CHANDIGARH, APRIL 18 — On the 88th day of the “Gangstran Te Vaar” initiative, Punjab Police executed 639 targeted raids at locations linked to known gangster associates. The state-wide operation, conducted under the directives of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, resulted in the arrest of 239 individuals and the recovery of four weapons on Saturday.
Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav launched the campaign on January 20, 2026, as a decisive effort to eliminate organized crime in the state. Since its inception, the total number of arrests has reached 22,144. Officials affirmed that the operations are being carried out by district police teams in close coordination with the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF).
In addition to the arrests, police teams took preventive action against 116 individuals, while another 116 were released following verification and questioning. Six proclaimed offenders were also apprehended during the day’s activities. The department maintained that the Anti-Gangster Helpline remains active, allowing citizens to anonymously report information regarding criminal movements and wanted individuals.
Parallel to the anti-gangster drive, the “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign against narcotics completed its 413th day. Police reported the arrest of 89 drug smugglers on Saturday, seizing 74.5 kg of heroin and over 3,000 intoxicant tablets. Authorities noted that the crackdown is coupled with rehabilitation efforts, with 28 individuals successfully persuaded to undergo de-addiction treatment as part of the day’s outreach.
