The assets worth ₹25 crores frozen in Punjab’s drug case as part of a major crackdown on narcotics networks, marking a new direction in the state’s anti-drug strategy. On Tuesday, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) announced that two properties worth more than ₹25.5 crores were seized in Amritsar and Tarn Taran. Investigators say both properties are directly linked to drug money.

The NCB issued the freezing order on September 11 under Section 68F(2) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. It confirmed the action on October 10. The seized assets include one property in Amritsar worth ₹10.5 crores and another in Tarn Taran valued at ₹15 crores. Officials identified the owners as Dr. Jatinder Malhotra and Dr. Arti Malhotra, who allegedly bought the properties with profits from the drug trade.

The investigation began after officers seized 34,372 Tramadol tablets from a pharmaceutical network in Amritsar. Tramadol, a strong painkiller often misused, is classified as a psychotropic substance. According to the NCB, traffickers invested their illegal earnings in real estate and other businesses to hide the money’s origin.

With this evidence, the NCB connected the assets to drug proceeds and took action under Chapter VA of the NDPS Act. This provision allows authorities to seize and confiscate property linked to narcotics crimes. The agency says this approach is part of a broader shift; instead of focusing only on drug seizures and arrests, it is now attacking the financial backbone of trafficking networks.

Officials believe freezing criminal assets weakens traffickers by cutting off their profits. As a result, offenders face both prison and the loss of illegal wealth. The agency has instructed all zonal units to launch financial investigations alongside every major case. These probes include tracing benami properties and assets bought under relatives’ or associates’ names.

The NCB is also working closely with the Enforcement Directorate and the Income Tax Department to track suspicious transactions. Together, these agencies aim to uncover shell companies and block attempts to launder drug money.

Officials highlighted another key point: authorities can freeze drug-linked properties even before a trial ends. Once the Competent Authority confirms the order, the properties remain under restriction until the final verdict. Eventually, they may transfer them to the central government.

Punjab continues to struggle with widespread drug trafficking, which harms public health and communities. However, this financial crackdown shows a stronger determination from authorities. By targeting both the drug supply and the money behind it. And they aim to break the networks that sustain the trade.

Experts say focusing on the economic side of drug crime is a game-changer. When traffickers lose their profits, their operations become harder to maintain. It also discourages others from entering the illegal business.

In conclusion, the assets worth ₹25 crores frozen in Punjab’s drug case reflect a bold step toward dismantling the financial base of narcotics trafficking. As investigations expand, deeper inter-agency cooperation and stronger public awareness will be vital in building a safer, drug-free Punjab.

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The police search for attackers after security guard is hurt in a shocking incident that has deeply alarmed Jalandhar residents. On Tuesday, six unidentified men ambushed and shot Sandeep Kumar, a local security guard. The brutal attack immediately triggered a large-scale police operation to track down those responsible.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Bharat Bhushan explained that investigators strongly believe the assault is linked to a personal grudge. Therefore, the attackers likely targeted Sandeep intentionally rather than randomly. After the shooting, emergency teams quickly rushed him to a nearby hospital. Doctors are now treating him and closely monitoring his condition.

Moreover, police have already identified one suspect, Sukha from Talhan village. Officers are actively searching for him and the rest of the gang. In addition, they are carefully reviewing CCTV footage and questioning witnesses to gather crucial evidence. Officials believe they will arrest all suspects very soon.

Jalandhar, a historic city in Punjab, has witnessed a worrying rise in violent crimes in recent years. For instance, law enforcement data shows the state recorded more than 4,000 violent cases last year. Authorities warn that this incident reflects a broader pattern of street violence and personal conflicts escalating into deadly attacks.

To address these growing concerns, police have significantly increased patrols and launched several community policing programs. These initiatives aim to build stronger trust between officers and residents. Furthermore, they encourage citizens to report suspicious activities and help prevent future crimes. Officials emphasize that stronger cooperation with the public is essential to improve safety.

The attack on Sandeep clearly shows why these safety measures matter. Police are not only chasing the suspects but also implementing new strategies to prevent similar crimes. As a result, they are urging residents to stay alert, especially in high-risk areas, and to report suspicious behavior without delay.

Authorities also highlight the crucial role of public involvement in solving such cases. They urge anyone with information about the attackers to immediately share it with law enforcement. Even minor details could significantly speed up the investigation and help bring justice more quickly.

Experts point out that such incidents highlight the urgent need for better surveillance systems, stronger street lighting, and closer coordination between communities and police. Therefore, residents should remain cautious, avoid deserted areas after dark, and promptly inform authorities of any unusual activity.

Additionally, Jalandhar’s police department remains determined to prevent such violent crimes from becoming common. By combining strong law enforcement with active community participation, they aim to build a safer and more secure environment for all citizens.

In conclusion, the police search for attackers after security guard is hurt continues as officers intensify their efforts to capture the culprits. With public cooperation, increased vigilance, and stronger preventive actions, Jalandhar hopes to reduce violence and restore peace and safety across the city.

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The Punjab sees record spike in stubble fires, raising major concerns about air quality and public health across the state. On a single day, authorities recorded 31 cases of stubble burning, the highest this season so far. Data from the Punjab Remote Sensing Centre (PRSC) shows a sharp rise in farm fires, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Among the most affected areas, Tarn Taran reported 47 incidents this season, including 20 in a single day. However, Amritsar remains the worst-hit district, with 68 farm fires already reported. Officials warn that as the paddy harvesting season continues, the number of such fires will likely increase further.

The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) monitors stubble burning from September 15 to November 30 every year. Farmers burn leftover straw to quickly clear their fields before the wheat sowing window, which runs from October 15 to November 15. In 2024, Punjab recorded 10,909 farm fire cases, with Sangrur alone reporting 1,725 incidents.

Authorities say that despite awareness campaigns, many farmers continue to burn stubble because they lack affordable alternatives. Although laws prohibit the practice, enforcement remains difficult. Officials have made 43 “red entries” in land records of those caught burning stubble. These records prevent violators from taking loans or selling land. Additionally, the state imposed ₹3.45 lakh in fines in 70 cases, with ₹2.55 lakh already collected.

The rise in farm fires has worsened the state’s Air Quality Index (AQI). It has increased from 50-60 to over 100 in several cities, moving air quality from “satisfactory” to “moderate.” Jalandhar recently recorded an AQI of 113, the worst in Punjab, followed by Ludhiana at 111 and Patiala at 110. Experts warn that such levels are unsafe for people with heart and lung conditions.

AQI measures pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, and ozone in the air. The recent spike is largely due to stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana. During October and November, smoke often travels long distances, even affecting Delhi’s air quality.

The PPCB fears pollution levels may rise further during Diwali, as colder weather traps smoke and pollutants near the ground. Health experts are advising residents to take precautions. Dr. Sumeet Singh recommends that people with asthma carry inhalers and that children and the elderly limit outdoor activity, especially in the morning and evening when pollution is highest.

Authorities are increasing field inspections and using satellite monitoring to detect fires quickly. They are also planning stricter penalties and incentives to encourage farmers to adopt eco-friendly alternatives, such as stubble management equipment and bio-decomposers. However, experts stress that long-term solutions must include better government support, subsidies, and awareness programs.

In conclusion, the Punjab sees record spike in stubble fires, posing a serious environmental and health challenge. As harvest season continues, cooperation between farmers, government agencies, and citizens is essential to reduce air pollution and protect public health.

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