After the Trinamool Congress in Bengal, the Punjab Congress is now facing a major internal rebellion. In a dramatic turn of events, Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa secretly reached Delhi and met Union Home Minister Amit Shah. During this visit, he was spotted alongside BJP Rajya Sabha MP Tarun Chugh, sparking heavy speculation of a potential split.

Meanwhile, former Chief Minister and Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi has opened a front against the Congress high command after being denied the position of Punjab Congress President.

Channi Calls Emergency Meeting in Morinda

Expressing his dissatisfaction, Channi called an emergency meeting of Congress leaders at his residence in Morinda. The meeting saw a massive show of strength, with 25 prominent leaders, including three sitting MLAs, in attendance.

Key Leaders at Channi's Residence:

• Sitting MLAs: Tript Rajinder Bajwa, Kala Dhillon (Barnala), and Rana Gurjit (Kapurthala).

• Former Ministers & Senior Leaders: Former Deputy CM OP Soni, Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Gurkirat Kotli, Gurpreet Kangar.

• Other Prominent Attendees: Nazar Singh Manshahia, Davinder Singh Ghubaya, Inderbir Singh Bolaria, Lakhbir Lakha, Tarsem DC, Darshan Brar, Harminder Singh Gill, Madan Lal Jalalpur, former Youth Congress President Barinder Dhillon, Kamaljit Karwal, and former MP Mohammad Sadique.

The Root Cause: Retaining Raja Warring

The primary trigger for the rebellion is the Congress high command's decision to retain Ludhiana MP Amrinder Singh Raja Warring as the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) Chief ahead of the February 2027 assembly elections.

Channi's name was reportedly finalized for the state president post, but the sudden decision to retain Warring and appoint Channi merely as the Campaign Committee Chairman has left the former CM deeply offended. According to sources, Channi has not even formally thanked the high command for his new role.

Reactions and Internal Discord

A close aide of Channi, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that the former CM is furious over the snub and is preparing for a direct confrontation. "He wants to do a show of strength to make the high command realize his political weight," the aide stated.

What the Leaders Are Saying:

• Darshan Brar (Former MLA): Stated bluntly that without making Channi the state president, the Congress cannot form the government in Punjab.

• Tarsem DC (Former MLA): Claimed the people of Punjab want to see Channi as the Chief Minister. However, in a contrasting statement to the media, he also claimed he wasn't officially invited by Channi, was unaware of the agenda, and suggested everyone should accept the high command's responsibilities and work together.

• Kuldeep Singh Vaid (Former MLA): Maintained a neutral stance, urging that the high command's decision must be respected and accepted by all factions.

With multiple factions displaying open dissent, the Congress high command faces an uphill battle to unify the Punjab unit ahead of the crucial 2027 state elections.

The ongoing standoff between the Nihang Sikhs of Punjab and the Uttarakhand administration has finally come to an end. The breakthrough was achieved late Friday night following a proactive initiative by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.

A delegation of Nihangs had met CM Saini to seek his intervention in the matter. Following the meeting, the Chief Minister assigned his Political Advisor, Tarun Bhandari, the responsibility of mediating with the Uttarakhand government.

On Saturday, Bhandari personally visited the authorities and held dialogues. As a result of these discussions, the four Nihangs arrested in connection with the Karnaprayag assault case were granted bail.

Haryana CM’s Advisor Mediates the Peace

Tarun Bhandari shared details of the mediation, stating, "A meeting was held with the Nihangs from Punjab late Friday night at the Chandigarh CM residence to facilitate a compromise between the two parties. On the CM's instructions, I traveled to Paonta Sahib in Himachal Pradesh today (Saturday) and held a meeting with the Nihangs at the Gurdwara Sahib. It was decided that the four arrested Nihangs would be released on bail by late night."

Timeline of the Dispute: How It Started

The controversy traces back to June 16 in the Karnaprayag market of Chamoli district, Uttarakhand.

• The Incident: A group of Nihangs returning from the Hemkund Sahib Yatra was involved in a minor accident when their motorcycle struck a parked car in the market.

• The Escalation: A verbal altercation quickly escalated into a violent clash. Allegations surfaced that some Nihangs attacked locals with swords and sharp weapons, injuring several residents.

• The Arrests: Taking swift action, the police arrested four Nihangs—Jasanpreet Singh, Ajay Singh, and Manpreet Singh (all residents of Mohali), along with Satvinder Singh (SAS Nagar). They were booked under severe charges, including attempted murder, and sent to jail.

Counter-FIR and Allegations of Bias

Following the arrests, the Sikh community alleged that the police had taken one-sided action and maintained that the Nihangs had acted in self-defense. Subsequently, based on a complaint filed by the father of an injured Sikh pilgrim, a counter-FIR was registered at the Karnaprayag Kotwali against unidentified locals.

The Protest March to Uttarakhand

Outraged by the arrests, a large contingent of Nihangs departed from Mohali and Chandigarh on June 25, marching toward Uttarakhand to demand the release of their companions.

The protesting Nihangs demanded:

1. The immediate release of the four arrested men so they could be brought back to Punjab with dignity.

2. An impartial, fair investigation into the FIR.

3. A probe into the alleged biased police action.

The march proceeded through Paonta Sahib (Himachal Pradesh) and reached the Kulhal border of Uttarakhand, where heavy police barricading prevented their entry. The situation remained tense until the successful mediation on June 26 led by the Haryana CM's office finally defused the crisis.

Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha, who recently made headlines by leaving the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is emerging as a strong contender for a ministerial berth in the central government. Alongside him, Lovely Professional University (LPU) Chancellor Ashok Mittal is also in the race.

Why the Need for a New Face from Punjab?
Currently, Ravneet Singh Bittu serves as the Union Minister of State from Punjab. However, his Rajya Sabha term ended on June 21. If he is not elected as an MP within six months (by December 21), he will have to step down from his ministerial post. Consequently, the induction of a new face from Punjab into the Union Cabinet is considered almost certain. Tarun Chugh, who was recently sent to the Rajya Sabha in place of Bittu, is also a prominent contender in this race.

According to government sources, a central cabinet reshuffle is expected this Sunday or Monday. Union Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly met President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday to discuss these suggestions, though no formal confirmation has been made yet.

Chadha’s Role in Breaking AAP’s Ranks
Raghav Chadha was a key architect of AAP's massive victory in the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, where the party won 92 out of 117 seats. For the first two years of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's government, Chadha was often viewed as the "Super CM" of Punjab.

However, relations soured. When AAP Supremo Arvind Kejriwal was jailed in the liquor policy case, Chadha was in the UK. Upon his return, he rebelled and played a pivotal role in fracturing AAP by taking 7 of its MPs with him to join the BJP.

What Does the BJP Gain?

Media Narrative: The BJP gets a highly recognizable face to set a strong media narrative in Punjab.

Aggressive Campaigning: As a former AAP core committee member, Chadha is expected to campaign aggressively against his former party in the 2027 Assembly elections.

Urban Influence: Chadha can wield significant influence in urban and industrial hubs like Ludhiana and Jalandhar, acting as a crucial bridge between local industrialists and the central government.

The Setback for AAP
If Chadha is appointed as a Union Minister, AAP will face a severe psychological and organizational blow. The same leader who actively sought votes for AAP in 2022 will now be criticizing the ruling party, raising doubts in the minds of voters. Furthermore, Chadha's elevated role in the BJP could trigger an exodus of AAP leaders, particularly those who are denied party tickets or are dissatisfied with the current leadership.

A tragic accident befell a group of pilgrims who had traveled from Sirsa, Haryana, to pay their respects at Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar. Rajpreet Singh, an Amritdhari Sikh boy, lost his life in the incident. Chaos ensued at the scene, and local residents immediately began relief efforts.

According to reports, a group of 15 pilgrims from Sirsa had arrived in Amritsar around 2:00 AM on Sunday to visit Sri Harmandir Sahib. The group was waiting outside the main entrance of the railway station for the free bus service provided by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). While they were waiting, a massive, decades-old tree suddenly collapsed.

Body Taken into Custody and Sent for Post-mortem

Rajpreet Singh (13) was struck by the falling tree; he sustained severe injuries and died on the spot. ASI Bagicha Singh of the Amritsar Railway Police stated that the police have taken possession of the body and sent it for a post-mortem examination. The body will be handed over to the family once the post-mortem formalities are completed.

Upon receiving news of the incident, several officials and employees of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, including Sri Darbar Sahib Manager Bikramjit Singh, arrived at the scene. They expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family and assured them of all possible assistance. The deceased's father mentioned that their family is financially disadvantaged.

Adherence to Sikh Traditions

He stated that Rajpreet Singh had been deeply connected to the Sikh faith from a very young age. Rajpreet had received *Amrit* (undergone the initiation ceremony) early in life and was living the life of a devout *Gursikh* (an Amritdhari Sikh). He regularly recited *Gurbani*, visited the Gurdwara, and strictly adhered to Sikh traditions and code of conduct.

In Mansa, Punjab, a man murdered his sister-in-law's boyfriend, enraged by their illicit relationship. Believing the man was responsible for his brother's suicide, the accused conspired with his associates to carry out the killing. He attacked the victim with a rod and a *kirpan* (ceremonial sword) while the latter was on his way to the vegetable market.

According to the police, the accused's elder brother had committed suicide just a week earlier. The younger brother suspected that his elder brother had taken this step after discovering his wife's illicit relationship.

On Friday, the police arrested three individuals, including the prime suspect, in connection with the case, while a search for another accused is ongoing.

Here are the details of the case...

**Ambushed and attacked with a rod and *kirpan* while heading to the vegetable market**

Mansa SSP Bhagirath Singh Meena stated that on the morning of June 17, Hardeep Singh (28) left his home in Dariyapur Khurd village for the vegetable market. The accused, who were lying in wait near the railway crossing, surrounded him and launched a fierce attack using a rod and a *kirpan*. Hardeep Singh sustained critical injuries and died on the spot.

Deceased and accused belong to the same village

Police investigation revealed that both the deceased, Hardeep Singh, and all the accused were residents of Dariyapur Khurd village. Following the incident, the police initiated a special investigation, considering the gravity of the matter, and examined various aspects of the case. The deceased worked as an accountant at the vegetable market.

Held a grudge following brother's suicide

The SSP stated that the elder brother of the arrested prime suspect, Mati Singh (30), had committed suicide a week prior. During the investigation, the police learned that Mati Singh held Hardeep Singh responsible for his brother's death. There was an alleged illicit relationship between Mati Singh's sister-in-law and Hardeep Singh, which had caused his brother mental distress.

Conspired to commit murder for revenge

According to the police, Mati Singh, devastated by his brother's death, conspired with his associates to murder Hardeep Singh. The accused kept a watch on his movements and, seizing the opportunity, surrounded and killed him while he was on his way to the market.

Police form special teams; case solved within 36 hours

Immediately after the incident, the Mansa police constituted various investigation teams. Based on technical evidence and ground-level intelligence, the police arrested three of the four named accused within 36 hours.

According to SSP Bhagirath Singh Meena, the main conspirator Mati Singh, along with Manpreet Singh (alias Ladi) and Manpreet Singh (alias Jagga Down), have been arrested. Meanwhile, the fourth accused, Sunny Singh, remains at large; the police are conducting continuous raids to apprehend him.

Chandigarh: 05-06-2026

Responding to recently published media reports concerning the initial coverage of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign in Punjab, the Director of Health Services (Family Welfare), Dr. Aditi Salaria , strongly countered the narrative of stagnation. She emphasized that updated data from the field reveals that Punjab’s vaccination campaign is steadily progressing, with 28,718 girls already vaccinated against a target population of 1,84,484 eligible girls identified through a comprehensive house-to-house headcount survey. This translates to nearly 16% coverage, marking a significant step forward.

Dr. Aditi Salaria clarified that initial phases of statewide public health rollouts inherently faced logistical and community inhibitions, which the department is actively and aggressively countering. She informed that this program provides the indigenously developed quadrivalent vaccine for free at selected designated health facilities, dispensaries, and community hospitals, represents a landmark protective umbrella for adolescent girls across Punjab. Rather than viewing early introductory data as a setback, the Director framed it as a foundational baseline from which the state is rapidly scaling its deployment.

Dr. Aditi Salaria explained that although the campaign experienced a slower pace during its initial phase due to ongoing school examinations and due to misinformation and negative videos circulating on social media platforms. To address these concerns, the Health Department intensified awareness activities and released multiple informational videos highlighting the safety, efficacy, and benefits of HPV vaccination in preventing cervical cancer. 

It is pertinent to mention that Dr. Aditi Salaria, herself, also released awareness videos through social media platforms to promote vaccine acceptance and encourage eligible beneficiaries to get vaccinated. As a result, presently, an average of 700–800 girls are being vaccinated every day, reflecting increasing community acceptance and strengthened field-level implementation. 

Crucially, Dr. Aditi Salaria  strongly dispelled the anxieties and negative misinformation surrounding the vaccine's safety and impact on fertility. She unequivocally stated that these claims are entirely baseless, scientifically invalid, and counterproductive to the welfare of our children. The HPV vaccine is a scientifically proven intervention that provides protection against cervical cancer, one of the most preventable forms of cancer among women. It works by creating critical antibodies to prevent the virus from causing carcinogenic changes, thereby directly neutralizing the primary root cause of cervical cancer. 

The Director emphasized that to dismantle cultural hesitations and combat systemic myths, the Punjab government is amplifying its intensive IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) activities through its Mass Education and Media wing to foster absolute community trust.

Addressing specific early data cited in the news story regarding localized coverage rates, Dr. Aditi Salaria pointed out that updated headcount submitted by districts highlight several major success stories across the state. Shri Muktsar Sahib has emerged as a leading performer, achieving 54% coverage of its target population. Other districts showing encouraging progress include Gurdaspur at 43%, Hoshiarpur at 33%, Amritsar at 32%, and Tarn Taran at 26%. Civil surgeons across all districts have been formally directed to intensify localized immunization networks, utilizing the ongoing summer break transitions to establish robust micro-plans and ensure underperforming areas rapidly bridge the gap.

A key factor behind this accelerating progress has been the tireless efforts of frontline health workers including ASHAs, who continue to conduct daily household visits even during the summer vacation period. These dedicated workers are actively identifying eligible beneficiaries, counselling families, addressing concerns, and motivating parents to ensure their daughters receive this life-saving vaccine. 

Looking forward, Dr. Aditi Salaria  reaffirmed that the state's combat framework against cervical cancer is unwavering. Health officials have expressed absolute confidence that the vaccination drive will continue to accelerate in the coming weeks as schools reopen and awareness activities intensify. 

The growing daily vaccination numbers and strong performance in several districts demonstrate the commitment of the Punjab Government and its healthcare workforce to safeguarding the health of adolescent girls. 

Dr. Salaria concluded by urging parents, teachers, and community leaders to actively join hands with the state government, emphasizing that ensuring timely vaccination today is an absolute necessity to securing a healthier and cancer-free future for the daughters of Punjab.

The Punjab government has geared up to tighten its grip on private schools across the state. In a press conference held at the CM residence in Chandigarh on Wednesday, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that private schools will no longer be able to increase fees arbitrarily.

Furthermore, schools will be barred from forcing parents to purchase books and school uniforms from specific designated shops. To enforce this, the state government is introducing a strict new law that caps the maximum annual fee hike by private schools at 5%.

Refund for Unjustified Hikes In a major relief to parents, CM Mann stated that schools that have increased their fees by more than 15% over the past three years will be legally bound to refund the excess amount to the parents.

New Legislation in Monsoon Session The Chief Minister announced that a strict law will be passed in the upcoming Monsoon Assembly session to enforce these rules. An ordinance regarding this will be issued in a day or two. This regulation will be universally applicable to all schools operating in Punjab, including national and international boards.

The new law will completely cancel the previous regulations introduced by the Captain Amarinder Singh government in 2019, which, according to CM Mann, gave school owners a free hand to hike fees unconditionally. The government will formally amend the ordinance of the Punjab Regulation of Fee of Unaided Educational Institutions Act, 2026.

Mandatory Annual Audits To ensure that schools cannot find loopholes in the new system, mandatory annual audits of all private schools will be conducted. The government is drafting a comprehensive policy based on the advice of experts from various fields. Additionally, all pending fee-hike complaints at the District Education Officer (DEO) offices will be investigated, and strict action will be taken against schools found guilty of violations.

Tragic Amritsar Incident Triggered Action This decisive move follows the tragic suicide of a talented 12th-grade girl in Amritsar, who took her own life due to alleged harassment and pressure from her school management over unpaid fees.

Expressing deep grief, CM Mann said the young girl became a victim of the "school mafia." He noted that over the past 24 hours, he received numerous calls from parents and students highlighting how schools mentally torture students over "No Dues" certificates, threatening to withhold roll numbers or degrees. The Chief Minister issued a stern warning that such humiliation and harassment by school managements will not be tolerated and will invite strict legal action.

JALANDHAR: In a brazen act of violence that has sent shockwaves across Punjab and raised serious questions about the state's law and order, prominent RTI activist and lawyer Simranjit Singh was allegedly shot dead by unidentified assailants on Saturday, May 30, 2026.

The gruesome incident took place in broad daylight on the busy Jalandhar-Ludhiana National Highway near the village of Chaheru, leaving the legal fraternity and local residents in a state of panic. Preliminary reports indicate that the attackers meticulously planned the murder, targeting the lawyer directly to ensure he did not survive.

The Brutal Daylight Attack

According to initial information provided by the authorities, the unidentified armed assailants intercepted Simranjit Singh while he was traveling along the Chaheru stretch of the highway. The attackers opened fire indiscriminately, leaving the victim with multiple fatal bullet injuries. Sources reveal that the nature of the attack points towards a highly organized and targeted hit, giving the victim absolutely no chance to escape. Singh succumbed to his severe injuries at the scene.

Police Investigation and Crucial Recoveries

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Jalandhar Range, Naveen Singla, confirmed the incident, stating that the Kapurthala police control room received an urgent call regarding a lifeless body found on the highway. A heavy police force was immediately dispatched to secure the crime scene and initiate a preliminary probe.

Forensic teams and investigative officers have made significant recoveries from the spot. Authorities recovered a .32 bore pistol and a 12 bore rifle from the scene, which are believed to have been used or abandoned by the fleeing assailants.

Police teams are currently scouring the area and collecting CCTV footage from nearby toll plazas, commercial establishments, and traffic cameras along the Jalandhar-Ludhiana route to identify the attackers and trace their getaway vehicle.

A Tragic History: Previous Assassination Attempt

What makes this assassination even more alarming is that Simranjit Singh had recently survived a terrifying attack, highlighting a glaring failure by local authorities to provide him with adequate security.

Just a short while prior to this fatal attack, Simranjit was confronted by a gunman outside a local gym in Jalandhar. In a stroke of immense luck, the assailant’s loaded pistol malfunctioned and misfired, allowing the lawyer to quickly flee back into the gym and escape unharmed.

Investigations into that prior incident revealed chilling details. The Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) had reportedly arrested a shooter who confessed to being hired by the notorious Sonu Khatri gang to assassinate the advocate. Despite having concrete intelligence regarding a highly credible threat to his life, it appears that sufficient preventive measures and police protection were not provided to Simranjit Singh, ultimately leaving him vulnerable to this successful second attempt.

Rising Concerns Over Law and Order

The daylight murder of a practicing lawyer and an RTI activist—who frequently sought to expose corruption and wrongdoings—has sparked immense outrage. Legal fraternities and fellow activists are demanding swift justice, a thorough probe, and accountability from the state administration. The incident has raised critical questions regarding the safety of whistleblowers and legal professionals in Punjab, especially those who have publicly known threats against their lives.

As the manhunt for the unidentified assailants continues, the police are facing mounting pressure to crack the case, uncover the primary motive, and apprehend the masterminds behind the hit. Whether the murder is tied to his professional work as a lawyer, his RTI activism, or the involvement of organized crime syndicates remains the focal point of the ongoing police probe.

A clash erupted between supporters of the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Ward Number 41 of Moga city today during the municipal corporation elections. A dispute, initially sparked over standing positions outside the polling booth, quickly escalated into a tense situation, necessitating police intervention.

According to reports, a minor verbal altercation between the two factions rapidly spiraled into a physical clash, causing tempers to flare. Upon receiving the information, SP Krishna Singla arrived at the scene accompanied by a police force. Taking immediate action, the police calmed both sides and brought the situation under control. Onlookers and supporters present in the vicinity of the booth were dispersed to prevent any untoward incidents.

Enthusiasm Among Supporters of Both Parties Regarding the Election

The Congress party's candidate for Ward Number 41 is Kunal Sharma, while the Aam Aadmi Party has fielded Gaurav Garg. There is palpable enthusiasm among the supporters of both parties regarding the election, which has contributed to an atmosphere of political tension prevailing in the area.*Tight Security Arrangements Across the Entire Area

Police officials stated that stringent security arrangements have been put in place throughout the entire area to ensure the peaceful conduct of the election process.

Gurmeet Ram Rahim, the chief of Dera Sacha Sauda, ​​has once again been released from jail. He stepped out of Rohtak's Sunaria Jail at 6:30 AM on Tuesday (May 26) on a 30-day parole and reached the Dera headquarters in Sirsa around 9:15 AM. His convoy comprised eight luxury vehicles, including models such as the Toyota Land Cruiser and Fortuner Legender.

This marks the 16th parole for Ram Rahim, who is currently serving a life sentence for the sexual exploitation of female disciples (Sadhvis). This is the second time he has been released from jail within just the first five months of this year. In January 2026, he was granted a 40-day parole and returned to jail in February. Since his conviction in 2017, the Dera chief has previously been granted parole or furlough on 15 occasions.

Exercising caution, the Rohtak jail administration released Ram Rahim early in the morning to prevent any crowd from gathering. Ram Rahim's convoy entered the Sirsa Dera premises through the rear gate. Following the Dera chief's arrival in Sirsa, the police administration has been placed on high alert. While the number of devotees (Sangat) at the Dera was low in the morning, the crowd is expected to swell as the day progresses. Followers are now eagerly awaiting a message from Ram Rahim.

**Granted 40-Day Parole on January 5**

Ram Rahim was sentenced to 20 years in prison in connection with the sexual exploitation case involving female disciples. He is currently serving his sentence at Sunaria Jail. On January 5, he was released from jail on a 40-day parole. That occasion coincided with 'Shah Satnam Day.' During that period, he stayed at the Dera's headquarters in Sirsa. On previous occasions when he was out of jail, he had stayed at the Dera's ashram in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh.

Immediately upon his arrival in Sirsa, he released a video message to his followers, urging them to strictly adhere to the instructions issued by the Dera officials. Imprisoned Since 2017

In fact, the convict Ram Rahim has been in jail since August 25, 2017, when he was sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment in two cases related to the sexual exploitation of female disciples (Sadhvis). On January 17, 2019, he was sentenced to life imprisonment in the murder case of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati.

However, the Punjab and Haryana High Court subsequently acquitted Dera Sacha Sauda chief Ram Rahim in the Ram Chander Chhatrapati murder case. Nevertheless, the court upheld the convictions of three co-accused: Kuldeep Singh, Nirmal Singh, and Krishan Lal.

Furthermore, in October 2021, a CBI court sentenced him to life imprisonment in the murder case of Dera manager Ranjit Singh. Three years later, the Punjab and Haryana High Court acquitted the Dera chief in this case as well.

What are Parole and Furlough—the mechanisms through which Ram Rahim is released?

Parole: A prisoner may be granted parole if they have completed a certain portion of their sentence. Prisoners are granted parole only under special circumstances—such as the death or illness of a family member, the marriage of a close relative, or other compelling reasons. There are two types of parole: Regular and Custody. Under Regular Parole, the prisoner is allowed to remain at liberty, whereas under Custody Parole, the prisoner is accompanied by police personnel.

Learn about Furlough as well: A prisoner does not require any specific special circumstances to be eligible for furlough; it is their legal right. Every state has formulated its own specific rules and guidelines regarding furlough. While the rules and guidelines across many states are largely similar, the actual procedure for obtaining furlough varies from state to state.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the Indian squads for the upcoming home series against Afghanistan, scheduled to begin on June 6, 2026. Coming fresh off the back of a triumphant Men's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign and a grueling domestic season, the selectors have opted for a fine balance of experience and youth.

The bilateral assignment features a one-off Test match in New Chandigarh followed by a three-match One Day International (ODI) series played across Dharamsala, Lucknow, and Chennai.

Major Senior Exclusions and Dynamic Leadership Updates

In a significant workload management move, India's ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah and veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja have been rested for the entire series.

Shubman Gill continues his ascendancy in Indian cricket leadership, being named the captain for both the Test and ODI squads. Meanwhile, there is a prominent shake-up in the leadership hierarchy:

• Test Vice-Captaincy: KL Rahul has replaced Rishabh Pant as the vice-captain for the one-off Test match.

• ODI Vice-Captaincy: Shreyas Iyer makes a roaring comeback to the ODI framework and will serve as Gill’s deputy.

Note on Fitness: Senior stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been named in the ODI squad, though the final participation of Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya remains subject to securing complete fitness clearance from the BCCI medical team.

Big Return: Ishan Kishan Back in the ODI Mix

A major talking point of this selection is the return of Ishan Kishan to the 50-over international fold. Following exceptional performances in the domestic circuit and IPL 2026, the explosive wicketkeeper-batsman has been preferred over Sanju Samson as a backup keeper behind KL Rahul. Rishabh Pant, on the other hand, has been rested/dropped from the ODI leg but remains the frontline gloveman for the longest format.

Fresh Blood: Maiden Call-ups for Emerging Talents

Rewarding strong performances in domestic cricket and the recently concluded IPL, the senior selection committee has integrated multiple fresh faces into the national setup:

• Manav Suthar: The talented spinner has earned his maiden international call-up exclusively in the Test squad.

• Prince Yadav: The emerging star has broken into the Indian team for the first time, landing a spot in the ODI squad.

• Gurnoor Brar & Harsh Dubey: Both young bowlers have made a stellar impression on the selectors, earning call-ups across both formats (Dubey and Brar features in both Test and ODI rosters).

LUDHIANA, PUNJAB — In a chilling incident that has sent shockwaves across the Punjabi music industry and the entire state, 29-year-old Punjabi folk and contemporary singer Inder Kaur, professionally known as Yashinder Kaur, was found dead on Tuesday morning. Her body was recovered from the Neelo canal near Samrala, exactly six days after she mysteriously went missing from her hometown under suspicious circumstances.

The local police and her grieving family have alleged a horrific conspiracy involving abduction at gunpoint, stalking, and a fatal rejection of a forced marriage proposal.

The Mysterious Disappearance

According to official police records and family statements, the ordeal began on the evening of May 13, 2026. Inder Kaur had left her residence in Ludhiana around 8:30 PM in her Ford Figo car to purchase household groceries from a nearby market.

When she failed to return home and her mobile phone went completely unreachable, her anxious family launched a frantic search operation. Realizing something was deeply wrong, her brother, Jotinder Singh, approached the authorities, leading to the formal registration of a missing person and suspected kidnapping First Information Report (FIR) on May 15.

Chilling Revelations: Kidnapped at Gunpoint

The investigation took a dark turn as details of the singer's recent past emerged. The family disclosed to the police that Inder Kaur was being relentlessly pursued and harassed by an acquaintance identified as Sukhwinder Singh (alias Sukha), a resident of Bhalur village in the Moga district.

Jotinder Singh alleged that Sukhwinder Singh—who is reportedly already married and has children—had been aggressively pressuring the 29-year-old singer into marriage. Inder Kaur had staunchly rejected his proposals multiple times.

The family firmly suspects that on the night of May 13, the main accused, along with his associate Karamjit Singh and other unidentified accomplices, intercepted the singer’s car, abducted her at gunpoint, and eventually murdered her over personal enmity stemming from the rejected marriage proposal.

Body Recovered; Main Accused Flees to Canada

The agonizing six-day search culminated in a grim discovery around 11:00 AM on Tuesday, when local divers and police spotted a body floating in the Neelo canal. The family was called to the spot and agonizingly confirmed the identity as that of Yashinder Kaur. The body was subsequently shifted to the Civil Hospital in Samrala for a mandatory postmortem examination to ascertain the exact cause of death.

Adding a complex international dimension to the murder probe, the victim’s family has claimed that the primary orchestrator, Sukhwinder Singh, had recently arrived in Punjab from Canada prior to the incident. They allege that immediately after executing the brutal crime, the accused fled the country and managed to fly back to Canada to evade Indian law enforcement.

Police Investigation and Next Steps

The Ludhiana and Samrala police divisions are currently treating the case as a high-profile homicide. Authorities are examining CCTV footage from the night of the abduction along the Ludhiana highway and analyzing call detail records (CDR) of the victim and suspects.

Senior police officials have stated that while an FIR regarding kidnapping was already active, stringent charges of murder, criminal conspiracy, and destruction of evidence are being appended. They added that standard legal procedures, including looking into an Interpol Lookout Circular (LOC) or extradition processes, will be actively pursued if the main suspect's flight to Canada is verified.