324 encounters since 2022, says DGP Yadav

The state police have recorded 324 encounters with gangsters since April 2022, resulting in the neutralisation of 24 dreaded criminals and the arrest of 515 others, DGP Gaurav Yadav said on Thursday.

In a first-time disclosure of such figures, the DGP said the Punjab Police have busted 962 gangster modules, arrested 2,536 criminals and recovered a large haul of arms, drugs and cash over the past three-and-a-half years. The data assumes significance amid renewed concerns over rampant gangsterism in Punjab, with the state government recently suspending an SSP in Amritsar Rural district for alleged inaction against gangsters.

Yadav said police teams seized 2,086 illegal weapons, 564 vehicles used in criminal activities, 79 kg heroin and Rs 4.69 crore in drug money from the possession of the arrested accused. “Of the 515 gangsters arrested during encounters, 319 had sustained bullet injuries. Sadly, three brave police personnel laid down their lives and 41 others were injured in these operations,” the DGP said.