As part of its ongoing anti-gangster crackdown, Punjab Police conducted a large-scale operation on its 77th day, carrying out 501 raids across the state at locations linked to known associates of criminal networks. The coordinated action, undertaken with the Anti-Gangster Task Force, led to the arrest of 202 individuals during the day-long drive, reflecting the administration’s intensified push against organised crime.
The operation was conducted simultaneously across multiple districts, with police acting on pre-identified and mapped targets based on intelligence inputs. In addition to arrests, authorities carried out verification drives and took preventive action against suspects, including proclaimed offenders, as part of a broader effort to dismantle gangster networks and disrupt their support systems.
The crackdown is part of a sustained campaign launched earlier this year under the direction of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, aimed at curbing organised crime in Punjab. Officials indicated that such coordinated operations are being carried out regularly to maintain pressure on criminal elements and prevent the regrouping of networks.
Alongside the anti-gangster drive, police also continued their anti-drug campaign titled ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’. On the same day, 112 individuals allegedly involved in drug smuggling were arrested. Authorities reported the recovery of 5.8 kilograms of heroin, a significant quantity of intoxicant tablets and capsules, and cash suspected to be proceeds from the illegal drug trade.
Officials stated that the parallel operations targeting both gangster activities and narcotics networks are part of a comprehensive strategy to address interconnected criminal ecosystems. By focusing on both enforcement and disruption of financial and logistical channels, the state aims to strengthen law and order and reduce the influence of organised crime.
The latest round of action underscores the scale and continuity of the campaign, with law enforcement agencies relying on coordinated planning, intelligence-based interventions, and preventive measures to tackle crime across Punjab.
