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Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Ludhiana on I-Day Eve: Over 900 cops, 38 nakas
Ludhiana: As the district gears up to celebrate Independence Day, police authorities across Ludhiana have implemented extensive security arrangements to ensure a safe and smooth celebration. From urban centres to rural sub-divisions, law enforcement agencies have mobilised personnel, set up checkpoints, and initiated surveillance measures to maintain law and order. Police commissioner Swapan Sharma confirmed that around 900 police personnel have been deployed under the Ludhiana Police Commissionerate. To manage crowd movement and ensure safety, 38 check posts and diversions have been established across the city. Additionally, drone movement has been banned to prevent aerial security threats. Four DCP-level officers have been assigned specific responsibilities, including securing eight entry gates of the main venue, overseeing traffic diversions, and maintaining public order. Speaking to TOI, the police commissioner encouraged citizens to attend the parade, assuring them that police would ensure their safety. "People should come and witness the parade. We are here to protect and serve," he said. Similar measures have been taken in Ludhiana rural police district. SSP Dr Ankur Gupta said that 700 police personnel have been deployed across Dakha, Raikot, and Jagraon, where Independence Day functions are scheduled. The rural police have set up 10 to 12 checkposts and deployed 20 to 22 patrolling parties for round-the-clock surveillance. Flag marches are being conducted to boost public confidence and deter any disruptive elements. Dr Gupta added that eight gazetted officers, including SPs and DSPs, along with eight SHOs and nine police post in-charges, are on high alert. Police are conducting checks at hotels, dhabas, and dormitories to identify suspicious individuals. Surveillance is also being maintained on known criminals, and extensive checking of two-wheelers is underway to prevent any untoward incidents. In Khanna police district, SSP Dr Jyoti Yadav reported deployment of 1,000 police personnel and establishment of 35 checkposts, including nine to 10 around the main venue. Flag marches are being conducted in all sub-divisions, and security checks are being held to ensure public safety. Meanwhile, excitement is building among residents eager to witness the celebrations. Narinder Singh, a city resident, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "It's great to witness the Independence Day function. It's a proud moment that celebrates our nation's freedom." According to the district administration, the district-level Independence Day function will be held on PAU grounds, with Punjab minister Aman Arora presiding over the event. MSID:: 123303173 413 | 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 news updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."


Hindustan Times
31-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
HC seeks reply from Ludhiana CP on cyber crime SHO's appointment
The Punjab and Haryana high court has sought an affidavit from Ludhiana commissioner of police Swapan Sharma over the appointment of inspector Jatinder Singh as station house officer (SHO) of the cyber crime police station, despite his alleged ineligibility to investigate cases under the Information Technology (IT) Act. The high court has fixed the next hearing for September 26 and will examine the commissioner's affidavit before proceeding. (HT Photo) The direction came during the hearing of a writ petition filed by advocate Gagandeep Singh, a resident of Sarabha Nagar in Ludhiana, who alleged that inspector was not a regular inspector and, therefore, not qualified to probe cybercrime cases. The petitioner submitted that the officer himself admitted in an official note dated December 16, 2023, that he was a local-rank officer and not authorised to investigate cases under the IT Act. Despite this, he allegedly investigated a case registered on December 14 and gave a clean chit to the accused. The petition also cited a 2016 directive by the director general of police (DGP), prohibiting personnel from armed police and Indian Reserve Battalions (IRB) from holding SHO posts in district police. Inspector Singh, the petitioner said, belongs to the 4th IRB in Jalandhar and was, therefore, ineligible for the posting. The high court has fixed the next hearing for September 26 and will examine the commissioner's affidavit before proceeding. When contacted, CP Swapan Sharma said inspector Jatinder Singh had been appointed by a predecessor and was later removed after the matter came to his notice.


Time of India
24-05-2025
- Time of India
Ludhiana police conduct targeted operation in EWS colony, arrest eight drug peddlers.
Ludhiana: In a fresh escalation of its anti-drug campaign, Ludhiana Police on Friday arrested eight alleged drug peddlers and registered five criminal cases following a targeted pre-dawn raid in the EWS Colony on Tajpur Road. Acting on specific intelligence, the commissionerate launched a coordinated cordon and search operation (CASO) around the colony, known as a drug trafficking hub, focusing on the residences of 10 suspected traffickers. According to officials, more than 40 prior cases had been registered collectively against the suspects. Police commissioner Swapan Sharma said the crackdown was part of the Punjab government's ongoing "Yudh Nasheya Virudh" (War On Drugs) campaign. "Rather than conducting random checks, we are conducting intelligence-led operations against repeat offenders," Sharma said. Among those arrested were Ajay alias Sunny and Deepak of Jawahar Nagar, from whom police seized 27 grams of heroin. In another case, Sneha alias Beetu of EWS Colony was found in possession of pharmaceutical drugs, including 70 Alprazolam tablets, 450 Snospas tablets, and empty strips of Prega and Brufen. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like [Click Here] 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software Esseps Learn More Undo She was taken into custody and booked under relevant charges. Mohammad Sabir, a resident of Baba Namdev Colony in the Tibba area, was arrested with 30 grams of heroin. Jatinder Kumar of Ram Nagar in Bhamian Kalan was also held, with police recovering 0.20 grams of heroin from his possession. "This is not a one-off action," Sharma said. "We have arrested habitual offenders before, and we will continue to dismantle drug networks operating in Ludhiana." Authorities said the operation marks another step in tightening surveillance and enforcement in areas notorious for drug activity. Further arrests are expected as investigations continue. MSID:: 121365886 413 | Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !


Hindustan Times
23-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana: Eight peddlers nabbed, drugs seized; 5 booked
The Ludhiana police commissionerate carried out a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) early on Friday morning at EWS Colony on Tajpur Road— a known drug hotspot. The operation led to the arrest of eight drug peddlers and recovery of narcotics and illegal pharmaceutical drugs. Five fresh FIRs have been registered. According to top police, the operation was based on specific intelligence inputs and targeted 10 known drug smugglers, all of whom collectively face over 40 FIRs. Commissioner of police Swapan Sharma said, 'We are no longer conducting random checks. Our focus is on intelligence-based targeted action. The aim is to uproot the drug menace from its core. Today's operation in EWS Colony, which is home to several habitual offenders, is part of that strategic approach.' Division Number 7 police nabbed Ajay alias Sunny and Deepak, both residents of Jawahar Nagar, and recovered 27 grams of heroin from them. In a separate case, Sneha alias Beetu, a resident of EWS Colony, was found in possession of a large quantity of pharmaceutical drugs, including 70 alprazolam tablets and 450 Snospas tablets, along with empty strips of Prega and Brufen capsules, indicating illegal distribution. Another accused, Mohammad Sabir of Baba Namdev Colony in the Tibba area, was arrested with 30 grams of heroin. Additionally, Jatinder Kumar from Ram Nagar, Bhamian Kalan, was caught with 0.20 grams of heroin. 'All those arrested were on our radar for a long time. With more than 40 FIRs filed against this group of 10, the scale of their involvement in drug trafficking is extensive,' said the commissioner. 'The city police will continue to act relentlessly against such offenders.'


Indian Express
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
3 die in Ludhiana after consuming suspected spurious liquor, police begin probe
Three men died in Punjab's Ludhiana Wednesday after allegedly consuming spurious liquor. Ludhiana police commissioner Swapan Sharma, while confirming three deaths, said: 'Prima facie, four men were together last night, of which three who had consumed liquor have died. Autopsy reports are awaited to know the cause of death.' CP Sharma added: 'An FIR has been registered against the unidentified accused at Basti Jodhewal police station. A probe is on.' Inspector Jasbir Singh, Station House Officer of the Jodhewal police station, said some samples of liquor have also been collected from a liquor vend in the area by the police. The incident comes close on the heels of a massive hooch tragedy in Amritsar, where 27 men died after consuming spurious liquor. The police arrested several people, including two Delhi-based businessmen who allegedly supplied the chemical used in preparing the spurious liquor. As the toll climbed in the Amritsar hooch tragedy, Opposition parties attacked the Aam Aadmi Party government and demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The chief minister visited the affected villages, met the families of the victims and vowed to ensure the strictest punishment for the culprits. 'These are not deaths, these are murders. Such a tragedy could not have occurred without political, bureaucratic, or police support,' said Mann. The Congress in Punjab termed as 'mere optics' the Aam Aadmi Party government's renewed push to 'Yudh Nashean Virudh', saying the campaign could not have come at a worse time when the state is still mourning 27 people who died in the hooch tragedy at Majitha in Amritsar. State Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring said, 'When the funeral pyres of those 27 unfortunate people are yet to cool down, you are celebrating a lost war'. Attacking Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal after they announced the launch of Nasha Mukti Yatra from SBS Nagar, Warring said it was 'the most insensitive and untimely publicity'. 'Which 'war against drugs; are you talking about when 27 people have lost lives after consuming spurious liquor just a few days ago. The AAP is trying to create an ugly optical illusion to fool people,' he added.