In brief: Panchayat official caught taking Rs 60,000 bribe in Ferozepur

Ferozepur: Sleuths of the Punjab Vigilance Bureau arrested Balwant Singh, a clerk posted at the District Development and Panchayats Office (DDPO) here while he was allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 60,000. VB officials said the accused was arrested following a complaint by a resident of village Lalley in Talwandi Bhai tehsil in this district. The bribe was taken in connection with a bank loan limit matter, said the officials. A case under the Prevention of Corruption Act was registered at the VB police station, Ferozepur range.

Soon, law for protection of trees

Chandigarh: The Forest and Wildlife Preservation Department is in the process of drafting ‘The Punjab Protection of Trees Act, 2025’ with an aim to maintain green cover, ensuring ecological balance and preventing the pollution of environment besides conserving the soil. It would be extendable to all urban areas of the state. As per Section 4 of the draft Act, no person shall fell any tree in urban area and cut, remove or dispose of any tree other than the one completely dead or fallen on its own.

Five inmates caught with phones at Ferozepur jail

Ferozepur: Five undertrials were booked following the recovery of five mobile phones from their possession inside the jail here. As per information, the phones were recovered from Rajvir Singh, alias Raju, Gurinder Singh, alias Gurvinder Singh, Lovepreet Singh, alias Punnu, Gurpreet Singh, alias Gopy, and Lovepreet Singh, alias Love, during a search operation. A case under the Prisons Act was registered against them at the City police station. In another incident, a prisoner was booked following recovery of 780 intoxicating tablets from him.

Man arrested with 5.5 kg heroin, drug money

Ferozepur: Rachhpal Singh, alias PK, of Chakk Dona Rahime ke in Mamdot was nabbed and 5.5 kg heroin seized from him in Zira subdivision of the district. The police also seized Rs 50,000 drug money from him. A case has been registered at the Zira Sadar police station. In another case, Harjinder Singh (30) and Gurwinder Singh (44) were arrested with 400 kg of poppy husk.