Mumbai: Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh announced on Tuesday that his film Punjab '95, which has faced controversies and delays for over a year, will not release as scheduled on February 7.

In an Instagram story, Diljit expressed his disappointment, stating, "We are sorry and it pains us to inform that the movie Punjab '95 will not release on 7th Feb due to circumstances beyond our control." Producer Honey Trehan shared the same note on his social media handle.

Diljit also posted a quote by activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, on whom the film is based: "I pray to the Guru who identifies the truth, to keep this light lit."

The film, which delves into Khalra's exposé of Punjab Police's extra-judicial killings of Sikh youth in the 1990s, has been mired in controversies. It was reportedly stuck with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for over a year due to its alleged portrayal of Punjab Police. The CBFC had reportedly suggested 120 cuts, but it is unclear if the makers accepted these changes.

A few days ago, Diljit shared the film's trailer on his social media handles and announced its international release on February 7. While the trailer is still available on YouTube in other countries, it has been removed from YouTube India.

Directed by Honey Trehan, Punjab '95 also stars Arjun Rampal in a key role. The new release date is yet to be announced.

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Karwar: Uttara Kannada police have cracked a murder case in which a Belagavi youth was killed and his body burnt inside a car to make it appear like a road accident.

Addressing a press meet in the city, Superintendent of Police Deepan M.N. said three accused from Old Hubballi have been arrested in connection with the case. The crime was a pre-planned act driven by personal enmity, he said.

The case came to light on April 8 morning when a car (KA-04/MJ-8996) was found completely burnt in a roadside ditch near Talekumbri bus stand in Yellapur. Only charred human remains were found inside the vehicle. Initially, it was suspected to be an accident caused by overspeeding, and a case was registered at Yellapur police station based on a complaint filed by the deceased’s father, Jagannath Dhapale.

However, the father later expressed suspicion that his son’s death was not accidental, prompting a detailed investigation.

Taking the matter seriously, two special teams were formed under the leadership of Yellapur Inspector Ramesh Hanapur. On analysing technical evidence and CCTV footage, police found that it was a planned murder.

The accused have been identified as Abdul Raheem Basheer Ahmed Mujawar (32), Maulasab Bavahan Wada (36) and Dadapeer alias Aftab Mehboob Saab Balasangi (22), all chicken traders from Old Hubballi.

Police have seized the car used in the crime along with two scooters. The accused have been remanded to judicial custody.

Investigations revealed that the accused killed Nitesh Dhapale due to personal enmity and later set the car on fire along with the body to project it as an accident.

SP Deepan M.N. appreciated the efforts of Inspector Ramesh Hanapur, PSIs Rajashekhar Vandali and Siddappa Gudi, and the entire team for solving the complex case.