Chandigarh: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab’s media in-charge Baltej Pannu said on Tuesday that the Bhagwant Mann government’s tough campaign against drugs and gangsters has taken the fight beyond the borders of Punjab. Punjab Police has brought back more than a dozen gangsters from across the world, including recently Karamveer Dev, a close aide of Lawrence Bishnoi, who was caught at the Delhi airport after being deported from Canada.
Gangsters are not safe in any corner of the world
Baltej Pannu said that from America, Dubai, Malaysia to Moldova, the government has made Punjab Police hi-tech and equipped it with better equipment to stop crimes and chase gangsters, thereby sending a clear message that no gangster involved in crime in Punjab can consider any corner of the world as a safe place.
Decisive action against drugs and gangsters
Addressing the press conference, AAP Punjab media in-charge Baltej Pannu said, “After coming to power, the Bhagwant Mann government has given priority to the fight against drugs and gangsters. We have taken decisive action to dismantle criminal networks active in Punjab and have also pursued gangsters who have fled abroad.”
The opposition is trying to defame the Punjab government
Taking aim at the opposition, AAP Punjab media in-charge said, “The opposition has nothing to offer the people of Punjab, hence it is trying to defame the Punjab government by repeatedly raising issues and ignoring the action being taken against organized crime.”
Rise of gangsterism 2007-2017
Baltej Pannu said that the history of Punjab shows that there was a huge increase in gangsterism during the period 2007-2017. He said, “If we look at the history of gangsterism in Punjab, the incidence had increased significantly during the period 2007-2017. This was the time when the word ‘gangster’ became a part of Punjab’s identity and public discourse.”
Congress government gave VIP facilities to gangster
He said that the situation remained the same during the Congress government of 2017-2022. He said, “Instead of dismantling these networks, the Congress government brought a gangster from Uttar Pradesh to a Punjab jail and gave him VIP facilities. The Uttar Pradesh government had to go to the Supreme Court for his return.”
Mann government changed its approach, brought back dozens of gangsters
Comparing it with the style of Bhagwant Mann government, Baltej Pannu said, “We have changed this method. Punjab Police launched a sustained crackdown against the gangsters and continued pursuing them even after they fled abroad. Due to the continuous efforts of Punjab Police, till now more than a dozen gangsters have been brought back from abroad.”
Names of prominent gangsters brought back
He said the gangsters brought back include Sachin Bishnoi, Manpreet Singh alias Peeta, Ramanjeet Singh alias Romi, Parminder Singh alias Pindi, Anmol Bishnoi, Amritpal alias Mehro, Gurvinder Singh and Jobandeep Singh alias Joban Billa.
Gangster back from America, Dubai and Malaysia
Baltej Pannu said, “Anmol Bishnoi, considered one of the big gangsters and a close associate of Lawrence Bishnoi, was brought back from the US. Amritpal alias Mehro, who is accused of murdering an Instagram influencer before fleeing abroad, was brought from Dubai. Gurvinder Singh was brought from Malaysia.”
Amrit Dhallam returns from Moldova
he adds, “Two days ago, the AGTF team brought back gangster Amritpal alias Amrit Dhallam from Moldova. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met the team and praised their efforts.”
Karamveer Dev arrested from Canada
Baltej Pannu said that the process of bringing another big gangster Karamveer Singh alias Karamveer Dev (Dev) back to Punjab has also been completed. He said, “Karamveer Singh alias Karamveer Dev, also known as Dev, is a close associate of Lawrence Bishnoi. He has been deported from Canada and after his arrest at Delhi Airport, the AGTF team is bringing him to Punjab.”
Gangsters are not safe in any part of the world
Baltej Pannu said, “This value shows the firm resolve of the government that no gangster involved in crime in Punjab can consider any part of the world as his safe place.”
Punjab Police made modern and strong
Emphasizing on strengthening the Punjab Police, he said, “Punjab Government has made Punjab Police very strong and modern. This is not limited to just providing better vehicles. We have equipped our soldiers with advanced technology and equipment.”
Advanced technology helps prevent crime
He said that this increase in technology has directly enhanced the ability of the police force to stop crime and arrest gangsters. Referring to the recent encounter in Ludhiana, Baltej Pannu said, “The police had prior knowledge of the attack on the blood donation camp. Because of this information, the police were able to take action before the criminals could execute their plan.”
Pursuit even in countries without extradition treaty
Baltej Pannu said that Punjab Police is chasing criminals even in those countries with which India does not have extradition treaty. Along with this, cooperation with the countries where these gangsters are hiding is also improving, because such criminals have become a problem for those countries also.”
Punjab is in safe hands
Baltej Pannu said that the message of the government is very clear – “Punjab is in safe hands. Whoever commits crimes in Punjab and threatens the people here will be pursued, no matter where he is hiding.”