Chandigarh: Marking one month of the state-wide anti-gangster campaign “Gangstran Te Vaar,” Punjab Police has arrested 10,412 individuals, including gangsters and their associates, after carrying out 32,342 raids across the state.
The campaign, launched on January 20, 2026, by Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, aims to eliminate gangster networks and criminal activities from Punjab. Punjab Police teams from all districts, working in coordination with the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), have been conducting targeted raids at identified locations linked to gangster associates.
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Special DGP (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla stated that during the operations, Punjab Police have recovered 205 firearms, 396 live cartridges, 34 magazines, 104 sharp-edged weapons, and four hand grenades from those arrested.
Punjab Police Initiates Preventive Action Against 5,294; 664 POs Arrested
In addition, preventive action has been initiated against 5,294 individuals, while 10,090 people were verified and released after questioning. The police have also apprehended 664 proclaimed offenders (POs) since the campaign began.
On the 31st day of the operation alone, Punjab Police teams conducted 664 raids and arrested 198 individuals. Preventive action was taken against 100 persons, and 18 proclaimed offenders were apprehended. Authorities have urged citizens to share information about wanted criminals and gangsters anonymously through the Anti-Gangster Helpline at 93946-93946.
87 Drug Smugglers Arrested on Day 356 of ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’
Meanwhile, Punjab Police continued its anti-drug campaign, “Yudh Nashian Virudh,” on its 356th day, arresting 87 drug smugglers. The police seized 458 grams of heroin, 600 grams of opium, 439 intoxicant tablets and capsules, and ₹2,200 in drug money from the accused.
Today, Punjab Police has launched an Anti-Gangster helpline seeking public cooperation to share information directly on 93946-93946 to help apprehend wanted criminals.
All information will be treated with strict confidentiality, and the identity of informants will be kept…
— DGP Punjab Police (@DGPPunjabPolice) January 20, 2026
With these latest arrests, the total number of drug smugglers apprehended under the campaign has reached 50,496 in 356 days. As part of its de-addiction initiative, Punjab Police also persuaded 26 individuals to undergo rehabilitation and treatment.
The sustained efforts under both campaigns underline the state government’s commitment to cracking down on organized crime and drug trafficking while promoting rehabilitation and public participation in maintaining law and order.