Punjab Newsline,Chandigarh :
CM Bhagwant Mann-led campaign gains momentum; 5,290 arrests in 20 days, senior officers deployed for strict ground-level monitoring
Further strengthening its zero-tolerance approach against organised crime, the Punjab government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has launched a 72-hour special crackdown titled ‘Operation Prahaar-2’ as part of the ongoing ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign. The operation aims to nab wanted criminals and dismantle gangster networks across the state.
Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav announced the launch while addressing a press conference after a high-level review meeting with all CPs, SSPs, and Range IGPs/DIGs. The meeting assessed the progress of both ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ and the anti-drug drive ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’. Senior officers, including Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla, ADGP ANTF Nilabh Kishore, and Intelligence Chief Dr Sukhchain Singh Gill, were present.
Operation Prahaar-2, starting Monday and continuing till Wednesday, follows the success of the earlier Operation Prahaar, during which Punjab Police arrested 3,256 individuals and recovered 69 illegal weapons within 72 hours. For effective execution, senior officers from Punjab Police Headquarters have been deputed to personally supervise operations in assigned police districts.
Sharing achievements of the last 20 days, DGP Yadav said Punjab Police conducted 17,603 raids, leading to the arrest of 5,290 individuals, including gangsters and their associates. A total of 128 weapons were recovered, 344 proclaimed offenders were arrested, and preventive action was initiated against 2,973 persons. Additionally, over 5,400 individuals were verified and released after questioning.
Clarifying concerns, the DGP stated that the drive is completely lawful and targeted strictly at wanted criminals. Accountability has been fixed at all supervisory levels, with senior officers overseeing district-level performance.
To enhance public confidence and ensure swift response, CPs and SSPs have been directed to maintain visible police presence, personally visit major crime scenes, and conduct field inspections in high-footfall and hotspot areas. The police force is also being strengthened by reallocating manpower from non-core duties to intensify round-the-clock high-tech nakas and sealing points. Special instructions have been issued to strictly check vehicles, particularly those without number plates.
Highlighting the parallel fight against drugs, DGP Yadav said that since the launch of ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ on March 1, 2025, Punjab Police has registered 33,779 FIRs, arrested 48,167 drug smugglers, seized 2,149 kg heroin, and recovered ₹15.91 crore in drug money.
Citizens can anonymously share information about criminals and gangsters through the Anti-Gangster Helpline: 93946-93946.