Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh

Punjab Police has conducted more than 1.51 lakh raids across the state and arrested 79,642 gangsters and criminal associates during the first nine months of its anti-gangster campaign, ‘Gangsteran Te Vaar’.

Launched on January 20, 2026, by Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, the campaign aims to make Punjab a gangster-free state. Police teams from all districts, in coordination with the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), have been conducting regular raids at identified and mapped locations linked to gangsters and their associates.

Special DGP (Law and Order) Praveen Sinha said police teams had recovered 1,367 weapons, 3,958 live cartridges, 431 magazines, 288 sharp-edged weapons and 20 hand grenades from the arrested accused.

In addition, preventive action has been initiated against 43,231 individuals, while 19,277 people were released after investigation and questioning. Since the launch of the campaign, police have also arrested 2,042 proclaimed offenders.

On the 273rd day of the campaign, police teams conducted 536 raids and arrested 188 individuals. Preventive action was initiated against 154 people, while four proclaimed offenders were also arrested.

The Special DGP said the ‘Gangsteran Te Vaar’ campaign would continue with the same vigour and determination.

The public can confidentially share information about wanted criminals and gangsters, as well as criminal activities, through the Anti-Gangster Helpline at 93946-93946.

86,903 drug smugglers arrested under anti-drug campaign

Meanwhile, Punjab Police continued its anti-drug drive, ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, on its 598th day, arresting 138 drug smugglers.

Police recovered 389 grams of heroin, 780 grams of opium, 1,277 intoxicant tablets and capsules, and ₹10,650 in drug money from the accused.

With these arrests, the total number of drug smugglers arrested during the 598-day campaign has reached 86,903.

As part of its de-addiction initiative, Punjab Police also persuaded 19 individuals to give up drugs and seek rehabilitation treatment.