SHER E PUNJAB

July 14, 2026

SPS Investigates Suspicious Fire at Surrey City Hall

Surrey Police Service (SPS) is investigating a suspicious fire at Surrey City Hall that happened in the early morning hours of July 13, 2026, that resulted in significant property damage.On July 13, 2026, at approximately 3:30 am, SPS Frontline officers responded to a call from Surrey Fire Services (SFS) that they were on scene for a fire at Surrey City Hall, located at 13450 104 Avenue. SPS Frontline members arrived and observed the southwest side of the building engulfed in smoke.Surrey Fire Services advised SPS officers that the fire had likely started outside City Hall in a portable toilet, located against the building, which then caused the building’s exterior glass to break due to the heat. Smoke then entered City Hall and triggered the interior sprinkler system. There were no reported injuries.The fire is believed to be human caused and the initial investigation has resulted in footage of a possible suspect being seen on cameras in the area before the fire started. The suspect is described as a White male between the ages of 45 and 65-years-old, short hair, and with a slim build. He was wearing a light-coloured ballcap, a dark-coloured shirt with a graphic on the front, dark-coloured shorts, and slides with light-coloured socks. He had a red and white lanyard around his neck and a dark-coloured fanny pack around his waist (see attached photos).There is no danger to the public because of the fire or damaged caused by the fire.

Punjab

July 14, 2026

Satluj movie: Memorial to be built in Harike commemorating people disappeared in Punjab

The highest temporal authority of the Sikh faith announced plans Tuesday to build a memorial in Punjab dedicated to the thousands of people who disappeared or were killed during the region's decade-long insurgency.Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, the acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht, made the announcement during a mass prayer service (Ardas) held at the Harike Headworks on the banks of the Sutlej River. The gathering brought together hundreds of families carrying photographs of missing loved ones who vanished during the turbulent period between 1980 and 1995.Gargajj directed the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC)—the body responsible for managing Sikh places of worship—to draft a comprehensive historical archive documenting all major extrajudicial killings, massacres, and disappearances from that era."Preserving these historical records is absolutely vital for future generations," Gargajj told the congregation.The joint prayer ceremony was notable for its cross-community focus. The Akal Takht emphasized that the service was a unified collective prayer for all Punjabis, explicitly honoring both Sikh and Hindu families who lost relatives to the violence.The event comes amid renewed public debate in India over human rights abuses in Punjab. The controversy was sparked by the brief release and subsequent removal from a streaming platform of Satluj (formerly titled Punjab '95), a biographical film centered on the life of slain human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra.Rajiv Singh Randhawa, a key witness in the Khalra murder trial, addressed the crowd, accusing the authorities of the time of killing Khalra in an attempt to bury evidence of widespread human rights violations.The service drew prominent representatives from various political and religious factions across Punjab, concluding with the Jathedar presenting ceremonial robes of honour (siropas) to the families of victims and human rights advocates.In the 1990s, Khalra uncovered government records proving that security forces had illegally cremated thousands of missing youths, labeling their bodies as "unclaimed." Khalra himself disappeared and was killed by police officers in September 1995.

Chilliwack RCMP busts drug trafficking racket

Canada

July 14, 2026

Chilliwack RCMP busts drug trafficking racket

Following a coordinated investigation, the Chilliwack RCMP Priority Target Team (PTT) arrested three individuals involved in a suspected drug trafficking network, resulting in numerous charges and the seizure of significant quantities of suspected illicit drugs, firearms, Canadian Currency, and vehicles.In April , Chilliwack RCMP PTT launched an investigation into a network of individuals involved in trafficking illicit drugs in Chilliwack. Investigators soon determined these individuals were also connected to drug trafficking in the communities of Abbotsford and Langley. The multi-jurisdictional investigation was led by Chilliwack RCMP PTT, with assistance from the Abbotsford Police Department Crime Reduction Unit, Langley RCMP, and the Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team (IERT).On June 29, police arrested three individuals in connection with the investigation and executed search warrants at multiple locations, including a residence on Glenmore Road in Abbotsford; a storage locker in Abbotsford; and a residence on 202A Street in Langley.As a result of the search warrants, investigators seized approximately 600 grams of suspected methamphetamine; approximately 4.5 kilograms of suspected cocaine; approximately 3.5 kilograms of suspected fentanyl; approximately 1.1 kilograms of additional suspected controlled substances; two firearms; two vehicles; and approximately $45,000 in Canadian Currency.On July 2, Tyler Shawn Missen of Langley, BC was charged in connection to this investigation with the offences including possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking – Section 5.2 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking – Section 5.2 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking – Section 5.2 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; unauthorized possession of a firearm (two counts) – Section 91 of the Criminal Code of Canada; and possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order – Section 117.01 of the Criminal Code of Canada .“Drug traffickers do not respect jurisdictional boundaries when distributing toxic drugs in our communities. This investigation required significant collaboration among multiple policing agencies and demonstrates the value of inter-agency cooperation in addressing organized drug trafficking.” Says Cpl. Stephan Mendela of the Chilliwack RCMP, “Through a shared commitment to proactive enforcement and crime reduction, investigators were able to disrupt a network suspected of distributing harmful substances throughout Chilliwack, Abbotsford, and Langley.”The Chilliwack RCMP would like to thank the Abbotsford Police Department, IERT, and the Langley RCMP for their contributions throughout the investigation. Their support and collaboration were instrumental in advancing this investigation forward.

FBI issues warrant against another India origin gangster Nitish Kaushal

World

July 14, 2026

FBI issues warrant against another India origin gangster Nitish Kaushal

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Tuesday issued arrest warrants against Nitish Kaushal- an alleged member of India based Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang. Kaushal, according to the FBI is wanted for his alleged role in drug trafficking and weapons trafficking. "Nitish Kaushal is wanted for his alleged involvement in a transnational criminal organization engaged in, among other things, acts involving murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, extortion, weapons trafficking, money laundering, and human smuggling," FBI satated.The agency further stated that this organization, known as the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria Organized Crime Group (the “Bhagwanpuria OCG”), originated in the Punjab state of India and operated in the Central District of California and elsewhere. Kaushal is alleged to have carried out acts of violence on behalf of the Bhagwanpuria OCG, including, but not limited to, kidnappings and assaults. On June 25, a federal arrest warrant was issued for Kaushal in the United States District Court, Central District of California, Los Angeles, California, after he was charged with Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Conspiracy.

Sydney Childcare Worker Faces 329 Child Abuse Charges

World

July 14, 2026

Sydney Childcare Worker Faces 329 Child Abuse Charges

An early childcare worker in Sydney, Hamish Tait, has been outed in the public domain following the removal of a court order in relation to his arrest in connection with 329 counts of child abuse involving 136 children spanning a time period of 16 years. The 35-year-old man, who mainly operated in Sydney’s northwest from 2009 to 2025, is under multiple charges that include production of child abuse material and the filming of private acts without permission in five different centers. He came into police attention over last year because of his involvement in illegal online activities, during which illegal content was found on various devices at a location near Sydney. Although 121 families have been informed about the incident, 22 other victims are yet to be identified.

Singapore Court Awards Ministers $356,000 in Bloomberg Defamation Case

World

July 14, 2026

Singapore Court Awards Ministers $356,000 in Bloomberg Defamation Case

The High Court in Singapore has awarded damages of $356,000 to ministers K. Shanmugam and Tan See Leng against Bloomberg and reporter Low De Wei in what is being viewed as a landmark case for the media giant. The case resulted from an article published on December 2, 2024 under the title of "Singapore Mansion Deals Are Increasingly Shrouded in Secrecy," in which the two ministers' luxurious deals were prominently cited as prime examples. Even though Bloomberg stated that the publication was based on facts, was in public interest, and merely included public personalities as part of a regulatory trend, the High Court Judge Audrey Lim found that the overall reading of the story had linked the two ministers to the greater problem of money laundering and deliberate secrets. As part of the financial penalty, the High Court ordered the story to be taken down, alongside other previous state corrections made through Singapore's anti-misinformation law (POFMA).

The Build Communities Strong Fund provided $5.08M to 2025 City of Chilliwack projects

Canada

July 14, 2026

The Build Communities Strong Fund provided $5.08M to 2025 City of Chilliwack projects

A training building for the Chilliwack Fire Department, multiple City of Chilliwack transportation infrastructure projects, and an amenity space at Townsend Park were completed in 2025, thanks in part to $5.08 million in funding from the Community stream of the federal government’s Build Communities Strong Fund. The largest portion of this funding, $3.14 million, was utilized towards repaving and rehabilitating 21.5 lane kilometres of city roads in 15 locations, and to construct 6.8 kilometres of delineated bike lanes and multi-use pathways, as well as 1.5 kilometres of new sidewalk. Roads that received asphalt rehabilitation included Yale Road, Boundary Road, Prairie Central Road, Elk View Road, Tyson Road, and more. The Fire Department’s four-storey situational awareness training facility on Wolfe Road was constructed utilizing $1.22 million of this funding. The space includes a multipurpose training area and adaptable training aids. The addition of this structure enables firefighters to realistically practice the techniques needed for firefighting efforts in a variety of building types in the community. A 4,600 square foot storage building at Townsend Park was converted into an amenity space to support community sport use, utilizing $375,800 of this funding. Features include accessible washrooms, a potable water station, sport training equipment storage and multi-use areas that can be used as changerooms, and meeting room space. The remainder of the funding was utilized towards capacity-building studies and for initial stages of projects that will begin substantial construction in 2026. “From a new firefighting training building to amenities in Townsend Park, Chilliwack’s infrastructure upgrades in 2025 were great examples of how we are building Canada strong,” said Ernie Klassen, Member of Parliament for South Surrey—White Rock. “This is what funding from the Build Communities Strong Fund is meant for, to improve local infrastructure here in B.C. and across the country.” “People in Chilliwack will have safer ways to get around, stronger emergency response and better community spaces they can count on,” said Brittny Anderson, Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural Communities. “This work helps communities keep infrastructure up to date so it can meet people’s needs and support reliable services.” “The City of Chilliwack continues to develop and maintain infrastructure to support our fast-growing community,” said Mayor Popove. “Last year we made significant transportation and active transportation infrastructure improvements, thanks in part to the support of the Government of Canada and the Union of BC Municipalities through the Build Communities Strong Fund.” The Build Communities Strong Fund Community stream (formerly the Canada Community Building Fund) provides predictable, long-term and stable funding to local governments for investment in infrastructure and capacity-building projects. This program is funded by the Government of Canada and administered in British Columbia by the Union of BC Municipalities.

IIU assumes investigation after man shot in Winnipeg

Canada

July 14, 2026

IIU assumes investigation after man shot in Winnipeg

On July 13, 2026 at approximately 8:42 p.m., the Winnipeg Police Service received a family trouble call at a residence on Avon Gate in Lindenwoods. A man called about his adult brother’s concerning behaviour. The caller had been locked out of their house by his brother.At 9:58 p.m., the man called police again as he was still locked out of the house and his brother was now screaming at him through a window.At 10:23 p.m., a West District General Patrol Unit arrived onscene in a marked cruiser car.At 10:35 p.m., the police were confronted by the man who exited the home while armed with an edged weapon. A use of force encounter occurred and a police service firearm was discharged, and the man was critically injured.Officers immediately provided emergency medical care to the man, and a neighbour also rushed over to assist.The 42-year-old man was transported to hospital in critical condition and succumbed to his injuries.The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) has assumed responsibility for the investigation. Please direct any follow-up inquiries to the IIU.

Trump Pays $5.62 Million to E. Jean Carroll After Court Order

World

July 14, 2026

Trump Pays $5.62 Million to E. Jean Carroll After Court Order

According to the lawyers for author E. Jean Carroll, President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, has made payments amounting to $5.62 million in damages and accrued interests to Carroll following a New York civil verdict holding him guilty of sexual assault and defamation. This is the conclusion to the three-year legal dispute concerning the 2023 ruling that he committed sexual assault of a woman in a department store in the mid-1990s and his subsequent denial of these accusations on social media platforms. Trump had attempted to prevent this payment pending his petitions to the Supreme Court. However, the order of the presiding judge mandated the payments which had previously been frozen by the court to be paid out since the Supreme Court denied him the chance to file his appeal last month. Although Trump's lawyers condemned the move as political and pledged to continue fighting other court rulings against him, Carroll hailed it as a huge win for women across the globe. Notably, Trump is also appealing a separate ruling from 2024 awarding Carroll $83.3 million for defamation.

Bangladeshi National Extradited from Brazil to Face Charges for Role in Transnational Criminal Human Smuggling

Canada

July 14, 2026

Bangladeshi National Extradited from Brazil to Face Charges for Role in Transnational Criminal Human Smuggling

Bangladeshi national Saifullah Al-Mamun, 39, made his initial appearance in Laredo, Texas, today after being extradited from Brazil on July 8. A second superseding indictment charges Al-Mamun for his role in a conspiracy that smuggled aliens from Bangladesh into the United States. According to court documents, Al-Mamun and his co-defendants — Mohamad Milon Hossain, 46 and Moktar Hossain, 38, both of Bangladesh — participated in a wide-ranging human smuggling operation and assisted other smugglers by facilitating the travel of scores of aliens from São Paulo, Brazil, and other locations in South America, Central America, and Mexico so that the aliens could illegally enter the United States. Al-Mamun housed aliens in São Paulo and arranged their travel, Mohamad Milon Hossain housed aliens in Tapachula, Mexico, and facilitated their transportation to Monterrey, Mexico. Moktar Hossain housed aliens in Monterrey and instructed them how to cross the Rio Grande River into the United States. Many of the aliens had difficulty safely crossing the Rio Grande River. The aliens paid as much as tens of thousands of dollars to individuals in Bangladesh to help them travel illegally to the United States. Al-Mamun was arrested in Brazil on Oct. 31, 2019.Mohamad Milon Hossain pleaded guilty to his role in the operation and was sentenced to 46 months in prison. Moktar Hossain also pleaded guilty to his role in the operation and was also sentenced to 46 months in prison.Al-Mamun is charged with conspiracy to bring an alien to the United States, multiple counts of bringing an alien to the United States for financial gain, and conspiracy to encourage and induce an alien to enter the United States. If convicted on all counts of bringing an alien to the United States for financial gain, he faces a minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. If convicted of conspiracy to bring and/or conspiracy to encourage and induce and alien to enter the United States, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Aaron Reitz for the Southern District of Texas; and Special Agent in Charge Jason T. Stevens of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Phoenix made the announcement.HSI Phoenix is investigating this case with assistance from the HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., U.S. Customs and Border and Protection’s International Interdiction Task Force, U.S. Customs and Border Protection – Counter Network Division, HSI Laredo, HSI Brasilia, HSI Bogota, , U.S. Embassy in Brazil including the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service, Brazil Federal Police, Colombian National Police, and the U.S. Marshals Service.The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s arrest and extradition from Brazil. The Justice Department thanks its Brazilian law enforcement counterparts for their assistance in this matter.The investigation and indictment were supported and prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated prosecutors from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including ICE/HSI and Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol and Office of Field Operations, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 464 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 414 U.S. convictions; and more than 360 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets.Trial Attorney Spencer M. Perry of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Leslie Cortez for the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.