HM Shah’s visit sends strong message to drug smugglers: Punjab BJP chief

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

Chandigarh, Oct 20 (IANS) Punjab BJP President, Kewal Singh Dhillon, on Tuesday said Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Punjab had sent a strong message that the days of drug smugglers were numbered and that the state would soon be free from drugs.

Dhillon made the statement after accompanying Shah during meetings with families of victims allegedly affected by the drug menace, including the family of Parvinder Singh Jhota.

He said he accompanied the Home Minister to meet the families of Vikramjit Singh in Gurdaspur, Gulzar Singh in Turbanjara in Sangrur, and Jhotta in Mansa.

According to Dhillon, the families were assured that justice would be delivered.

Targeting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, Dhillon alleged that it had failed to control drug trafficking and that those raising their voices against drugs were being killed.

Reacting to the state government’s decision to hand over the Jhota murder case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Dhillon claimed that the move was prompted by political pressure following Shah’s visit rather than a genuine commitment to justice.

He alleged that the state government had initially attempted to portray Jhota’s murder as a case of personal enmity.

Dhillon demanded that the Punjab government publicly apologise to Jhota’s family and the people of the state.

He said the decision to transfer the investigation to the CBI reflected the government’s inability to ensure justice for the victim’s family.

The BJP state President further said his party had taken up the matter earlier, writing to the Punjab Governor on October 13 to demand a CBI investigation, as the party believed the state government would not take appropriate action.

Dhillon claimed that the families of Jhota and other victims could expect justice only through the intervention of Shah, the Central government and the CBI.

He demanded that all similar cases be transferred to the central agency for impartial investigations and accountability.

Launching a further attack on the AAP government, Dhillon said it could not evade responsibility for the situation in Punjab.

He claimed that the people of the state were ready to remove the government, which he accused of coming to power on the basis of false promises.

–IANS

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Assam CM inspects semiconductor plant in Morigaon

Guwahati, Jan 16 (IANS) During his day-long visit to Morigaon, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accompanied by the Assam Cabinet Ministers, visited and reviewed the progress of Assam’s inaugural semi-conductor integrated assembly and test facility at Jagiroad.

An official statement said: “It may be noted that this endeavour heralds the dawn of a transformative revolution within India’s semi-conductor sector, a vision set in motion with the laying of its foundation stone by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the 13th of March in the preceding year. Sarma himself had attended the Bhumi Pujan ceremony for this project, set to be established with an investment of approximately 27,000 crore rupees, on the 3rd of August last year.”

During his visit, the Chief Minister accompanied by the Assam Cabinet Ministers and senior officials from various departments, was briefed by Ashish Mishra, the Project Head of Tata’s Semiconductor Assembly and Testing facility, through an insightful PowerPoint presentation.

Sarma acknowledged that the state’s efforts in good governance were beginning to bear fruit and observed that the Jagiroad semiconductor initiative has unlocked vast industrial potential for Assam.

Emphasising the need for good governance to drive faster development, he also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid the foundation stone of three projects including Assam’s semiconductor project at Jagiroad.

He noted that if Assam’s semiconductor plant begins production ahead of others, it would be a matter of immense pride.

He also expressed optimism that Assam, through this venture, would capture global attention, positioning the semiconductor project as a pivotal force shaping the future. The Chief Minister stated that Assam’s strategic geographical position is adequate but the unrest in neighbourhood countries and limited local market often deters large institutions from investing in the state.

He expressed confidence that, through continued focus on good governance, Assam would attract more industries. Highlighting the state’s proactive support for the Jagiroad project, from power, water supply, security arrangement etc., he stressed that these efforts have sent a positive message to the industrial houses.

To showcase the power of collective action, the state arranged for Cabinet Ministers and senior government officials to visit the project site. He also emphasised that the key to building a prosperous Assam lies in ensuring good governance, noting the growing trust among companies looking to invest in the state.

Sarma noted that the upcoming Advantage Assam 2.0 event in February will be bolstered by Tata Electronics’ positive feedback on the government’s support for the Jagiroad project, which has already drawn the attention of numerous investors.

Reflecting on the state’s evolution, he said that Assam has entered a transformative era, where collective efforts will propel it to new heights. The Jagiroad project, he noted, will serve as a shining example of the state’s promising future.

–IANS

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President Murmu, PM Modi and top leaders congratulate Radhakrishnan on being elected VP

New Delhi, Sep 9 (IANS) President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and several other senior leaders on Tuesday extended their congratulations to C.P. Radhakrishnan following his election as the Vice President of India.

In a message on X, President Murmu said: “Congratulations to Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan on being elected as the Vice President of India! Your decades of rich experience in public life will contribute significantly to the nation’s progress. I extend my best wishes to you for a successful and impactful tenure.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Radhakrishnan as a leader devoted to serving the poor and marginalised.

“Congratulations to Thiru C.P. Radhakrishnan Ji on winning the 2025 Vice Presidential election. His life has always been devoted to serving society. I am confident he will be an outstanding VP, who will strengthen our Constitutional values and enhance Parliamentary discourse,” the PM posted.

Home Minister Amit Shah emphasised Radhakrishnan’s grassroots journey and administrative acumen.

“I firmly believe that your sagacity as a leader who has risen from the grassroots and profound knowledge about administration will help us bring out the best in our parliamentary democracy to serve the marginalised. I extend my warmest wishes to you for your journey as custodian of the sanctity of the Upper House,” Shah tweeted.

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted Radhakrishnan’s democratic values.

“His long-standing public service, commitment to democratic values and vision for the nation will undoubtedly enrich the august office he now assumes, while also strengthening India’s voice on global platforms,” he said.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said Radhakrishnan’s victory reaffirms the vibrancy of India’s democracy.

“Best wishes for a fruitful and inspiring tenure ahead,” he noted.

Radhakrishnan, currently the Governor of Maharashtra, secured 452 first-preference votes to defeat opposition candidate Justice (Retd) B. Sudarshan Reddy, who got 300 votes.

With his election, Radhakrishnan becomes the 15th Vice President of India and will also serve as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

–IANS

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Delhi Police arrest 24-year-old thief with three stolen phones, silver jewellery

New Delhi, Sep 29 (IANS) The Anti-Burglary Cell of Dwarka District Police in the national capital has arrested a 24-year-old man in connection with theft cases and recovered three stolen mobile phones, five pairs of silver anklets and two silver coins from his possession, police said on Tuesday.

The accused, identified as Sachin, a resident of Vijay Enclave in Dabri, is involved in 25 cases of theft and burglary, according to police. During interrogation, he reportedly disclosed that he took to theft to impress his friends and project an affluent lifestyle in his social circle.

According to police, a special drive against thieves, burglars and robbers is being conducted under the directions of Dwarka Deputy Commissioner of Police Kushal Pal Singh.

On September 26, Head Constable Ritesh Kumar of the Anti-Burglary Cell received secret information that Sachin, who was involved in theft, would arrive in Mahavir Enclave, Dabri, to dispose of stolen articles.

The information was shared with the In-charge of the Anti-Burglary Cell, following which a dedicated team headed by Inspector Basant Kumar was formed. The team comprised ASI Rajesh Kumar, Head Constables Anil, Krishan and Parveen Kumar, and Constable Ashish. The team operated under the close supervision of ACP/Operations Subhash Malik.

The police team reached Mahavir Enclave and took discreet positions around the approach routes to a park. Shortly afterwards, a man was seen approaching from the Mahavir Vihar side. The informer identified him as Sachin.

When the police signalled him to stop, the accused turned around and attempted to flee towards rooms inside the park. He was apprehended by Constable Ashish, who was positioned behind him.

During questioning, the accused disclosed his identity as Sachin, son of Satyanarayan, a resident of Vijay Enclave, Dabri, aged 24.

Police said three mobile phones were recovered from his possession. A phone was found to be stolen in connection with e-FIR No. 80050183/2026 registered under Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Najafgarh police station.

A phone was linked to e-FIR No. 80039109/2026 under the same section at Najafgarh police station, while another phone was found connected with e-FIR No. 80001695/2026 under Section 303(2) BNS at Uttam Nagar police station.

A personal search also led to the recovery of a silver coconut-shaped cover containing five pairs of silver anklets and two silver coins.

During sustained interrogation, Sachin allegedly disclosed that he had stolen the jewellery around seven to eight days earlier at night from a house on 25 Foota Road, Dabri, and was carrying it to sell. Police said the recovered jewellery matched property reported stolen in e-FIR No. 80080835/2026 under Section 305 BNS at Dabri police station.

Police said Sachin is educated up to Class 10 and committed thefts to portray himself as a ‘big shot’ and flaunt his wealth among friends. He was arrested under Section 35(1)(A) and (E) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

Further investigation is underway.

–IANS

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