Latest news with #Dhaliwal
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Drugs entered state during SAD-BJP govt: Dhaliwal
Ludhiana: Punjab minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal strongly criticised BJP Punjab general secretary Tarun Chugh, holding the saffron party responsible for drug issues of the state. He addressed mediapersons alongside Tanda MLA Jasvir Singh Raja Gill and Dharamkot MLA Devinderjit Singh Laddi Dhos, among others. In response to statements from Chugh and BJP spokesperson Vineet Joshi, Dhaliwal said that drug-related issues and gangsterism had increased during the BJP-Akali Dal government. He questioned the BJP's silence when drugs began entering Punjab and challenged its inaction during that period. The minister pointed out that BJP remained quiet when senior Akali leaders and their coalition partners faced drug smuggling allegations. He questioned Chugh about the party's silence when a prominent Akali leader was imprisoned for smuggling activities. Dhaliwal criticised Captain Amarinder Singh, now affiliated with BJP, for not fulfilling his 2017 commitment to eliminate drugs in Punjab. He questioned why Amarinder, who is currently in BJP, remained passive on this crucial matter. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo Discussing the AAP government's initiatives, Dhaliwal elaborated on the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign launched on March 1. He reported the arrest of over 14,500 smugglers, registration of 8,600 FIRs, and seizure of 594 kilograms of heroin. The campaign has gained widespread support across Punjab. He extended an invitation to Chugh to visit Amritsar and observe the impact of the campaign firsthand, defending its effectiveness and widespread public participation. Dhaliwal accused BJP of working against Punjab's interests, citing CISF deployment at Nangal Dam and withholding of central funds. The minister also challenged Congress leaders, particularly Charanjit Singh Channi and asked them to justify their governance. He criticised their failure to take concrete action against drug smugglers. Concluding his address, Dhaliwal emphasised AAP's commitment to Punjab's development, highlighting their achievements in combating drugs and protecting state interests. He expressed confidence in winning the Ludhiana West bypoll and challenged BJP leaders to demonstrate their contributions to Punjab.
Hans India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Simma Dhaliwal Blends Theatre and Emotion in Upcoming Punjabi Single 'Nishani'
At just 24 years old, singer-composer Simma Dhaliwal is steadily carving a space for himself in the Punjabi music scene. Best known for his romantic musical sensibilities, Dhaliwal is set to release his latest track, 'Nishani,' in July 2025—a song that explores themes of one-sided love, vulnerability, and emotional honesty. The track brings together a creative team of emerging talent, with lyrics by Diamond, music by Aloof, and a music video helmed by Mani Films. 'Nishani' marks the next chapter in Dhaliwal's musical evolution, as Punjabi music continues to shift toward more reflective and emotionally grounded storytelling. ''Nishani' is deeply personal. It's about the kind of love that doesn't always have a happy ending but still leaves a mark,' says Dhaliwal. 'It's a song for anyone who's ever felt something deeply but kept it quietly to themselves.' Born and raised in Firozpur, Punjab, Dhaliwal completed his schooling at DC Model International School and earned a degree from Guru Nanak College, Firozpur. His dedication to the performing arts led him to pursue professional training in acting and editing at MAD Arts Film School, a prestigious institution known for nurturing creative talent. Dhaliwal's journey began not in recording studios, but on the theatre stage. A trained composer, he has scored music for several acclaimed productions, including Shiv Kumar Batalvi's classic Punjabi play 'Loona.' His theatre credits also include 'Nil Darpan,' 'Odakalu Bimba,' 'Ashadh Ka Ek Din,' and 'Don Special'—all of which played a key role in shaping his musical identity. 'Theatre taught me how to listen—to the silence, the pauses, the emotions behind every line. That sensitivity translates directly into my music,' he explains. In May 2025, Dhaliwal returned to the theatre circuit, composing music for the play 'Yaar-Dildaar,' staged in Chandigarh. The production was well received by regional theatre audiences and reaffirmed his deep connection to performance-based storytelling. Since making his music debut in 2022 with the widely appreciated track 'Canada Wali,' Dhaliwal has delivered a series of successful singles including 'Yaad,' 'Surma,' 'Follow,' and 'Sip Sip.' His style is often described as melodic and emotionally resonant, aligning with a broader transformation in Punjabi music—one that moves away from glorified violence and leans into romanticism, introspection, and relatability. 'I'm not here to chase trends,' Dhaliwal adds. 'If even one listener feels understood after hearing my song, that's success to me.' As digital platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts continue to shape listening habits, artists like Dhaliwal are gaining attention for offering substance alongside style. With 'Nishani,' he adds to a growing catalogue that connects with audiences beyond surface-level trends, focusing instead on emotional depth and sincere expression. The single is scheduled for release across all major streaming platforms in July 2025 and is expected to further establish Simma Dhaliwal as one of the key young voices to watch in contemporary Punjabi music.
Global News
6 days ago
- Global News
Council eyes $15M for Calgary Transit operator safety after bus driver attacked
Calgary city council will consider a multi-million-dollar funding injection to bolster safety for transit operators, after a bus driver was assaulted while on duty. During an update to transit's RouteAhead strategy Tuesday, council unanimously supported an amendment from Ward 5 Coun. Raj Dhaliwal that calls for the city to spend $15 million from reserves to retrofit buses with 'more secure security shields.' 'Right now we've got these shields — they're not even shields, they're little screens that are not that effective,' Dhaliwal told reporters. Dhaliwal's amendment also asks for transit to install new signage on all vehicles about safety and informing passengers that assaulting an operator is a federal crime, including 'non-compliance consequences.' It also calls for a review of all safety and training practices, and include an annual safety status progress report to council. Story continues below advertisement Council's debate comes after a Calgary Transit bus driver was assaulted in the early morning hours of May 13 while driving a route near Falconridge and Castleridge boulevards Northeast. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The driver was taken to hospital in critical condition, but was later upgraded to stable, and investigators believe he was attacked when he refused the suspects' request to detour from his original bus route. Darryl Flett, 22, and Curtis Baker, 20, were each charged with one count of aggravated assault, one count of robbery and one count of failing to comply with a court order. 'We knew it was only a matter of time before this happened,' said Mike Mahar, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 583. Mahar told Global News that drivers face harassment daily like spitting, physical threats and racial slurs; he noted efforts to make proactive changes have taken months to address. 'We just couldn't get it done at transit, administration just wasn't moving on things the way it has to happen,' he said. 'It just wasn't a priority.' During Tuesday's meeting, Calgary Transit director Sharon Fleming noted transit was looking to spend $1 million to install plastic separation barriers but could find better materials if council approves the $15 million spend. 'We have done a number of things to enhance (operator) safety. As you know we have temporary plexiglass shields on all our buses,' she told council. Story continues below advertisement 'We also have done a number of things to help with safety training and education for our operators, things like dealing with conflict de-escalation, additional customer service training.' Ward 13 Coun. Dan McLean expressed frustration with the province and federal government, and called for harsher penalties and bail reform. 'It's their responsibility, they need to crack down on this crime,' he told reporters. 'These costs are being downloaded to the city and we can only bear so much onto our taxpayers.' According to Mahar, the driver who was assaulted has been released from hospital and is recovering at home, but that recovery has a long way to go. 'It's just by whatever graces, in his words a guardian angel of some sort, that he's here today,' Mahar said. City council will make a final decision on the $15 million funding request in Dhaliwal's amendment during next week's council meeting.
News18
19-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
Beating Retreat Ceremony To Resume At Attari-Wagah Border Tomorrow After Ceasefire
Last Updated: The ceremony was halted in response to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. After a 12-day hiatus, the Beating Retreat ceremony, which was stopped after operation Sindoor, will resume at the Attari-Wagah border in Amritsar, Punjab and Hussainiwala Border in Ferozepur from Tuesday. The India-Pakistan flag meeting ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border has been scaled down amid heightened tensions between the two countries. Unlike previous years, the gates will remain closed, and participants will not shake hands during the ceremony. The ceremony was halted in response to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The barbed wire gates will be opened for farmers starting tomorrow. Meanwhile, Punjab Government Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal visited the Shahpur border outpost near Ajnala on Monday to meet BSF officers and personnel deployed along the border amid ongoing India-Pakistan tensions. Dhaliwal thanked the security forces on behalf of the state by presenting sweets and fruit baskets to the jawans. He said that we are proud of our jawans and in future whenever they will need us, the Punjab government and farmers will always stand with them. The Punjab Minister met with BSF officers at the Shahpur border outpost and discussed the concerns of local farmers whose land lies beyond the barbed wire. Following the meeting, Dhaliwal announced that the gates would be opened for farmers starting tomorrow, allowing them to access their fields without restrictions.
Indian Express
17-05-2025
- Indian Express
Firing outside music producer Pinky Dhaliwal's house, extortion suspected
AN EXTORTION-RELATED firing incident happened outside the residence of music producer Pushpinder Dhaliwal, popularly known as Pinky Dhaliwal, who recently made the headlines in a fraud case involving Punjabi singer Sunanda Sharma. According to sources, two unidentified men on a motorcycle arrived outside Dhaliwal's house in Sector 71 around 10 pm on Thursday, threw a note carrying the name of Kala Rana, and fired nine rounds, some of which hit the main door of the house. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and Dhaliwal was reportedly present at home at the time. Police officials said the attackers initially fired into the air, then returned on their motorcycle and opened fire directly at the house. The CCTV footage from the location shows the assailants: the rider was wearing a helmet while the pillion rider had a black bag slung over his shoulder and a pistol in hand. Despite the darkness caused by a power outage during rainfall, the assailants took advantage of the situation to carry out the attack. Mataur SHO and Mohali SSP Harmandeep Singh Hans arrived at the scene shortly after the incident, collected spent bullet casings, and launched a full-scale investigation. Police also seized CCTV footage from the house and surrounding areas, and have begun tracing the suspects. One of the suspects has been identified as Mani Rana, the brother of gangster Kala Rana, who is believed to be linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Reports suggest that the same individuals also fired shots outside a residence in Yamunanagar earlier on the same day. Their motorcycle was seen in multiple CCTV clips from Zirakpur and was reportedly carrying a fake number plate from Uttar Pradesh. Sources said that two days before the attack, Dhaliwal received a threatening phone call warning him to arrange money or face the consequences. The note thrown at the scene bore Kala Rana's name, but there was no specific mention of the extortion amount demanded. SSP Harmandeep Singh Hans said, 'We have obtained CCTV footage and traced the attackers to Zirakpur. This appears to be a case of extortion. Nine bullet casings were recovered from the scene. We've also received information confirming that the same shooters were involved in a firing earlier in the day in Yamunanagar, which is currently being verified.' This incident comes just weeks after Dhaliwal was in the news when 33-year-old singer Sunanda Sharma accused him of illegal, exploitative, and abusive conduct, which reportedly caused her financial losses, mental trauma, and damage to her reputation. Dhaliwal was arrested by the Matuar police but later released after the Punjab and Haryana High Court declared the arrest unlawful. The police have increased security and sealed the road outside Dhaliwal's house while PCR teams remain on high alert. The investigation into the extortion attempt and the gangster link is ongoing.
