HARJOT BAINS FLAYS CENTRE’S MOVE TO DISSOLVE PANJAB UNIVERSITY SENATE; VOWS TO FIGHT ‘BRAZEN ATTACK’ ON PUNJAB’S PRIDE

• Education Minister terms the move political vandalism

•Centre wants to handpick favourites & convert venerable PU into political playground, says Harjot Singh Bains

Chandigarh, November 1:Launching a scathing attack on the BJP-led Central Government for its decision to unilaterally dissolve the 59-year-old Senate and Syndicate of Panjab University, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains today termed it an brazen attack on Punjab’s pride, democracy and intellect.

S. Harjot Singh Bains stated that it is not governance—it is political vandalism. The reckless move by the Centre tramples on Punjab’s hard-earned autonomy, academic freedom and constitutional rights. It is a blatant assault on the very soul of Punjab.

The Education Minister highlighted the historical and emotional significance of the Panjab University, which has been built and nurtured through decades of Punjab's collective efforts, sweat, intellectual prowess and sacrifices. He questioned the intent behind the abrupt dissolution, pointing to the overwhelming mandate given by the people of Punjab in the last Senate elections.

"How dare the Centre dismantle a six-decade-old democratic institution?” questioned S. Harjot Singh Bains while highlighting that in the last Senate elections for the Graduate Constituency, the people of Punjab elected their own representatives, winning all seats. This was the people's clear verdict. Now, the BJP-led centre government that could not win the confidence at the ballot box wants to handpick its favourites and convert this venerable university into a political playground.

Describing the move not as an administrative reform but as "an act of occupation," he revealed a dangerous design behind the decision to centralise control, crush Punjab's distinct voice and systematically rewrite the principles of federalism enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

The Education Minister asserted that this is a blatant attempt to silence dissent and erode states' rights. But the Punjab won't succumb to this authoritarian overreach. He vowed that the Punjab Government, united with the academic community—teachers, students and staff—would strongly oppose the Centre's move in every democratic forum and explore all legal and constitutional avenues to protect Punjab's heritage and its rights.

He affirmed that Panjab University belongs to Punjab—its people, its history and its future. It does not belong to a distant, authoritarian Centre that wishes to silence it. The people of Punjab will not allow this political vandalism to stand.

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WANTED CRIMINAL RANJIT ALIAS SAPP HELD FROM BATHINDA; PISTOL RECOVERED

— ARRESTED ACCUSED IS CLOSE ASSOCIATE OF GANGSTER RAMMI MACHANA: DGP GAURAV YADAV

— FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS UNDERWAY TO ESTABLISH FORWARD AND BACKWARD LINKAGES IN THIS CASE

CHANDIGARH/BATHINDA, November 1:In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), Punjab, in a joint operation with Bathinda Police, apprehended a wanted criminal identified as Ranjit Singh alias Sapp of village Bangi Nihal Singh in Bathinda, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday.

Police teams have also recovered one illegal .32 bore pistol along with four live cartridges from his possession

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the accused is a close associate of gangster Rammi Machana and was wanted in two criminal cases.

He said that earlier, police had recovered 130 grams of heroin, one 9 MM country-made pistol with six live cartridges, and one country-made .12 bore pistol from his residence. His mother, Paramjit Kaur, was arrested at that time, while the accused had managed to flee, he said.

The DGP said that further investigation is on to establish backward and forward linkages in this case.

Sharing operation details, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) AGTF Promod Ban said that acting on reliable inputs, police teams from AGTF led by DSP AGTF Rajan Parminder in coordination with Bathinda Police has arrested the accused Ranjit Singh alias Sapp from the village Bhagwanpura in Bathinda.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bathinda Amneet Kondal said that Ranjit Singh has a criminal background with multiple cases registered against him, including murder, house trespass with intent to cause hurt, Arms Act, Prisons Act, and NDPS Act violations.

In this regard, a case FIR No. 139 dated 20.09.2025 has already been registered under section 21(b) of the NDPS Act and sections 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station Sangat in Bathinda.

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AMAN ARORA & SOND MEET UTTAR PRADESH CM YOGI ADITYANATH; EXTEND INVITATION FOR 350TH MARTYRDOM ANNIVERSARY OF SRI GURU TEGH BAHADUR JI

• Ninth Guru Sahib Ji’s unparalleled sacrifice is cornerstone of India’s pluralistic ethos, says Aman Arora

Chandigarh/Lucknow, November 1:As a part of the Punjab Government’s initiative to invite leaders from across the country for the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib ji, Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development & Training and State President of the Aam Aadmi Party Mr. Aman Arora, along with Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Mr. Tarunpreet Singh Sond, called on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Sh. Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow.

The primary objective of the meeting was to formally invite the UP Chief Minister to join the state of Punjab in the solemn commemorations of the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Ninth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.

During the cordial meeting, the ministers highlighted the profound historical and spiritual significance of the martyrdom of the Ninth Guru Sahib, who sacrificed His life in Delhi to protect the right to freedom of belief and religion for all Indians. They emphasised that the event holds immense importance not just for Punjab, but for the entire nation & humanity, as a symbol of supreme sacrifice and the defence of human rights.

Mr. Aman Arora stated, “The sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji is a cornerstone of India’s pluralistic ethos. The Guru Sahib Ji’s martyrdom in the capital of that era forever entwines his legacy with the heart of India. The UP Chief Minister's participation would serve as a powerful testament to national unity and pay tribute to Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji's unwavering stand against oppression, upholding the rights of all communities."

Mr. Tarunpreet Singh Sond said that this historic occasion would provide an opportunity to strengthen the cultural and spiritual bonds between Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. The state of Punjab is looking forward to welcoming the leaders across the party-lines to Punjab for this historic occasion, which will also showcase our state’s rich heritage and deep-rooted traditions of ‘Sarbat Da Bhala’.”

Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh CM graciously accepted the invitation and appreciated the gesture of the Punjab Government. He acknowledged the universal and unparalleled legacy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.

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GMADA HOLDS CAMP FOR SPEEDY DISPOSAL OF PENDING CASES, 864 CASES RESOLVED ON FIRST DAY: HARDEEP SINGH MUNDIAN

TWO-DAY CAMP TO CONTINUE ON NOVEMBER 2

SAYS, SIMPLIFICATION OF PROCEDURES IMPROVED SERVICE DELIVERY

Chandigarh/SAS Nagar, November 1:In a move to address pending matters of the general public, promoters and developers, the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) organized a two-day special camp at PUDA Bhawan, SAS Nagar, where as many as 864 cases were resolved on the first day.

Disclosing this here, Housing and Urban Development Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has been consistently striving for the welfare of every section of society. As part of this mission, GMADA has launched this two-day camp to facilitate resolution of long-pending issues of citizens, developers and promoters through a single-window approach.

The Cabinet Minister informed that of the total 864 cases settled, 618 pertained to citizen services, 4 to letters of intent, 2 to promoter license renewals, 2 to zoning plans, 3 to project licenses/layout plans, 2 to architectural control, 8 to estate agent certificates, 7 to promoter licenses, 92 to building plans, 11 to demarcation certificates, 30 to DPC certificates, 84 to completion certificates and one case pertained to a conveyance deed.

S. Mundian said that the Housing and Urban Development Department has simplified several procedural formalities, which has resulted in faster and more efficient service delivery. He said that the Punjab Government’s prime objective is to ensure timely and corruption-free disposal of public work across departments and clear directions in this regard have already been issued to all officers and employees.

During the camp proceedings today, Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Mr. Vikas Garg handed over certificates related to building plans, layout plans, LOIs, estate agent registrations and promoter licenses to concerned individuals and companies. GMADA Chief Administrator Ms. Sakshi Sawhney personally reviewed public grievances and instructed officials to resolve pending applications from various branches on the spot.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Mr. Amarinder Singh Malhi, Additional Chief Administrator, Mr. Hardeep Singh, Estate Officer (Housing)-cum-Land Acquisition Collector, Mr. Ravinder Singh, Estate Officer (Plots) and other senior officials.

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Speaker strongly condemns dissolution of Syndicate of Panjab University

This will lead to far-reaching consequences in the future

Chandigarh, 1 November 2025:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S Kultar Singh Sandhwan raised serious concerns over the move to dissolve the Senate Syndicate of Panjab University. This step cannot be called as a reform, but rather a deep rooted political sabotage.

He further said that it is the part of the series of attacks on institutions across the country by the Central Government. Speaker Sandhwan said that Punjab University belongs to the people and not to those who want to muzzle the voice of the common man.

Sandhwan highlighted that this will lead to a far-reaching consequences and demolishing the federal structure of this country will not be tolerated at any cost. He will raise voice against this unfortunate decision of the central government.

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Vigilance Bureau nabs Forestor red-handed accepting Rs 15000 bribe

Accused previously received Rs 12000 in instalments

Chandigarh, November 1, 2025 –In its ongoing crackdown on corruption, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) today arrested a Forestor, Surinderjit Pal, posted at Forest Department Mahilpur in district Hoshiarpur. He was caught red-handed accepting a bribe of Rs 15000 from a complainant resident of village Thidan, in tehsil Garshankar.

Disclosing this a spokesperson of VB said the complainant has been engaged in the wood cutting business for the past 10-12 years. On 11.10.2025, the complainant and his associate Gurvinder Singh alias Goni, returned to village Thidan in their car after completing their day's work. The complainant parked the vehicle in his uncle's plot. While Gurvinder Singh alias Goni remained seated in the car, and the complainant went home to get his dinner. After about an hour, when he returned, Gurvinder Singh was not near the car, and several tree-cutting tools were missing from his vehicle.

He further added that the village Sarpanch Harpreet Singh informed the complaintant that Amarjit Singh, Range Officer, Forest Department Mahilpur, along with 3-4 other employees, had arrived in a government vehicle, taken away the tree-cutting equipment and asked the complainant to report to the Forest Department Office, Mahilpur.

In this regard, the complainant along with the Sarpanch, visited the Forest Department Office Mahilpur, and met Amarjit Singh Range Officer who told him that tree-cutting tools were found in his vehicle and alleged that government trees had been stolen from the canal area. He further told the complainant that a fine of Rs.1,23,000 would be imposed on him for the alleged theft of government trees.

He revealed that the complainant denied the allegations, explaining that he only cut the trees after purchasing them lawfully. Amarjit Singh demanded an illegal gratification of Rs. 31,000 for returning the seized tree-cutting tools. The complainant expressed his inability to pay the full amount and offered Rs. 2,000 which Amarjit Singh directed him to hand over to Forester Surinderjit Pal. The complainant accordingly paid Rs. 2000 to Forester Surinderjit Pal in the presence of the village Sarpanch, and the remaining payment was fixed for 17.10.2025.

Afterwards, the complainant again visited the Forest Department Office, Mahilpur, where Amarjit Singh and Surinderjit Pal demanded another installment of Rs. 10,000 which the complainant paid to Forester Surinderjit Pal. The remaining balance was agreed to be paid on 29.10.2025, he added.

Vigilance Bureau spokesperson stated that the complainant could not arrange the money and failed to visit the office on that date. Later, he received a call from Forester Surinderjit Pal, who again demanded the remaining bribe amount. The complainant stated he could arrange only 15,000 to which Surinderjit Pal agreed and asked him to come over. The complainant recorded this conversation as evidence.

Acting on complainant information, the Vigilance Bureau laid a trap and registered a case against Amarjit Singh, Range. Officer, and Surinderjit Pal, Forester, Forest Department, Mahilpur.

After verifying the allegations, a VB team from the Jalandhar Range laid a trap and apprehended Surinderjit Pal red-handed while accepting the Rs 15000 bribe from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses.

A case under the relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against the accused at the VB Police Station, Jalandhar Range. The accused will be produced in court tommorow, and further investigation is underway, the spokesperson added.