Punjab’s Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Thursday issued firm instructions to all field officers across the State, calling for a robust crackdown on street crimes and an unwavering fight against drug trafficking. “Curbing petty crimes like snatching, theft, and burglary, along with eradicating drugs, must be top priorities for the police force,” declared DGP Yadav while chairing a high-level meeting of Patiala Range officers in Sangrur on Thursday. He made it clear that police personnel must immediately register FIRs for petty crimes, warning that any negligence will lead to strict accountability for the concerned officers, whether SSPs, DSPs, or SHOs.
DGP Yadav, accompanied by DIG Patiala Range Mandeep Singh Sidhu, held a detailed review of the law and order situation ahead of the upcoming Panchayat elections, directing officers to ensure violence-free and fair polling across the State. Stressing the importance of maintaining citizen security, he ordered a full-scale deployment of police resources to deal with crimes affecting public safety, including extortion, snatching, and drug-related offenses.
To bolster efforts against drug trafficking, DGP Yadav directed the intensification of surveillance through the saturation of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in crime hotspots. Control rooms at district and sub-divisional levels will be set up for real-time monitoring. “SSPs must deal with criminals with an iron hand, particularly drug suppliers, by utilizing section 68F of the NDPS Act to freeze their illegally acquired assets,” Yadav emphasized.
In a bid to involve the public in the anti-drug campaign, the DGP urged police officers to act swiftly on tips received via the newly launched Safe Punjab Anti-Drug Helpline, '9779100200,' which allows citizens to report drug-related activities anonymously. “This helpline will be a key tool in cutting off the supply of drugs at the source and bringing offenders to justice,” he remarked.
As the Panchayat elections approach, DGP Yadav underlined the need for tight security measures and reserved police forces to ensure peaceful polling. He cautioned officers to take decisive action against any attempts to disrupt the election process. “Violence-free elections are non-negotiable, and we must be prepared to handle any potential law and order issues,” he asserted.
During the meeting, Yadav called for an aggressive approach to crime detection, directing the SSPs to maintain history sheets of habitual offenders, seize properties of drug traffickers, and make full use of modern technology in policing. He also instructed the field officers to personally interrogate suspects involved in serious crimes.
Concluding the session, DGP Yadav urged the officers to hold weekly crime review meetings with sub-divisional DSPs and SHOs, emphasizing that proactive crime prevention and swift action are vital to ensuring the safety of Punjab's citizens.
DGP inaugurates Cyber Crime Police Station, launches key police infra projects
Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav on Thursday inaugurated a series of new police infrastructure projects marking a significant step in enhancing the state’s law enforcement capabilities. One of the major highlights was the inauguration of the Cyber Crime Police Station — a dedicated hub equipped with the latest technology to combat rising cyber-related offenses such as online fraud, hacking, cyberbullying, and identity theft.
DGP Yadav, addressing the gathering, emphasized the increasing importance of tackling cybercrime in today's digital age. “This Cyber Crime Police Station will act as a frontline force in investigating and resolving complex cyber cases,” he said, while pointing out that the police personnel deployed here have undergone specialized training in digital forensics and cybercrime investigations.
The new police station houses a well-structured layout, including rooms for the Station House Officer (SHO), investigators, a CCTNS room, and a holding cell.
Besides, several other key projects were also inaugurated, including a public shed and an expanded canteen area for citizens visiting police offices, enhancing the convenience and comfort for visitors. A renovated ‘Gazetted Officers Mess’ was also launched to improve facilities for police officers. To accommodate the growing public footfall, an upgraded District Police Complex was opened, and a foundation stone was laid for a dedicated public car park, further enhancing accessibility.
DGP Yadav highlighted that these infrastructure projects are part of a larger effort by the Punjab Police to modernize its facilities, ensuring better services for the public and fostering a sense of camaraderie among police personnel. “By investing in modern infrastructure, we aim to create a safer and more efficient environment for both citizens and officers,” he said.
Later, the DGP joined the ‘Bada Khana’ lunch organized by the Sangrur Police, where officers of all ranks gathered to share ideas and experiences with their leader. This informal setting allowed for open communication between senior and junior officers, strengthening the bonds essential for effective teamwork.
ECI issues order to lift MCC in Haryana
Chandigarh: With the completion of the electoral process of the Haryana Legislative Assembly, the State Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal on Thursday said that the model code of conduct has been lifted in the state. Agarwal said that the Election Commission of India has issued a notification in this regard. Copies of the notification have been sent to the Cabinet Secretary of the Government of India, Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, the Chief Secretary, Haryana and the Chief Electoral Officer, Haryana for their information, he added.
Punjab CM condoles death of legendary business tycoon Ratan Tata
Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday mourned the sad demise of noted industrialist Ratan Tata (86), who breathed his last on Wednesday late evening at Mumbai. In his condolence message, the Chief Minister recalled the outstanding contribution of Ratan Tata in heralding a new era of industrial development in the country. He lauded Ratan Tata for steering Tata Sons into a global powerhouse thereby accelerating pace of industrial growth in country too. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the hard work, commitment and simplicity of Ratan Tata will ever inspire the younger generations to carve a niche for themselves in field of their choice.
Punjab Govt invites applications for SC panel’s chairperson
Chandigarh: The Punjab Government on Thursday invited applications for the recruitment of a chairperson for the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission. The Department of Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities is accepting applications until October 15, 2024, to fill this crucial position. Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities Minister Dr Baljit Kaur emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring the effective implementation of welfare schemes aimed at benefiting the Scheduled Castes community. The appointment of a new chairperson is a key step in strengthening these efforts. Dr Baljit further explained that candidates for the post must be from the SC community and may include either an eminent person or a retired government officer of Punjab, not below the rank of Principal Secretary.
Kapurthala legislator Rana Gurjeet seeks support for basmati growers of Punjab
Chandigarh: Member of the Punjab legislative assembly from Kapurthala Rana Gurjeet Singh on Thursday demanded support from the Government of India and Punjab government for basmati growers of the state, as the prices of the produce being sold in the state in the current season according to him have fallen by 40% as compared to the prices the crop fetched the last year.
“The Punjab government has promised farmers to create a corpus fund to support the crops other than paddy and wheat which are covered under minimum support price (MSP), so when farmers are taking risk the government should come in their support,” he said. He suggested that Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) an entity of the government of India should make arrangements to facilitate basmati growers. According to the MLA, with the efforts of the farmers the area under premium basmati cultivation, has increased by 84,000 hectares to 6.80 lakh hectares. “Due to the ongoing war between Iran and Israel the logistic cost has also gone up and the orders from middle-eastern countries have been very low,” said the MLA.
BJP inaugurated incomplete projects in Himachal ahead of elections: CM Sukhu
Shimla: The BJP while it was in government in Himachal Pradesh neglected the health sector, and inaugurated incomplete projects and "installed plaques with names of its leaders" ahead of elections, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said. "The condition of medical colleges was pathetic during the BJP regime. We have decided to equip all six medical colleges with state-of-the-art facilities of the level of AIIMS starting with the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla and Dr. Rajender Prasad RP Medical College, Tanda (Kangra)," Sukhu told media persons. About 400 staff nurses are being recruited at IGMC to provide better medical care to patients and maintain a ratio of one nurse every six patients, he added. The chief minister said the casualty ward of IGMC was in very bad condition due to a shortage of beds. Now, the government has decided to upgrade the ward and best quality beds and other facilities, matching facilities at AIIMS, would be provided to the patients.
478 violators held for drunken driving in Himachal in two weeks
Shimla: A total of 478 violators were arrested and 1,848 challans were issued for driving under the influence of alcohol during the 15-day-long state-wide campaign against drunk driving, police said. During the campaign, 84,785 vehicles were checked in various districts for drunken driving and police issued 1,848 challans for driving under the influence of alcohol, a significant increase from the fortnightly average of 390 challans this year before September 24, a statement issued here said. Strict enforcement measures also led to the arrest of 478 individuals, which marks a notable rise from the pre-campaign figures of 51 arrests in the year before the campaign started, it added. The focus was on reducing incidents of driving under the influence of alcohol, minimizing road accidents, and promoting a culture of safe and responsible driving across the state, said Director General of Police (DGP) Atul Verma. The maximum number of 210 challans was issued in Solan police district followed by 207 in Shimla, 199 in Kullu and 176 in Mandi while the highest arrests were 70 in Solan followed by 68 in Mandi, 53 in Baddi and 49 in Bilaspur. In addition to this, police also recommended the suspension of 685 driving licenses of offenders for driving under the influence of alcohol.
