Akalis announce five more candidates for Assembly poll

Chandigarh: SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Monday announced five more candidates for the Assembly polls. A spokesperson for the SAD said the new candidates were Heera S Gabhria from Ludhiana-South, Vir S Lopoke from Raja Sansi, Mohinderpal Rinwa from Abohar, Dr Nishan S from Budhlada and Baldev S Manuke from Nihal S Wala. The SAD has so far announced 69 candidates for the polls early next year. TNS

Under mounting debt, Ferozepur farmer ends life

Ferozepur: A farmer of Khunder Hithar village in Guruharsahai allegedly ended his life by suicide by hanging himself at his residence. Sources said Harmesh Singh (32) owned around 4 acre while he owed lakhs to commission agents and banks which he was unable to repay. The Kisan Majdoor Sangharsh Committee sought financial aid of Rs 5 lakh for the deceased farmer’s family. OC

Flying squads to keep tabs on illegal paddy inflow

Patiala: Following the orders issued by the Punjab Government to keep a check on “recycling” of paddy and bogus billing, the administration has constituted nine flying squads to check the inflow of unauthorised paddy or rice from other states. Deputy Commissioner Kumar Amit said the flying squads would submit daily report regarding unauthorised paddy and trucks’ seizure. TNS

Illegal mining: DSP gets notice

Moga: SSP Dhruman H Nimbale has marked an inquiry into illegal mining on the Sutlej basin in Moga. He asked SP (D) Jagatpreet Singh to look into the reports. A notice has also been served upon Dharamkot DSP Subeg Singh. He has been told to file a reply on the corrective measures being taken. TNS

30-yr-old dies of ‘drug overdose’

Bathinda: Gurjit Singh, 30, of Muktsar died of suspected drug overdose here on Monday. Some passersby alerted a city-based NGO, who reached the old tehsil area and found Gurjit in an unconscious state at a secluded place. A syringe was reportedly found near him and his arm was bleeding. He was shifted to the Civil Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. TNS

Sarpanch, panches join SAD

Moga: The Congress suffered a set-back in Moga Assembly segment as a sitting sarpanch and a few panches along with local residents of the Singhawala village joined the Shiromani Akali Dal on Sunday. Youth Akali leader Barjinder Singh Brar, younger son of veteran Akali leader Jathedar Tota Singh, welcomed them into the party. OC