BIGGEST HAUL YET! PUNJAB EXCISE DEPT SEIZES 80,000 LITRES OF ETHANOL IN BATHINDA: HARPAL SINGH CHEEMA

SEIZED ETHANOL WORTH CRORES, COULD HAVE BEEN USED TO ILLICITLY PRODUCE LAKHS OF LITRES OF LIQUOR OR SANITIZER

‘AAP’ GOVT'S ZERO-TOLERANCE POLICY YIELDS RESULTS: 1,70,000 LITRES OF ENA/ETHANOL SEIZED SO FAR

Chandigarh, May 30-Announcing a significant breakthrough in the ‘AAP’ led Punjab Government's efforts to curb the illicit liquor trade, Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Friday said that a joint operation conducted by the Special Operation Group (Excise) and Excise Police on Thursday late evening led to the seizure of 80,000 litres of ethanol in the Bathinda region. He said that the ‘AAP’ Government’s zero-tolerance policy against illicit liquor trade has yielded significant results, with a total of 1,70,000 litres of ENA/Ethanol seized so far.

Addressing a press conference here at Punjab Bhawan, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema detailed the intelligence-driven operation that led to the bust. He said that acting on a credible information regarding a gang engaged in unlawful ethanol/spirit pilferage and storage, specialized teams conducted reconnaissance before launching a meticulously planned raid. The operation culminated at Navraj Dhaba in Bathinda, where the gang was caught red-handed transporting ethanol/spirit in two Gujrat registered tankers (Reg. Nos. GJ06BV4926 and GJ06BV7626), each loaded with 40,000 litres.

The Finance Minister said that the seized ethanol, originally loaded from VRV Hospitality Pvt Ltd in Chak Alia, Dinanagar, Gurdaspur, was en route to IOCL Bathinda. He added that it is suspected that the consignment was meant for clandestine transportation to dry states, where liquor production and sale are prohibited, for illicit use. “If not seized, it could have been illicitly used to produce many other products including approximately 3,72,000 bottles of 50-degree PML, 2,47,000 bottles of 70-degree IMFL, or 1.04 lakh litres of sanitizers”, said Cheema while revealing the far-reaching consequences of such illegal activities.

Providing further details, the Finance Minister informed that a total of eight individuals were apprehended at the scene. Additionally, two vehicles suspected to be involved in the illegal operation, a Toyota Etios with registration number PB03AY5567 and an Innova with registration number HR26CY2961, were also seized. He said that the legal proceedings have been initiated, and a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered at Sadar Police Station, Bathinda, under relevant legal acts that include provisions for life imprisonment for the convicted.

Finance Minister Cheema assured that a comprehensive investigation is currently underway to trace the entire network associated with this illegal operation, including both forward and backward linkages. He reiterated the Government's commitment to ensuring strict legal action against all individuals involved, regardless of their influence or position.

Commending the Special Operation Group (Excise) and Excise Police for their successful operation, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema reiterated the Punjab government's determination to eradicate the illicit liquor trade. "The Excise Department is working tirelessly to dismantle these illicit networks and prevent the misuse of ethanol for illegal purposes," said the Finance Minister while adding, "We are determined to break the backbone of the illicit liquor trade in Punjab."

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PUNJAB’S PRIDE: EIGHT MRSAFPI CADETS GRADUATE FROM NDA

•Aman Arora congratulates cadets and wishes them best for brighter future at service of Nation

Chandigarh, May 30:Bringing laurels to the state, eight cadets from Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (MRSAFPI), SAS Nagar, on Friday, graduated from the National Defence Academy (NDA) Khadakwasla (Pune), as a part of the 148th NDA Course Passing Out Parade, reviewed by General VK Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, ADC (Retd), Governor of Mizoram and former Chief of Army Staff.

Sharing this information here today, Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr. Aman Arora said that the eight cadets- Paramjot Singh and Aniket Kahol from Hoshiarpur, Arpit Parashar from Sangrur, Abhay Singh Raghav and Vishesh Sood from SAS Nagar, Udhibir Singh from Ropar and Anurag Chauhan & Tanmay Sharma from Pathankot have successfully completed three years of rigorous training at NDA and now they will proceed to Service Training Academies for a year-long training before being commissioned into the Defence Services.

Mr. Aman Arora also encouraged them to excel and bring pride to the state, while highlighting the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government's commitment to fulfil the aspirations of the youth who want to join the defence services as commissioned officers. He also expressed contentment over the outstanding results being delivered by Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute.

Major General Ajay H. Chauhan, VSM (Retd), Director of MRSAFPI, congratulated the cadets, noting that 28 more cadets are awaiting call-up letters to join Service Training Academies. He also highlighted that three cadets from the MRSAFPI are currently serving as instructors at NDA, Khadakwasla. He said that these achievements bring immense pride to MRSAFPI and the state of Punjab.

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Ludhiana West By-Election

Three Nomination Papers Filed on Fifth Day: Sibin C

Chandigarh, May 30:A total of three nomination papers were filed on the fifth day of nominations for the 64-Ludhiana West Assembly Constituency by-election.

Disclosing this, Chief Electoral Officer Punjab, Sibin C, said that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Mr. Sanjeev Arora and his covering candidate Mr. Kavya Arora submitted their nomination papers today. In addition, an independent candidate, Mr. Chandan, also filed his nomination.

With these, the total number of nomination papers filed so far has reached eight.

It is noteworthy that nomination papers can also be submitted tomorrow, i.e., May 31. The last date for filing nominations is June 2, while the scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on June 3.

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DAY 90 OF ‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: 103 DRUG SMUGGLERS HELD WITH 3.8KG HEROIN, ₹2L DRUG MONEY

— AS PART OF ‘DE-ADDICTION’, PUNJAB POLICE CONVINCE 92 PERSONS TO UNDERGO DE-ADDICTION TREATMENT

CHANDIGARH, May 30:With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state entered 90th day, Punjab Police on Friday arrested 103 drug smugglers and recovered 3.8 kg heroin and Rs 2.04 lakhs drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 14,504 in just 90 da

The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state.

Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 200 Police teams, comprising over 1300 police personnel, under the supervision of 85gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 468 locations across the state leading to the registration of 78 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 491 suspicious persons during the day-long operation, he added

The Special DGP said that with the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 92 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

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PSPCL made extensive arrangements to ensure uninterrupted power supply and efficient complaint resolution during the upcoming summer and paddy season : Harbhajan Singh ETO

PSPCL established dedicated control rooms at each zonal level and a central control room at the head office in Patiala

Chandigarh, May 30 : Punjab Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO today announced that Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has made extensive arrangements to ensure uninterrupted power supply and efficient complaint resolution during the upcoming summer and paddy season, as well as in the event of power disruptions caused by heavy rains and windstorms.

Emphasizing the state government’s proactive approach under the dynamic, visionary and “pro-people” leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the minister stated that PSPCL has established dedicated control rooms at each zonal level and a central control room at the head office in Patiala to monitor power supply 24x7.

To enhance consumer convenience, the minister highlighted the availability of multiple easy-to-access communication channels. Consumers can now register power supply or billing-related complaints through the PSPCL Mobile App (available on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store), by sending an SMS or calling 1912, giving a missed call on the toll-free number 1800-180-1512, or by reaching out via WhatsApp on 96461-01912.

Harbhajan Singh ETO elaborated that the PSPCL Mobile App is a comprehensive and user-friendly platform that enables consumers to manage their electricity-related needs efficiently. The app allows users to view and download their current and previous bills, track their energy consumption, and make secure bill payments. Consumers can also lodge complaints related to power outages, faulty meters, or billing discrepancies directly through the app and receive real-time updates on their status. In addition, the app sends timely alerts regarding planned outages and other essential notifications, making it a reliable and convenient digital tool for hassle-free electricity management.

He further explained that PSPCL’s commitment to accessible customer service is reflected in its range of digital support options. For immediate assistance, consumers can call or SMS 1912, which is a 24x7 helpline dedicated to quick resolution of electricity issues. By giving a missed call to 1800-180-1512, users can get instant updates on billing details, payment confirmations, and power supply status without incurring any charges. Moreover, PSPCL’s WhatsApp service at 96461-01912 provides a familiar interface for consumers to check bill amounts, payment status, register complaints, and receive service-related information instantly.

The minister encouraged consumers to simply send the message "No Supply" to 1912 for automatic registration of power supply complaints. For unresolved issues, consumers can provide feedback through the mobile app or message 1912 to escalate their concerns. Reassuring the public of the government's preparedness, Minister ETO reiterated that these initiatives are part of a broader, consumer-first strategy to ensure smooth electricity supply during peak agricultural demand.

To further support this, PSPCL has activated dedicated control rooms in all operational zones across Punjab, enabling consumers to directly contact their respective zonal offices for prompt assistance. For the South Zone (Patiala, Sangrur, Barnala, Ropar, Mohali), control room numbers are 96461-48833, 96461-22039, 96461-22040, and 96461-46400. In the Central Zone (Ludhiana, Khanna, Fatehgarh Sahib), consumers can contact 96461-22070, 96461-22158, 96461-21408, and 96461-21409. The North Zone (Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur) control rooms can be reached at 96461-14444, 96461-16679, 96461-21415, and 96461-21416. For the West Zone (Bathinda, Faridkot, Muktsar, Ferozpur, Moga, Mansa, Fazilka), numbers are 96461-85267, 96466-96300, 96461-21396, and 96461-21398. The Border Zone (Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Pathankot) control rooms are available at 01832-212425, 96461-82959, 96461-21403, and 96461-21404. For escalations at the state level, consumers can reach out to the Head Office in Patiala at 96461-06835 and 96461-06836.

These comprehensive measures underline PSPCL’s continued commitment to providing reliable electricity and responsive customer support across Punjab.

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Drive against corruption : Vigilance Bureau arrests Police SI for accepting Rs 30,000 bribe

Chandigarh, May 30, 2025 –Continuing its drive against corruption, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Friday arrested police Sub-Inspector (SI) Sukhraj Singh, posted at CIA Staff Jalandhar, red-handed while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 30,000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the police personnel has been arrested following a complaint lodged by a readymade garments shop owner and resident of village Saidpur Kalan, Tehsil Ajnala in Amritsar.

According to the complaint, SI Sukhraj Singh had arrested son-in-law of complainant under Section 21 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Division No. 1, Jalandhar, in connection with 403 grams of heroin when he had visited Jalandhar on May 18, 2025, to purchase tarpaulins. During the remand period, the said SI informed the complainant that his son-in-law’s vehicle and two mobile phones were in his possession but were not listed as case property, assuring their return later. When the complainant visited the police station to collect the vehicle and mobile phones, the aforementioned SI had demanded Rs 50,000 bribe money for releasing the same. Later, he agreed to accept Rs 30,000 and the entire conversation was recorded by the complainant.

The spokesperson informed that after a preliminary verification of this complaint the VB team laid a trap during which the SI was apprehended red handed while accepting Rs 30000 as a bribe from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses.

In this regard a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused at the VB Police Station, Jalandhar Range, and further investigation is underway, he said.

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Zero tolerance against corruption : VB arrests Chartered Accountant taking Rs. 10 lakh bribe

Chandigarh may 30, 2025 -The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), in line with the zero tolerance policy adopted by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government, on Friday has arrested Gursewak Singh, Chartered Accountant (CA), Jalandhar red-handed for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs. 10 lakh allegedly on behalf of a CGST officer posted at Jalandhar.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB said the arrest was made following a complaint made by a firm owner who is resident of Jalandhar. He informed that the complainant has approached the VB alleging that the aforementioned Chartered Accountant (CA) had demanded Rs. 30 lakh from him on behalf of above said CGST officer as a bribe for benefiting in an enquiry being conducted under CGST act against his firm.

The spokesperson further added that after a preliminary verification of this complaint the VB flying squad laid a well planned trap during which the said accused CA was arrested red handed while he was receiving Rs. 10 lakh as a first installmeant of bribe from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. Following the disclosure of said CA, the role of above said officer is under investigation.

He informed that in this regard an FIR No. 17 dated 30-05-25 has been registered against the aforesaid accused under section 7 and 7A of prevention of corruption act and under section 61(2) of BNS at VB police station, Flying Squad-1, Punjab at Mohali. The accused would be produced in the competent court tomorrow and further investigation into this case was under progress, he said.