Chandigarh/Mohali, April 22: Organized crime in Punjab has faced a substantial setback as gangster-linked murders dropped to zero in March, marking a 100 percent decline since the start of the year. Data released Wednesday indicates that the “Gangstran Te Vaar” initiative has fundamentally disrupted criminal networks across the state, resulting in a 69 percent reduction in firing incidents. Reports show that while 29 such shootings occurred in January, that figure fell to just nine by April 20.
The statewide crackdown has successfully targeted the operational core of various syndicates. Extortion cases have also seen a downward trend, falling from 110 reported instances in January to 98 in March. Officials noted that the campaign has been effective in both urban centers and sensitive border regions, preventing the recruitment of local youth into larger criminal enterprises.
DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav affirmed that the strategy extends beyond high-profile arrests to the complete dismantling of support structures. Yadav declared that the operation is not limited to targeting high-profile gangsters but also their networks spread across Punjab. He maintained that individuals involved in petty crime were previously easy targets for gang recruitment, and by cracking down on such elements, the force has disrupted operations and reinforced a zero-tolerance policy.
To further encourage public participation, authorities established a dedicated toll-free Anti-Gangster Helpline. This move has reportedly increased the number of residents willing to report suspicious activities and extortion attempts. The DGP asserted that the police have not only controlled the crime rate but have also won the trust of residents with the launch of the operation. He stated that the records speak volumes about the work done to dismantle crime syndicates and added that this is just the beginning as the force closes in on these groups to ensure their complete elimination.
