Dr. Baljit Kaur’s Efforts Lead to Reforms and Mapping Initiative in Malout’s Water Resources Department

Enhanced Departmental Efficiency and Improved Public Convenience

Chandigarh, March 18:The Punjab Government is committed to improving efficiency and streamlining operations in the Water Resources Department. In a significant move, the persistent efforts of Social Security, Women, and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur have led to the attachment of Lining Sub-Division No. 12, Malout, to the Executive Engineer, Abohar (PWRMDC Division, Abohar). Previously, it was under the Executive Engineer, Devigarh (PWRMDC Division, Sangrur), which was geographically distant from Malout, causing delays in administrative work and public services.

Dr. Baljit Kaur highlighted that this restructuring will expedite ongoing projects, enhance departmental efficiency, and ensure improved services for the residents of Malout. She further stated that the decision was made based on a comprehensive mapping report, prepared after an extensive review of Punjab’s canal divisions and the Punjab Water Resources Management and Development Corporation.

She also expressed her sincere gratitude to Water Resources Minister Shri Barinder Kumar Goyal for addressing this long-pending demand of the Malout region.

Under the revised structure, Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that the ongoing projects of Lining Sub-Division No. 12, Malout, will continue under the Executive Engineer, Devigarh (PWRMDC Division, Sangrur). However, reports related to new projects will now be submitted to the Executive Engineer, Abohar.

Minister affirmed that this initiative will strengthen administrative efficiency, enhance water resource management, and provide greater benefits to farmers and water consumers. She also instructed departmental officials to implement the restructuring immediately and commence work under the revised framework without delay.

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PUNJAB POLICE BUSTS CROSS-BORDER DRUG CARTEL; ONE HELD WITH 8.08KG HEROIN, ONE PISTOL

— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A DRUG-FREE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN

— POLICE TEAM ALSO IMPOUNDS HYUNDAI CRETA CAR BEING USED BY ARRESTED ACCUSED TO DELIVER CONSIGNMENTS

— ARRESTED ACCUSED WAS IN TOUCH WITH PAK-BASED SMUGGLERS, WHO WERE USING DRONES TO DELIVER CONSIGNMENTS: DGP GAURAV YADAV

— ANOTHER ACCOMPLICE IDENTIFIED, POLICE TEAMS ON MANHUNT TO NAB HIM: CP ASR GURPREET BHULLAR

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, March 18:Striking a major blow to the International narcotic network amidst the ongoing war against drugs waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Commissionerate Police Amritsar has busted a cross-border drug cartel with the arrest of one individual and recovered 8.08 kg heroin and one .30 bore pistol along with five cartridges from his possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Tuesday.

The arrested drug smuggler has been identified as Dharminder Singh alias Sonu, a resident of village Harsha Chhena in Amritsar. Apart from recovering heroin and a weapon, police teams have impounded his Hyundai Creta car, which the accused was using to deliver the consignments.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that arrested person was in touch with cross-border drug smugglers, who were using Ajnala sector to drop the drug consignments using drones from across the border. Further investigations are ongoing to trace backward and forward linkages in this case, he said.

Sharing operation details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, while addressing a press conference, said that acting on reliable inputs, Police teams under the supervision of DCP investigation Ravinder Pal Singh Sandhu, ADCP Investigation Navjot Singh, and ACP North Kamaljit Singh and led by Inspector Ranjit Singh Dhaliwal apprehended the above accused Dharminder alias Sonu Near Mental Hospital in Amritsar, when he was waiting for someone to deliver the consignment.

The CP said that police teams have also identified and nominated his another accomplice involved in the drug smuggling, while, probe is on to identify the person, who was supposed to receive the consignment. Efforts are being made to uncover the entire network of suppliers, dealers, and buyers, as well as to ascertain the total quantity of drugs purchased by the arrested individuals so far, he added.

A case FIR no. 20 dated March 17, 2025, has been registered under sections 21(c), and 29 of the NDPS Act and sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act at Police Station Majitha Road in Amritsar.

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‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: ON DAY 18, PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS 95 DRUG SMUGGLERS; 11KG HEROIN, 7.5KG OPIUM RECOVERED

— 40 PANCHAYATS IN MALERKOTLA PASS RESOLUTION TO FIGHT AGAINST DRUG MENACE AND FOSTER POLICE-PUBLIC PARTNERSHIP

— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A DRUG-FREE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN

— OVER 250 POLICE TEAMS LED BY 97 SP/DSP RANK OFFICERS CHECKED 599 SUSPICIOUS PERSONS: SPL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA

CHANDIGARH, March 18:With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state entered 18th day, Punjab Police on Tuesday arrested 95 drug smugglers and recovered 11 kg heroin, 7.5 kg opium and ₹31000 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 2231 in just 18 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.

Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla said that the Punjab Police's intensive fight against drugs is gaining momentum, with a significant show of public support. He informed that, as part of the "Yudh Nashian Virudh" campaign, Malerkotla Police jointly with Civil Administration has organised a Sampark meeting at village Ferozpur Kothala, PS Sandaur, where 40 panchayats have passed a resolution to jointly combating the drug menace and fostering a stronger police-public partnership.

Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 250 Police teams, comprising over 1600 police personnel, under the supervision of 97 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 539 locations across the state leading to the registration of 61 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 599 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 six persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment, while, organised 137 awareness events across the state as part of Prevention.

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Yudh Nashian Virudh: Two illegal structures of drug traffickers demolished in Sangrur

SSP Sartaj Singh Chahal and SDM Charanjot Singh Walia led the campaign

Stringent message to drug traffickers—drug peddling will not be allowed in Sangrur district: SSP Sartaj Singh Chahal

Action will continue against those constructing illegal structures on government land: SDM Charanjot Singh Walia

Sangrur/Chandigarh, March 18:As part of the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign launched in the state against drug traffickers on the instructions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the district administration and police today jointly demolished two illegal structures built by drug traffickers in Ram Nagar Basti, Sangrur city, using bulldozers. This campaign was led by SSP Sartaj Singh Chahal and SDM Charanjot Singh Walia, while SP Navreet Singh Virk, DSP Sukhdev Singh, Tehsildar Vishwajit Singh, Assistant Town Planner Sushil Kumar, and Naib Tehsildar Baljinder Singh were also present.

On this occasion, SSP Sartaj Singh Chahal stated that, while successfully implementing the Punjab government's campaign to completely wipe out drug smugglers in Sangrur district, this was the second such action taken by the administration to demolish illegal buildings with bulldozers. He issued a stern warning to all anti-social elements to shun drug peddling, or else face serious consequences. The SSP further stated that the police ensured law and order, and the illegal buildings were demolished by the Municipal Council, Sangrur.

SSP Sartaj Singh Chahal revealed that 7 and 4 police cases have already been registered under the NDPS Act against Rajpal Singh and Rajwinder Kaur, respectively, who were residing in the first house demolished today, while 4 cases have been registered under the NDPS Act against a woman named Lakho, who was living in the other house. Meanwhile, SDM Charanjot Singh Walia, who was present at the site, affirmed that those who illegally occupy and construct buildings on government land will not be spared. He stated that under the Punjab government's ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign, this strict action has been taken today with police assistance, sending a clear message that the administration and police are committed to completely eradicating drug smugglers from Punjab.

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"Yudh Nashiyan Virudh"

No Place for Drug Traffickers in Punjab – Tarunpreet Singh Sond

- Presided meeting with civil and police administration officials in Moga

- Punjab Government will not rest until the state is completely drug-free

- Appeal for support from all sections of society in eradicating drug abuse

Chandigarh/Moga, March 18:As part of Punjab Government's "Yudh Nashiyan Virudh" campaign, Cabinet Minister for Rural Development and Panchayats, Industries and Commerce, Investment Promotion, Labour, Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Mr. Tarunpreet Singh Sond held a special meeting with the civil and police administration officials of Moga district. During the meeting, he emphasized that there is no place in Punjab for drug traffickers who are destroying the youth of the state.

Announcing the government's firm stance, the Minister stated that the Punjab Government will not rest until the state is completely free from drugs and drug traffickers are eliminated. He directed the administration to formulate a master plan for eradicating drugs in Moga and launch a widespread awareness campaign in schools and colleges to educate youth about the harmful effects of drug abuse, ensuring that future generations do not fall into this trap.

Mr. Sond emphasized the need for collective efforts to make the anti-drug campaign successful under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Bhagwant Singh Mann. He urged village panchayats to conduct awareness activities at the grassroots level to uproot the menace of drugs. He also stressed the importance of street plays in towns and villages to educate people about drug abuse and directed civil and police administration to coordinate their efforts effectively.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Mr. Sond called upon district officials to consider drug eradication as their social responsibility and work with full commitment. He instructed that panchayats should actively participate in this mission and encourage people to report drug dealers without fear, assuring that their identities would be kept confidential.

The Minister also appealed to families to take their addicted members to government-run de-addiction centers, assuring that the government is committed to rehabilitating them and giving them a chance to lead a healthy life.

Issuing a stern warning to drug traffickers, Mr. Sond said, "Either quit the drug trade or leave Punjab." He asserted that the state government is determined to save its youth and will not spare those leading them astray. He also mentioned that illegally acquired properties of drug traffickers are being seized and demolished to deter others from engaging in such activities.

Deputy Commissioner, Moga Mr. Sagar Setia informed the Minister that besides de-addiction efforts, large-scale preventive actions are already underway. He mentioned that rehabilitation centers are being strengthened to ensure proper treatment and counseling for drug victims. Additionally, skill development programs and employment opportunities are being provided to help rehabilitated individuals reintegrate into society.

The Deputy Commissioner also highlighted the state government's helpline number 9779100200, urging people to share any drug-related information, assuring them that their identities will remain confidential.

SSP Moga, Mr. Ajay Gandhi briefed the Minister on the ongoing crackdown on major drug traffickers and assured that their entire networks will soon be dismantled. He reaffirmed that the police, with public support, will leave no stone unturned in making this campaign successful.

Prior to the meeting, Mr. Tarunpreet Singh Sond addressed the media, reiterating that eradicating drugs from Punjab was a key promise of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann before coming to power. He stated that from day one, the government has been working tirelessly to make Punjab drug-free and restore its glory.

He shared recent achievements under the "Yudh Nashiyan Virudh" campaign, which commenced on March 1, 2025. Between March 1 and March 16, 2025, the following seizures and arrests were made:

1,651 FIRs registered

2,575 arrests made

95.264 kg of heroin seized

1,128 kg of poppy husk confiscated

52.316 kg of opium recovered

16 kg of marijuana seized

4.632 kg of hashish recovered

7,25,666 intoxicating pills confiscated

1,733 liters of illicit liquor (Lahan) seized

Drug money amounting to over ₹64.26 lakh recovered

279 intoxicating injections confiscated

Mr. Sond assured that the Punjab Government has given the police and administration full freedom to act against drug traffickers, ensuring that no trafficker will escape legal action. He emphasized that strict action is being taken without any political interference.

During his visit, the Cabinet Minister was accorded a Guard of Honor at the District Administrative Complex by the Punjab Police.

Prominent attendees included MLA Moga Dr. Amandeep Kaur Arora, MLA Baghapurana Mr. Amritpal Singh Sukhanand, MLA Dharamkot Mr. Davinderjit Singh Ladhi Dhons, MLA Nihal Singh Wala Mr. Manjit Singh Bilaspur, Mayor of Municipal Corporation Mr. Baljit Singh Chaani, Chairman of improvement Trust Mr. Raman Mittal, Chairman of the District Planning Board Mr. Harmandeep Singh Brar, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Mr. Jagvinderjit Singh Grewal, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Ms. Charumita, along with other senior officials from civil and police administration.

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Vigilance Bureau arrests Panchayat Secretary for accepting Rs 15,000 bribe; BDPO evades arrest

Chandigarh, March 18, 2025 – The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its continued efforts to combat corruption, on Wednesday arrested Parmjit Singh, a Panchayat Secretary from village Jhall Bimbri in Kapurthala district for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 15,000. However, the co-accused in the case, Hardyal Singh, Block Development and Panchayats Officer (BDPO) of Kapurthala, managed to evade arrest by fleeing the scene.

An official spokesperson for the Punjab VB informed that the arrest was made following a complaint filed by a resident of village Jhall Bimbri. The complainant alleged that both the BDPO and the Panchayat secretary had demanded a bribe of Rs 20,000 in exchange for issuing a bank check to pay the construction costs of a street.

He further added that after conducting a preliminary inquiry, a VB team laid a trap, leading to the arrest of the Panchayat secretary while he was accepting Rs 15,000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. The BDPO, however, escaped before he could be apprehended.

The spokesperson added that a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against both accused at VB police station Jalandhar. The arrested Panchayat Secretary would be presented before a competent court tomorrow. Further investigation into the case was under progress, he said.