18012026-JTR-01.qxd 1/17/2026 11:23 PM Page 1 c m y b Jalandhar tribune CITY GETS NEW ULTRA-MODERN ICAI BHAWAN The ICAI marked a milestone with the inauguration of its ultra-modern bhawan at Surya Enclave in Jalandhar. P2 » HOCKEY TOURNAMENT: BABA BAKALA, ROOPNAGAR IN FINALS On semi-final day of the Roundglass Tournament, young talents produced a gripping display of competitive hockey. P3 » FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY MAX 13°C | MIN 5°C YESTERDAY MAX 12°C | MIN 4°C JASHAN GEARS UP FOR HIS NEXT RELEASE NAINA MILE SUNSET SUNDAY 5.49 PM “I’m a soft-hearted man, more inclined toward romance,” says the Mohalibased singer-actor. P4 SUNRISE MONDAY 7.26 AM » SUNDAY | 18 JANUARY 2026 | JALANDHAR One held with 3.12 gm heroin Phagwara, January 17 The Rahon police have registered a case under the NDPS Act after allegedly recovering heroin from a youth during routine patrolling. Officials said while patrolling along the Rahon-Machhiwara road, a police party noticed a young man coming from the Ratnana village side. On spotting the police vehicle, the youth reportedly became nervous and allegedly took out a transparent plastic packet from left pocket of his trousers and threw it on the roadside before attempting to turn back and flee. The police party immediately arrested the youth. The accused was identified as Jograj Singh of Kot Ranjha village under the Rahon police station in SBS Nagar district. The police said 3.12 gm heroin was found in the packet. — OC Two shops sealed in Kapurthala for property tax default Our Correspondent Four arrested for murder of 30-year-old man in Phagwara Weapon, vehicle used in crime recovered from accused Phagwara, January 17 The police have arrested four persons involved in the murder of a young drummer, who was shot dead on the night of December 3, in the Hadiabad area near Phagwara. Confirming the development on Saturday evening, Phagwara Superintendent of Police (SP) Madhvi Sharma said all the accused involved in the crime were in custody. The SP said the prime accused shooter was identified as Jaspreet Singh, alias Jassi, a resident of Khajurala village, near Phagwara. She said the other three accused — Raj Karan, alias Golu, a resident of Manakpur village HEALTH & WELLNESS The Tribune is starting a Q and A column to address your health-related queries. Please mail your questions (not exceeding 40 words) at healthandwellness@tribunemail.com. The Tribune’s panel of doctors will answer all your healthrelated concerns. was shot by armed assailants in the Janjhghar Hadiabad area of Phagwara, the SP said. The victim was rushed to the Civil Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead, she said. The incident had created panic in the area. Initially, the police arrested Amritpal Singh within hours of the crime, while Jaspreet Singh and Raj Karan were named as accused in the case, the SP said. Later, they were arrested following raids at their suspected hideouts, she said. Kapurthala Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gaurav Toora said, “No individual will be allowed to take the law into his/her own hands.” — OC Tribune News Service Jalandhar, January 17 Two boys died under mysterious circumstances on the night of January 15. Their bodies were found on the highway. While the police say the death of the duo was so far being considered an accident, family members of one of the boys expressed concerns that they might have been murdered. The bodies of deceased, identified as Gopesh (17) and Arshpreet Singh (17), were found on the stretch heading from the Behram road to the Ittan Baddhi link road. After their families were informed, the boys were tak- Gopesh. FILE PHOTO Arshpreet Singh. FILE PHOTO en to the government hospital at Bhogpur, where they were declared brought dead. While the families of the boys said their bodies bore wounds of sharp weapons on heads, the police said the same could be ascertained only after the arrival of the post-mortem report. Notably, as per eyewitnesses, motorbike and mobile phones of the boys, which were recovered from the spot where they were found dead, were completely intact. The family of Arshpreet Singh said the duo had set out from their homes on Lohri night on motorbike after they received a call to meet a friend. The families said the incident could be connected to an old feud between the two boys and some youth of Dabbari village. Rajesh Kumar, SHO, Bhogpur, said, “So far, the death of the two boys is being considered an accidental case. Probe into the matter is on. The true cause of death can only be ascertained after the arrival of autopsy report.” The SHO said so far, no formal complaint was filed by the parents of the boys. No FIR had been registered in this connection, he said. The father of one of the deceased boys, Arshpreet, works in Lebanon. Sans Municipal Corporation staff, Phagwara’s Seven FIRs registered, eight held Ward No. 21 residents face sanitation issues in search operation across district Our Correspondent Kapurthala, January 17 The Municipal Corporation (MC) on Friday sealed two commercial establishments as their owners failed to deposit property tax despite repeated notices and opportunities for compliance of orders. The action was taken by an enforcement team as part of the corporation's ongoing drive to ensure tax payments by property owners within the city limits. According to officials, two shop owners had not deposited property tax for a considerable period. Prior to sealing the premises, the corporation authorities issued multiple notices and also provided an opportunity to clear the outstanding dues through appeal to both traders. However, as defaulters neither responded adequately nor deposited the pending tax, the corporation proceeded with sealing action in accordance with the prescribed rules. Municipal Corporation officials said an enforcement team reached the area concerned and sealed shops after completing all necessary formalities. Notices regarding sealing were affixed on the shop premises to inform owners about action taken and the conditions required for reopening their establishments. The civic body reiterated that property tax was a vital source of revenue for maintaining essential public services and urban infrastructure. Officials further appealed to owners of properties and commercial establishments to deposit their tax on time to avoid penal action. Officials of the Municipal Corporation made it clear that similar action would be initiated against other defaulters in the coming days to ensure transparency, accountability, and financial discipline. They said all actions were being taken in a fair and lawful manner. (Shahkot), Chetan, a resident of Khajurala, and Amritpal Singh, alias Amit, a resident of Shahkot — were arrested within hours of the crime. During investigation, the police recovered a 7.65 mm pistol, along with two live cartridges, from the possession of Jaspreet Singh. A Hyundai Creta car bearing registration number PB-36-J-0063, allegedly used in the crime, was also seized from the accused, the SP said. She said Jaspreet Singh was already facing three criminal cases. The victim, 30year-old drummer Avinash, alias Golu, was murdered following a minor argument on December 3, the SP said. He Two 17-year-old boys found dead under mysterious circumstances Phagwara, January 17 Residents of Ward No. 21 in Phagwara are facing persistent sanitation problems due to the alleged failure of the Municipal Corporation (MC) to deploy staff in several lanes of the area. Highlighting the issue, Prem Nagar Sewa Society president Sudhir Sharma and secretary Surinderpal said no sanitation workers had been posted in parts of the ward for a long time, calling it a clear violation of the Government of India’s Swachh Bharat Mission. They said despite repeated oral and written complaints submitted to the Municipal Corporation, the situation remained unchanged due to what they described as administrative apathy. The prolonged neglect has triggered resentment among local residents, who say lack of regular cleaning affected hygiene and quality of life in the area. Taking note of residents’ Ex-civic body president cleans streets to protest Former Municipal Corporation president Malkiat Singh Ragbotra cleans a street at Ward No. 21 in Phagwara. difficulties, former Phagwara Municipal Corporation president, Malkiat Singh Ragbo- tra, who is also husband of ward councillor Parvinder Kaur Ragbotra, picked up a broom and cleaned streets along with locals. Speaking on the occasion, Ragbotra said he would not step back from the commitment of public service made during the elections. Ragbotra said if the Municipal Corporation failed to fulfil its responsibility, he would continue sanitation drives with the support of residents. Appealing to residents, Ragbotra urged them to consider cleanliness of their streets and ward as a collective responsibility, similar to maintaining cleanliness within their homes. He also expressed dissatisfaction over the functioning of the Municipal Corporation, stating that residents regularly pay taxes and, in return, they were entitled to basic civic amenities, including proper sanitation services. He assured residents that with their cooperation, the cleanliness drive would be sustained and efforts would be made to ensure no one faces inconvenience. Give freedom to girls in decision-making: Garhi YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH Tribune News Service Jalandhar, January 17 In a continued effort to combat drug trafficking and criminal activities, the Jalandhar (Rural) police conducted an intensive cordon and search operation (CASO) across the district today. The operation was conducted on the directions of Dr Sandeep Kumar Garg, DIG (Intelligence), Punjab, and under the leadership of Harvinder Singh Virk, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Jalandhar (Rural). The SSP said based on intelligence inputs, vulnerable locations across the district were identified where antisocial elements were suspected of misusing deserted and isolated places for illegal activities, including bus stands, abandoned buildings, isolated fields, open areas, and other sensitive spots. Keeping this in view, a largescale district-wide CASO was launched, during which 111 Youth hangs self from ceiling fan Tribune News Service Jalandhar, January 17 Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes Chairman Jasvir Singh Garhi on Saturday highlighted the significant contribution of women to the economic and social progress of the state and the country. He said, “No country, state or society can progress unless women are given equal status.” Participating as the chief guest in the event “Lohri Dhiyan Di”, organised by the Sarv Sukh Sewa Mission in collaboration with DAV College on the college campus, Garhi said, “The rights of daughters must be advocated from every platform, so that they can be further empowered.” Punjab State Safai Karamchari Commission Chairman Chandan Grewal, Punjab Agri Export Corporation Limited Chairman Mangal Singh Bassi, and Director Rajinder Singh Rehal were also present on the occasion. Addressing the gathering during the event, Garhi said, “The Indian Constitu- Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes Chairman Jasvir Singh Garhi during the “Dhiyan Di Lohri” function at DAV College in Jalandhar on Saturday. A TRIBUNE PHOTO tion has granted girls rights equal to boys. Due to this, girls today are not behind men in any field. Rather, they are scaling new heights of success in every sector and making a priceless contribution to the economic and social progress of the state and the country.” He appealed to parents to give daughters equal opportunities, education and the freedom to take their own decisions, so that they could achieve new heights in life. The Chairman appreciated the selfless services being rendered by the Sarv Sukh Sewa Mission and also lauded the valuable contribution of DAV educational institutions in the field of education. c m y b On the occasion, Sarv Sukh Sewa Mission Chairman Arvind Sharma and DAV College Principal Anup Kumar welcomed dignitaries. During the event, girl students of the college presented a cultural programme. Gurlaal Saila, Sukhjit Singh, along with a large number of students and others, were also present on the occasion. Kapurthala, January 17 A young man allegedly died by suicide at his residence on Friday evening. The deceased was identified as Raman Kumar, a resident of Ranjit Avenue, Kapurthala. According to information provided by the deceased’s brother, Tarun Kumar, the family had been under mental stress due to an ongoing legal dispute. He said their father had earlier been involved in a car loan case with a finance company in Jalandhar, which was decided in their favour. However, the finance company allegedly initiated another case against their father, leading to renewed distress within the family. Tarun Kumar further said his younger brother Raman had been mentally disturbed for the past few days due to the situation. On Friday afternoon, when Raman was alone at home, he hanged himself from a ceiling fan using a cloth. Family members rushed him to the Civil Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. The police took custody of the body and shifted it to the Civil Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination. — OC ❝ Under the supervision of 15 Gazetted Officers, 111 raids were conducted during CASO, with 150 police personnel deputed for the operation. ❞ Harvinder Singh Virk, SSP, JALANDHAR (RURAL) raids were conducted under the supervision of 15 Gazetted Officers, with 150 police personnel deputed for the operation, the SSP said. Seven FIRs were registered and eight persons were arrested with intoxicant tablets and heroin during the operation, he said. The CASO was conducted under the supervision of senior officers — including Narinder Singh, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Kartarpur sub-division; Onkar Singh Brar, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Nakodar sub-division; Bharat Masih Ladhar, PPS, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Phillaur sub-division; Sukhpal Singh, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Shahkot sub-division; and Rajeev Kumar, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Adampur subdivision, the SSP said. During the operation, police teams carried out strict checking of suspicious persons and vehicles and conducted thorough searches at identified locations, the SSP said. As part of the verification and preventive action, 50 smugglers/drug traffickers/couriers were checked, while 35 suspicious persons were rounded up for questioning to ascertain their involvement in drugrelated or other criminal activities, the SSP said. Extensive checking during the CASO resulted in recovery of 290 intoxicant tablets, 5 grams of heroin, and one car from the possession of the arrested accused, the SSP said. The SSP said, “If any youth is found involved in drug abuse, efforts will be made to rehabilitate him by sending them to de-addiction and rehabilitation centres. Strict legal action will be taken against those involved in drug supply and trafficking.” SUDHIR SWEETS FIRING CASE Four remanded to 3-day police custody Phagwara, January 17 The four accused arrested in connection with recent criminal incidents in and around Phagwara, including firing at the Sudhir Sweets on Hoshiarpur Road, have been remanded to three-day police custody by a local court. The arrested individuals were identified as Roopinder Singh, alias Pinda, a resident of Miherru village; Sukhraj Singh, alias Sukha, of BidPuad village near Phagwara; Kamalpreet Singh, alias Peeta of Sandhwan village near Behram; and Harjit Singh of Kherra village in Phagwara. The police recovered two vehicles — a Hyundai Verna and a Hyundai Venue — allegedly used by the accused during the commission of the crimes. Gaurav Toora, Senior Superintendent of Police, Kapurthala, accompanied by SP (Detective) Prabhjot Singh Virk and Phagwara SP Madhvi Sharma, shared these details while addressing a press conference in Phagwara. According to the SSP during , interrogation the accused confessed to their involvement in one criminal incident each in the areas of Mukandpur and Behram. He further said the accused revealed the names of their two accomplices. Further disclosures were expected as investigation progresses, he said. The police are confident of recovering weapons used in crimes as well as the scooter involved in the Sudhir Sweets firing incident. The SSP assured that the main accused behind firing would be apprehended soon. The arrests come in the wake of a firing incident reported on January 12, when three assailants arrived on a scooter and opened fire at Sudhir Sweets on Hoshiarpur Road. Several rounds were fired at the shop’s main entrance, resulting in damage to glass windows and doors. At the time of the incident, the shop owner and four employees were present inside, but no injuries were reported. — OC