Chandigarh: Punjab’s Anti-Gangster Helpline (93946-93946), launched under the state government’s “Gangstran Te Vaar” campaign, has emerged as a key tool in the fight against organised crime, with authorities reporting strong public participation and tangible enforcement outcomes.
Deputy Inspector General of Police, Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), Gurmeet Singh Chauhan said the helpline has received 590 actionable inputs since its launch on January 21, 2026. These include complaints related to drugs, extortion, illegal weapons, gangsters, and other criminal activities.
Police said the information shared by citizens has led to the registration of 63 FIRs and the arrest of 26 individuals, including 21 preventive detentions. Officials credited public cooperation as a crucial factor in identifying and apprehending those involved in serious crimes.
The initiative aligns with the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to make Punjab a gangster-free state. Authorities have urged citizens to act as the “eyes and ears” of law enforcement, assuring complete confidentiality for informants reporting suspicious or anti-social activities.
Raising concerns over emerging tactics, the AGTF warned against criminals operating from abroad who allegedly lure youth into illegal activities through small financial incentives. Citizens have been advised not to facilitate UPI transactions for unknown individuals or handle unidentified packages, which could be part of covert weapon supply chains.
In a parallel crackdown on the digital ecosystem, the police have blocked 643 social media pages found glorifying weapons and criminal behaviour. Chauhan also appealed to parents to closely monitor their children’s online activities to prevent exposure to such content.
Punjab Police has identified 61 foreign-based gangsters, and an Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell (OFTEC) has been set up to fast-track their return to India.
Highlighting broader enforcement efforts, officials said that since April 2022, the AGTF has busted 1,111 criminal modules, arrested 2,868 gangsters, and recovered 2,273 weapons and 656 vehicles used in crimes.
The helpline remains operational, allowing citizens to anonymously provide information and assist in curbing organised crime across the state.
