Chandigarh, 08 April (H.S.): Punjab Police intensified its crackdown on organized crime as part of the ongoing ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign, conducting 400 raids across the state on Wednesday. The operation, launched under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has now entered its 78th day.

The campaign was initiated on January 20, 2026, by Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav with the aim of making Punjab a gangster-free state. Police teams from all districts, in coordination with the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), carried out simultaneous raids at identified locations linked to gangster associates.

On Day 78, police arrested 192 individuals and recovered five weapons, taking the total number of arrests to 19,642 since the campaign began. In addition, preventive action was taken against 109 persons, while 41 individuals were questioned and later released. Six proclaimed offenders were also apprehended during the operation.

Police have urged citizens to share information related to gangsters and criminal activities through the Anti-Gangster Helpline (93946-93946), assuring anonymity. Meanwhile, the anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ also continued on its 403rd day. Police arrested 115 drug smugglers and recovered 841 grams of heroin, 860 intoxicant tablets/capsules, and ₹25,550 in drug money. With this, total arrests under the anti-drug drive have reached 57,728. As part of rehabilitation efforts, 24 individuals were persuaded to undergo de-addiction treatment, reflecting a combined enforcement and reform approach by Punjab Police.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH