Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
By : Samriti Sharma
Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government has been pursuing an intensified crackdown on gangsters and organised crime over the past four-and-a-half years, with Punjab Police taking sustained action against criminal networks operating both within the state and from foreign countries.
From conducting raids and making arrests to bringing wanted criminals back from overseas, the state police have stepped up efforts to dismantle gangster networks and curb their activities.
The scale of the campaign is reflected in the latest police figures. According to Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, Punjab Police have arrested 3,339 gangsters and criminals since the formation of the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) on April 6, 2022. This translates into an average of around 60 arrests every month, or nearly two arrests daily.
One of the significant developments in this campaign has been the return of 17 fugitives from foreign countries over the past six months. The state government has described these operations as a major achievement in its fight against organised crime, claiming that such a level of cross-border enforcement had not been witnessed under previous administrations for decades.
17 Fugitives Brought Back in Six Months
Punjab Police have increasingly focused on criminals who continue to operate from abroad while directing their networks in the state. DGP Gaurav Yadav said several gangsters were allegedly receiving support from Pakistan's ISI and anti-India groups based in Canada and other foreign countries.
He said tracing such criminals and preventing them from carrying out their activities was a challenging task. Punjab Police are taking assistance from central agencies to identify, track and bring these wanted criminals to justice.
Six of 28 Most-Wanted Criminals Arrested
As part of the crackdown, Punjab Police have notified an initial list of 28 wanted criminals, announcing cash rewards of Rs 10 lakh for nine of them and Rs 5 lakh for the remaining 19.
Six criminals from this list have been arrested so far. They include Joban Billa, Aditya Kapoor alias Makhan, Shakti Kumar, Jaskaran Singh alias Katta, Rajinder Singh alias Billa and Afridi.
Among the prominent criminals still on the police radar in the Rs 10-lakh reward category are Goldy Brar, Lakhbir Singh alias Landa Harike, Harwinder Singh alias Rinda, Satbir Singh alias Satta Naushera, Balwinder Singh alias Doni Bal, Prabhdeep Singh alias Prabh Dasuwal, Gaurav Patyal alias Lucky Patyal, Sarwan Singh alias Jeewan Fauji and Rohit Godara.
Nine Major Gang Networks Under Scanner
According to DGP Gaurav Yadav, nine major gangs are currently active in Punjab, with most of their leaders operating from foreign countries.
These include the Bambiha and Gopi Ghanshampuria gang, Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Harry Chatha gang, Rinda gang, Lawrence Bishnoi and Arzoo Bishnoi gang, and Goldy Brar and Rohit Godara gang.
The police are focusing on identifying their local associates, tracking their financial and operational networks and preventing them from carrying out criminal activities.
WhatsApp Helpline Receives Over 1,000 Complaints
To strengthen public participation in the campaign, the Anti-Gangster Task Force has also activated a dedicated WhatsApp helpline at 93946-93946.
The helpline has received 1,028 complaints so far, of which 823, accounting for nearly 80 per cent, have been resolved. Another 205 complaints are pending.
Based on the information received, police have registered 97 FIRs and made 12 arrests. In addition, 24 people have been placed under preventive detention, while 119 others have been kept under surveillance.
Punjab Police have assured that the identity of informants will remain confidential. Cash rewards will also be given to those whose information leads to the arrest of wanted criminals.
With thousands of arrests, overseas operations and action against local gangster networks, the Punjab government says its campaign against organised crime remains a continuing priority.
