Yudh Nashian Virudh - Tarn Taran Sets Sights on Becoming Punjab's First Drug-Free District: Harpal Singh Cheema
Directs Police and Civil Administration to Ensure Community Participation in Yudh Nashian Virudh Campaign
Exhorts Police to Take Quick Legal Action Against Drug Peddlers, Attach Properties
Vows to Bring Back Individuals Involved in Running Drug Trade Operations from Abroad
Police in Border Districts to be Equipped with Anti-Drone Technology
Chandigarh/Tarn Taran, March 5-In a major breakthrough, Tarn Taran's civil and police administration has assured Chairman of Yudh Nashian Virudh Cabinet Sub Committee, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema that the district will become Punjab's first drug-free district. This commitment was made during a meeting between Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and the Tarn Taran civil and police administration, in the presence of people's representatives from the district.
While chairing the meeting, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema directed the police and civil administration to ensure active participation from the community in the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign. He reviewed the drug de-addiction activities and issued directions to further improve these initiatives and directed the civil administration to adopt initiatives to encourage youth participation in educational competitions, sports, culture, and other activities promoting a healthier lifestyle.
The Finance Minister also directed the police administration to ensure quick legal action against drug peddlers, with all their property acquired through drug trade to be attached. SSP Tarn Taran Abhimanyu Rana apprised the Finance Minister that property worth Rs. 26 crore was attached last year, over Rs. 2 crore this year, and action is underway to attach property in six additional cases. He also reported that 80 individuals have been taken into custody under NDPS act in the district, and 13 kg of heroin has been seized as part of this campaign.
Meanwhile, Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar emphasized creating a public movement against drugs, quoting the initiatives being taken in his constituency, Patti. Adding to this, MLA Khadoor Sahib Manjinder Singh Lalpura mentioned that 80 villages from his constituency have passed resolutions, resolving not to allow drugs to be sold in their areas. He also stated that 87 villages will be provided with Volleyball kits to divert the attention of youth from drugs to sports. During the meeting, MLA Tarn Taran Dr. Kashmir Singh Sohal and MLA Khemkaran Sarwan Singh Dhun also shared their views.
Later, addressing the media, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government is committed to delivering a final blow to the drug trade in the state. He said that every effort would be made to bring back individuals involved in running drug trade operations from abroad to be punished according to the law. He further mentioned that the police of the border districts would soon be equipped with anti-drone technology to put a complete stop to cross-border drug smuggling.
=======================
Punjab's Yudh Nashian Virudh Campaign Gains Momentum; State to Become Drug-Free Soon: Harpal Singh Cheema
Cheema Leads Charge Against Drug Menace During Meetings at Tarn Taran, Pathankot, and Gurdaspur
Highlights Public Participation As Key to Success
Says, Drug Smugglers are Either Fleeing Punjab Or Being Apprehended By Police
Chandigarh, March 5-The Yudh Nashian Virudh Cabinet Sub-Committee Chairman Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday said that Punjab's crusade against the drug menace is yielding significant results, with the Yudh Nashian Virudh Campaign launched by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann gaining massive traction across the state. He said that the drug smugglers are either fleeing Punjab or being apprehended by the police, paving the way for a drug-free Punjab.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, during his tour of the three districts of Tarn Taran, Pathankot, and Gurdaspur, held meetings with civil and police administration alongside local leadership. He emphasized the importance of public participation, enhancing drug de-addiction efforts, intensifying police crackdowns on drug traders, and promoting activities such as educational competitions, sports, and cultural events to engage the youth in adopting healthier lifestyles.
At the Tarntaran meeting, Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar emphasized the need to create a public movement against drugs, citing initiatives from his constituency, Patti. Adding to this, MLA Khadoor Sahib Manjinder Singh Lalpura mentioned that 80 villages in his constituency have passed resolutions to prevent the sale of drugs in their areas. He also stated that 87 villages will be provided with volleyball kits to divert the youth's attention from drugs to sports. During the meeting, MLA Tarn Taran Dr. Kashmir Singh Sohal and MLA Khemkaran Sarwan Singh Dhun also shared their views.
Apprising the Finance Minister about police action taken against drug traffickers, SSP Tarn Taran Abhimanyu Rana said that property worth Rs. 26 crore was attached last year, over Rs. 2 crore this year, and action is underway to attach property in six additional cases. He also reported that 80 individuals have been taken into custody under NDPS act in the district, and 13 kg of heroin has been seized as part of this campaign.
During the Yudh Nashian Virudh meeting in Pathankot, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, Vice President of Aam Aadmi Party Punjab Swaran Salaria, and other prominent district figures. The Finance Minister emphasized that the Pathankot Police would launch a joint operation with the Himachal Police to curb the drug trade in the Pathankot district, which borders the Himachal region. He expressed confidence that nearly 500 ward-level and village-level committees formed in the Pathankot district would be instrumental in ending the drug trade.
The Gurdaspur meeting was held late in the evening where Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, Dera Baba Nanak MLA Gurdeep Singh Randhawa, and a number of other dignitaries accompanied the Finance Minister. The Finance Minister directed health department officials to conduct special checks at all medical stores in the district to ensure no banned medicines are sold. He called for stringent action against individuals spreading drugs through illegal medical practices and instructed the Civil Surgeon to submit a report on these activities within 10 days. The status of OOAT centers and drug de-addiction and rehabilitation centers was also reviewed during the meeting.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Gurdaspur Aditya Uppal detailed the efforts of the district administration under the 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' campaign, including the launch of the 'Umeed' campaign to protect the youth from drugs and the formation of anti-drug committees in hotspot areas. DIG Border Range Satinder Singh, SSP Gurdaspur Aditya, and SSP Batala Sohail Qasim Mir presented reports on police actions against drug smugglers.
===========================
Dr. Baljit Kaur Issues Strict Directives to Expedite Utilization of Pending Funds Under Welfare Schemes
During a review meeting, the Cabinet Minister directed officials to submit an action report within a week
Warns that officials/employees delaying welfare schemes will not be spared
Chandigarh, March 5: Punjab's Minister for Social Security, Women, and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, today issued strict instructions to department officials to ensure the swift utilization of pending funds under various welfare schemes. She issued these directives during a review meeting held at her office in the Punjab Civil Secretariat.
She specifically emphasized that officials and employees responsible for delays in implementing these schemes would not be spared.
During the review meeting, the Cabinet Minister also instructed officials to submit an action report within a week. She acknowledged that the department has worked diligently during the past quarters but stressed the need to ensure that funds do not lapse.
Dr. Baljit Kaur reviewed the expenditure and pending funds for key departmental schemes, including the Old Age Pension Scheme, Widow and Destitute Women Pension Scheme, Disability Pension Scheme, and the Financial Assistance Scheme for Dependent Children. She underscored that the primary objective of these initiatives is to provide financial relief to the underprivileged sections of society.
Cabinet Minister directed officials to expedite the distribution process so that beneficiaries receive financial assistance on time. Stressing the importance of transparency and efficiency in fund allocation, she instructed that every eligible individual should receive benefits without unnecessary delays.
Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated the government’s commitment to social welfare and urged officials to conduct regular monitoring to maximize the impact of these schemes.
The meeting was attended by Special Chief Secretary of the Social Security, Women, and Child Development Department, Raji P. Shrivastava, Director Dr. Shena Aggarwal, and other senior officials of the department.
=================
Registered Construction Workers and Family Members Eligible for Free Medical Assistance of up to Rs. 5 Lakh: Sond
• To avail of benefits under the Chief Minister Insurance Scheme, registered workers can obtain an Ayushman Card from any government hospital
Chandigarh, March 5:Punjab Labour Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond has announced that registered construction workers and their family members are eligible for free medical assistance of up to Rs. 5 lakh under the Ayushman Bharat Chief Minister Insurance Scheme.
He stated that this assistance can be availed at any empanelled hospital. To benefit from the scheme, registered construction workers must obtain an Ayushman Card, which can be made at any government hospital. He emphasized that any registered construction worker can visit a government hospital to get their Ayushman Card and access financial benefits under the scheme.
For the welfare of construction workers, the government has established the Punjab Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board. Any construction worker aged between 18 and 60 years who has worked in Punjab for at least 90 days in the past year can register as a beneficiary.
The Labour Minister further stated that workers can apply for registration by visiting any Sewa Kendra or through the Kirti Sahayak app by submitting the required documents along with an annual fee of Rs. 145.
======================
Punjab Vidhan Sabha adjourned sine-die
Chandigarh 5 March 2025:The Punjab Legislative Assembly, which was adjourned sine-die at the conclusion of its sitting held on the 25th February, 2025, has been prorogued by an order of the Governor of Punjab, dated the 4th March, 2025.
==============================
PUNJAB POLICE BUSTS DRUG SMUGGLING NETWORK OPERATED BY USA-BASED SMUGGLER JASMIT LUCKY; 23KG HEROIN RECOVERED
— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A DRUG-FREE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN
— ACCUSED WHO RETRIEVED THE CONSIGNMENT NOMINATED IN CASE, POLICE TEAMS ARE ON MANHUNT TO NAB HIM, SAYS DGP GAURAV YADAV
— ACCUSED SAHILPREET WAS IN TOUCH WITH USA-BASED SMUGGLER JASMIT SINGH ALIAS LUCKY: DIG BORDER RANGE SATINDER SINGH
CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, March 5: In a major blow to trans-border smuggling amidst the ongoing ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Amritsar Rural Police has recovered 23 Kg Heroin consignment from village Devi Daspura in Jandiala.
Divulging details, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Wednesday, said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the consignment is linked to a smuggling network operated by USA-based smuggler Jasmit Singh alias Lucky.
In this case, accused Sahilpreet Singh alias Karan of village Devi Daspura, who retrieved the consignment, has been nominated, he said, while adding that multiple police teams are actively working to arrest him.
The DGP said that further investigations are underway to trace both backward and forward linkages in the smuggling network.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Border Range Satinder Singh accompanied by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Amritsar Rural Maninder Singh, while addressing a press conference said that Police teams at Naka Bandi received a reliable input that accused Sahilpreet Singh alias Karan has retrieved a consignment of heroin from across the border.
Acting swiftly, teams from Police Station Jandiala launched an intelligence operation and recovered 23 packets of heroin, weighing 1 kg each, kept in a jute bag from a pinpointed location in village Devi Daspura, he said.
He said that probe revealed that accused Sahilpreet was in directly touch with USA-based smuggler Jasmit Singh alias Lucky, who arranged the consignment. According to the information, Jasmit Singh alias Lucky has a criminal background and cases pertaining to Arms Act and Attempt to Murder registered against him.
The DIG said that police teams are on manhunt to nab the accused Sahilpreet alias Karan.
In this regard, a case FIR 32 dated 4/3/2025 has been registered under section 21C of the NDPS act at Police Station Jandiala in Amritsar Rural.
==================================
ANOTHER CRACKDOWN ON DRUG PEDDLER UNDER "YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH"
PUNJAB POLICE DEMOLISH ILLEGAL CONSTRUCTION OF NOTORIOUS DRUG PEDDLER IN JALANDHAR
MOVE AIMED AT WIPING OUT DRUG MENACE FROM SOCIETY IN A DECISIVE WAR
Chandigarh/ Jalandhar, March 5: In yet another crackdown against drug peddlers, Commissionerate Police Jalandhar, in coordination with the Municipal Corporation, on Wednesday demolished an illegal property belonging to a drug smuggler. The encroached structure, constructed on government land alledgely using drug money, was razed as part of the ongoing campaign "Yudh Nashian Virudh."
Divulging the details, Commissioner of Police Jalandhar stated that the Municipal Corporation had received information about an illegal construction on Government land by a notorious drug smuggler, Dharminder, son of Mohan Lal, a resident of Dhankiya Mohalla, Jalandhar. The property was reportedly built using proceeds from his illegal drug trade.
Acting promptly, the Municipal Corporation and Police teams swung into action and demolished the encroached structure, sending a strong message that drug-related activities will not be tolerated in Jalandhar.
The CP Jalandhar further revealed that Dharminder is a habitual offender, with six cases registered against him under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. This action marks a significant step in dismantling the financial network of drug peddlers and ensuring accountability.
The operation "Yudh Nashian Virudh" continues to gain momentum, with authorities vowing strict measures against those involved in drug-related crimes. Notably, similar actions have been taken in the past, including the demolition of illegal structures linked to drug traffickers in the Phillaur area.
The Commissionerate Police reaffirmed their commitment to eliminating the drug menace from the society and urged citizens to support their efforts in making Jalandhar drug-free.
====================================
"Yudh Nashian Virudh”
Illegal encroachment demolished at drug trafficker’s house in Mandi Gobindgarh
- The state government will not allow drug dealers to operate in Punjab – MLA Gary Warring
- Residents praised the Punjab government for its action against drug traffickers
Chandigarh/Mandi Gobindgarh (Fatehgarh Sahib), March 5: Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government has launched a large-scale campaign, “Yudh Nashian Virudh,” to make the state drug-free. As part of this initiative, today, under the supervision of Fatehgarh Sahib District Police Chief Shubham Agarwal, a house belonging to a drug trafficker in Master Colony, Mandi Gobindgarh, was demolished. This house had been built illegally on government land.
District Police Chief Shubham Agarwal stated that the Punjab government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against drugs, and strict action is being taken against drug traffickers. He revealed that the family residing in Master Colony had two cases registered against them under the NDPS Act in 2024.
Issuing a stern warning to drug dealers, he stated that they must stop their illegal trade, or similar action will be taken against them. He further informed that six more houses in the district have been identified, and action will be taken against them soon.
On this occasion, MLA Gurinder Singh Garry Warring of Amloh constituency stated that drug traffickers have led the youth of Punjab astray, and the government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is fully committed to saving Punjab’s youth. He emphasized that no drug trafficker will be allowed to operate in the land of martyrs, Fatehgarh Sahib. He also urged residents to report drug dealers to their nearest police station. He assured that the “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, initiated by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, will continue relentlessly, and no drug trafficker will be spared under any circumstances.
District Planning Committee Chairman Ajay Libra remarked that the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign will play a crucial role in making society drug-free. He warned drug traffickers that there is no place for them in Punjab, and if they do not abandon their trade, their houses will also face demolition.
Rashpinder Singh Raja, Chairman of the Channarthal Kalan Market Committee, also spoke about the War Against Drugs campaign. It is worth mentioning that the local residents strongly supported the Punjab government’s anti-drug initiative, chanting slogans in favor of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and the police administration.
On this occasion, SP (Investigation) Rakesh Yadav, DSP Amloh Gurdeep Singh, SHO Inspector Arshdeep Sharma of Mandi Gobindgarh police station, along with a large number of police personnel, were present.
======================================
Industry Leaders thank MP Sanjeev Arora for advocating Historical OTS Scheme
MP Arora assures fulsome support to Industry from Punjab govt in future
Chandigarh/ Ludhiana, March 5, 2025:Leading industrialists under the banner of Apex Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Punjab) led among others by the Chamber’s president Rajnish Ahuja and convener Rahul Ahuja highly thanked MP (Rajya Sabha) and `AAP’ candidate from Ludhiana (West) assembly constituency Sanjeev Arora for getting the state government led by Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann to introduce a historic One Time Settlement (OTS) scheme to resolve more than four decades old pending cases to provide long-awaited relief to industrialists.
Addressing a press conference at Circuit House here today, the industry leaders Rajnish Ahuja, Rahul Ahuja, Upkar Singh Ahuja (CICU), OP Bassi, Sandeep Jain, Ajit Lakra and others in the presence of Sanjeev Arora said the issue was pending for the last many decades, resulting to which the industry was suffering a lot. They said the growth of the industry was badly hampering, adding that they were pursing to resolve this issue since 2016. They said they had brought this issue before Arora about two years ago and since then Arora has been pursuing to resolve this matter amicably.
Speaking on the occasion, Arora thanked AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and Punjab Industry Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond for acceding to the long-pending demand of the industry. He added that Approximately 1145 industrialists across Punjab will benefit from this scheme, allowing them to clear their dues and reinvest in their businesses, leading to economic growth and job creation. These industrialists collectively employ thousands of people, and the financial relief provided by the OTS scheme will further stabilize businesses, prevent closures and lead to new employment opportunities.
Adding, Arora reiterated that the scheme will apply to defaulter plot holders whose original allotment was issued on or before January 1, 2020, ensuring that long-pending cases are addressed effectively. Industrial plots, sheds and residential plots in Industrial Focal Points developed by Punjab State Industries Export Corporation (PSIEC) across Punjab will be covered under this scheme, making it a broad-based initiative for industrial revival. As per the scheme, the government will provide a significant financial relief measure by allowing defaulters to clear dues with a nominal simple interest rate of 8%, along with a 100% waiver of penal interest.
Replying to a question, Arora said this initiative will enhance Punjab's reputation as an industry-friendly state, attract new investments, and create an environment conducive to business growth. The last date to avail of this scheme is December 31, 2025, providing ample time for defaulters to come forward and clear their outstanding dues. This move is expected to spur industrial growth, strengthen Punjab's economy, and reaffirm the government's commitment under the leadership of Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann to supporting businesses and job creation in the state.
Arora said OTS was one of the major issues of the industry, which has been finally resolved. He said he had asked various industrial associations to submit him their charter of demands and every organisation has demanded OTS. He said it also gives an impression that almost all major issues of the industry have been resolved in the last a couple of years.
Replying to another question, he assured that he will make all out efforts for the setting up of a state-of-the-art exhibition centre in Ludhiana. He requested the industrial organisations to give him representations in this regard. He said he is always ready to serve the industry and people of Ludhiana.
Answering another question of the media, Arora said he will make Ludhiana a model city, if elected from Ludhiana (West) assembly seat. He also highlighted his achievements as the Rajya Sabha Member from Ludhiana in the last about three years
========================================
Vigilance Bureau arrests Panchayat Secretary accepting Rs 20000 bribe - BDPO also booked in this case
Chandigarh March 5, 2025 - The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its drive against corruption in the state, has arrested a Panchayat Secretary, Avneet Singh Bajwa, posted in block Kurda, in SAS Nagar for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 20000. In this bribery case Block Development and Panchayats Officer (BDPO) SAS Nagar Dhanwant Singh has been booked as co-accused.
Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the aforementioned accused has been booked based on a complaint filed by a Sarpanch against both the officials.
He further informed that the complainant has informed in his complaint to the VB that the BDPO and Panchayat Secretary had demanded a bribe of Rs 20000 for issuing utilisation certificates (UC) of grants used for the development works executed in the gram panchayat from the year 2018-2023.
The spokesperson further added that after preliminary verification of this complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which the said accused has been arrested red handed while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 20000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses.
In this regard a case under section 7 of Prevention of Corruption Act and under section 61(2) of BNS has been registered against both the above said accused at VB police station, flying squad-1, Punjab at SAS Nagar. Further investigation into this case was under progress, he said.
=======================================
’YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’ CONTINUES AS PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS 75 DRUG SMUGGLERS ON DAY 5; 27KG HEROIN, ₹3L DRUG MONEY RECOVERED
— A TOTAL OF 547 DRUG SMUGGLERS ARRESTED IN JUST FIVE DAYS
— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A DRUG-FREE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN
— OVER 200 POLICE TEAMS LED BY 80 SP/DSP RANK CONDUCT RAIDS AT 356 LOCATIONS, CHECKS 416 SUSPICIOUS PERSONS: SPL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA
— AS PART OF PREVENTION, PUNJAB POLICE ALSO ORGANISING EVENTS TO SPREAD AWARENESS ABOUT DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS OF DRUGS
CHANDIGARH, March 5:With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state entered fifth day, Punjab Police on Wednesday arrested 75 drug smugglers and recovered 27.7 kg heroin and Rs 3.06 lakh drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 547 in just five days.
The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state. Apart from recovering heroin and drug money, police teams have also recovered 400 grams opium and 2060 intoxicant tablets/pills/injections from their possession.
Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 200 Police teams, comprising over 1300 police personnel, under the supervision of 80 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 356 locations across the state leading to the registration of 48 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 416 suspicious persons during the day long operation, he added.
Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state in coming three months. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.
The Special DGP said that with the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced six persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment, while, organised 165 awareness events across the state on Wednesday as part of Prevention.
================================
"YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH": Illegal encroachment demolished at drug trafficker’s properties in Jalandhar and Mandi Gobindgarh
- Residents praised the Punjab government for its action against drug traffickers
Chandigarh, March 5: As part of the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign launched by the Punjab government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to make the state drug-free, the properties of drug smugglers in Jalandhar and Mandi Gobindgarh (Fatehgarh Sahib district) were demolished today.
Commissionerate Police Jalandhar, in coordination with the Municipal Corporation, on Wednesday demolished an illegal property belonging to a drug smuggler. The encroached structure, constructed on government land alledgely using drug money, was razed as part of the ongoing campaign "Yudh Nashian Virudh."
Divulging the details, Commissioner of Police Jalandhar stated that the Municipal Corporation had received information about an illegal construction on Government land by a notorious drug smuggler, Dharminder, son of Mohan Lal, a resident of Dhankiya Mohalla, Jalandhar. The property was reportedly built using proceeds from his illegal drug trade.
The CP Jalandhar further revealed that Dharminder is a habitual offender, with six cases registered against him under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. This action marks a significant step in dismantling the financial network of drug peddlers and ensuring accountability.
Similarly, under the supervision of Fatehgarh Sahib SSP Shubham Agarwal, a house belonging to a drug trafficker in Master Colony, Mandi Gobindgarh, was demolished. This house had been built illegally on government land.
He revealed that the family residing in Master Colony had two cases registered against them under the NDPS Act in 2024. He further informed that six more houses in the district have been identified, and action will be taken against them soon.
On this occasion, MLA Gurinder Singh Garry Warring of Amloh constituency stated that drug traffickers have led the youth of Punjab astray, and the government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is fully committed to saving Punjab’s youth. He emphasized that no drug trafficker will be allowed to operate in the land of martyrs, Fatehgarh Sahib.
It is worth mentioning that the local residents strongly supported the Punjab government’s anti-drug initiative, chanting slogans in favor of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and the police administration.
========================================
Vigilance Bureau apprehends absconding Patwari wanted in bribery case
Chandigarh, March 5, 2025: Continuing its drive against corruption in the state, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested Vipan Kumar, a Patwari posted at Revenue Halqa Nawanshahr-1, who had been absconding for three weeks in a bribery case. His accomplice, Rampal, was earlier caught red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 3,000 on his behalf.
A VB spokesperson stated that the case was registered based on a complaint from a resident of New Abadi, Nawanshahr in SBS Nagar district. The complainant alleged to the VB that Patwari Vipan Kumar had demanded a Rs 5,000 bribe to process the mutation of his ancestral house. Acting on the Patwari’s instructions, he had already paid Rs 2,000 in advance to Rampal, a middleman of Patwari. When further pressured for the remaining amount, the complainant approached the VB for help.
The spokesperson added that following a preliminary verification of the complaint, the VB laid a trap on February 14, 2025, and apprehended Rampal red-handed while accepting Rs 3,000 bribe from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. Meanwhile, Patwari Vipan Kumar managed to flee the scene, evading arrest. Since then, the VB had been conducting raids at his residence and other locations, leading to his eventual arrest.
In this regard a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act was registered against both accused at the VB Police Station, Jalandhar Range. The court has allowed one day police remand of the accused and further investigations into this case was under progress, he added.