25012026-JTR-01.qxd 1/24/2026 11:01 PM Page 1 c m y b Jalandhar tribune DEFUNCT STREETLIGHTS RAISE SAFETY CONCERNS IN PHAGWARA 651 YOUTHS RECEIVE BSF APPOINTMENT LETTERS Streetlights installed along PhagwaraPalahi bypass road, which falls within MC limits, remain non-functional. P2 At a special ceremony, IG, Punjab Frontier Headquarters, BSF, handed over appointment letters to candidates. P3 » I WRITE, DIRECT AND PERFORM EVERYTHING MYSELF: PRIYA » Priya Malik is known for her performances and roles in shows such as Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhen, Savitri Devi College. P4 » FORECAST MAINLY CLEAR MAX 17°C | MIN 4°C YESTERDAY MAX 16°C | MIN 2°C SUNSET SUNDAY 5.55 PM SUNRISE MONDAY 7.23 AM SUNDAY | 25 JANUARY 2026 | JALANDHAR 9-year-old boy falls into ~7.5 cr penalty imposed on L&T trench pulling kite, dies for delay in surface water project Tribune News Service Tribune News Service Jalandhar, January 24 A nine-year-old boy lost his life in a tragic incident after falling into 10-feet deep trench dug up by a farmer in Suranussi locality along the city’s periphery. Victim Shubham was trying to pull a kite, which had got stuck near agricultural fields. He did not realise that he was stepping into a waterlogged trench and had a painful end. Since it was Basant Panchmi yesterday and it kept on raining till the afternoon, there could be no kite flying during the day time. As the Undertrial injured in assault by fellow inmates in jail Phagwara, January 24 An undertrial prisoner was seriously injured after being assaulted by fellow inmates due to an old rivalry inside Kapurthala Central Jail. The injured undertrial has been admitted to the Civil Hospital, Kapurthala, where he is undergoing treatment. The injured was identified as Surinder Singh. His son, Rahul Teji, alleged that his father was sitting inside the jail premises when a group of inmates approached him from behind and attacked him with an iron rod. Surinder sustained serious injuries during assault. Following the incident, information was immediately conveyed to the Kotwali police station. Confirming the development, Kotwali SHO Hardeep Singh said after receiving information from the Civil Hospital, the matter was handed over to investigating officer ASI Baldev Singh. He said the undertrial’s statement would be recorded, after which further action would be initiated. — OC sun had begun to set, kids started to venture out arranging for kites from here and there. Shubham too had gone out with his friends with the same purpose. When the incident occurred, Shubham’s friends came to know what had happened. But they were reportedly too scared to report back at home and remained mum about his whereabouts until the police spotted his body this morning and fished it out. Shubham’s family members kept on looking for him till late last evening after which they finally reported to the police. A team from Division No. 1 police station traced him One booked for harassing woman Our Correspondent Phagwara, January 24 The Sultanpur Lodhi police have registered a case following allegations of harassment, criminal intimidation and abetment to suicide by a local woman against a resident of her neighbourhood. According to the police, the complainant woman, a resident of Kamalpur village under Sultanpur Lodhi police station and presently residing in Gajipur Colony, near Baba Seechewal Kutiya, stated that her husband was living abroad, leaving her alone at home. She alleged that during this period, her neighbour Bawa Singh, also a resident of Gajipur Colony, had been keeping an inappropriate watch on her and repeatedly behaved in an objectionable manner. In her statement, she alleged that on December 24, 2025, around 7 pm, 30-yr-old man’s bodyfound near Dhilwan grain market Our Correspondent Phagwara, January 24 An unidentified man’s body was found lying along the roadside near the Dhilwan town grain market near Kapurthala last evening. Upon receiving information, a team from the Dhilwan police station reached the spot and took the body into custody. Confirming the incident, Dhilwan Station House Officer (SHO) Dalbinder Singh said a passerby alerted the police about a body lying near the dana mandi. Acting promptly, the police team reached the location and secured the area before shifting the body. Preliminary examination did not reveal any visible 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. from the trench this morning. The trench had reportedly been dug up farmer to prevent his crop from waterlogging. He had diverted all rainwater from his fields towards this trench by making channels into it. Vikas Kumar, uncle of Shubham, demanded action against farmer for alleged negligence and not putting up any warning sign around trench for passersby. SHO Rakesh Kumar said post-mortem examination of the child’s body had been conducted. No FIR had been lodged and inquest proceedings were initiated into the incident by the police, he said. injury marks or suspicious signs on the body. The deceased is estimated to be around 30-year-old and appears to be a migrant labourer. No identity documents were recovered during the search, making immediate identification of deceased difficult. The police sent the body to the Kapurthala Civil Hospital mortuary, where it will be kept for 72 hours for identification. Meanwhile, police teams are making inquiries from residents in the nearby areas to ascertain the identity of the deceased. The SHO said further action would be taken as per legal procedure once the deceased’s identity was established. while she was alone at home, the accused entered her house and began making unwelcome advances and indulged in inappropriate conduct. When she resisted and objected, the accused allegedly threatened her and attempted to blackmail her, causing her severe mental distress. The complainant further stated that continuous harassment and intimidation left her traumatised and under extreme pressure, following which she allegedly consumed a poisonous medicine and attempted suicide. She was subsequently provided medical assistance, and the incident was reported to the police. After examining the complaint and preliminary evidence, the police registered a formal case against the accused and initiated further investigation into the matter. Jalandhar, January 24 Taking serious note of the prolonged delay in the completion of the surface water project, which is causing widespread inconvenience to residents due to road digging across the city, a penalty of Rs 7.5 crore has been imposed on the executing agency M/s Larsen & Toubro Ltd. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dr Himanshu Aggarwal issued directions to department concerned to take action against executing agency for the inordinate delay in this project, following which penalty was imposed. Chairing a high-level review meeting of ongoing development projects in the district, Dr Aggarwal said delay in the surface water project had severely affected daily life and traffic movement in the city. He categorically stated that any further unwarranted delay would not be tolerated and warned that stricter action would be initiated against the executing agency if timelines were not adhered to. He said project is now expected to be completed within the current year and directed officials of the Jalandhar Smart City Mis- Incomplete surface water project in Jalandhar. sion to closely monitor both the deadline and the quality of work. He further emphasised that the work must go on full swing once the bitumen plants start functioning around February end. During the meeting, the DC also reviewed the progress of the Burlton Park Sports Hub project, being executed at a cost of Rs 70 crore. He said, “The project is scheduled for completion by August 15 this year.” He instructed officials concerned to strictly adhere to the approved timelines. Reviewing the four-laning of the Lamma-Pind Jandu Singha road, Dr Aggarwal directed the Public Works Department to expedite the remaining work and ensure its completion within the stipulated timeframe. He took stock of the four-laning of the Adampur Airport approach road and informed that the project was nearly 96 per complete. The DC directed the executing agencies to complete the remaining work at the earliest so that the road could be opened for the public use without any further delay. Besides, Dr Aggarwal reviewed several other key infrastructure projects, including the construction of a 100bedded critical care block at the Civil Hospital, Jalandhar; construction of a girls’ hostel at Gandhi Vanita Ashram; construction and renovation of tehsil and SDM complexes; the Subhana railway underpass; upgradation of link roads; and the JalandharHoshiarpur National Highway. Terming these projects as vital for the district’s development, the DC said their timely completion would place Jalandhar on a highgrowth trajectory by significantly strengthening urban infrastructure, particularly the road network. He directed all departments to personally monitor the progress and cautioned that any laxity or delay would be dealt with strictly. Tribune News Service Jalandhar, January 24 Goods and valuables worth lakhs were stolen from a locked house on the Salaicha road by thieves in Shahkot on Friday. The theft is estimated to have taken place in the wee hours of Friday. Talwandi Butiya village resident Amrik Singh said the house of his relatives on the Salaicha road had been lying closed since they had moved abroad. He said his relatives’ neighbours on the Salaicha road informed him about theft at the house. He said when he, along with others, reached the house, all doors were found broken. The thieves had ransacked the entire house. A big LED TV Rs 60,000 in cash, , valuables, the DVR of the CCTV cameras, taps in bathrooms and countless other things were found missing from the house, he said. He said all almirahs in the house had been broke opened. He said thieves had decamped with goods and valuables worth Rs 8 lakh. A team of the Shahkot police reached the house and began investigation into the incident. ASI Avatar Singh, incharge, 112 helpline, said a complaint regarding theft was received and the police was on the lookout for the culprits. High Court warns of action against technical varsity VC versus State of Punjab and Others, wherein the court noted that despite a clear order passed on October 27, 2025, the ViceChancellor of the university failed to file a separate affidavit responding to specific queries raised by the court. The matter came up before the court amid concerns regarding accountability and adherence to judicial processes by senior functionaries of public institutions. As per order, an affidavit was initially filed by the university Registrar. However, the court found that the affidavit did not clarify why the Vice-Chancellor himself had not filed a response, despite being directly concerned with issues under consideration. Subsequently, only a single-page affidavit was submitted on behalf of the ViceChancellor, stating that he was adopting the affidavit filed by the Registrar. The court found this approach unsatisfactory and indicative of a lack of seriousness in addressing its directions. The court observed that the Vice-Chancellor appeared to be avoiding taking personal responsibility by not placing an independent affidavit on record. Emphasising on the importance of compliance by high-ranking officials, the court remarked that judicial orders were not mere formalities and must be complied with in both letter and spirit. Taking a firm stance, the court granted Vice-Chancellor a final opportunity of 15 days to file a proper and sep- arate affidavit answering queries raised earlier. The order clearly cautioned that failure to do so may compel the court to initiate coercive steps against the Vice-Chancellor to ensure compliance. The matter has been adjourned to February 16, 2026, for further hearing. The case highlights the judiciary’s insistence on accountability from the public authorities and serves as a reminder that no office, however high, is above judicial scrutiny. 100 employees of MC ready stadium for R-Day after rain Petrol pump firing accused arrested after encounter Our Correspondent Phagwara, January 24 The Punjab and Haryana High Court has expressed serious displeasure over the continued non-compliance of the judicial directions by the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of IK Gujral Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar, observing that such conduct reflects disregard for the authority of the court and the rule of law. The observations were made in a case of Amardeep Gujral Tribune News Service Jalandhar, January 24 At least 100 Municipal Corporation (MC) employees on Saturday readied Guru Gobind Singh Stadium once again for the Republic Day (R-Day) celebrations as it got waterlogged after heavy rain on Friday. Since there is no drainage system in the stadium, channels were dug up all around it to drain stagnant water. Suction pumps were deployed for draining water. The wet ground was then covered with layers of sawdust and sand so that students of various schools and colleges could present cultural show without any inconvenience. Various contingents of the police and the NCC too had come to the stadium for the parade rehearsal. Municipal Commissioner Municipal Corporation staff prepare R-Day venue in Jalandhar on Saturday. PHOTO: SARABJIT SINGH Sandeep Rishi, Superintending Engineers of the B&R and O&M branches, XENs, JEs, sewermen, Safai Karamcharis and almost the entire civic body team was on job till this afternoon to ensure that the ground was ready to host the R-Day function on Monday. Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal will unfurl the Tricolour during the R-Day celebrations. Vikrant Sidhu, Inspector, Municipal Corporation, oversaw all arrangements at the stadium today. Meanwhile, Jalandhar (Rural) police intensified security measures across the district by conducting flag marches in various areas to ensure the maintenance of law and order and public safety. The flag marches were held under the directions of Harvinder Singh Virk, SSP , Jalandhar (Rural), in the district under the supervision of senior police officials, including Narinder Singh, DSP , Kartarpur sub-division; Onkar Singh Brar, DSP , Nakodar sub-division; Bharat Masih Ladhar, DSP Phillaur , sub-division; Sukhpal Singh, DSP Shahkot sub-division; , and Rajiv Kumar, DSP , Adampur sub-division. During the flag marches, markets, residential localities and identified sensitive and suspicious areas were closely monitored. The police personnel interacted with residents and reassured them about the security arrangements in place. A clear and firm message was conveyed to anti-social elements that no compromise would be made with the law and order in the district. Three booked for defrauding Kapurthala village resident of ~9.31 lakh Phagwara, January 24 A case of alleged cheating and criminal breach of trust involving a fraud of Rs 9.31 lakh has been registered at the Bholath police station, near Kapurthala, following Thieves decamp with valuables worth ~8 lakh the conclusion of an inquiry, officials confirmed. According to details, Gurjeet Singh, a resident of Mehtla village near Bholath, had submitted a complaint seeking action against three persons identified as Pratpal Singh, Ranjit Singh, and Rajwinder Kaur, alias Raju, all residents of Meghowal village, near Mahilpur. In the complaint, registered on December 1, 2025, Gurjeet alleged that the accused col- c m y b lectively cheated him of Rs 9,31,500. After examining facts and materials placed on record, the inquiry officer found sufficient grounds to proceed with criminal action against the three accused. Gaurav Toora, SSP , Kapurthala, said based on the inquiry findings, police registered a formal case against all three accused. He said the allegations pertain to deliberate deception and misappropria- tion of money, causing financial loss to the complainant. The SSP reiterated that all accused would be given an opportunity to present their version during the course of investigation. — OC Jalandhar, January 24 The Jalandhar (Rural) police have arrested a man involved in the Kishangarh petrol pump firing incident reported in December last year. The accused, identified as Lovepreet Singh of Bholath, was arrested after an encounter. Car-borne youths had fired shots at another group at a petrol pump on December 19, 2025. As per report, 10 to 12 rounds were fired. The police said incident had happened during the students’ election at a private college in Adampur. The arrested accused was second main shooter involved in the incident. Acting on specific information, a police team was conducting a search operation in the area near Alwalpur. During search, the accused was intercepted. When signalled to stop, the accused opened fire at the police party. In self-defence, the police retaliated. During exchange of fire, the accused sustained a bullet injury on his right arm. The injured Lovepreet was admitted to a hospital for treatment. One pistol (.30 bore), three cartridges, two empty shells and a motorcycle were recovered from his possession. — TNS