Latest news with #Pritpal
Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
Red choora still on her wrists, wife bids adieu to Ludhiana soldier; cremated with full military honours
Draped in tricolor, the body of Lance Naik Pritpal Singh, 27, from Manupur village of Ludhiana district, reached his village Sunday and the cremation was performed with full military honours. He was killed in action during a gunfight with terrorists in South Kashmir's Kulgam, Friday. He had got married just five months ago. The Operation which started nine days ago at Kashmir's Akhal Forest, is among the longest military operations against terrorists in the Valley in the recent years. His newly wedded wife Manpreet Kaur bid him adieu with red choora (bangles) still on her wrists and mehendi (henna) on her hands. In Punjab, the red choora is worn by new brides for at least six months after marriage. The couple had got married just five months ago on February 24 and since then Pritpal hadn't come home on leave to spend time with Manpreet. The family was expecting him on Diwali to celebrate the newlywed couple's first festival together in their recently renovated house. Speaking to The Indian Express, Harbans Singh, father of the deceased soldier said: 'We have been devastated. Just two days ago on August 8, my daughter-in-law Manpreet had applied mehendi (henna) on her hands as she was preparing for Raksha Bandhan festivities and had to go to parents house to tie Raakhi to her brother. My son (Pritpal) had sent some money to buy whatever she wanted for the festival. The same day my son died fighting the terrorists in Kashmir. She is our like our daughter.' 'Since the day they got married in February, they did not spend much time together as he had left for duty immediately after marriage. We were expecting him on Diwali to celebrate but he will never return now,' said the wailing father. Samrala MLA Jagtar Singh Diyalpura along with sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Rajnish Arora paid tributes to the soldier on the behalf of Punjab government. The Indian Army gave a gun salute to the brave heart before his mortal remains were consigned to flames. Diyalpura said that Punjab government will provide financial assistance of Rs 1 crore to the family as announced by chief minister Bhagwant Mann. Pritpal Singh had joined the force in 2015 and his uncle (father's elder brother) had also retired from the Army. Divya Goyal is a Principal Correspondent with The Indian Express, based in Punjab. Her interest lies in exploring both news and feature stories, with an effort to reflect human interest at the heart of each piece. She writes on gender issues, education, politics, Sikh diaspora, heritage, the Partition among other subjects. She has also extensively covered issues of minority communities in Pakistan and Afghanistan. She also explores the legacy of India's partition and distinct stories from both West and East Punjab. She is a gold medalist from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi, the most revered government institute for media studies in India, from where she pursued English Journalism (Print). Her research work on 'Role of micro-blogging platform Twitter in content generation in newspapers' had won accolades at IIMC. She had started her career in print journalism with Hindustan Times before switching to The Indian Express in 2012. Her investigative report in 2019 on gender disparity while treating women drug addicts in Punjab won her the Laadli Media Award for Gender Sensitivity in 2020. She won another Laadli for her ground report on the struggle of two girls who ride a boat to reach their school in the border village of Punjab. ... Read More
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Slain soldier from Samrala was newlywed, family inconsolable
Lance naik Pritpal Singh, who along with another soldier lost his life in an overnight gunfight with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district, was eagerly awaited by family in Manupur village near Samrala as this Diwali would have marked his first home visit after his marriage just four months ago, his kin said. But the 27-year-old is set to return wrapped in the Tricolour, his uncle Subedar Major Harbans Singh said. Lance Naik Pritpal Singh He said the heartbreaking news came through a call from the army. Pritpal was part of a special operation to track down terrorists when an encounter took place. During the mission, he and his team neutralised one terrorist, but others retaliated with a hand grenade and heavy gunfire. Bullets struck Pritpal in the head, killing him instantly. The news has cast a pall of grief over the village. People have been gathering at his home since morning, while his mother's cries and the heartbroken wails of his wife Manpreet Kaur echo through the lanes. His father and two elder brothers remain inconsolable as neighbours struggle to comfort them. Former Subedar Major Darshan Singh recalled the day of Pritpal's wedding when the soldier walked through the village streets like a king, adorned in wedding finery. 'We were all waiting for his first leave. No one imagined he would come back like this,' he said. Pritpal, known for his soft-spoken nature, had completed commando training and was on the verge of promotion from Lance Naik to Naik, his kin stated. MLA Jagtar Singh Dyalpura expressed pride in Pritpal's sacrifice, assuring that the Punjab government would stand shoulder to shoulder with his family. He confirmed that the martyr would be given a final farewell with full state honours. Harpreet Singh, Pritpal's elder brother, broke down while talking. 'Our brother is gone, but the terrorist who shot him is still alive. The government must take revenge. My brother was supposed to light his first Diwali lamp at home this year — now that will never happen.' The other soldier, sepoy Harminder Singh, who too lost his life in the encounter, hailed from Mandi Gobindgarh's Badinpur village
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
A newlywed & a lone breadwinner: 2 Punjab bravehearts lay down their lives fighting terrorists in Kashmir's Kulgam
1 2 3 4 Ludhiana/Fatehgarh Sahib: Punjab is mourning the two Armymen killed in the Kulgam anti-terrorist encounter on Saturday -- Lance Naik Pritpal Singh, 28, and Sepoy Harminder Singh, 26, of Sikh Light Infantry. Both of them were deployed in anti-terror ops with 19 Rashtriya Rifles. Pritpal was married barely six months ago and Harminder was the sole breadwinner for his family, supporting his parents and a mentally-ailing sister. Both soldiers were engaged in fierce combat since Aug 1 when the operation was launched -- it's already the longest encounter in the Valley this year. Hailing from Manupur village in Khanna, Pritpal joined Army in 2015 right after passing his class 12 board exam, said his elder brother, Harpreet. According to the Army, Pritpal was fatally wounded by splinters when a hiding terrorist lobbed a hand grenade at him. "We got a call at 5.30am today from one of his buddies. He said Pritpal was wounded, and started crying. An hour later, a call came from his unit officers who said he had been martyred fighting terrorists," said Harpreet, adding, "He was married on Feb 24 and returned to duty in April." Manupur village is in mourning. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Private Jet - The Prices May Surprise You! Private Jet I Search Ads Learn More Undo The soldier's father Harbans Singh said, "I last spoke with him a couple of days ago, and he said he was fine. Today his officers called to say he went down fighting." "He was supposed to come home on leave at the end of this month and again after Diwali," the elder brother said. Pritpal came from a fauji family. Two of his uncles were also in the Army. Homage will be paid to him at his unit and then flown to Halwara airport, a member of the local ex-Serviceman association, Captain Harjinder Singh (retd), said. It will be brought to Manupur, 80km away, by road and he will be cremated with full honours. Sepoy Harminder's uncle Harbans Singh said he was due to return home in October for the marriage of his cousin (Harbans' daughter). "He had told me that he would take care of all the arrangements. Don't worry, he assured," said Harbans, adding that the family planned to arrange Harminder's wedding next. Harminder is survived by his elderly parents, a brother and a sister. "They are living in abject poverty. Harminder's father Jaswant is landless and works as a labourer. He was their lone hope," he added. Harminder had joined the Army eight years ago, driven by patriotism, and dreams of building a house — a dream that remained unfulfilled. His body is expected to reach the village on Sunday for cremation. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
J&K: 2 soldiers killed as 9-day Kashmir gunfight grinds on
SRINAGAR/LUDHIANA: Lance Naik Pritpal Singh, 28, and Sepoy Harminder Singh, 26 — both of Sikh Light Infantry and attached to 19 Rashtriya Rifles — were killed Saturday in an ongoing gunfight with Pakistan-trained terrorists in south Kashmir's Kulgam district as one of the valley's longest counterterrorism operations in recent years stretched into its ninth day. The counteroffensive, codenamed Operation Akhal, began Aug 1 in Akhal Khulsan forest on intelligence of three to five terrorists in the rain-lashed, rugged mountains. Army, paramilitary and J&K police units — backed by drones, helicopters and para commandos — have so far killed at least two terrorists and left about 10 security personnel wounded, according to sources. The deaths took the toll of security personnel killed in operations in J&K this year to 16 — three in Kashmir valley and 13 in Jammu division, including three from Pakistani firing during the standoff following Operation Sindoor. Army's Srinagar-based Chinar Corps said the two soldiers from Punjab 'fell in the line of duty'. 'Indian Army expresses deepest condolences and stands in solidarity with the bereaved families,' it posted on X. Pritpal from Manupur village in Khanna district was married Feb 24 and had returned to duty in April. He joined the Army in 2015 after clearing class 12, continuing a family tradition — two of his uncles served in uniform. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now Tips and Tricks Undo 'We got a call at 5.30am saying he was wounded, and then another an hour later saying he died fighting terrorists,' said his elder brother Harpreet. His father Harbans said Pritpal last told him two days ago he was fine and would come home on leave at month's end. According to the Army, Pritpal was hit by splinters when a hiding terrorist threw a grenade at him. His body will be flown to Halwara air force station and taken by road to Manupur for cremation with full military honours. Harminder from Mandi Gobindgarh in Fatehgarh Sahib district was the sole breadwinner for his parents and an ailing sister. He joined the Army eight years ago. 'He had told me that he would take care of all the arrangements for my daughter's wedding in Oct. 'Don't worry,' he assured,' said his uncle Harbans Singh, adding the family had planned to arrange Harminder's wedding next. 'They are living in abject poverty. Harminder's father Jaswant is landless and works as a labourer. He was their lone hope.' His body is expected to reach his village Sunday for cremation. J&K CM Omar Abdullah paid tributes at Chinar Corps HQ in Srinagar, while LG Manoj Sinha said: 'Their valour, grit and determination will never be forgotten. My thoughts are with the bereaved families.' Northern Command chief Lt Gen Pratik Sharma and J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat have reviewed the operation on the ground. The seek-and-shoot sweep is part of an intensified crackdown after the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack. Security forces have killed 14 terrorists in Kashmir zone this year, including three top Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives linked to the Pahalgam attack, slain in Srinagar on July 28. (Inputs from Bharat Khanna in Fatehgarh Sahib)
Hindustan Times
25-04-2025
- Hindustan Times
Punjab: Sacked Mansa sub-inspector convicted of ‘negligence', awarded 23-month jail
A Mansa district court on Wednesday convicted the sacked Mansa CIA in-charge sub-inspector Pritpal Singh of 'acting negligently' that led to the escape of gangster Deepak alias Tinu from police custody in October 2022. Rubbishing police theory of a 'well-planned conspiracy' behind the crime, the court awarded a jail term of a year and 11 months, along with a ₹5,000 fine, to Pritpal. Tinu, a close associate of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, escaped custody on intervening night of October 1 and 2 and was arrested from Ajmer by Delhi Police special cell on October 19 of the same year. In his 85-page judgment, judicial magistrate 1st class (JMIC) Karan Aggarwal picked holes in the police version and rejected claims of recovery of six weapons from three accused. A special investigation team (SIT) probing the case had filed a chargesheet against Pritpal, Tinu, Jatinder Kaur alias Jyoti, Kuldeep Singh alias Kohli, Rajvir Kajama, Rajinder Singh Gora, Bittu Singh, Sarabjot Singh, Chirag and Sunil Lohia, on charges of conspiracy to facilitate escape. The court, however, acquitted seven accused, except Sarabjot who is absconding, of charges of hatching conspiracy and harbouring Tinu. The JMIC acquitted Pritpal, Chirag and Bittu of charges of possessing firearms. Court raised suspicion over the circumstances under which police claimed the recoveries. Tinu, who is among the accused in Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala's murder case, was convicted under section 224 (resistance or obstruction by a person to his lawful apprehension) of the Indian Penal Code. He was awarded two-year rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of ₹5,000. According to police chargesheet, Pritpal had allegedly facilitated Tinu's escape by bringing his girlfriend to his official residence in Mansa as part of a 'conspiracy'. The court, however, rejected the claim. 'During the trial, nothing came on record to prove that any of the accused persons ever met with each other before the occurrence in question...,' the court said. CCTV footage presented in the court 'tampered with' The court observed that CCTV footage produced by the prosecution to prove conspiracy was 'tampered with' as the parcel's seal was broken. 'When the same was played, it was found that certain video footage in the same is not showing any content except a black screen,' the court said. It added that a PDF file on a hard disc drive, which according to the forensic science laboratory report contained 5,900 files in DVR, was found 'corrupt'. 'This appears to be some hanky-panky,' the order said. The chargesheet claimed that police recovered two pistols and a revolver from Prtitpal's official residence, two pistols and 12 cartridges from Chirag and a pistol from Bittu. However, the court was apprised that residence B-4, from where the weapons allegedly tied to Pritpal were recovered, was never allotted to the sacked cop. Casting doubt on the police's theory, the JMIC observed the statement of the duty magistrate Birbal Singh, deputed for search Pritpal's house, deposed that on October 3, 2022, kothi no B-4 was searched, and nothing was recovered from ground floor. Birbal deposed that on October 4, 2022, he and police officials again searched the same house, and three weapons were recovered from the first floor. The court said the keys of the house were (after an initial search on October 3) entrusted to the Barnala deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Sanjeev Goyal, who was neither the investigating officer nor a member of the SIT probing the case. 'This leads to yet another doubt as to why the keys were not entrusted to an independent witness (prosecution witness 39), a duty magistrate, who is a government official. 'Another doubt which accrues in this case is that when house B-4 was searched on October 3, then why first floor of the said building not searched and what circumstances obstructed the raiding party from searching the first floor of the building? These questions remained unanswered throughout the trial. Since the recovery itself is doubtful, the same cannot be attributed to accused Pritpal Singh with certainty,' reads the order. The court rejected the recovery of weapons from the co-accused Bittu and Chirag as the prosecution failed to prove the report of FSL/ballistic experts.
