National

Cong Leader in Punjab Demands Immediate Dismissal of Those Involved in Unjustified Beating of Colonel

Published

1 year ago

March 19, 2025

Former Punjab Health Minister and Congress leader Balbir Singh Sidhu has vehemently condemned the unwarranted assault on an Army Colonel, asserting that the responsible police officers should be dismissed immediately. In a statement released on Tuesday, Sidhu underscored the prestigious nature of the Colonel’s rank in the military, declaring that it is unacceptable to mistreat those who safeguard the nation at its borders.

He stated, “Any instance of police brutality against a citizen is unacceptable; however, assaulting a Colonel-level officer in a crowded market without provocation is not only a crime but also a serious infringement of the law.”

Sidhu called for the immediate termination of the officers involved and insisted on a thorough investigation to deliver justice to the affected family. Reports indicate that the Patiala Police registered an FIR against unidentified individuals after a Colonel and his son claimed they were assaulted due to a dispute over parking.

He expressed concern, noting that this incident highlights Punjab’s transformation into a police state, where the rule of law is increasingly disregarded. Sidhu urged the police to wield their power judiciously, pointing out that the Punjab Police has been resorting to extrajudicial measures rather than ensuring legal repercussions for offenders.

He criticized the police for allegedly attempting to conceal the truth, stating, “The Punjab Police is obscuring the facts, as the FIR fails to mention the names of the involved officers, despite the family clearly identifying them.”

Highlighting the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab, Sidhu remarked, “The police are acting with total impunity due to the complete collapse of political leadership in the state.” He cautioned that the circumstances have grown dangerously precarious, with daily occurrences of murder, bombings, grenade attacks, robberies, and extortion.

Sidhu laid blame on the state government, asserting, “The police and intelligence agencies have utterly failed to avert such incidents.” He added that the lack of coordination between the Aam Aadmi Party-led administration and the police and civil authorities has resulted in a total breakdown of law and order, which is being manipulated by irresponsible officials and those with criminal intents.

National

Ex-IAS Officer Dhanendra Kumar Dies in Delhi House Fire

Published

1 week ago

May 29, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Former IAS officer and the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), Dhanendra Kumar, died after a fire broke out at his house in Delhi’s Hauz Khas area on Thursday night. He was 80.

According to police, the fire was suspected to have started after an air conditioner blast inside the house. At the time of the incident, five people, including family members and domestic staff, were present in the house.

Firefighters and police teams rushed to the spot and rescued the people trapped inside. Dhanendra Kumar and his son were taken to a nearby hospital. Kumar died during treatment due to smoke inhalation. His son suffered injuries and is now out of danger.

Police said no foul play is suspected in the incident. The house was badly damaged in the fire.

Dhanendra Kumar was a 1968 batch IAS officer. During his long career, he served in several important positions in the central and Haryana governments. He worked in ministries such as Defence, Road Transport, and Culture.

He also served as the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India from 2009 to 2011. He played an important role in strengthening competition laws and economic reforms in the country.

Even after retirement, he remained active in public policy and corporate affairs.

National

Woman Found Dead Six Months after Marriage

Published

2 weeks ago

May 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

Lucknow: A young woman was found hanging at her in-laws’ house just six months after her marriage in Lucknow. The deceased has been identified as Shweta Singh.

According to her family, Shweta married Bhupendra Singh on November 22, 2025. Her father, Umesh Kumar Singh, alleged that her husband and his family harassed her regularly for dowry and demanded a car. He also claimed that Shweta faced mental torture from her husband and in-laws after marriage.

The incident took place at her in-laws’ house in the Thakurganj area of Lucknow. Shweta was rushed to a hospital, but doctors declared her dead.

Her parents suspect murder and alleged that the family tried to present the death as suicide by hanging the body. Based on the complaint, police registered a case against Shweta’s husband and his family under Sections 80 and 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Dowry Prohibition Act.

Police said the accused family members are absconding, and a search operation is underway. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and further action will be taken after the report arrives.

National

Army Helicopter Crashes In Ladakh, All Three Officers Injured But Safe

Published

2 weeks ago

May 23, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: Three Indian Army officers survived after their helicopter crashed in the Tangste region near Leh in Ladakh. The accident took place on May 20. Officials confirmed the incident on Friday.

The helicopter belonged to the Army’s ageing Cheetah fleet. A Lieutenant Colonel and a Major were flying the chopper. Major General Sachin Mehta, General Officer Commanding of the 3rd Infantry Division, was travelling as a passenger.

All three officers suffered injuries in the crash. However, they survived the accident in the difficult mountainous region. A selfie clicked by Major General Mehta after the crash has now gone viral on social media. The photo showed the three officers sitting on rocks near the badly damaged helicopter.

Many people called their survival a miracle because of the harsh terrain and the risks involved in flying the old Cheetah helicopters in high-altitude areas.

The Indian Army has ordered an official inquiry to find out the reason behind the crash.

The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of the Cheetah helicopters. These helicopters were introduced in the 1970s and have been used for decades in difficult operations, including Operation Meghdoot in Siachen Glacier in 1984.

In recent years, several accidents involving the Cheetah fleet have been reported. The helicopters are now being slowly replaced by the indigenous Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

The Army has reportedly ordered six limited-series-production LUHs. The new helicopters can fly at a top speed of 220 kmph and have an operational range of 350 km.

Despite its age, the Cheetah helicopter is still considered one of the best helicopters for high-altitude flying operations.