A year that tested Phagwara’s law, order and civic resolve

The year 2025 will be remembered in Phagwara as a period of sharp contrasts—defined by disturbing criminal incidents, security concerns, and political turbulence, yet equally marked by firm policing, administrative coordination and steady civic resilience. As the city looks back, the year stands out as one that tested governance structures while also revealing the institutional capacity to respond under pressure.

The year opened on a sombre note with the death of a 24-year-old youth in March due to a suspected drug overdose in a village near Phagwara. The recovery of a syringe from the spot and subsequent arrests once again highlighted the persistent challenge of drug abuse. Despite sustained awareness drives, narcotics continued to pose a serious social concern.

Law enforcement intensified its response with the launch of “Yudh Nashya Virudh 3.0”, focusing on supply-chain disruption and community involvement.

The campaign coincided with a strong message on accountability when the CIA Phagwara unit was arrested in a corruption case. The prompt and transparent action, carried out under the overall supervision of senior district police leadership, reinforced the message that misconduct within the system would not be tolerated. Throughout the year, SSP Kapurthala Gaurav Toora maintained a firm stance against organised crime, narcotics networks, and internal indiscipline. Several coordinated operations under his supervision improved crime detection rates, particularly in serious and interstate cases, strengthening public confidence in district policing.

April witnessed one of the most complex criminal investigations of the year—a kidnapping and double murder involving a local lawyer and a woman. The arrest of a notorious criminal from Gujarat reflected effective interstate coordination and investigative follow-through. In May, public attention was drawn to the tragic killing of a Sudanese student near a private university. The swift arrest of all accused within hours by the Phagwara police was widely appreciated, even as the incident sparked broader discussions on student safety.

The latter half of the year saw a rise in gun-related incidents across Phagwara and surrounding villages, including Pallahi Gate, Bohani, Eastwood Village, and Hadiabad. The fatal shooting in Hadiabad in December underscored the continuing challenge of illegal weapons and personal rivalries.

Politically sensitive incidents in November, including armed attacks and extortion threats, further tested law and order. During these tense situations, SP Phagwara Madhvi Sharma remained visibly engaged on the ground. Her proactive supervision of investigations, timely media briefings, and firm handling of sensitive cases helped prevent escalation and ensured transparency.

September marked a major breakthrough with the exposure of an international cyber fraud racket operating from Phagwara. The arrest of 38 individuals running a fake call centre targeting overseas victims and the recovery of more than Rs 2 crore in hawala money highlighted both the evolving nature of crime and the police’s increasing focus on cyber and financial offences.

One of the most alarming episodes occurred during the intervening night of May 9 and 10, when drones were sighted over Phagwara, followed by an explosion in agricultural land at Village Khalyan. A precautionary blackout was imposed, and security agencies responded swiftly. While no casualties were reported, the incident led to heightened vigilance and coordination between civil and police authorities. During several law-and-order and emergency situations, Deputy Commissioner Kapurthala Amit Kumar Panchal played a key coordinating role, ensuring seamless communication between district administration, police, and civil departments. His emphasis on preparedness and inter-departmental coordination was evident during security alerts, public protests, and administrative responses. Similarly, SDM Phagwara Jashanjit Singh was actively involved in managing ground-level administrative challenges.

The year also witnessed social and political unrest. Protests by Dalit organisations following the sacrilege of Dr BR Ambedkar’s statue in Amritsar and demonstrations over communal sensitivities were handled through dialogue and restraint. Senior police and civil officials engaged directly with protestors, leading to peaceful resolutions.

Civic administration faced its own challenges, notably during the Municipal Corporation oath-taking and mayoral election process, which ended without the declaration of office-bearers due to political discord. Despite the uncertainty, MC Commissioner Dr Akshita Gupta ensured continuity in municipal functioning, keeping focus on essential services and development works.

As 2025 draws to a close, Phagwara stands shaped by a year that exposed deep-rooted challenges but also demonstrated institutional resolve. Firm policing under SSP Gaurav Toora, hands-on leadership by SP Madhvi Sharma, administrative coordination by DC Amit Kumar Panchal and SDM Jashanjit Singh, and steady civic management by MC Commissioner Dr Akshita Gupta collectively helped the city navigate one of its most testing periods.