As the decisive “Gangstran te vaar” campaign entered its second week, Punjab Police has arrested 4,233 individuals, including gangsters and their associates, after carrying out 14,382 raids across the state. The drive was launched on January 20, 2026, by Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to make Punjab a gangster free state.
Police teams from all districts, in coordination with the Anti Gangster Task Force, have been conducting raids at identified locations linked to gangster networks. As part of the campaign, strong nakas under the supervision of inspectors and DSPs were set up across the state on Monday, with intensive checking of vehicles and suspicious persons.
Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla, after inspecting a naka at Godrej Chowk in Mohali, said police recovered 116 weapons along with 262 live cartridges and 23 magazines from those arrested. Preventive action has also been initiated against 2,311 individuals, while 4,008 persons were verified and later released after questioning. Police teams have also arrested 283 proclaimed offenders in the past 14 days.
On the fourteenth day of the campaign alone, police arrested 172 individuals after conducting 613 raids. Preventive action was taken against 159 persons and nine proclaimed offenders were held.
Shukla urged citizens to anonymously share information related to gangsters, wanted criminals, and other unlawful activities through the Anti Gangster Helpline number 93946 93946.
Meanwhile, the anti drug drive “Yudh Nashian Virudh” continued on its 338th day, with police arresting 81 drug smugglers on Monday. Authorities recovered 1.3 kg heroin, 1,053 intoxicant tablets and capsules, and Rs 1.23 lakh in drug money from their possession. With this, the total number of drug smugglers arrested in 338 days has reached 47,498.
As part of de addiction efforts, Punjab Police also persuaded 11 individuals to undergo rehabilitation treatment.