Chandigarh: Punjab Police’s flagship anti-gangster operation ‘Gangsters Te War’ has completed 200 days, emerging as one of the most comprehensive and sustained operations against organized crime being carried out in the state. During this operation, the police conducted 1,09,087 raids across Punjab, arrested 1,532 proclaimed offenders, took action against over 58,212 criminals and their associates, recovered huge quantities of illegal arms and drugs, and dealt a major blow to the network of organized criminal gangs.
Launched under the guidance of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led government, ‘Gangsteron Te Vaar’ is an intelligence-based operation aimed at completely eliminating organised crime syndicates through targeted action, inter-state and international coordination, financial investigation and technology-based policing.
Statement of DGP Gaurav Yadav
On this occasion, Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said that the operation has now evolved into a multi-pronged operation, targeting not just gangsters but the entire network that facilitates organized crime. He said, “The first 200 days of ‘Gangsters Te War’ have proven the effectiveness of sustained and intelligence-based policing. Our strategy is not limited to arrests, but focuses on dismantling the entire network that enables organized crime—associates, financial sources, logistics, communication channels, and contacts abroad. The Punjab Police is committed to ensuring that there are no safe havens left for gangsters operating anywhere within or outside the country.”
During these 200 days, 1,532 proclaimed offenders (POs) were arrested, while action was taken against 58,212 persons, including 853 gangsters and their associates and 57,359 wanted criminals.
Preventive policing statistics
Under preventive policing, 28,201 individuals were detained, including 577 gangsters and their associates and 27,624 wanted criminals; 18,514 individuals were verified and later released, including 1,529 gangsters and their associates and 16,985 wanted criminals. Overall, action was taken against 104,927 individuals during the campaign, including 2,959 gangsters and their associates and 101,968 wanted criminals.
In addition to arrests, the operation also aimed to weaken the ability of organized gangs to commit crimes by cutting off their access to weapons, drugs, financial resources, and logistics.
recovery of illegal weapons
The operation also dealt a significant blow to the lethality of organized crime syndicates. During the operation, Punjab Police recovered 990 illegal weapons, 242 sharp-edged weapons, 2,739 cartridges, 315 magazines, 2.5 kilograms of explosives, and 15 hand grenades, severely weakening the lethality of criminal gangs.
Confiscation of narcotics and drug money
Additionally, Punjab Police intensified its crackdown against organized crime and drug trafficking nexus, seizing 774.38 kg of heroin, 480.23 kg of opium, 7,266.26 kg of poppy husk, and 2691,455 narcotic pills. Police also seized drug money worth ₹17,341,965, ₹18,054,446 in cash, and 413.85 grams of gold, effectively striking at the sources of funding for organized crime and the drug trade.
Statement by ADGP Pramod Ban
Pramod Ban, Additional Director General of Police, Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), stated that the primary objective of the campaign is not just the arrest of criminals, but the dismantling of the entire network of organized crime. He said, “Today’s organized crime operates through financial networks, digital communications, and operatives based abroad. Therefore, our investigations include field operations, as well as financial tracking, digital intelligence, and close coordination with central agencies. This strategy has led the Punjab Police to successfully expose extortion gangs, identify operatives based abroad, and expedite the deportation and extradition of wanted criminals. This campaign also sends a message to the youth that the so-called allure of gangster culture is merely an illusion, ending in crime and destruction.”
The operation was also well supported by regular coordination with neighbouring states and central investigation and intelligence agencies, which facilitated prompt exchange of information and joint operations against organised crime.
Escaped gangsters return from abroad
Among the major achievements of the operation was the successful return of absconding gangster Bhuvnesh Chopra alias Ashish Chopra, son of Hira Lal, resident of House No. 15, Inner Delhi Gate, Ferozepur, from Central Asia and gangster Jobanjeet Singh alias Joban Billa from Jakarta, Indonesia. The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) successfully executed this operation in coordination with OFTEC Punjab and central agencies. This demonstrated that the Punjab Police is now capable of bringing wanted criminals to justice, even across national borders.
Seizure of illegal liquor, mobile phones, vehicles and drones
In addition to crackdowns on gangsters and their associates, the operation also seized and destroyed 64,402.77 liters of illicit liquor, 34,840 bottles, and 926 cases. 4,978 mobile phones, 1,781 vehicles, and 61 drones used in criminal activities were also seized. These operations played a significant role in weakening criminal infrastructure, disrupting organized crime networks, and further strengthening public safety across Punjab.
Dedicated tipline for citizens
To increase citizen participation, the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) has also launched a dedicated tipline at 93946-93946, through which people can confidentially and anonymously share information about wanted criminals, gangsters, and related criminal activities. This initiative allows people to share vital information confidentially without fear of their identities being exposed, which will help the AGTF quickly locate and arrest gangsters and other criminals.
Reward policy applies
To further strengthen public participation, the AGTF has also implemented a reward policy, under which cash rewards will be given to those providing credible information leading to the arrest of wanted gangsters and criminals, with their identities kept strictly confidential. This initiative is expected to further strengthen intelligence-based operations against organized crime in Punjab.