CHANDIGARH GRENADE BLAST CASE: USA-BASED GANGSTER HAPPY PASSIA'S PROMISE OF RICHES TURNS TO RADIO SILENCE FOR ACCUSED PERSONS, REVEALS PROBE

— PUNJAB POLICE JOINTLY WITH CENTRAL AGENCIES AND DELHI POLICE ARREST SECOND ACCUSED VISHAL MASIH WITHIN 72-HRs

— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAINTAIN PEACE AND HARMONY IN REGION AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN

— APART FROM ARRANGING EXPLOSIVES AND WEAPONS, HAPPY PASSIA INITIALLY PROVIDED PALTRY FUNDS TO ENTICE ACCUSED PERSONS: DGP GAURAV YADAV

— DGP PUNJAB HIGHLIGHTS EXPLOITATIVE NATURE OF TERRORIST HANDLERS, URGES YOUTH TO NOT FALL PREY TO SUCH ELEMENTS

CHANDIGARH, September 15:With the Punjab Police, in coordination with Central Agencies and Delhi Police, having arrested the second perpetrator of Chandigarh Grenade Blast case within 72 hours, the probe has revealed that USA-based wanted gangster Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia, who is working on the behest of Pak-based Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist Harvinder Singh alias Rinda and ISI, handled the accused by providing explosives, weapons, and logistical support but reneged on promised rewards to the accused persons.

“Following leads generated through various sources, second perpetrator Vishal Masih s/o Sabi Masih resident of village Raimal near Dhyanpur PS Kotli Surat Mallian, #Batala, District #Gurdaspur has been arrested from #Delhi," informed Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav in a post on his X handle (formerly Twitter).

On Wednesday evening, two individuals had executed a Grenade blast in Sector 10, Chandigarh. Since the incident strongly indicated a terror crime, Punjab Police and Central Agencies acted expeditiously and nabbed one of the accused Rohan Masih on Friday along with a weapon and ammunition. Rohan Masih is presently on remand with State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), Amritsar.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that the investigation has revealed that Happy Passia provided accused persons with explosives, weapons and logistical support through his local associates in Punjab and also arranged some financial backings for them. After committing the crime, the duo came to Amritsar and subsequently parted their ways, he said, while adding that Vishal first went to J&K and then moved to Delhi, when police teams apprehended him.

“The probe also revealed that Happy Passia initially provided funds to entice the individuals involved, with the promise of a substantial payment upon the successful execution of the criminal plan. After completing the task, the both the accused persons contacted Happy Passia for promised rewards, only to be met with initial evasion and eventual radio silence,” he said.

The DGP, while highlighting the exploitative nature of these anti-national elements, urged the youth to beware of these deceitful terrorist handlers who use and discard vulnerable individuals with false promises. Don't fall prey to such elements who will first exploit you by promising big rewards and then abandon you, he added.

Notably, this same pattern of betrayal by foreign-handlers has been observed in the previous investigations as well, wherein such handlers initially lure the innocent local youth with false promises and later abandon them once the act is done.

Sharing more details, AIG SSOC Amritsar Sukhminder Singh Mann said that in-depth investigations in this case are being conducted in coordination with the Chandigarh Police to uncover the entire conspiracy and local network of Happy Passia. Police teams have procured the remand of accused Vishal Masih till September 20, 2024, after producing him in the court, he added.

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J&K 33-KG HEROIN RECOVERY CASE: PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS ARMY DESERTER, SEIZES 12.5KG HEROIN

— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A DRUG-FREE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN

— CARTEL HAS INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS LED BY NOTORIOUS FUGITIVE AMRIT PAL SINGH BAATH OPERATING FROM DUBAI: DGP GAURAV YADAV

— ARRESTED ACCUSED AMRITPAL FAUJI AND HIS ASSOCIATE PROCURED 50KG HEROIN FROM AKHNOOR SECTOR, SAYS AIG CI JALANDHAR

CHANDIGARH/JALANDHAR, September 15:In a big blow to the trans border narcotic networks amidst the ongoing war against drugs waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence Jalandhar has arrested an army-deserter identified as Amritpal Singh alias Fauji, a key player in the Pakistan-linked heroin smuggling racket, and seized 12.5 kg heroin from his possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Sunday.

Notably, arrested accused Amritpal Singh Fauji, a resident of village Kasel in Tarn Taran, was on the run since August 2024, when his accomplice identified as Sartaj was arrested from Jammu Bus Stand with 33 kg of heroin in Jammu.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that confirmed that the cartel has international connections as it is being led by a notorious fugitive identified as Amrit Pal Singh Baath, a native of village Mianpur in Tarn Taran and presently operating from Dubai. Notably, the latter is a notorious gangster/smuggler, who has 15-20 cases registered against him in various police stations of Punjab, including two murder cases.

Acting swiftly on reliable intel-inputs, teams of Counter Intelligence Jalandhar laid a special naka at canal bride of village Kangniwal in Jalandhar and arrested Amritpal Fauji after recovering 200 grams heroin, said the DGP, while adding that further investigation has resulted in recovery of 12.4 kg heroin from pinpointed location at link road from Tarn-Taran to village Jodhpur as revealed by the accused. Police teams have also impounded Platina motorcycle (PB 08 EL 5952) on which the accused Amritpal Fauji was travelling, he added.

Sharing more details, AIG CI Jalandhar Navjot Singh Mahal said that during questioning arrested accused has revealed that he and his associate had procured drug consignment of 50 kg heroin from Akhnoor sector last month, of which, 33kg heroin haul was with his associate Sartaj, who was arrested by the J&K Police.

Following the arrest of his accomplice, Amritpal Fauji concealed the remaining heroin at an abandoned location, he said, while adding that further investigations are on to establish backward and forward linkages in this case.

A case FIR no 57 dated 13.09.2024 has been registered under section 21 and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), Amritsar.

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Resignation of Arvind Kejriwal proves beyond doubt he is a man of principles : Lal Chand Kataruchak

Pressure tactics can't intimidate Arvind Kejriwal

Chandigarh, September 15:The resignation of the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal proves beyond doubt that he is an honest person and keeps the morality and principles above everything else in life.

In a statement here today, the Food, Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs and Forest & Wildlife Preservation Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak said that Arvind Kejriwal is dedicated leader who has devoted his life to serve all the sections of the society without discrimination and fear or favour. Calling the Delhi Chief Minister a man of the masses, Mr. Kataruchak said that intimidatory tactics can't cow the fearless spirit of Arvind Kejriwal into submission.

Severely criticizing the BJP for misusing central agencies, Mr. Kataruchak divulged that such pressure tactics are a blot on the name of democracy and are totally against the constitutional spirit and values.

Declaring that the entire rank and file of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is behind Mr. Arvind Kejriwal, the Punjab Cabinet Minister disclosed that every worker of AAP would leave no stone no unturned to safeguard and protect the democratic structure of the country.

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AMAN ARORA INVITES INDUSTRIALISTS TO TAP PUNJAB'S GREEN ENERGY POTENTIAL

* Also assures support to startups coming with new ideas in green energy field

•New & Renewable Energy Sources Minister attends Regional Energy Transition & Sustainability (RETS) Conclave as a Chief Guest

Chandigarh, September 15:Encouraging industrialists to invest in non-conventional and green energy sectors, Punjab New and Renewable Energy Sources Minister, Mr. Aman Arora, highlighted the significant potential Punjab holds in the green energy sector. He stressed the essential shift towards clean and sustainable energy. Punjab has emerged as one of the leading states in the country, aiming to lead in the production of green energy.

Attending the Regional Energy Transition & Sustainability (RETS) Conclave as a Chief Guest here at Parade Ground, on Sunday, Mr. Aman Arora urged new startups to collaborate in this initiative, highlighting that the Punjab government, under Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, stands prepared to offer comprehensive support to foster their growth. The conclave was organised by PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Highlighting the state's efforts in solar energy, he mentioned that a 4MW Solar PV plant has already been commissioned in Tarkhanawala village, Bathinda, to address the agricultural power requirements. This project is expected to produce approximately 6.65 million units of power per year. PEDA is all set to establish three additional Solar Power Plants, each with a capacity of 4MW, totalling 12MW, in the Bathinda district.

In addition, the State is mulling to set up 66 solar power plants, each capable of generating 4 MW (totaling 264 MW capacity). Upon completion, this project is anticipated to produce around 390 Million Units (MU) of electricity per year. PEDA has also invited applications from farmers for installation of 20,000 agricultural pumps statewide, he added.

To address the issue of stubble burning, Mr. Aman Arora mentioned that PEDA has been making strenuous efforts to utilise paddy straw in Compressed Biogas (CBG) Projects, Biomass Power Projects and Bio-ethanol Projects. Additionally, a draft of Green Hydrogen Policy has also been formulated to promote green energy in the state.

Chief Executive PEDA Mr. Sandeep Hans said that PEDA is extending full support to startups introducing innovative concepts in the green energy sector. The government aims not only to achieve self-sufficiency in solar energy in Punjab but also to generate employment opportunities for the youth.

R.S. Sachdeva, Chair of the Punjab State Chapter PHDCCI, extended a warm welcome to the guests and highlighted that the primary goal of this event is to raise awareness about the growing demand for solar energy and advancements in solar technology. CEO and Secretary General of PHDCCI Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, Chair Startup and Entrepreneurship Forum Committee PHDCCI Dr.J.K Sharma and Co-Chair Supreet Singh were also present on the occasion.