Harbhajan Singh pitches in with relief work in flood-hit Punjab
Chandigarh (PTI): Former India spinner and Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh has stepped in with relief measures for his flood-ravaged home state Punjab, sanctioning boats and ambulances while also mobilising funds through his personal network.
Through his MPLAD fund, Harbhajan has sanctioned eight steamer boats for relief operations and added three more from his own resources, a source close to him told PTI.
“Harbhajan donated 11 steamer boats in all. Eight from his MPLAD fund and three more from his own pocket. Each boat cost around Rs 4.5 to Rs 5.5 lakh. He has also bought three ambulances for smooth transfer of serious patients to nearby hospitals,” the source said on conditions of anonymity.
Punjab has been battling a severe flood situation over the past few weeks, triggered by heavy monsoon rains and breaches in river embankments, leading to large-scale displacement of people and damage to crops. Several districts remain waterlogged, with the state government and voluntary groups pressed into rescue and relief work.
The cricketer-turned-politician also reached out to his wide circle of friends and well-wishers for support.
According to the source, one sporting organisation responded to Harbhajan’s request with a donation of Rs 30 lakh, while two of his close friends contributed Rs 12 lakh and Rs 6 lakh respectively.
“Around Rs 50 lakh has already been collected and donated,” the source said, adding that essentials like food and medicine are also being regularly supplied to the affected families.
Harbhajan, who represents Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the Rajya Sabha, has been actively monitoring the situation and has assured that further assistance would be provided as and when required.
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4 held for sexually assaulting woman, girl on moving bus after social media alert in UP's Agra
Agra (UP) (PTI): Four people were arrested, after a prompt response by police following a social media alert, for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman and a girl inside a moving bus here, officials said on Tuesday.
According to an official police statement, at 12:27 am on April 27, information was received on the social media platform X about an incident of sexual assault on a bus travelling from Kanpur to Ahmedabad, which was approaching Namner crossing in Agra.
Acting under the direction of Police Commissioner Deepak Kumar, the Agra Police social media team immediately alerted the Rakabganj police station within minutes and coordinated with the victims to confirm the incident and obtain the exact location, it stated.
Police teams launched intensive checking at Namner crossing and intercepted the bus as it reached the spot. The four accused involved in the incident were apprehended on the spot, and legal action was initiated against them, the statement said.
The police said the swift response and coordination between the social media team and field units ensured timely action, bringing relief to the victims and other passengers, who expressed gratitude towards the police, it added.
