SPECIAL CHIEF SECRETARY VK SINGH BATS FOR THE VANGUARD ROLE OF COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN AGRI EXPORTS

ASSERTS THAT THE BRIGHT FUTURE OF PUNJAB LIES IN STRENGTHENING OF COOPERATIVE SECTOR

ENVISIONS THAT IT WILL ACT AS A CATALYST IN TRANSFORMING THE DESTINY OF FARMERS BY GIVING MUCH NEEDED FILLIP TO RURAL ECONOMY

PRESIDES OVER A FUNCTION TO MARK 71st ALL INDIA COOPERATIVE WEEK

ADVOCATES VALUE ADDITION OF FARMERS PRODUCE TO BRING THEM OUT OF THE RUT OF WHEAT/ PADDY CYCLE

Chandigarh, November 14-Advocating the vanguard role of Cooperative Societies for boosting Agri exports, Special Chief Secretary and Financial Commissioner Cooperation Mr. VK Singh on Thursday said that it is the need of hour to transform the destiny of farmers by giving a major push to the rural economy.

Addressing the gathering after inaugurating 71st All India Cooperative Week here today, the Special Chief Secretary said that the Cooperative sector has the onus to bolster the rural economy through Agri Food exports after value edition through Self Help Groups. He said that the Punjab government led by the Chief Minister Mr. Bhagwant Singh Mann is already laying major thrust to strengthen the cooperative sector in the state. Mr. VK Singh unequivocally said that Cooperative sector is the lifeline of the country, which has played a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of the country in the post-independence era.

The Special Chief Secretary said that the cooperative sector has to play a pivotal role in bringing farmers out of the rut of the wheat/ paddy cycle and encouraging them for selling their products through value addition. He said that there is a huge potential for value added products of the farmers especially in the markets like Delhi whereas spurious goods were being sold. Mr VK Singh said that the Cooperative sector must embrace this challenge to benefit the farmers in a big way so that their income can be supplemented in a big way.

The Special Chief Secretary also said that cooperative sector cannot work in isolation adding that for welfare of farmers various departments like agriculture, horticulture and others can work in unison with each other. He said that it will go a long way in heralding a new era of unprecedented development and prosperity for the farmers. Mr VK Singh said that this will go a long way in augmenting the income of the farmers on one hand and ensuring supply of quality food to the consumers one the other.

The Special Chief Secretary said that Cooperative movement in India has immensely benefited all the sections of society particularly the farming community, who had played a crucial role in making the country self-reliant in food production. He said that the need of the hour is to give further fillip to the Cooperative movement by celebrating such functions with great enthusiasm so as to elicit maximum participation of the people. Mr. VK Singh said that it is a high time when our Cooperative sector should come forward and play a crucial role in giving a much needed push to the rural economy.

The Special Chief Secretary said that it is imperative for comprehensive development of the rural areas and the progress of people. On the occasion, he envisioned that the weeklong celebrations of National Cooperative Week will certainly go a long way in motivating the millions of people across the villages of the state to be a part of this glorious cooperative movement to ultimately achieve the goal of sustainable and inclusive growth. Mr. VK Singh also underscored the need to give further fillip to the Cooperative movement by organising such functions with great enthusiasm so as to elicit maximum participation of the people at grass root level.

The Special Chief Secretary said that the motive of this function is also to sensitise the officers associated with the cooperation movement to perform their duty zealously. He said that the officers must realise one thing that the bright future of Punjab will emerge out of the cooperative sector for which the officers have a huge role to play. Mr VK Singh said that the officers should ensure that the movement is strengthen at ground level so that it produces desired results in coming times.

Earlier, Secretary Cooperation Ms. Anindita Mitra welcomed the dignitaries on the occasion and said that the cooperative sector is essential for the holistic growth of the country. Extending words of gratitude towards Special Chief Secretary VK Singh, she recalled his immense contribution in strengthening the cooperative sector at grassroots level. Ms. Anindita Mitra underscored the need for three Es viz. Education, Equality and Engagement for further expansion and consolidation of the cooperative sector.

Meanwhile, Registrar Cooperative Societies Punjab and Director Information & Public Relations Mr. Vimal Kumar Setia shared a glimpse about the various initiatives being taken in the Cooperative Sector.

All the dignitaries unveiled the book on Cooperation penned by Cooperative Officer Mr. Jasbir Singh.

Prominent amongst others present on the occasion included Secretary Cooperative Societies Ms. Ritu Aggarwal, MD Markfed Mr. Girish Dayalan, MD Sugarfed Ms. Senu Duggal, MD Milkfed Mr Rahul Gupta and others.

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Children's day heralds new era in early education with launch of "Aarambh" Initiative in Punjab

School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains and Chief Guest Charanpreet Kaur (8th standard student of SoE Mohali) jointly launched the dedicated programme

Chandigarh, November 14:Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government marked the Children's Day with the launch of an innovative educational initiative "Aarambh," aiming at revolutionizing early childhood education through enhanced parental engagement.

During the state level function at Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA), Chandigarh, School Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains along with the Chief Guest-Charanpreet Kaur, students of 8th standard from School of Eminence, Phase-11, Mohali unveiled this transformative program before an audience of over 500 attendees, including education officials from four states and representatives from more than 20 NGOs.

While addressing the gathering, Harjot Singh Bains noting that with over 3.5 lakh pre-primary students currently enrolled in Punjab's government schools, early childhood education has become more crucial than ever.

He said that programme "Aarambh" represents our commitment to fostering comprehensive early childhood development, recognizing that over 85% of brain development occurs before age six," stated the Cabinet Minister, adding that the initiative introduces an innovative digital platform creating teacher-parent communities at the school level, facilitating daily educational content sharing through WhatsApp groups. This approach will ensure continuous parental guidance and involvement in children's early learning processes, particularly benefiting over 3.8 lakh low-income families, he added.

The Cabinet Minister informed that this initiative will initially launched in eight districts i.e. Ludhiana, Mohali, Patiala, Rupnagar, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Tarn Taran, Sangrur and Amritsar, in collaboration with the Punjab Development Commission and Rocket Learning NGO. This strategic implementation will set new standards in early childhood education, positioning Punjab as a leader in educational innovation, said the Minister.

The highlight of event was the special presentation by four primary school teachers who received training in Finland, sharing their expertise on implementing play-based and holistic development approaches in early education.

The School Education Minister also honoured 40 pre-primary teachers for their exceptional contributions to early childhood education in Punjab.

In her address, Dr. Amninder Kaur (PCS), Director, SCERT, Punjab said, "Programme Aarambh will create a vital bridge between parents and teachers, ensuring every child in Punjab receives optimal support both at home and school."

Over 1.5 lakh parents and 15,000 teachers witnessed the launch event via video message.

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Punjab Bhawan Initiates to Showcase Photos of Eminent Punjabi Literary Figures

New Delhi, November 14,Heading forward to execute its decision taken recently, The Punjab Language Department has initiated the installation of photos of renowned Punjabi literary writers at Punjab Bhawan, New Delhi. In the first phase, 10 photos were unveiled today in the verandahs and galleries of Block A of the Bhawan.

The entrance floor features photos of Bhai Vir Singh, the founder of modern Punjabi literature, and celebrated Punjabi writer Amrita Pritam.

The first floor, near the Chief Minister's office, showcases photos of three prominent Punjabi poets namely Shiv Kumar Batalvi, Pash, and Surjit Patar.

Similarly, the second floor features photos of Ishwar Chander Nanda, the father of Punjabi theater, and Dr. Mohinder Singh Randhawa, known for his pioneering work for Punjabi art and culture.

Lastly, the third floor displays photos of progressive poets Bawa Balwant, Lal Singh Dil, and Firoz Din Sharaf.

Director of the Language Department Punjab, Jaswant Singh Zafar informed that approximately 100 photos of prominent Punjabi poets, writers, thinkers, and language experts will be installed on all floors of both A and B blocks of Punjab Bhavan in the near future.

He also said that with the exhibition and sale of books by the department inside the Punjab Bhawan Premises, the literary people and readers has showed positive response and an increase in the sale of books has also been witnessed.

Resident Commissioner, Punjab Bhawan, Shruti Singh said that more plans are in the pipeline to display Punjab's cultural essence through art pieces inside rooms of the Bhawan. She said that they will also seek assistance from the Punjab Arts Council in the same manner as the Punjab Language Department has taken initiative to display these photographs. Resident Commissioner also revealed that to maintain and renovate the Punjabi Sahit Kendar of Language Department, Punjab will be considered on priority basis.

On this occasion, Assistant Director of the Language Department Alok Chawla, Deputy Resident Commissioner, Asita Sharma, Local Office incharge Karuna were also present.

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Ensuring Better Civic Amenities for Citizens is Punjab Government's Top Priority: Dr. Ravjot Singh

*No Shortage of Funds for Development Projects*

*Minister for Local Government Holds Review Meeting on Key Issues*

Chandigarh, November 14:The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to providing better civic amenities to the residents of Punjab. Punjab's Minister for Local Government, Dr. Ravjot Singh, emphasized that all ongoing development projects across the state would be completed on time and that there is no shortage of funds to support these initiatives.

During a review meeting held at the Municipal Bhawan, Dr. Ravjot Singh, in the presence of Rajya Sabha member Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal and Punjab Vidhan Sabha Deputy Speaker Jai Krishan Singh Rouri, discussed various significant issues with key officials. The meeting included participation from the Commissioner of Municipal Corporation Phagwara, Additional Deputy Commissioners (General) from Ferozepur, Moga, Kapurthala, Nawanshahr, and executive officers of Nagar Panchayats such as Makhu, Mallowal Khas, Bagha Purana, Dharamkot, Fatehgarh Panjtoor, Nadala, Dhilwan, Begowal, Bhulath, and Balachaur.

Dr. Ravjot Singh emphasized that maintaining cleanliness and improving amenities for urban residents is a primary goal of the government. He instructed the officials to take proactive steps toward achieving these objectives.

Minister reviewed reports on various projects under multiple schemes, urging officials to ensure that all ongoing projects meet the highest standards.

He highlighted the importance of prioritizing sanitation in urban areas, directing that no city area should see piles of garbage. He called for door-to-door collection of waste and its scientific disposal. Additionally, he instructed that the sewerage systems be regularly cleaned with suction machines to prevent sewerage overflow on streets.

Dr. Ravjot Singh also stressed the need to provide clean drinking water to all urban residents. He directed officials to ensure that drinking water supply remains uncontaminated by sewerage at all times.

The meeting was also attended by MLAs from concerned constituencies, Additional Chief Secretary of Local Government Tejveer Singh, Director of Local Government Gurpreet Singh Khaira, CEO of PMIDC Deepti Uppal, and other senior department officials

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Ultra-modern high-security jail to be built near Ludhiana at cost of Rs.100-CR, announces Laljit Singh Bhullar

Says, recruitment of 13 DSPs, 175 Wardens in jails department soon

Vocational courses for inmates' skill development to be enhanced

Presides over passing-out parade of jails department staff at Kapurthala

Chandigarh/Kapurthala, November 14:Punjab Jails Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, on Thursday, announced that an ultra-modern high-security jail will be constructed at village Gorsian Qadar Baksh near Ludhiana at a cost of Rs.100 crore to house notorious inmates separately, which is expected to be completed by the next year.

Addressing the gathering during passing out parade ceremony of 173 wardens and 6 matrons at the In-Service Training Center in Kapurthala, S. Laljit Singh Bhullar said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government is taking numerous steps to enhance prison security while also enabling inmates to participate in economic progress through employment opportunities.

He informed that jammers are being installed in 13 jails to prevent the use of mobile phones. Petrol pumps are being established at 12 prisons located along major roads to increase department revenue and provide employment to inmates based on their skills under the "Punjab Prison Development Board," said the Cabinet Minister, adding that six prison petrol pumps are already operational, with two more to begin operations soon.

Highlighting transparent recruitment as a priority area, the Cabinet Minister announced that recruitment of 13 DSPs, 175 wardens and 4 matrons in the jails department will be initiated soon.

He said that along with promoting education for inmates' reformation, new vocational courses and sports activities are being encouraged in jails. Special training is being provided to inmates in bakery products to help them become contributing members of society, said the Cabinet Minister.

Earlier, S. Laljit Singh Bhullar inspected the parade and honoured cadets who performed exceptionally during training.

Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included ADGP Prisons S. Arunpal Singh, IG S. Sukhminder Singh Maan, IG Sh. R.K. Arora, Commandant S. Parminder Singh Bhandal, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) S. Varinderpal Singh Bajwa, S. Kanwar Iqbal Singh, Member of Punjab State Council for Science and Technology, AAP Joint Secretary S. Parvinder Singh Dhot and family members of graduating staff.

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Sectarian mindset of hardliner elements in Pakistan stands exposed in labeling Shaheed Bhagat Singh, a terrorist: Lal Chand Kataruchak

Chandigarh, November 14:The martyrs are the treasure trove of entire society as their deeds of bravery & patriotism inspire an entire generation. Hence, they must be kept away from petty politics and their legacy needs to be respected. These views were expressed here today in a statement by the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Forest & Wildlife Preservation Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak.

Notably, Shaheed-e-Azam Welfare Society of Lahore has been fighti

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BY-ELECTIONS: PUNJAB GOVT DECLARES LOCAL HOLIDAY IN GURDASPUR, HOSHIARPUR, SRI MUKTSAR SAHIB AND BARNALA DISTRICTS ON NOVEMBER 20

CHANDIGARH, November 14:Keeping in view of the by-elections to the four assembly constituencies in the state, the Punjab Government has declared local holiday for Government Offices, Boards/Corporations and Government Educational Institutions situated in the four districts including Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Sri Muktsar Sahib and Barnala on November 20, 2024. The Punjab government has declared this holiday under the Negotiable Instrument Act 1881.

The by-elections will be held to the four constituencies of Legislative Assembly including 10-Dera Baba Nanak, 44-Chabbewal (SC), 84-Gidderbaha and 103-Barnala.

The Punjab Government has issued a notification which also directs that any government employee, who is a voter of these four Legislative Assembly Constituencies and works in the Punjab Government Offices, Boards or Corporations and government educational institutions, can apply for a special leave to exercise his franchise on November 20, 2024 by presenting his voter card to the concerned authority. This leave will not be deducted from the leave account of the officer/employee.

On November 20, 2024, paid leave will also be granted in these four constituencies, as stipulated in the provision of sub-section 1 of section 135-B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (in respect of all persons employed in any business, trade, industrial undertaking or any other establishment).

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Over 5000 teachers trained about Business Blasters Program to empower students with entrepreneurial skills : Harjot Singh Bains

Chandigarh, November 14:Punjab School Education Department has successfully trained more than 5000 lecturer-grade teachers from government senior secondary schools across Punjab as part of its flagship Business Blasters program.

Divulging this, School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said that this initiative is set to benefit over 1,78,000 Grade 11 students, equipping them with critical entrepreneurial and 21st-century skills through experiential learning.

He said that the Business Blasters program, a pioneering effort by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government, is designed to develop an entrepreneurial mindset among students, shifting their perspective from being job seekers to job creators. By engaging students in hands-on business projects, the program fosters essential skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, he added.

Through this transformative initiative, the Department of School Education reaffirms its commitment to empowering Punjab's youth and driving socio-economic growth by nurturing a new generation equipped with an entrepreneurial mindset and 21st century skills.

Notably, the Business Blasters program launched by the Mann government under the Young Entrepreneurs Programme Scheme in November 2022 showed immediate impact in its pilot phase. The program engaged 11,041 students of 11th grade from 32 government senior secondary schools across 9 districts, with 3,032 students receiving seed money totaling over Rs.60 lacs to support their business ideas in real-world situations.

The program's success led to a massive expansion, covering all 1,920 government senior secondary schools across 23 districts in Punjab. This scale-up has incorporated 7,813 teachers and 1,83,192 Grade 11 students during the academic year 2023-2024, marking a significant milestone in the state's educational initiatives.

Student participation has been exceptional, with 1,38,676 students forming 19,989 teams to develop business ideas. Through careful selection, 52,050 students (now in 12th grade) from approximately 7,500 teams were chosen for seed money disbursement, showcasing the program's widespread appeal.

The state government has made a substantial financial commitment, allocating Rs.10.41 crore as seed money for young entrepreneurs. As of October 1, 2024, Rs.9.38 crore has been credited to 46,910 students' bank accounts, with remaining disbursements planned for completion soon.

Currently, over 5,000 lecturer-grade teachers have undergone comprehensive training to support student entrepreneurs. This intensive program ensures that educators are well-equipped to guide students in developing entrepreneurial mindsets and essential 21st-century skills.

S. Bains also highlighted that the program's ultimate goal is to transform Punjab's young students into job creators and problem solvers, advancing the vision of making Punjab a state of entrepreneurs, with the remaining seed money scheduled for distribution in the upcoming bank working days.

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Hon'ble Justice B.R. Gavai Appointed Executive Chairman of NALSA; Hon'ble Justice Surya Kant Nominated as Chairman of SCLSC

Chandigarh,November 14-With the approval of Supreme court of India the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has announced two significant appointments in its commitment to advancing accessible and free legal aid across India.

Divulging in this regard The spokesperson of Punjab State Legal Services Authority stated that Hon’ble Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai brings valuable experience to his role, having previously served as Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC). Under his leadership, NALSA aims to reinforce its mission to ensure that justice reaches the marginalized and economically weaker sections of society throughout India, honoring the constitutional mandate of Article 39-A.

Hon'ble Mr. Justice Surya Kant, Judge, Supreme Court of India, was nominated as the new Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC) by Hon'ble Chief Justice of India, Justice Sanjiv Khanna.

A notification regarding this nomination was issued in the Official Gazette on 12th November 2024. Justice Surya Kant succeeds Justice Gavai in this role, with a focus on enhancing access to justice for those who face financial or social barriers in approaching the Supreme Court.

This appointment was made under Clause (b) of sub-section (2) of Section 3 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, and became effective on 11th November, as notified by the Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India, in the Official Gazette on 8th November 2024.

These appointments reflect NALSA's dedication to upholding justice for all, and it anticipates further progress under the distinguished leadership of Hon'ble Mr. Justice B.R. Gavai and Hon'ble Mr. Justice Surya Kant.

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PUNJAB POLICE’S ANTF GETS STATE-OF-THE-ART SUPPORT SERVICES UNIT TO COMBAT DRUG MENACE

— DGP GAURAV YADAV INAUGURATES THIS CUTTING EDGE FACILITY ESTABLISHED AT ANTF HEADQUARTERS

— THIS SPECIALISED UNIT TO FOCUS ON ANALYSING DRUG-RELATED DATA, COMMUNICATIONS, FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS, AND TRAFFICKING PROFILES: DGP PUNJAB

CHANDIGARH, November 14:Marking a significant step forward in enhancing the operational capabilities of the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Thursday inaugurated the newly established state-of-the-art ANTF’s Support Services Unit (SSU) at the ANTF Headquarters here.

The DGP Punjab was accompanied by Special DGP ANTF Kuldeep Singh, Special DGP Internal Security RN Dhoke, ADGP ANTF Nilabh Kishore and ADGP Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Promod Ban.

“Equipped with cutting-edge technology and advanced intelligence capabilities, #ANTF is now better prepared than ever to safeguard #Punjab’s future from the grip of narcotics. This specialised unit is focused on analysing drug-related data, communications, financial transactions, and trafficking profiles, significantly strengthening ANTF’s capacity to combat the drug menace with precision and effectiveness,” informed DGP Gaurav Yadav in a post on his X handle (formerly Twitter).

The development came few months after the DGP Punjab inaugurated the ANTF’s Intelligence and Technical Unit (SITU) established with the cost of Rs 11 crores, which is equipped with advanced software systems tailored for the meticulous analysis of drug-related data, communication, social media engagements, financial transactions, and the detailed profiling of drug traffickers.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that the Support Services Unit, established with the cost of Rs 1.28 crores, features state-of-the-art facilities, including upgraded office spaces and modern infrastructure. The unit is strategically designed to support the ANTF’s operational efficiency and strengthen its ability to combat drug trafficking in the state, he added.

Pertinently, in April, this year, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has allocated a budget of Rs 14.6 crores to augment the ANTF's capabilities, of which, nearly Rs 11 crores had been earmarked for upgrading the ANTF's technical infrastructure, while Rs 3 crores was meant to improve its physical infrastructure.

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PUNJAB POLICE DISMANTLES UK-BASED EXTORTION SYNDICATE AMONG TWO EXTORTION RACKETS; 10 HELD WITH 7 PISTOLS

— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A SAFE AND SECURE STATE

— PUNJAB POLICE SUCCESSFULLY TRACES 14 CASES OF EXTORTION AND SHOOTINGS, SIGNIFICANTLY DISRUPTING FOREIGN-BACKED CRIME IN THE STATE: DGP GAURAV YADAV

—THIS OPERATION HAS DEALT SIGNIFICANT BLOW TO INTERNATIONAL CRIME SYNDICATE: SSP JALANDHAR RURAL HPS KHAKH

CHANDIGARH/JALANDHAR, November 14:In a major blow against international organised crime, Jalandhar Rural Police dismantled a two separate criminal gangs, including UK-based extortion syndicate, and arrested 10 hardcore criminals after recovering seven pistols along with 18 live cartridges and 10 magazines from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Thursday.

Police teams have also impounded Toyota Corolla Altis car, Jupiter scooter, Platina motorcycle and Activa scooter being used by the arrested persons to carry out criminal activities.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigations have revealed that the syndicate's complex cross-border operations, with key figures in the UK, Greece and Manila directing extortion and shootings in Punjab. Additionally, Jalandhar Rural has also uncovered a weapons procurement network operating from Madhya Pradesh, he said.

“With busting of two modules, Punjab Police has successfully traces at least 14 cases of extortion and shootings, significantly disrupting foreign-backed crime in the state,” he said.

The DGP said that further investigations are going on to establish backward and forward linkages in this case.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jalandhar Rural Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh, while addressing the press conference, said that the first breakthrough came when a police team led by SHO Police Station Lohian Yadwinder Singh intercepted a Toyota Corolla Altis (PB-65-H-9100) near Giddarpindi Hitech Toll Plaza and arrested three suspects after recovering two .32 bore pistols along with six live rounds, and five magazines during the search of their car.

Those arrested have been identified as Amandeep Singh alias Aman of Billi Baraich, Jagwinder Singh alias Shani of Mulewal Khaira, and Jaskaran Singh alias Sara of Sidhwa Dona.

The SSP said that during interrogation, the accused revealed that their operations were being orchestrated by UK-based kingpin Jagdeep Singh alias Jagga, with financial support from Greece-based Paramjit Singh alias Pamma and logistical coordination by Manila-based Manjinder Singh alias Mani. The gang had recently procured pistols from Khargon city in Madhya Pradesh on directions of their foreign based handlers, he added.

In a follow-up operation, police team arrested three more gang members identified as Ajay Kumar alias Billa of Shahjahanpur, Vishal of Seinpura in Kapurthala and one juvenile of Donewal, he said, while adding that the team recovered one more .32 bore pistol along with three live cartridges from their possession and seized Jupiter scooter (PB09-AK-8740), on which they were travelling.

He said that this notorious gang was found involved in three major criminal incidents, including a shooting incident to target a Bholath based businessman on the directions of Jagdeep alias Jagga, recovery of weapons and procuring weapons from Madhya Pradesh.

"This operation has dealt a significant blow to the international crime syndicate operating in our region," said SSP Khakh.

In another parallel operation, the SSP said that CIA Staff Jalandhar Rural led by Inspector Pushap Bali apprehended four members of another dreaded gang identified as Harvinder Singh alias Raju of Ahmedpur, Dalwinder Singh alias Guri of Dhaliwal Dona, Sarabjit Singh alias Punjab alias Kaka of Athola, and Harpreet Singh alias Shera of Katni Gate.

Police teams have recovered two .32 bore pistols with six live rounds and three magazines and one .315 bore pistol with two live rounds, besides, impeding their Platina motorcycle and Activa scooter.

SSP Khakh said that during interrogation, this gang confessed to have committed multiple crimes including a shooting and extortion at Blair Khanpur, an armed assault and shooting at a grocery shop owner, armed robbery near Leather Complex, extortion of Rs 25,000 from migrant labourers, and multiple motorcycle thefts. They also revealed connections to a local drug trafficking network, he added.

The police have registered two separate cases including FIR no. 102 dated 09.11.2024 under section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station Lohian, and FIR No. 95 dated 13.11.2024 under sections 308(2), 310(4), 310(5) and 111 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and section 25(1)(6)(7)(8) of the Arms Act at Police Station Maqusdan.

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PUNJAB POLICE DISMANTLES UK-BASED EXTORTION SYNDICATE AMONG TWO EXTORTION RACKETS; 10 HELD WITH 7 PISTOLS

— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A SAFE AND SECURE STATE

— PUNJAB POLICE SUCCESSFULLY TRACES 14 CASES OF EXTORTION AND SHOOTINGS, SIGNIFICANTLY DISRUPTING FOREIGN-BACKED CRIME IN THE STATE: DGP GAURAV YADAV

—THIS OPERATION HAS DEALT SIGNIFICANT BLOW TO INTERNATIONAL CRIME SYNDICATE: SSP JALANDHAR RURAL HPS KHAKH

CHANDIGARH/JALANDHAR, November 14: In a major blow against international organised crime, Jalandhar Rural Police dismantled a two separate criminal gangs, including UK-based extortion syndicate, and arrested 10 hardcore criminals after recovering seven pistols along with 18 live cartridges and 10 magazines from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Thursday.

Police teams have also impounded Toyota Corolla Altis car, Jupiter scooter, Platina motorcycle and Activa scooter being used by the arrested persons to carry out criminal activities.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigations have revealed that the syndicate's complex cross-border operations, with key figures in the UK, Greece and Manila directing extortion and shootings in Punjab. Additionally, Jalandhar Rural has also uncovered a weapons procurement network operating from Madhya Pradesh, he said.

“With busting of two modules, Punjab Police has successfully traces at least 14 cases of extortion and shootings, significantly disrupting foreign-backed crime in the state,” he said.

The DGP said that further investigations are going on to establish backward and forward linkages in this case.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jalandhar Rural Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh, while addressing the press conference, said that the first breakthrough came when a police team led by SHO Police Station Lohian Yadwinder Singh intercepted a Toyota Corolla Altis (PB-65-H-9100) near Giddarpindi Hitech Toll Plaza and arrested three suspects after recovering two .32 bore pistols along with six live rounds, and five magazines during the search of their car.

Those arrested have been identified as Amandeep Singh alias Aman of Billi Baraich, Jagwinder Singh alias Shani of Mulewal Khaira, and Jaskaran Singh alias Sara of Sidhwa Dona.

The SSP said that during interrogation, the accused revealed that their operations were being orchestrated by UK-based kingpin Jagdeep Singh alias Jagga, with financial support from Greece-based Paramjit Singh alias Pamma and logistical coordination by Manila-based Manjinder Singh alias Mani. The gang had recently procured pistols from Khargon city in Madhya Pradesh on directions of their foreign based handlers, he added.

In a follow-up operation, police team arrested three more gang members identified as Ajay Kumar alias Billa of Shahjahanpur, Vishal of Seinpura in Kapurthala and one juvenile of Donewal, he said, while adding that the team recovered one more .32 bore pistol along with three live cartridges from their possession and seized Jupiter scooter (PB09-AK-8740), on which they were travelling.

He said that this notorious gang was found involved in three major criminal incidents, including a shooting incident to target a Bholath based businessman on the directions of Jagdeep alias Jagga, recovery of weapons and procuring weapons from Madhya Pradesh.

"This operation has dealt a significant blow to the international crime syndicate operating in our region," said SSP Khakh.

In another parallel operation, the SSP said that CIA Staff Jalandhar Rural led by Inspector Pushap Bali apprehended four members of another dreaded gang identified as Harvinder Singh alias Raju of Ahmedpur, Dalwinder Singh alias Guri of Dhaliwal Dona, Sarabjit Singh alias Punjab alias Kaka of Athola, and Harpreet Singh alias Shera of Katni Gate.

Police teams have recovered two .32 bore pistols with six live rounds and three magazines and one .315 bore pistol with two live rounds, besides, impeding their Platina motorcycle and Activa scooter.

SSP Khakh said that during interrogation, this gang confessed to have committed multiple crimes including a shooting and extortion at Blair Khanpur, an armed assault and shooting at a grocery shop owner, armed robbery near Leather Complex, extortion of Rs 25,000 from migrant labourers, and multiple motorcycle thefts. They also revealed connections to a local drug trafficking network, he added.

The police have registered two separate cases including FIR no. 102 dated 09.11.2024 under section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station Lohian, and FIR No. 95 dated 13.11.2024 under sections 308(2), 310(4), 310(5) and 111 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and section 25(1)(6)(7)(8) of the Arms Act at Police Station Maqusdan.

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Vigilance Bureau registers corruption case against Constable, Punjab Home Guard, their accomplice for taking Rs 25,000 bribe

Constable and his accomplice arrested, VB searching third accused

Chandigarh, November 14, 2024 –The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), in line with the zero-tolerance policy against corruption adopted by the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has registered a corruption case against police constable Rajinder Kumar (No. 1293/Fazilka), posted at Police Station Abohar city, in Fazilka district, Punjab Home Guard (PHG) volunteer Ravi Kumar, (No. 7064/D) 6th Battalion, and their accomplice, a private person, Sagar Verma, resident of village Dangar Khera, in Fazilka for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 25,000. In this case Constable Rajinder Kumar and his accomplice Sagar Verma have been arrested and VB teams searching for the third accused.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the VB said this case has been registered against both the personnel and their middleman following an investigation into a complaint lodged by Vijay Kumar, a resident of Dhani Karnail Singh in tehsil Abohar on the Chief Minister’s Anti-Corruption Action Line.

According to the complaint, these police personnel had demanded a bribe of Rs 2,00,000 to release an accused named Jaidev of village Nihal Khera who was known to the complainant and involved in a narcotics case. Later the said Constable and PHG agreed to accept Rs 1,20,000 as bribe for this motive. The complainant further alleged that the accused PHG volunteer had taken Rs 25,000 from three persons involved in this case. The complainant had recorded the conversation between the accused officials and private person with him in this regard and handed over to the VB as an evidence.

The spokesperson further informed that during the investigation, recordings submitted by the complainant confirmed that the aforementioned accused had demanded and received the bribe money from the complainant. This evidence established that both the officials and their middleman were colluded with each other in demanding and taking the bribe amount.

Based on this report, a case has been registered against all the three accused under prevention of corruption act at the VB Police Station, Ferozpur range. Further investigation into this case was under progress. Efforts are also underway to arrest the other accused, PHG Ravi Kumar, soon, he said.

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