Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Police conducted 514 raids at identified locations linked to associates of gangsters across the state on Friday as part of its ongoing ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign, which entered its 283rd day.
According to the police, 186 individuals were arrested during the operation, with seven weapons recovered from their possession. With these arrests, the total number of people held since the launch of the campaign has reached 81,685. Preventive action was also initiated against 187 individuals, while two proclaimed offenders (POs) were arrested.
The campaign, aimed at making Punjab a gangster-free state, was launched by Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on January 20, 2026. Police teams from all districts, in coordination with the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), have been conducting special operations across the state.
The Punjab Police has also appealed to people to share information about wanted criminals, gangsters and other criminal activities through the Anti-Gangster Helpline at 93946-93946. Informants can share information anonymously.
Meanwhile, the police continued its anti-drug campaign, ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, which entered its 608th day on Friday. During the drive, 106 drug smugglers were arrested and 440 grams of heroin, 400 grams of opium, 108 intoxicant pills and Rs 22,900 in drug money were recovered.
With the latest arrests, the total number of drug smugglers arrested under the campaign has reached 89,561 in 608 days.
As part of its de-addiction initiative, Punjab Police also persuaded 26 individuals to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment on Friday.
