CHANDIGARH, APRIL 11: To engage citizens in law enforcement, the Punjab government has released a list of 28 high-profile “most wanted” criminals and introduced a formal reward system for information leading to their arrest. The move is designed to strengthen the state’s intelligence network by incentivizing the public to share tips regarding the whereabouts of gangsters and habitual offenders.
A dedicated “Anti-Gangster Helpline” has been established at 93946-93946, allowing residents to report information anonymously. ADGP Pramod Ban maintained that the information gathered through this portal would be used to enhance “Operation Prahaar,” the operational wing of the state’s anti-gangster strategy. He affirmed that every tip would undergo a rigorous vetting process before the disbursement of any financial reward.
“To safeguard each and every resident of this state is our duty and responsibility,” the ADGP declared, adding that there is no risk to informants as their details will not be shared with the public or other government branches. He stated that the rewards are intended to recognize the risks taken by those who come forward to support the state’s pursuit of a gangster-free environment.
The policy follows recent large-scale enforcement actions where thousands of associates linked to various gangs were mapped and questioned. Statistical data released by the state indicates that 851 proclaimed offenders have already been apprehended under the current campaign. Authorities asserted that the combination of field operations and this new reward-based intelligence model would significantly dent the operational capacity of criminal syndicates across the region.
