Security agencies reported multiple seizures. In Fazilka, the Border Security Force (BSF) intercepted the first reported delivery of weapons by boat. From Mohar Jamsher village, 27 pistols and 470 cartridges were seized, followed by another consignment of 16 pistols and nearly 1,850 cartridges. Investigations revealed smugglers received ₹20,000–₹30,000 per pistol.

Flooding widened river spans, enabling smugglers to swim across with consignments weighing up to 70 kg. Police recently seized 20 kg of contraband smuggled through tyre tubes. An intercepted audio recording revealed Pakistani handlers discussing narcotics and drone-based weapon deliveries.

This month’s overdose victims include Nishan Singh (27), brothers Malkiat Singh and Gurpreet Singh, and Nishan Singh (24). In response, Punjab Police raided 359 locations, arrested 86 people, and seized large quantities of heroin, opium, and poppy husk. The link between smuggling and drug overdose deaths in Tarn Taran is alarming and demands urgent action.

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Arshdeep is currently under treatment in a hospital after consuming poison. His family revealed that they own 10 acres and had leased 6 more at an annual rent of nearly ₹60,000 per acre. The losses left him distressed about how to repay the loan, which reportedly ran into several lakhs. His mother, Ranjit Kaur, said he had withdrawn from daily life, refusing to eat or speak. “We told him many farmers were also suffering, but he took it to heart,” she said.

Another farmer from the village, Saminder Singh, added that Arshdeep’s family had suffered similar damage during the 2023 floods, but this time, the young farmer could not endure the burden. Fortunately, he is now reported to be out of danger.

This case highlights the ongoing crisis of flood-hit Punjab farmers, where repeated crop losses, high lease rents, and increasing debt are pushing many into extreme distress.

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Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann criticized Gandhi’s “delayed visit,” suggesting he should have waited for more water to recede before meeting people. Congress leaders rejected the claim, arguing that his presence was timely as the real hardships of villagers were now surfacing. Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring said Union Home Minister Amit Shah had personally called party president Mallikarjun Kharge, requesting that Gandhi avoid crossing the swollen Ravi river. Warring added that unlike PM Modi, who engaged in “photo-ops,” Gandhi connected with villagers directly.

Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa accused the AAP government of “deliberately obstructing” Gandhi’s programme, calling it “politically motivated and insensitive.” He questioned how the government could claim to ensure public safety if it could not protect a senior leader. Former Punjab CM Charanjit Channi also hit out at Mann, alleging that internal rifts within AAP kept him away from relief efforts. Channi defended Gandhi’s visit as an act of solidarity, while questioning whether the ₹1,600 crore central aid would be sufficient to rebuild flood-hit Punjab.

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