PunjabENews

Category: Crime

  • Woman’s half-burnt body found stuffed in suitcase on Malout highway in Bathinda

    Woman’s half-burnt body found stuffed in suitcase on Malout highway in Bathinda

    Chandigarh: The body of a young woman was found stuffed inside a suitcase along the Malout national highway in Bathinda district on Wednesday, triggering panic in the area.

    The incident was reported near Behaman Diwana village. According to police, the victim’s body bore injury marks and was found half-burnt, raising suspicion that she was murdered elsewhere and later dumped at the isolated spot in an attempt to destroy evidence.

    On receiving information, Bathinda police and a forensic team reached the scene and carried out a detailed examination. The area was cordoned off and evidence collection began.

    DSP Harvinder Singh Sara said preliminary investigation is underway and efforts are being made to establish the identity of the deceased. Police are also scanning CCTV footage from nearby areas and checking missing persons’ reports to trace the victim and the accused.

    Further investigation is in progress.

  • Another Pak-Backed Terror Plot Foiled in Amritsar; One Held with IED, Pistol

    Another Pak-Backed Terror Plot Foiled in Amritsar; One Held with IED, Pistol

    Amritsar News: In an intelligence-led operation amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) Amritsar has busted yet another Pakistan-backed terror module and foiled major terror plot with the arrest of one accused person and recovered one Improvised Explosive Device (IED) packed in metallic case with remote control and a foreign made Pistol along with ammunition from his possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here Wednesday.

    The arrested accused has been identified as Shubham Kumar alias Shubham Srivastav, a resident of village Sarosa in Sitapur, Uttar Pardesh.

    The development came a day after Punjab Police has busted Pakistan’s ISI-backed terror module with the arrest of its operative, identified as Rahul Kumar alias Gaju of Amritsar, and recovered one RDX-based Improvised Explosive Device (IED) from his possession.

    DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary probe has indicated that the arrested accused was in contact with a Pak-based handler through encrypted platforms. The terror consignment has been pushed from across the border and retrieved from a designated location on the city outskirts, he said.

    “The IED was intended for targeted attacks in multiple states including Punjab and Delhi,” said the DGP, while adding that further investigation is underway to dismantle the entire terror network.

    Sharing operational details, AIG SSOC Amritsar Sukhminder Singh Mann said that police teams had received a specific information that a consignment comprising IED and weapons had pushed from Pakistan through Drone by Pak operatives, which has been retrieved by their Indian associates to carry out blasts and terrorist activities in Punjab, Delhi and various parts of the country. Acting swiftly, an operation was launched and special police teams were constituted leading to the arrest of suspect Shubham Kumar alias Shubham Srivastav, and recovery of an IED and one Pistol from the abandoned area near by Dargarh situated on Amritsar Jalandhar GT Road.

    The AIG said that probe has revealed that the arrested accused is highly radicalised and came from Uttar Pradesh to Amritsar after his handler promised lucrative amount. Accused retrieved the consignment comprising IED and weapon from a designated location on the outskirts of the city on the instructions of his handler, he said, while adding that further investigation is ongoing.

    In this regard, a case FIR No. 09 dated 10.02.2026 has been registered under section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), sections 18 and 20 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act and section 25(1)(d) of Indian Arms Act at PS SSOC Amritsar.

  • 9 killed in shooting at high school in British Columbia, suspect also dead

    9 killed in shooting at high school in British Columbia, suspect also dead

    Toronto: At least nine people were killed after a gunwoman opened fire inside a high school in northern British Columbia, police said on Wednesday . The suspected attacker also died in the incident. Around 25 others were reported injured.

    The shooting took place at a higher secondary school in Tumbler Ridge, a quiet community in the northern part of the province. Authorities had earlier issued an alert asking residents to remain indoors or move to safe locations as a precaution.

    According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, officers received a call around 1:30 pm about an armed individual inside the Tumbler Ridge school. By the time police reached the scene, several students from Grades 7 to 12 had been shot, some of whom had already succumbed to their injuries.

    Northern BC Superintendent Ken Floyd said six students and the suspected gunwoman were found dead at the school. Another injured victim died while receiving initial medical assistance. Three critically injured students were airlifted to a larger hospital for advanced treatment.

    Police said the motive behind the attack is under investigation. Authorities have secured the area and are working with school officials and emergency services as part of the ongoing probe.

  • Operation Prahar 2.0 Continues: Major Action Against Gangsters and Criminal Elements

    Operation Prahar 2.0 Continues: Major Action Against Gangsters and Criminal Elements

    Jalandhar News: In compliance with the guidelines issued by the Punjab Government and the Hon’ble Director General of Police (DGP), Punjab, the Jalandhar Rural Police continues its strict and sustained crackdown against gangsters, their associates, and other criminal elements under Operation Prahar 2.0.

    This special operation is being conducted under the leadership of Shri G. Nageshwar Rao, IPS, ADGP (Provisioning) and S. Harvinder Singh Virk, PPS, Senior Superintendent of Police, Jalandhar Rural, under the close supervision of Gazetted Officers across the district.

    The SSP, Jalandhar Rural, informed that a strong police force was deployed across all sub-divisions of the district. On 10.02.2026, coordinated raids were conducted at a total of 115 locations throughout Jalandhar Rural.

    Outcome of the Operation (10.02.2026)
    • 41 wanted criminals arrested
    • 06 active gangsters and 23 wanted criminals taken into preventive custody
    • 40 wanted criminals interrogated/verified
    • 06 Proclaimed Offenders (POs) arrested
    • 07 FIRs registered

    Recoveries Made
    • 01 illegal pistol (.32 bore)
    • 04 live cartridges
    • 86 narcotic pills/tablets

    Intelligence-Based Action
    • 06 round-ups as per the new AGTF list
    • 11 round-ups as per the old AGTF list

    The SSP further informed that during Operation Prahar 2.0 (08.02.2026 to 09.02.2026), raids were conducted at 131 locations, leading to the arrest of 26 wanted criminals and 04 declared criminals. Additionally, 12 wanted criminals were taken into preventive custody, 36 persons were questioned and verified, and 02 FIRs were registered.

    During the said operation, 03 illegal pistols, 14 live cartridges, 01 motorcycle, and 115 narcotic pills were recovered.

    The SSP stated that under Operation Prahar 2.0, anti-sabotage checks at sensitive locations, checking of religious places, intensified night patrolling, and special blockades at vulnerable points have been further strengthened across the district. Vehicles and suspicious persons are being thoroughly checked to completely curb criminal activities.

    He also informed that 112 Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) are deployed across the district to provide 24×7 patrolling and emergency response services. In case of any emergency, citizens can seek immediate police assistance by dialing 112.

    Finally, the SSP, Jalandhar Rural, assured the general public that the identity of individuals providing information regarding gangsters, drugs, extortion, threats, or any other criminal activity will be kept strictly confidential, and prompt and legal action will be taken on every credible input.

  • ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’: Over 1,600 Individuals Arrested on Day 2 of Operation Prahaar-2

    ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’: Over 1,600 Individuals Arrested on Day 2 of Operation Prahaar-2

    Punjab E News: Amidst the ongoing ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign to make Punjab a gangster free state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police teams on Tuesday conducted 2706 raids at locations linked to wanted criminals on Day 2 of ‘Operation Prahaar-2’.

    Notably, further intensifying the ongoing “Gangstran Te Vaar” campaign, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Sunday had launched 72-hours long “Operation Prahaar-2” with focus on nabbing the wanted criminals. Senior officers from Punjab Police Headquarters have personally visited different police districts to lead the operation.

    Sharing details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla said that as part of Operation Prahaar-2, more than 2,000 police teams comprising around 12,000 personnel have conducted raids at locations linked to wanted criminals across Punjab.

    Sharing the outcomes of Day 2 of the Operation Prahaar-2, the Special DGP said that as many as 2596 individuals were rounded-up of which 1,634 were arrested, including 53 proclaimed offenders and 534 preventive detentions. Apart from this, 1,015 persons were verified and released after questioning.

    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 346th day with 215 drug smugglers arrested on Tuesday and recovered 2.7 kg heroin, 863 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 12,040 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 48,866 in just 346 days. As part of De-addiction, the Punjab Police has convinced 27 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

  • Amritsar: Pak-ISI Backed Terror Module Busted, One Held with RDX Device

    Amritsar: Pak-ISI Backed Terror Module Busted, One Held with RDX Device

    Amritsar News: In an intelligence-led operation amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) Amritsar has foiled a Pakistan’s ISI-backed terror plot with the arrest of one accused person and recovered an RDX-based Improvised Explosive Device (IED) from his possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Tuesday.

    The arrested accused has been identified as Rahul Kumar alias Gaju, a resident of Chamrang Road in Amritsar. He works as an assistant in a salon in Amritsar.

    DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has indicated that the arrested accused was in contact with a foreign-based handler acting under the instructions of Pak-based handlers. Probe has also revealed that accused Rahul retrieved the consignment from a designated location on the outskirts of the city following the instructions of his foreign-based handler, he said, while adding that the device was concealed in a PVC pipe casing, likely to evade detection.

    The DGP said that further probe regarding the ultimate disposal/destination of the IED is being conducted.

    Sharing operational details, AIG SSOC Amritsar Sukhminder Singh Mann said that following a credible intel-input about the consignment containing IED pushed from Pakistan, police teams have launched an operation and arrested suspect Rahul alias Gaju after recovering IED from his possession.

    The AIG said that arrested accused came in contact with his foreign-based handler during his visit to Punjab in 2022 and they remained in contact with each other through encrypted mobile apps. The foreign-based handler initially cultivated Rahul by providing him with small amounts to meet his expenses before tasking him with this assignment, he said, while adding that further investigation is ongoing.

    In this regard, a case FIR No. 08 dated 09.02.2026 has been registered under section 3, 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substance Act, section 25 of the Arms Act and sections 111 and 61 (2) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station SSOC Amritsar.

  • Bathinda court declares Amritpal Singh Mehro a proclaimed offender in murder case

    Bathinda court declares Amritpal Singh Mehro a proclaimed offender in murder case

    Bathinda: A local court in Bathinda has declared Amritpal Singh Mehro, the prime accused in the murder of social media influencer Kanchan Kumari alias Kamla Bhabhi, a proclaimed offender after he repeatedly failed to appear despite multiple summons.

    According to police, Mehro fled the country soon after the murder and is believed to be hiding in the United Arab Emirates. He is alleged to be the leader of a radical outfit called ‘Kaum De Rakhe’.

    Court records show that three other accused — Jaspreet Singh, Nimrajit Singh and Ranjit Singh — were named in the case. Jaspreet Singh and Nimrajit Singh were arrested earlier, while Ranjit Singh was taken into custody on February 6.

    Police investigations revealed that Kanchan Kumari was strangled to death on the intervening night of June 9 and 10. Her body was later dumped in the parking area of Adesh Medical College and Hospital in the Bhucho area of Bathinda. The body was recovered the following day, leading to the registration of a murder case.

    Bathinda Cantonment SHO Daljit Dhaliwal said the court’s order declaring Mehro a proclaimed offender would enable the police to initiate the process of issuing an Interpol Red Corner Notice against him. He added that state and central agencies were coordinating efforts to track and extradite the accused.

    Investigators further claimed that Mehro escaped to Dubai via the Amritsar international airport, with co-accused Ranjit Singh allegedly playing a key role in facilitating his escape.

  • Ludhiana child murder: Suspect identified through CCTV, has prior rape conviction

    Ludhiana child murder: Suspect identified through CCTV, has prior rape conviction

    Chandigarh: The Punjab Police have made a major breakthrough in the brutal murder of nine-year-old Aman in Ludhiana, identifying the suspect through CCTV footage and confirming that he has a serious criminal history.

    According to the police, the accused was captured on CCTV cameras installed near the area where the child was playing. The footage allegedly shows the suspect taking Aman away, which helped investigators establish his identity.

    Police investigations have revealed that the suspect was earlier convicted in a 2020 case involving the rape of a seven-year-old girl registered at the Jodhewal police station.

    He was sentenced to 20 years in prison in that case. However, officials said the accused had recently escaped from police custody while being taken to a civil hospital for a medical examination and has been absconding since.

    Meanwhile, the victim’s family staged a protest outside the Salem Tabri police station, alleging misbehaviour by a police official and accusing the police of failing to arrest the suspect despite having identified him. They demanded swift action and accountability.

    Responding to the allegations, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kikar Singh denied any misconduct by police personnel. He said multiple police teams have been deployed and raids are being conducted at various locations to arrest the absconding accused.

    The case has sparked widespread outrage, with residents demanding strict action and improved monitoring of offenders with serious criminal backgrounds.

  • UP man allegedly sells wife for Rs 1,000, two held for gang rape in Budaun

    UP man allegedly sells wife for Rs 1,000, two held for gang rape in Budaun

    New Delhi: A shocking incident has been reported from Budaun district of Uttar Pradesh, where a man allegedly handed over his wife to his friends in exchange for Rs 1,000.

    The 30-year-old woman, a resident of the Faizganj Behta police station area, lodged a complaint stating that her husband sent her with his friends after taking money from them. She alleged that the two men—identified as Balkrishna and Pappu—took her to a forest area and gang-raped her.

    Police have registered an FIR against the husband and his two friends and launched an investigation. SP (Rural) Hirdesh Katheria said that the two accused, Balkrishna and Pappu, have been arrested and are being questioned.

    The woman’s husband, identified as Chhuttan, is currently absconding. Two police teams have been formed to trace and arrest him, the officer said.

    The survivor has been sent to the district women’s hospital for medical examination. Police said further legal action will be expedited once the medical report is received.

  • Operation Prahar 2.0: Jalandhar Rural Police Takes Strong and Decisive Action Against Gangsters and Criminal Elements

    Operation Prahar 2.0: Jalandhar Rural Police Takes Strong and Decisive Action Against Gangsters and Criminal Elements

    Jalandhar News: In compliance with the directions of the Punjab Government and the Hon’ble Director General of Police (DGP), Punjab, Jalandhar Rural Police has further intensified the special drive “Operation Prahar” against gangsters, their associates, shelter providers, and other criminal elements, with the launch of “Operation Prahar 2.0” today.

    Under the leadership and guidance of Shri G. Nageshwar Rao, IPS, Additional Director General of Police (Provisioning), and S. Harvinder Singh Virk, PPS, Senior Superintendent of Police, Jalandhar Rural, large-scale and coordinated action is being undertaken across the district. Continuous raids, surprise checks, and intensive surveillance are being carried out at all sub-division and police station levels through the deployment of multiple police teams, under the close supervision of gazetted officers.

    The Senior Superintendent of Police, Jalandhar Rural, informed that on 09 February 2026, as part of Operation Prahar 2.0, a CASO (Cordon and Search Operation) was conducted across Jalandhar Rural district. During the operation, 131 raids were carried out by cordoning off identified suspicious locations.

    As a result of the operation:
    • 26 wanted criminals were arrested
    • 04 proclaimed offenders were arrested
    • Preventive detention was carried out against 12 wanted criminals
    • 36 persons were interrogated and verified
    • 02 FIRs were registered

    During the operation, police recovered:

    • 03 illegal pistols
    • 14 live cartridges
    • 01 motorcycle
    • 115 tablets

    The SSP further stated that 02 associates from the previously identified list were detained and verified, and 06 preventive actions were taken during the course of the operation.

    Overall, during the operation:

    • Total wanted criminals and proclaimed offenders arrested: 30
    • Total persons interrogated/verified: 36
    • Total persons proceeded against (arrested + interrogated/verified): 66

    Alongside the CASO, Night Domination operations are continuing across the district. Police patrolling during night hours has been intensified, and special nakas and blockades have been established at strategic points. Vehicles and individuals are being subjected to thorough checking to ensure public safety and effective crime prevention.

    The SSP also informed that 112 Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) are deployed across Jalandhar Rural district for 24×7 patrolling and emergency response. Citizens facing any emergency are advised to dial 112, where immediate police assistance will be ensured.

    Outcome of Previous Operations

    The SSP further informed that during the earlier phases of Operation Prahar (20.01.2026 to 22.01.2026) and “War on Gangsters” (23.01.2026 to 07.02.2026), Jalandhar Rural Police conducted raids at 780 locations across the district. During these operations, 244 criminals were arrested, including 04 Associate ‘A’, 05 Associate ‘B’, and 235 other unlisted criminals. Preventive detention was taken against 40 persons, 325 unlisted persons were verified, and 08 proclaimed offenders were arrested, reflecting a sustained and focused crackdown on organized crime and criminal networks.

    In conclusion, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Jalandhar Rural, assured the general public that the identity of individuals providing information related to gangsters, drugs, extortion, threats, or any other criminal activity will be kept strictly confidential, and their safety will be fully ensured. Every credible input received by the police will be acted upon promptly, lawfully, and decisively.