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Simran Preet Panesar: The Man Behind Canada’s $20M Gold Heist

Introduction

Simran Preet Panesar has emerged as a central figure in the investigation into one of the most audacious crimes in recent times”the $20 million gold heist at Canada”s Pearson International Airport that occurred in April 2023.

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Simran Preet Panesar: The Man Behind Canada’s $20M Gold Heist

Introduction

Simran Preet Panesar has emerged as a central figure in the investigation into one of the most audacious crimes in recent time’s the $20 million gold heist at Canada’s Pearson International Airport that occurred in April 2023. Spanning a complex web of international money transfers and legal quandaries, Panesar’s alleged involvement reflects not only on individual culpability but also sheds light on the vulnerabilities present in cargo security systems at major airports, including those in Punjab.

The Gold Heist and Panesar’s Role

The heist has been deemed Canada’s largest to date, involving the theft of 6,600 gold bars weighing approximately 400 kg, each valued significantly as part of a high-stakes cargo shipment from Zurich. According to reports from Canadian authorities, Panesar was employed as a supervisor in the airport’s cargo section, overseeing operational controls. His access allowed him to identify the incoming shipment and manipulate the cargo system, ensuring the smooth extraction of the gold. Investigators have described Panesar as ‘absolutely crucial’ to the operation, underscoring his deep involvement in this high-profile theft.

Hawala Transactions in India

After fleeing Canada, Panesar returned to India and allegedly carried out a series of hawala transactions worth approximately Rs 8.5 crore, according to the Enforcement Directorate (ED). He reportedly made these illicit financial movements in multiple tranches after arriving in India. A hawala network based in Chandigarh facilitated these payments, revealing the cross-border reach of the financial crime.

In February 2023, a joint investigation by The Indian Express and Canada’s CBC News: The Fifth Estate tracked Panesar to a rented accommodation on the outskirts of Chandigarh. Within days of this discovery, the ED conducted a series of raids and later filed an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against him.

Tracing the Money: Evidence and Investigative Efforts

Crucial leads have emerged from Panesar’s confiscated mobile phone, guiding the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to a hawala operator based in Chandigarh. Though the main operator remains at large, several of his employees have been interrogated.

Key evidence seized includes detailed diaries documenting hawala payments made between November 2023 and February 2025, linked to:

  • Canada
  • USA
  • Australia
  • Singapore
  • UK

These records reveal the scale and international scope of the operation. However, the ED has yet to determine how much of the money comes from criminal proceeds, as they have not yet apprehended the primary hawaladar.

Legal Challenges and Developments

In the wake of these investigations, legal battles have surfaced. Damanbir Singh Sobti, Panesar’s legal counsel, filed a writ petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, challenging the ED’s jurisdiction and claiming that no crime took place within Indian territory. He supported this argument by pointing out the absence of any formal mutual legal assistance request from Canadian authorities concerning Panesar’s status as a wanted person.

Key legal developments include:

  • A Look Out Circular (LOC) has been issued against Panesar at Indian airports.
  • His legal team is preparing to challenge the LOC in court.

Following the initial raid conducted by the ED on February 22, 2023, Panesar has refrained from making any public statements, citing “legal reasons.” This silence has further fueled public and media curiosity regarding the unfolding case.

The Bigger Picture: Implications for International and National Security

The investigation highlights major concerns beyond Panesar:

Security Gaps:

  • Exposes vulnerabilities in cargo airport security, particularly in India.
  • Sparks discussions on improving protection for high-value shipments.

Wider Impact:

  • Affects international trade, law enforcement cooperation, and India-Canada relations.

Ongoing Investigation:

  • ED focuses on the financial trail while awaiting updates from Peel Regional Police, Canada.
  • Emphasizes the global scope of organized crime exploiting regulatory loopholes across borders.

Conclusion

The unfolding saga of Simran Preet Panesar highlights the complex nature of crime in a connected world. The gold heist reflects not only individual wrongdoing but also systemic gaps. It underscores the need for stronger cargo security and better international cooperation. As the case develops, it will demand continued vigilance and solid legal frameworks to tackle such bold crimes.

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Pakistan Points Finger at India Over Waterlogging at Wagah Border

Waterlogging at the Wagah Border

AMRITSAR: A viral video showing the Wagah border’s parade area on the Pakistani side has raised concerns.

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Flood Warning in Mohali as Ghaggar River Water Levels Rise

Waterlogging at the Wagah Border

AMRITSAR: A viral video showing the Wagah border’s parade area on the Pakistani side has raised concerns. The video shows Rangers standing in knee-deep water, making many uncomfortable, while the Indian side appears neat and dry. In response, Pakistan Points Finger at India, blaming the elevation of GT Road for the flooding issues. 🌧️

Pakistan has reacted by blaming India. They say that the elevation of the Grand Trunk Road on India’s side is the reason for the water problem on their side. However, the truth is a bit different.

What India Has Done

India has taken steps to prevent such issues. They have set up a rainwater harvesting system. This system helps collect rainwater and manage drainage better. Thanks to these improvements, there was no waterlogging at the Indian side during the recent rains.

Heavy Rains and Flooding

Recently, heavy rainfall hit the region on August 8 and 9. This caused severe flooding on the Pakistani side. In contrast, the Indian side managed to stay mostly dry. Only a small area near the international border gates faced some water accumulation.

Pakistan’s Efforts to Manage Water

Due to the problems caused by flooding, Pakistan has raised the elevation of GT Road on their side. They hoped this would help manage how water flows away during heavy rains.

However, even with these changes, the area near the parade was still flooded. Sandbags were piled up at various points ahead of the daily flag ceremony. This flooding is a clear sign of the struggle Pakistan faces with the ongoing rains.

What the Border Forces Say

Atul Fulzele, the Inspector General of the Border Security Force (BSF) for Punjab, stated that the heavy rain on August 8 and 9 caused the major flooding. The video likely showed conditions from that time. He reported, “There has been no waterlogging at any of the three sites of the ceremonial flag-lowering ceremonies – Attari, Hussainiwala, and Sadqi.”

However, conditions were not the same at all locations. Many border outposts (BoPs) on the Punjab Frontier were affected by flooding. Some areas had to be evacuated due to the heavy rain.

Ongoing Water Management Issues

The situation also highlights how seasonal monsoon patterns impact many regions, including Punjab. Monsoons bring a lot of rain, which can lead to both heavy flooding and water management problems.

Though both countries share the responsibility of managing water around this region, the recent events have brought some blame game. Pakistan’s elevation of their roads has not been enough to fix the issue, clearly visible from the viral video.

Conclusion

The incident at the Wagah border serves as a reminder of how serious water management can be. While Pakistan Points Finger at India, both nations need to work together to find better solutions and help each other during the challenging monsoon season.🌧️🤝

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Flood Warning in Mohali as Ghaggar River Water Levels Rise

Urgent Flood Alert for Mohali Residents

On Friday morning, the SAS Nagar administration issued a flood warning.

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Flood Warning in Mohali as Ghaggar River Water Levels Rise

Urgent Flood Alert for Mohali Residents

On Friday morning, the SAS Nagar administration issued a Flood Warning in Mohali after the Ghaggar River’s water discharge crossed 70,000 cusecs at 8 AM. Local officials are concerned about the safety of nearby villages.

Villages on Alert

The warning affects nine villages in the Dera Bassi area. These villages are:

  • Tiwana
  • Khajoor Mandi
  • Sadhanpur
  • Sarsini
  • Alamgir
  • Dangdhera
  • Mubarikpur
  • Mirpur
  • Bakarpur

Residents in these areas are advised to stay alert. They should prepare to move to safer locations if needed. The heavy rains in the catchment area and the opening of Sukhna Lake’s floodgates have caused the water levels to rise.

Safety Measures for Residents

The administration has given clear instructions to the people:

  • Avoid going near the riverbanks.
  • Move livestock to higher ground.
  • Follow the updates from the control rooms.

Families should keep important documents and medicines ready. It’s also important to help the elderly and children during any evacuation process.

Further Instructions Awaited

Local officials say they will provide more instructions if the situation worsens. Residents should rely on verified sources for updates. They should not attempt to cross flooded roads, especially inundated causeways.

Contact Information

For updates, residents can contact:

  • DC office control room at 0172-2219506
  • Mobile: 76580-51209
  • Dera Bassi office: 01762-28322

Concern Over Infrastructure

The administration has taken steps to manage the water flow from Sukhna Lake. The floodgates of Sukhna Lake have been opened several times this monsoon season. This allows excess water to flow into the Ghaggar River, upping the risk of flooding.

There have been issues with local choke points. One spot, the Mubarikpur causeway, has experienced many closures due to overflowing water. This situation shows how vulnerable Dera Bassi’s infrastructure is during heavy rainfall.

Recent Measures and Monitoring

After significant damage last year, the embankments near Tiwana have been strengthened. These improvements have helped manage the recent high water flows. However, some areas still need close monitoring for erosion. The water resources department has installed stone revetments and studs along these particular stretches this monsoon.

Conclusion

The situation remains serious for those living by the Ghaggar River. With heavy rain continuing and the risk of flooding high, the SAS Nagar administration’s warning serves as a crucial alert for local residents. Everyone should stay informed and prepared to ensure their safety. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry! 🌧️

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Wife & Sister-in-Law Steal ₹5 Lakh & Gold Ornaments in Ludhiana

Incident Overview

A man named Deepak Singh from Basant Nagar has reported a serious crime.

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Wife & Sister-in-Law Steal ₹5 Lakh & Gold Ornaments in Ludhiana

Incident Overview

A man named Deepak Singh from Basant Nagar has reported a serious crime. His Wife & Sister-in-Law Steal ₹5 Lakh in cash and gold jewelry from their home. This incident happened in the Daba area of Ludhiana.

Deepak Singh works at a bank. On August 25, while he was at work and their children were at school, Dimple and Mehak allegedly left the house together. A tenant nearby informed Deepak that they had seen the two women leaving with bags of household items.

Discovery of the Crime

When Deepak returned home, he found that the cash and gold were missing. This led him to approach the local police for help. The police registered a case against Dimple and Mehak under Section 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with certain types of theft and runaway acts.

Officials at Daba police station confirmed the situation. They mentioned, “A case has been registered, and efforts are on to trace their mobile numbers to locate them.” Investigating these cases quickly is important, especially as violent crimes, including thefts and robberies, have been increasing in Punjab. This is especially true in cities like Ludhiana and Mohali, where such incidents happen more frequently.

Background of the Family

Deepak Singh married Dimple in 2013, and they have two children together. The family dynamics now seem affected by this incident. It raises questions about trust and safety within families and communities.

Related Incident: Elderly Woman Robbed

In another shocking event, an elderly woman named Rama Sharma was robbed of her gold bangles. This incident took place on Pakhowal Road while she was shopping for guavas. Rama lives in Housefed Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar. She and her husband were approached by two young men on a motorcycle who asked for directions.

While distracted, the robbers swiftly yanked the bangles off Rama’s wrists and sped away. This theft has added to the growing concern about safety in the area. The Dugri police station has filed a case against the unidentified motorcycle-borne youths.

Ongoing Investigations

Investigating officer Baljit Kumar stated that CCTV footage from the market area is being reviewed. This may help catch the robbers in Rama’s case. Videos from surveillance cameras are often key in solving crimes.

Safety and Crime in Ludhiana

Ludhiana, which is the largest city in Punjab, has a rich history of industrial growth. It is known as the heart of India’s hosiery and textile industry. However, as the city grows, so does the concern for safety. Events like these remind the public how important it is to stay vigilant.

Punjab’s cities, particularly Ludhiana and Mohali, have seen a rise in violent crimes. Many residents are worried and seek better safety measures. Efforts to improve law and order are vital for community security.

The Influence of Chandigarhs’ Cleanliness

Chandigarh, the capital of Punjab and Haryana, was rated the cleanest city in India in the 2021 Swachh Survekshan survey. Maintaining cleanliness and safety is crucial for every city. People feel more secure in clean, orderly environments. Encouraging community involvement can help fight crime and improve safety.

The Chandigarh Tricity area hosts about 1.5 million people. This large population means that communities must work together. Neighborhood watch programs can help reduce crime rates. Such initiatives encourage people to support one another.

Conclusion

As the investigation into Deepak Singh’s case, where his Wife & Sister-in-Law Steal ₹5 Lakh, and the robbery of Rama Sharma continues, it highlights the urgent need for improved safety in Ludhiana. The city’s reputation as a thriving industrial center must also include a commitment to community safety. People living in Ludhiana deserve to feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods.

With efforts from the community and law enforcement, we can hope for a safer environment for everyone. Awareness and cooperation are essential in reducing crime and creating a trusting community.

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