PunjabENews

Category: Crime

  • Chandigarh blast probe deepens: grenade use suspected; Punjab and Haryana High Court gets fresh bomb threat

    Chandigarh blast probe deepens: grenade use suspected; Punjab and Haryana High Court gets fresh bomb threat

    Chandigarh: Fresh revelations have emerged in the blast outside the Punjab BJP headquarters in Sector 37, Chandigarh, with sources indicating that a GHD2P hand grenade may have been used in the attack.

    The grenade, believed to be of Pakistani origin, is considered highly lethal within a radius of 5 to 10 metres, while its fragments can spread up to 20–25 metres, posing a serious threat to people nearby.

    Two new CCTV videos have also surfaced. In one, two suspects are seen standing outside a nearby office minutes before the blast. In another, they are seen fleeing across the road immediately after the explosion.

    Meanwhile, security concerns have intensified as the Punjab and Haryana High Court has received a bomb threat for the fourth time via email.

    Officials said that while earlier threat emails were sent to the High Court registrar’s official email, the latest message was received at the police headquarters.

    Security agencies have launched a thorough investigation of the High Court premises and are working to trace the origin of the threatening emails.

    Authorities said both the blast case and the threat emails are being treated with high priority, and efforts are underway to identify those responsible.

  • Chandigarh Smart City CFO arrested in ₹116 crore bank fraud case

    Chandigarh Smart City CFO arrested in ₹116 crore bank fraud case

    Chandigarh: Chandigarh Police have arrested Nalini Malik, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Smart City project, in connection with a ₹116 crore fraud involving IDFC First Bank.

    The arrest was made by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) following a complaint by the Municipal Corporation regarding fake fixed deposit receipts (FDRs).

    According to police, Malik allegedly conspired with bank manager Ribhav Rishi and other officials to create shell companies and siphon off public funds.

    Investigations revealed that Rishi, in collusion with Malik and CREST project director Sukhwinder Singh, facilitated the opening of accounts in the name of the Municipal Corporation and generated fake FDRs worth ₹116 crore.

    The misappropriated funds were reportedly diverted into real estate investments, while large sums were allegedly paid as bribes to officials through cash transactions and bank transfers.

    Police said further investigation is underway to identify additional accused and trace the flow of funds.

  • Chandigarh BJP office attack: What is the ‘blue grenade’ seen in viral video?

    Chandigarh BJP office attack: What is the ‘blue grenade’ seen in viral video?

    Chandigarh: The grenade used in the recent attack outside the Punjab BJP headquarters in Chandigarh has sparked widespread curiosity after a video of the incident went viral on social media.

    The footage shows a blue-coloured grenade being thrown at the office in Sector 37. However, security agencies and Punjab Police sources indicate that the device is neither a new model nor an unfamiliar type of explosive.

    Officials say such grenades, including variants like GHD2P hand grenades, are known in security circles and have been used in past incidents. The blue colour, they add, does not necessarily indicate anything unusual, as different batches or types of grenades can have varying markings or coatings.

    What makes this case significant is the availability of clear video evidence. Experts note that it is rare for grenade attacks to be captured so clearly and circulated almost immediately after the incident.

    The viral footage has led to speculation on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), with users debating the origin and type of the weapon. However, investigators have urged caution, stating that conclusions can only be drawn after forensic examination.

    Teams from Chandigarh Police and central forensic agencies are currently analysing the explosive material and video evidence to determine the exact type, source and method used in the attack.

  • Man shot dead in broad daylight in Amritsar, attackers flee with bike and phone

    Man shot dead in broad daylight in Amritsar, attackers flee with bike and phone

    Chandigarh: A 35-year-old man was shot dead in broad daylight in Amritsar on Monday morning while he was on his way to work, police said.

    The incident occurred around 10 am near Rajatal village in the Attari area. The deceased has been identified as Sohna Singh, a resident of the same village.

    According to initial reports, unidentified assailants opened fire at him, killing him on the spot. The attackers then fled with his motorcycle and mobile phone.

    Police teams reached the scene soon after receiving information and cordoned off the area. An investigation has been initiated, and the motive behind the killing is yet to be established.

    Officials said efforts are underway to identify and arrest the accused at the earliest.

  • Bathinda lawyer dies by suicide, names Chandigarh builder in video over ₹5 crore dispute

    Bathinda lawyer dies by suicide, names Chandigarh builder in video over ₹5 crore dispute

    Chandigarh: A lawyer from Bathinda, Davinderpal Singh Natt, allegedly died by suicide at his residence in Green Enclave, leaving behind a video in which he blamed a Chandigarh-based builder and his family for his death.

    Natt, the only son of late Congress leader Sukhraj Singh Natt, accused coloniser Binderpal Mittal and his sons Bharat Mittal and Prateek Mittal of withholding ₹5 crore belonging to him. He also alleged that an additional ₹6-7 crore invested by his friends through him had not been returned, leading to severe mental distress.

    In the video recorded before his death, Natt appealed to his father’s well-wishers and the legal fraternity to ensure justice for his family.

    Sukhraj Singh Natt had contested Assembly elections three times and had also served as chairman of a state body. Following his demise, the family is now survived by Natt’s mother and wife.

    The incident has triggered shock in the area, and police have initiated action based on the contents of the viral video. Investigations are underway against the accused named by the deceased.

  • Faridkot Among Punjab’s Top Districts in Anti-Drug Crackdown; Crime Falls 37%, Snatching Recovery Rate at 97%

    Faridkot Among Punjab’s Top Districts in Anti-Drug Crackdown; Crime Falls 37%, Snatching Recovery Rate at 97%

    Grassroots intelligence & public participation strengthen crackdown against drug abuse in Faridkot

    Faridkot News (29 March, 2026): Faridkot has emerged as a leading example of the Bhagwant Mann Government’s intensified campaign against drug abuse, with the district recording a sharp 37% decline in overall crime and a 97% recovery rate in snatching cases, reflecting the impact of sustained action under the ongoing ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ (war against drugs) and ‘Operation Prahar’.

    The transformation in Faridkot is being driven by a combination of strict enforcement, technology-backed surveillance and deep community engagement, which together have broken the local drug networks and strengthened law and order on the ground. The Bhagwant Mann Government’s focused push to dismantle drug ecosystems is now yielding visible results at the district level.

    Police officials highlighted that regular coordination meetings with Village Defence Committees (VDC), NGOs and social organisations have significantly strengthened grassroots intelligence. This has led to growing public participation, with residents actively sharing information about drug peddlers and anti-social elements, enabling quicker and more targeted police action.

    Senior Superintendent of Police Pragya Jain, IPS, who is closely supervising the campaign, underlined the importance of direct citizen engagement, stating, “People have developed strong trust in the police because informers’ identities are kept completely confidential and action is taken promptly. Citizens across age groups are actively supporting the drive.” She noted that this trust has become a critical force multiplier in the district’s crackdown on drugs and crime.

    Technology has played a crucial role in this transformation, with CCTV cameras installed at key locations across Faridkot, significantly enhancing surveillance and response capabilities. In Dhilwan Kalan village, a comprehensive CCTV network now covers link roads and nearby highways, with real-time access available to both village authorities and the police, ensuring constant monitoring of suspicious activity.

    Local residents affirmed the impact of these measures on ground. Village sarpanch Rajwinder singh & Sukhjeet Singh Dhilwan
    Coordinator Yudh Nashya vrdhu central Malwa Zone Punjab
    said that CCTV monitoring has helped detect suspicious movement linked to drug trafficking, allowing timely police intervention and arrests before crimes could be committed.

    Civil society representatives also acknowledged the shift, pointing to a visible rise in public confidence and a strong deterrent effect on offenders. Chairman of Sahara Service Society Praveen Kala stated that strict enforcement has dismantled a significant portion of the drug trafficking network in the district, while public cooperation with the police has increased substantially.

    Officials further added that alongside enforcement, sustained outreach initiatives are being undertaken to build long-term resistance against drug abuse. These include awareness campaigns, coordination with local administration, and community-driven efforts such as environmental initiatives and sapling distribution.

    With intensified policing, technology integration and strong citizen participation under the Bhagwant Mann Government’s ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign, Faridkot is setting a clear benchmark for district-level action, demonstrating how coordinated efforts can decisively weaken drug networks and restore public confidence in law enforcement.

  • Day 68 of Gangstran Te Vaar: Punjab Police Conducts 508 Raids; 188 Held

    Day 68 of Gangstran Te Vaar: Punjab Police Conducts 508 Raids; 188 Held

    Punjab News (March 29): As the decisive ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign launched under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann enters its 68th day, Punjab Police on Sunday conducted 508 raids at the at identified and mapped locations linked to associates of gangsters across the state.

    As per the information, the “Gangstran Te Vaar”— a decisive war to make Punjab a gangster-free state was launched by the Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on January 20, 2026. Police teams from all the districts in coordination with Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab has been conducting special operations across the state.

    On Day 68, Police teams arrested 188 individuals after recovering three weapons, taking the total arrests to 17,674 since the launch of the campaign.

    Apart from this, preventive action has been taken against 95 persons, whereas, 99 persons were verified and released after questioning. Police teams have also arrested three proclaimed offenders (POs) during the operation.

    People can anonymously report information related to wanted criminals and gangsters, and also share tips on crime and criminal activity, through the Anti Gangster Helpline number 93946-93946.

    Meanwhile, Police teams have continued its drive against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” for 393rd day with 112 drug smugglers arrested on Sunday and recovered 463 grams heroin, 1.2 kg opium, 471 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 62,400 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 56,071 in just 393 days. As part of De-addiction, the Punjab Police has convinced 26 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today

  • Vigilance Bureau nabs ASI red handed accepting bribe of Rs 15,000

    Vigilance Bureau nabs ASI red handed accepting bribe of Rs 15,000

    Chandigarh News (March 29, 2026): The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, has apprehended Assistant Sub Inspector Lakhwinder Singh posted as Incharge police post Kitchlu Nagar, police station PAU Ludhiana , red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. 15,000/-.

    Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above-mentioned accused has been arrested based on a complaint lodged by a resident of Bank Colony Noorwala road district Ludhiana.

    He said that a case was registered against the complainant whose investigation officer was accused ASI Lakhwinder Singh. In this regard, complainant alleged that accused ASI demanded bribe of Rs 30,000/- in lieu of not implicating the complainant’s sister and mother in this case. Complainant had recorded the entire conversation of demanding bribe.

    Unwilling to pay any illegal gratification, the complainant approached the Vigilance Bureau range Ludhiana. After a preliminary enquiry on his complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which the accused ASI was arrested red handed while accepting bribe money of Rs 15,000/- from the complainant in presence of two official witnesses.

    In this regard, a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused at VB police station Ludhiana and further investigation into this case is under progress.

  • Two Sophisticated Sub-Machine Guns Linked to Goldy Dhillon Module Recovered in Amritsar

    Two Sophisticated Sub-Machine Guns Linked to Goldy Dhillon Module Recovered in Amritsar

    Amritsar News (March 29): In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Amritsar Commissionerate Police has foiled an illegal arms smuggling attempt with recovery of two 9MM sub-machine guns and one empty magazine, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Sunday.

    The recovered weapons were found marked with “GHAFFAR SECURITY”.

    DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the recovered consignment was linked to notorious gangster Gurpreet Singh alias Goldy Dhillon. The weapons were being supplied through his network for carrying out anti national and criminal activities in the state, he said.

    The DGP said that further investigation is underway to identify the absconding accused and dismantle the entire network.

    Sharing operational details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that acting on specific intelligence, police teams laid a strong naka in the area of Guru Ki Wadali in Chheharta, and attempted to intercept two unidentified youth riding a motorcycle. On spotting police, the suspects panicked and attempted to flee, he said, while adding that during their escape, they dropped a kit bag.

    The CP said that a search of the recovered kit bag led to the recovery of two illegal 9MM sub-machine guns and one empty magazine.

    He said that Gangster Gurpreet Singh alias Goldy Dhillon is involved in multiple serious crimes including murder, robbery, attempt to murder, kidnapping, rioting, extortion and illegal arms supply. Police teams have booked Gurpreet alias Goldy Dhillon and his three associates and raids are being conducted to nab the absconding bike-borne persons, he added.

    In this regard, a case FIR no. 66 dated 29-03-2026 has been registered under section 25(I-A) of the Arms Act at Police Station Chheharta in Amritsar.

  • Jalandhar Rural Police Arrest 02 Accused for Demanding 2 Crore Extortion in the Name of Goldy Brar

    Jalandhar Rural Police Arrest 02 Accused for Demanding 2 Crore Extortion in the Name of Goldy Brar

    Jalandhar News (March 29, 2026): Under the directions of S. Harvinder Singh Virk, PPS, Senior Superintendent of Police, Jalandhar Rural, and as part of the special campaign against anti-social elements and extortionists, a special team was constituted under the supervision of Vineet Ahlawat, IPS, Superintendent of Police (Detective), Onkar Singh Brar, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Sub-Division Nakodar, and Sh. Inderjit Singh, DSP (Detective). The team included CIA Incharge Inspector Pushp Bali and Sub-Inspector Dilbag Singh, SHO Police Station Sadar Nakodar.

    Using modern, human intelligence and technical methods, the team successfully traced and arrested two accused who had demanded ₹2 crore as extortion from an NRI elderly couple residing in Village Shankar.

    While addressing the media today, Vineet Ahlawat, IPS, SP (Detective), stated that on 21.03.2026, Baljinder Kaur, wife of Pavittar Singh, resident of Village Shankar, Police Station Sadar Nakodar, reported that on 12.01.2026 at around 11:30 PM, her husband received a call from an unknown international number. The caller claimed to be from the group of Goldy Brar and demanded ₹2 crore within 10 days, threatening serious consequences if the demand was not met.

    Later, on 21.03.2026, her son Ranjit Singh, who resides abroad, informed her that he also received a call and a WhatsApp message from an international number demanding ₹1.5 crore within one day, threatening to open fire at their house in Village Shankar. The accused also mentioned details of their property, including a Fortuner vehicle and a large house.

    Based on this complaint, FIR No. 53 dated 21.03.2026 under Sections 308(5), 3(5) of BNS was registered at Police Station Sadar Nakodar, District Jalandhar.

    During investigation, it was revealed that the complainant’s son Ranjit Singh resides abroad, while his elderly parents live in Village Shankar. The accused, Teerath Singh (a relative from the in-laws’ side, residing in Canada), had come to India in February along with his family. He conspired with Jashandeep Singh alias Jashan, a taxi driver from Village Dharmkot, Police Station Sadar Nawanshahr, District Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar.

    Teerath Singh provided inside information about the victim family, including their financial status and property. The accused planned to extort money by threatening them. As per their plan, Jashandeep Singh was to receive ₹25 lakh, while Teerath Singh was to take ₹1.25 crore.

    Jashandeep Singh procured an international e-SIM online and made calls and sent messages from his residence. Teerath Singh, who runs a well-established transport business abroad, got involved in crime due to greed for money.

    Both accused have been arrested. They will be produced before the Hon’ble Court, and police remand will be obtained for further in-depth investigation by the special team.

    FIR registered:-
    FIR no 53 dated 21.03.2026 u/s 308 (5), 3 (5) BNS Police Station Sadar Nakodar District Jalandhar Name of the arrested

    Details of Arrested Accused:
    1. Teerath Singh s/o Balwinder Singh, resident of Bahadurpur, Police Station Bilga, District Jalandhar.

    2. Jashandeep Singh alias Jashan s/o Amarjit Singh, resident of Dharmkot, Police Station Sadar Nawanshahr, District Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar