Nikhil Chaudhary, who once dreamt of an IPL contract and playing for Punjab, made his international debut for Australia in a T20I against Bangladesh in June, a turn of events he describes as his "life's biggest moment" after being stranded in Australia during the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown.
Punjab FC has announced a 27-member squad for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season, featuring a mix of retained players, national team members, foreign talents, and 10 academy graduates. Head Coach Pavlos Dermitzakis expressed confidence in the balanced squad, which is set to kick off its campaign on October 14 against Odisha FC.
Senior BJP leader Rana Gurmit Singh has criticised the AAP government in Punjab following the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh alias Jhota in Mansa. Singh accused the government of failing to maintain law and order and questioned its commitment to fighting the drug menace, warning of protests.
Punjab is facing a political storm as the BJP criticizes the Aam Aadmi Party government over deteriorating law and order, highlighted by four recent murders. Concurrently, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered a CBI probe into corruption allegations against individuals linked to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, further intensifying political pressure on the AAP ahead of state elections.
The Punjab government has established a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe a rape case in Anandpur Sahib involving former SGPC member Amarjit Singh Chawla. The SIT, headed by Gurbans Singh Bains, aims to answer critical questions surrounding the woman's arrival from Bahrain, her stay at an SGPC lodge, and the circumstances of the alleged incident. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann assured a transparent and time-bound investigation.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and a state delegation have been invited by the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) to witness the semi-finals and finals of the Asian Games hockey competitions in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. This invitation is significant as Punjab is set to host the men's Asian Champions Trophy 2026, with the experience gained in Japan expected to aid in organising future international sporting events in the state.
Punjab Police's Counter Intelligence wing in Amritsar has dismantled a cross-border narcotics smuggling module, leading to the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of 17 kg of heroin. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full network.
An Assistant Sub-Inspector of Punjab police, Harjit Singh, was shot dead by two unidentified motorcycle-borne men while on duty at the Bhagtawala Grain Market in Amritsar. The incident occurred around 3 am, and the officer was declared dead at a private hospital.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that Pakistan will participate in the Men's Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament in India, scheduled from October 27 to November 5. This participation aligns with the Indian government's policy allowing multi-lateral sporting engagements with Pakistan, despite a ban on bilateral series. The tournament will be held in Jalandhar and Mohali, featuring six nations including India and Pakistan, with a highly anticipated India-Pakistan match on November 1.
Students at a private university in Patiala protested and allegedly damaged a police vehicle following unverified claims of two female students' suicides on campus. University authorities have denied the claims, calling them rumours, while police have launched an inquiry into the matter.
The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Kirshanu Sharda, an alleged middleman for suspended Punjab Police DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar, in a money laundering case. Sharda is accused of facilitating illegal gratification for Bhullar, with investigations revealing unexplained cash deposits and frozen assets worth over Rs 1.42 crore.
Pakistan is set to participate in the Men's Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament in India, with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann confirming the union government's policy allows multi-lateral engagements despite bilateral tensions. The tournament, featuring six nations including India and Pakistan, will be held from October 27 to November 5 in Jalandhar and Mohali, with free entry for all matches.
BJP leader and former Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu was detained by Punjab Police after he waved a liquor bottle, eggs, and tomatoes at Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's cavalcade, claiming he was 'returning' items previously thrown at his own convoy and protesting alleged misgovernance.
Ludhiana Lions' Krish Bhagat played an important Sher-E-Punjab T20 League match against Amritsar Soormas, dedicating a crucial wicket to his late grandfather, Chunni Lal Bhagat, a former Cabinet Minister. Krish shared how his grandfather's journey from Pakistan inspired him and spoke about his own early start in cricket, his family's support, and his focus on team goals in the league.
Punjab Police's Counter Intelligence wing in Amritsar has successfully busted a cross-border narcotics smuggling module, leading to the arrest of three individuals and the recovery of 17 kg of heroin. This latest seizure brings the total recovery by CI Amritsar to 54 kg of heroin in just four days, highlighting a significant crackdown on drug trafficking in the region.
Punjab has launched the fourth season of its state-level sports event, 'Khedan Wattan Punjab Diyan', aiming to identify and nurture sporting talent from grassroots to global levels. The event, featuring 39 disciplines and nearly 10 lakh participants, offers Rs 12.50 crore in prize money, including cash awards for veteran players for the first time. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann inaugurated the games, highlighting the state's commitment to sports infrastructure development and financial assistance for athletes.
Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab of political vendetta after his name was marked as 'shifted' in the draft electoral rolls despite being registered in Mohali. The AAP has refuted the claims, stating that Chadha has been living in Delhi and was attempting to get his voter registration made in Delhi through a 'backdated process'.
Punjab Police have successfully dismantled three significant drug and illegal arms supply networks in Amritsar, leading to the arrest of eight individuals. The operations resulted in the recovery of over 9.5 kg of heroin, 5.4 kg of opium, and a pistol. Investigations suggest links to foreign-based smugglers using drones for consignments, with further probes underway to uncover the full extent of the trafficking network.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has ended its protest at the Chandigarh-Mohali border after receiving written assurances from the Punjab government. The government has pledged to convene a state Assembly session within a month to address issues concerning river waters, agriculture, and farmer loans, including resolutions against old water agreements and certain central bills.
A 47-year-old man, Gulzar Singh, from Dirba in Sangrur district, allegedly died by suicide after consuming poison. In a purported video, he questioned Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema about the unabated supply of 'chitta' (synthetic drugs) in the area, stating his son was addicted. Opposition parties have seized on the incident, demanding a probe and justice for Gulzar Singh, putting the Mann-led AAP government under pressure regarding the drug menace in the state.
The BJP has accused AAP leaders, including Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal, of operating a corruption syndicate in Punjab. The allegations claim that middlemen, allegedly on behalf of Mann and his wife, demanded bribes of up to Rs 5 crore to settle rape cases. The National Human Rights Commission has ordered an inquiry into a complaint regarding these allegations.
The Congress party has announced a significant organisational reshuffle, appointing new general secretaries and state in-charges. Sachin Pilot has been made in-charge of Punjab, and Randeep Singh Surjewala for Gujarat, ahead of crucial assembly elections. Other changes include new in-charges for Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, with some outgoing leaders being replaced.
Naman Dhir smashed a breathtaking 37-ball century and finished unbeaten on 173, powering Amritsar Soormas to 279 while setting the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League alight with his fireworks.
The Amritsar Rural police on Saturday arrested five accused linked to the firing incident involving assistant sub-inspector Jaswant Singh, who was posted with the Amritsar commissionerate.
There is a strong opinion within the BJP in Punjab that the party must now stand on its own two feet and dump the badly compromised SAD baggage.
Anti-drug activist Parvider Singh Jhota was shot dead in Mansa on October 13. His family and supporters are refusing to cremate his body until their demands for justice, including a CBI probe and resignations of top officials, are met. The incident has triggered political protests and condemnation across Punjab, with various leaders visiting the protest site and the SGPC announcing a tribute.
Senior SAD leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, requesting a CBI probe into the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa. She also called for an investigation into the alleged politicians-police drug trade nexus in Punjab, citing claims by Jhota's father about a wider conspiracy.
A delegation from Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) met Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, demanding a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe rape allegations against former SGPC member Amarjit Singh Chawla. Chawla resigned after being booked for rape, wrongful confinement, and criminal intimidation. The delegation highlighted serious questions surrounding the case, including the woman's travel, arrest, and stay in various facilities, and expressed concern over the impact on revered Sikh institutions.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that the 'Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan' annual sports festival will commence on September 5 in Bathinda, expecting around 10 lakh participants across 38 sports. The event, now in its fourth edition, aims to promote sports at block, district, and state levels, with competitions running until November 29.
The Asian Champions Trophy returns to Punjab after 17 years, marking a special occasion for Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh, whose family will watch him play internationally for the first time. The tournament, featuring six teams, highlights Punjab's rich hockey legacy and will be held in Jalandhar and Mohali from October 27 to November 5.
Congress MP Amrinder Singh Raja Warring has criticised the Punjab government following the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa. Warring demanded Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's resignation, citing deteriorating law and order and the government's failure to curb the drug menace. He also questioned the accused's licensed weapon and announced support for a Punjab Bandh on October 15.
A Punjab Police constable, part of the state's anti-drone system in Tarn Taran, was apprehended by the Border Security Force with 15 kg of heroin. The Narcotics Control Bureau has been informed, and an investigation is underway.
Farmers under the Samyukta Kisan Morcha have initiated a week-long protest at the Chandigarh-Mohali border, demanding a minimum support price (MSP) based on the C2 plus 50 per cent formula, debt waivers, and opposing the proposed India-US trade deal, Electricity Amendment Bill, and Seed Bill. They also raised concerns about water depletion and sought resolutions based on riparian principles.
Captain Salil Arora's blistering 120 and Sahil Bhaskar's sensational six-wicket haul (6/16) propelled Ludhiana Lions to a 17-run victory over Jalandhar Warriors, securing their spot in the Sher-E-Punjab T20 League final.
Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Manipur secured victories in their respective pool games, while Punjab and Bengal played to a draw on the sixth day of the Hockey India Senior Men National Championship in Jhansi. Uttar Pradesh defeated Chandigarh 5-0, Madhya Pradesh beat Puducherry 4-2, and Manipur overcame Delhi 5-2.
Opposition parties in Punjab have strongly criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government following the murder of anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota in Mansa. They allege a breakdown of law and order and "jungle raj," demanding accountability from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and a CBI probe into the killing. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of those fighting the drug menace in the state.
Fazilka Falcons outclassed Bathinda Royals by 49 runs but despite the convincing victory failed to advance to the semi-finals of the Sher-E-Punjab T20 League in Mohali on Thursday.
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Jammu Zonal Unit arrested a suspected drug peddler with 385 grams of heroin in an intelligence-led operation in Digiana. Investigations suggest potential links between Jammu and Punjab-based drug traffickers, with the seized contraband intended for distribution in Jammu district. Further probes are underway to identify the wider network and interstate connections.
A 27-year-old man died in Ludhiana after allegedly consuming medicine purchased from a chemist shop, leading to a protest where a mob vandalised the shop. Police have taken the chemist into custody, and a Congress MP has criticised the state government over the incident.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced a new skating track in Dhuri, Sangrur, aiming to develop the district into a skating hub. He highlighted the government's commitment to sports with a Rs 1,790 crore allocation and ongoing initiatives like 'Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan' to nurture young talent and promote a healthy lifestyle.
