CM led Cabinet Approves Landmark Labour Reform: 95% Small Businesses Freed from Compliance Hassles
Punjab Cuts Red Tape for Lakhs of Small Businesses in Historic Labour Act Overhaul
Penalties Rationalized, Harassment Curbed, Labour Rights Protected
Registration within 24 Hours; No More Court Runs for Minor Violations
Chandigarh, June 4 :The Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has approved a major amendment to the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958, aimed at reducing compliance burdens on 95% small businesses and enhancing the ease of doing business in the state.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the Council of Ministers held today at the Chief Minister’s official residence.
A spokesperson from the Chief Minister’s Office disclosed that, under this progressive amendment, all establishments employing up to 20 workers will be exempted from all provisions of the Act. This move is expected to directly benefit lakhs of shopkeepers across Punjab. However, such establishments will still be required to submit relevant information to the Labour Department within six months of the Act coming into force or the commencement of their business.
To enhance employee earnings, the permissible overtime in a quarter has been increased from 50 hours to 144 hours. Additionally, the daily spread-over period of work has been extended from 10 hours to 12 hours, inclusive of rest intervals. Nevertheless, employees must be paid overtime at double the regular rate for work exceeding 9 hours per day or 48 hours per week.
The registration process has also been streamlined and the Establishments with 20 or more employees will now receive deemed approval for registration within 24 hours of application submission. Under the amendment, establishments employing up to 20 workers are only required to provide basic information and are not obligated to register. Moreover, penalties under Sections 21 and 26 have been rationalized—raising the minimum fine from Rs. 25 to Rs. 1,000 and the maximum from Rs. 100 to Rs. 30,000.
To prevent harassment and allow businesses time to achieve compliance, a three-month grace period will be provided between the first and second offences, as well as subsequent ones. A new Section 26A has also been introduced to allow for the compounding of offences, thereby decriminalizing the Act and eliminating the need for shopkeepers to attend court. Meanwhile, all the securities and rights provided by various labour laws will be adhered to for safeguarding the interests of the labourers.
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ANYONE WHO OPPOSES BJP IS BRANDED ANTI-NATIONAL NOWADAYS: CM
DARES BITTU TO ASK HIS MASTERS THAT WHY DECISION TO SEND SINDOOR TO EVERY HOUSEHOLD HAS BEEN TAKEN BACK
QUESTIONS NEED OF SENDING NOMINEES ABROAD TO TELL THE WORLD ABOUT VICTORY IN WAR
Chandigarh, June 4:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday said that sorry state of affairs was prevailing in the country as any view or idea opposite to propaganda of the BJP is now being labeled as anti-national.
Interacting with the media persons here at his official residence, the Chief Minister said that it is ironic that Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu has contradicted his stand on Operation Sindoor by saying that he was echoing the voice of Pakistan. He said that it is unfortunate that Bittu has issued such irrational statements whereas his masters sitting in Delhi have been giving hypothetical and baseless statements. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Union Minister of State has forgotten that his own party has backtracked from their decision to send Sindoor to every household.
The Chief Minister said that this type of attitude is unwarranted and undesirable adding that it is not in the interest of the country. He said that for the first time in the history of the world any government is sending its nominees across the globe to tell everyone that they have emerged victorious in a war. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that there is no need to tell anyone about the victory as the triumph is self speaking.
Asked to comment on the arrest of a Youtuber from the state, the Chief Minister said that the Union government regulates the social media channels in the country. However, he said that if any anti-national activity comes to the notice of the law enforcing agencies in the state then an appropriate action is taken against them as per the law of land. Bhagwant Singh Mann unequivocally said that anyone involved in crime against the country cannot be spared and exemplary action is taken against them.
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DAY 95 OF ‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: 138 DRUG SMUGGLERS HELD WITH 4.3KG HEROIN, ₹1.42L DRUG MONEY
— AS PART OF ‘DE-ADDICTION’, PUNJAB POLICE CONVINCE 77 PERSONS TO UNDERGO DE-ADDICTION TREATMENT
CHANDIGARH, June 4- 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 95th day, Punjab Police on Wednesday arrested 138 drug smugglers and recovered 4.3 kg heroin, 6133 intoxicant pills and Rs 1.42 lakhs drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 15,633 in just 95 days.
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 1500 police personnel, under the supervision of 97 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 519 locations across the state leading to the registration of 99 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 546 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 77persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.
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Under various schemes, around 60 Lakh saplings to be planted : Lal Chand Kataruchak
Forest & Wildlife Preservation Minister orders timely completion of ongoing schemes
Saplings planted around 94 percent of tubewells out of 13.66 Lakh
Chandigarh, June 4:Placing special focus on the plantation to be carried out in the State, the Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak during a review meeting at forest Complex in Sector 68 emphasized proper upkeep and maintenance of the same.
The Minister was apprised that around 60 Lakh saplings would be planted under the various schemes of the department. The plantation in the State would commence from July 1st this year.
Also, 382 Nanak Bagichis and 52 Pavittar Van are to be planted this year besides carrying out institutional plantation in 331 hectares.
About plantation around the tubewells, the Minister was informed that out of the 13.66 Lakh tubewells in the State, saplings have been planted around 94 percent of these.
The Minister appreciated that exceptional plantation work has been undertaken on the Chandigarh - Phagwara road by the department and exhorted the officers to concentrate on replicating the same on Ludhiana - Chandigarh road also. Besides, the Minister also directed that the dead plants should be removed from wherever they have been planted and replaced with the fresh saplings. Wherever the plantation has been done, it must be visible, added Mr. Kataruchak.
The Minister also directed the officers to ensure timely completion of all the ongoing schemes and ensure participation of the people in plantation schemes.
Among others present on the occasion included the Secretary of Forests & Wildlife Preservation Department Priyank Bharti, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of the Forest Force) Dharminder Sharma, APCCF cum CEO PUNCAMPA Saurav Gupta, APCCF (Administration) Basanta Raj Kumar, CCF (Hills) Nidhi Srivastava, CCF Wildlife Sagar Setia, CF Shivalik Circle Mr. Kannan, and DFO Mohali Kanwardeep Singh and other DFOs.
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Punjab Offers ₹17,500/Hectare Incentive to Shift 12K Hectares from Paddy to Maize
•Six districts to be covered under ambitious pilot project to save precious groundwater, says Gurmeet Singh Khudian
Chandigarh, June 4–In a major push to promote agricultural diversification and combat depleting groundwater levels in the state, the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to diversify 12,000 hectares of paddy to kharif maize this year. Farmers adopting maize cultivation will receive a financial incentive of Rs 17,500 per hectare, aimed at promoting a more sustainable agriculture ecosystem, besides boosting farmers' income.
Revealing the details about the diversification plan, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that six districts- Bathinda, Sangrur, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar and Kapurthala will spearhead the pilot project, targeting 12,000 hectares for paddy-to-maize diversification.
The Agriculture Minister further said that the state government has also appointed 200 Kisan Mitras (Friends of the Farmer) to encourage and guide farmers to shift from paddy to kharif maize. The decision to incentivise maize cultivation is strategically aligned with the need to promote water-efficient crops and enhance farmers' income. Maize, a highly nutritious and versatile crop, requires less water in comparison to paddy, making it a more sustainable option. Moreover, the crop's versatility in terms of its uses, from food to animal feed and content of starch, offers a wider market and income potential for farmers.
"By diversifying our crops, we can improve soil health, reduce water consumption, and create a more resilient agricultural system. This will not only benefit our farmers but also is a crucial step towards achieving our goal of sustainable agriculture in Punjab," said S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian.
Dr. Basant Garg, the Administrative Secretary of Agriculture department, said that Kharif maize has already been sown in 1500 hectares so far. The move will go a long way to address the pressing issue of depleting groundwater levels in Punjab. The state's heavy reliance on paddy cultivation, a water-intensive crop, has put immense strain on groundwater resources, leading to concerns about the long-term sustainability of agriculture. The financial incentive will cover the cost of inputs (Seed, fertilizer) etc. making maize cultivation more attractive for farmers. The government would also provide technical support and training to ensure successful implementation of the diversification plan.
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CM Mann’s Historic Labour Reforms Deliver Big Relief for Small Traders, Says Mohinder Bhagat
No Approval Required for Commercial Establishments with up to 20 Employees
Step Toward a Corruption-Free and Business-Friendly Punjab
Chandigarh, June 4:Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat today welcomed the significant decisions taken by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann during the Punjab Cabinet meeting, calling them historic and trader-friendly. He said the decisions will provide much-needed relief to small shopkeepers and help uplift the working class by enhancing income opportunities and promoting ease of doing business.
Explaining the reforms, Mr. Bhagat said amendments to the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958, will bring genuine relief to nearly 95% of small shopkeepers and traders across the state. For far too long, small businesses have been held back by outdated procedures and red tape. Today’s decision simplifies business operations, reduces legal complications and creates a more supportive ecosystem for Punjab’s working class.
Mr.Bhagat added that the reforms strike the right balance between business ease and worker welfare. “The maximum permissible overtime for employees has been increased from 50 hours to 144 hours per quarter. Daily working hours have been extended to 12 hours, including rest time, and any work beyond 9 hours a day or 48 hours a week must be compensated at double the regular rate,” he explained.
In a major boost for small traders, Mr. Bhagat said that commercial establishments employing up to 20 workers will no longer require any government approval to start operations. This decision is expected to benefit thousands of small businesses across the state. For commercial units with more than 20 employees, the government has ensured that the necessary permission will be granted within 24 hours—effectively eliminating red tape and speeding up the process.
The Minister said these decisions reflect Chief Minister Mann’s clear vision of a corruption-free, business-friendly Punjab. By removing unnecessary hurdles and giving freedom to small businesses, the state government has taken another solid step towards strengthening the state’s economy from the grassroots level.
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PUNJAB MULLS TO EQUIP REHABILITATED INDIVIDUALS WITH IN-DEMAND SKILLS
• Aman Arora directs officials to set up Project Management Unit to oversee skill development program for rehabilitated individuals
• My vision is to transform drug addicts into entrepreneurs through targeted skill development, says Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh
Chandigarh, June 4:As the “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign continues to yield encouraging results, with a significant influx of individuals seeking treatment at de-addiction centres, the Punjab Government is now mulling to introduce a skill development program aimed at facilitating the successful reintegration of rehabilitated individuals into mainstream society.
A high-level meeting chaired by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) state president and Employment Generation, Skill Development & Training Minister Mr. Aman Arora, along with Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, has led to the decision to equip rehabilitated individuals with skills for mainstream reintegration.
Mr. Aman Arora directed officials to set up a Project Management Unit (PMU) to oversee the skill development program for rehabilitated individuals, ensuring their successful reintegration and preventing relapse into addiction.
The Employment Generation Minister also directed officials from Punjab Skill Development Mission (PSDM), Technical Education & Industrial Training and other concerned departments to collaborate with industries to impart in-demand skills to rehabilitated individuals, while asking them to coordinate with Deputy Commissioners, District Bureau of Employment & Enterprises (DBEEs), and Health department officials to streamline the skilling process.
Mr. Aman Arora also asked the officials concerned to identify rehabilitated individuals interested in skill development and match them with suitable trades. The Mission Director PSDM was also directed to facilitate job placement for these skilled individuals, enabling their successful reintegration into mainstream society.
The state government aims to inculcate good habits and skills among the rehabilitated individuals to empower them and avert their chances to relapse, said Dr. Balbir Singh while adding, “My vision is to transform drug addicts into entrepreneurs through targeted skill development.”
Principal Secretary Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Ms. Alaknanda Dayal, Principal Secretary Health Mr. Kumar Rahul, DIG (ANTF) Mr. Sanjeev Rampal, IG Prisons Mr. Roop Kumar Arora, Mission Director Punjab Skill Development Mission, Ms. Amrit Singh, Director Technical Education Mr. Moneesh Kumar, Director Pensions Mr. Amandeep Bansal, Director promotion of information technology Mr. Mohinder Pal and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.
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Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker extends heartfelt greetings to the Pope Robert Francis Prevost for his elevation as Pope of the Roman Catholic Church
Chandigarh, 4 June 2025:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan extended heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness Pope Robert Francis Prevost on his elevation as the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. His ascension to the papacy marks a historic moment, as he becomes the first American to hold this sacred office.
Speaker further said that his lifelong dedication to faith, service, and humanity has been an inspiration to millions across the world. As he steps into this esteemed role, we are confident that his leadership will bring renewed hope, compassion, and unity to people of all faiths. His commitment to peace, social justice, and the well-being of the marginalized resonates deeply with the values we cherish in the State of Punjab.
Sandhwan highlighted that the people of the State of Punjab known for their rich cultural heritage and spirit of harmony, join me in celebrating this momentous occasion. We look forward to witnessing his guidance in fostering global peace and strengthening interfaith dialogue.
This is not just a greeting but a prayer of all Punjabis and Sikhs. The Sikh faith's emphasis on equality, unity, and inclusivity is truly inspiring. The idea of a bouquet, where every flower contributes its fragrance, is a perfect metaphor for harmony among people of all backgrounds, said Speaker.
Furthermore, Speaker emphasized that Sri Guru Granth Sahib, is the holy Guru of Sikhism, regarded by Sikhs as the final, sovereign and eternal immortal Guru following the lineage of the ten human gurus of the sikh religion. In Sri Guru Granth Sahib, it is mentioned that "ਬੇਦ ਕਤੇਬ ਕਹਹੁ ਮਤ ਝੂਠੇ ਝੂਠਾ ਜੋ ਨ ਬਿਚਾਰੈ ॥ ॥੧॥" and its transliteration is "Bed Kateb kahhu mat jhutha jhutha jo na bicharai". It means "The shabad advises against dismissing any religious texts as false, highlighting the importance of thoughtful contemplation over blind rejection."
Sandhwan prayed that his tenure may be blessed with wisdom, strength, and divine grace as he would lead the Catholic Church into a new era of faith and service.
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YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH: PUNJAB POLICE PREPARES ROADMAP TO COMPLETELY ERADICATE DRUGS FROM STATE
— DGP GAURAV YADAV ANNOUNCES SEGREGATION OF BIG DRUG SUPPLIERS FROM THE DRUG USERS, WITH ACTION AGAINST TRAFFICKERS, WHILE MOTIVATING USERS TO UNDERGO DE-ADDICTION TREATMENT
— DGP PUNJAB CHAIRS STATE LEVEL REVIEW MEETING WITH SENIOR FIELD OFFICERS IN JALANDHAR
— PUNJAB POLICE’S MAJOR THRUST IS TO FURTHER POPULARISE THE SAFE PUNJAB CHATBOT 9779100200 TO ACT ON PUBLIC INFORMATION: DGP GAURAV YADAV
— 15,495 DRUG SMUGGLERS HELD SINCE MARCH 1, 2025; 607KG HEROIN, 249KG OPIUM, ₹10.8CR DRUG MONEY SEIZED
CHANDIGARH/JALANDHAR, June 4:Following the resounding success achieved in the first three months of intensive anti-drug campaign 'Yudh Nashian Virudh’ of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government leading to the arrest of over 15,000 drug smugglers, Punjab Police has prepared a roadmap for complete eradication of drugs from the state, announced Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday.
He said that to achieve this objective a two-pronged strategy is being adopted to further dismantle the narcotics network by segregating big drug suppliers/peddlers from the drug users, with stringent legal action against traffickers, while motivating users to undergo de-addiction treatment. "Our aim is to choke the supply chain by isolating and punishing the actual drug dealers, while offering a compassionate path to recovery for drug users," said DGP Gaurav Yadav, emphasising a balanced approach of zero tolerance against dealers and rehabilitation for victims of addiction.
The DGP was chairing a state-level meeting to review the performance of the districts in the ongoing Yudh Nashian Virudh, Law & Order situation of the state and Internal Security situation at the PAP Complex Jalandhar. The DGP was accompanied by Special DGP Internal Security RN Dhoke, Special DGP Anti-Narcotics Force (ANTF) Kuldeep Singh, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla, ADGP ANTF Nilabh Kishore and IGP Headquaters Dr Sukhchain Singh Gill. All Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), Commissioners of Police (CPs), and Range IGs/DIGs in Punjab were also present in the meeting.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that Punjab Police has also been shifting its focus from list based enforcements to information based enforcement by taking swift action on the tips being received on the Safe Punjab Chatbot. “Our major thrust is to further popularise the Safe Punjab Chatbot so that action can be taken at point-of-sale of drugs using information from the public,” he said, while exhorting people to report drug-related information confidentially at Safe Punjab Chatbot: 9779100200.
He also highlighted the humane aspect of their strategy, noting that 1,121 drug users caught with small quantities have been sent for rehabilitation under the provision of Section 64-A of NDPS Act instead of being treated as criminals. Additionally, police have facilitated treatment for 5,786 addicts at de-addiction centers and convinced 6,483 others to avail services at OOAT clinics.
Sharing outcome of the 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' campaign, the DGP said that Punjab Police has registered 9087 FIRs and arrested 15,495 drug smugglers since March 1, 2025, and recovered 607 kg heroin, 249 kg opium, 14 ton poppy husk, 9 kg charas, 263 kg ganja, 2.5 kg ICE, 1.6 kg cocaine, 26.35 lakh intoxicant pills/tablets and Rs 10.83 crores drug money from their possession. Additionally, illegally acquired properties of 144 drug smugglers worth 74.27 Crores has been freezed, he added.
He said that Punjab Police is also exploring the use of GPS anklets to track and monitor activities of big drug smugglers released on bail, said the DGP, while stating, “We are examining the proposal from legal point of view to track the movement and monitor activities of bailed out big smugglers through GPS anklets with the approval of competent Court,” he said.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that Punjab Police has also been developing an AI-powered hierarchical database to map arrested persons under NDPS Act with backward and forward linkages to be traced upto two levels in each arrest.
Meanwhile, ADGP ANTF Nilabh Kishore gave a comprehensive presentation, followed by district-level updates by respective CPs/SSPs during the meeting.
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RUPNAGAR-BASED YOUTUBE INFLUENCER ARRESTED FOR LEAKING INFORMATION TO PAK ISI
— ACCUSED JASBIR ALIAS JAAN MAHAL WAS ASSOCIATED WITH PIO SHAKIR ALIAS JUTT RANDHAWA, SHARED SENSITIVE ARMY DEPLOYMENT DETAILS WITH HIM: DGP GAURAV YADAV
— 150 PAKISTAN CONTACTS RETRIEVED FROM RECOVERED MOBILE; DELETED DATA BEING RECOVERED: AIG SSOC RAVJOT GREWAL
CHANDIGARH, June 4: In a significant breakthrough against espionage networks threatening national security amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police’s State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) SAS Nagar has arrested a YouTube influencer for spying for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Wednesday.
The arrested accused, identified as Jasbir Singh alias Jaan Mahal (41), a resident of Village Mahlan in Rupnagar, has been operating a YouTube channel “JaanMahal Video” with over 11 lakh subscribers, ostensibly posting travel and cooking vlogs.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that accused Jasbir Singh has been found associated with Pakistani Intelligence Operative (PIO) Shakir alias Jutt Randhawa, part of a terror-backed espionage network. He also maintained close contact with Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra— arrested for spying by Haryana Police, and Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, a Pakistani national and expelled Pak High Commission official.
He said that investigations have revealed that Jasbir attended the Pakistan National Day event in Delhi on Danish’s invitation, where he met Pakistani Army officials and vloggers. The accused has also travelled to Pakistan on three occasions including in 2020, 2021 and 2024, and came into direct contact with ISI officers, who subsequently cultivated and recruited him to carry out espionage activities within India, he added.
The DGP said that after Jyoti Malhotra’s arrest, accused Jasbir had attempted to erase all traces of his communications with these PIOs to avoid detection. Further investigations are underway to dismantle the broader espionage-terror network and identify all collaborators, he added.
Sharing operation details, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) SSOC SAS Nagar Dr Ravjot Grewal said that police teams have received reliable input about Jasbir Singh alias Jaan Mahal in touch with many Pakistan based entities including agents of Pakistan intelligence agency ISI and has been providing sensitive information about movement of Indian Army and other inside activities of the country to Pakistan. Acting swiftly, teams of SSOC SAS Nagar has launched an intel-based operation and arrested suspect and recovered his mobile device, she said.
She said that around 150 Pakistan contacts has been retrieved from the initial mobile phone forensics of the arrested those included mobile numbers of Pakistan ISI agents, Pakistan High commission officials and other Pak based entities.
In a bid to cover his tracks, the accused had deleted crucial digital evidence, including chats, contact records, and documents exchanged with Pakistani intelligence handlers from his mobile phone, said the AIG, while adding that technical recovery and forensic examination are underway to retrieve deleted data and information leaked through him.
She said that investigations have revealed that accused Jasbir used this platform as a cover to share sensitive information about Indian Army movements and activities with Pakistani handlers.
The AIG said that accused Jasbir had got introduced with Jyoti Malhotra through Pakistan embassy officials at an event hosted by Pakistan embassy in 2024. Both Jasbir and Jyoti also visited Pakistan together. Further investigation is in progress to identify potential accomplices, digital communication trails, and foreign linkages, she added.
Meanwhile, a case 5 dated 03/06/2025 has been registered under sections 152 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Official secret Act at Police Station SSOC SAS Nagar.