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Chandigarh Sector-53 Housing Scheme

The Sector-53 housing scheme in Chandigarh is experiencing more delays.

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Chandigarh Sector-53 Housing Scheme
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The Chandigarh Sector-53 Housing Scheme has once again hit a delay, leaving many homebuyers disappointed. According to the Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB), the project may now take another three months before it can finally launch. Officials say the board is waiting for final directions on whether to auction the land or start the construction on its own.

A senior CHB official explained, “After the UT administrator’s directions during the September 11 meeting, we are still waiting for the official minutes before taking a final call.” This delay shows the need for clear guidance from higher authorities so that the project can move forward without confusion.

During the meeting, Gulab Chand Kataria, the UT administrator, raised serious concerns about the high prices of the flats. He advised CHB to review and lower the rates to make the project more affordable for middle-class families. The current proposed prices are quite high:

  • Three-bedroom flat: ₹2.30 crore
  • Two-bedroom flat: ₹1.97 crore
  • Economically Weaker Section (EWS) flat: ₹74 lakh

Kataria also suggested increasing the number of flats available to meet the growing demand for housing in Chandigarh.

This project has struggled since it was first proposed in 2018. Back then, only 178 people applied for 492 flats because of steep prices. Earlier rates were ₹1.8 crore for a three-bedroom, ₹1.5 crore for a two-bedroom, and ₹95 lakh for a one-bedroom unit. Due to the weak response, CHB had to put the plan on hold.

In February 2023, the housing board tried to revive the project with revised prices, but then-Administrator Banwarilal Purohit paused it again, saying the city didn’t urgently need a new housing project. However, the plan returned to life in November 2024, when Gulab Chand Kataria took charge and decided to move forward again. His decision reflected the ongoing demand for housing in Chandigarh.

Earlier this year, CHB conducted a demand survey that ended on March 3. The response was overwhelming: 7,468 people applied for just 372 flats. That means around 20 buyers were interested in each flat! Applicants paid a ₹10,000 deposit for High-Income Group (HIG) and Middle-Income Group (MIG) flats and ₹5,000 for EWS flats.

However, another challenge soon emerged. Since April 2023, collector rates in Chandigarh have risen by 35-40%, making it even harder to keep housing prices affordable. Based on earlier calculations before the rate hike, the expected flat prices were:

  • Three-bedroom unit: ₹1.65 crore
  • Two-bedroom unit: ₹1.40 crore
  • EWS unit: ₹55 lakh

This sharp rise in rates has now raised serious questions about affordability. Experts say that rising land and construction costs could make it difficult for ordinary families to buy homes in the city.

The Chandigarh Housing Board, established in 1976, was created to provide affordable homes to residents. However, the last successful housing scheme launched by CHB was in 2016, when 200 two-bedroom flats in Sector 51 were sold for ₹69 lakh each. Since then, Chandigarh residents have been waiting for a new affordable housing option.

Officials also say that the new scheme aims to include eco-friendly designs, better drainage systems, and energy-efficient infrastructure. These modern features are expected to make the housing colony more sustainable and attractive to buyers once it finally launches.

For now, the future of the project remains uncertain. The CHB must wait for the final approval from the UT administration to decide whether to auction the land or manage construction directly. Homebuyers are eager but must stay patient as the Chandigarh Sector-53 Housing Scheme faces yet another round of delays and decisions.

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Muslim Leaders Raise Concerns Over Police Actions: Plan Meeting

In Jalandhar, Punjab, community leaders have expressed serious concerns about police actions they believe are influenced by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

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The Muslim leaders raise concerns over police actions in Jalandhar, Punjab, after a tense clash between Muslim protesters and a Hindu man on Friday evening. Community leaders allege that the police acted unfairly under pressure from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and failed to file a case against the man involved.

During a press conference, Advocate Naeem Khan, president of the Muslim Sangathan, and Ayub Khan criticized the authorities for their one-sided response. They claimed that a video clip clearly shows Yogesh Maini, the Hindu man, running into peaceful Muslim protesters. Despite this, police have not taken any action against him.

Naeem Khan stated, “Police are acting under BJP pressure and ignoring clear evidence.” He further said that the BJP was trying to divide communities that had lived in peace for decades. The leaders have demanded a First Information Report (FIR) against Maini and a fair investigation into what they describe as a planned attack.

Meanwhile, community leaders announced plans to hold a multi-community meeting on October 8 to decide their next steps. This gathering will take place after Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti, which will be celebrated on Monday and Tuesday. They believe holding the meeting after the festival will help maintain calm and respect during the celebrations.

Another leader, Mazhar Alam, district president of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, expressed shock that people supported by the BJP attempted to disturb peace near the Police Commissioner’s Office. He said, “Instead of protecting everyone equally, action was taken against members of the Muslim community.” His statement reflected growing unease about the impartiality of law enforcement.

Punjab has long been known for its communal harmony. For generations, communities of different faiths have coexisted peacefully. However, recent events like this clash have raised concerns about the stability of social unity. Many fear that political interests may now be influencing the balance between communities.

Experts note that such tensions often rise during election periods. Several political groups and citizens accuse the BJP of encouraging divisions for political gain. Punjab, with its diverse social structure and religious mix, remains particularly sensitive to such polarization.

The leaders also pointed out that urban areas like Mohali, part of the Chandigarh Tricity region, are undergoing major demographic and economic changes. With this growth, political and religious groups sometimes exploit differences, which causes social tensions to surface.

To prevent further unrest, community leaders are focusing on dialogue and peace. They believe that open discussion among all communities can stop misinformation and rebuild trust. According to Naeem Khan, the upcoming meeting is not just about protest but about unity. “We want to bring everyone to the same table,” he said. “Punjab needs peace, not division.”

Local residents have also voiced their concerns. Many say they want the government and police to remain neutral and uphold justice for all, regardless of religion. People across Jalandhar are calling for patience, fairness, and cooperation among communities.

As the October 8 meeting approaches, community leaders hope their discussions will help ease tensions and promote understanding. They emphasize that Punjab’s strength has always been its diversity and its people’s ability to live together peacefully.

Through unity and open communication, leaders believe the community can overcome any attempt to divide it. The Muslim leaders raise concerns over police actions case serves as a reminder that fairness, respect, and harmony remain the foundation of Punjab’s identity.

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NIA Charges Four People for The Jalandhar Grenade Attack

On April 7, 2025, a dangerous grenade attack occurred at the home of Manoranjan Kalia, a former minister in Punjab, located in Jalandhar.

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The NIA charges four people for the Jalandhar grenade attack case has once again raised serious security concerns in Punjab. The attack targeted the home of former Punjab minister Manoranjan Kalia on April 7, 2025, in Jalandhar. It created panic among residents and renewed fears of militant violence in the state. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has now taken strong action by filing a chargesheet against four people linked to this attack.

The NIA submitted the chargesheet in a Chandigarh court on Saturday. It names two arrested suspects and two who are still missing. The arrested men are Saidul Ameen from Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, and Abhijot Jangra from Kurukshetra, Haryana. The two absconders are Kulbir Singh Sidhu from Yamunanagar, Haryana, and Manish alias Kaka Rana from Karnal, Haryana, both wanted by law.

Just five days after the grenade attack, the NIA took charge of the investigation on April 12. Investigators quickly uncovered links between the accused and a wider terror network. According to officials, Sidhu is the main conspirator and a known member of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), a banned terrorist group with a long history of violent activities in Punjab.

Investigations showed that Sidhu and Manish created a small terror module to target political leaders. Their goal was to spread fear and raise funds through extortion. Evidence revealed that Manish recruited Ameen, who allegedly threw the grenade. Meanwhile, Sidhu provided the weapon, and Jangra financed the operation.

After the blast, Sidhu and Manish even posted an online message taking credit for the attack. Because of Sidhu’s repeated involvement in such crimes, the NIA issued a Red Corner Notice and announced a ₹10 lakh reward for information leading to his capture.

Officials added that this is not Sidhu’s first case. The NIA had already filed charges against him for the murder of VHP leader Vikas Prabhakar in April 2024. His name has appeared in multiple terror cases, showing his deep involvement in violent activities meant to disturb peace in Punjab.

The NIA is now focusing on locating Sidhu and Manish, who remain at large. Agency teams are working with international police networks and using advanced tracking tools to trace their movements. Moreover, security in Punjab and nearby states has been tightened to prevent further attacks.

Over the past year, Punjab has seen a worrying rise in violent incidents linked to Khalistani extremist networks. Many residents fear that these attacks could mark a return to the unrest of the 1980s and 1990s, when separatist violence caused widespread instability. Such groups aim to create panic by targeting community and political leaders.

As a result, local authorities and security agencies are under heavy pressure to restore peace. The Punjab Police and NIA have stepped up joint operations in cities like Jalandhar, Ludhiana, and Amritsar. They are conducting frequent checks, monitoring sensitive areas, and sharing intelligence to trace BKI-linked operatives.

Meanwhile, people across Punjab have voiced deep concern about the return of militant-style violence. Many families still remember the painful years of past conflicts and want the government to act swiftly to ensure safety. Community groups and religious leaders have also urged citizens to stay alert and report suspicious activities.

Experts say this case highlights the urgent need for stronger coordination between local police, intelligence units, and national security agencies. They also stress the importance of public awareness programs, border monitoring, and community engagement to prevent extremist threats before they escalate.

As the investigation continues, the NIA remains committed to tracking down the absconders and dismantling the terror network behind the attack. However, their persistent efforts show the government’s determination to protect citizens and maintain law and order. Ultimately, the NIA charges four people for the Jalandhar grenade attack case reminds everyone that the fight against terrorism requires unity, vigilance, and cooperation to preserve peace in Punjab.

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2 Doctors Arrested for Illegal Supply of Tramadol Tablets in Amritsar

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) is taking strong actions against illegal drug supply in Punjab.

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2 Doctors Arrested for Illegal Supply of Tramadol Tablets in Amritsar
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The 2 doctors arrested for illegal supply of tramadol tablets has once again raised serious questions about Punjab’s healthcare system. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has now intensified its crackdown on illegal drug networks across the state. This week, officers arrested Dr. Rajesh Kumar and Dr. Parveen, two doctors from a private hospital in Amritsar, for allegedly supplying tramadol tablets without permission.

Tramadol, a powerful psychotropic painkiller, directly affects the brain and emotions. Doctors can prescribe it only under strict medical supervision. However, its misuse has spread rapidly in Punjab, where addiction to prescription drugs continues to rise. Because of this alarming trend, the NCB is taking stronger steps to stop the illegal distribution of such substances.

Investigators discovered that Dr. Kumar and Dr. Parveen provided tramadol to unauthorized individuals. After arresting them, the NCB also named a retired government doctor as a co-accused. According to officials, he skipped questioning twice and attended only once. Therefore, the agency has started tracking him and plans to question him again soon.

Both doctors will appear in court tomorrow. The NCB intends to request police remand to gather more information about how they obtained the drugs and who helped distribute them. Moreover, a senior officer revealed that this investigation is part of a larger mission to identify doctors and chemists who exploit their medical authority for illegal gain.

Earlier, officers also arrested Baudh Raj, the hospital owner where both doctors worked. Investigators believe he used the hospital as a front for drug trafficking, which strengthens their suspicion of a much bigger organized network operating in the region.

Meanwhile, a bail hearing for two other doctors, Dr. Jatinder Malhotra and Dr. Rajinder Rajan, is scheduled for October 9 in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Both are accused of supplying tramadol without a valid license. In addition, Dr. Parveen has applied for anticipatory bail related to this case.

The NCB’s crackdown began in May 2023, when officers seized over 30,000 tramadol tablets during multiple raids. The operation led to the arrest of Deepak Bhandari, a web journalist and pharmaceutical company owner, along with his brother Amit Bhandari. Police caught Amit with a large stock of tablets on May 2, and the next day, they detained Dr. Malhotra and Dr. Rajan, who each stored 2,000 tablets without licenses.

According to medical experts, tramadol addiction is spreading quickly across India. Although doctors prescribe it to relieve pain, many people misuse it as a narcotic to experience a temporary high. Over time, this misuse can cause severe health issues such as dependence, anxiety, heart problems, and organ damage. Therefore, experts emphasize the need for strict control and better awareness about the dangers of such misuse.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court continues to receive several bail petitions from medical professionals accused in similar cases. This steady stream of arrests reveals how deeply the issue runs within the healthcare sector. Consequently, senior physicians are urging the government to improve drug tracking systems, strengthen record-keeping, and increase monitoring of pharmaceutical supplies.

Furthermore, the NCB plans to expand its operations across Punjab. Officials confirmed that more raids will take place in the coming weeks to uncover additional supply chains. And identify hospitals or pharmacies linked to illegal drug trading. Alongside enforcement, the agency is preparing awareness campaigns for doctors. And pharmacists to remind them about ethical medical practices and the legal limits of prescription drugs.

Through continuous action and public education, the NCB aims to make Punjab safer and healthier. The agency believes that firm measures, combined with community awareness, will discourage medical professionals from abusing their responsibilities. In the end, the 2 doctors arrested for illegal supply of tramadol tablets case serves as a crucial reminder that ethical conduct. Strong oversight is essential to protect public health.

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