Punjab Police Sends Notorious Drug Smuggler Billa to Assam’s Dibrugarh Jail

Chandigarh:  Punjab Police has transferred the notorious drug smuggler Balwinder Singh alias Billa — facing over 15 criminal cases under NDPS Act and Arms Act — to Dibrugarh Jail in Assam. The unprecedented move marked a first under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.  Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav on Tuesday announced the transfer on X (formerly Twitter), detailing the joint operation conducted with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).  Billa, previously out on bail, was arrested in Gurdaspur during a coordinated effort involving the local police and NCB teams. He is facing multiple charges under Section 3(1) of the NDPS Act and is linked to cross-border drug smuggling networks with Pakistani connections.  Yadav highlighted Billa’s extensive criminal history, noting that he had been involved in over 10 cases related to drug trafficking. The decision to relocate Billa to Dibrugarh Jail aimed at curtailing his influence and disrupting his smuggling operations.  The transfer to Dibrugarh Jail represented a significant step in managing high-profile drug offenders and is expected to serve as a precedent for future cases. The development highlights the concerted efforts of Punjab and central agencies in their ongoing battle against drug trafficking.

RBI Regional Director and Himachal CM discuss banking developments in state

Shimla: Reserve Bank of India Regional Director Anupam Kishore on Tuesday called on Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and discussed initiatives to improve financial literacy and inclusion in Himachal Pradesh. They also discussed recent advancements in the banking sector. Sukhu congratulated the RBI on its 90th anniversary and lauded the institution's unwavering commitment to financial stability and economic growth. He also acknowledged the RBI's crucial role in supporting national development goals. During the meeting, Anupam Kishore briefed the chief minister about various initiatives taken by the RBI to enhance financial literacy and inclusion in the state. He also apprised Sukhu about the nationwide and state-level quiz on financial literacy held in Shimla for undergraduate students organised as part of the RBI's 90th-anniversary celebrations.

Dera chief Ram Rahim walks out of jail on a 21-day furlough

Chandigarh Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim on Tuesday walked out of Rohtak’s Sunaria jail on a 21-day furlough. He was released after the Rohtak Divisional Commissioner passed an order in his favour. During his temporary release period, the Dera chief will go to Baghpat ashram in Uttar Pradesh. On August 9, the Punjab and Haryana High Court disposed of the SGPC’s petition which challenged the grant of temporary release to Ram Rahim, observing that a plea for temporary release be considered by the competent authority without any “arbitrariness or favourtism”. Ram Rahim in June this year had moved the high court, seeking directions to grant him a 21-day furlough. On February 29, the high court had asked the Haryana Government not to grant further parole to the Dera Sacha Sauda chief without its permission. Ram Rahim is serving a 20-year jail term for raping two of his disciples. He was granted a 50-day parole on January 19.

Full dress rehearsals in Chd for 78th I-Day Celebrations

Chandigarh: The Chandigarh Administration on Tuesday conducted full dress rehearsals for 78th Independence Day Celebrations at Parade Ground, Sector 17 to ensure that every detail is flawlessly executed on the day of the event. Rehearsals were carried out with the same level of rigor and attention to detail that will be seen during the main event, a statement said. Every aspect of the ceremony, from the timing of the parade to the coordination between various participants, was meticulously planned and executed. The parade featured disciplined contingents from the Police, Armed forces, Police Band, and NSS students, all marching in unison. The participation of schoolchildren added a vibrant touch to the parade, exemplifying the spirit of unity, patriotism, and youthful enthusiasm. Deputy Commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh , who was present to oversee the full dress rehearsals, for the celebration of the event Chandigarh Police, under the leadership of DGP Surendra Singh Yadav, has put in place a comprehensive security plan, the official added.