CHANDIGARH, December 31: Punjab Police achieved a milestone by solving all major crimes reported in the state in 2024 under the leadership of DGP Gaurav Yadav with Inspector General of Police (IGP) Headquarters Dr. Sukhchain Singh Gill, speaking at a year-end press conference, saying the force’s achievements, which include breakthroughs in high-profile murders, gang violence, terrorist module busts, and intensified efforts in the war on drugs.
Major Crimes Solved: Among the notable cases solved were: The killings of Hindu leader Vikas Bagga in Nangal and ex-terrorist Rattandeep Singh of Khalistan Commando Force-Panther (KCF-P).
A grenade attack at a residence in Sector 10, Chandigarh.
A grenade attack on a petrol station in Mansa.
The triple murder case in Ferozepur.
The police also neutralized threats to law enforcement by addressing attacks on police establishments.
War on Drugs: Punjab Police cracked down on drug trafficking, arresting 8,935 smugglers, including 210 major players, and registering 12,255 FIRs, of which 1,213 pertained to commercial quantities. Key recoveries included:
1,099 kg heroin.
991 kg opium.
414 quintals of poppy husk.
₹14.73 crore in drug money.
Besides, properties worth ₹335 crore belonging to smugglers were forfeited, and two notorious traffickers were detained under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (PIT-NDPS).
Action Against Organized Crime: The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) and field units arrested 559 gangsters and busted 198 criminal modules. They also recovered 482 weapons, 102 vehicles, and ₹2.14 crore in criminal proceeds. Notably, 64 police encounters led to the neutralization of three gangsters and the arrest of 63. The drive cost the life of one police officer, with nine others injured.
Fight Against Terrorism
Twelve terror modules were dismantled, resulting in the arrest of 66 terrorists. Recoveries included:
Two rifles and 76 pistols.
Two improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Four hand grenades.
257 drones used for cross-border smuggling.
Drones were a significant focus in 2024, with 513 sightings reported and 185 kg of heroin dropped via drones recovered.
Modernization and Recruitment: To bolster its ranks, Punjab Police recruited 4,657 personnel this year, including 288 sub-inspectors, 450 head constables, and 3,919 constables. Efforts to modernize included adding 426 high-end vehicles to its fleet, operationalizing 28 new cybercrime police stations, and enhancing surveillance systems with state-of-the-art CCTV installations.
Cybercrime Achievements: The cybercrime division reported an 82.7% increase in complaint registration, reflecting growing public trust. Over ₹467 crore in financial frauds was reported, with ₹73.34 crore recovered. The division also blocked more than 7,500 URLs containing harmful content and blacklisted 2,348 mobile IMEI numbers to curb the use of illegal phones.
Prison Security Tightened: Punjab’s prisons department segregated 456 high-risk prisoners, including gangsters and drug traffickers, into high-security zones. Enhanced intelligence gathering, surveillance systems, and advanced security upgrades, such as AI-based cameras and X-ray scanners, further secured sensitive prisons.
Focus on Road Safety: The Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF), tasked with improving road safety, achieved a 15.7% reduction in accident fatalities within four months of its launch, saving 147 lives. The force also provided immediate medical assistance in over 9,800 incidents.
Punjab Police reiterated its commitment to Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision of a drug-free and crime-free state, continuing its resolute pursuit of lawbreakers while modernizing and enhancing its operational capabilities.
