‘War Against Gangsters’ Enters Day 124; Punjab Police Intensifies Crackdown

Punjab Police on Saturday carried out large-scale raids across the state as part of its ongoing special campaign, “War Against Gangsters,” which entered its 124th day. Police teams conducted searches at 529 identified and mapped locations linked to associates of gangsters and arrested 269 individuals during the operation. The campaign, aimed at making Punjab a gangster-free state, was launched on January 20, 2026, by Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Gaurav Yadav. The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), in coordination with district police teams, has been carrying out special operations across the state. According to police officials, two weapons were also recovered during the raids conducted on the 124th day of the campaign. With the latest arrests, the total number of people arrested since the launch of the anti-gangster drive has reached 31,699. Police teams also initiated preventive action against 100 individuals, while 16 people were released after questioning. During the operation, police arrested 11 proclaimed offenders (POs) as well. Punjab Police has appealed to the public to share information about gangsters and wanted criminals through the Anti-Gangster Helpline number 93946-93946. Officials stated that citizens can confidentially provide information related to crime and criminal activities. Meanwhile, Punjab Police also continued its anti-drug campaign, “Yudh Nashian Virudh,” which entered its 449th day. During the latest operation, police arrested 72 drug smugglers and recovered 30.6 kilograms of heroin, 271 intoxicant tablets and capsules, along with drug money amounting to Rs 4,200 from their possession. Officials said that with these arrests, the total number of drug smugglers arrested during the 449-day anti-drug campaign has reached 65,417. As part of the state’s de-addiction initiative, Punjab Police also convinced 13 individuals to undergo treatment for de-addiction and rehabilitation.