Punjab Police’s ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ completes 200 days, over 1.09 lakh raids conducted

Punjab Police’s flagship anti-gangster ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ has completed 200 days, emerging as one of the state’s most sustained and comprehensive crackdowns on organised crime.

During the operation, police conducted 1,09,087 raids across Punjab, arrested 1,532 proclaimed offenders, initiated action against more than 58,000 criminals and their associates, recovered a massive cache of illegal weapons and narcotics, and dealt a significant blow to organised criminal networks.

Sharing details Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ is an intelligence-driven campaign designed to dismantle organised crime syndicates through targeted enforcement, interstate and international coordination, financial investigations and technology-driven policing.

During the 200-day operation, out of 1,532 POs arrested, action was initiated against 58,212 persons, including 853 gangsters and their associates and 57,359 wanted criminals.

As part of preventive policing measures, 28,201 persons, including 577 gangsters and their associates and 27,624 wanted criminals, were detained, while 18,514 persons, including 1,529 gangsters and their associates and 16,985 wanted criminals, were verified and subsequently released.

Overall, police action during the campaign covered 1,04,927 persons, comprising 2,959 gangsters and their associates and 1,01,968 wanted criminals.

Beyond arrests, the campaign has focused on reducing the operational capability of organised gangs by targeting their access to weapons, narcotics, finances and logistical infrastructure.

The operation also substantially weakened the firepower of organised gangs, with Punjab Police recovering 990 illegal firearms, 242 sharp-edged weapons, 2,739 rounds of ammunition, 315 magazines, 2.5 kg of explosives and 15 hand grenades, significantly disrupting the operational capability of criminal networks.

Simultaneously, Punjab Police intensified its action against the organised crime-drug nexus by recovering 774.38 kg of heroin, 480.23 kg of opium, 7,266.26 kg of poppy husk and 26,91,455 intoxicant tablets.

Police also seized drug money worth Rs 1,73,41,965, cash amounting to Rs 1,80,54,446 and 413.85 grams of gold, disrupting the financial channels that sustain organised crime and the narcotics trade.

Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) has also launched a dedicated tipline, 93946-93946, enabling citizens to anonymously share information about wanted criminals, gangsters and related criminal activities.