CHANDIGARH: Punjab’s sustained crackdown on organised crime has gathered significant momentum, with the Bhagwant Mann Government’s flagship anti-gangster drive ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ completing three months of an extensive, state-wide operation. Spearheaded under the supervision of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann and executed by Punjab Police under the leadership of Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, the operation has emerged as a model for coordinated enforcement, targeting gangster networks operating both within India and from abroad, with a clear objective of making Punjab crime-free.
Launched on January 20, the drive was designed to dismantle the ecosystem of organised crime by targeting not just gangsters but also their logistical, financial, and communication networks.
Over the past three months, Punjab Police has carried out 62, 302 raids across the state till April 19, leading to the arrest of 915 proclaimed offenders. In total, 22, 605 individuals have been arrested, including 461 associates of gangsters, along with 22, 144 wanted individuals.
The operation has also relied heavily on preventive action. A total of 10, 254 persons were detained under preventive measures, including 444 associates and 9, 810 wanted individuals. Additionally, 16, 439 persons were verified and released, including 1, 277 associates and 15, 162 wanted individuals. Overall, since the launch of the drive, Punjab Police has accounted for 49, 298 individuals, including 2, 182 associates and 47, 116 wanted individuals, reflecting the depth and scale of the crackdown.
Alongside arrests, the operation has resulted in substantial recoveries of weapons and explosives, significantly weakening the operational capabilities of criminal networks. Punjab Police recovered 408 firearms, 148 sharp-edged weapons, 1, 197 rounds of ammunition, 122 magazines, 2.5 kg explosives, and six hand grenades during this period.
The drive has also delivered a strong blow to the drug ecosystem. Police seized 378.45 kg heroin, 301.947 kg opium, 2, 838.77 kg poppy husk, 12, 37, 318 intoxicant tablets, 7373.82 grams of intoxicant powder, 101.459 kg ganja, and 790 grams of ‘Ice’. In addition, authorities confiscated drug money worth ₹1, 05, 31, 171, cash worth ₹50, 66, 740, and 273 grams of gold.