Amritsar Police Bust Two Illegal Arms and Drug Supply Networks; Nine Arrested, Including Two Juveniles

Five Pistols, Nine Live Cartridges and 4 Kg Heroin Recovered; Attempt-to-Murder and Snatching Case Also Solved

Accused Sanjay Kumar Was Allegedly Tasked by Foreign-Based Handlers to Target Police Establishments: CP Harmanbir Gill

Further Investigation Underway to Identify Wider Criminal Network and Trace Forward and Backward Linkages: DGP Gaurav Yadav

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, November 14:

In a major breakthrough against organised crime, Amritsar Commissionerate Police has dismantled two illegal arms and narcotics supply networks with the arrest of nine persons, including two juveniles. The police have also solved a sensational attempt-to-murder and snatching case.

Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said on Saturday that the action was part of the ongoing drive, under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, to make Punjab a safer and more secure state.

During the operations, police teams recovered five illegal firearms, including two .32 bore pistols, one 9MM pistol, one .30 bore pistol and one Glock 9MM pistol. Nine live cartridges, 4 kg of heroin and a Honda Activa scooter were also seized.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Harpreet Singh (34), a resident of village Bhakna Kalan in Amritsar; Malkiat Singh alias Meeta (27) of village Chawinda Kalan; Sukhdev Singh alias Sukh (24) of village Naushehra Dhalla in Tarn Taran; Karandeep Singh alias Kalu (24) of village Rajatal in Amritsar; Rohit alias Chohi (21) and Kavijit Singh (21), both residents of Khandwala in Amritsar; and Sanjay Kumar alias Motta (24) of Bhalla Colony, Amritsar. Two juveniles have also been apprehended.

According to the police, several of the arrested accused have previous criminal records, with cases relating to robbery, snatching, the NDPS Act and the Arms Act registered against them.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said further investigation was underway to identify other associates, establish the complete forward and backward linkages and dismantle the larger criminal networks involved in illegal arms trafficking and drug smuggling.

Three Separate Operations Lead to Major Recoveries

Sharing details of the operations, Amritsar Commissioner of Police Harmanbir Singh Gill said that in the first operation, teams from Police Station Cantonment acted on specific intelligence inputs and arrested Malkiat Singh alias Meeta, Sukhdev Singh alias Sukh, Karandeep Singh alias Kalu and two juveniles.

The police recovered two pistols, four live cartridges and 4 kg of heroin from their possession.

In the second operation, Harpreet Singh was arrested, and two .32 bore pistols along with two live cartridges were recovered from him.

In the third operation, police teams solved an attempt-to-murder and snatching case by arresting Rohit alias Chohi, Kavijit Singh and Sanjay Kumar alias Motta. One Glock 9MM pistol and three live cartridges were recovered from their possession.

According to the investigation, three unidentified assailants had opened fire at complainant Inderpreet Singh, injuring him in the leg. The attackers also snatched Rs 3,000 in cash, an artificial kada and a ring before fleeing the scene. A case in this connection was registered at Police Station A-Division.

Commissioner of Police Harmanbir Singh Gill further disclosed that interrogation had revealed that accused Sanjay Kumar was allegedly assigned the task of targeting police establishments by handlers based abroad.

Three separate FIRs have been registered in connection with the cases. FIR No. 211 dated November 12, 2026, under Sections 25(6,7,8) of the Arms Act, Sections 21-C and 29 of the NDPS Act and Section 78 of the Juvenile Justice Act; FIR No. 212 dated November 12, 2026, under Section 25 of the Arms Act, both at Police Station Cantonment; and FIR No. 163 dated November 4, 2026, under Sections 109, 125-B, 304(2), 126(2), 3(5) and 317(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act, at Police Station A-Division.

Punjab Police Intensifies Crackdown on Gangsters; 215 Arrested During 580 Raids Across State

Action Taken Against 211 More Individuals on Day 298 of 'Gangstran Te Vaar' Campaign; Nine Proclaimed Offenders Held

Citizens Can Share Gangster-Related Information Anonymously Through Helpline 93946-93946

120 Drug Smugglers Arrested, 1.9 Kg Heroin Seized During Day 623 of 'Yudh Nashian Virudh'

CHANDIGARH, November 14:

Punjab Police has stepped up its offensive against organised crime, conducting 580 raids at identified locations linked to gangsters and their associates across the state on the 298th day of its special campaign, 'Gangstran Te Vaar'.

During the statewide operation, police arrested 215 individuals and recovered four weapons. Preventive action was also initiated against 211 persons, while nine proclaimed offenders were apprehended.

According to the police, the campaign was launched by Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav on January 20, 2026, with the objective of making Punjab free from gangster-related activities. Police teams from all districts are conducting coordinated operations in collaboration with the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF).

With the latest arrests, the total number of individuals apprehended since the launch of the campaign has reached 84,287.

Public Urged to Share Information About Gangsters

Punjab Police has appealed to citizens to come forward with information about wanted criminals, gangsters and suspicious criminal activities.

People can anonymously share information through the Anti-Gangster Helpline Number 93946-93946. The facility is intended to encourage public participation in the fight against organised crime while protecting the identity of informants.

'Yudh Nashian Virudh' Campaign Also Gains Momentum

Meanwhile, Punjab Police continued its anti-drug drive, 'Yudh Nashian Virudh', on its 623rd day.

During the latest operations, 120 drug smugglers were arrested. Police recovered 1.9 kg of heroin, 569 grams of opium, 351 intoxicant pills and Rs 64,600 in drug money from their possession.

With these arrests, the total number of drug smugglers apprehended during the 623-day campaign has risen to 92,757.

Alongside enforcement measures, police are also focusing on rehabilitation and de-addiction. On Saturday, 19 individuals were motivated to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.

The twin campaigns reflect the Punjab Police's continued focus on tackling organised crime and drug trafficking through coordinated enforcement, intelligence gathering and rehabilitation efforts.

Punjab Government Aims to Turn Youth into Job Creators, Not Job Seekers: CM Bhagwant Mann

26% of State Budget Allocated to Education; Government Schools Witness Major Transformation in Four Years

Border Areas Emerging as Centres of Higher Education, Says Chief Minister at Shaheed Bhagat Singh University Convocation

Special Recruitment Preparation Camps to Be Organised for Youth Aspiring to Join Armed Forces

FEROZEPUR, November 14:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday said his government was committed to transforming the state's youth from job seekers into job creators by placing education, technical learning, skill development and sports at the heart of its development agenda.

Addressing the maiden convocation ceremony of Shaheed Bhagat Singh University, the Chief Minister said the government had allocated 26 per cent of the state budget to education and had undertaken significant reforms in government schools over the past four years.

He said the development of educational infrastructure in border areas was also receiving special attention, creating new opportunities for young people to pursue higher education closer to their homes.

The Chief Minister emphasised that youngsters should not restrict their ambitions to conventional career options but explore opportunities in entrepreneurship, professional services, sports and other emerging fields.

The ceremony was attended by Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria.

Congratulating the graduating students, CM Mann urged them to remain connected with their roots, respect their parents and teachers, and use their education to contribute meaningfully to society.

He described the convocation as an important milestone marking the successful completion of years of hard work and dedication.

Shaheed Bhagat Singh University Emerging as a Major Educational Hub

The Chief Minister said Shaheed Bhagat Singh University, established in 2021 over an area of 98 acres, currently has more than 2,600 students, with enrolment expected to double by next year.

He said strengthening educational facilities in border areas had remained a priority for his government.

Earlier, students from these regions had limited access to institutions offering higher education. However, the university had now emerged as an important centre of learning for young people across the border belt.

He added that education, technical knowledge and skill development were essential for empowering the younger generation and preparing them for future opportunities.

Government School Students Record Nearly Eleven-Fold Rise in NEET Success

Highlighting improvements in government school education, CM Mann said 882 students from Punjab government schools had qualified for NEET in the recently declared results, compared with just 80 in 2021.

He described the achievement as an almost eleven-fold increase within four years, reflecting the improvement in educational standards in government institutions.

The Chief Minister said the success was particularly encouraging because many of the qualified students belonged to economically modest families, including households of rickshaw pullers, small shopkeepers and vegetable vendors.

He said these students had demonstrated that determination, hard work and access to quality education could help overcome financial limitations.

Rs 1,794 Crore Allocated for Sports Development

CM Mann said the state government had allocated Rs 1,794 crore for the sports sector to strengthen infrastructure and create more opportunities for young athletes.

Referring to the recently organised Asian Hockey Championship, he said Punjab had hosted an international sporting event in the state for the first time in its history.

He added that the government was making sustained efforts to promote sporting talent and build a stronger sports ecosystem.

The Chief Minister stressed that success should not be measured only by becoming a doctor or an engineer. Sports and several other professional fields offered equally promising opportunities for talented youngsters.

Parents Should Encourage Children to Follow Their Dreams

Appealing to parents, CM Mann said every child had different abilities and interests and should be encouraged to pursue a career according to individual strengths.

He said parents should support their children's aspirations rather than impose their own expectations.

Drawing an analogy with an aircraft, he said an aircraft needs assistance until it reaches the runway, but once airborne, its destination depends on the strength of its engine. Similarly, parents, teachers and mentors provide the initial support that enables children to move forward, while their determination and capabilities ultimately shape their success.

Punjab's Sporting Talent Bringing Glory to the Nation

The Chief Minister said Punjabi sportspersons were making significant contributions to Indian sports at national and international levels.

Referring to Harmanpreet Singh, Shubman Gill, Harmanpreet Kaur and Palpreet Singh Brar, he said these athletes had brought pride to the country through their leadership and achievements in hockey, cricket and basketball.

He also highlighted Punjab's strong representation in the Indian hockey team, saying the state's sporting talent continued to bring recognition to the nation.

Special Camps to Prepare Youth for Armed Forces Recruitment

CM Mann said young people from Punjab's border districts had a strong inclination towards joining the armed forces and institutions such as the National Defence Academy.

He disclosed that during his interaction with the Chief of Army Staff and senior leadership of Western Command, he had assured them that the Punjab Government would organise recruitment awareness and preparation camps for aspiring candidates.

These initiatives would encourage more Punjabi youngsters to join the armed forces, including the Sikh Regiment.

The Chief Minister also encouraged graduates to prepare for competitive examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and aspire to become IAS and IPS officers.

He reminded students that their success should never make them forget the sacrifices of their parents and teachers.

Describing teachers as gardeners who nurture young minds, he said their greatest satisfaction came from seeing their students succeed.

Concluding his address, CM Mann urged the graduates to remain connected with Punjab and contribute to its development. He assured them that he would always be available to support them whenever required and wished them success in their future endeavours.

Punjab Launches 'Punjab Da Crorepati' Quiz Competition; State-Level Winner to Take Home Rs 1 Crore

Unique Initiative to Engage Youth in Knowledge and Competitive Exam Preparation; Open to Punjab Residents Aged 15–30

Four Runners-Up to Receive Rs 10 Lakh Each, While Eight Other Top Performers Will Get Rs 5 Lakh Each

Registration to Continue Until November 28; District Finals on December 9 and Grand Finale on December 17

CHANDIGARH, November 14:

In an innovative initiative aimed at encouraging knowledge, learning and competitive spirit among young people, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has launched the statewide quiz competition 'Punjab Da Crorepati'.

The competition will offer a grand cash prize of Rs 1 crore to the state-level winner, providing youngsters with an opportunity to test their knowledge while preparing for competitive examinations and government jobs.

Announcing the initiative on Saturday, the Chief Minister said the government wanted young people to focus on education and knowledge because the pen played a vital role in shaping the destiny of a nation.

He emphasised that the success of Punjab's youth was the real progress of the state and assured them that the government would stand by them at every stage.

The competition will be open to Punjab residents aged between 15 and 30 years. The winner will receive Rs 1 crore, while four runners-up will get Rs 10 lakh each. Eight other participants securing positions on the leaderboard will receive Rs 5 lakh each.

In addition, a total of 10,000 participants will receive various prizes under the competition.

Quiz Based on the Format of Kaun Banega Crorepati

CM Mann said the competition would follow a format similar to the popular television quiz show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' (KBC).

Participants will be asked multiple-choice questions, each carrying four options, of which only one will be correct.

The competition will consist of 11 rounds. The first nine rounds will be conducted online, followed by the tenth round at the district level across all 23 districts of Punjab. The final and eleventh round will be the grand state-level finale.

The Chief Minister said approximately 50,000 questions would be included in the question bank. These would cover Punjab's history, geography, art, culture, mathematics, general knowledge and information about the state government.

Questions would also follow the pattern of competitive recruitment examinations for posts such as Constable, Patwari and PCS.

The initiative is expected to help young people improve their general knowledge, develop confidence and strengthen their preparation for future government recruitment examinations.

Attractive Cash Prizes for Top Performers

The prize structure has been designed to reward a large number of participants.

• State-level winner: Rs 1 crore.

• Four runners-up: Rs 10 lakh each.

• Eight leaderboard achievers: Rs 5 lakh each.

• A total of 10,000 participants: Various cash rewards.

• Outstanding participants: Digital certificates and other recognition.

The Chief Minister said the entire selection process would be transparent to ensure equal opportunities for all participants.

He added that participants would receive the correct answers immediately after attempting questions, allowing them to learn from their mistakes and improve their knowledge.

Eligibility Criteria and Subjects

The competition is open to residents of all 23 districts of Punjab who will be between 15 and 30 years of age as on January 1, 2027.

The syllabus will cover:

• History and geography of Punjab.

• Art, culture and heritage.

• General knowledge and current affairs.

• Mathematics and aptitude.

• Governance and government initiatives.

• Achievements and development of Punjab.

The competition will be conducted through a digital quiz platform.

Registration and Competition Schedule

According to the detailed programme, the online quiz rounds will be conducted on November 21, 23, 25, 27 and 29, followed by December 1, 3, 5 and 7.

The district-level competitions will take place across all 23 districts on December 9, while the grand finale is scheduled for December 17.

The top 10 participants from each district will qualify for the district-level stage, and the winner from every district will advance to the state-level grand finale.

A mock quiz will also be made available to familiarise participants with the digital platform and help them understand the format before the actual competition begins.

How to Register for Punjab Da Crorepati

Youngsters can register through the official 'Punjab Da Crorepati' portal or mobile application, which is proposed to be made available through the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

The registration process involves the following steps:

Step 1: Complete Registration

• Visit the official Punjab Da Crorepati portal or download the mobile application.

• Enter your mobile number.

• Verify the number through an OTP.

• Complete the identity verification process.

• Provide school or college details, if applicable.

• Select your district.

Step 2: Participate in Online Quiz Rounds

• Log in using your registered mobile number and OTP.

• Attempt the scheduled online quiz rounds.

• Select the correct answer from four available options.

• Each question will have a time limit of 20 seconds.

• Once the allotted time expires, the next question will appear automatically.

• There will be no pause facility during the quiz.

Step 3: Qualify Through Performance

• Participants will be ranked according to their scores.

• Top performers will qualify for subsequent rounds.

• Cumulative scores will determine eligibility for district-level and further stages.

Step 4: Compete in the Grand Finale

• Selected district-level winners will advance to the state-level finale.

• Finalists will compete for the top prize of Rs 1 crore.

• Other cash awards will also be distributed according to the final rankings.

Important Information for Participants

• Eligibility: Punjab residents aged 15–30 years as on January 1, 2027.

• Registration deadline: November 28, 2026.

• Question format: Multiple-choice questions.

• Time per question: 20 seconds.

• Total rounds: 11.

• District-level competition: December 9.

• Grand finale: December 17.

• First prize: Rs 1 crore.

The announcement mentions November 15 as the registration opening date in its headline, while the detailed programme refers to November 14. Participants should check the official portal for the confirmed registration schedule.

The grand finale is proposed to be organised at a major venue or stadium and may feature cultural programmes, entertainment and appearances by prominent Punjabi artists and celebrities. Television and digital broadcasting options are also being explored.

CM Mann appealed to young people across Punjab to participate enthusiastically and make the most of the opportunity.

He said the initiative was designed to channel the energy of the state's youth towards education, knowledge and constructive competition, while creating a platform where talent and hard work could earn recognition.

'Meri Rasoi' Scheme Benefits Over 31 Lakh Families in Punjab; Government Targets 40 Lakh Households Every Quarter

Ludhiana Tops District-Wise Distribution with 3.75 Lakh Ration Kits, Followed by Patiala and Bathinda

Essential Food Items Being Provided Alongside Wheat Under the National Food Security Act

CHANDIGARH, November 14:

Punjab's flagship welfare initiative 'Meri Rasoi' is making significant progress, with more than 31 lakh families having received ration kits during the second quarter of the distribution drive so far.

The Punjab Government aims to cover 40 lakh eligible families every quarter, ensuring access to essential food items and improving nutritional security among economically weaker households.

The initiative is being implemented under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and the guidance of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak.

The distribution process is being carried out on a mission mode to ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive the benefits without unnecessary delays.

Each Ration Kit Contains Five Essential Food Items

Under the scheme, every eligible family receives a specially prepared ration kit containing essential food items required for household consumption.

Each kit includes:

• 2 kg of pulses.

• 2 kg of sugar.

• 1 kg of salt.

• 200 grams of turmeric powder.

• 1 litre of mustard oil.

These items are being distributed in addition to the wheat already provided to eligible families under the National Food Security Act, 2013.

The objective is to supplement the regular supply of staple food grains with essential proteins, cooking oil and spices, thereby improving the overall nutritional intake of beneficiary households.

Ludhiana Leads District-Wise Distribution

According to the latest figures released by the department, Ludhiana has recorded the highest distribution under the scheme, followed by Patiala and Bathinda.

The district-wise figures are as follows:

• Ludhiana: 3,75,831 ration kits.

• Patiala: 2,40,975 ration kits.

• Bathinda: 1,94,584 ration kits.

• Amritsar: 1,89,580 ration kits.

• Fazilka: 1,65,338 ration kits.

Ludhiana has emerged as the leading district in the distribution drive, while Patiala and Bathinda occupy the second and third positions, respectively.

Markfed Responsible for Preparing Ration Kits

The ration kits are being assembled by Markfed, while the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department is overseeing their distribution across the state.

The government is closely monitoring the entire process to maintain transparency, prevent duplication and ensure that the benefits reach every eligible household.

District administrations, departmental officials and local-level functionaries are coordinating their efforts to ensure smooth implementation of the scheme.

The 'Meri Rasoi' initiative is aimed at strengthening food security and addressing nutritional needs among vulnerable families.

By providing essential food items in addition to wheat under the existing public distribution system, the government intends to offer additional support to households struggling with rising household expenses.

Major Relief for Punjab Farmers: VDS for Regularising Excess Tubewell Load Extended Until December 29

Service Connection Charges Slashed from Rs 6,572 to Rs 2,500 per BHP; Security Deposit Reduced by 50 Per Cent

No Penalty or Load Surcharge on Voluntarily Disclosed or Inspection-Detected Excess Load During Scheme Period: Power Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond

CHANDIGARH, November 14:

In a major relief for farmers, the Punjab Government has extended the Voluntary Disclosure Scheme (VDS) for regularising excess load on agricultural tubewell connections by another 45 days, giving eligible consumers until December 29, 2026, to complete the process.

The government has also substantially reduced the financial burden associated with regularisation by lowering service connection charges from Rs 6,572 to Rs 2,500 per BHP and cutting the security deposit from Rs 400 to Rs 200 per BHP.

Punjab Power Minister S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond announced the extension on Saturday, stating that the initiative had been introduced on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to provide farmers with an affordable and convenient opportunity to regularise unauthorised excess load on their agricultural tubewell connections.

Significant Reduction in Regularisation Charges

The Power Minister said the scheme had been designed to reduce the financial burden on farmers and encourage them to bring their agricultural electricity connections in line with prescribed regulations.

Earlier, farmers were required to pay Rs 6,572 per BHP as service connection charges for regularising additional load. This amount has now been reduced to Rs 2,500 per BHP.

Similarly, the security deposit has been reduced from Rs 400 to Rs 200 per BHP, providing further financial relief to agricultural consumers.

No Penalty on Excess Load During Scheme Period

Another major provision of the extended scheme is the exemption from penalties and load surcharges.

The minister clarified that no penalty or additional load surcharge would be imposed on unauthorised excess load during the validity of the scheme, whether the excess load was voluntarily disclosed by the farmer or detected during departmental inspections.

This provision will allow farmers to regularise their tubewell connections without facing additional financial penalties.

Farmers Get Another 45 Days to Regularise Connections

The Power Minister said the Voluntary Disclosure Scheme was initially introduced for 45 days, from October 1 to November 14, 2026.

Following the latest decision, the scheme has been extended by another 45 days, allowing eligible agricultural tubewell consumers to regularise their excess load until December 29, 2026.

S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond appealed to farmers to take advantage of the extended deadline and complete the regularisation process within the stipulated period.

He said the government was committed to making electricity-related procedures more affordable and convenient for the farming community while ensuring compliance with the prescribed rules.

The extension is expected to provide additional time and financial relief to farmers who wish to regularise excess load on their agricultural tubewell connections.