In a move set to reshape North India’s premium housing market, GB Realty has unveiled a pioneering ‘1% Monthly Luxury Home Payment Plan,’ which is being hailed as a game-changer for the region’s luxury real estate sector.
Announcing this milestone in conjunction with the company’s first anniversary, Gurinder Bhatti, Founder and Chairman of GB Realty, along with the company’s Vice President, Jatinder Bajwa, addressed the press. Bhatti said, “The 1% plan is a gift to homebuyers on our first anniversary. We’ve designed the plan with middle and upper-middle-class aspirational buyers in mind. We believe that luxury is no longer a privilege—it’s a necessity, and it should be accessible to all.”
Bhatti continued, “In the real estate industry, the financial burden is usually placed on the buyer. With this plan, we’ve decided to take that burden upon ourselves. We’re proud to have bucked the trend. Our focus is on providing enabling provisions for the prospective residents of ‘Opus One.’”
‘Opus One’ is GB Realty’s upcoming RERA-approved ultra-luxury residential project, which, once completed, will feature New Chandigarh’s tallest residential towers.
Under the 1% payment plan, 40% of the amount due for an ultra-luxurious home at ‘Opus One’ will be paid off in less than 4 years (42 months), through an easy monthly payment structure, following a simple initial down payment. The remaining 60% is due upon possession. The ‘Opus One’ project is scheduled for delivery in December 2029—just 4 years away.
The payment plan is structured as follows: a 20% upfront down payment, followed by monthly installments of up to 1% for 42 months, covering 40% of the total amount due. The balance 60% is to be paid at the time of possession. Bhatti emphasized, “This plan shifts the financial burden from the buyer to the builder. The buyer enjoys unmatched financial flexibility, as the easier monthly installments allow them to save for the final payment.”
He added that the model ensures that the builder is paid last, which places responsibility for timely delivery squarely on the developer. This approach also strengthens buyer confidence in a market where trust is paramount. Bhatti highlighted that, for North India’s luxury housing segment, this structure empowers buyers to manage their finances comfortably over the course of four years.
In response to a media question, Bhatti revealed that the project has brought together some of the world’s leading design and planning experts, including Principal Architect Tripat Girdhar, Lighting and Visual Planning Consultant Dhruv Jyoti Ghose, Landscape Architect Wannaporn Phornprapha, and Interior Design Consultant Chris Godfrey.
Protesting Punjab Roadways and Punbus employees called off their agitation after consensus was reached during a meeting with the Transport Minister at Patti, Tarn Taran.
After the meeting, Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar said that the suspended employees would be reinstated and the remaining legitimate demands of the employees would also be met soon.
The Minister further said that the employees’ unions have agreed that they would not interfere in purchasing of new fleet of buses. He added that the if employees found involved in any illegal activity at the depot level then unions would not interfere without any valid reason.
The Cabinet Minister said that the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is committed to the welfare of the employees while also taking care of the interests of the people and passengers of the state.
The Minister assured the representatives of the employees that they have a duty to serve the public and the government will take full care of interests of its employees.
Laljit Bhullar further informed that government bus services have been restored in the state. He said that every issue can be resolved through dialogue. He also directed the employees to extend bus services to school and college students on priority basis as they are the future of the nation.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India organised the final round of its 30th annual debate competition for Central Armed Police Forces in collaboration with the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in New Delhi. The topic was ‘Human rights can be observed by para military forces without compromising national security concerns.’ 16 participants debated for and against the motion in Hindi and English in the final round after semi-final and zonal rounds. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) lifted the running trophy as the best team in the competition.
Among the individual honours, the first prize for debate in Hindi went to Mayank Verma, Assistant Commandant, CISF and in English to Ms Arundhathi V., Assistant Commandant, CISF. The second prize in Hindi went Deepak Singh Yadav, Recruit GD, Assam Rifles and in English Maj. Aditya Patil, Assam Rifles. The third prize in Hindi went to Ashutosh Singh, Constable, BSF and in English it went to Naresh Chandra Bajetha, Assistant Commandant, NSG. Besides the certificates and a memento, the first, second, and third prize winners were also given cash awards of Rs 12,000/-, Rs 10,000/- and Rs 8,000/- each respectively.
The NHRC, India Chairperson, Justice V. Ramasubramanian appreciated the efforts of all the 16 participants for their forthright views on the subject and said that all of them deserved to be the winners. He said that the purpose behind NHRC’s initiative is to give armed forces a platform to reflect on duty through a human rights lens.
Justice Ramasubramanian said that balance is the essence of duty in armed forces to ensure national security and protection of human rights. He said that it may be an over statement of the facts to suggest that human rights can be observed only by compromising national security concerns. He also said that the debate regarding human rights concerns during armed action is not new but centuries old. In this regard, he also cited examples from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
Before this, NHRC, India Member, Ms Vijaya Bharathi Sayani and the Chief of Jury said that security and human rights are not opposing concepts. They are complementary pillars that hold our democracy together. This competition is not merely an academic exercise. It is a reflection of the intellectual strength, moral courage and democratic values that our Central Armed Police Forces carry with pride.
In his address, NHRC, India Secretary General, Bharat Lal said that there is no contradiction in the duty of the police forces and protection of human rights. The Constitutional guarantee of equality, liberty and justice can be enjoyed only when there is a public order which the security forces are expected to maintain. He said that with power comes great responsibility and armed forces play an important role in creating an environment where people’s life and rights are protected.
Special DG, SSB, Ms Anupama Nilekar Chandra also lauded efforts of participants and said that they had expressed themselves with great clarity in their thinking during the debate. She noted that the event is organised in both English and Hindi and follows a system developed over the last 30 years, with eight zones participating.
NHRC, India Director General (Investigation), Anand Swaroop; Registrar (Law), Joginder Singh; the two jury members including Former Director General, BPR&D, Dr Meeran Chadha Borwankar and Director, South Campus, Delhi University, Prof Rajini Abbi, NHRC SSP, Hari Lal Chouhan and other senior NHRC officers and CAPF personnel were present.
Chief Election Commissioner of India, Gyanesh Kumar will chair the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) for the year 2026 .
Giving information in this regard, Haryana’s Chief Electoral Officer, A. Srinivas, disclosed today that Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar will assume the charge of Chairman at the meeting of the Council of Member Countries of International Idea to be held in Stockholm, Sweden on December 3, 2025. He will chair all the meetings of the Council during the year 2026 .
He explained that International Day, established in 1995 , is an intergovernmental organization that works to strengthen democratic institutions and processes around the world. It currently has 35 member countries, with the United States and Japan as observers. The organization promotes inclusive , resilient, and accountable democracies.
He said that this chairmanship is a significant achievement that gives the Election Commission of India global recognition as one of the world’s most credible and innovative election management bodies. India is a founding member of this organization and has consistently contributed to democratic discourse and institutional initiatives.
He said that as Chairman, Gyanesh Kumar will leverage India’s unique experience in conducting the world’s largest elections to shape International Idea’s global agenda. This will strengthen knowledge-sharing among election management institutions , strengthen professional networks, and advance evidence-based global electoral reforms. With the world’s largest electoral roll of nearly 1 billion voters and transparent and well-documented electoral processes, India will share its best practices with election bodies around the world throughout the year.
He said that joint programmes , workshops and research collaborations between the International Institute of Democracy and Electoral Management, the Election Commission’s training institute, and International IDEM will further strengthen preparedness to address challenges such as misinformation , electoral violence and loss of voter confidence globally . Since its inception, IIDEM has signed MoUs with 28 countries and provided training to 3,169 officials from about 142 countries .
He said that under the leadership of the Chief Election Commissioner, International Idea and the Election Commission will work together to document and disseminate the ECI’s technical and administrative innovations and best practices internationally. This chairmanship is a testament to India’s strong democratic traditions and its global leadership in election management.
The PM participated in a state-level function organized in Kurukshetra of Haryana to commemorate the 350th martyrdom day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Hind Di Chadar. He paid obeisance to Sri Guru Granth Sahib and later visited the exhibition organized to commemorate the 350th martyrdom day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Modi also released a special coin and commemorative stamp marking the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of the revered Guru.
Haryana Governor Prof. Asim Kumar Ghosh, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, and Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee President Jagdish Singh Jhinda were also present on the occasion. The Chief Minister on the occasion said that Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, made a supreme sacrifice for the protection of humanity, religion, and the nation, a legacy that must be shared with every individual so that future generations can draw inspiration from this profound history. To honour the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the Central Government is observing a year-long commemoration.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘Panchjanya Memorial’ built in honour of the sacred conch of Lord Krishna in Jyotisar. He also visited the Experience Centre in Jyotisar. The Prime Minister also took part in the International Gita Mahotsav and in the Maha Aarti.
The Prime Minister said, today, when the dharma dhwaja was hoisted on the spire of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, he also got the opportunity to seek blessings from the Sikh community. A short while ago, the unveiling of the Panchjanya Memorial also took place on the land of Kurukshetra. Standing on this very land of Kurukshetra, Lord Krishna had declared the protection of truth and justice to be the greatest duty. Modi said, Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji also considered the protection of truth, justice, and faith as his duty, and protected this duty by sacrificing his life. He said, personalities like Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji are rare in history, and their life, sacrifice and character are a great source of inspiration.
The PM also visited the Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra, an immersive experiential centre that features installations depicting significant episodes from the Mahabharata, highlighting its enduring cultural and spiritual significance.
The panel discussion titled ‘A Global India Through Independent Cinema: A Women’s Panel’ brought together four compelling voices — actor- filmmaker Rajni Basumatary, cinematographer Fowzia Fathima, actor-filmmaker Rachel Griffiths, and actor Meenakshi Jayan. The conversation explored how women’s creative and personal journeys are shaping the future of independent cinema.
The discussion opened with reflections on empathy as a defining element of women’s filmmaking. Fowzia spoke of how the entire creative process, from the spark of an idea to the final frame, is grounded in empathy, enabling filmmakers to transform local narratives into stories with global resonance. Rajni added that women often notice the smallest details of life, and it is these subtle observations that allow their films to give voice to stories that might otherwise go untold.
When the conversation turned toward representation, the panel explored whether women feel more seen in the industry today. Rachel shared that her own industry has a growing number of women cinematographers and producers. Fowzia recounted the evolution of the Indian Women Cinematographers’ Collective, which began in 2017 with few members and has now grown to nearly two hundred, spanning juniors to seniors. She explained how the collective fosters mentorship and collaboration, offering the kind of supportive environment women have long needed in the industry. She also celebrated the presence of women cinematographers at IFFI, complimenting the craft of Shelly Sharma in ‘Vimukti’ and the craft of Archana Ghangrekar in ‘Shape of Momo’.”
Rajni recalled how, two years ago, she was referred to a cinematographer from this collective for her own project, affirming the impact of such networks. Meenakshi highlighted Kerala State Government supported initiative that funds films made by women, sharing that her film Victoria grew out of this opportunity. Fowzia, who served on the first selection panel for this Kerala State Government initiative supporting women-led films, pointed out concerns about men submitting projects under women’s names, underscoring the continued need for vigilance.
The panelists then moved into the challenges of balancing filmmaking with personal life. Rachel spoke candidly about navigating the industry while raising three children, suggesting models like alternating work weeks to support women. Fowzia shared the difficulty of returning to her craft after motherhood and expressed gratitude that her career was able to continue, especially with her upcoming commercial movie ‘Train’ featuring Vijay Sethupathi.
On the question of how actors shape on-set narratives, Meenakshi noted that newcomers often lack the freedom to choose their collaborators, but as her career grows she hopes to work with more women filmmakers. Rajni observed that OTT platforms have expanded the kinds of roles available to women, giving them greater depth and presence. Fowzia added that more women actors are now moving into production, widening the circle of creative decision-makers. Meenakshi spoke of her own desire to one day produce films, while Rachel reflected on Hollywood’s long presence of women producers and the hurdles they continue to navigate. Rachel also touched on pay parity, noting that meaningful change requires men to acknowledge the imbalance and support efforts that ensure fairness for women.
When the discussion turned to writing and process, Rajni spoke of grounding her stories in local realities and the generational pain experienced by her region. Her most recent film features an all-women cast to explore gender justice. Meenakshi added that her movie ‘Victoria’ was built around an all-women cast, a choice that often drew questions simply because it shifted the usual frame.
As the panel turned to the realities of making and sustaining films, Rachel noted that filmmakers should create stories that can find their audience, trusting that the right narrative will reach the people it’s meant for. Rajni added that her films have been made on small budgets and were backed by women producers, and she ensured they never faced a loss.
As the session neared its conclusion, the panelists were asked which films they believe everyone should watch. Rachel named Dangal for its celebration of girls; Fowzia chose The Power of the Dog; Rajni recommended Article 15 and Eye in the Sky; and Meenakshi selected Shiva Baby for its portrayal of anxiety, adding with a playful grin that she would also recommend her own film ‘Victoria’.
The session closed on a moment of warmth and possibility. Meenakshi praised the Australian film industry for its progressive landscape and recalled a film she saw at the Adelaide Film Festival that she wished she could act in. Rachel responded with camaraderie, suggesting that the four women could one day collaborate, capturing the spirit of the afternoon: women imagining new futures together, and independent cinema offering the space for those futures to begin.
Born in 1952, the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) stands tall as South Asia’s oldest and largest film festival. Jointly hosted by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, and the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), State Government of Goa, the festival has grown into a global cinematic powerhouse—where restored classics meet bold experiments, and legendary maestros share space with fearless first-timers. What makes IFFI truly sparkle is its electric mix—international competitions, cultural showcases, masterclasses, tributes, and the high-energy WAVES Film Bazaar, where ideas, deals, and collaborations take flight. Staged against Goa’s stunning coastal backdrop from November 20 to 28, the 56th edition promises a dazzling spectrum of languages, genres, innovations, and voices—an immersive celebration of India’s creative brilliance on the world stage.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann vehemently reiterated claim over Chandigarh, Panjab University, river waters besides advocating genuine federal structure in the country before the Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the 32ndmeeting of the Northern Zonal Council held in Faridabad.
Flagging the issues, the Chief Minister said that the Indian Constitution clearly demarcated areas in which the Union and the States have to function to exercise their respective authority. He said that Federalism remains one of the basic pillars of our Constitution but unfortunately, there has been a trend towards centralization of authority during the past 75 years. Bhagwant Singh Mann underlined that the state governments, being at the cutting edge, are in a much better position to understand, address and solve the problems of their people.
Vehemently pleading for handing over Chandigarh to the state of Punjab, the Chief Minister said that after the reorganization of the state, Indira Gandhi Agreement of 1970 explicitly stated that “the capital project area of Chandigarh will, as a whole, go to Punjab, which was a clear commitment from the Central Government. He said that the Rajiv-Longowal Accord, signed on July 24th, 1985, between the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sant Harchand Singh Longowal, explicitly reaffirmed that Chandigarh will be transferred to Punjab. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann bemoaned that despite all promises, Chandigarh was not transferred to Punjab which has bruised the psyche of every Punjabi.
Raising the issue of maintaining the status quo of the 60:40 ratio in the intake of service personnel from Punjab and Haryana in the functioning of the UT of Chandigarh, the Chief Minister said that it is the need of the hour. He said that it is a matter of grave concern that officers of the IAS and the PCS have been excluded from key positions in the Chandigarh administration. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that posts in departments such as Excise, Education, Finance, and Health are being opened to cadres like the state UT cadre (DANICS), thereby adversely affecting the role of the state of Punjab in the effective functioning of the UT administration.
The Chief Minister said that another linked issue is the posting of Punjab Cadre officers to the post of General Manager FCI (Punjab). He said that considering the consistently highest contribution of the state of Punjab towards the Central pool, the established trend of posting of an IAS officer from Punjab Cadre to the Regional Office of the FCI should not be disturbed by the Government of India. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the post of MD CITCO has been held by an IAS officer of Punjab cadre in the past however, UT state service officers are being posted to this position, which is against the convention laid down in the administration of the UT of Chandigarh based on a 60:40 ratio for intake of personnel from Punjab and Haryana.
In the wake of the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, the Chief Minister said that there is a great opportunity for the resolution of water-related issues concerning the states being represented here. He said that there is a possibility of linking the Chenab river to the rivers Ravi and Beas, over which we already have dams regulating the water flow downstream. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in linking river Chenab with rivers Ravi and Beas, the surplus water inflow could be utilized gainfully by the downstream states, including Punjab, for both power generation and irrigation purposes adding that the extra water will also help the State of Punjab to meet its shortfall of water, particularly in the Border areas.
Raising the issue of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), the Chief Minister forcefully opposed the proposal to appoint a whole-time Member in BBMB from Rajasthan as the board is a body constituted under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, which concerns only the successor states of Punjab and Haryana. He said that Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh are already represented as ex-officio members, and creating additional whole-time posts will only increase expenditure most of which is borne by Punjab without serving any useful purpose. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab has already submitted a panel for appointment of Members and the Government of India should continue with the original arrangement of one Member each from Punjab and Haryana.
The Chief Minister also strongly opposed any proposal to raise the Full Reservoir Levels (FRLs) of Bhakra and Pong dams. After the catastrophic 1988 floods, he said that the FRLs were reduced in the interest of protecting lives and property in Punjab, the only state affected by these floodwaters. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the severe floods of years 2019, 2023 and 2025 have reconfirmed that present FRLs must be maintained.
The Chief Minister said that Punjab suffered massive losses of nearly Rs.13,500 crore last year while Rajasthan faced no impact and has itself stated that it cannot take any additional water during floods. He said that with increasing siltation and signs of structural stress, raising the FRLs will compel emergency releases, endangering downstream habitations in Punjab. Thus, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the correct solution is therefore desiltation, not elevation of FRLs, and Punjab urges that BBMB be directed to maintain the current levels as the state has been suffering huge losses due to floods during the last so many years. It is therefore imperative that the partner states also share the loss in the same ratio as they share the water during the lean seasons, he added.
Reiterating that the state has no surplus water to spare through SYL, the Chief Minister said that there has been no scientific calculation regarding the availability of water even in the year 1976, 1981 when the ratio of waters to be shared among the states was decided by the Government of India unilaterally. He said that Punjab has been disputing the availability of water at 17.17 MAF since 1981 itself particularly when all international water agreements mention that the water availability needs to be assessed every 25 years. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the water availability in 1981 itself was taken on the basis of the flow series 1921-1960 i.e. already more than 20 years had passed.
The Chief Minister said that the availability of Ravi–Beas waters has significantly declined, 75% of Punjab’s blocks are over-exploited, and the matter is under adjudication before the Ravi–Beas Tribunal. He said that all proceedings on SYL should therefore be kept in abeyance until the Tribunal gives its final award adding that Punjab has already conveyed that future discussions may be possible only after a fresh, scientific reassessment of water availability and only after Punjab’s essential requirements are fully secured. In wake of suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is high time that the Government of India should explore the diversion of water of all western rivers to India in view of the suspension of this Treaty.
The Chief Minister said that until this exercise is carried out, any decision regarding the distribution of Ravi Beas waters should be kept on hold as Punjab cannot agree to any step that threatens its agriculture, groundwater security, and long-term sustainability. Bhagwant Singh Mann also opposed the proposal to transfer control of the Ropar, Harike and Ferozepur Headworks to BBMB as these Headworks are located entirely within Punjab and have always been physically operated and maintained by the State. He said that nowhere in India are Headworks of one State run by an external agency and even Haryana itself maintains HathniKund on the Yamuna.
The Chief Minister said that Punjab is always at the mercy of BBMB and its bureaucratic controls adding that in case the control of the headworks is also taken away from Punjab, Punjab will be facing huge difficulties in controlling floods. On the allocation of Yamuna waters, he said that if Haryana is the successor to the Ravi-Beas water so is Punjab to Yamuna waters adding that while the state shares Ravi–Beas waters with Haryana, Punjab was excluded from the 1994 MoU on Yamuna waters without any justification. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the 1954 Agreement between undivided Punjab and Uttar Pradesh entitled Punjab to two-thirds of Yamuna waters,and the1972 Irrigation Commission recognized Punjab as part of the Yamuna basin.
The Chief Minister said that serious efforts need to be made by the Center and the respective States to stop any flood waters going to Bay of Bengal through Yamuna. With the MoU due for review after 2025, he demanded that Punjab’s claim should be duly considered to ensure fairness and parity. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab has already requested the Union Government to include it as a beneficiary in the Yamuna and Sharda–Yamuna Link projects also, but our request has not been considered so far.
Raising the issues to provide financial assistance to carry out flood protection works on the Border Outpost (BOP) of BSF and the Army, the Chief Minister said that the proposal is yet to be approved by the Government of India. He urged the Government of India to release the entire funds without putting any conditions as it was in the interest of national security. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Harike barrage was constructed in the year 1950 to divert water into the Rajasthan Feeder serving the areas of Rajasthan.
The Chief Minister said that due to absence of desilting it causes floods in the upstream areas right up to district Kapurthala and Jalandhar. He urged the Union government to assist the State Government both financially as well as in granting the environmental clearances. Raising the issue of havoc caused by river Ghaggar, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in a stretch of about 17 km in district Sangrur from Makror Sahib to Karail where the width of the river is too small to carry the waters.
The Chief Minister said that the state government has been raising this issue since long and have even acquired land in the nearby areas. However, he said that due to the objections raised by Haryana, the cross section has not been widened. Bhagwant Singh Mann urged the Government of India to persuade Haryana to agree to this request.
On the issue of Panjab University, the Chief Minister said that the university has a deep connection with the people of Punjab adding that it is only Punjab which has been supporting and nurturing this University for the last 50 years. Now at this stage, he said that we do not understand why Haryana wants to affiliate its colleges with Panjab University, when they have already been affiliated for the last 50 years with Kurukshetra University, an A+ NAAC accredited university. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he fails to understand what has changed for Haryana to now seek this affiliation having ignored Panjab University for the last 50 years.
The Chief Minister said that as far as funding of Panjab University is concerned, Punjab has always financially supported this University and is committed to doing this in the future also, as per a mutually consultative process. He said that the Centre’s recent attempts to restructure the university’s governance have been seen as interference in Punjab’s rights and to its state identity and autonomy. Bhagwant Singh Mann cautioned that Panjab University is not just an academic institution but forms an integral part of Punjabi identity adding he urged for the restoration of democratic processes, including the announcement of elections for the original 91-member Senate.
Flagging another important issue regarding the smuggling of weapons from within the country, the Chief Minister said that they are posing a grave threat to law and order in the state. He said that it is unfortunate that the number of weapons smuggled from within the country (especially from states like Madhya Pradesh) is much more than that smuggled from across the border. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this needs to be checked with a heavy hand in the larger interest of national security.
The Haryana Human Rights Commission has taken a serious view of the electrocution death of minor boy Rudra due to an unsafe LT fuse board attached to a transformer located at Rampura Colony, Kabri Road, Panipat. The Commission has strongly criticized the negligence of both the power department (UHBVN) and the Municipal Corporation, Panipat.
A report dated 27.10.2025 has been received by the Commission from the Superintendent of Police, Panipat. As per the report, in FIR No. 80 dated 06.02.2024 under Section 304-A IPC, registered at Police Station Old Industrial Area, Panipat, accused Sandeep has been arrested, and after completion of the investigation, the final report (challan) has been submitted before the court. The matter is listed for prosecution evidence on 20.03.2026.
A report dated 10.09.2025 from the Superintendent Engineer (OP) Circle, Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN), Panipat has also been received.
The Commission, presided over by Chairperson Justice Lalit Batra and Members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia, has carefully examined the report submitted by UHBVN regarding the electrocution death of minor Rudra. The Full Bench has expressed clear dissatisfaction with the report, especially on the aspect of compensation. Despite departmental officials being held responsible and negligence in adhering to public safety standards being admitted, the victim’s family has been given only ₹1,00,000/- as a token financial assistance — an amount the Commission finds grossly inadequate considering the severity of the incident and the irreparable loss suffered by the family.
The Commission is of the view that UHBVN has failed to take time-bound and appropriate action to determine and disburse adequate and just compensation.
Accordingly, the Superintendent Engineer (OP) Circle, UHBVN, Panipat has been directed to personally appear before the Commission on the next date of hearing and submit a fresh status report explaining the basis and criteria used to fix the compensation at ₹1,00,000/-. He must also produce relevant departmental rules/guidelines and detail the steps taken so far to review and enhance the compensation.
A detailed report dated 12.09.2025 has also been received from the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Panipat, stating that the fatal electrocution incident occurred on 06.02.2024 in Ward No. 24, Rampura Colony, Kabri Road, Panipat. It has been mentioned that the road level was raised by only about six (6) inches during road construction work undertaken in June 2023. The elevation was part of routine strengthening and paving procedures.
According to the report, the Municipal Corporation, Panipat prepared and submitted a report to the Deputy Commissioner, Panipat enclosing photographs showing the condition of the road before and after construction, depicting the raw/semi-paved road condition and the low height of the transformer and LT fuse board. The LT fuse board of the 63 KVA transformer (11 KV Rampura feeder) was already in an unsafe and low-height position even before the road work began. The report mentions that local residents, including Sanchit Batra, had repeatedly complained to the electricity department about the dangerously low height of the LT fuse board. The area lineman used to visit the site every 15 days for fuse failures, and the meter reader also visited regularly.
The Commission is not satisfied with the report submitted by the Municipal Corporation, Panipat. It observes that although the Corporation claims the road level was raised by only about 6 inches, no prior coordination or written communication was made with UHBVN before starting the work, despite the presence of active electrical infrastructure in the area. Proper coordination between departments is essential during road construction/repair to adjust transformers, LT boards, or electric poles to safer elevations. The lack of such coordination indicates administrative negligence.
Even if the unsafe condition of the transformer existed beforehand, the Municipal Corporation, being the local civic authority, cannot absolve itself of responsibility. The continued presence of a dangerously low LT fuse board on a public road shows the Corporation failed to identify the hazard and bring it to the attention of the concerned department.
Based on these facts, the Full Bench headed by Justice Lalit Batra finds that the Municipal Corporation, Panipat failed to install any barricading, fencing, or warning signage around this hazardous electrical structure in a densely populated locality, despite such measures being essential for public—especially child—safety. Although the immediate cause of electrocution was the unsafe LT fuse board under UHBVN, Panipat, the Municipal Corporation is also found to have failed in its statutory duties by not coordinating before initiating work, not verifying safety, and not taking necessary precautions.
Dr. Puneet Arora, Protocol, Information & Public Relations Officer of the Commission, informed that in view of the above facts and the serious allegations, the Commission has directed the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Panipat to submit a fresh status report on the above points before the next date of hearing.
Additionally, the Investigating Officer of FIR No. 80 dated 06.02.2024 (Section 304-A IPC), Police Station Old Industrial Area, Panipat, has also been asked to appear before the Commission on the next date with the complete investigation record.
The next hearing has been scheduled for 15 January 2026.
With the aim of spreading the message of the Gurus’ penance and sacrifice and their glorious history to the masses, the Haryana Government and the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee are celebrating the 350th martyrdom year of Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji on a grand scale in Jyotisar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in this program. Apart from this , the Prime Minister will also visit the Mahabharata Experience Centre and this Mahabharata Experience Centre will be opened for tourists from India and abroad. Panchjanya will also be inaugurated by the Prime Minister in the same complex. Along with this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the International Gita Mahotsav program and will participate in the Maha Aarti.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji made a great sacrifice for the protection of humanity, religion and the country, which needs to be conveyed to every person so that the coming generations can learn from this inspiring history.
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini was talking to reporters on Friday after inspecting the Jyotisar event venue in Kurukshetra district. Earlier, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, along with Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi , Director General of Information , Public Relations and Languages Department K. M. Pandurang , former minister Subhash Sudha , Principal Secretary of Tourism Department Kala Ramachandran , Director of Tourism Department Dr. Shaleen , OSD Dr. Prabhleen Singh inspected the event venue and experience center.
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, while giving necessary instructions to the officials, said that to commemorate the 350th martyrdom year of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, four holy Nagar Kirtan Yatras are being organised across the state , which will pass through all the districts of Haryana. These Yatras will conclude in Kurukshetra on November 24th. On November 25th, a gathering will be organised in Kurukshetra on the martyrdom year of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji , in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend as the chief guest.
The Chief Minister said that the Haryana Government is also continuously working to carry forward the tradition, teachings and sacrifice of the Gurus and great men. In this regard, the State Government celebrated the 550th birth anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji with great respect and reverence, and now the 350th martyrdom year of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is also being celebrated on a grand scale. Referring to the various works undertaken by the State Government, he said that it is the Government’s resolve to spread the sacrifices of the Gurus and their incomparable contributions to humanity to every person so that future generations can draw guidance from these sacred inspirations.
In one-day action, the police registered 75 cases and arrested 98 notorious criminals, sending them behind bars. In addition, 256 other offenders involved in various crimes were also sent to jail. Moreover, the state police achieved another milestone by opening the history sheets of 81 criminals in a single day. This number is a significant increase from the 179 history sheets opened in the last 12 days, bringing the total number of history sheets to 260. If we look at the overall success of this operation, a total of 768 notorious criminals have been arrested so far under Operation Track Down, while 2980 other accused involved in various crimes have also been arrested by the police.
Several districts have made commendable contributions to the success of this operation. Speaking of this one-day performance, Jhajjar district led from the front with 21 arrests across 18 cases. Following it were Karnal (9), Kaithal (8), and Rohtak (8), which also made significant arrests of notorious criminals. In history sheet openings, Sonipat district demonstrated its prompt action by opening history sheets of 26 criminals, the highest number in a day. Additionally, Rohtak opened 16 history sheets, and Gurugram opened 11, marking significant steps in curbing organized crime.
Looking at the total number of cases registered, 75 FIRs were filed under Operation Trackdown in a single day and 98 arrests were made. Among crime categories, most cases were registered under the Arms Act (27 cases with 33 arrests). There were 16 cases of Attempt to Murder with 23 arrests and 6 cases of Robbery with 10 arrests. Meanwhile, 10 Extortion cases were registered with 10 arrests. This extensive operation reflects the police’s multi-dimensional strategy aimed not only at arrests but also at attacking the very roots of crime.
Taking Operation Track Down forward, Karnal Police on November 18, 2025, arrested two accused who attempted to illegally grab land. On the complaint of Anil Kumar, a team from Ramnagar Police Station, led by Investigating Officer ASI Vinod Kumar, arrested accused Ramesh, son of Raghunath (resident of Ramnagar, Karnal), and Vishal Walia, son of Amarjit Singh (resident of Karnal), from Prem Nagar. The accused, along with their accomplices, attempted illegal possession of plots in Yamuna Vihar Colony, Karnal on November 16, 2025. Investigation revealed that the main accused Ramesh already has six serious criminal cases registered against him. These include cases registered in 2011 under Section 384 (Extortion) and the Arms Act, and a case registered in 2022 under Section 307 (Attempt to Murder). Both accused were produced before the court and police secured a one-day remand to recover the weapon used and arrest other suspects involved in the incident through intensive interrogation.
In continuation of Operation Track Down, Karnal Police on November 18, 2025, arrested four more accused wanted in a case of assault stemming from an old rivalry. Based on a secret input, a team led by ASI Deepak Kumar of City Police Station apprehended Babli, son of Om Prakash; Jasram, son of Sushil Kumar; Pradeep, son of Babli; and Sagar, son of Jagdish. These accused had allegedly abused and attacked complainant Mohit and his friend with sticks and wooden rods at Meera Ghati Park on April 26, 2025, and fled the spot. The case was already registered at City Police Station, and earlier five accused had been arrested. It was revealed during interrogation that the main accused Babli has six prior cases registered against him as well, including a 2015 case under the Arms Act and a 2019 Extortion case under Section 384. Police are questioning all arrested accused to uncover additional aspects and involvement in the case.
