Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Police on Friday carried out 438 raids across the state as part of its ongoing anti-gangster campaign, ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’, which entered its 129th day. The coordinated operation targeted identified and mapped locations linked to gangster associates, resulting in the detention of 156 individuals and the recovery of one weapon.
The state-wide campaign was launched on January 20, 2026, by Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav with the objective of making Punjab a gangster-free state. Police teams from all districts, working in coordination with the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), have been conducting regular enforcement drives against organized crime networks.
According to official information, the latest operation has taken the total number of arrests under the campaign to 32,553 since its launch. In addition, preventive action was initiated against 96 individuals, while nine persons were released after verification and questioning.
Police teams also succeeded in apprehending one Proclaimed Offender (PO) during the drive.
Punjab Police has urged citizens to support the anti-gangster campaign by sharing information related to wanted criminals, gangsters, and criminal activities. Information can be provided anonymously through the Anti-Gangster Helpline number 93946-93946.
Meanwhile, the state's anti-drug campaign, ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, entered its 454th day with police arresting 58 alleged drug smugglers. During the operation, police recovered 366 grams of heroin, 105 kilograms of poppy husk, 1,855 intoxicant pills, and ₹29,200 in suspected drug money.
With these arrests, the total number of alleged drug smugglers apprehended under the campaign has reached 65,775 in 454 days. As part of ongoing de-addiction efforts, Punjab Police also persuaded 10 individuals to undergo rehabilitation and treatment for substance abuse.
