Briefs: 17-year-old shot dead

Fazilka: Sahil Preet Singh (17) of Dabwala Kalan in Fazilka district was shot dead by members of a rival group near the District Courts Complex here on Tuesday. Sources said members of two rival groups came out of the court after a hearing. There was a collision between their cars after which they resorted to firing. A bullet hit Sahil Preet Singh in the head, leading to his death. Five persons have been rounded up in the case. TNS

Rs 9,700 interest-free wheat loan for Class IV staff

Chandigarh: Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced on Tuesday that the government had increased the interest-free wheat loan for Class IV (Group D) employees to Rs 9,700 for the financial year 2025-26. In a press statement, he said the loan would be recovered in eight EMIs, commencing with the salary of June 2025. He said the sanctioned amount would be disbursed by May 29. TNS

Naib tehsildar, patwari arrested on bribery charge

Bathinda: Vigilance Department sleuths from Bathinda arrested Naib Tehsildar Nirmal Singh and Patwari Gurtej Singh of Kotguru under Sub-Tehsil Sangat while accepting Rs 5,000 bribe. The operation was based on a complaint by Rajinder Kumar of Sangat Mandi. Both were arrested on the spot under the Anti-Corruption Act. TNS

‘Drug addict’ found dead

Fazilka: The body of a suspected drug addict (22) was found in a washroom of Fazilka Civil Hospital on Monday evening, police sources said. Senior Medical Officer Dr Eric said the youth had already died before examination. OC