More than 21900 arrested under ‘War on Drugs’ campaign of Bhagwant Mann government through ‘Safe Punjab’ secret WhatsApp helpline

Yudh Nasheyan Virudh: The ongoing fight against drugs in Punjab is now taking the form of a mass movement, under which people from villages and urban areas are coming forward in large numbers to anonymously share information about drug smugglers and suppliers on the ‘Safe Punjab’ WhatsApp helpline 97791-00200. It is noteworthy that ‘Safe Punjab’ helpline is part of the ‘Yudh Nashiyan Virudh’ campaign being run under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The increasing participation of people is not only helping the police to take strict action against drug smugglers, but it also shows that people’s trust in the government has increased. They are assured that their identity will be kept completely confidential and that the information given by them will be immediately acted upon. That is why this initiative has emerged as a strong base of the ongoing ‘Yudh Nashiyan Viruddh’ campaign under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, under which drugs are being eradicated from the roots with people’s participation and strict legal action.

According to official figures, so far 43,520 tip-offs have been received from across Punjab. Based on these information and further investigation, 17,120 cases were registered and 21,962 accused were arrested.

The aim of this initiative is to make citizens a part of the campaign so that they can share information against drug abuse without any fear. The identity of the complainants is kept completely confidential and immediate action is taken on the information received. That is why people from every section of the society are coming forward to report suspicious activities and drug sales through ‘Safe Punjab’ WhatsApp helpline.

Apart from WhatsApp helpline, arrangements have also been made to share information anonymously through e-rickshaws running in Punjab. So far, about 3440 villages have been reached through these e-rickshaws, which is equivalent to about one-third of the villages in the state. Both these methods have emerged as important sources of information in reaching drug smugglers and drug dealers.

Every complaint received under this initiative is first thoroughly investigated. If the information is found to be correct, it is immediately sent to the concerned district police unit for action so that effective action can be ensured against drug smugglers on the basis of concrete information given by the people.

In this regard, Punjab Police DGP Gaurav Yadav said, “The response of the people to the ‘Safe Punjab’ initiative shows that they want to live in a drug-free environment and they are ready to extend full cooperation in legal action if they are assured that their identity will be kept secret. People have shown active participation in this initiative in large numbers and the police have also acted with complete alertness and kindness.”

The increasing number of complaints is being considered a sign of increasing public confidence in the police. Now instead of remaining silent spectators, people are informing the police about incidents related to drug smuggling, which is helping in taking timely action.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said, “This initiative further strengthens the ongoing ‘Yudh Nashiyan Viruddh’ campaign led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, which includes action, public participation, awareness and rehabilitation. Strict police action against drugs is very important, but continuous support of the public is essential for lasting success in this fight.”

All complaints received on this platform are completely confidential and the identity of those giving information is also kept confidential. Citizens are being encouraged to share information about drug smugglers and drug dealers without any fear.

Action has been taken in more than 17,000 cases based on these tip-offs, which shows that about 40 percent of the complaints have resulted in arrests. This clearly shows that ‘Safe Punjab’ WhatsApp helpline is emerging as an effective tool in the state’s anti-drug campaign. Officials have expressed confidence that the continuous participation of the people and prompt action of the police will further strengthen the resolve to make Punjab drug free and create a safe environment for the coming generations.