Pioneer in short
J&K storm into Ranji finals
Head coach Ajay Sharma likened Jammu and Kashmir’s maiden Ranji Trophy final to the film Sholay - a cast without superstars but perfect in every role. After defeating Bengal cricket team by six wickets, Sharma said collective belief, not individual brilliance, powered the run. “Everybody knows his role. That’s why we are here.” For Sharma, who joined in 2022, the achievement marks a personal “rebirth”. Once a prolific batter with over 10,000 first-class runs, his career was derailed by a life ban over match-fixing charges before he returned to coaching. “It’s karma,” he said, calling the final “special”. Adapting from Delhi’s star-studded dressing room to J&K’s young squad required patience. Gradual gains - including key wins over heavyweights - built belief. “Nobody can take us lightly now.” A fierce pace attack, led by Auqib Nabi’s 55 wickets at under 13, has been central. Sharma also cited speedster Umran Malik as proof of the region’s talent. With an average age of 23-24, Sharma believes this fearless squad is ready to seize its moment.
Punjab: AAP leader shot dead
An Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) sarpanch was shot dead by unidentified assailants during a wedding function in Tarn Taran district on Wednesday, police said. Harpinder Singh, sarpanch of Thathian Mehta village, was attending a ceremony at a marriage palace when three armed men opened fire at close range. He died on the spot. His cousin, who tried to chase the attackers, was seriously injured and admitted to hospital. Police sources said an AK-47 rifle was used and two empty cartridges were recovered from the scene. Teams have been formed to trace and arrest the assailants. Villagers described Singh as an active AAP member and a close associate of Punjab cabinet minister Laljit Singh Bhullar.
Police book Blinkit over knives
Delhi Police has registered a case against instant delivery platform Blinkit for allegedly selling knives that violate Government-prescribed specifications, officials said on Wednesday. The action follows investigations in criminal cases where suspects were found to have purchased knives through online platforms. During a verification drive, police found certain knives listed for sale on Blinkit. Under existing rules, knives with blades longer than 7.62 cm and wider than 1.72 cm are prohibited. Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Darade Sharad Bhaskar said a case was registered on February 14 under relevant provisions of the Arms Act after products sold online were found to breach notified size limits. Police ordered a ‘Stanley knife’ through the platform and found it foldable, with a blade measuring around 8 cm in length and 2.5 cm in width — exceeding permissible limits.
