RADAUR | PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK

The CIA-II team has arrested two youths with illegal firearms near the Ambala–Shamli Highway, with police alleging that they were connected to the Kala Rana and Noni Rana gangs and were planning to carry out a criminal act.

The accused have been identified as Prince Kumar, a resident of Ramba in Karnal district, and Anuj Kumar alias Pandit, a resident of Bir Amin in Kurukshetra district. Police registered a case under relevant legal provisions.

According to the complaint filed by ASI Sunil Kumar, the CIA-II team was at Bubka Chowk in Radaur when it received confidential information about two suspected youths carrying illegal weapons near the under-construction highway. The team reached the location and apprehended them.

During the search, police allegedly recovered a country-made pistol and five cartridges from Prince, while a country-made firearm and two cartridges were recovered from Anuj. Neither could produce a licence or permit for the weapons, according to the police complaint.

Police further alleged that the two worked with Parikshit alias Amni for the gang and were involved in activities such as demanding extortion money from traders, issuing threats and arranging firing incidents when demands were not met. These are allegations reported by the police; the accused’s guilt remains subject to legal proceedings.

An AVT Cell team has arrested a youth allegedly carrying an illegal firearm near the Ranjheri bridge over the Augmentation Canal.

The accused was identified as Rohit alias Setha, a resident of Bhagwanpur. Police registered a case and initiated further action.

According to the complaint filed by constable Sumit Kumar, the team had received information that the youth was allegedly involved in criminal activities and was moving near the canal. The police were told that he could be apprehended if the area was raided promptly.

When the team reached the location, the youth allegedly tried to flee after noticing the police. Officers caught him and searched him, recovering a country-made firearm and one live cartridge, according to the complaint. The police are proceeding with the case under applicable legal provisions.

Opposition to the proposed privatisation of electricity distribution intensified in Radaur on Thursday as electricity employees began a sit-in protest under the banner of the Joint Struggle Front ahead of a three-day strike. Various farmers’ organisations extended their support to the employees.

Protesters warned that the agitation could be extended into an indefinite strike if the licences granted to private companies for parallel electricity distribution were not cancelled. Police personnel were deployed at the main entrance of the Radaur electricity office as the administration remained alert during the protest.

Electricity employee leader Pravesh Saini said the three-day strike had been called by the Joint Struggle Front. He warned that the protest could continue indefinitely if the government did not withdraw the licences. He also said responsibility for electricity-related faults or outages during the strike would rest with the administration and the Haryana government, as employees would not be working during the period.

Farmer leader Pyare Lal Tanwar criticised the government’s position. He questioned Energy Minister Anil Vij’s statement that the government would approach the court against the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission’s decision. Tanwar alleged that the government was trying to ease public anger by opposing a decision taken under the existing licensing process.

Kulwinder Sidhu, publicity minister of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Tikait), alleged that privatisation was an attempt to evade the government’s responsibility to provide affordable electricity to poor and middle-class households. Farmers associated with various organisations and electricity employees participated in the protest.

DAV Public School in Radaur organised a one-day seminar under the aegis of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to promote students’ mental health and well-being. The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of a lamp.

Resource persons Pooja Kakkar and Kavita guided teachers on understanding the mental and emotional needs of students. They emphasised that mental well-being is important for a child’s overall development and academic performance.

Teachers were encouraged to identify behavioural changes, understand students’ difficulties and provide appropriate guidance when required. The seminar also highlighted the need to create a positive, supportive and inclusive school environment where students feel comfortable discussing their concerns and seeking help.

Principal Raman Kumar Sharma thanked the resource persons and said the programme would help teachers become more sensitive to students’ mental health needs. He emphasised the importance of equipping educators to support students beyond the classroom curriculum.

Shyama Public School observed the death anniversary of Sethani Shyama Devi with a programme centred on remembrance, compassion and service to the elderly. Principal Manisha Sasan, teachers and students paid tribute to Shyama Devi. Students also presented a group song in her memory.

As part of the observance, students from Classes III and IV visited an old-age home in Ladwa, where they presented essential items to elderly residents and spent time with them.

Principal Manisha Sasan said senior citizens were an invaluable part of society and that respecting and caring for them was a moral responsibility. She added that education should not be limited to academic knowledge but should also nurture human values, sensitivity and social responsibility among children.

Agrasen Jayanti was celebrated in Radaur with religious devotion and enthusiasm. The programme included a havan and a kirtan, with members of the community participating in the observances.

Speakers highlighted the ideals associated with Maharaja Agrasen, including helping families in need, promoting brotherhood and strengthening mutual cooperation within society. They said these values remained relevant and continued to inspire collective efforts for public welfare.

The occasion also saw the formation of the executive committee of the Aggarwal Sabha, Radaur. Members expressed their commitment to working together for the community’s interests and providing support wherever possible. Participants included Pawan Garg, Sachin Gupta, Amit Garg, Tarun Garg, Vinay Jindal, Pankaj Gupta, Honey Garg, Ayush Garg, Anubhav Aggarwal, Raghav Gupta, Sajan Singla, Deepak, Hemant, Rajesh, Ishant Garg, Saroj Singla, Manju Singla and Preet Garg, among others.

The Computer Science and Engineering and Information Technology departments of JMIT College organised an expert lecture on “Future Challenges of Cybersecurity with Artificial Intelligence”.

Dr Anup Girdhar, chief executive officer of Sedulity Solutions and Technologies, addressed more than 145 students. He explained that artificial intelligence can help identify cyberattacks and protect digital systems, but can also be exploited by cybercriminals for phishing, data theft and other online offences.

Students were briefed on protecting digital data, recognising emerging cyber threats and understanding the changing relationship between artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The lecture highlighted the need for technical knowledge and responsible digital practices as AI tools become more widely used.

Institution director Dr S.K. Garg said cybersecurity awareness was essential in a rapidly changing technological environment. He noted that expert sessions help students learn about new developments and prepare for future challenges. Dr Gaurav Sharma, Dr Vikas Juneja, Dr Navdeep, Dr Bhawna Sharma, Dr Savita Khurana, Kapil, Meenakshi, Nisha, Mohit and Mamta Gautam were among those present.