Chandigarh, October 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Police has arrested 79,642 individuals, including gangsters and their associates, during the first nine months of its ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign, conducting 1.51 lakh raids across the state to dismantle criminal networks.
Launched on January 20, 2026, by Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, the campaign aims to make Punjab free of gangsters. Police teams from all districts have been carrying out coordinated raids at identified locations linked to gangster associates, in collaboration with the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF).
Special DGP (Law and Order) Praveen Sinha said the police had recovered 1,367 weapons, 3,958 live cartridges, 431 magazines, 288 sharp-edged weapons and 20 hand grenades from arrested individuals since the campaign began.
Preventive action has been initiated against 43,231 people, while 19,277 individuals were verified and released after questioning. Police have also arrested 2,042 proclaimed offenders during the nine-month operation.
On Day 273 of the campaign, police teams conducted 536 raids, arrested 188 individuals, initiated preventive action against 154 people and apprehended four proclaimed offenders.
Sinha said the campaign would continue with the same intensity. Members of the public can anonymously share information about wanted criminals, gangsters and other criminal activities through the Anti-Gangster Helpline at 93946-93946.
138 Drug Smugglers Arrested on Day 598 of Anti-Drug Campaign
Meanwhile, Punjab Police continued its anti-drug campaign, ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, for the 598th consecutive day, arresting 138 alleged drug smugglers on October 20.
The police recovered 389 grams of heroin, 780 grams of opium, 1,277 intoxicant tablets and capsules, and ₹10,650 in suspected drug proceeds during the operation.
With these arrests, the total number of drug smugglers arrested under the campaign reached 86,903 in 598 days.
As part of its de-addiction initiative, Punjab Police also persuaded 19 individuals to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment on the day.
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