03062026-ATR-01.qxd 6/3/2026 12:11 AM Page 1 c m y b Amritsar tribune LABOUR SHORTAGE SLOWS PADDY TRANSPLANTATION PACE THE NEXT CLASS WITH ADITI ARYA KOTAK Farmers say they have been unable to start large-scale operations due to difficulties in arranging labour. P2 The former Miss India World makes her debut as host with Edstead’s new docu-series. P4 » FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY MAX 38°C | MIN 28°C YESTERDAY MAX 37°C | MIN 26°C BOLLYWOOD DIVAS BEAT THE HEAT IN BREEZY YELLOW OUTFITS SUNSET WEDNESDAY 7.31 PM Yellow is the colour of the summer season and our Bollywood actresses sure know how to nail it. P4 » SUNRISE THURSDAY 5.25 AM » WEDNESDAY | 3 JUNE 2026 | AMRITSAR Tarn Taran villager loses ~5 lakh in cyber fraud Our Correspondent Tarn Taran, June 2 Sukhpal Singh Gill, a resident of Mehandipur village in Patti tehsil of the district, was allegedly cheated of Rs 5 lakh in a cyber fraud. In a complaint lodged with the cybercrime police station, Gill stated that he frequently visited Telegram, where he received a link that added him to a group. The group had 20-25 members who were engaged in what was presented as property-related online tasks. After joining the group, Gill received Rs 13,000 as an initial return. Tempted by the promise of higher earnings, he subsequently invested nearly Rs 5 lakh in various tasks assigned through the group. Later, he realised that he had been defrauded and reported the matter to the police. ASI Jasbir Singh of the cybercrime police station said that a case has been registered under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and an investigation has been initiated. Dr Dharam Singh’s four-decade mission to protect Punjab’s legacy NEWSMAKER OF THE WEEK Commercial LPG price hike puts pressure on restaurants Neeraj Bagga Tribune News Service Manmeet Singh Gill Tribune News Service Amritsar, June 2 For more than four decades, Dr Dharam Singh has remained at the forefront of Punjabi literary research, combining academic scholarship with a deep commitment to preserving Punjab’s intellectual heritage. The former head of the School of Punjabi Studies at Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) continues to contribute to academic discourse through his work on literature, language, history and culture. His recent appeal for the conservation of rare manuscripts of Guru Granth Sahib has once again highlighted his lifelong dedication to safeguarding invaluable sources of Punjab’s literary, linguistic and historical legacy. Dr Dharam Singh has authored 16 books, many of which are part of graduate and postgraduate curricula in universities across the Dr Dharam Singh region. Even at the age of 76, he remains actively engaged in research and is currently working on a book titled Pakistan Vich Punjabi Khoj (Punjabi Research in Pakistan). In recognition of his academic contributions, he has also been appointed as an external examiner for Punjabi research in universities in Pakistan. Speaking to The Tribune, Dr Dharam Singh emphasised the urgent need to identify, preserve and systematically study old manuscripts of Guru Granth Sahib. He said these manuscripts are not merely religious texts but rich repositories of literature, history, language and art. According to him, many manuscripts contain rare verse and prose compositions continued on page 2 Amritsar, June 2 Following another increase of Rs 42 in the price of commercial LPG refills, restaurant operators and owners of eating joints are considering passing on the additional burden to consumers. Businesses dependent on LPG refills for cooking fuel have been grappling with rising costs since the outbreak of the West Asia conflict on February 28. Industry representatives claim that the price of commercial LPG cylinders has increased by nearly 40 per cent over the past few months. While motorists were largely shielded from the immediate impact of the conflict due to domestic elections and stable fuel prices, restaurant operators say the burden was quickly transferred to them through repeated hikes in commercial LPG rates. Navdeep Singh Grover, manager of a popular restaurant, said a commercial LPG Commercial LPG cylinders stacked up in a truck in Amritsar. FILE PHOTO refill that cost around Rs 1,900 in February is now priced at nearly Rs 3,200. He said a restaurant consuming about 100 cylinders a month has witnessed an increase of nearly Rs 1 lakh in its monthly fuel expenditure. According to industry players, the West Asia conflict has disrupted energy pro- duction and transportation across the Middle East, affecting developing economies worldwide. The impact is now visible in the city’s food and hospitality sector. Grover said footfall at fine-dining restaurants has declined by nearly 30 per cent, further affecting busi- ness. He attributed the slowdown to weak market sentiment, particularly among traders and business owners facing sluggish sales in sectors such as textiles, readymade garments and jewellery. Most fine-dining restaurants have not increased menu prices so far, as revisions are usually carried out in December. However, handcart vendors, dhabas, confectioners, halwais and small eateries have already passed on the increased costs to customers. Operators serving freshly prepared food say they are struggling to sustain operations. The city’s confectioners’ association had unanimously raised the price of a puri prepared in desi ghee from Rs 60 to Rs 70 per piece in April. Similar price hikes have been implemented for breakfast items such as kulchas and bhaturas, as well as snacks including samosas, kachoris and satpuras. Brother named prime suspect in Farmers protest, seek rollback of fuel & LPG price hike missing Australian citizen case Tribune News Service Neeraj Bagga Tribune News Service Amritsar, June 2 The mysterious disappearance of a 66-year-old Australian citizen of Punjabi origin in Amritsar has taken a dramatic turn, with the police naming his brother as the prime suspect in the case. The investigation gained momentum after the Amritsar Rural Police identified Sunny Sharma, brother of the missing man, Sunil Sharma, as the key suspect. Police officials said Sunny Sharma and his family are currently absconding. The case has drawn attention in Australia, where concerns over Sunil Sharma’s disappearance have also been highlighted by local media. Sunil Sharma, a mathematics teacher based in Melbourne, Australia, went miss- ing on May 22 during a visit to Punjab. He had travelled to Amritsar in connection with a property-related matter and reportedly went to supervise painting work at a property. He also owns a house in Mohali. According to his family, Sharma has been untraceable since May 22, and his mobile phone has remained switched off. The missing man’s daughter, Surbhi Sharma, has appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for assistance in tracing her father. In an emotional video message, Surbhi urged the Chief Minister and the Punjab Government to intensify efforts to locate him. “My father has been missing since May 22 from Amritsar. We have no information about his whereabouts and his phone is switched off. I request the Punjab Govern- ment to use all available resources to trace him and bring him home,” she said. Describing her father as someone deeply attached to his roots, Surbhi said he loved Punjab and had invested in property there. She added that he had travelled to Amritsar to get painting work done at the property. She also claimed that Sunny Sharma had been seen near the property and shared his photographs. “We will soon nab him. The investigation is at an advanced stage,” said Kambo police station SHO Shamsher Singh. The police have registered a kidnapping case. Officials also revealed that Sunny Sharma is wanted in another case registered by the Himachal Pradesh Police under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic continued on page 2 Amritsar, June 2 Farmer unions under the banner of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) staged a protest outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Tuesday, condemning the alleged police lathi-charge on protesting farmers on May 15 and demanding a rollback of increased diesel, petrol and cooking gas prices. They also sought an adequate supply of fertilisers and restoration of Punjab’s representation in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). During the protest, farmer leaders submitted a memorandum to the district administration outlining their demands. The protesters also raised concerns over the alleged use of force against farmers during demonstrations held on May 15 and called for action on several pending issues affecting farmers and workers. ADA razes two illegal colonies in Chatiwind Tribune News Service Amritsar, June 2 Acting on government guidelines, Amritsar Development Authority (ADA) Chief Administrator Nitesh Kumar Jain and Additional Chief Administrator Inayat supervised demolition action against two unauthorised colonies, including King Avenue, on the link road in Chatiwind village here on Tuesday. The operation was carried out by the Regulatory Wing and the Assistant Town Planner in compliance with official orders. Officials of the Regulatory Wing said that notices under the PAPRA Act, 1995, had been issued to the newly developed unauthorised colonies in Chatiwind village. As part of efforts to curb illegal development, demolition action was carried out against both colonies. Jain said the owners of the colonies had violated government regulations. A structure in an illegal colony being razed at Chatiwind in Amritsar. Despite being served notices, they neither submitted any clarification nor halted development activities at the sites, prompting action under the directions of higher authorities. The Regulatory Wing stated that construction work in one of the unauthorised colonies had been stopped several times through notices issued by the department. However, the colonisers allegedly continued development work, leading to demolition orders from higher authorities. The department also carried out demolition at King Avenue in Chatiwind village. Earlier action had been taken against the colony on February 14, but the owners allegedly resumed development work, resulting in the newly raised structures being demolished again. Under the 2024 amendment to the PAPRA Act, 1995, persons involved in developing unauthorised colonies can face imprisonment ranging from five to 10 years and fines between Rs 25 lakh and Rs 5 crore. The police are also being informed to initiate necessary action against landowners and developers associated with the colonies. The Regulatory Wing appealed to the public to verify PUDA approval before purchasing plots in any colony. Residents were advised to review details of unauthorised colonies on the ADA website and obtain all required approvals from PUDA before undertaking any construction activity. c m y b Farmers during a protest outside the DC office in Amritsar on Tuesday. PHOTO: VISHAL KUMAR concern over the shortage of urea and DAP fertilisers, warning that it could adversely affect agricultural operations. Other demands included addressing the grievances of Seva Kendra employees, arresting those responsible for the attack on the family of communist leader Jagtar Singh Mehlawala, safeguarding Punjab’s rights in the BBMB, opposing the proposed India-US trade agreement and reviewing the state’s new agricultural policies. Among those present were Kashmir Singh Dhangai, Harjit Singh Jhita, Rattan Singh Randhawa, Swinder Singh Mirakot, Baldev Singh Verka, Yashpal Jhabal, Harpal Chhina, Nishan Singh Saghna, Jagjivan Singh Talwandi, Mangal Singh Dharmkot, Baba Rajan Singh Chogawan and Narendra Singh Bhittewad. Addressing the gathering, leaders including Dr Satnam Singh Ajnala, Sucha Singh, Jatinder Singh Chhina, Dr Parminder Singh Pandori, Dhanwant Singh, Sukhrambir Loharka, Gurdev Singh Verpal and Lakhbir Singh Nizampura alleged that the Centre’s economic policies were placing a growing burden on ordinary citizens and pushing the country towards financial distress. They attributed the recent increase in fuel and LPG prices to global tensions affecting crude oil supplies but argued that governments should protect consumers Bike parked at DAC basement goes missing in Tarn Taran Eyeing polls, minister Kataruchak accelerates dev works in Bhoa Tarn Taran, June 2 A motorcycle belonging to Amarbir Singh, a resident of Qilha Kavi Santokh Singh (Noordi) village, was stolen from the basement of the District Administrative Complex (DAC) here a few days ago. In a complaint lodged with the Sadar police, Amarbir Singh stated that he had parked his motorcycle in the DAC basement, where several other motorcycles and cars were also parked. After parking the vehicle, he went to the Sewa Kendra to attend to some personal work. When he returned after some time, he found that his motorcycle had been stolen by an unidentified person. ASI Rajpal Singh said that a case under Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been registered. — OC Pathankot, June 2 Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak who surprised political observers by helping AAP bag 10 seats in the BJP stronghold of Pathankot in the recent elections to the municipal corporation (MC) has brought in a whopping Rs 200 crore to construct new and widen old link roads in his assembly seat of Bhoa. The Bhoa Vidhan Sabha seat is in Pathankot district. He is an ex-officio member of the Pathankot MC as some areas of his seat fall in the jurisdiction of the civic body. Kataruchak’s initiative of bringing in grants to the tune of Rs 62 crore to build three bridges across important rivulets is helping in improving village connectivity and facilitating movement for commuters. One of these overbridges is on the from such impacts rather than passing on the burden. The leaders claimed that despite years of relatively low crude oil prices, consumers did not receive corresponding relief, while oil companies reportedly earned substantial profits. The SKM also expressed Ravi Dhaliwal Tribune News Service Lal Chand Kataruchak Jalali ‘Nullah’, which is a seasonal rivulet and is significant for the agrarian and ecological landscape of the area. It runs through the rural and suburban belts of the assembly seat. The bridge was a long-standing demand of residents. The minister has now increased his frequency of touring his assembly seat keeping in view the assembly polls slated to be held after a few months. “In the past, the lack of robust road connectivity and the region’s distance from major commercial hubs had hindered the overall development of Bhoa. However, with new bridges being built and new roads being constructed, people from outside the state are considering establishing industrial units here. Earlier, there was talk of the nearby lake of the Ranjit Sagar dam being converted into a tourism hub. However, the project failed to take off and now industrialists are eyeing Bhoa due to its recent development,” said a businessman. Kataruchak said, “Earlier, the absence of diverse economic activity limited job creation and pushed locals toward unemployment or underemployment. This is no longer true as the area has seen numerous developmental projects which are continued on page 2