Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Police on Friday intensified its statewide crackdown on organized crime by conducting 534 raids at identified locations linked to gangster associates as part of the 164th day of the ongoing 'Gangstran Te Vaar' campaign.
Launched on January 20, 2026, under the direction of Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, the campaign aims to eliminate gangster networks across the state. Police teams from all districts, in coordination with the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), carried out coordinated operations targeting criminal elements.
During Friday’s operation, police arrested 297 individuals and recovered five illegal weapons. The latest action has taken the total number of arrests under the campaign to 43,127 since its launch.
In addition, preventive action was initiated against 206 individuals, while two Proclaimed Offenders (POs) were also arrested during the raids.
Punjab Police has urged citizens to support the campaign by sharing information about wanted criminals, gangsters, and criminal activities through the Anti-Gangster Helpline (93946-93946), where tips can be provided anonymously.
Anti-Drug Drive Continues
Alongside the anti-gangster operation, Punjab Police also continued its 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' campaign against drug trafficking, which entered its 489th day on Friday.
Police arrested 187 alleged drug smugglers and seized 2.1 kg of heroin, 712 intoxicant pills, and ₹22,900 in suspected drug proceeds during the day’s operations.
The cumulative number of drug smugglers arrested under the campaign has now reached 71,538 in 489 days.
As part of its de-addiction initiative, Punjab Police also persuaded 12 individuals to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment, reinforcing its dual strategy of strict enforcement and rehabilitation.
