‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ intensifies war on organised crime; 1,532 proclaimed offenders arrested, 990 illegal firearms and 774 kg heroin recovered

CHANDIGARH: Punjab Police’s flagship anti-gangster campaign, ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’, has completed 200 days of sustained action against organised crime, with more than 1.09 lakh raids conducted across the state, 1,532 proclaimed offenders arrested and action initiated against over 58,000 criminals and their associates.

Launched under the Bhagwant Mann government, the intelligence-led campaign aims to dismantle organised crime networks by targeting gangsters, their associates, financial channels, weapons, logistics, digital communication and overseas linkages.

Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the campaign had evolved into a multi-dimensional operation focused on dismantling the wider ecosystem that enables organised crime.

“The first 200 days of ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ have demonstrated the impact of sustained, intelligence-led policing,” Yadav said, adding that the strategy goes beyond arrests to target finances, logistics, communication channels and overseas links.

During the 200-day operation, police initiated action against 58,212 persons, including 853 gangsters and their associates and 57,359 wanted criminals. Preventive action was also taken against 28,201 persons, while 18,514 individuals were verified and subsequently released.

The overall police action during the campaign covered 1,04,927 persons, including 2,959 gangsters and their associates and 1,01,968 wanted criminals.

Gang firepower, drug networks targeted

The crackdown significantly hit the operational capabilities of organised gangs, with Punjab Police recovering 990 illegal firearms, 242 sharp-edged weapons, 2,739 rounds of ammunition, 315 magazines, 2.5 kg of explosives and 15 hand grenades.

The police also targeted the nexus between organised crime and narcotics. During the operation, authorities recovered 774.38 kg of heroin, 480.23 kg of opium, 7,266.26 kg of poppy husk and 26,91,455 intoxicant tablets.

Drug money worth ₹1.73 crore, cash amounting to ₹1.80 crore and 413.85 grams of gold were also seized, according to the press note.

Additional Director General of Police, Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), Pramod Ban, said organised crime increasingly operates through financial networks, digital communications and foreign-based handlers.

He said Punjab Police was therefore combining field operations with financial investigations, digital intelligence and coordination with Central agencies to dismantle entire criminal networks.

Fugitive gangsters brought back

The campaign also recorded international successes with the deportation of fugitive gangster Bhuvnesh Chopra alias Ashish Chopra from Central Asia and Jobanjit Singh alias Joban Billa from Jakarta, Indonesia.

According to the press note, the operations were executed by the AGTF in coordination with OFTEC Punjab and Central agencies, demonstrating Punjab Police’s efforts to pursue wanted criminals beyond India’s borders.

The crackdown also resulted in the recovery and destruction of 64,402.77 litres of illicit liquor, along with 34,840 bottles and 926 boxes. Police seized 4,978 mobile handsets, impounded 1,781 vehicles and seized 61 drones allegedly linked to criminal activities.

Public tipline to strengthen intelligence network

To deepen public participation, the AGTF has launched a dedicated confidential tipline — 93946-93946 — allowing citizens to anonymously share information about wanted criminals, gangsters and related activities.

The task force has also introduced a reward policy offering cash incentives for credible information that leads to action against wanted gangsters and criminals, while maintaining the confidentiality of informants.

Punjab Police said the sustained campaign is aimed at ensuring that organised criminal networks have “no safe haven” while strengthening intelligence-led policing and public safety across the state.