The punjab vigilance attaches properties of dismissed officer Rachna Singla as part of a wider investigation into the 2020-21 grain tender scam. Officials revealed that eight of his properties were attached and his bank accounts frozen, marking a significant step in the ongoing fight against corruption in Punjab.

The scam took place during the Congress government’s tenure and revolved around allotting foodgrain tenders for labor, cartage, and transport in Ludhiana. Along with Singla, former minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu was named in the case. However, Ashu later received relief from the high court.

The attached properties show Singla’s heavy investments in real estate. These include five shops at “The Celebration Bazar” on GT Road in Khanna, a Chandigarh flat, an office space in International Trade Tower at Mullanpur, and a commercial site in the Lake Commercial Project at SAS Nagar. Authorities also froze a bank balance of Rs 1.08 crore linked to rental income from these properties.

Investigators noted that Singla’s family also benefited financially. Swaraj and Siddharth Singla, his relatives, earned Rs 14.32 lakh and Rs 16.25 lakh in rental returns. These links reveal a deeper financial web tied to questionable sources of income.

On September 15, a Punjab court ordered that Singla and his legal heirs cannot sell, transfer, or mortgage these properties during the inquiry. This ensures that evidence and assets remain secure. The Vigilance Bureau stressed that the step was necessary to prevent tampering with the investigation.

The Bureau had already filed multiple FIRs against Singla, charging him with conspiracy, corruption, and embezzlement. Allegations suggested he collected far more wealth than his known sources of income could justify. Reports also show that Singla and his wife, residents of Rajguru Nagar in Ludhiana, are evading arrest. The court has declared them proclaimed offenders, making them fugitives in the eyes of law enforcement.

The case points to a wider issue of corruption during the previous government. Several officials are under the scanner for financial misconduct and misuse of power. This scandal has further raised public demand for accountability and transparency.

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau continues to track the grain tender scam. Officials say that more arrests and asset seizures may follow as the investigation progresses. They aim to uncover the full chain of corruption and bring everyone involved to justice.

Citizens in Punjab see this case as a test of the government’s commitment to clean governance. By acting strongly, the Bureau hopes not only to punish the guilty but also to send a warning to others who may misuse public resources.

In conclusion, the punjab vigilance attaches properties of dismissed officer Rachna Singla highlights how strong action against corruption can protect democracy. These steps show that the fight for honesty and fairness in governance remains active in Punjab.

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In a big late-night raid, police seize large stockpile of firecrackers from a poultry farm in Mehli village near Phagwara. The SBS Nagar police carried out the operation on Thursday, just before the festive season when illegal firecracker sales usually rise. Officers arrested three men linked to the case.

The raid happened under the leadership of Nawanshahr SSP Mehtab Singh. Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav announced the success and praised the team for acting quickly before major festivals like Dasehra. He said that such timely actions stop large amounts of unsafe explosives from reaching the public.

The police acted on specific intelligence about illegal activities. After getting the tip, they raided the poultry farm in Mehli village under Behram Police Station. Investigators believe the farm was used to make and store illegal firecrackers. This highlights the rising issue of unsafe firecracker operations across Punjab.

DGP Yadav confirmed that the police recovered about 3,850 kg of explosive materials. These included 400 kg of potash in eight bags, 1,050 kg of packed firecrackers in seventy boxes, 1,600 kg of fire-base crackers in one hundred boxes, and 800 kg of grounded coal in forty bags. Officers noted that the value of these items runs into lakhs of rupees, showing the massive scale of the trade.

The authorities sealed the poultry farm and took the seized items for forensic and legal checks. SSP Mehtab Singh said investigators want to know whether the explosives were made at the farm or brought from another state. He also noted that the arrested men came from Muzaffarnagar and Baghpat in Uttar Pradesh, pointing to a possible cross-border smuggling network.

With Dasehra close, the police stressed the dangers of such illegal activity. Firecrackers made without safety rules often cause accidents, injuries, and deaths. Community safety, therefore, depends on strict actions like these raids. Officials added that the Punjab government will keep taking strong steps to stop illegal firecracker supply before festivals.

Local authorities also urged people to celebrate responsibly. They reminded everyone that buying or using illegal firecrackers breaks the law and endangers lives. Safe celebrations depend on legal fireworks and basic safety measures.

As investigations continue, the police aim to trace the supply chain and catch others involved. Their effort reflects a broader push to make sure Punjab celebrates festivals with joy but without risks.

In conclusion, this major raid where police seize large stockpile of firecrackers shows how strong enforcement protects public safety. With awareness, strict monitoring, and community support, festivals can remain safe and full of happiness.

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The Punjab and Haryana High Court recently gave a major ruling on the MC No-Confidence Motion Dispute in Zirakpur. The court declared that the no-confidence motion meeting against Municipal Council president Udayvir Singh Dhillon, held on July 15, 2024, was not valid. According to the Punjab Municipal Act of 1911, only the president or vice-president has the authority to call such meetings, yet the Executive Officer arranged this one.

Justices Harsimran Singh Sethi and Vikas Suri explained that the wrong authority called the meeting, so it could not count as official. They stressed that “all intents and purposes” showed the meeting failed to follow the proper procedure. This decision highlights the need for local governance to respect laws for fairness and democracy.

The issue began on June 28, 2024, when several councillors requested a no-confidence motion against President Dhillon. Since the law requires the president to respect such a request when one-fifth of members support it, Dhillon scheduled a meeting for July 5. However, only five councilors attended, and they postponed it due to security concerns.

The law clearly states that after an adjournment, only the MC president can call the next meeting. Dhillon did not take that step, so the July 15 meeting lost all legal value. The court noted that he failed to adopt the correct procedure, which made the meeting invalid.

After reviewing the case, the judges ordered a new no-confidence meeting for October 3, 2024, at 2 PM in the Zirakpur Municipal Council office. They directed staff to videotape the meeting for transparency. To ensure fairness, the Mohali Deputy Commissioner will oversee the meeting, and Advocate Gurpreet Singh will act as an observer.

The court also explained what should happen after the October 3 meeting. If Dhillon survives the vote, he will continue as president. If he loses, then he must hold an election for the vice president within 30 days.  So, if Dhillon fails to act, the Deputy Commissioner will conduct the election. This shows the court’s focus on smooth and effective governance.

Zirakpur, located in Mohali district, has grown rapidly in the last two decades. With this growth, governance issues have become more complex. People in the area expect accountability, especially because local bodies handle services like sanitation, roads, and water. Therefore, political instability directly affects residents.

This case shows why councils must follow correct procedures. It reminds elected leaders that breaking rules weakens democracy. The court’s demand for transparency and fairness highlights how important accountability is for public trust.

In conclusion, the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s ruling on the MC No-Confidence Motion Dispute sends a strong message that laws must guide local governance. The decision ensures that leaders follow proper procedures so that the people of Zirakpur receive fair and responsible leadership.

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