Punjab Police Intensifies War on Gangsters with Operation Prahar-2
In a significant escalation of the state's crackdown on organized crime, Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav has announced the launch of Operation Prahar-2, the second phase of the ongoing war against gangsters. The announcement came during a high-level media briefing in Chandigarh on Sunday, where DGP Yadav outlined a comprehensive strategy to make Punjab a gangster-free state.
Senior Officers Directed to Visit Crime Scenes
As part of the new operational directives, Commissioners of Police (CP) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSP) have been ordered to personally visit all important crime scenes. This move aims to supervise investigations directly and ensure the swift tracing of heinous offences. DGP Yadav emphasized that this hands-on approach is crucial for building public confidence and improving police responsiveness.
"All district chiefs have been directed to conduct field visits in high footfall and hotspot areas as part of confidence-building measures," stated DGP Yadav during the press conference. He was accompanied by senior officials including Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla, ADGP Anti-Narcotics Task Force Nilabh Kishore, and Intelligence Chief Dr. Sukhchain Singh Gill.
Extradition Sought for 38 Overseas Gangsters
In a major international dimension to the crackdown, Punjab Police has formally sought the extradition or deportation of 38 gangsters operating from various foreign countries. These individuals are part of an original list of 61 gangsters identified by Punjab Police for running crime syndicates in the state from abroad. The request has been made to the Central government through established procedures.
Operation Details and Previous Results
Operation Prahar-2 will be a 72-hour intensive campaign starting Monday, with senior officers from Punjab Police Headquarters deputed for effective supervision. This follows the initial operation that resulted in the arrest of 3,256 individuals and recovery of 69 weapons within 72 hours.
Sharing outcomes from the ongoing "Gangstran Te Vaar" campaign over 20 days, DGP Yadav revealed:
- 5,290 individuals including gangsters and criminals arrested
- 128 weapons recovered during 17,603 raids across the state
- 344 proclaimed offenders apprehended
- Preventive action initiated against 2,973 persons
- 5,413 persons verified and released after questioning
Comprehensive Security Measures Implemented
The police chief announced several additional security measures:
- 3,500 arms licenses suspended out of 7,000 identified for misuse
- 350 FIRs lodged against social media accounts and websites spreading fear
- Intensified checking of vehicles, particularly two-wheelers without number plates
- Enhanced police presence through redeployment from non-core duties
- Standard Operating Procedures issued for operational preparedness
Addressing Crime Perception and Police Accountability
DGP Yadav addressed concerns about law and order deterioration, stating that "crime due to personal animosity is difficult to predict or prevent" and that isolated incidents have created a misleading perception. He cited comparative crime statistics with other states to emphasize that Punjab maintains a lower crime rate.
To ensure accountability, Special DGP, ADGP, IGP, and DIG-rank officers have been allocated specific police districts with clear directives that accountability will be fixed for any lapses. The DGP also clarified that Operation Prahar-2 is a lawful operation targeting only those wanted for crimes, debunking social media rumors about police excesses.
Enhanced Response Mechanisms
The police force is implementing several technological and operational upgrades:
- Strengthening round-the-clock High-Tech Nakas and city sealing points
- Maximum utilization of wireless sets and walkie-talkies for rapid communication
- Comprehensive sealing plans to intercept perpetrators at escape routes
- Immediate police response protocols for reported incidents
Parallel Campaign Against Narcotics
Highlighting the state's parallel fight against drugs under the "Yudh Nashian Virudh" campaign, DGP Yadav reported that Punjab Police has registered 33,779 FIRs and made 48,167 arrests so far in narcotics-related cases. This multi-pronged approach demonstrates the comprehensive nature of Punjab's law enforcement strategy against organized crime networks.
The launch of Operation Prahar-2 represents a significant intensification of Punjab Police's efforts to dismantle gangster networks, both domestically and internationally, while strengthening public confidence through visible police presence and rapid response mechanisms.
