The Punjab government, on Tuesday, launched a statewide drive against gangsters aimed at dismantling the entire ecosystem of organised crime, including weapon supply chains, logistics, safe houses and communication networks.
Addressing a press conference here, Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav said raids are being conducted across the state under the newly launched “Operation Prahar”, and 12,000 police personnel are involved in the operation.
"From financing, logistics and safe houses to weapon supply chains and communication networks, we are committed to bust the entire ecosystem of gangsters. There will be zero tolerance for their aiders and abetters," Yadav said.
He said that under the “Yudh Nashian Virudh” (war against drugs) campaign, 31,527 FIRs had been registered so far and 45,251 accused arrested. "Along with tackling the drug problem, tackling gangsters has been a top priority of the state government," he said.
Yadav said concerted action in recent years has led to the arrest of 925 gangsters in 2025 alone. "The Punjab Police will nab the miscreants from any nook, in or outside the country, and make them face the law," he said, adding that a clear strategy has been put in place and a war on gangsters has been formally declared.
"We will not leave any space for gangsters. Their entire network will be eliminated. Just as the drug-free Punjab campaign, which has seen substantive progress, we will make the state gangster-free," he said.
The police chief also announced the setting up of an Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell, which will be headed by Counter-Intelligence Inspector General Ashish Chaudhary.
"We are also launching an Anti-Gangster Helpline, 93946-93946, to allow people to share information on gangsters. The helpline will be operational round the clock and the identity of informers will be kept confidential," he said.
AAP spokesperson Neel Garg said the Bhagwant Mann-led government had adopted a zero-tolerance policy against organised crime. He said the problem was inherited from previous governments which “patronised” criminals.
Also read: ‘Gangsters in uniform’: Jakhar attacks Punjab Police
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