PUNJAB AND HARYANA

Chandigarh: In a significant ruling, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has made it clear that any sexual activity with a person under the age of 18 constitutes statutory rape under the POCSO Act, regardless of marital status or consent. The court emphasized that even if the minor is married or provides consent, the law does not recognize it as legal. Case Background The ruling came in response to a petition filed by a Muslim couple from Hoshiarpur district, Punjab. The couple had married despite opposition from the girl’s family and approached the High Court seeking protection, citing threats to their safety. However, the state government informed the court that the girl is only 17 years old, making the marriage illegal under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. Court’s Ob...

Mohali, Punjab: In a dramatic turn of events, three men disguised as Nihang Sikhs abducted a TV journalist in Mohali on Tuesday evening. The journalist, Gurpiyar Singh, was held hostage at a Gurdwara in Kotkapura, Faridkot district, but Punjab Police successfully rescued him within 12 hours of the abduction. One suspect has been arrested, while two others remain at large. Abduction Linked to Financial Dispute According to SSP Harmandeep Singh Hans, the journalist was abducted at around 7 PM outside his office in Nayagaon. Investigations revealed that the kidnapping stemmed from a financial dispute. The suspects had previously sought Gurpiyar Singh’s help in a property-related matter and had collected some funds on his behalf. When Gurpiyar refused to pay their share of the amount, th...

Fatehabad, Haryana: In a remarkable display of skill and teamwork, Haryana Police scored a major success against drug trafficking in the Ratia region, thanks to their specially trained K9 dog squad. Under the leadership of DSP Nar Singh, a coordinated anti-narcotics operation sent shockwaves through local drug networks. Four-Legged Heroes: Jack and Rambo The highlight of the raid was the K9 unit’s two star dogs, Jack and Rambo, whose acute sense of smell uncovered a stash that had been carefully buried to evade detection. The police team conducted the raid Friday morning in Babanpur village, where nothing initially appeared suspicious. However, Jack and Rambo sensed something hidden and led officers to the rear of a house. The dogs began digging and signaling persistently, prompting ...

Sonepat/Hisar, Haryana: The Chautala family is once again in the midst of a political and legal storm. Karn Chautala, elder son of Abhay Chautala, has been served a legal notice by the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) following his recent statements regarding the 1990 Meham incident. The notice alleges that Karn made false and defamatory claims against JJP’s national president Ajay Chautala, hurting the sentiments of the party and its supporters. Background of the Dispute Karn Chautala, a senior office-bearer in the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), reportedly stated in an interview with a private news channel that Ajay Chautala’s name was included in the FIR related to the Meham case, which the JJP claims is baseless. In response, the party, through its legal representative, has demanded t...

**Gurugram/Nuh, Haryana: A horrifying accident claimed the lives of an entire family in Nuh district, Haryana, on Wednesday when a speeding 10-wheeler truck ran over a motorcycle carrying a family on Biwan Road in Firozpur Jhirka. The accident left four dead, including two children, and sent shockwaves through the local community. Entire Family PerishesThe victims have been identified as Tashreef (40), his wife Sahuni (35), and their two children, Ehsan (13) and Arsan (10). According to police and local sources, the family was traveling on a motorcycle from Khushpuri village towards Biwan when the truck struck them near Firozpur Jhirka, crushing the family instantly. Locals who rushed to the scene reported a chaotic and heartrending scene, with the road blocked due to the crowd. Poli...

Faridabad: In a bizarre incident that stirred local residents and social media alike, a young man from Faridabad was caught roaming the city on a scooter with “420” written on the number plate and “Killer” emblazoned across his T-shirt. The man, identified as Lakhan, a resident of Gali No. 1, Ghazipur Road, was posting videos of his antics online to create fear and gain attention. The Dabua police station team has now taken him into custody. According to the police, Lakhan used to run a meat shop, which he had recently shut down. Instead of working, he began roaming around the city wearing the “Killer” shirt and riding his scooter marked “420,” shooting videos and uploading them on social media platforms. His intention, police say, was to spread panic and notoriety among the public. ...