CM FLYING SQUAD ENSURING QUALITY IN RURAL LINK ROADS UPGRADATION & REPAIR WORK: GURMEET SINGH KHUDIAN
• AGRICULTURE MINISTER WARNS OF STRICT ACTION AGAINST ANY COMPROMISE ON QUALITY
• CM Flying Squad teams active on the ground and covered seven districts so far
Chandigarh, October 31:Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian on Friday said that the CM Flying Squad, constituted by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann to ensure the best quality of roads being repaired & upgraded by Punjab Mandi Board & PWD, has been rigorously monitoring the ongoing upgradation and repair work of rural link roads across the state.
This monitoring is part of the state government's massive project to upgrade and repair 19,491 kilometres of link roads at a cost of Rs 4150 crore.
Affirming that the finest quality of material is being used to lay, upgrade & repair the roads, the Agriculture Minister issued a stern warning that strict action will be taken against any contractor found compromising with the quality of material.
S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian informed that the CM Flying Squad teams are actively on the ground and have already covered seven districts, including Faridkot, SBS Nagar, Tarn Taran, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Jalandhar, Patiala and Gurdaspur.
S. Khudian said that there are total 30,237 Link Roads in Punjab with a total length of 64,878 kilometres adding that 33492 kilometres are under Punjab Mandi Board and 31, 386 kilometres are under the Public Works Department (PWD). He said that the Punjab Government is now starting a project to repair and upgrade 7,373 link roads with a total length of 19,491.56 kilometers.
He said that the project will cost Rs 4,150.42 crore, which includes five years of maintenance adding that Rs 3,424.67 crore will be spent for repair and upgradation whereas Rs 725.75 crore will be spent for five year maintenance. An Artificial Intelligence (AI) survey conducted for these roads resulted in savings of Rs 383.53 crore, he added.
The Agriculture Minister said that to ensure public safety during foggy or dark conditions, a special road safety project is being implemented on the repaired and upgraded link roads at a cost Rs 91.83 crore. A three inch wide white strip will be painted on both sides of the link roads to make travel safer during fog or darkness, he added.
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Punjab Government Committed to Preservation of War Memorials
Mohinder Bhagat Directs Officers to Expedite Development Works of Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum
Chandigarh, October 31, 2025:Defence Services Welfare Shri Mohinder Bhagat has directed officers to expedite the ongoing development works of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum in Ludhiana. He issued these directions while chairing a departmental review meeting at the Punjab Civil Secretariat.
The Minister instructed the concerned officers to ensure the early completion of the museum’s development projects so that this historic site can further inspire visitors with the glorious legacy of the great warrior Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
He emphasized that the museum should be aesthetically enhanced and meticulously maintained to educate future generations about the state’s rich military history.
Shri Bhagat stated that the Punjab Government is formulating special plans for the preservation and restoration of heritage sites. He assured that adequate budgetary provisions would be made to ensure timely completion of these projects.
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THREE OPERATIVES OF SFJ HELD FOR WRITING PRO-KHALISTAN SLOGANS ON SCHOOL WALLS IN BATHINDA
— FOUR MOBILE PHONES, ONE DONGLE DEVICE RECOVERED
— EVIDENCE INDICATES THEY WERE RECEIVING FOREIGN FUNDING FOR THESE UNLAWFUL ACTIVITIES, SAYS DGP GAURAV YADAV
CHANDIGARH/BATHINDA, October 31:In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence Bathinda, in a joint operation with Bathinda Police, apprehended three operatives of the banned outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) for writing pro-Khalistan slogans on the walls of schools in villages Bhissiana and Mananwala, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.
New York-based SFJ— backed by mastermind Gurpatwant Singh Pannun— is designated as an Unlawful association by the Indian Government.
Those arrested have been identified as Navjot Singh alias Jota (24) and Gurpreet Singh (26), both residents of village Kaliaewala in Ferozepur; and Harjinder Singh, a resident of Mananwala in Bathinda. The Police teams have also recovered four mobile phones, one dongle device from their possession.
As per the information, Pro-Khalistani slogans were found written on the walls of two schools— including a School at village Mananwala on the intervening night of October 19 and 20, 2025 and PM Kendri Vidyalaya at village Bhissiana on the intervening night of October 26 and 27, 2025.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested accused painted inflammatory slogans aimed at inciting public unrest and promoting anti-national sentiments. Evidence indicates they were receiving foreign funding for these unlawful activities, he said.
The police teams acted swiftly and ensured that no anti-national activity goes unchecked, said the DGP, while adding that the Counter Intelligence Bathinda and Bathinda Police jointly carried out the investigation in a professional and scientific manner to bring the culprits to justice.
Sharing operational details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bathinda Amneet Kondal said that following technical leads, Police teams had managed to apprehend two accused persons— Navjot alias Jota and Gurpreet Singh—, who are main accused in writing slogan at the PM Kendri Vidyalaya at village Bhissiana.
She said that following the further investigations, police teams of Counter Intelligence Bathinda have also arrested accused Harjinder Singh, who wrote slogans at wall of a School at village Mananwala.
The SSP said that during questioning, arrested accused persons has revealed that they had written the slogans on the walls following the directions of foreign-based individual identified as Pawanpreet Singh alias Deep Chahal, who is close aide of Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, in lieu of money.
Sharing more details, AIG CI Bathinda Avneet Kaur Sidhu said that arrested accused Harjinder has revealed that accused Navjot had introduced him to Pawanpreet Singh alias Deep Chahal, who directed him to write the slogan for which he was paid Rs 2000.
In this regard, two separate cases— FIR no 197 dated 23/10/25 under section 197 (1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and section 3 of the Punjab Prevention of Defacement Property Ordinance Act at Police Station Rama in Bathinda and FIR no. 242 dated 27/10/25 under sections 197 (1) and 3 (5) if the BNS and section 3 of the Punjab Prevention of Defacement Property Ordinance Act at Police Station Nehian Wala in Bathinda— have been registered.
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PUNJAB DECLARES “ROHU” AS STATE FISH TO BOOST AQUATIC BIODIVERSITY
• Punjab’s Fish farming sector thrives with 2 Lakh MT annual production from over 43K acres, says Gurmeet Singh Khudian
• Rohu contributes 42,353 MT making 21.18% of Punjab's total fish production: Fisheries Minister
Chandigarh, October 31:In a significant move to conserve and promote the state's aquatic biodiversity, Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian declared Rohu (Labeo Rohita) as the State Fish of Punjab, today here at his office.
Highlighting the state's rich aquatic resources, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian informed that Punjab's aquatic sector is thriving, with 43,683 acres dedicated to fish farming, yielding 200,000 metric tonnes of fish annually. Rohu is a significant contributor, accounting for 42,353 metric tonnes (21.18% of total production) and fetching Rs 160-200 per kg. This prized fish can grow up to 45 kg in natural habitats, distinguished by its fusiform body and large cycloid scales.
He further highlighted that Rohu fish is a nutritional marvel, rich in proteins, vitamins A, B & D, and Omega-3 fatty acids, making it a sought-after delicacy not only in Punjab but also across other states.
S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian congratulated the Fisheries Department and stakeholders on declaring Rohu as the State Fish, acknowledging their role in the sector's growth, while highlighting the importance of Indian Major Carps (IMCs)- Rohu, Catla and Mrigal.
Principal Secretary Mr. Rahul Bhandari said that designating Rohu as the State Fish will enable targeted policy formulation to augment its population in water bodies and scale up aquaculture production, thereby bolstering the state's economy. He further informed that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has provided self-employment opportunities to 637 beneficiaries in fish farming, with a subsidy of Rs 30.63 crores, promoting large-scale fish farming under PMMSY scheme. This initiative aims to supplement agriculture and boost the state's economy. Director Fisheries Mr. Gurpreet Singh and other senior officials of the department were also present in the occasion.
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Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Engages with 15 Employee Organizations
Assures that many of their demands are being considered sympathetically
Chandigarh, October 31-Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, who also serves as the Chairman of the Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted to resolve employee issues, today held extensive meetings with 15 different employee organizations, including seven from the Education Department, as well as unions from the Water Supply and Health Departments, and joint organizations representing the common interests of employees, including the Theka Mulazam Sangharsh Morcha and the Purani Pension Bahal Sangharsh Committee.
The deliberations, which lasted for nearly five hours, were conducted to thoroughly discuss their demands and issues to find appropriate solutions.The concerns of unions related to the Education Department mainly revolved around anomalies in pay and seniority, the regularization of services, and the timely conduct of the Punjab State Teachers Eligibility Test (PSTET).
Finance Minister Cheema directed the Education Department to refer issues concerning pay and seniority anomalies to the dedicated Anomaly Committee. Furthermore, he instructed them to coordinate with the Advocate General's office, the Department of Personnel, and the Finance Department to resolve matters related to the regularization of services and other service-related issues as soon as possible. He also issued clear instructions to conduct the PSTET at the earliest.
During the meetings with organizations such as the Theka Mulazam Sangharsh Morcha, Gram Panchayat Jal Supply Pump Operators Association, Contract Multipurpose Health Worker Female Union, United Nurses Association of Punjab, and the the Purani Pension Bahal Sangharsh Committee, the Finance Minister listened to the issues raised in detail. He immediately directed the senior officials of the concerned departments to resolve the issues that could be addressed at the departmental level. Regarding matters with financial implications, the Finance Minister assured the union leaders that many of their demands are already being considered sympathetically by the government.
Union representatives Balihar Singh, Hakam Singh, Jaspreet Singh from Theka Mulazam Union; Jasvir Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Vikramjeet Singh from Purani Pension Bahal Sangharsh Committee; Kuldeep Singh, Parveen Kumar and Jagmohan Singh from Sarv Samagra Sikhya Abhian (Mid Day Meal) Daftri Karamchari Union; Rahul Kamboj, Jaswinder Singh and Harjeet Kaur from PSTET Union, Ranjit Singh, Rajesh Kumar and Onkar Singh from ETT Adhiyapak Union; Gurpreet Singh, Surinder Pal Singh, Parampal Singh from Punjab Sikhya Vibhag Manisterial Staff Association; Samarjeet Singh, Sukhdeep Singh, Harmal Singh from TET Pass Kachhe Adhiyapak Union; Tajinder Kaur, Tajinder Kaur, Rajwinder Kaur, Kirandeep Kaur from AIE Kachhe Adhiyapak Union; Beant Singh, Bohar Singh, Mehar Singh from Gram Panchayat Jal Supply Pump Operators Association; Sarabjit Kaur, Amrik Singh from Contract Multipurpose Health Worker Female Union; Arati Bali, Harwinder Singh, Baljeet Singh from United Nurses Association of Punjab and their colleagues presented their demands and issues during the meetings.
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THREE OPERATIVES OF SFJ HELD FOR WRITING PRO-KHALISTAN SLOGANS ON SCHOOL WALLS IN BATHINDA
— FOUR MOBILE PHONES, ONE DONGLE DEVICE RECOVERED
— EVIDENCE INDICATES THEY WERE RECEIVING FOREIGN FUNDING FOR THESE UNLAWFUL ACTIVITIES, SAYS DGP GAURAV YADAV
CHANDIGARH/BATHINDA, October 31:In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence Bathinda, in a joint operation with Bathinda Police, apprehended three operatives of the banned outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) for writing pro-Khalistan slogans on the walls of schools in villages Bhissiana and Mananwala, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.
New York-based SFJ— backed by mastermind Gurpatwant Singh Pannun— is designated as an Unlawful association by the Indian Government.
Those arrested have been identified as Navjot Singh alias Jota (24) and Gurpreet Singh (26), both residents of village Kaliaewala in Ferozepur; and Harjinder Singh, a resident of Mananwala in Bathinda. The Police teams have also recovered four mobile phones, one dongle device from their possession.
As per the information, Pro-Khalistani slogans were found written on the walls of two schools— including a School at village Mananwala on the intervening night of October 19 and 20, 2025 and PM Kendri Vidyalaya at village Bhissiana on the intervening night of October 26 and 27, 2025.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested accused painted inflammatory slogans aimed at inciting public unrest and promoting anti-national sentiments. Evidence indicates they were receiving foreign funding for these unlawful activities, he said.
The police teams acted swiftly and ensured that no anti-national activity goes unchecked, said the DGP, while adding that the Counter Intelligence Bathinda and Bathinda Police jointly carried out the investigation in a professional and scientific manner to bring the culprits to justice.
Sharing operational details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bathinda Amneet Kondal said that following technical leads, Police teams had managed to apprehend two accused persons— Navjot alias Jota and Gurpreet Singh—, who are main accused in writing slogan at the PM Kendri Vidyalaya at village Bhissiana.
She said that following the further investigations, police teams of Counter Intelligence Bathinda have also arrested accused Harjinder Singh, who wrote slogans at wall of a School at village Mananwala.
The SSP said that during questioning, arrested accused persons has revealed that they had written the slogans on the walls following the directions of foreign-based individual identified as Pawanpreet Singh alias Deep Chahal, who is close aide of Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, in lieu of money.
Sharing more details, AIG CI Bathinda Avneet Kaur Sidhu said that arrested accused Harjinder has revealed that accused Navjot had introduced him to Pawanpreet Singh alias Deep Chahal, who directed him to write the slogan for which he was paid Rs 2000.
In this regard, two separate cases— FIR no 197 dated 23/10/25 under section 197 (1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and section 3 of the Punjab Prevention of Defacement Property Ordinance Act at Police Station Rama in Bathinda and FIR no. 242 dated 27/10/25 under sections 197 (1) and 3 (5) if the BNS and section 3 of the Punjab Prevention of Defacement Property Ordinance Act at Police Station Nehian Wala in Bathinda— have been registered.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Commission Members Rupinder Singh Seetal, Gurpreet Singh Ittanwali, Gulzar Singh Bobby, Special DGP Mr. Naresh Arora, Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Director Mrs. Vimi Bhullar, officers from the Local Government Department, Commission Member Secretary Dr. Lain Jassal, DIG Mr. Naveen Saini, AIG Ms. Surinderjit Kaur and several senior officers from various departments.
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PUNJAB SC COMMISSION TO ESTABLISH VIRTUAL COURT FROM JANUARY 2026: JASVIR SINGH GARHI
*POLICE DEPARTMENT APPOINTS NODAL OFFICERS FOLLOWING COMMISSION’S INSTRUCTIONS*
Chandigarh, October 31:The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission will start a Virtual Court from January 2026 to make its proceedings more accessible and citizen-friendly. Announcing this, Commission Chairman S. Jasvir Singh Gharhi said the initiative will ensure that people from remote parts of the state can easily attend hearings without having to travel to Chandigarh. He was presiding over the 27th Full Commission meeting of the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission here today.
S. Gharhi pointed out that individuals from far-flung areas currently spend significant time and money travelling to Chandigarh for case hearings. To address this concern, the Commission is coordinating with officials to establish a Virtual Courtroom. He said that the new courtroom for the Commission is being set up on the fourth floor of the Punjab Civil Secretariat, which will be completed and become functional by November.
He further informed that following the Commission’s efforts, the Police Department has appointed SP-rank Nodal Officers in every district to handle cases registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. At the state level, DIG-rank officer Mr. Naveen Saini (DGP Crime) has been assigned to oversee these matters, while AIG Ms. Surinderjit Kaur will serve as the Commission’s Nodal Officer. Special DGP Mr. Naresh Arora will work closely with Chairman Jasvir Singh Gharhi to strengthen coordination between the Commission and the Police Department.
He said that during today’s meeting, senior officers from the Police, Local Government, Social Justice and other departments presented reports on the status of cases registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The meeting also reviewed compliance with the directions issued during the 26th Full Commission meeting, which included establishing a dedicated helpline number, deploying security guards at Bhuriwale Gurugaddi Dham (Garib Dassi tradition) at Sri Rakba Sahib (Ludhiana) and Sri Jhandian Dham (Rupnagar) to ensure safety of devotees and arranging security at Sri Khuralgarh Sahib, the sacred place associated with Sri Guru Ravidass Ji. Action taken on providing security to Commission members was also discussed.
S. Gharhi said the Commission also sought progress reports from officers of the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment regarding expediting the construction of Ambedkar Bhawans in Barnala, Fazilka, Malerkotla, Pathankot, and Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar. Updates were also taken on the release of pending funds under the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for 2017–2019 to colleges and educational institutions as per the 40% state share and on resolving the issue of Rs.1550 crore (60% central share) for the 2017–2020 period by coordinating with the Union Government. The Commission also reviewed pending cases related to compassionate appointments for families of sanitation workers who lost their lives while on duty.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Commission Members Rupinder Singh Seetal, Gurpreet Singh Ittanwali, Gulzar Singh Bobby, Special DGP Mr. Naresh Arora, Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Director Mrs. Vimi Bhullar, officers from the Local Government Department, Commission Member Secretary Dr. Nayan Jassal, DIG Mr. Naveen Saini, AIG Ms. Surinderjit Kaur and several senior officers from various departments.
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DIPR BIDS FAREWELL TO ADDITIONAL DIRECTOR HARJIT GREWAL & DEPUTY DIRECTOR HARDEEP SINGH
• OSD TO CM (MEDIA) AMANJOT & SECRETARY DIPR RAMVIR WISH BOTH OFFICERS THE VERY BEST FOR THEIR POST RETIREMENT LIFE
Chandigarh, October 31:Punjab Information and Public Relations Department (DIPR) officers gave a warm send off to the Additional Director Mr. Harjit Singh Grewal and Deputy Director (Arts) Mr. Hardeep Singh.
The event, brimming with emotion and respect, saw colleagues, OSD to CM (Media) Mr. Amanjot Singh and senior officers including Secretary Information and Public Relations Department Mr. Ramvir, Director Mr. Vimal Setia, Additional Director (Admin) Mr. Sundeep Singh Garha, Additional Director Mr. Randeep Singh Ahluwalia, Joint Directors Mr. Preet Kanwal Singh and Mr. Manvinder Singh, Deputy Directors Mr. Gurmeet Singh Khaira, Ms. Ruchi Kalra, Mr. Navdeep Singh Gill, Mr. Prabhdeep Singh Nathowal and PROs to honour & remembered the profound contributions of the both officers.
S. Harjit Singh Grewal, who superannuates after a distinguished 24-year tenure and Hardeep Singh, who dedicated 35 years of his life to the department, were lauded for their dedication, hardwork and administrative acumen.
Praising Mr. Grewal and Mr. Hardeep's long-serving contribution to the DIPR, the Secretary Mr. Ramvir wished them the very best for their post retirement life and future endeavors.
Meanwhile, both the officers were presented with mementos and accolades by the department officials, marking a dignified conclusion to their remarkable careers.
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Cancer Survivors Actress Hina Khan & PDC Vice Chairperson Seema Bansal share inspiring Journey, Stress on Self-Detection
Minister Sanjeev Arora's “Krishna Pran Breast Cancer Charitable Trust” organizes Breast Cancer Awareness event-Unite for Pinktober
Chandigarh/Ludhiana, Oct 31:Continuing its steadfast commitment to spreading awareness about breast cancer and providing free medical check-ups, the Krishna Pran Breast Cancer Charitable Trust—headed by Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora organised Unite for Pinktober, a breast cancer annual awareness event at Guru Nanak Bhawan, here today.
The event was graced by renowned TV & Film Indian actress Hina Khan and Seema Bansal, Vice-Chairperson of the Punjab Development Commission, both breast cancer survivors, who shared their deeply personal journeys. The session was moderated by Nomita Khanna and Shweta Jindal.
During an engaging interaction, Hina Khan, who was diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer in 2024, expressed gratitude to Minister Sanjeev Arora for inviting her to amplify the message of cancer awareness, particularly breast cancer. She recounted her battle with the disease and how she emerged stronger, more resilient, and empowered.
Khan urged the audience to remain vigilant and attuned to their bodies’ signals. She strongly advocated for self-detection, emphasizing the need to normalize conversations around cancer and confront it without fear. “Perform self-examinations every fortnight,” she advised. “Any unusual changes—lumps, skin dimpling, or discharge must prompt immediate medical consultation.
Khan also shared her life philosophy: “Live in the present. Don’t dwell on the past or fear the future. Face challenges with willpower and positivity.”
Seema Bansal shared that early detection is the cornerstone of successful treatment. She highlighted that simple, accessible tests like mammograms can rule out cancer at an early stage, significantly improving survival rates. “Breast cancer is highly curable when detected early,” she asserted, calling for greater public education and destigmatization of the disease.
In his emotional address, Minister Sanjeev Arora underscored the global significance of October as Pink Month—observed worldwide since 1985 to promote breast cancer awareness. He extended heartfelt thanks to Hina Khan and Seema Bansal for lending their voice to this critical cause.
“Self-examination is the most powerful tool we have to reduce breast cancer mortality,” Arora stated. “It empowers individuals, saves lives, and increases the survivor rate dramatically. Never ignore or underestimate symptoms—early action is everything.”
Overwhelmed with emotion, Arora paid tribute to his late parents, Krishna and Pran Arora—after whom the Trust was named. With tears in his eyes, he shared: “Had my mother been diagnosed earlier, their lives might have been saved. That pain drives me to ensure no family suffers the same loss due to late detection.” He proudly announced that the Krishna Pran Charitable Trust has adopted over 350 patients and conducts regular awareness drives and medical camps. “Our mission is not just treatment—it’s prevention through education and early intervention,” he said.
Arora urged collective action and urged for united—not just in October, but every day—to make breast cancer a disease of the past through awareness, access, and attitude.
Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain appreciated the Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora for doing a noble work for creating mass awareness against breast cancer and helping the Cancer patients financially. He said that trust is also doing a wonderful job for ensuring affordable healthcare to everyone.
Dr Gurpreet Wandar, Dr Sandhya, Dr Bishav Mohan were among those who spoke on the occasion and gave their medical advice to prevent breast cancer and other forms of cancer. They said not only women, but men also suffer from breast cancer. They said Cancer is curable these days and new therapies are coming up with every passage of time and there is no need of scare of the disease.
On this occasion, Rajya Sabha Member Rajinder Gupta, State Information Commissioner Harpreet Sandhu, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Aditya Dachalwal, Chief Administrator GLADA Sandeep Kumar, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rural Development) Amarjeet Bains, Assistant Commissioners Dr. Pragati Rani, Payal Goel, SDM Jasleen Kaur Bhullar, Civil Surgeon Dr. Ramandeep Kaur, renowned industrialist Padma Smt Rajni Bector, Gagan Khanna, Amit Thapar, Reena Gupta, Rajni Gupta, Madhu Gupta, Sanjana, Ishita and others were present.
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Vigilance Bureau nabs private individual red-handed accepting Rs 5 lakh bribe for SHO
Chandigarh, October 31, 2025 – In its ongoing crackdown on corruption, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) today arrested a private individual, Lalit Arora, a resident of Chheharta in Amritsar district, while he was caught red-handed accepting a bribe of Rs 5 lakh on behalf of the Station House Officer (SHO) of Chheharta police station.
A VB spokesperson said the arrest followed a complaint lodged by a local resident, who reported that the SHO and his team had visited his house, accusing him and his cousin of involvement in drug trafficking. The police allegedly warned that a criminal case would be registered against them and claimed to have seized a car belonging to the complainant, in which drugs were purportedly recovered.
According to the complaint, the complainant later approached Lalit Arora, who is known to the SHO, to help resolve the matter. Arora allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 25 lakh on behalf of the SHO in exchange for not registering a drug case. The complainant expressed his inability to pay the full amount immediately and said he could arrange only Rs 5 lakh, which Arora agreed to accept as part payment.
After verifying the allegations, a VB team from the Amritsar Range laid a trap and apprehended Arora red-handed while accepting the Rs 5 lakh bribe from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses.
A case under the relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against the accused at the VB Police Station, Amritsar Range. The accused will be produced in court on Saturday, and further investigation is underway, the spokesperson added.