Chandigarh: The Punjab Police’s ‘Sampark Abhiyan’ is emerging as a key community policing initiative, helping educate young people about the hidden dangers of gang recruitment while strengthening trust between citizens and law enforcement.
Launched to create a direct dialogue with residents, the campaign has conducted over 2,800 programmes across all 28 districts in the past three months, engaging people from villages, towns and cities. Through these interactions, police personnel are not only addressing grievances but also exposing how gangs operate and target vulnerable youth.
Inputs gathered under the state government-backed ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ operation reveal that gangsters often lure youngsters with promises of quick money, material comforts and even opportunities to settle abroad—claims that officials describe as deceptive and exploitative.
Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the initiative is helping young people understand the real risks behind such offers. He noted that while criminal networks remain in the shadows, it is the recruited youth who ultimately face legal and social consequences.
The campaign is also leaving a strong impression on students. Participants have described the sessions as eye-opening, highlighting how gangs prey on ambition and vulnerability, often leading individuals into irreversible situations.
Since its launch last year, ‘Sampark Abhiyan’ has enabled residents to connect directly with police officials, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for community safety. Senior officers and field personnel have been actively engaging with students, village leaders and families, discussing not only crime but its broader social impact.
Recent outreach efforts include a large-scale interaction at Guru Nanak College in Budhlada, Mansa, attended by around 1,500 students and staff, and an awareness seminar at a senior secondary school in Karni Khera village, Fazilka. In border areas, police have specifically warned youth about the risk of being targeted by drug smugglers and gang networks.
Authorities are also promoting the Anti-Gangster helpline (93946-93946) and informing citizens about a reward policy that ensures confidentiality and incentives for those providing credible information on criminal activities.
Officials emphasise that the initiative goes beyond enforcement, focusing on building trust and encouraging people to speak up without fear. With growing public participation, ‘Sampark Abhiyan’ is steadily advancing its broader objective of creating a safer and more secure Punjab.
