21012026-JTR-01.qxd 1/20/2026 10:45 PM Page 1 c m y b Jalandhar tribune OP PRAHAAR: KAPURTHALA CRACKS DOWN ON GANGSTER NETWORKS PHAGWARA: MONKEYS RUN WILD AS AUTHORITIES TURN A BLIND EYE COSTUME DESIGNER SMRITI CHAUHAN HAS DESIGNS ON DILJIT As many as 99 raids carried out, 67 persons rounded up and 31 arrests made as part of the operation. P2 Residents allege inaction by authorities as ‘wild, unpredictable’ simians endanger kids and the elderly. P3 Smriti, who is upbeat about Dhurandhar’s success, would like to style Diljit Dosanjh, whom she rates as the most stylish. P4 » » » FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY MAX 20°C | MIN 4°C YESTERDAY MAX 20°C | MIN 3°C SUNSET WEDNESDAY 5.52 PM SUNRISE THURSDAY 7:25 AM WEDNESDAY | 21 JANUARY 2026 | JALANDHAR Involved in firing at village, 2 arrested after encounter Tribune News Service Jalandhar, January 20 The Jalandhar Rural police on Tuesday arrested two youth, accused in the firing incident that had occurred outside a house at Sohal Jagir village of Shahkot near here nine days ago. The police arrested the accused after a brief encounter. Both Angrej Singh and Karanvir are from Marhana village of Tarn Taran. The police have recovered one .30 bore pistol, one cartridge, a cartridge shell and a bike, used in the commission of the crime. Senior Superintendent of Police, Jalandhar Rural, Harvinder Singh Virk, stated that a firing incident had occurred at the residence of Sukhchain Singh of Sohal Jagir village on January 11. In connection with the incident, an FIR had been registered at Shahkot. Police teams were constituted and an operation was carried out under the supervision of Sukhpal Singh, DSP , Shahkot, with special teams working under Inspector Balwinder Singh, SHO, Shahkot. During the course of investigation, the police received information that the two accused were roaming near Sohal Jagir, armed and intending to commit another criminal An accused involved in a firing case was injured near Sohal Jagir of Shahkot in Jalandhar on Tuesday. TRIBUNE PHOTO: MALKIAT SINGH act. Acting swiftly on the input, police teams besieged the area. During the blockade, two suspects arrived on a motorcycle and were signalled to stop. Instead of complying, the accused opened fire on the police party, posing a serious threat to public safety and police personnel. In response, the police exercised restraint and carried out retaliatory action strictly in self-defence. During the exchange of fire, Karanvir sustained a bullet injury on his thigh and was immediately shifted to a hospital for medical treatment, where he is undergoing treatment under police supervision. The second accused, Angrej Singh, was arrested. The SSP further disclosed that the investigation has revealed that the firing incident was part of a criminal conspiracy orchestrated from abroad. The main conspirator, Balwant Singh alias Banta, resident of Sohal Jagir and presently residing in the US, is the maternal cousin of the complainant. As per investigation findings, Balwant Singh contacted Charanjit Singh, alias Channa, who is residing in the Philippines. Acting on these instructions, Charanjit hired Angrej and Karanvir to execute the firing incident. The SSP said the process of initiating extradition proceedings against the accused operating from abroad is being undertaken through appropriate diplomatic channels. Special teams to recover city property tax Tribune News Service BKU-Doaba to join gherao of AAP MLAs, MPs on Feb 5 Jalandhar, January 20 The Property Tax Department of the Municipal Corporation has constituted five special teams to intensify property tax recovery across posh localities of the city. These teams will conduct door-to-door visits and issue notices to property owners who have failed to pay their tax. According to officials, the teams will cover areas, including Model Town, Urban Estate Phase 2, Green Model Town, and Surya Enclave, among others. Mayor Vaneet Dhir and MC Commissioner Sandeep Rishi emphasized the importance of timely tax payment, stating that property tax is essential for the development. They urged all residents to fulfil their responsibility by paying taxes on time. Superintendent of the Property Tax Department Bhupinder Singh said the department has been running an extensive awareness campaign through various media platforms to inform citizens about the procedure for paying property tax. He added that defaulters will be issued challans during the visits. “If a taxpayer wishes to pay the challan on the spot, our teams are authorised to collect the payment immediately,” Singh said. The department has appealed to residents to cooperate with the teams. Phagwara, January 20 The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU)-Doaba on Tuesday decided to participate in the gherao of residences of AAP MLAs and MPs in the Doaba region on February 5 in support of the call given by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) for the fulfilment of demands. The decision was taken during a state-level meeting of the BKU-Doaba held at Gurdwara Sukhchaina Sahib in Phagwara today. The meeting, chaired by Manjit Singh Rai, state president BKU-Doaba, resolved to begin mobilisation efforts in Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur to ensure large participation in the proposed gherao programme. The BKU–Doaba leaders criticised the government for the arrest of KMM leaders, including Sarwan Singh Pandher, convener of the KMM, who had sought to question Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. It was stated that the meeting had been convened to chalk out a protest plan against the arrests. However, in view of the release of the KMM leaders on the morning of January 20, the organisation decided not to announce any immediate agitation on this issue. At the same time, the leaders issued a warning that any similar action would invite strong protest programmes, including highway blockades and rail rokos. OC Aakanksha N Bhardwaj The damaged scootor of the woman constable in Kapurthala. Woman cop dies in K’thala mishap Our Correspondent Kapurthala, January 20 A road accident near Hamira on the national highway in Kapurthala district claimed the life of a woman constable posted at Dhilwan police station on Tuesday. The incident has caused shock among police personnel and local residents. The deceased has been identified as Kulwinder Kaur (44), a resident of Jagatjit Nagar, village Hamira. She was originally from Patiala and had been residing in Hamira after her marriage. According to police officials, the incident occurred around 11 am when Kulwinder was travelling from Hamira to the police station on her Activa scooter. As she reached near a palace on the outskirts of Dhilwan, an unidentified vehicle allegedly hit her scooter. The impact of the collision was severe, causing her to fall onto the road and sustain critical injuries. A 108 ambulance was rushed to the spot, and the injured constable was immediately shifted to the Civil Hospital, Kapurthala. However, the on-duty doctor declared her brought dead after examination. Dhilwan SHO Dalwinder Singh stated that efforts are underway to identify the unknown vehicle involved in the accident. The police have taken the body into custody and kept it in the mortuary of the Civil Hospital, Kapurthala, for the post-mortem examination. A case has been registered against the driver, and further investigation has been initiated. The death of the constable has cast a pall of gloom over the police department. Colleagues and locals have expressed condolences to the bereaved family, while senior officials have assured that all steps will be taken to trace the offending vehicle and ensure justice. Group clash on gurdwara premises in Sultanpur Mata Chintpurni’s live darshan Lodhi, granthiamong two assaulted, hospitalised through LED screen in H’pur Our Correspondent Claims, counter-claims over attack| Video goes viral, drawing flak | Police, SGPC initiate probe Our Correspondent Phagwara, January 20 A disturbing incident of violence inside a gurdwara has come to light in village Mokhe, located in Sultanpur Lodhi, where a clash between two groups took place in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The incident, which has hurt the religious sentiments, reportedly involved physical assault, exchange of abusive language, and removal of turbans inside the gurdwara premises. Two persons sustained injuries in the incident. A video of the clash has surfaced on social media and is rapidly going viral, drawing widespread condemnation. Following the incident, the police reached the spot and initiated an investigation. The matter was confirmed by the investigating officer, ASI Dilbagh Singh. According to the gurdwara’s sevadar and granthi, Gurnam Singh, he was brutally assaulted during the incident and is undergoing treatment at the Civil Hospital, Sultanpur Lodhi. He alleged that he was attacked inside the gurdwara during a village-level meeting convened to resolve certain disputes. Gurnam Singh has 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. WHAT GRANTHI CLAIMS COUNTERALLEGATIONS Granthi Gurnam Singh said a few days ago, differences had arisen between him and some villages over certain issues. To resolve the matter, a panchayat was called at the gurdwara. However, during discussion, members of the opposing group allegedly attacked him. He was beaten inside the gurdwara darbar hall, during which his turban was forcibly removed, escalating tensions further. Another injured person, Mehar Singh of village Mokhe rejected the allegations levelled by the granthi. Mehar Singh accused granthi Gurnam Singh of negligence in performing religious duties. He alleged that a day prior to the incident, the granthi had visited his house and used abusive language. During meeting at gurdwara, the granthi attacked him and removed his son’s turban. appealed to the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib to intervene and ensure justice. Granthi Gurnam Singh stated that a few days ago, disagreements had arisen between him and some village residents over certain issues. To resolve the matter amicably, a village panchayat was called at the gurdwara. However, during the discussion, members of the opposing group allegedly attacked him. He further alleged that the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib’s holy presence was not respected and that he was beaten inside the gurdwara darbar hall, during which his turban was forcibly Injured Mehar Singh in hospital at Sultanpur Lodhi. removed, escalating tensions further. Following the incident, villagers rushed the injured granthi to the Civil Hospital. Doctors said his condition is stable, though a CT scan is being conducted as a precautionary measure to assess the extent of injuries. Meanwhile, another injured person, Mehar Singh, a resident of village Mokhe, who is also admitted to the Civil Hospital, rejected the allegations levelled by the granthi and termed these baseless. Mehar Singh accused Gurnam Singh of negligence in performing religious duties and claimed that he had Youth fires at coloniser Jalandhar, January 20 A scooter-borne youth shot gunfires targeting a coloniser passing through Kaki village in his car here today. The sound the gunshots set in panic and passersby immediately ran for cover inside shops . The coloniser showed his presence of mind and rammed his Fortuner into the scooter, which led to the youth losing balance and falling off. The youth left their scooter at the spot and fled. — TNS repeatedly caught him being careless in seva. He further alleged that a day prior to the incident, the granthi had visited his house and used abusive language. Presenting his version, Mehar Singh said a meeting was called at the gurdwara to resolve the matter peacefully, but during the discussion, the granthi allegedly attacked him, removed his son’s turban, and committed disrespect to his and his son’s hair (kesh), which led to the confrontation. Taking serious note of the incident, SGPC member Jathedar Jarnail Singh Dogranwal stated that the matter has come to his notice. He assured that a thorough inquiry will be conducted and strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty of violating Sikh Rehat Maryada. He further said an SGPC team has been constituted to investigate the incident in detail. Police officials stated that statements from both sides are being recorded and further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation. The incident has caused tension in the village, and the authorities are closely monitoring the situation to maintain peace and communal harmony. Banga MLA bereaved Jalandhar, January20 Chaudhary Ram Kishan, the father of Banga MLA Dr Sukhwinder Sukhi, passed away on Tuesday morning, following ill health. CM Bhagwant c m y b Mann, and other political leaders across party lines, expressed condolences over his demise. His last rites will be held on Wednesday at the cremation ground on Banga Road. — TNS Hoshiarpur, January 20 Devotees in Hoshiarpur can now have live darshan of Mata Chintpurni through a state-of-the-art LED screen installed at Mata Chintpurni Chowk. The initiative was taken by local MLA and former Punjab Cabinet Minister Bram Shankar Jimpa following an appeal by the Yuva Vahini Committee, Hoshiarpur. The LED screen has been installed by Usha Martin company under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative and was formally inaugurated by MLA Jimpa. Speaking on the occasion, Jimpa said that Mata Chintpurni holds immense faith among devotees and every follower wishes to seek her blessings. Through this LED screen, even those devotees who are unable to visit the temple due to various reasons, will now be able to have live darshan of Mata Rani. He added that the initiative not only strengthens religious faith but also serves as a commendable example of social participation and public welfare. Jimpa further stated that with the installation of the LED screen, Mata Chintpurni Chowk will emerge as a new centre of religious devotion, enabling the general public to receive daily blessings of the deity. District president of the Yuva Vahini Committee Ashwani Chhota said that the proposal had been pending for a long time keeping public sentiments in mind, and MLA Jimpa accepted it immediately. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to MLA Jimpa and the Usha Martin management for supporting this noble cause. Staff protest govt’s move to sell PSPCL properties Tribune News Service Jalandhar, January 20 The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of power sector employees, engineers, and pensioners has intensified its agitation against the proposed sale of PSCPL land and properties, the Electricity Amendment Bill 2025, and the demand for setting up two super-critical 800 MW units at the Ropar thermal plant under the state sector. A massive fifth zonal-level protest was held on Tuesday in front of the North Zone Office of the PSPCL, Jalandhar, where a large number of employees, engineers, pensioners, and farmer unions gathered to register their opposition. Various employee and engineer leaders Ajaypal Singh Also oppose the Electricity Amendment Bill 2025 Atwal, general secretary of the Engineers’ Association-cumSecretary Joint Action Committee, Gurpreet Singh Purewal and Jagat Singh, joint secretaries, and Amarpreet Singh, regional secretary Jalandhar JEs Council addressed the dharna. The leaders said the Punjab Government is planning to sell the valuable lands/assets of the PSPCL by bringing them under a special government scheme (OUVGL), which was a wrong decision. They said the PSPCL lands were purchased or acquired under the Land Acquisition Act 1894 and, therefore, must be used for the development of the power sector. Considering the increased electricity demand and load growth, these lands can be utilised for the execution of new sub-stations and associated infrastructure, modern offices and stores so as to provide better services to the public. Moreover, land and related infrastructure are always considered hard collateral by the financial institutions to lend loans to power companies to meet their financial requirements. The committee demanded that this sale process should be stopped immediately and instead of handing over the lands to the real estate agents, these properties should be utilised for strengthening the power infrastructure and its expansion.