1. Vigilance Bureau arrests Pungrain manager and inspector over Rs 50,000 bribe demand
Chandigarh, 6 November 2026: As part of its continuing anti-corruption campaign, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested Manpreet Singh, Manager of Pungrain, and Davinder Kaur, Inspector and In-charge of Barnala Mandi. They are accused of demanding a bribe of Rs 50,000.
A VB spokesperson said the arrests followed a complaint from a resident of Lakhi Colony, Barnala. The complainant alleged that the two officials demanded Rs 50,000 as illegal gratification to raise the paddy allotment of his rice sheller to match its installed capacity. The conversation in which the bribe was demanded was recorded.
Unwilling to pay, the complainant approached the VB Range Patiala, which acted on his complaint and arrested both accused. A case under the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against them at the VB police station in Patiala, and the investigation is ongoing.
2. India win Asian Champions Trophy in Punjab, boosting the state’s bid for the 2030 World Cup
Chandigarh/Mohali, 6 November: India won the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 by beating Japan 4-1 in the final. The result fulfils Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision of placing Punjab on the global hockey map. Former World Cup winners, Olympians and hockey stars from India and abroad watched the tournament, which was played at two stadiums: the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior Hockey Stadium in Mohali and the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar.
India were unbeaten in all seven matches, five in the league stage at Jalandhar and the semi-final and final at Mohali. This was their record-extending sixth title and their third in a row, following wins in 2023 and 2024.
The final: Kazumasa Matsumoto gave Japan a 1-0 lead in the 3rd minute, and they were still ahead at half-time. India then scored four goals in the last 18 minutes: Shilanand Lakra equalised in the 42nd minute, Dilpreet Singh made it 2-1 in the 47th, Jugraj Singh made it 3-1 in the 52nd, and Vivek Sagar Prasad sealed the win in the 53rd. In the bronze medal match, Malaysia beat South Korea 5-2.
Harmanpreet Singh: The Indian captain was named Player of the Tournament and finished as top scorer with 10 goals. His 10th goal took his senior international tally to 250. He scored a hat-trick against Malaysia in the league stage, converted drag-flicks under pressure, and led calmly in the final.
Krishan Bahadur Pathak: The goalkeeper was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament. His key saves, particularly against penalty corners in the league matches against Malaysia and South Korea, helped India stay unbeaten.
The venues: The Mohali stadium hosted its first international tournament. With full stands, a lively atmosphere, top facilities and smooth organisation for the semi-finals, bronze medal match and final, it drew praise from teams, officials and fans across Asia. The Jalandhar stadium, which hosted the league phase, also earned wide acclaim. It saw packed crowds every evening, from India’s 13-0 opening win over Bangladesh to the 4-2 win over Malaysia.
The success of both venues strengthens Punjab’s claim to host the 2030 World Cup. With this title, India head toward the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 as Asia’s top side.
3. Punjab’s paddy procurement crosses 150 LMT
Chandigarh, 6 November: Punjab Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak announced that paddy arrivals and procurement in the state’s mandis have both passed 150 lakh metric tonnes (LMT), a record for the Kharif Marketing Season 2026-27.
He said the government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has kept procurement smooth and farmer-friendly in every mandi. Arrivals have crossed 152 LMT and procurement 150 LMT, which he said shows farmers’ trust in the system.
Lifting has gone beyond 110 LMT, and 84.65 percent of the paddy procured has been lifted within 72 hours. The Minister said the department is focusing on faster lifting so that mandis stay clear for fresh arrivals. Payments of Rs 33,000 crore have been credited to farmers’ accounts, which he put at 100.89 percent. He reiterated that every grain will be purchased and paid for on time.
The department is working closely with procurement agencies, the Mandi Board, transporters and labour to ensure uninterrupted procurement, timely lifting and prompt payment.
4. Day 290 of “Gangstran Te Vaar”: 202 arrested in 545 raids
Chandigarh, 6 November: On the 290th day of the “Gangstran Te Vaar” campaign, Punjab Police carried out 545 raids at identified locations linked to gangsters’ associates across the state. They arrested 202 people and recovered five weapons, bringing total arrests since the campaign began to 82,889. Preventive action was taken against 168 people, and four Proclaimed Offenders were arrested.
DGP Gaurav Yadav launched the campaign on 20 January 2026 to make Punjab gangster-free. Police teams from all districts, working with the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), are conducting special operations across the state. Anyone can anonymously share information about wanted criminals, gangsters or other criminal activity through the Anti-Gangster Helpline, 93946-93946.
Drug drive: On the 615th day of “Yudh Nashian Virudh”, police arrested 131 drug smugglers and recovered 36.5 kg of heroin, 500 grams of opium, 121 kg of poppy husk, 4,206 intoxicant pills and Rs 17,700 in drug money. This takes the total number of smugglers arrested to 91,432 in 615 days. Police also persuaded 33 people to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.
5. Four held, including a juvenile, with 36 kg heroin in Amritsar
Chandigarh/Amritsar, 6 November: Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has busted a cross-border narcotics network, arresting four people, including a juvenile, and seizing 36 kg of heroin, DGP Gaurav Yadav said on Friday. The operation is part of the drive for a safe and drug-free Punjab under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s directions.
The arrested are Sahil Singh of Ghanupur, Amritsar; Paramjeet Singh and Kamalpal Singh, both of Rajasansi, Amritsar; and a juvenile. Paramjeet Singh has a criminal record and faces three cases under the NDPS Act. Police also impounded two Hero Splendor motorcycles used to move the consignment.
According to the DGP, preliminary investigation shows the accused were acting on instructions from a foreign-based handler, who arranged heroin deliveries near the India-Pakistan border in the Lopoke area and passed them on to other parties through his operatives.
CI Amritsar received specific intelligence that the four associates had collected a large, drone-dropped consignment from the Lopoke border area and would soon hand it over to another party on the Amritsar-Lopoke Road. Police raided the area and intercepted the four on their motorcycles near the Bharatmala Highway bridge.
The investigation continues to trace the network’s forward and backward linkages. FIR No. 72, dated 6 November 2026, has been registered under Sections 21, 25 and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), Amritsar.