09022026-ATR-01.qxd 2/8/2026 11:23 PM Page 1 c m y b Amritsar tribune FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY BJP LEADER & FORMER ENVOY MEETS DEFENCE MINISTER BOLLYWOOD DIVAS OWNING RED THIS VALENTINE'S WEEK NORA LEADS OPENING CEREMONY AT THE ICC T20 WORLD CUP Taranjit Singh Sandhu seeks reduction of Vallah restriction zone from from 1,000 to 300 yards. P2 From sculpted silhouettes to fluid drapes, these divas are redefining red with confidence and high-fashion flair. P4 GlobalstarNoraFatehideliveredapower-packed performance at the opening ceremony of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.P4 » » » MAX 23°C | MIN 9°C YESTERDAY MAX 22°C | MIN 8°C SUNSET MONDAY 6.11 PM SUNRISE TUESDAY 7.16 AM MONDAY | 9 FEBRUARY 2026 | AMRITSAR Spy arrested for sharing Army secrets with Pakistan Amritsar, February 8 The Amritsar State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) has arrested a man accused of spying for Pakistan and sharing confidential information related to the Indian Army. The arrest was made late on Saturday night following a specific intelligence input. The accused has been identified as Harpal Singh (35), a resident of the border area in Ajnala tehsil of Amritsar district. According to security agencies, Harpal Singh had allegedly been in contact with Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), for nearly a year and was regularly passing on sensitive military information. Officials said that acting on a tip-off, the SSOC teams laid a naka (checkpoint) and apprehended the suspect. During a search, a mobile phone and a CD were recovered from his possession. A preliminary examination of the mobile phone revealed Pakistani phone numbers, confirming his direct communication with handlers across the border. Security agencies stated that due to his residence in a border belt, the suspect’s movements were already under surveillance. His arrest has raised serious concerns about cross-border espionage activities and the possible existence of a wider network. Officials of the State Special Operations Cell said that the accused is being interrogated in detail and several crucial disclosures are expected. Investigators are trying to ascertain the exact nature of information shared, the channels used to transmit the data, and whether more individuals are involved in the espionage racket. A case has been registered against the accused under relevant sections, and further investigation is underway. Security agencies are treating the matter with utmost seriousness as it directly concerns national security. — TNS Police, BSF seize 25 kg heroin, arms near Int’l Border; two held Property dispute: SC rejects lawyer Vineet Mahajan’s bail plea Tribune News Service Tribune News Service Amritsar, February 8 In a significant breakthrough against trans-border narcotics and arms smuggling, the Amritsar Rural Police, in a joint operation with the Border Security Force (BSF), have recovered a large consignment of heroin and illegal weapons near the IndiaPakistan border and arrested two persons, officials said on Sunday. The police said the joint teams of the police and the BSF recovered 25 kg of heroin, two pistols and 60 live cartridges during a targeted operation conducted in the Ghogha area under the Bhindi Saidan police station in Amritsar district. Two local residents were apprehended on the spot. According to senior police officials, the operation was launched on the basis of specific intelligence inputs about a cross-border smuggling attempt. Acting swiftly, police The seized contraband and arms in the custody of the police in Amritsar. and BSF personnel cordoned off the suspected area and intercepted the accused before the contraband could be distributed further. Preliminary investigation suggests that the recovered consignment was smuggled Sunshine brings crowds to Company Bagh Tribune News Service Amritsar, February 8 With a pleasant change in weather, bright sunshine lit up the city sky on Sunday, bringing much more needed warmth after days of cold and gloomy conditions. The clear weather encouraged a large number of residents to step out of their homes and gather at the historic Company Bagh, turning it into a lively and cheerful space. From early morning, people of all age groups were seen walking, jogging, sitting on benches and soaking in the sun. Families arrived with children, senior citizens enjoyed leisurely walks, while youngsters were seen clicking photographs and spending time with friends. The park, usually quieter during colder days, witnessed a noticeable increase in footfall. Local resident Harpreet Kaur, who came to the park with her children, said, “The weather has become very pleasant. After many days of cold winds, it feels good to sit in into Indian territory from Pakistan using drones, pointing towards the involvement of an organised cross-border module. Officials said such consignments are typically dropped in border villages for retrieval by local handlers, 5 booked for thrashing man on suspicion of theft Our Correspondent who then facilitate onward movement to drug syndicates operating inland. “The recovery of a huge quantity of heroin along with firearms and ammunition indicates a well-coordinated continued on page 2 Amritsar, February 8 The Supreme Court has rejected the bail plea of local lawyer Vineet Mahajan and directed him to surrender before the trial court within two weeks. A Supreme Court double bench of Justice Pankaj Mittal and Justice SVN Bhatti observed that failure to comply with the order would result in his arrest. The apex court upheld an earlier decision of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which had dismissed Mahajan’s bail application in July last year. The case arises from a dispute between Mahajan and his mother, Usha Mahajan. Earlier, the High Court had granted the accused time to explore an amicable settlement with his mother and brother. However, Mahajan allegedly failed to appear before the court despite being DISPUTE WITH KIN ■ The case arises from a dispute between Mahajan and his mother, Usha Mahajan. Earlier, the High Court had granted the accused time to explore an amicable settlement with his mother and brother. However, Mahajan allegedly failed to appear before the court despite being given multiple opportunities. given multiple opportunities. Taking note of his conduct, the High Court had also issued a contempt notice against him. According to police sources, the Majitha Road police registered a case in June last year against Vineet Mahajan and his associates, Saurav Seth and Jasbir Singh. They were accused of attempting to transfer ownership of property worth crores belonging to Mahajan’s mother by using allegedly forged documents. Ashwani Sharma takes charge as BJP labour cell state convener Tribune News Service Amritsar, February 8 BJP workers in Amritsar on Sunday felicitated Ashwani Sharma on his appointment as the state convener of the BJP’s Labour Cell. On assuming the responsibility, Ashwani Sharma was warmly welcomed at Cheharta Chowk by Punjab BJP executive committee member Vipin Nayyar, Cheharta Mandal president Satish Punj, vice-president Avinash Shaila, Surinder Kumar Sonu, and other party office-bearers and workers. Speaking on the occasion, Sharma said he would live up to the trust reposed in him by the organisation. He expressed his gratitude to Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar, executive president Ashwani Sharma, former Cabinet minister Manoranjan Kalia, and the party high command for entrusting him with the responsibility. to the past few days.” Doctors say exposure to morning sunlight helps improve mood and provides vitamin D, which is essential for bone health. They advise people to enjoy the sun but also stay hydrated. According to the weather department, the city is expected to experience clear skies and pleasant temperatures for the next few days. Tarn Taran, February 8 The Sarhali police on Saturday registered a case against five persons for thrashing Monty Sharma, a resident of Sohawa village under the Sarhali police station, at the Goindwal Sahib bypass here. Nishan Singh, a neighbour of Monty, suspected that the latter had stolen valuables from his house. Five days ago, he brought Monty from Sohawa to the Goindwal Sahib bypass in Tarn Taran and took him to a house, where his four friends were already waiting. They allegedly tied up Monty and attacked him with iron rods, leaving him unconscious. Nishan and his friends fled the spot, leaving Monty in that state. As soon as Monty regained consciousness, he called his brother from a neighbour’s continued on page 2 Market committee accused of ignoring worst-hit shed at Vallah Khalra police seize 524 gm opium, drone Strict warnings to shopkeepers, vendors against encroachments, spreading garbage number one stated that shed numbers 2, 3 and 4 were repaired, while their shed, which they say is in the worst condition, was overlooked. Joginder Singh, a vendor, said officials from the department had visited the site and clicked photographs of their shed, but no repair work was carried out. He added that vendors of shed number one were among the first batch of traders settled at the Vallah mandi after being uprooted from the old Sabji Mandi near Hall Gate. “At that time, there were around 112 vendors. Now, only about 80 remain, as many were forced to abandon the profession,” he said. Another vendor, Janak Raj, said each vendor pays Rs 1,200 as annual rent and Rs Our Correspondent Tribune News Service Tarn Taran, February 8 The Khalra police, led by SHO Sub-Inspector Sahib Singh, recovered 524 grams of opium and a drone from an area near the Civil Hospital, Rajoke, on Saturday. According to the SHO, a police party was on routine patrol when it received information about the movement of a drone in the area. Acting on the tip-off, the police conducted a search and recovered a drone. A packet containing 524 grams of opium was found along with it. The police have registered a case under Sections 18, 61 and 85 of the NDPS Act, and Sections 26 and 29 of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024. Further investigation is underway. Amritsar, February 8 The Amritsar Municipal Corporation carried out a joint enforcement drive on Saturday against encroachments and the spread of filth on public roads. The action was taken on the directions of Municipal Commissioner Bikramjeet Singh Shergill and Joint Commissioner Dr Jai Inder Singh. Teams from the Estate Department and the Health Department conducted the drive from Hathi Gate to Lohgarh Gate. The Health Department team was led by Medical Officer Health (MOH) Dr Yogesh Arora, while the Estate Department team was headed by Secretary Sushant Bhatia. SI Sanjeev Dewan, SI Harinderpal Singh and Land Inspector Aman Sharma were Tribune News Service Amritsar, February 8 Retail vendors of shed number one at the Vallah sabji mandi have alleged that the market committee ignored their severely damaged shed while repairing three other sheds, forcing them to operate in unsanitary conditions. Recently, the market committee repaired and constructed four sheds at the Vallah sabji mandi, but left one shed untouched. This has led to resentment among a section of vendors who claim they are being discriminated against. There are a total of six sheds in the Vallah mandi. Of these, two have concrete roofs, while the remaining sheds have temporary tin roofs. Retail vendors from shed Residents turn up at Company Bagh to enjoy sunlight in Amritsar on Sunday. PHOTO: VISHAL KUMAR the sunlight. The children are happy to play outside again.” Senior citizen Baldev Singh, who visits Company Bagh daily, shared a similar view. “Sunlight is very important for health, especially for elderly people. Today’s weather lifted my mood. I spent more time walking and meeting friends,” he said. Young professionals also made the most of the day. “We are usually busy with work, but such weather motivates us to come out. Company Bagh looks beautiful under the bright sun,” said college student Simranpreet Singh. Street vendors and small food stalls near the park also benefited from the crowd. A tea vendor noted, “When the weather is good, more people come to the park. My sales were better today compared 1,000 as licence fee to the market committee. Over time, several tin sheets have been blown away, weakened, or developed holes and gaps. “During rains, it becomes extremely difficult to store fresh vegetables safely. While three sheds were repaired, ours was ignored,” he rued. The vendors further alleged that while they were being neglected, around 500 retail vendors were being unauthorisedly allowed to sell vegetables on the roadside. “Despite being genuine and registered vendors, nobody is listening to our grievances,” they said. Despite repeated attempts, Ramandeep Singh, secretary, market committee, Amritsar, did not respond to calls. c m y b Ashwani Sharma along with party workers in Amritsar on Sunday. He added that he would discharge his duties with utmost sincerity. Sharma pledged to provide every possible facility to labourers on behalf of the government and assured them of full support. He said he would visit every constituency, city and district in Punjab to make labourers aware of the government’s policies. MC officials and workers remove encroachments from a market in Amritsar on Sunday. also part of the team. During the drive, illegal stalls and rehris set up on public roads were removed and seized to ensure the smooth movement of traffic and pedestrians. Officials said the encroachments were causing inconvenience to commuters and posed safety concerns in the busy market area. Simultaneously, the Health Department issued challans to street vendors for spreading He further stated that he has long been associated with labour and business communities across the state. Sharma added that he would continue to hold meetings and informal interactions with labourers from time to time to understand their issues and bring them to the notice of the government and administration for timely resolution. garbage on roads and for the use of single-use plastic, reiterating the municipal corporation’s commitment to enforcing cleanliness and environmental regulations. The joint teams remained at the site for several hours and also sensitised shopkeepers and street vendors about civic norms. Officials issued strict warnings against encroachment on government roads and land, stating that action would continue against violators. The municipal corporation has appealed to residents, shopkeepers and street vendors to cooperate with civic authorities, avoid encroachments, maintain cleanliness in public places and refrain from using single-use plastic to help keep the city clean and wellorganised.