Have you forgotten this?”

Mann reminded people of the Nabha Jailbreak incident during the Akali regime and questioned the accountability of leaders like Majithia. He emphasized how Akali leaders enabled drug mafias and gangsters, flooding Punjab with drugs and crime. “Whenever drug smugglers or mafias are caught, their connections inevitably lead back to Akali leaders,” Mann said.

Mann said, “Majithia represents a legacy where the poor were jailed for standing up, while the powerful looted Punjab without consequence.” He added, “The Akali Dal built an empire of corruption, allowing unchecked gangsters and smugglers to thrive. Now, they try to posture as saviors of Punjab. The people will no longer buy into their lies.”

CM Mann drew a stark contrast between the governance models of the AAP and Akali Dal. “Unlike Majithia, who thinks only of his personal benefits, my government is committed to policies that prioritize Punjab’s common people. We will never sign off on any policy that harms Punjab or its people,” Mann declared.

Exposing Majithia’s Double Standards

Mann also lashed out at Majithia’s hypocrisy in calling for law and order reforms. “Under Badals and Majithia’s leadership, Akali Dal became a symbol of lawlessness and greed. They are responsible for throwing Punjab into the quagmire of drugs and crime,” Mann stated.

CM Mann contrasted his personal property with the opulence of Akali leaders. “Every election, I have declared my assets. My wealth has consistently reduced because I serve Punjab, not myself. Can Majithia say the same?” Mann challenged.

Mann also delivered a strong warning to corrupt leaders: “Those who exploit the poor and rob Punjab will face justice. No amount of wealth can shield you from the consequences of your actions. Remember, the prayers of the poor and honest always reach God, and their curses are unstoppable.”

Concluding his remarks, CM Mann urged the people of Punjab to reject the Akali Dal’s false narratives and to support honest governance. “The Akali Dal is a relic of a corrupt past. They’ve had their chances and squandered them. It’s time for Punjab to move forward with transparency and development,” Mann affirmed.

Chandigarh May 28, 2025 –

Continuing its relentless drive against corruption, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) today arrested Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Kuldeep Singh, posted at Police Station, Haryana in Hoshiarpur district, red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 15,000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson said the arrest was made following a complaint filed by Robin Kumar, village Ghugyal, district Hoshiarpur. The complainant has approached the VB alleging that a police case was registered against him in the above said police station and investigation of the case was assigned to ASI Kuldeep Singh. However, before registering this FIR, ASI Kuldeep Singh, allegedly acting in connivance with the opposing party, had registered a counter-case against the said complainant, his mother and other family members. Afterwards, ASI Kuldeep Singh threatened the complainant to pay Rs 50,000 otherwise he would falsely implicate his mother in a case involving the theft of a gold chain.

The complainant informed that upon his persistent requests the amount of bribe was negotiated to Rs 30,000 and the ASI had taken Rs 10,000 as a first instalment. As per the complaint, the accused ASI has demanded the balance amount of Rs 20000 and received Rs 5,000 as second instalment. The complainant has recorded the conversation while demanding the remaining amount of illegal gratification on his mobile phone.

The spokesperson further informed that after a preliminary verification of this complaint, the VB team led a trap during which the ASI Kuldip Singh was apprehended red- handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. 15,000 in the presence of two official witnesses. In this regard a case has been registered against the accused at the VB Police Station, Jalandhar Range, and further investigation into this case was under progress, he said.

Nabha (Patiala), May 25:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday paid tributes to Maharaja Agarsen Ji.

In a function held here. paying tributes to Maharaja Agarsen ji, the Chief Minister described him as a great ruler, who during his regime gave the message of welfare state by strengthening social harmony and unity. Exhorting the people to seek inspiration from the ideology of Maharaja Agarsen, he said that a real tribute to this legendary ruler would be to follow his teachings, which were still relevant in the present circumstances.  Bhagwant Singh Mann appealed to the people to commemorate this auspicious day rising above the parochial considerations of caste, color, creed and religion.

The Chief Minister called upon the people to seek inspiration from the ideology of Maharaja Agrasen who during his regime gave the message of welfare state by strengthening social harmony and unity. He said that Aggarwal community had played a vital role in the socio-economic progress of the country and hoped this community will further actively participate in the development process in future also.  Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a real tribute to Maharja Agarsen will be to follow his teachings which are still relevant in the present circumstances.

Meanwhile, Paying tributes to Maharaja Agrasen Ji, the National convener of AAP described him as a devotee of non-violence and the messenger of peace. He said that it is heartening that the foundation stone of the new building of Maharaja Agrasen Darbar is being laid in Nabha. Arvind Kejriwal said that the construction of Maharaja Agrasen Darbar is being undertaken by the Agarwal community and around Rs 5 crore rupees will be spent on the construction of this darbar.

The former Delhi Chief Minister said that Maharaja Agrasen Ji was a great and visionary ruler who, during his reign, initiated a unique system to provide livelihood resources to the weaker sections of society. He said that his governance was based on the principle that no one should sleep hungry, no one should be homeless, and no one should be unemployed. Arvind Kejriwal said that in Maharaja Agrasen Ji’s kingdom, there was no distinction between rich and poor—everyone was equal, and socialism was the foundation of the state.

the former Delhi Chief Minister said that in the coming days major investment friendly decisions will be taken by the state government. He said that the motive is to give impetus to the industry of the state and create an environment where they can excel. Arvind Kejriwal said that this will take Punjab to a new zenith of economic progress and prosperity thereby ushering a new and unprecedented era of growth.

Former Delhi Chief Minister announced that traders’ boards will be constituted at state and district level to give a boost to trade and commerce in Punjab. He said that these boards will safeguard the interests of the traders by all means and they will be made partners in socio-economic development of the state. Arvind Kejriwal said that it is imperative to ensure that traders are able to carry on their business in a free and fair manner without any sort of hindrance.

The former Delhi Chief Minister hailed the Aggarwal community for playing a key role in the development and prosperity of the state. He said that the AAP was given a thumping majority by the people of the state but we are clearing the mess created by the previous regimes in every field. Arvind Kejriwal said that the state which was first in per capita income today ranks 17th due to the regressive policies of the previous state governments.

Nabha (Patiala), May 25:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday called upon the people to come forward and join the crusade against drugs and corruption to make it a mass movement.

Addressing the gathering, during a function organized by Aggarwal Sabha here today, the Chief Minister said that the state government has embarked a war against the menace of drugs and corruption adding that this drive can be successful only with the proactive support and cooperation of the people. He said that this is the fight for coming generations and cannot be won without the support of the common man. Bhagwant Singh Mann exhorted the people to extend wholehearted support for this noble cause so that Punjab can be made a progressive and frontrunner state in the country.

The Chief Minister said that war against drugs has to be transformed into a mass movement for which people should work hard. He said that it is pivotal to make Punjab a drug free state adding that it is the fight for the coming generations and it is the moral duty of everyone to support it. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this fight will continue till the curse of drugs is not wiped out.

The Chief Minister said that the bulldozer drive to demolish the properties of the drug smugglers will be continued till logical conclusion. He said that the action is being taken as per the law of land and it is aimed at ensuring that drug trade is dealt a fatal blow. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this action will be further intensified so as to ensure that the drug is completely wiped out from the state.

Soliciting fulsome support and cooperation of people in the war against drugs, the Chief Minister said that the scourge of drugs was a blot on the face of state and it took more than two years for the state government to chalk out a strategy for wiping out this curse. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that subsequently the supply line of drugs was snapped, big fishes involved in these heinous crimes were put behind the bars, rehabilitation of the drug victims was ensured and even the property of the drug smugglers was confiscated and destroyed. He said that now the state government has launched a war against drugs in the form of Yudh Nasheyan Virudh the aim of which is to clean the state.

The Chief Minister said that people of the state have given a thumping majority to the Aam Aadmi Party and it is the high time that people of the state are paid back by progressive policies. He said that though politicians have always tried to divide the people on sectarian lines but the people of state have always thwarted such attempts. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is already providing ample of opportunities to every section of society to excel in their respective field.

The Chief Minister said that he will continue to fight for safeguarding the interests of Punjab and Punjabis till his last breath. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he had vehemently raised the issues Of Water, Yamuna Satluj Link (YSL), high handedness of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), Chandigarh and others before the Prime Minister in meeting of Niti Aayog held at New Delhi on Saturday. He said that as custodian of the interests of three crore Punjabis it is his moral duty and he will always do that.

The Chief Minister said that though the forces inimical to the state are trying hard to create rift amongst the society but they will never be successful in this evil designs. 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 there are two types of people in the society one are the grass-rooters and others are parachuters. He said that grass rooters are those who arise from the ground to conquer the entire world adding that for these hard-workers only the sky is limit. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that on the other hand the parachuters come directly from sky and are doomed to fall on ground later or sooner.

The Chief Minister said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that more than 54000 jobs have been provided to the youth of the state. He said that all the jobs have been given completely on the basis of merit, san any corruption or nepotism. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is making the youth an active partner in socio economic development of Punjab.

Meanwhile, in his address the National Convener of AAP said that the previous regimes not only patronized the drug dealers but they themselves carried out the business in their government vehicles. However, he said that the Bhagwant Singh Mann led state government is acting strictly against drug menace and it will not allow its youth to fall prey to this menace. Arvind Kejriwal said that now villagers are getting drug free as an anti-drug campaign has been embarked in the state and every village is being covered under the ambitious program.

The former Delhi Chief Minister said that it is elated to learn that the backbone of the drug has been broken for which Punjab Police needs a pat. He said that the manner in which this anti-drug campaign has been launched finds no parallel in contemporary Indian history. Arvind Kejriwal said that the properties constructed from the drug money have been razed to dust by the bulldozers.

The National Convener of AAP said that those who had ruined the future of generations will get the punishment for their sins. He said that these leaders who had patronized the drug trade will be put behind bars and no stone will be left unturned for this cause. Arvind Kejriwal said that the state government is committed for this task to give succor to the common man and every effort will be made for this.

The former Delhi Chief Minister said that there is no dearth of funds for the progress of the state and Rangla Punjab will be a reality soon. He said that today students are getting quality education, people are getting quality healthcare facilities, 90% households are getting free power and others. Arvind Kejriwal said that the day is not far when Punjab will emerge as a leader in every field and people will be immensely benefited from it. 

Chandigarh, May 25:

          The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced by-elections for 64-Ludhiana West assembly seat in Punjab.

          Divulging the details, Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C stated that, as per the program issued for by-elections, the notification will be issued on 26 May.  The last date for filing nominations is 2 June and the scrutiny of nomination papers will be conducted on 3 Jun, while the last date for withdrawal of candidature is 5 June, 2025.

          Sibin C informed that voting will take place on 19 June, and the counting of votes and announcement of results will be done on 23 June, 2025.

          He further said that nomination paper can be submit all days from May 26 to June 2 except Sunday, June 1, 2025. Poll time would be 7 am to 6 pm on dated 19.6.2025.

          CEO Punjab Sibin C assured that the by-election will be conducted as per the Acts, Rules and Guidelines of Election Commission of India (ECI) in a transparent way.

Patiala, May 25:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday paid obeisance at Sri Kali Mata Mandir and prayed for the peace, progress and prosperity of the state.

Interacting with the media persons, the Chief Minister and National Convener of AAP announced a complete facelift of the temple by pumping in resources. They said that the sarovar of the temple that had dried up from the last 30 years will be rejuvenated by pumping fresh water. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Arvind Kejriwal said that the sarovar of the temple will be fully renovated, including desilting, waterproofing, stonework along the banks and improved pathways.

The Chief Minister and National Convener of AAP said that this would preserve its sanctity and make it more accessible and aesthetically aligned with heritage architecture. They said that the back gate which serves as a primary access point during high traffic periods is proposed to be reopened and renovated. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Arvind Kejriwal said that simultaneously all temple entrances will be aesthetically restored to maintain architectural symmetry and improve crowd circulation.

The Chief Minister and National Convener of AAP said that keeping with Sikh and Hindu traditions of community service, daily langar service for devotees particularly those visiting from remote or economically weaker backgrounds will be started. They said that a comprehensive Master Plan with future construction, heritage preservation, pilgrim services, sanitation, parking and traffic flow in consultation with urban and religious planning experts is being prepared. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Arvind Kejriwal said that the Devotees Hall will be upgraded with fully air- conditioned AC hall to provide comfort to senior citizens, women with children and differently abled devotees, especially during extreme weather conditions.

The Chief Minister and National Convener of AAP said that the temple’s significance is reflected from the fact that approx. 25,000 devotees visit daily, around one lakh on Saturdays whereas during Navratri festivals, the number rises to 1.5 lakh. They said that it is a proud privilege for them to have got the chance to pay obeisance at this respected place adding that Shri Kali Mata Mandir, located in the cultural capital of Punjab, Patiala, is one of the most venerated and historic temples in northern India. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Arvind Kejriwal said that this temple stands as a testament to Punjab’s rich spiritual heritage and royal patronage.

The Chief Minister and National Convener of AAP said that the temple houses a six-foot idol of Maa Kali and the sacred Paawan Jyot from Bengal adding that in addition to the primary sanctum of Maa Kali, the temple complex also houses an older shrine of Shri Raj Rajeshwari Ji, an embodiment of Shakti. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Arvind Kejriwal said that this dual reverence makes the complex unique both spiritually and architecturally, blending centuries old devotional practices with modern era infrastructure. They said that it is the paramount duty of the government to preserve the cultural heritage of the state to keep our youngsters abreast with our glorious past.

CHANDIGARH/ FEROZEPUR, May 25:

          In a significant breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab, in a joint operation with Ferozepur Police, has arrested three associates of the Ashish Chopra Gang involved in the sensational double murder of Rishabh and Shalu due to gang rivalry between the Nata Gang and Ashish Chopra Gang, said Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Sunday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Manpreet Singh alias Mannu and Ramandeep Singh, both residents of Ferozepur and Sonu, a resident of Faridkot. Police teams have also recovered thee pistols along with seven live cartridges and four shells from their possession.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that the arrest of these accused persons has also led to the cracking of another murder case, in which a person identified as Yotham was killed, with Manpreet Mannu being the main shooter. Further investigation is underway to identify other associates of this gang and establish backward and forward linkages, he added.

          Sharing details of the operation, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) AGTF Promod Ban said that acting on specific intelligence, police teams from AGTF led by DSP Rajan Parminder along with Ferozepur Police raided the hideout of Ramandeep Singh and Sonu in village Gulabe Wala in Sri Muktsar Sahib.

          The accused attempted to flee and opened fire at the police party but were apprehended after a chase, he said, while adding that a criminal case FIR no. 89 dated 24/5/2025 under sections 109, 132 and 22 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act has been registered at Police Station Sadar Sri Muktsar Sahib.

          The ADGP said that in a separate operation, accused Manpreet Mannu was intercepted in Ferozepur, where he opened fire at the police team in a bid to escape. In retaliatory fire, the accused sustained a bullet injury and was arrested, he said, while adding that Police teams have also impounded his Hero HF Deluxe Motorcycle, which he was riding.

          In this regard, a separate case under section 109 of the BNS and sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act has been registered at Police Station City Ferozepur.

          Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ferozepur Bhupinder Sigh said that the arrested accused have a criminal background and were involved in multiple heinous crimes, including the recent double murder case. Further investigations are ongoing and more arrests and recoveries are likely in coming days, he added.