Punjab Police's 200-day anti-gangster drive: action against 58,212 criminals
The Punjab Police's flagship anti-gangster campaign 'Gangstran Te Vaar' has completed 200 days, with the force claiming a significant crackdown on organised crime networks across the state. According to official sources, the campaign led to 1,09,087 raids, the arrest of 1,532 proclaimed offenders, and action against 58,212 criminals and their associates.
The intelligence-driven campaign, launched under the Bhagwant Mann government, was designed to target not just gangsters but also the entire ecosystem that supports organised crime — including associates, financial networks, weapons suppliers, logistics and overseas handlers.
Police said preventive action was taken against 28,201 people, while another 18,514 were verified and released. Overall, the campaign covered 1,04,927 persons, including gangsters, their associates and wanted criminals, reflecting a broad-based approach to dismantling criminal infrastructure.
Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the operation had evolved into a multi-dimensional campaign. “Our strategy goes beyond arrests to dismantling the ecosystem that enables organised crime by targeting associates, finances, logistics, communication channels and overseas linkages,” Yadav said.
The crackdown also focused on reducing the firepower available to gangs. Punjab Police recovered 990 illegal firearms, 242 sharp-edged weapons, 2,739 rounds of ammunition, 315 magazines, 2.5 kg of explosives and 15 hand grenades.
In its action against the crime-drug nexus, the police seized 774.38 kg of heroin, 480.23 kg of opium, 7,266.26 kg of poppy husk and more than 26.91 lakh intoxicant tablets. Authorities also seized Rs 1.73 crore in drug money, Rs 1.80 crore in cash and 413.85 grams of gold, underlining the financial depth of the networks being targeted.
The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) also pursued fugitives operating from abroad. Police highlighted the deportation of gangster Bhuvnesh Chopra alias Ashish Chopra from Central Asia and Jobanjit Singh alias Joban Billa from Jakarta, Indonesia. AGTF chief Pramod Ban said the campaign increasingly combines field operations with financial investigations, digital intelligence and coordination with central agencies to track foreign-based handlers and criminal networks.
Beyond weapons and drugs, police said they seized 4,978 mobile handsets, 1,781 vehicles and 61 drones linked to criminal activities, while 64,402.77 litres of illicit liquor was recovered and destroyed. These seizures indicate the logistical reach of the operations.
To strengthen public participation, the AGTF has launched a dedicated anonymous tipline at 93946-93946 for information about gangsters, wanted criminals and related activities. A reward policy has also been introduced for credible information leading to action against wanted criminals, with authorities promising confidentiality for informants.
The campaign comes amid longstanding concerns about drug trafficking and gang violence in Punjab. By systematically targeting the support structures of organised crime, the police aim to disrupt operations before they reach the streets. While officials describe the results as substantial, continued public cooperation and sustained enforcement will be critical to the campaign's long-term impact.
