CM Saini orders crackdown on gangsters, gives DGP ‘free hand’ to target their henchmen

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has given Haryana’s Director General of Police (DGP) a “free hand” to launch a campaign targeting the henchmen of gangsters operating from abroad. Speaking at a crime inspection meeting in Panchkula, Saini instructed the police to “eliminate” those involved in criminal activities and “break their backbone.”

“Our police officials have been coordinating with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) as this is an international matter. In some cases, we have succeeded in extradition and efforts are ongoing for the remaining gangsters,” Saini said.

Referring to gangsters’ local networks, he added, “Jo apradhik gatividhi mein sammalit log hain, unko samapat karne ka kaam, unki kamar todne ka kaam, hamari police karegi (Those involved in criminal activities will be eliminated and their backbone will be broken by the police). The police will be provided with all necessary resources for this task.” He also emphasised that no innocent person should face injustice.

The meeting was attended by top police officials, including DGP Shatrujit Kapur.

Haryana has been grappling with increasing gangster-related crimes, including murders and extortion. UK-based gangster Kapil Sangwan, alias Nandu, allegedly orchestrated the murder of Indian National Lok Dal’s state president, Nafe Singh Rathi, in February 2024 and a triple murder at a Panchkula resort in December 2024. Himanshu, alias Bhau, who fled to Portugal in 2022, has been linked to multiple extortion cases. Another gangster, Rohit Godara of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, claimed responsibility for a businessman’s murder in Rohtak in February 2024.

Saini noted a decline in Haryana’s overall crime rate compared to last year, with significant progress in curbing cybercrime and crimes against women. “Police officers and staff who perform well will be encouraged, while those showing negligence will face action,” he said. The Haryana Police were recently awarded first prize by the Ministry of Home Affairs for their efforts against cybercrime.

The CM also highlighted the anti-drug campaign targeting 3,350 villages and 876 wards, with a goal of making 70% of villages drug-free by 2025. “Strict action will be taken against individuals involved in the drug trade,” he asserted.

Saini announced plans to draft a law on illegal immigration during the upcoming budget session. “A Haryana Police battalion will be established in Nuh district to improve law and order. Land allocation for this has been discussed and the SP and District Collector have been asked to submit a report,” he said.

He also addressed the Rohingya issue, stating that individuals from Bangladesh and the Rohingya community would be identified, listed and repatriated after verification.

Saini further urged the media not to display pictures of criminals, warning that such images could negatively influence youth.

In line with its election manifesto, the BJP government has promised Rs 300 crore to strengthen the police department. The CM has directed officials to submit a detailed proposal for the allocation.