In a bold move against the rising glamorization of criminal lifestyles, Haryana's top police officer has declared war on gangsters who project a false image of luxury and influence from behind bars. The state's Director General of Police, O P Singh, has initiated a comprehensive campaign to expose the harsh reality of prison life and dismantle the carefully crafted online personas of incarcerated criminals.
The Social Media Deception
Haryana Police investigations have revealed an alarming trend where gangsters lodged in jails continue to maintain active social media presence, posting content that portrays them as living comfortably and wielding significant influence even while incarcerated. The DGP specifically cited the case of notorious gangster Daljeet Sihag alias Sisai, who faces over 55 criminal cases but managed to post a Haryana Day message showing him in spotless white clothes with folded hands, creating an impression of ease and authority.
Police discovered that Sihag, currently lodged in Jhajjar jail where he is assigned toilet-cleaning duty, had hired a 27-year-old Jind resident for ₹5,000 per month to manage his social media accounts and shoot videos during court appearances. The handler has since been arrested, exposing the elaborate system gangsters have created to maintain their public image.
Operation Trackdown: The Police Response
Since taking charge on October 14 following the suicide of IPS officer Y Puran Kumar, DGP O P Singh has launched an all-out offensive against Haryana's criminal networks. On November 5, the police rolled out Operation Trackdown, a 16-day statewide crackdown targeting fugitives linked to recent shootings. The operation yielded immediate results with 32 arrests made on the first day alone.
Singh has implemented a comprehensive strategy that includes strict tracking of absconders, reopening of bail cases, seizure of crime-linked property, and establishing personal accountability for Station House Officers and Deputy Superintendents of Police. Each SHO must nab their "worst five" criminals, while district and Special Task Force units are tasked with chasing their "worst 10" and "worst 20" targets respectively.
Balancing Enforcement with Rehabilitation
While taking a tough stance against hardened criminals, DGP Singh emphasizes that his strategy isn't purely coercive. In an interview with The Indian Express, he stated: "Whoever wants to return to the lawful path, give them a route back. But those who threaten, harm or extort, give a befitting response. In a republic, only the rule of law will prevail."
The police have also sent notices to social media giants Meta, X, and Instagram seeking details of accounts promoting "gang culture." This multi-pronged approach aims to cut off gangsters' ability to recruit new members and intimidate the public through their online presence.
Known as one of the most visible police chiefs Haryana has seen in recent years, Singh has built a reputation for sending daily motivational notes to the force, conducting surprise night patrols, and inspecting police stations unannounced. His clear message to criminals and the public alike: "Crime will not be glamorized in Haryana. Criminals will not get PR agencies. And those who try to profit from fear will be held accountable."
