Punjab Newsline : Chandigarh
Punjab Police intensified its statewide crackdown on gangster networks on Saturday, conducting 584 raids under its ongoing ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign and arresting 341 people. The coordinated operations were carried out by police teams across different districts in collaboration with the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab).
The campaign, launched by Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav on January 20, 2026, completed its 215th day on August 23. The latest operations targeted identified associates, supporters and networks allegedly linked to gangsters. Police also recovered three weapons during the raids.
With Saturday’s arrests, the total number of people arrested since the launch of the campaign has climbed to 63,758, reflecting the scale of the ongoing state-wide operation against organised crime.
Apart from arrests, Punjab Police initiated preventive action against 209 individuals and also arrested four proclaimed offenders during the day’s operations.
Police have appealed to citizens to assist the campaign by sharing information about wanted criminals, gangsters and other criminal activities. Information can be provided anonymously through the Anti-Gangster Helpline at 93946-93946, with police urging people to come forward with any credible information.
Meanwhile, Punjab Police continued its parallel anti-drug campaign, ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, which has now entered its 540th day. During Saturday’s operations, police arrested 87 alleged drug smugglers and recovered 871 grams of heroin, 53 kg of poppy husk, 1,543 intoxicant tablets and Rs 4,070 in suspected drug money.
The cumulative number of alleged drug smugglers arrested under the anti-drug campaign has reached 76,388.
Alongside enforcement action, police continued efforts aimed at rehabilitation and de-addiction. On Saturday, 13 individuals were persuaded to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment, highlighting the focus on both tackling drug trafficking and helping affected persons return to a healthier life.
Punjab Police said its continued operations against gangsters and drug networks are aimed at strengthening public safety and disrupting organised criminal activities across the state.
