Punjab Police Cracks Ludhiana Blast Case Within 24 Hours

25th December 2021 at 6:35 PM

 Police obtains further leads to Unearth the whole conspiracy  

Strong indications that deceased dismissed cop had terror links 

Deceased had links with Pak-based Pro-Khalistani elements 

Police successfully cracking Ludhiana Blast case in less than 24 hours 

DGP Siddharth Chattopadhyaya congratulates Punjab Police

Secure and peaceful environment in the state is Our priority-DGP

Ludhiana: 25th December 2021: (Punjab Screen Bureau)::

In less than 24 hours, the Punjab Police has managed to crack the the Ludhiana Court Bomb Blast case after zeroing in on the identity of the deceased as Gagandeep Singh (31) of Khanna, who was recruited in Punjab Police as constable and dismissed in August 2019 after 385 gm of heroin was recovered from his possession.

“I am Proud of the Punjab Police, who have successfully cracked the Ludhiana blast case in less than 24 hours,” said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Siddharth Chattopadhyaya, while addressing a press conference at Punjab Police Headquarters in Chandigarh on Saturday.

As per the information, a high intensity explosion occurred in a public toilet at the District Court Complex in Ludhiana on Thursday, which left one person dead and six other persons injured. The district court was functioning as usual, when the blast took place and it was so powerful, that the public toilet was damaged and several window panes of the building were shattered.  

DGP Siddharth Chattopadhyaya said that during the course of post mortem the Police were able to identify the deceased from his tattoo mark on the right arm. Separately, the DNA samples of the body were also collected, he added.

He said that accused Gagandeep Singh was working as a Munshi at PS Sadar Khanna, when he was arrested with heroin and an NDPS case was registered at Police Station STF SAS Nagar, Mohali. The case is under trial at the prosecution evidence stage, said the DGP.

He said that after having spent two years in Ludhiana Jail in the said case, he got out from Ludhiana jail on bail in the month of September 2021 and he was to appear in the court again on December 24, 2021.

The DGP said that preliminary investigations suggest that accused Gagandeep wanted to create fear and panic at the court premises.

Not ruling out the Pak-based Pro-Khalistan connection behind this act, the DGP said that the Police are investigating this case from all angles. “Preliminary investigations suggests that accused Gagandeep could have developed links with Pro-Khalistan elements in the jail, who have used him to target the Court premises with intention to disturb the peace of the State,” said DGP Siddharth Chattopadhyaya, while answering to Journalist’s question.

The DGP said that the material used for the explosion is yet to be ascertained as samples have been sent to the forensic lab. “A team of NSG and that of the state forensic experts were called for a post blast investigation,” he said.

During the course of systematic clearing of debris at the blast site, the forensic team collected some vital clues like damaged mobile set and burnt clothes on the body of the deceased besides other material evidence, the DGP added.

Notably, the DGP has also personally visited the Court Complex, where the blast took place and had a meeting with District and Sessions Judge, Ludhiana and reviewed the security arrangements. The DGP also held the meeting with field officers on Friday and directed them to keep utmost vigil to prevent any further terror attack in the state.

According to the accused Gagandeep’s wife Jaspreet Kaur Gagandeep had left home at about 9.30am on the day of the blast and his mobile was switched off ever since. She recognised the tattoo mark on the arm of Gagandeep and the apparel worn by him.

Meanwhile, an FIR dated December 23, 2021 has already been registered under sections 302, 307 and 124-A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and various sections of Explosive Substances Act, Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act at Police Station Division No. 5, Ludhiana.

Women Congress President Sodhi visited the Blast site

 24th December 2021 at 6:57 PM

 Balvir Rani Sodhi met the injured in blast 

Ludhiana:24th December 2021 (Punjab screen Bureau)::

Punjab Pradesh Mahila Congress President Balvir Rani Sodhi visited the spot in Ludhiana today and at the same time visited the DMC and Civil Hospital to inquire about the condition of the injured. Meanwhile, Balvir Rani Sodhi met the injured Ludhiana lawyer who was admitted to DMC Hospital Ludhiana and encouraged him and said that the incident was very unfortunate. She said that she was praying to God for his recovery so that he would get well soon and return home.

Simultaneously, Balvir Rani Sodhi reached Civil Hospital in Raikot to meet the girl who was injured in the accident. Speaking on the occasion he said that the Punjab government was working on the matter with full vigor and soon the people responsible for this incident would be behind bars. The Mahila Congress President said that Punjab Government has always wanted to maintain law and order situation for its people and would always work for it. But despite this, the opposition parties should not bake political bread on what has happened.

No civilised society can approve of such killings:Capt.

21st December 2021 at 7:08 PM

Accused should have been handed over to the police

National security, Punjab interest, top priority: Capt Amarinder

Rajpura (Patiala): 21st December 2021: (Gurjit Billa//Punjab Screen)::

Former Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh today said that national security and the welfare of Punjab was on top of his agenda and hoped that next PLC-BJP goverment will successfully work on that.

Addressing a public meeting after inducting senior Congress leader,  Jagdish Kumar Jagga into the party, here today, Capt Amarinder said, the two parties were working in close coordination to ensure success in the ellections.

Later talking to reporters, Capt Amarinder said, the case registered against Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia will not stand legal scrutiny as the government had not followed due process of law.

He also condemned the killing of the sacrilege accused in Durbar Sahib and Kapurthala, saying the accused should have been handed over to the police.

Responding to a question on registration of an FIR against Majithia, he asked on what basis the government had registered the case against him since the report on drug trafficking was still lying with Punjab and Haryana High Court in a sealed cover. "After all there is a law in the country and I am sure it will not stand the legal scrutiny in the court of law", he said, while adding, "just because you don't like someone, you can't put him behind bars".

To a question on lynchings in Amritsar and Kapurthala, Capt Amarinder said, the accused should have been handed over to the police. No civilised society can and should approve of such killings.

On the issue of people getting angry for denial of justice over Behbal Kalan sacrilege, thus resorting to such killings, the former Chief Minister said, his government had pursued it from day one.

He said, first the state had to fight a long legal battle to get the inquiry back from the Central Bureau of Investigation and then the investigation was started and 22 people including police officials and civilians were arrested who are on bail now.

He said, there is no justification for mob lynching, whatsoever and it is condemnable.

Earlier Capt Amarinder was accorded a rousing reception by people of this industrial town. His cavalcade of cars was led by a motorcycle rally, participated over by hundreds of youth. He was greeted and cheered by people and was showered with flowers all through the route.

Capt Amarinder recalled his sentimental association with Rajpura town. He said, his father late Maharaja Yadwinder Singh had settled the refugees from Bahawalpur in this town and his mother Late Rajmata Mohinder Kaur used to look after the refugees and he used to visit the camps with her.

Responding to the complaints of harassment, arm twisting, intimidation and registration of false cases at the behest of local MLA, Capt Amarinder said, he will ensure that he (the MLA) is held accountable very soon. "The time for this government is up and it is just a matter of few days when code of conduct will be imposed", he said, while adding, "neither this MLA, nor this government will be seen anywhere after the elections".

Capt Amarinder thanked the Bharatiya Janata Party leadership, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Home Minister Amit Shah in particular, for their whole hearted support for Punjab.

He said, his top most priority was national security and good governance in Punjab. He warned against the designs of the enemy country which was continuously sending in weapons for creating trouble here. He emphasised the need for close coordination between the Punjab Police and various central security agencies.

Congratulating Jagdish Jagga for organising an impressive public meeting, Capt Amarinder said, this reflected his popularity among the people.

On the issue of ticket distribution, Capt Amarinder said, his party and the Bharatiya Janata Party will work together to finalise the winning candidates only.

He also thanked the BJP leaders and workers who attended the meeting.

A book by Dr. Arvinder Singh Bhalla released by Governor

19th December 2021 at 11:49 AM

This is the eleventh book by Dr. Arvinder Singh Bhalla

Ludhiana: 19th December 2021: (Kartika Singh//Punjab Screen)::

Guru Nanak's Vision of Multicultural Society and Peaceful Coexistence', a book written by Dr. Arvinder Singh Bhalla, Principal of Gujranwala Guru Nanak Khalsa College, Ludhiana, is unveiled by the Hon'ble Governor of Punjab Sh. Banwarilal Purohit at Punjab Raj Bhawan, Chandigarh. This book has been written to convey to the younger generation the divine message of Unity of God, Unity of Mankind, equality, mutual love, world peace, mutual love and cooperation and benevolence given by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism to the international community. The book has a immense relevance in the current scenario in the sense as there is strong sense of mutual distrust, communalism, narrow mindedness, disrespect for human rights, sense of insecurity among minorities, conservative attitude towards ethnic divisions and socio-cultural conflicts exist in our present day society.

On this occasion Hon'ble Governor of Punjab Mr. Banwarilal Purohit while sharing his views said that Dr. Arvinder Singh Bhalla has been continuously analysing the social, economic, cultural, religious and political aspects of Guru Nanak's philosophy for a long time. This book will help us to find a lasting solution to the problems of discrimination on the basis of caste, class, religion, color, language, region, etc., keeping in view the present day needs and also will inspire us all to follow the path shown by the Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He, while praising Dr. Arvinder Singh Bhalla's book, said that in the academic field also, Dr. Bhalla's book will prove to be extremely useful for all scholars and research students engaged in research work on the philosophy and Bani of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.  On this occasion, Dr. Subhash Sharma, Former Senator, Panjab University, Chandigarh, Prof. Gurmeet Singh, Senator, Panjab University, Chandigarh, Prof. Navpreet Kaur Bhalla, Head, Department of Economics, Guru Nanak Prem Karamsar College, Nadala and others were also present.

Dr. Bhalla, commenting on his book, said that 552 years ago Guru Nanak Dev Ji developed the concept of a multicultural society with a revolutionary message to inspire masses to respect human dignity and human rights; to build communal harmony and to promote world peace; to respect socio-cultural diversities and difference of opinions; and to establish a multicultural society  to promote peaceful coexistence, where every person has equal rights and equal opportunities to make progress in all spheres of life without any socio-cultural discriminations and respect the religious differences and human dignity. Dr. Bhalla also said that Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s philosophy of universal brotherhood, equality and respect for human dignity was prevalent even before the West had developed the concept of ‘democracy’. Dr. Bhalla expressed a heartfelt gratitude to Dr. H. S. Bedi, Chancellor, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamsala. Dr. S. P. Singh, Former Vice Chancellor, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar and Prof. Pithipal Singh Kapoor, Former Pro-Vice Chancellor, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar and said that it was due to the support and guidance of these visionary personalities that this book is written.

It is worth mentioning here that this is the eleventh book by Dr. Arvinder Singh Bhalla and besides that he has so far written more than eighty research papers and completed research work approved by Indian Council of Social Science Research, New Delhi. He is a member of various National and International academic bodies and various governmental and non-governmental organizations have honoured Dr. Bhalla for his research work, contribution to higher education and social services. He has also been nominated by the Vice President of India for the Senate of Panjab University, Chandigarh in recognition of his recent achievements in the field of higher education.

'Athwen Rang Di Talaash' was released in Ludhiana

Jaspreet Kaur Falak:Heiress of tradition of Meera, Mahadevi Verma and Amrita  

Ludhiana: 15th December 2021: (Punjab Screen Bureau)::

On behalf of the literary organization 'Kavita Katha Caravan' (Regd.) and 'Katha Caravan Prakashan', famous Hindi poetess Jaspreet Kaur Falak's new Punjabi poetry collection 'Athwen Rang Di Talaash' was released in a grand ceremony held under the chairmanship of Prof. Ravinder Bhattal, President of Punjabi Sahitya Akademi and Renowned writer. District Language Officer Mr. Sandeep Sharma graced the occasion as chief guest. Pravasi litterateur Meeta Khanna from Canada brought Tashreef as a special guest. 

Senior litterateur Trilochan Lochi while welcoming all the literary lovers present, ranked Jaspreet Kaur Falak among the best potential writers of the Punjab. A literary discussion on the book 'Athwen Rang Di Talaash' was also organized on this occasion. Renowned litterateur-critic principal Dr. Gurikbal Singh, while throwing a detailed light on the sensibility and creation world of Jaspreet Kaur Falak, proved her to be a poetess of experienced reality and appreciated her for her excellent Punjabi creation despite being a Hindi-speaking person. 

Taking forward the discussion, senior poet Sardar Panchi along with Harmeet Vidyarthi, Maninder Gogia, Sahajpreet Mangat, Paramjit Singh Sohal, Charanjit Singh, Karamjit Grewal, Shaili Wadhwa, Ajmer Singh etc. elaborated on the various aspects of Jaspreet Kaur Falak's creation world. 

Rajendra Sahil, underlining the authenticity and truthfulness of Falak's experience, proved him to be the heiress of the tradition of Meera, Mahadevi Varma and Amrita Pritam. Along with this, the news letter of the organization 'Kavita Katha Caravan' was also released by the literature lovers present. 

In the program, famous singers Dharmendra Masani, Jatinder Jeetu and Gurdarshan Dhuri and Meeta Khanna presented a melodious rendition of ghazals written by Jaspreet Kaur Falak while wishing her a happy birthday. Amarjeet Sherpuri, Harmeet Poet, Harjit Ladwa, Jaskirat Singh, Navkamal Singh, Navpreet Singh, Sara Saifi etc. made their presence felt by presenting the poetic compositions of Jaspreet Falak in the Kavi Darbar organized in the ceremony. 

Apart from this, the budding poet-poetess Nabhraj Singh, Har Simar Singh and Dilpreet Kaur, who participated in the YouTube live program organized by the organization, were honored with special prizes. Tarsem Noor, Sagar Sialkoti, Amritpal Gogia, Hardeep Virdi, Varinder Jatwani, Iradeep Trehan, Rajdeep Toor, Meenu Kataria, Simran Dhugga, Simratjit Kaur, Maninder Kaur Mann, Anu Sharma, Anu Puri and other literary personalities were present on the occasion. 

All the literature lovers, litterateurs and distinguished guests present in the program were honored by giving mementos. Famous lyricist Prabhjot Sohi played the difficult and laborious role of stage secretary. In the end Dharmendra Shahid and Jaspreet Kaur Falak expressed their gratitude by presenting a heartfelt vote of thanks to all the visitors.

‘We need to look beyond stubble burning to improve

Thursday: 9th December 2021 at 6:16 PM

Include road dust, municipal waste, industries, and burning of plastic 

Symbolic Photo

Chandigarh: 09 December 2021: (Gurjit Billa//Punjab Screen)::

“We need to go beyond the stubble burning issue and include road dust, and emissions from  municipal waste, industries, and burning of plastic while dealing with air pollution,” said Shri Rana Gurjeet Singh, Cabinet Minister, Government for Punjab. He was speaking at ‘Vision:Clean Skies for Punjab’, organised by the Center for Study of Science,Technology and Policy (CSTEP), one of India’s leading think tanks in Chandigarh.

“Comprehensive solutions to deal with air pollution are the need of the hour. To make this happen, government departments have to align their vision,” he said. Given the large agricultural yield of Punjab, immediate measures are needed to tackle the problem of stubble burning. “We will be able to convince farmers to stop burning stubble only if we present them with alternative solutions. Industry, agricultural universities, pollution control boards, and the government need to work together to find holistic solutions to manage the issue,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Mr Krunesh Garg, Member Secretary, Punjab State Pollution Control Board observed that stubble should not be treated as a problem but rather as an opportunity to make fuel or fertilisers. This could help farmers financially while contributing to better air quality, he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Kamal Kumar Garg, Municipal Commissioner, Mohali, stressed the need for incorporating environmental safety in the manifesto of all political parties. Numerous reports recently have highlighted Punjab’s deteriorating air quality. While most discussions centre around the issue of stubble burning in winter, citizens of Punjab are affected by poor air quality levels throughout the year.

The State of India’s Environment 2021 reported as many as 41,900 deaths in Punjab due to air quality issues in the state. In 2018, Punjab featured among the top four states with maximum cities that failed to meet India's national air quality standards. It is in this context that CSTEP organised the event to find practical solutions to improve the air quality in the state.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Jai Asundi, Executive Director, CSTEP said, “The primary objective of this discussion is to understand all the causes and impacts of air pollution in 2 www.cstep.in Punjab, identify practical challenges in policy implementation, expedite the development of sustainable solutions, and build the technological capacity of state departments.”

Dr. Pratima Singh, Lead of the Centre for Air Pollution Studies at CSTEP said, “The issue of air pollution in Punjab receives a lot of attention during the winter months because of stubble burning which affects neighbouring states such as Delhi. But many factors contribute to Punjab’s air pollution. Through these discussions, we hope to initiate a deeper conversation on these factors and through scientific assessments and by engaging with local communities, we will prepare a comprehensive and strategic plan for improving the state’s air quality.”

Advanced Endoscopy Workshop Conducted at AGI

Friday 3rd December 2021 at 03:53 PM

 AGI-LIVE 2021 included live demonstration too

Ludhiana: 3rd Decxember 2021: (Punjab Screen Bureau)::

Advanced Gastroenterology Institute (AGI)-The GASTROCITI, Ludhiana conducted a one-day live workshop on Advanced GI endoscopy and Technician Training program.

This workshop was attended by eminent practising Gastroenterologists from all across Punjab, Himachal  Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

The event AGI-LIVE 2021 included live demonstration of advanced GI endoscopy procedures and video talks cum panel discussions on techniques and controversies in basic and advanced new procedures. Live sessions included cases of POEM for Achalasia Cardia, Spyglass cholangioscopy for large complex CBD stone, EUS-guided drainage of pseudocyst using new innovation of Lumen apposing metal stent (HOT AXIOS), EUS guided variceal coil embolization for large bleeding gastric varices and EUS guided tissue acquisition from lymph nodes and pancreas. The highlight of the event was performance of a new technique for the first time in Punjab called Endobiliary RFA  (RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION) for a bile duct tumor. In short, this unique workshop ensured comprehensive illustration of advanced and novel endoscopic techniques to  the GI fraternity across the region and was widely appreciated by all.

Advanced Endoscopy Workshop Conducted at AGI

'Athve Rang Di Talaash' released by the Language Deptt.

Book is  Jaspreet Falak's Punjabi poetry collection 

Ludhiana: 1st December 2021: (Punjab Screen Bureau)::

Famous Hindi poetess Jaspreet Kaur Falak's new Punjabi poetry collection 'Athwen Rang Di Talaash' was launched by the Bhasha Vibhag, Punjab, in the grand 'farewell ceremony' of 'Punjabi Maah', The book was released by the chief guest, Shiromani Punjabi critic Dr. Jaswinder Singh,  Dr. Surjeet Lia, special guest Shiromani Punjabi litterateur Ninder Ghunhiyanvi and many prominent signatures of Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu literature.  The Director of the Bhasha Vibhag, Mrs. Karamjit Kaur, praised Jaspreet Kaur Falak for her creative achievement and motivated her to remain creative in future.  Jaspreet Kaur Falak described this moment as an unforgettable moment of her life.  Noted Punjabi singer Amar Noori was specially present at the function.  Apart from this, many eminent litterateurs and literature lovers including famous litterateurs Omprakash Gaso, Deepak Jalandhari, Sardar Panchi, Satnam Singh, Veerpal Kaur etc. were present on this occasion.