Punjab Police’s flagship anti-gangster campaign ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ has completed 200 days, with the force claiming a major crackdown on organised crime networks across the state.During the campaign, police conducted 1,09,087 raids, arrested 1,532 proclaimed offenders and initiated action against 58,212 criminals and their associates, according to official sources.
Crackdown targets entire organised crime ecosystem
Launched under the Bhagwant Mann government, the intelligence-driven campaign has focused not only on gangsters but also on their associates, financial networks, weapons supply, 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.DGP Gaurav Yadav said the operation had evolved into a multi-dimensional campaign aimed at dismantling the ecosystem supporting organised crime.“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.
Weapons, drugs and criminal infrastructure seized
The campaign also targeted the firepower and financial networks of organised 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, 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.
Overseas gangsters brought back
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.
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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.
Tipline launched for public intelligence
Punjab Police said 4,978 mobile handsets, 1,781 vehicles and 61 drones linked to criminal activities were also seized, while 64,402.77 litres of illicit liquor was recovered and destroyed.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.
