Mann government started ‘Gangster Te War’ campaign, action started on war footing against organized crime: Baltej Pannu

Punjab : Aam Aadmi Party Punjab Media Incharge Baltej Pannu has said that Punjab Police has formally launched the ‘Gangster Te War’ campaign, which is considered to be the most decisive action taken so far against organized crime in the state. He said that this campaign reflects the strong political will of the government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, under which it has been resolved to completely free Punjab from gangsterism.

After anti-drug campaign, now focus on gangsters
During the press conference held at the party office, Baltej Pannu said that after the great success of the ‘War on Drugs’ campaign, now the Punjab Police has targeted organized crime and gangster networks. He said that during the anti-drug campaign, many big and small smugglers were arrested, huge quantities of narcotics were seized and the supply chain and street level network was destroyed to a great extent. Being a border state, Punjab has to face constant attempts of drug smuggling from across the border, to which the government has responded by installing anti-drone system.

Operation started on war footing, 72 hours are important
Baltej Pannu said that the ‘War on Gangsters’ campaign has been launched on a war footing after intensive planning and comprehensive assessment. He described it as one of the most serious and biggest operations against gangsterism in the country. Since Tuesday morning, Punjab Police teams have started raiding in different areas of the state, initial results of which have emerged. According to Pannu, the next 72 hours are very important for this campaign, in which many big revelations and strict actions can be seen.

How gangster culture flourished, Pannu’s big allegation
Baltej Pannu said that the word “gangster” came into the common vocabulary of Punjab only 15 to 18 years ago. Before this, small criminals were simply called scoundrels. He alleged that during 2007 to 2017, gangster culture was systematically promoted and the youth were pushed into this violent culture. It was during this period that incidents of violence reached their peak. Referring to incidents like Nabha jail break and attacks on police personnel, he termed that time as the dark period of Punjab.

Accusation of political patronage on previous governments
Pannu made serious allegations against the Congress government and said that during that period no concrete action was taken to curb gangsterism. He claimed that a notorious gangster from Uttar Pradesh was kept in a jail in Punjab after being given political protection, and the UP government had to go to the Supreme Court to take back his custody. He said that it is not hidden from anyone how traditional political parties have nurtured and promoted gangsters for their personal interests.

Tarn Taran by-election and issue of gangster culture
Referring to the Tarn Taran by-election, Pannu said that giving ticket to a family member of a gangster was like promoting gangster culture. He clearly said that the Mann government is committed to completely end this kind of politics and has resolved to free Punjab from this danger.

Strict message in encounters, police action intensified
Sharing details of Tuesday’s action, Baltej Pannu said that gangster Money Prince, who opened fire on the police during his arrest in Amritsar, was killed in an encounter. This operation continued for several hours. In another encounter in Mandi Gobindgarh, the gangster who opened fire on the police was shot in the leg and is undergoing treatment. About nine cases are registered against him under robbery and NDPS Act.

Strict stance on threats and ransom
Pannu warned that gangsters who issue threats or demand ransom will be given a reply in their own language. Quoting Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, he said that if any gangster opens fire, he will get the answer only with bullets. He clarified that Punjab Police will take strict action against the criminals while staying within the ambit of law.

Crackdown on gangsters living abroad
Baltej Pannu said that Punjab Police is continuously coordinating with the Central Government to take action against gangsters sitting abroad. Dossier of the culprits have been prepared and shared for the extradition process. The aim of the government is that no criminal should escape the law, whether in the country or abroad.

Appeal for cooperation from public, helpline issued
In the end, Pannu appealed to the people of Punjab to fully cooperate with the police in this campaign. He said that a special helpline number 93946-93946 has been issued, on which the information given will be kept completely confidential. Appropriate reward will also be given to those who give correct information. He said that gangsterism and drugs are poisonous seeds sown by previous governments and the Mann government will take every possible step to completely free Punjab from them.