Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal did not appear before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the 2015 Behbal Kalan firing case, despite being summoned to appear before the investigating team. However, Badal’s representatives, Parmbans Singh Romana and advocate Arshdeep Singh Kaler, met SIT officials at around 11 a.m. on Friday. In a written request, Badal cited health issues as the reason for not appearing before the SIT. He said he needed to visit a doctor for a medical check-up and was therefore unable to attend. Badal also referred to his busy schedule of public ra

An IndiGo flight from Lucknow to Dammam, Saudi Arabia, made an emergency landing at Ahmedabad airport on Thursday evening after receiving a bomb threat. Police said IndiGo flight 6E97 landed at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at around 5:45 p.m. local time. All 107 passengers and six crew members were safely evacuated, and no suspicious object was found on board. According to an airport police inspector, a crew member found a piece of paper with the word “bomb” written on it, prompting the emergency response.

Former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi has demanded a CBI probe into the alleged suicide of labourer Gulzar Singh in Sangrur district. He also sought the resignation and arrest of Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema. Leading a delegation of Congress leaders, Channi met Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and accused the Aam Aadmi Party government of failing to maintain law and order in the state. Channi alleged that Gulzar Singh had raised his voice over his son’s drug addiction and was subsequently harassed and threatened by local AAP-linked office-bearers. He further c

A Chandigarh civil court has temporarily restrained retired Justice Ranjit Singh, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia and Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira from publishing, circulating or disseminating any allegedly baseless or defamatory material on social media platforms or through any other medium concerning allegations that Punjab Chief Minister’s wife Gurpreet Kaur had demanded a bribe. Civil Judge (Junior Division) Dr. Parikshit passed the interim order on a suit filed by Gurpreet Kaur seeking damages and an injunction. The court has issued notices to the respondents re

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has once again summoned Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal in connection with the Behbal Kalan firing case. Badal has been asked to appear before the SIT in Chandigarh on September 11 for questioning. Badal had previously appeared before the SIT on July 20. The latest summons comes as the investigation into the 2015 firing incident continues. The Behbal Kalan firing took place in October 2015, when police opened fire on protesters in Behbal Kalan, Faridkot district. The protesters were demonstrating against incidents of sacrilege involving th

Punjab Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira and Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Majithia have been served legal notices by Dr. Gurpreet Kaur, wife of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. In the notice, Dr. Gurpreet Kaur alleged that Khaira had published and circulated allegedly false, defamatory and objectionable content, including graphic posters and videos related to her, across social media platforms. Khaira has been given 24 hours to remove and withdraw the alleged content from his social media accounts. The notice also demands that he refrain from creating or circulating similar material i

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday directed officials to ensure foolproof arrangements for the fourth season of ‘Khedan Vatan Punjab Diyan-2026’, which will begin on September 5 from Shaheed Bhagat Singh Stadium in Bathinda. The Chief Minister said around 10 lakh players are expected to participate in this year’s games. Athletes from nine age groups, ranging from 14 years to above 70 years, will take part in the sporting event. A total of 38 sports disciplines will be contested this season. Four para-sports — athletics, powerlifting, badminton and wheelchair basketball — h

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who arrived in Punjab on the occasion of Rakhar Punnya, said the Indian government would not enter into any agreement with any country at the expense of farmers’ interests. Chouhan said all agreements signed by the Indian government have been made keeping public interests in mind and have benefited the people. Clarifying India’s position on talks with the United States, he said that no agreement has been reached with the U.S. so far and that discussions are still underway. On the possibility of an alliance between the BJP and Shiromani Akal

The Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government is preparing to take strict action against government employees who participated in the mass strike across the state. The government has sought a list of employees who remained absent from duty without prior permission during the strike. Secretary-level officials have been directed to submit the list by tomorrow. The government has argued that the strike disrupted public services and caused considerable inconvenience to ordinary people. Officials have indicated that action will be taken against employees found absent from duty without authorization. Ea