Two toddlers killed as school bus runs over scooter in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Feb 11, 2026
Two toddlers were killed after a school bus ran over them in Bengaluru’s Thanisandra locality on Wednesday, in an incident that has triggered widespread outrage after CCTV footage surfaced on social media.

The accident occurred near the police quarters area within the limits of the Hennur Traffic Police Station. The deceased have been identified as Varsha (2) and Bhanu (4).

According to police, the children were travelling on a scooter with Naganagouda, a native of Yadgir and a constable in the City Armed Reserve (CAR). He was reportedly on his way to buy milk, accompanied by his daughter Varsha and his elder brother’s daughter Bhanu.

As it was school time, a private school bus was heading to pick up students. On noticing the bus approaching, Naganagouda stopped his scooter to allow it to pass. However, while taking a U-turn, the bus allegedly collided with the stationary two-wheeler. The impact caused the children to fall onto the road, and the rear wheel of the bus ran over them.

The injured children were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital, but succumbed to severe injuries and excessive bleeding. Naganagouda sustained minor injuries in the accident.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the bus driver had earlier been involved in a minor collision with an autorickshaw and was allegedly driving in a rash and negligent manner. Police said he reportedly failed to notice the scooter stopped on the road and crashed into it.

“I was going to fetch milk and had travelled about 200 metres. After noticing the school bus approaching, I stopped my vehicle to allow it to pass. I thought the driver would see us. However, he took a turn towards my scooter and hit it. If he had slowed down and stopped the vehicle, our two children would have been alive,” Naganagouda said.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), North Division, visited the spot and conducted an inspection. The Hennur traffic police have taken the school bus driver into custody and are questioning him. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway.

The bodies of the two children have been sent to Yelahanka Government Hospital for post-mortem examination. Family members gathered at the hospital, and scenes of grief were witnessed as they mourned the loss of the children.(Agency)

Former Kolkata Police Commissioner’s son falls victim to cyber fraud

Kolkata, Feb 11, 2026
The son of former Kolkata Police Commissioner and current Director of Security Manoj Verma has fallen victim to a cyber crime, police sources said on Wednesday.

It is learnt that he filed a complaint with the Cyber Crime Police Station at Lalbazar on February 2, alleging that Rs 30,000 was fraudulently withdrawn from his bank account. Although the incident took place in Delhi, Manoj Verma’s son, Piyush Verma, came to Kolkata to lodge the complaint.

According to the police, he was searching for a flat on rent in Delhi when he made a payment using his UPI ID. Later, he discovered that Rs 30,000 had been debited from his bank account without authorisation.

Subsequently, he filed a complaint with the Lalbazar Cyber Crime Police Station on February 2.

Acting on the complaint, the police arrested one Rakesh Pradhan from Odisha.

During interrogation, Rakesh allegedly told the police that two persons from Delhi had used his bank account. They have been identified as Sanjay and Akshay.

The police are continuing to interrogate Rakesh, who remains in police custody, and are searching for the other individuals allegedly involved in the cyber fraud. An investigation into the matter has been initiated and officials said the case is being treated with utmost seriousness.

Cyber crime has increasingly become a major challenge for the police. In a bid to address the growing number of complaints relating to various types of cyber offences, Kolkata Police have launched a 24-hour cyber crime helpline to facilitate prompt redressal of complaints and queries related to cyber fraud.

On Tuesday, Kolkata Police Commissioner Supratim Sarkar inaugurated the helpline at the Cyber Crime Police Station in Lalbazar. The toll-free number 1800-3450066 has been made operational, and citizens can call it at any time of the day or night to seek assistance regarding cyber crimes.(Agency)

Rohit Shetty firing case: Five accused charged under MCOCA

Mumbai, Feb 11, 2026
The 5 accused involved in the Rohit Shetty firing case have been slapped with MCOCA (Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, 1999) as they were produced before special court. On Wednesday, the police custody of the five arrested accused ended, but now the police have imposed MCOCA against all the arrested accused and in such a case, all the accused were presented in the special MCOCA court.

The special court remanded all the five accused in police custody till February 17, 2026. The Mumbai Crime Branch had sought a 15-day custody from the court, but the court did not grant a 15-day custody and sent him to police custody till February 17, 2026. The Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, 1999 (Mah. 30/1999) is a law enacted by the state of Maharashtra in India in 1999 to combat organised crime and terrorism.

The Mumbai Crime Branch said that the culprit Subham Lonkar wanted to spread terror in Mumbai and had told the arrested accused that he had to do something big in Mumbai The arrested accused was in touch with absconding accused Subham Lonkar through a single app and Rs 40,000 was transferred to the account of one of the arrested accused by Subham Lonkar.

A Mumbai Crime Branch official told the court that absconding accused Shubham Lonkar had given three weapons to his brother Praveen Lonkar and that weapon was given to the accused arrested in the Rohit Shetty firing case.

For the uninitiated, five rounds of bullets were fired at filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s Juhu residence. The investigation by the Mumbai Crime Branch revealed that the vehicle used in the firing was sourced from Pune.

The vehicle used in the firing belongs to a man from Pune, who sold it to Aditya Gayki, one of the arrested accused, for Rs 30000 a few days ago.

Later, Aditya Gayki and another accused, Samarth Pomaji, left the vehicle at a pre-decided place in Juhu area of Mumbai. According to the Crime Branch, the people who bought the vehicle and reached Mumbai do not know who the shooter is, later it was Shubham Lonkar who ordered the shooter to pick up the vehicle from where it was left and fire.(Agency)

SC issues notice on bail plea of Tasleem Ahmed in Delhi riots case

New Delhi, Feb 11, 2026
The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued notice on a plea filed by Tasleem Ahmed, an accused in the 2020 city riots “larger conspiracy case”, challenging the Delhi High Court’s order refusing to grant him bail under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

A Bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and Prasanna B. Varale sought a response from the Delhi Police on Ahmed’s special leave petition (SLP) assailing the September 2, 2025 judgment of the Delhi High Court, which had upheld the trial court’s order rejecting his third regular bail application.

The matter is likely to be listed on April 6, 2026, according to the computer-generated case status reflected on the apex court’s website.

Ahmed has been in judicial custody since June 24, 2020, after being arrested by the Crime Branch in connection with the violence that broke out in North-East Delhi between February 23 and 25, 2020, during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

He is facing charges under various provisions of the IPC, the Arms Act, the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, and Sections 13, 16, 17 and 18 of the UAPA.

According to the prosecution, he was part of a larger conspiracy to incite and orchestrate the riots in areas including Jafrabad, Maujpur, Chand Bagh and Gokulpuri.

Ahmed has contended that he merely opposed the CAA and was arrested on allegations of terrorism.

Apart from him, other accused in the alleged larger conspiracy case include Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Meeran Haider, Gulfisha Fatima, Shifa-ur-Rehman, Mohd Saleem Khan, Shadab Ahmed, Athar Khan, Abdul Khalid Saifi and others.

In its detailed judgment, the Delhi High Court had held that bail under Section 43D(5) of the UAPA cannot be granted solely on the ground of delay in trial.

A Bench of Justices Subramonium Prasad and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar observed that “factors such as long incarceration or delay in trial cannot be taken as sole factors for the grant of bail without considering the gravity of the offence or the role played by the accused.”

Rejecting Ahmed’s plea that he had been in custody for over five years without commencement of trial, the Delhi High Court said that the delay in arguments on charge was largely attributable to the accused persons themselves. It recorded that despite directions for day-to-day hearing, counsels for the accused were “not ready to address arguments”, and warned that “any delay will be viewed by the court seriously.”

The Delhi High Court further held that, except in cases of “palpable violation of fundamental rights”, bail under Section 43D(5) of the UAPA cannot be granted merely on the ground of long incarceration, especially when the accused has not pressed arguments on the merits of the case.

Last month, the Supreme Court dismissed the bail pleas of co-accused Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid in the same case, holding that the prosecution material, taken cumulatively, disclosed reasonable grounds for believing that the accusations were prima facie true under Section 43D(5) of the UAPA.

However, the apex court granted bail to five other accused — Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohd Saleem Khan and Shadab Ahmed — while declining relief to Imam and Khalid.

The Delhi Police has alleged that several student activists and others were involved in a premeditated conspiracy to incite violence during the February 2020 riots, which left 53 people dead and more than 700 injured, timing the protests to coincide with the visit of then US President Donald Trump in order to attract international attention.(Agency)

Punjab Govt Fully Committed Towards Welfare of Workforce, Including Employees of Forest Dept: Kataruchak

Chandigarh, February 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

The Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is fully committed to undertake every necessary measure aimed at the welfare of its workforce and the forest department employees constitute a very important part of the same.

This was stated today at the forest complex by the Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak during marathon meetings with the Forest Rangers and Deputy Forest Rangers Association, Retired Employees Union of the Punjab State Forest Development Corporation Bathinda & Democratic Janglat Mulazam Union, Punjab.

In response to the demand of increasing the promotion quota from forest ranger to PFS, the Minister apprised the forest rangers that as per the restructuring proposal of the department okayed by the Finance Department, the total 44 posts of PFS Cadre (EACF) have been approved. Besides, the restructuring proposal also includes 2 posts of the Law Officer and 6 posts of Legal Assistants to deal with the litigation matters.

Regarding the demand of making direct recruitment to the posts of Forest Ranger and PFS cadre, the Minister said that the matter can be sympathetically considered after notifying the rules in respect of forest rangers and PFS.

While interacting with the retired employees union of the Punjab State Forest Development Corporation, the Minister in reference to the pension issue raised by the union, said that a high level committee has been constituted to study the issue and submit a report.

Apart from this, the Minister also met Democratic Janglat Mulazaam Union, Punjab and lent a patient hearing to their various demands including regularizing the services of adhoc and illiterate workers working with the department from time to time (519 Petitioners/Non-Petitioners).

Among others present on the occasion included the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (APCCF) Saurabh Gupta and Chief Wildlife Warden Basanta Raj Kumar.

Another Pak-Backed Terror Plot Foiled in Amritsar; One Held With IED and Pistol: DGP Gaurav Yadav

Chandigarh/Amritsar, Feb 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

In an intelligence-led operation amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) Amritsar has busted yet another Pakistan-backed terror module and foiled major terror plot with the arrest of one accused person and recovered one Improvised Explosive Device (IED) packed in metallic case with remote control and a foreign made Pistol along with ammunition from his possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here Wednesday.

The arrested accused has been identified as Shubham Kumar alias Shubham Srivastav, a resident of village Sarosa in Sitapur, Uttar Pardesh.

The development came a day after Punjab Police has busted Pakistan’s ISI-backed terror module with the arrest of its operative, identified as Rahul Kumar alias Gaju of Amritsar, and recovered one RDX-based Improvised Explosive Device (IED) from his possession.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary probe has indicated that the arrested accused was in contact with a Pak-based handler through encrypted platforms. The terror consignment has been pushed from across the border and retrieved from a designated location on the city outskirts, he said.

“The IED was intended for targeted attacks in multiple states including Punjab and Delhi,” said the DGP, while adding that further investigation is underway to dismantle the entire terror network.

Sharing operational details, AIG SSOC Amritsar Sukhminder Singh Mann said that police teams had received a specific information that a consignment comprising IED and weapons had pushed from Pakistan through Drone by Pak operatives, which has been retrieved by their Indian associates to carry out blasts and terrorist activities in Punjab, Delhi and various parts of the country.

Acting swiftly, an operation was launched and special police teams were constituted leading to the arrest of suspect Shubham Kumar alias Shubham Srivastav, and recovery of an IED and one Pistol from the abandoned area near by Dargarh situated on Amritsar Jalandhar GT Road.

The AIG said that probe has revealed that the arrested accused is highly radicalised and came from Uttar Pradesh to Amritsar after his handler promised lucrative amount. Accused retrieved the consignment comprising IED and weapon from a designated location on the outskirts of the city on the instructions of his handler, he said, while adding that further investigation is ongoing.

In this regard, a case FIR No. 09 dated 10.02.2026 has been registered under section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), sections 18 and 20 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act and section 25(1)(d) of Indian Arms Act at PS SSOC Amritsar.

Union Budget Didn’t Provide Anything to Accelerate Punjab’s Economy: Harsimrat Badal

Chandigarh, February 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal today called out the systematic exclusion of Punjab in the last ten union budgets, even as she asserted Budget 2026-27 did not provide any measure to accelerate the State’s economy or address any of its challenges be agriculture and farmer distress or funds for flood relief, youth employment and industry rejuvenation.

Speaking on the budget in parliament, the Bathinda MP said even though Punjab had contributed water, land, labour and youth to India yet it faced economic decline, farmer distress, flood devastation and youth and drug crisis.

She demanded release of flood compensation to farmers, making MSP a legal guarantee, encouraging the industrial sector by establishing an industrial corridor with special focus on leather, sports and textile industry, giving the State a package to revive its economy, creation of a drug rehabilitation fund and creating a tourism circuit.

Asserting that the slogan “Sabka Vikas” remained an empty slogan as far as Punjab was concerned, Mrs Harsimrat Badal said even though Punjab’s growth was declining rapidly and its share in the national GSDP and even its debt to GDP ratio had declined drastically, no targeted support was given to the State.

Speaking about the agriculture sector in Punjab, Mrs Badal said the sector was facing an unprecedented crisis due to debt and suicides. She said the promise of making MSP a legal guarantee had not been implemented even as the fertilizer subsidy had been reduced and the trade deal with the United States was also expected to affect farmers adversely.

She also highlighted how farmers were suffering due to the central government’s statement that it had given Rs 12,500 crore to the State which should be used to compensate farmers even as the Aam Aadmi Party government asserted it had no such money in its account. “Central ministers engaged in flood tourism with repetitive tours to Punjab in 2025 but released nothing to the farmers”.

Asserting that the purported Reforms Express of the central government had not reached Punjab, Mrs Badal said the State was contributing Rs 2000 crore to the central pool but getting virtually nothing in return. She said the Attari border with Pakistan had been closed crippling trade even as the Gujarat sea routes were open.

She said similarly cricket matches had been started with Pakistan but the Kartarpur Corridor remained closed. She also highlighted how industry was migrating from Punjab as no incentive was being given to it in comparison to neighbouring States. She also mentioned that the sheller industry in Punjab was suffering due to delay in milling and transfer of food grains from Punjab and how shopkeepers were being harassed due to GST rules.

Mrs Badal also highlighted the damage narco terrorism was doing to Punjab. She said Punjab was suffering with most drug overdose deaths occurring in the country. “An average of 24 drones coming in from Pakistan with a huge quantity of drugs are seized every month but no funds have been released to Punjab under the Central Narcotics Assistance Scheme”.

The SAD leader also spoke on how nothing was given to Punjab to strengthen its health and education sectors even as the marginalized had been ignored on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Sri Guru Ravidas ji.

Progressive Punjab Investment Summit to Create Massive Job Opportunities for Youth Through Major Investment Push: CM Mann

Chandigarh, Feb 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting to review the arrangements for the Progressive Punjab Investment Summit to be held from March 13-15 in Mohali, envisioning it as a decisive step towards accelerating industrial growth in the state.

Addressing the meeting, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Progressive Punjab Investment Summit slated to be held on March 13-15 in Mohali will act as a catalyst to further give a major push to the industrial development in the state, which has already emerged as a favorite investment destination across the globe.”

He added, “This historic summit will offer a healthy platform to transform the destiny of the state by giving a major push to industrial development.”

Emphasising the need for collective deliberation, theChief Minister stated, “A consensus will be evolved to further chalk out a pro-industry action plan for the overall industrial development in the state after marathon discussions with international industrial giants.” Highly appreciating the leadership qualities and entrepreneurial skills of Punjabis, he remarked, “Punjabis can do wonders anywhere in the world with their grit and stamina.”

Highlighting the theme of the summit, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The summit will be held on the theme of ‘Punjab Means Business – Policy to Practice.’”

He informed that the state government has already organised roadshows at Gurugram, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai and in foreign countries like Japan, South Korea and others. He further stated, “The key sessions during the summit will include Inaugural, Valedictory, Country Sessions, Plenary, Sectoral Sessions and others.”

Terming the event a major opportunity for investors, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The investors’ summit will be a platform to showcase the investment opportunities in the state offering maximum incentives across the nation.”

He added, “The Punjab Government has received a huge response not only from industrial giants in India but also from across the globe to participate in this mega event.” Reiterating his commitment, he said, “The state’s mainstay agriculture has already reached a plateau and massive industrialization is the only solution for the rejuvenation of the stagnated economy.”

The Chief Minister further said, “The state government has taken path breaking initiatives to emerge Punjab as the most preferred investment destination not only in the country but across the globe,” and urged prospective entrepreneurs to invest in the state in a big way.

He added, “The state Government is committed to give a boost to the investment and industrial infrastructure in the state and with its earnest efforts, it has so far roped in investment proposals worth Rs 1.50 lakh crore which will create 5.20 lakh job opportunities for the youth.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Leading companies like Tata Steel, Sanatan Textiles and others are making a beeline to invest in the state and to attract more, the state government is organizing this Progressive Punjab Investment Summit on March 13-15 at Mohali.”

Focusing on reforms, the Chief Minister said, “The Punjab Government has introduced Green stamp paper in the registration of sale deeds to ensure faster and smooth issuance of regulatory clearances to industry projects.”

He added, “Punjab is the only state which can rightly boast of its congenial industrial climate coupled with skilled manpower fully capable of catering to the needs of local industry.” Underscoring the importance of energy security, he said, “As power is the engine of growth, the state government has made all out efforts to make Punjab surplus in power.”

He further said, “Top industrial giants from across the country and globe are expected to attend this mega event in the state to firm up their investments.” Bhagwant Singh Mann reviewed the arrangements with senior officers to ensure that the historic summit is organized successfully. He added, “Apart from exhibition, seminars and technical sessions on various aspects of industry, a special focus on emerging technologies and strategies in industry will be laid.”

Earlier, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also released the logo of the summit. Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.

‘Gall Punjab Di’ Organizes Historic Event With Collective Voice of ‘Sarbat Da Bhala’

Chandigarh, 11 February, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

With prayers for Punjab’s prosperity, communal harmony, and collective well-being under the blessings of the Guru Sahib, a special event was organized today by the “Gall Punjab Di” Manch at Gurdwara Gur Sagar Sahib, Chandigarh. The program began with the recitation of Sukhmani Sahib, followed by an Ardas seeking progress for the entire Punjab and the welfare of all.

On this occasion, Chairperson Bibi Charan Kamal Kaur welcomed the guests and said that “Gall Punjab Di” is a platform that brings together individuals who understand Punjab’s pain and are committed to resolving it. She emphasized that the aim is not merely to list problems but to initiate solution-oriented dialogue by involving every section of society. She stressed that youth must reconnect with their Punjabi identity in order to find lasting solutions to Punjab’s challenges.

Addressing the gathering, Sikh thinker S. Ajay Pal Singh Brar stated that Punjab urgently needs strong and vigilant leadership to restore its prosperity.

He noted that preserving Punjab’s identity requires rising above narrow politics. Former President of the All India Sikh Students Federation and Senior Vice President of Shiromani Akali Dal (Punarsurjit), S. Karnail Singh Peer Mohammad, described the initiative as an idea-driven people’s movement and urged the youth to step forward and take responsibility for Punjab’s future.

BSP State General Secretary S. Jagjit Singh Chharbar remarked that Punjab has taught the world the value of shared brotherhood. Vaid Anu Bhardwaj highlighted the current issues facing Punjab and said that Punjabis must come together to find their own solutions.

National President of ERDC, Chetan Sahora, shared that through “Gall Punjab Di,” every Punjabi must engage in dialogue under the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to rebuild a prosperous Punjab. The campaign will move forward in three phases:

Awareness – encouraging Punjabis to reflect on Punjab’s pain and challenges.

Dialogue – fostering meaningful discussions among leaders.

Reconstruction – identifying practical solutions and developing Punjab’s own model of growth.

Key Highlights of the Event:

Felicitation Ceremony:
Under the leadership of Chairperson Charan Kamal Kaur, distinguished individuals from various fields who have made significant contributions to society were honored.

Collective Message:
Speakers emphasized public participation and shared thinking to address youth unemployment, drug abuse, and the agrarian crisis.

In conclusion, the organizers stated that this was not just an event but the first step of a larger statewide dialogue across Punjab.

On this occasion, former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Singh Sahib Prof. Manjit Singh Ji, and Sant Baba Pritpal Singh Ji honored Sant Anoop Singh of Una Sahib.

Among those present were Parmapal Singh (Akali Dal Punarsurjit), Arjan Singh Sergill, Devinder Singh Sodhi, Jaswinder Singh (Samajik Sangharsh Party), Jaswinder Singh Sidhu (EET Union Punjab), Harmanpreet Singh (Advocate, Mansa), Ali Shah Ji Peer Seeswan Wale, Harbhajan Singh (Education Scholar, Banga; SC/BC President Punjab), Shamsher Singh (Prabh Aasre Wale), Hardeep Singh Bath, Ramandeep Singh, and Jasbir Singh of Gurdwara Gur Sagar Sahib.

Others in attendance included Gurnam Singh, Jasbir Singh, Omkar Singh, Subhash Singh, Rameshpal Singh Sangli, journalist Rameshpal (Dera Bassi), SC/BC Mahapanchayat President Punjab, Prabhdayal Singh Rampur, Gagandeep, Rakesh Jain, Harmanpreet Singh, Anil Kumar, Rakesh Kumar, Gurmehak Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Sanjay, Pankaj Bhardwaj, Dr. Anil Kumar Angrish, Prof. Vishal Sharma, and Prof. Nidhi Gautam.

Anti-Drug Campaign a Joint Effort of People of Punjab to Free Youth from Drugs: Guv Kataria

Kataria leads anti-drug foot march in Fazilka

Fazilka, February 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Emphasising that the fight against drugs is a shared responsibility, the Governor of Punjab, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, on Wednesday said that the anti-drug campaign is a collective effort of all aimed at making Punjab’s youth drug-free and restoring the state’s vibrant identity as “Rangla Punjab.”

The Governor was addressing a gathering after leading a massive anti-drug foot march from Sanjeev Palace to Ghantaghar in Fazilka. He once again appealef to all political, social and religious organisations to actively participate in the people’s campaign against drugs.

Highlighting the government’s efforts, the Governor said that strict action is being taken against drug traffickers as part of a sustained campaign to make Punjab drug-free. He stressed that drugs harm not only individuals but also society at large and, ultimately, the nation, making collective action essential to eradicate the menace from its roots.

The foot march saw large participation from vice-chancellors of various universities, heads of schools and colleges, representatives of NGOs, social organisations and prominent citizens, all of whom pledged to work towards a drug-free Punjab. The local KGF organisation also extended support in making the rally a success.

Addressing the gathering at Ghantaghar, the Governor underlined the need to make educational institutions drug-free at the earliest, stating that the future of the state can be secured only by guiding the youth on the right path. He informed that the Punjab Government is implementing a phase-wise campaign against drugs, which requires the united efforts of educational institutions, religious bodies, social organisations, political parties, panchayats and the general public.

The Governor also warned that a neighbouring hostile country is attempting to weaken Punjab’s youth by supplying drugs through drones. He said the government has taken several stringent measures, including the deployment of anti-drone systems, to thwart such conspiracies.

Concluding his address, the Governor said that the fight against drugs can be won only through collective efforts and expressed confidence that the campaign would achieve success with the cooperation of all Punjabis. Earlier in the day, he visited the de-addiction centre at Jattwali and interacted with the inmates.

Among those present on the occasion were the Governor’s Principal Secretary V.P. Singh, Deputy Commissioner Amritpreet Kaur Sandhu, Director Census Operations Lalit Jain, Red Cross Secretary Shiv Dular Singh Dhillon, SSP Shri Gurmeet Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Dr. Mandeep Kaur, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Shri Subhash Chandra, along with officers and employees from various departments, representatives of NGOs, religious and social organisations, and a large number of school and college students.

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