Daily News
Bank Manager and Loan Agent Arrested in ₹9 Crore Fraud in Mohali
A serious case of fraud has come to light involving Punjab Gramin Bank in Mohali.
A major fraud case has emerged at Punjab Gramin Bank in Mohali, where bank manager and loan agent arrested for allegedly siphoning off ₹9 crore through fake loans. Former branch manager Harjeet Singh and loan agent Neeraj Kumar Kochhar face serious charges after investigators uncovered their elaborate scheme.
Anil Kumar, the chief manager of the bank’s regional office, filed the complaint. Between July 2022 and November 2024, Singh approved 62 fraudulent loans while working at the Naraingarh Jhugian branch. Consequently, the bank suspended him immediately after discovering the irregularities.
The fraud came to light when an inspection team from Kapurthala noticed suspicious patterns in loan disbursements. Subsequently, they found that applicants used forged documents, including salary slips, Form 16s, bank statements, and employment certificates. Moreover, investigators discovered that many supposed borrowers never applied for loans or simply didn’t exist.
The investigation revealed that loan amounts went directly into accounts controlled by both accused individuals. Specifically, Singh received money in his Punjab National Bank account, while Kochhar’s Axis Bank account showed suspicious transactions. Furthermore, Kochhar allegedly created fake borrowers and provided forged documents to support these applications.
Additionally, many signatures in loan files didn’t match the actual signatures on identity documents. However, Singh still approved these loans without conducting proper verification checks. This lack of due diligence raises serious concerns about internal controls.
Based on these findings, the bank concluded that Singh and Kochhar worked together to defraud the banking system. Initially, they approached the Central Bureau of Investigation, but the agency declined the case. Therefore, Punjab Police registered an FIR with charges including criminal breach of trust, cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Prevention of Corruption Act.
This incident highlights growing concerns in India’s banking sector. Recent reports indicate that fraud cases have increased by approximately 12% over the past five years. Meanwhile, Punjab’s public sector banks struggle with high rates of non-performing assets, making the financial climate particularly challenging.
In response, the Punjab Police have intensified their efforts against financial crimes. Over the past year, they registered more than 100 fraud cases, demonstrating their commitment to protecting public interests. Nevertheless, banks must strengthen their verification processes to prevent such incidents.
Overall, the case where the bank manager and loan agent arrested serves as a wake-up call for financial institutions. As this case proceeds through the judicial system, it will be crucial to ensure accountability and restore public trust in the banking sector.
Daily News
Key Suspect Arrested in Murder of RSS Leader’s Son in Punjab
In the early hours of Thursday, the Ferozepur Police made an important arrest.
Suspect arrested in murder of RSS leader’s son after Ferozepur Police captured Gursimran Singh, also known as Jatin Kali, in the early hours of Thursday. He is the prime suspect in the shooting death of Naveen Arora, who was killed on Saturday evening. This tragic incident has shocked the community and raised serious concerns about rising violence in Punjab.
Senior Superintendent of Police Bhupinder Singh explained that police received a tip-off about Gursimran’s location near Sodhiwala in Arif Ke village. Subsequently, police teams surrounded the area and established checkpoints to apprehend him. Quick action proved crucial in preventing his escape.
During the operation, a motorcycle sped toward the checkpoint. Although police signaled the rider to stop, he attempted to flee. Consequently, officers pursued him immediately. During the chase, Gursimran fired shots at police, hitting the windscreen of a Bolero vehicle and narrowly missing the driver. Therefore, police returned fire and injured Gursimran in the leg before arresting him.
After his arrest, authorities took Gursimran to Civil Hospital for treatment. Moreover, police recovered a .32 bore pistol from him. Investigators are now examining whether this weapon was used to kill Naveen Arora. Forensic tests will determine if the bullets match.
This murder highlights the worrying rise in gang-related violence across Punjab. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, Punjab recorded 79 murders in 2022. Additionally, the state has witnessed several high-profile shootings in recent years, leaving residents deeply concerned about their safety and law enforcement effectiveness.
Before capturing Gursimran, police had already arrested two other suspects named Harsh and Kanav on Monday. Furthermore, investigators have identified another accused whose identity remains undisclosed to protect the investigation. Meanwhile, one suspect named Badal remains at large, and police continue their active search for him.
The murder of Naveen Arora carries particular significance because he was the son of a respected RSS leader. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is a prominent organization in India known for promoting Hindu values and culture. Consequently, this incident has drawn widespread attention to rising crime rates and the urgent need for improved safety measures.
The local community demands swift justice and wants assurance that such violence will not continue. Many residents remember Punjab’s troubled past during the late 20th century when the state faced significant militant activities. Therefore, people hope law enforcement will effectively curb current violence and restore peace to their daily lives.
Overall, the case where the suspect arrested in murder of RSS leader’s son represents progress in the investigation. However, it also underscores ongoing challenges with gang violence in Punjab. As the investigation continues, the community awaits answers and meaningful changes to ensure everyone’s safety and security.
Daily News
Understanding Campus Politics in Punjab: A 55-Year Journey
Jalandhar: Recently, on November 10, 2023, thousands of people from Punjab marched to Chandigarh.
Campus Politics in Punjab took center stage on November 10, 2023, when thousands of people marched to Chandigarh demanding that Panjab University remain under Punjab’s control. This massive demonstration reflects deep-rooted tensions over educational governance that have shaped the state’s political landscape for decades.
Interestingly, this situation mirrors events from 55 years ago. In 1970, similar political battles erupted over Guru Nanak University in Amritsar. Specifically, the conflict centered on the university’s jurisdiction over DAV institutions controlled by Arya Samaj. Consequently, these disputes led to significant political upheaval in the state.
During that period, the Jana Sangh, an earlier version of today’s BJP, withdrew from the coalition government with the Shiromani Akali Dal. Moreover, the two parties had fundamental ideological disagreements about government control over educational institutions. Additionally, language issues added fuel to the fire after Punjab became a unilingual Punjabi-speaking state in 1966.
The Jana Sangh advocated for Hindi to be used alongside Punjabi in administration. Their manifesto promised that “Punjabi would be introduced at all administrative levels, but there would be no restrictions on Hindi.” Therefore, this linguistic debate became intertwined with educational governance disputes.
Political tensions escalated significantly in June 1970. Reports indicate that bitter feelings existed between the Jana Sangh and Akali Dal regarding Guru Nanak University’s status. Furthermore, the Jana Sangh accused the Akali Dal of collaborating with the Central government to create a Sikh homeland, which sparked widespread controversy.
In March 1970, Parkash Singh Badal replaced Justice Gurnam Singh as Chief Minister. Subsequently, this change shifted political alliances, but the university governance issue remained unresolved. Meanwhile, DAV College and HMV College challenged the Guru Nanak University Act in the Supreme Court, arguing that it violated their rights.
Eventually, Jana Sangh ministers withdrew from the Punjab cabinet. They felt the Akali Dal was introducing “the poison of sectarian politics” into education. Although they initially supported establishing a university to honor Guru Nanak’s 500th anniversary, they believed the Akali Dal betrayed them by expanding jurisdiction without proper consultation.
Today, the ongoing protests over Panjab University connect deeply with this historical context. Demonstrators fear increased central control and “saffronisation,” referring to Hindu nationalist influence. These concerns appear prominently on protest posters and social media platforms.
Education remains an emotionally charged topic in Punjab because universities and schools represent vital centers for identity, culture, and political power. Since Punjab’s reorganization in 1966, educational institutions have consistently been battlegrounds for political influence and cultural preservation.
Overall, Campus Politics in Punjab demonstrates how historical struggles continue shaping present circumstances. Understanding this history helps explain why communities view educational governance as crucial to their cultural survival and political autonomy.
Daily News
Panchkula Police Capture Repeat Snatcher in Moga
The Panchkula Police have arrested a repeat offender involved in several snatching incidents.
Panchkula police capture repeat snatcher in Moga after tracking down Abhishek Ojha, a 30-year-old from Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The accused had been hiding in Moga, Punjab, before authorities successfully apprehended him. He has been linked to multiple snatching incidents targeting women across Panchkula during March and April.
Initially, Chandigarh Police arrested Abhishek on August 1. Subsequently, investigators connected him to several crimes in the region. Despite holding a Science degree and working for a private company in Mohali, Abhishek developed a serious drug addiction. Consequently, this addiction allegedly drove him toward criminal activities to fund his habit.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Arvind Kamboj explained that Abhishek operated alone without any accomplices. Moreover, he specifically targeted unsuspecting women walking on main roads during evening hours when fewer people were present. This timing made it easier for him to strike and escape quickly.
Furthermore, Abhishek used a calculated escape strategy by parking his two-wheeler at a safe distance from crime scenes. After each snatching, he would immediately flee the area. Additionally, he constantly changed his locations between Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Mohali to avoid detection by law enforcement agencies.
Police suspect Abhishek committed at least five snatchings in Chandigarh alone. Besides these cases, he also faces charges under the Arms Act for carrying a weapon during his crimes. Therefore, his actions posed an even greater threat to his victims and increased the severity of his offenses significantly.
During the arrest, authorities recovered ₹1.6 lakh in cash that Abhishek obtained by selling stolen gold ornaments. This discovery revealed the extensive scale of his criminal operations. Subsequently, police presented him in court on Wednesday, where he was remanded to judicial custody for further investigation.
This incident highlights the rising concern about street crimes in the region. Statistics indicate that women remain the primary targets, particularly during evening hours in less crowded areas. Meanwhile, authorities continue strengthening their surveillance and patrol systems to prevent such incidents.
Police urge residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities immediately. Community cooperation plays a vital role in crime prevention. By staying alert and informed, citizens can help law enforcement maintain neighborhood security effectively.
Overall, Panchkula police capture repeat snatcher in Moga demonstrates effective police work and inter-district coordination. As investigations continue, this successful arrest sends a strong message that authorities remain committed to protecting vulnerable citizens and ensuring public safety throughout the region.
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