The ongoing strict action against organized crime in Punjab has gained momentum. It has been three months since Gangsteron Te Vaar, the main anti-gangster campaign being run by the Bhagwant Mann government at the entire state level. This campaign is being run by Punjab Police under the supervision of the Chief Minister and the leadership of DGP Gaurav Yadav. This operation has emerged as a model of concerted action, targeting gangster networks operating from within India and abroad. Punjab Moving forward with the clear objective of making the state crime-free.
The aim of this operation, which was launched on January 20, is not only to arrest the gangsters but also to destroy their logistics network, funding and communication system. Under this campaign, a lot of emphasis was also laid on precautionary action. A total of 10,254 accused were taken into preventive custody, including 444 accomplices and 9,810 wanted accused. Apart from this, 16,439 people were investigated and released, which included 1,277 accomplices and 15,162 wanted accused.
Overall, during this operation, action has been taken against 49,298 accused, which includes 2,182 accomplices and 47,116 wanted accused. It shows the depth and breadth of the action.
Along with the arrests, a large quantity of weapons and explosives were also recovered, weakening the efficiency of the criminal network. During this period, police recovered 408 weapons, 148 sharp weapons, 1197 cartridges, 122 magazines, 2.5 kg explosives and 6 hand grenades.
This campaign also dealt a big blow to the drug network. Police recovered 378.45 kg heroin, 301.947 kg opium, 2,838.77 kg bhukki, 12,37,318 intoxicating pills, 7373.82 gm intoxicating powder, 101.459 kg ganja and 790 gm IEC. Apart from this, drug money worth Rs 1,05,31,171, Rs 50,66,740 in cash and 273 grams of gold were also seized.
While curbing the illegal trade, the police also seized 24,520.25 liters of illicit liquor, which includes 10,984.75 bottles and 176 cases. To break the logistics network of gangsters, 4,229 mobile phones, 815 vehicles and 31 drones were recovered.
ADGP Pramod Ban of Anti Gangster Task Force said, this campaign is not limited to just identifying the gangs or their networks, but its main objective is to root them out. Every police personnel is committed to further intensify this operation for the safety and well-being of the citizens of the state. During this period, local gangster networks have been exposed in every district, village and city.
He further said, this campaign has achieved great success in three months. Now not only gangsters but also their patrons are afraid of action. The active role of the police and the level of arrests and seizures shows the success of this operation.
Taking inspiration from the ongoing campaign against drugs, the Punjab government has designed this campaign as a comprehensive attack on organized crime. In this operation, modern technologies including Artificial Intelligence have been incorporated for tracking and monitoring of criminals. Additionally, an anti-gangster helpline (93946-93946) has also been launched to encourage citizen participation and offer rewards for reliable information.
In the last three months till April 19, Punjab Police conducted 62,302 raids across the state, in which 915 fugitive criminals were arrested. A total of 22,605 criminals were arrested, including 461 gangsters' associates and 22,144 wanted accused.
This operation has helped in solving many cases and also ensured the arrest of accused involved in crimes in other states. The networks and funding of these gangs have been disrupted to a great extent and this operation will continue with greater vigilance.
