QUICKREADS

15-yr-old girl missing from Bihar village found dead

A 15-year-old girl who went missing from a village in Sitamarhi district was found dead, hanging from a tree about a kilometre away in a Nepal village. Her family suspects that she has been murdered and filed a complaint in this connection. The girl's body was handed over to the family after the autopsy. On Friday, locals blocked a main road with her body to demand the arrest of the accused.

Amritsar: 2 AK rifles, 1 pistol seized near Indo-Pak border

Amritsar rural police have dismantled a cross-border arms smuggling operation linked to Pakistan, recovering two AK-series rifles, a .30-bore pistol, and significant ammunition near the Indo-Pak border. Following a tip-off, a combing operation led to the seizure at Ghonewal village. Investigations are ongoing to trace the network and potential additional recoveries. An FIR has been filed.

Senior Kashmir journalistTariq Bhat passes away

Tariq Bhat, a senior journalist and J&K bureau chief for The Week, passed away at 54 from cardiac arrest. Known for his insightful reporting on Kashmir’s political issues, Bhat's death has prompted widespread mourning across political and journalistic circles. He leaves behind a wife and three children, with tributes highlighting his integrity and dedication to journalism.

IGP Kumar’s PSO shifted to Ambala jail after wife flags ‘threat to life’

Sushil Kumar, an exemptee assistant sub-inspector facing extortion charges linked to the suicide of IPS officer Y Puran Kumar, was transferred from Rohtak's Sunaria jail to Ambala jail after his wife alleged threats to his life. She claimed he is a crucial witness in the case and is being targeted by influential officials to silence him. An internal inquiry is underway.

Uttar Pradesh: Man beats daughter to death after noticing her lover’s name written in mehndi

A 17-year-old girl in Shahjahanpur was killed by her father after he discovered her talking to her boyfriend and saw his name written in mehndi on her hand. The father, who fled after the incident, confessed to his daughter-in-law. Authorities are actively searching for him, and investigations reveal the girl had been in a persistent relationship despite her father's objections.

AAP’s Sham Lal Jain elected sr dy mayor of Bathinda MC

Sham Lal Jain of the Aam Aadmi Party was elected as the senior deputy mayor of Bathinda municipal corporation, defeating Congress's Harvinder Singh Laddu with 30 votes. Jain, a former Congress councillor, received support from expelled Congress members. The election follows a recent no-confidence motion against the previous deputy mayor and hints at AAP's ambitions for the vacant deputy mayor position.

Ludhiana again: Man shot dead in 2nd targeted attack in a week

A 22-year-old man was killed, and a friend injured in a shooting by four men on motorcycles in Samrala. The attack, linked to an old rivalry, follows another recent murder of a kabaddi player. Police have identified and booked the suspects, who have criminal records, while ongoing raids aim to apprehend them.

Fresh start for Bengaluru’s suburban rail? Fresh tenders invited for Corridor-2 after L&T exit

Bengaluru's suburban railway project faces delays as contractor Larsen & Toubro (L&T) withdrew from key contracts, prompting K-RIDE to invite new tenders for Corridor-2. The project, worth Rs 15,767 crore, has been hindered by land acquisition issues and other challenges. K-RIDE plans to split pending works into three packages to maintain progress on the project.

SIR begins in Meerut, over 8L voters may need to submit valid documents

The Election Commission of India has initiated a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Uttar Pradesh after 22 years, aiming to update voter lists. In Meerut, over 8.56 lakh voters may need to provide documentary proof. Booth Level Officers will conduct door-to-door visits to collect verification forms, emphasizing cooperation from the public and political parties to ensure a smooth process.

Haryana CLP leader demands CBI probe into cops’ suicide

Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda has called for a CBI investigation into the suicides of Haryana IPS officer Y Puran Kumar and assistant sub-inspector Sandeep Lathar, urging high court supervision. During a CLP meeting, issues of corruption, unemployment, and declining law and order were discussed, with resolutions condemning government policies affecting farmers and a memorandum to be submitted to the governor.

With 321 fresh farm fires, Punjab’s tally rises to 2,839

Punjab reported 321 new stubble burning cases, bringing the total to 2,839 this season, surpassing last year's 262 incidents. Sangrur led with 43 new cases. The Punjab Pollution Control Board registered 131 FIRs against farmers. Meanwhile, light rainfall improved air quality, although some areas still reported poor AQI levels. Authorities are increasing enforcement against stubble burning to mitigate pollution.

16 medical shops sealed for violations in Haryana’s Sirsa

In Sirsa, 16 medical shops were sealed during a day-long operation aimed at curbing illegal narcotic drug sales under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. Inspections conducted by 35 drug control officers across the district revealed violations at 16 out of 67 inspected shops. Health Minister Arti Singh Rao emphasized strict action against those selling banned substances.

Punjab-origin trucker Jashanpreet was sober at time of crash: US authorities

A Punjab-origin driver, Jashanpreet Singh, 21, crashed his semi-truck in California, killing three people. Initially suspected of DUI, toxicology reports showed no substances in his system. He faces charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and reckless driving. Authorities emphasize the seriousness of the case, noting he was an illegal immigrant who crossed the US border in 2022.

Political rival shoots councillor’s father-in-law in Haryana’s Sonepat

Ram Karan Sharma, father-in-law of a Ganaur councillor, was shot dead by former municipal vice-chairman Sunil Lambu in Sonepat. The attack occurred as Sharma was en route to a wedding with his family. The incident stems from ongoing enmity related to municipal elections, with Lambu previously threatening Sharma. Police are investigating and searching for the accused.

Abortion cases: Make ‘reverse’ tracking more effective, says Haryana ACS Sudhir Rajpal

Haryana's ACS-health, Sudhir Rajpal, has instructed the Special Task Force to enhance reverse tracking of illegal abortions and ensure strict action against offenders. He emphasized the need for FIRs, evidence collection, and appeals in higher courts for dismissed cases. Rajpal also highlighted the improvement in the state's sex ratio and urged continued efforts to address illegal medical terminations.

J&K ACB registers case in illegal petrol pump construction in Budgam

The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau has registered a case regarding the illegal construction of a petrol pump in Budgam. The investigation revealed that Ali Mohammad Khan obtained a license based on manipulated facts, with local officials issuing misleading NOCs. Charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act and IPC have been established against the involved public servants and the beneficiary. Further investigations are ongoing.