In brief: 8.6 kg heroin seized in Gurdaspur

Gurdaspur: The BSF seized 8.6 kg heroin from an agricultural field near Rattar Chattar village on Monday morning. Following a tipoff, BSF jawans conducted a search in the area and found a packet wrapped in yellow tape. Eight small packets containing heroin were found in that. Sources say the contraband was dropped by a drone. — TNS

Sarpanch shot at in Abohar

Abohar: Sudhir Kumar Kukana, Sarpanch of a village in the Balluana constituency near Abohar, sustained injuries after he was shot at by some masked men on Sunday night. After receiving initial treatment, doctors referred him to GGS Medical College Hospital, Faridkot. The police are investigating the case. OC

3 held for smuggling drugs

Sangrur: The Sangrur district police on Monday busted an inter-state gang for supplying drugs in several districts of Punjab. Besides arresting three persons, the police have also seized six illegal pistols and ammunition from their possession.

Meet against drug menace

Patiala: Deputy Commissioner Preeti Yadav said a special meeting of Village Defence Committees, ‘Pind de Pehredar’, will be held across all villages of Patiala district on May 4 to meet the deadline of May 31, set by DGP Gaurav Yadav for putting an end to the drug menace in the state. TNS

Rs 15.53 crore disbursed

Chandigarh: For the welfare of serving and ex-servicemen, the government has disbursed a total of Rs 15.53 crore among 1615 gallantry and distinguished service award winners in the last financial year. Defence Services Welfare Minister Mohinder Bhagat said several initiatives had been taken to ensure timely financial assistance, education benefits for children of soldiers and provision of necessary support to war widows. TNS