Punjab Police: as part of the Punjab government’s decisive anti-gangster campaign ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ launched under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, conducted 601 raids across the state on Friday as the drive entered its 18th day, targeting locations linked to associates of gangsters.
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. Police teams from all districts, in coordination with the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), have been conducting sustained operations throughout the state.
Punjab Police Crack Down on Gang Networks, 208 Held in Single Day
On Day 18 of the drive, police arrested 208 persons and recovered four weapons and 10 live cartridges, taking the total number of arrests since the launch of the campaign to 5,110. Preventive action was initiated against 121 individuals, while 284 persons were verified and released after questioning. Police teams also arrested seven proclaimed offenders during the operation.
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Punjab Police has appealed to the public to assist in the campaign by sharing information related to wanted criminals and gangsters. Tips can be shared anonymously through the Anti-Gangster Helpline at 93946-93946.
Anti-Drug Drive ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ Continues
Meanwhile, Punjab Police continued its anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ for the 342nd consecutive day. On Friday, 97 drug smugglers were arrested, and police recovered 1.6 kg of heroin, 510 intoxicant tablets and capsules, and ₹4 lakh in drug money.
With this, the total number of drug smugglers arrested under the campaign has reached 47,954 in 342 days. As part of the de-addiction initiative, Punjab Police also motivated 24 individuals to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.