Khanna, July 12: The Punjab Police have executed a major district-wide anti-crime operation in Khanna, resulting in the apprehension of 476 individuals within a 24-hour window. The extensive sweep, carried out as part of the state’s ongoing Operation Prahaar 3.0, led to the dismantling of multiple organized criminal syndicates, including vehicle theft rackets, illegal medical facilities, and counterfeit liquor operations.
The law enforcement teams focused heavily on disrupting the regional narcotics trade, seizing substantial quantities of contraband. The total recoveries included 247.6 grams of heroin, 3 kilograms of ganja, 1.4 kilograms of opium, 100 kilograms of poppy husk, and 380 prohibited pharmaceutical tablets. Additionally, officers confiscated ₹13,250 in cash directly linked to illicit drug transactions.
The localized raids also targeted specialized gangs altering the market for commercial goods and property. Investigators uncovered a sophisticated racket where operators procured empty bottles from high-end alcohol brands and refilled them with low-grade local spirits before distribution. During the raid, excise teams seized a dedicated godown along with 153 liters of illicit liquor and 160 premium-brand empty bottles.
A secondary automotive forgery ring was successfully broken up after investigators discovered suspects systematically altering engine and chassis numbers to sell stolen trucks and cars as legitimate pre-owned vehicles. Property recoveries from the operation featured eight stolen trucks, five two-wheelers, a four-wheeler, four mobile phones, and a silver chain. Police teams also confiscated ₹6,320 in illegal gambling stakes and seized lethal weapons, including two .32 bore pistols, four cartridges, and three sharp-edged knives.
“The coordinated drive has effectively disrupted multiple layers of organized crime in the area,” Khanna Senior Superintendent of Police Dr. Darpan Ahluwalia affirmed following the completion of the initial phase. “Our teams have shut down two unlicensed de-addiction centers and raided an illegally running chemist shop with a documented history of violations.”
The district police chief maintained that the department is simultaneously tracking digital threats linked to regional gangs. Multiple social media links found promoting weapons, violence, and objectionable material have been officially flagged and transferred to the State Cyber Crime Cell for immediate blocking and deletion.
