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Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Punjab Police steps up vigil: Mann government deploys anti-drone measures to curb cross-border smuggling
Mann government deploys anti-drone measures to curb cross-border smuggling in Punjab CHANDIGARH: Pakistan has long used drones to smuggle contraband, including heroin, arms, and explosives, into Punjab. In response, the Punjab Police has begun deploying advanced anti-drone technology in a bid to eliminate cross-border drug and arms trafficking. Official data suggests that drone intrusions have reduced significantly in recent years. According to data shared by the state government, drone seizures have risen sharply since 2022. While just 2 drones were intercepted in 2019, 7 in 2020, and 1 in 2021, the numbers spiked following the Aam Aadmi Party's government in Punjab. Punjab Police seized 28 drones in 2022, 121 in 2023, and a record 294 in 2024. As of July 15, 2025, 138 drones have been recovered this year, taking the total to 591 since 2022. Police have also arrested over 22,000 individuals under the state's 'War Against Drugs' campaign. The scale of contraband dropped via drones also remains a major concern. Recoveries so far include 932 kg of heroin, 263 pistols, 14 AK-47 rifles, 66 hand grenades, and nearly 15 kg of RDX. According to state officials, a layered surveillance system has been established in 596 border villages, which includes networks of local residents, retired soldiers, and police personnel tasked with 24/7 monitoring. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Up to 70% off | Shop Sale Libas Undo The villages have been digitally mapped into three categories, with records of road layouts, suspect lists, and area-specific security requirements. Police officers now log activities using "beat books", and protection teams across villages are connected through WhatsApp. Authorities say the system ensures that security is embedded at the grassroots level rather than being limited to police stations. Punjab government has allocated ₹51 crore for the procurement of nine advanced anti-drone systems. Joint efforts by the Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police now involve technology-based tracking, forensic analysis, and communication surveillance to intercept drones. The AAP-led Punjab government said in a statement,' Whether it's drones, drugs, terrorism, or smuggling, no one will be spared. This is not just a matter of state security; it's about national safety, and the Punjab government is addressing it with full force.' Officials say districts such as Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Firozpur, and Fazilka were previously known for frequent drone activity, are now witnessing stronger border control.
Hans India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
After Lalu, Kejriwal will be ex-CM languishing in jail for longest period: Sirsa
Delhi Minister for Food & Supplies, Industry, Forest & Environment, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, launched a sharp attack on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal on Friday, accusing him of large-scale corruption during his tenure as Chief Minister. Talking to media persons here, Minister Sirsa claimed that the AAP chief will be the longest-serving former Chief Minister in jail after Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad. His remarks came soon after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) registered money laundering cases in three scams during the AAP's tenure. Sirsa pointed out that the previous AAP government's "corruption" is coming to the fore in education, power, health, and various other sectors. "Even if trials are conducted daily, it may not be enough to cover the extent of corruption during 10 years of AAP rule," Sirsa claimed. He alleged that the AAP-led government in Punjab is also indulging in corruption, which will soon be unearthed. "The AAP extorts money from businessmen. Those who resist face threats, or the government uses the mafia to get them killed. After that, the AAP government kills mafia in staged encounters," he said. Notably, the ED has filed Enforcement Case Information Reports (ECIRs), the equivalent of an FIR, in hospital construction, CCTV, and shelter home scams worth Rs 6,368 crore. Though the ED confirmation is awaited. In the hospital construction case, former health ministers and AAP leaders Saurabh Bhardwaj and Satyendar Jain were booked by the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB), Delhi, for alleged corruption. Earlier in the day, on the occasion of the Van Mahotsav programme under Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Environment Minister Sirsa planted a sapling at the PBD ground. On Thursday, Chief Minister Gupta accused the previous Kejriwal government of financial irregularities and corruption in the 'Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana'. On Thursday, Delhi Minister Ashish Sood alleged that Kejriwal used government funds to buy mobiles costing up to Rs 1.63 lakh.
NDTV
16-07-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
To Avoid Flooding Like Last Year, Delhi Unclogs One Of 3 Major Drains
New Delhi: Authorities in Delhi have taken major steps towards reducing waterlogging in parts of the national capital. Two long-clogged water bays along the Barapulla drain, one of the three major drains in Delhi, are now flowing freely after decades-old encroachments near the Old Barapulla Bridge were cleared by the civic authorities and the police. The widening of the drain's right bank is also completed, confirmed the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, adding that silt and debris removal is currently underway. "After the removal of illegal structures, the department has taken up the widening of the Barapullah drain on the right bank and the opening of long-clogged water bays. This marks the first major intervention in decades," said Irrigation and Flood Control Minister Parvesh Verma. The development follows a large-scale encroachment removal drive carried out on June 1 by the Revenue Department, Public Works Department (PWD), Delhi Police, and other agencies. The demolition targeted the Madrasi Camp settlement, which had occupied the right bank of the Barapulla drain between the Old Barapulla Bridge and a nearby railway line. The action followed a Delhi High Court direction to authorities to remove obstructions and restore the free flow of water. The issue first surfaced during a field inspection by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena last August, when he found the Barapullah, Kushak, and Sunehri drains choked with silt. This contradicted the desilting claims made by the then AAP-led government. The Lt Governor had then pointed out that while these drains were designed to carry 24% of Delhi's stormwater load, they were operating at less than 10% capacity. He subsequently ordered round-the-clock deployment of machinery, with a particular focus on the Barapulla stretch. Officials confirmed to NDTV that more than 14 lakh metric tonnes of silt have been removed since the desilting effort began in August last year. Last year, heavy rain had caused flooding in several parts of South Delhi, South East Delhi, and New Delhi. The government believes that the restored drainage system will significantly reduce flooding this monsoon, especially in low-lying areas such as Nizamuddin and Sarai Kale Khan. Years of narrowing activities and obstructions had led to chronic waterlogging in these localities. Two of the three bays along the Barapulla drain are finally flowing after decades. But with the third still blocked by a Delhi Transco Ltd (DTL) tower situated directly at its inlet, one question looms large: how soon can the final obstacle be removed to restore the drain's full flow?
Hindustan Times
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Won't allow land ‘grab': Warring at protest against land pooling policy
The Congress would oppose the state government's land pooling policy with its all might, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president and Ludhiana MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said while addressing a gathering during a protest outside the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) office in Ludhiana on Saturday. Thousands of Congress workers participated in the massive protest in which former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi, senior leader and MLA Pargat Singh and former minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu were conspicuous by their absence. Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, along with other protesters, during a demonstration in Ludhiana on Monday. (Gurpreet Singh/HT) Warring, who arrived on a tractor, accused the AAP government of trying to 'loot' farmers' land. Terming it a land 'looting' policy, Warring said the Congress would never allow the AAP-led government to go ahead with this move. He accused the state government of moving to acquire nearly 50,000 acres of farmland on Ludhiana's outskirts without the consent of or compensation to landowners. 'This is not land pooling. It's outright land snatching. They want to take away land worth ₹100 and return land worth only ₹25,' he said. Referring to the CM, he said, 'Mann should empathise with the concerns of those whose livelihoods depend on land.' The protesters, many of them carrying placards and raising slogans against the AAP government, also submitted a memorandum to the GLADA chief administrator, addressed to the chief minister, demanding immediate rollback of the notification related to the land pooling scheme. Warring compared the current movement to the historic farmers' protest against the central government's three farm laws. He recalled the land acquisition law passed by the UPA government under the prime ministership of Dr Manmohan Singh that mandated 'farmer's consent and fair compensation'. Former minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu, former CM Charanjit Singh Channi and MLA Pargat Singh were absent. Former deputy chief minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa took a dig at the absentees, asserting, 'Those who did not show up today have no love for the Congress party.' Ashu denied any knowledge of the protest. 'I did not receive any invitation or information about the protest. Those who were informed participated. I wasn't contacted by anyone,' said Ashu. Tensions between Warring and Ashu have been simmering since the by-election campaign. Warring's minimal participation during Ashu's campaign—restricted to only filing nomination papers—had drawn public criticism from Ashu. Ashu had previously stated, 'This was not my personal event that I had to extend personal invitations. I was the party's candidate. Those who joined the campaign didn't wait for invitations.' Following his defeat in the Ludhiana West by-election, Ashu resigned from his position as PPCC working president. SAD protest rescheduled for July 22 The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has postponed its planned protest in Ludhiana, which was to be held under the leadership of party president Sukhbir Singh Badal, citing inclement weather conditions. The protest, initially scheduled for today, will now take place on July 22 outside the GLADA office. Party vice president Dr Daljit Singh Cheema said that due to heavy rains, the protest has been deferred in the interest of public safety and logistical concerns.
Hindustan Times
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Majithia to remain in shared barrack as court defers plea for separate jail cell
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former Punjab minister Bikram Singh Majithia will remain lodged with undertrial and convicted prisoners, as a Mohali court on Monday adjourned the hearing on his plea seeking a separate cell in jail. The matter was deferred to July 17 after the special public prosecutor sought exemption from appearance. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former Punjab minister Bikram Singh Majithia will remain lodged with undertrial and convicted prisoners, as a Mohali court on Monday adjourned the hearing on his plea seeking a separate cell in jail. The matter was deferred to July 17 after the special public prosecutor sought exemption from appearance. (Getty Images/iStockphoto/ Representational image) Majithia, currently in judicial custody in connection with a disproportionate assets case allegedly involving the laundering of ₹540 crore in drug money, had filed an application on July 12 requesting to be shifted to a personal cell. Citing his Z-plus security cover and high-profile political background, Majithia argued that housing him with general inmates poses serious threats to his safety. With the prosecution absent, the court could not proceed with the scheduled hearing, and Majithia will continue to stay in shared barracks until the next hearing. In a related development, Majithia has also filed a regular bail application, which is set for hearing on July 22. The court has issued notice to the state government, seeking its formal reply before the hearing. Majithia was arrested on June 25 from his Amritsar residence by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau in connection with an investigation into assets allegedly disproportionate to his known sources of income. After spending 12 days in police remand, he was sent to judicial custody on July 6, as the Vigilance Bureau did not seek an extension of the remand. In his application, Majithia emphasised the need for special lodging arrangements, highlighting the security risks associated with his status as a senior political figure and a former cabinet minister. Meanwhile, SAD leaders have slammed the AAP-led Punjab government, calling the treatment of Majithia an 'act of political vendetta'. The current case is part of an ongoing probe by a Punjab Police Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the 2021 drug case, in which Majithia was booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, based on a 2018 report by the anti-drug Special Task Force (STF). He had earlier spent over five months in Patiala jail, before being granted bail by the Punjab and Haryana high court in August 2022. Ganieve meets Majithia Patiala SAD MLA Ganieve Kaur Majithia met her husbnd Bikram Singh Majithia in Nabha jail of Patiala district on Monday. After the meeting that lasted around one hour and 25 minutes, Ganieve said while addressing mediapersons that her husband was in high spirits and undeterred. 'He will not be intimidated,' she asserted. A Mohali court had on July 6 sent Majithia to 14 days of judicial custody in a disproportionate assets (DA) case, linked to alleged laundering of ₹540 crore in drug money. Majithia was arrested by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau from his residence in Green Avenue, Amritsar, on June 25 this year. HTC
