CHANDIGARH, April 3: In a massive statewide sweep aimed at eradicating organized crime, the Punjab Police today conducted 483 coordinated raids at identified locations linked to gangster associates.
The operations, carried out on the 73rd day of the decisive ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign, resulted in the arrest of 198 individuals and the recovery of 13 weapons.
Launched under the directives of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and initiated by Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on January 20, 2026, the campaign has seen district police teams working in tandem with the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) to dismantle criminal networks across the state.
According to official data, the total number of arrests under this specialized campaign has reached 18,629 since its inception. During Friday’s raids, the police also initiated preventive action against 72 individuals to maintain law and order, while five proclaimed offenders (POs) were successfully apprehended.
Following a rigorous verification process, 106 persons were released after questioning. To further strengthen public participation in this mission, the Punjab Police reminded citizens that they can anonymously report information regarding wanted criminals or suspicious activities through the dedicated Anti-Gangster Helpline number, 93946-93946.
Parallel to the crackdown on gangsters, the Punjab Police also marked the 398th day of its anti-drug crusade, ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh.’ On Friday alone, 98 drug smugglers were taken into custody, with authorities recovering a significant haul of contraband, including 6.3 kg of heroin, 700 grams of opium, and 3.5 kg of poppy husk.
Additionally, 421 intoxicant tablets and capsules, along with Rs 8,400 in drug money, were seized from the suspects. This relentless drive has led to a total of 56,806 arrests of drug smugglers within the 398 days, underscoring the state’s zero-tolerance policy toward narcotics.
Beyond enforcement, the Punjab Police highlighted its commitment to social rehabilitation as part of the de-addiction movement. On Friday, police personnel successfully motivated 35 individuals to seek professional help and undergo rehabilitation treatment.
A spokesperson for the department emphasized that the dual strategy of aggressive enforcement against organized crime and compassionate rehabilitation for victims of substance abuse remains the cornerstone of the government’s vision for a safer and healthier Punjab.
(UNI)
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