CHANDIGARH, APRIL 11 — The Punjab Police conducted a massive enforcement operation on Saturday, carrying out 516 raids at identified locations linked to gangster associates across the state. The synchronized action, marking the 81st day of the “Gangstran te Vaar” initiative, resulted in the apprehension of 239 individuals and the recovery of two weapons.
Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav stated that the campaign, which began on January 20, 2026, is a decisive effort to eliminate organized crime in Punjab. With the latest figures, the total number of arrests since the launch of the project has climbed to 20,395. The operation involved coordinated efforts between district police units and the specialized Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF).
In addition to the primary arrests, authorities took preventive action against 72 individuals during the day’s proceedings. “Sixty-nine persons were verified and released after questioning,” police officials affirmed, noting that 14 proclaimed offenders were also successfully tracked down and apprehended during the raids.
Authorities maintained that public participation remains a vital component of the state’s security strategy. Citizens are encouraged to report any information related to gangster activity anonymously via the dedicated Anti-Gangster Helpline at 93946-93946. Simultaneously, the state’s anti-drug initiative, “Yudh Nashian Virudh,” saw its 406th day of operation, leading to the arrest of 104 drug smugglers and the seizure of 1.8 kilograms of heroin.
