Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Police has intensified its statewide crackdown on gangster networks, conducting 581 raids at identified and mapped locations linked to associates of gangsters on the 249th day of its ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign.
According to police, teams from all districts, in coordination with the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), carried out coordinated operations across Punjab on Saturday.
During the latest operation, police arrested 255 individuals and recovered five weapons from their possession. With this, the total number of arrests made since the launch of the campaign has reached 73,916.
The police also initiated preventive action against 224 persons and arrested eight Proclaimed Offenders (POs) during the statewide crackdown.
The ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign was launched by Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav on January 20, 2026, with the stated objective of making Punjab a gangster-free state. Police teams have since been conducting special operations against gangsters, their associates and criminal networks across the state.
Punjab Police has urged people to share information about wanted criminals, gangsters and criminal activities. Citizens can provide information anonymously through the Anti-Gangster Helpline 93946-93946.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Police's anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ also continued for the 574th day.
Police arrested 133 alleged drug smugglers during the latest operation and recovered 2.3 kg of heroin, 120 kg of ganja, 632 intoxicant pills and ₹1,100 in drug money.
With these arrests, the total number of drug smugglers arrested under the campaign has reached 80,244 in 574 days.
As part of its de-addiction and rehabilitation efforts, Punjab Police also persuaded 16 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment on Saturday.
