Here are the top 10 Punjab news headlines for today, April 16, 2026, covering politics, security, and local events.
1. Terror Module Busted in Amritsar & Mohali
Punjab Police, in a joint operation with the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), busted an ISI-backed terror module. One operative was arrested, and authorities recovered four hand grenades and two foreign-made pistols.
2. Farmer Unions Announce Statewide “Rail Roko” for April 17
The Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) have called for a railway blockade tomorrow (Friday) from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. The protest is aimed at the government’s delay in wheat procurement following crop damage from unseasonal rains.
3. ED Raids AAP MP Ashok Mittal’s Properties
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at premises linked to AAP MP and Lovely Professional University (LPU) founder Ashok Mittal. The raids have sparked a political firestorm, with CM Bhagwant Mann condemning the move as “politically motivated.”
4. Security Row: Raghav Chadha’s Z+ Cover Withdrawn
The Punjab Government has withdrawn the Z+ security cover of senior AAP leader Raghav Chadha. Interestingly, the Central Government (MHA) immediately stepped in to provide him with Z-category security, fueling rumors of internal party rifts.
5. Extreme Weather Swings: Hot Days and Cool Nights
Chandigarh and parts of Punjab are experiencing “weather whiplash.” While nighttime temperatures dropped to 16°C (5.3 degrees below normal), daytime temperatures soared to 38.1°C, creating health concerns across the region.
6. New Anti-Sacrilege Law Passed by Punjab Assembly
The Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was passed unanimously. It prescribes life imprisonment for acts of desecration intended to disturb communal harmony and introduces a ₹25 lakh fine.
7. Political Sparring Over Wheat Procurement Delay
Punjab Congress Chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring attacked the AAP government, questioning why procurement agencies are reluctant to purchase wheat and alleging that farmers are being exploited during the harvest peak.
8. Faridkot Police Official Suspended for Child Cruelty
A woman Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) in Faridkot was suspended after a video went viral showing her tying up her 5-year-old granddaughter and leaving her in the scorching heat as a “punishment.”
9. Punjab Kings vs. Mumbai Indians (IPL 2026)
In sports, Punjab Kings (PBKS) are currently facing Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium. As of tonight, PBKS is chasing 196; all eyes are on whether Shreyas Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh can lead them to victory.
10. Baisakhi Celebrations Continue Amid Harvest Concerns
While the festive spirit of Baisakhi 2026 lingers, the mood in rural Punjab remains somber as farmers struggle with the aftermath of recent hailstorms and delayed government intervention in grain markets.
