23062026-ATR-01.qxd 23-06-2026 00:32 Page 1 c m y b Amritsar tribune FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY NHM WORKERS HOLD STATEWIDE PROTEST, BOYCOTT WORK TEACHERS OPPOSE HALT ON TRANSFERS DUE TO SIR MAANVI SPEAKS ON BODYSHAMING & HER LATEST FILM HEER SARA Community health officers launch a statewide protest and boycott work over pending demands. P2 Describe the move to temporarily halt transfers of teachers as unjustified and deterimental to their wellbeing. P3 Maanvi Gagroo was recently seen in the film Heer Sarawhere she played a body-shamed firecracker. P4 » » MAX 40°C | MIN 25°C YESTERDAY MAX 39°C | MIN 24°C SUNSET TUESDAY 7.38 PM SUNRISE WEDNESDAY 5.26 AM » TUESDAY | 23 JUNE 2026 | AMRITSAR Foreign-linked extortion gang busted in Amritsar, 3 nabbed POLICE SOLVE SEVEN CASES LINKED TO GANG ■ Gang was allegedly controlled by Europe- based handlers using local operatives ■ The police have solved seven criminal cases linked to gang ■ Weapons, vehicles and mobile phones were seized during arrests ■ Accused were involved in firing and robbery incidents ■ A petrol pump robbery case played a key role in cracking module. ■ Another suspect remains absconding Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar addresses mediapersons in Amritsar. VISHAL KUMAR Pawan K Jaiswar Tribune News Service Amritsar, June 22 With the arrest of three persons involved in multiple firing incidents, extortion attempts and robberies across Amritsar, Tarn Taran and Ferozepur, the Amritsar Commissionerate Police have dismantled an extortion and armed robbery module allegedly being operated by Europe-based handlers. The arrested accused have been identified as Gurdev Singh, alias Gurdev; Jashanpreet Singh, alias Jassu; and Harparasdeep Singh, alias Paras. The police also recovered a .30 bore Zigana pistol, eight live cartridges, a Thar vehicle, a motorcycle and two mobile phones from their possession. The accused had reportedly procured weapons from the Moga area. They were nabbed following investigations into a firing and robbery incident at a petrol pump on Loharka Road here a month ago. Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said the accused allegedly opened fire at the petrol pump around 1 am on May 22 and looted nearly Rs 25,000 at gunpoint before fleeing the scene. He said that investigations revealed the gang was working under the directions of a Europe-based handler, Judgebir Singh, alias Karan, who is allegedly linked with foreignbased gangsters Balwinder as the police continue raids Singh, alias Doni Bal, and Prabh Dasuwal. The police said extortion calls were being made through associates after identifying targets using mobile applications. Bhullar said that during interrogation, the accused confessed to their involvement in a series of firing incidents and armed robberies across Punjab. The police have cracked at least seven such cases, including attacks on houses, business establishments and petrol pumps in Tarn Taran, Amritsar Rural and Ferozepur districts. Among the major cases solved are firing incidents outside residences near Goindwal Sahib, a gun attack on a shop in Rayya and an attack in Ferozepur’s Kamaalgarh village. The police further revealed that Jashanpreet Singh is a maternal cousin of Europebased accused Judgebir Singh, alias Karan, and was allegedly acting as a key link between the foreign handler and local operatives. Investigators believe he played an important role in coordinating and executing criminal activities based on instructions received from abroad. The fourth accused, Maheep Singh of Amritsar, has been nominated in the case and is currently absconding. Raids are underway to arrest him and identify other members of the network. Decorative plant space being used as dustbins in Heritage Street Manmeet Singh Gill Tribune News Service Amritsar, June 22 Decorative planters and green pockets installed along the Heritage Street leading to the Golden Temple are increasingly being used as makeshift dustbins, raising concerns among residents and visitors. The structures, originally designed to enhance the beauty of the pedestrianfriendly corridor and provide greenery along the route, are now littered with used plastic cups, paper plates, food wrappers and other waste. A visit to Heritage Street revealed that several planters were filled with discarded disposable items instead of plants and flowers. At some places, waste had accumulated around saplings, while at others, decorative pots were being used as dumping points by visitors passing through the area. The street, one of the city’s most prominent tourist stretches, witnesses thousands of pilgrims and visitors every day as they walk towards the Golden Temple. The sight of overflowing litter in designated green spaces has raised concerns about public awareness and the effectiveness of waste management arrangements in the area. Speeding bus runs over couple in Tarn Taran Our Correspondent Flower and plant spaces along Heritage Street near the Golden Temple being used as dustbins in Amritsar. PHOTO: VISHAL KUMAR “Heritage Street was developed to showcase the city’s cultural and historical charm. When visitors see garbage dumped in planters, it creates a poor impression of the city,” said Rajesh Kumar, a local resident. He urged authorities to install more dustbins and ensure regular monitoring. Another resident, Harpreet Singh, said that maintaining cleanliness around the shrine should be a shared responsibility. “The administration alone cannot solve the problem. Visitors must also avoid littering and use proper waste disposal facilities,” he said. Many visitors also expressed disappointment. “The street is beautifully designed and offers a pleasant approach to the Golden Temple. Seeing plastic cups and food waste in the planters spoils the overall experience,” said Priya Sharma, a tourist from Delhi. Another visitor from Maharashtra, Amit Deshmukh, said the area deserves better upkeep considering its importance as a global tourist destination. “People come here from across the world. Clean surroundings are essential to preserve the dignity and beauty of this heritage zone,” he said. Tarn Taran, June 22 A couple died on the spot in a road accident that occurred on National Highway No. 54 at Naushehra Pannuan village on Sunday. The accident took place when a bus belonging to New Deep Company hit the motorcycle carrying the couple. The deceased have been identified as Nirmal Singh (55) and his wife Narinder Kaur (50), residents of Goindwal Sahib. They were on their way to attend a wedding at Bhattal Farm in Naushehra Pannuan. As they turned their motorcycle at a Tpoint, a speeding bus (PB04 AC 7178) rammed into them. Both Nirmal Singh and Narinder Kaur died on the spot. Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Salwinder Singh of the Sarhali police station said a case has been registered against the bus driver, Sukha Singh, a resident of Jandwala Mira Sangla in Fazilka district, under Sections 106(1), 106(2) and 281 of the BNS. He has been arrested by the police. Clamour grows for action 44 meat shops found operating in walled city, HC told to restore pedestrian rights Saurabh Malik Tribune News Service Pawan K Jaiswar Tribune News Service Amritsar, June 22 Even as the Supreme Court (SC) recently pronounced a landmark ruling declaring safe and accessible footpaths a fundamental right, the reality on the roads and streets of the holy city presents a stark contrast. Almost all the footpaths across the city, meant for pedestrians, have gradually disappeared under encroachments, illegal parking, street vendors, construction material, utility structures and commercial extensions. A walk through some of the city’s busiest stretches reveals a disturbing scenario. Pedestrians are forced to step onto busy roads amid heavy traffic as footpaths remain occupied by encroachers. Elderly citizens, schoolchildren, women and even persons with disabilities often find themselves navigating through moving traffic, putting their lives at risk. The Supreme Court has made it clear that municipalities and local authorities have a legal duty to construct, maintain and protect footpaths. However, in Amritsar, enforcement appears weak and inconsistent. While occasional anti-encroachment drives are conducted, the reclaimed spaces are often reoccupied within hours, indicating a lack of long-term planning and monitoring. Noted environmentalist PS Bhatti emphasised that footpaths are an essential component of a city’s transport network. Safe sidewalks encourage walking, reduce dependence on vehicles, improve public health and make cities more inclusive. Their absence increases the risk of accidents and contributes to traffic congestion. Anuradha, a resident of the A shopkeeper encroaches upon a footpath in the Ram Bagh area in Amritsar. PHOTO: VISHAL KUMAR Putlighar area, said that not only footpaths but large stretches of roads have also been encroached upon by shopkeepers, haphazardly parked vehicles and street vendors. Repeated drives by the authorities, including the traffic police, have yielded little result. The problem is not limited to one locality. A large number of pedestrian spaces in and around the walled city, including Rambagh, IDH Market, Hall Bazaar, Lawrence Road, Mall Road, Islamabad, areas near Guru Nanak Dev University, the GT Road and Chheharta, are plagued by encroachments. In several areas, newly constructed footpaths have become unusable due to the parking of cars and other vehicles. The issue assumes greater significance in Amritsar, a city visited by thousands of pilgrims and tourists every day. Visitors often struggle to walk safely, especially in crowded commercial zones and on approach roads leading to major religious and heritage sites. A city that welcomes peo- ple from across the world can hardly afford to neglect the fundamental right to safe pedestrian movement. Social activist Sarabjit Singh Sonu Jandiala said restoring footpaths would require more than sporadic drives. It calls for strict enforcement against encroachments, better urban design, accountability of civic agencies and recognition that pedestrians are not secondclass road users. He added that the real challenge lies in ensuring that this right is visible not just in court rulings but on the streets of Amritsar. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Amandeep Kaur said that continuous anti-encroachment drives are being carried out, but people and shopkeepers have failed to mend their ways. She added that stricter measures would now be taken. Mayor Jatinder Singh Moti Bhatia stated that firm action would be taken against encroachments, though repeated drives are already underway to free footpaths and roads. Chandigarh, June 22 Defending the restrictions imposed after the walled city of Amritsar was declared a holy city, the Amritsar Municipal Corporation has told the Punjab and Haryana High Court that a survey revealed approximately 44 premises were engaged in the trade of meat products in the notified area. The submission came during the hearing of a petition challenging the Punjab Government’s notification declaring the walled city of Amritsar a holy city and the consequential restrictions imposed on the sale and trade of fish, meat and raw meat products in the area. In the affidavit placed before the High Court Bench of Justice Vikram Aggarwal and Justice Ramesh Kumari, the civic body stated that the Punjab Government issued notification dated December 15, 2025, vide which the walled city of Amritsar, the city of Sri Anandpur Sahib and the city of Talwandi Sabo were declared holy cities. Thereafter, the department of animal husbandry issued prohibitory orders on December 23, 2025, imposing a complete prohibition on the sale, display and storage of meat and meat products within the walled city of Amritsar with immediate effect. In the ensuing survey, it was found that approximately “44 number of premises were engaged in trade of meat products”. The affidavit added notices were issued to all shopkeepers and traders dealing in meat products in the walled city following the notification dated December 15, 2025. The petitioner was also served a notice on March 24, directing him to stop the sale, use, storage and display of meat products by March 31. The municipal corporation asserted that despite the notice, the petitioner did not stop the sale, use, storage and display of the products. It added that necessary action was taken and the petitioner’s premises were sealed following a joint inspection carried out on April 20 by officials of the Amritsar Municipal Corporation, the Animal Husbandry Department and the Civil Surgeon, Amritsar, The affidavit further stated that the petitioner’s trade licence had already expired on March 31, 2025, and he was carrying on the business without a valid trade licence. Taking up the affidavit, the Bench fixed July 3 as the next date of hearing in the matter. The petitioner had earlier questioned the notification dated December 15, 2025, along with subsequent prohibitory orders, communica- tions and directions restricting the sale, storage, use, display and trade of fish, meat and raw meat products within the walled city limits. The petitioner had contended that the impugned action had effectively resulted in a complete prohibition on an otherwise lawful and licensed trade without statutory authority, a rehabilitation policy, a relocation mechanism or a reasonable transition period. It was submitted that the firm had regularly deposited the requisite licence fee and municipal charges and was operating lawfully under a valid municipal licence. Despite this, its business premises were allegedly sealed and coercive action initiated without furnishing any statutory order or authority authorising such action. The petition also raised constitutional questions relating to the limits of executive pow- Breach in canal floods Gurdaspur villages Tribune News Service Gurdaspur, June 22 A 40-foot-wide breach that occurred in Upper Bari Doab Canal (UDBC) near the Sathiali headworks early this morning and inundated several adjoining villages. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Aditya Uppal supervised the work to plug the fissures. Around 3 am, some migrant workers living nearby noticed the abruptly rising water in the agricultural fields and immediately raised an alarm. DC Uppal was informed and he, in turn, asked the water resources department officials to stop the flow of water from Madhopur headworks. “Three JCB machines and one poclain machine have been requisitioned to plug the breach,” said the DC. “The flow of water is stopped c m y b Water enters villages following a breach in the embankment of the UBDC near the Sathiala headworks in Gurdaspur district. by shutting off the water supply at the Madhopur headworks, located upstream near Pathankot. And that is what we did before starting work to plug the hole. The embankment had collapsed following which massive volumes of water rushed into adjoining villages, residential properties apart from damaging the paddy crop,” said an official. The rising waters raised concern for farmers, particularly those who have just recently sowed the paddy crop. Teams of the administration and water resources departments are still assessing the damage. Efforts were also made to divert the flow of water upstream. Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa said flood waters have started entering villages despite the fact that the monsoon has yet to arrive. He said, “Punjab’s canal infrastructure has started exposing years of neglect and the AAP government’s failure. Even before the monsoon has arrived, the canal at the Sathiali headworks has breached its banks, flooding nearby villages and homes. The state government must urgently repair and strengthen vulnerable canals before more farmers and villages pay the price of the ruling party’s negligence.” er and invokes the fundamental right to carry on trade and business under Article 19(1)(g), the right to livelihood under Article 21 and the guarantee of equality under Article 14. It was argued that any restriction on fundamental rights must have clear statutory backing and satisfy the tests of reasonableness and proportionality. The petitioner had further contended that the expressions “holy city” and “walled city” had not been defined under any statute, rule or regulation and that executive notifications, by themselves, cannot create enforceable civil disabilities or impose blanket prohibitions on lawful commercial activities. It was alleged that the impugned measures selectively target traders operating within the notified area without any intelligible differentia or rational basis. Man murdered near city rly station, 1 held Amritsar, June 22 Amardeep Singh, a resident of Jagdamba Colony, was allegedly killed by a group of armed assailants near Liberty Market, located opposite the Amritsar railway station, in the early hours of Monday. Gurpreet Singh, SHO of the Civil Lines police station, said that statements of the victim’s family members have been recorded and a case has been registered in this regard. He added that one of the accused has been arrested, while further investigations are underway to identify and arrest his accomplices. He said that, according to the preliminary probe, a monetary dispute appears to be the motive behind the incident. — TNS