Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Police intensified its crackdown on organised crime and drug trafficking as the state’s anti-gangster campaign, ‘War against gangsters’, entered its 248th day on Friday. Police teams conducted 578 raids at identified and mapped locations linked to associates of gangsters across Punjab.
The “War against gangsters” campaign was launched by Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on January 20, 2026, with the aim of making the state gangster-free. Special operations are being carried out across Punjab by district police teams in coordination with the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF).
During the latest operation, police arrested 246 individuals, taking the total number of arrests under the campaign to 73,661 since its launch. Preventive action was also taken against 197 persons, while five proclaimed offenders were arrested during the statewide drive.
Punjab Police has urged citizens to share information related to wanted criminals, gangsters, and other criminal activities through the Anti-Gangster Helpline number 93946-93946. Information can be provided anonymously.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Police continued its anti-drug campaign, ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, on its 573rd day. During the day’s operation, police arrested 135 alleged drug smugglers and recovered 2.3 kg of heroin, 375 intoxicant pills, and Rs 9,800 in suspected drug money from their possession.
With these arrests, the total number of drug smugglers apprehended under the anti-drug campaign has reached 80,053 in 573 days. As part of its de-addiction initiative, Punjab Police also persuaded 13 individuals to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.
