Punjab Police Launches Major Crackdown with Operation Prahar-2
In a significant escalation of its campaign against organized crime, the Punjab Police initiated Operation Prahar-2 on Monday, conducting extensive statewide raids that resulted in the arrest of over 1,200 individuals. This 72-hour intensive drive, launched by Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav on February 8, marks a renewed effort to apprehend wanted criminals and dismantle criminal networks across the state.
Massive Police Mobilization and Raid Statistics
On the first day of the operation, police teams executed 2,760 raids at locations connected to wanted criminals. Special DGP (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla provided detailed insights, revealing that more than 2,000 police teams, comprising approximately 12,000 personnel, were deployed across Punjab. These efforts led to the rounding up of 1,895 individuals, with 1,250 arrests40 proclaimed offenders and 298 preventive detentions.
Additionally, the police verified 666 persons through questioning before releasing them. To encourage public cooperation, authorities have promoted the Anti-Gangster Helpline 93946-93946, allowing anonymous reporting of information related to criminals and gangsters. Senior officers from the Punjab Police Headquarters have been actively visiting various police districts to oversee and lead the operation, ensuring its effective implementation.
Continuation of Anti-Crime and Anti-Drug Campaigns
Operation Prahar-2 builds upon the earlier Operation Prahar, launched on January 20, which aimed to dismantle the entire ecosystem of organized crime in Punjab. This latest initiative is part of the broader "Gangstran Te Vaar" (war on gangsters) campaign, intensifying efforts to curb criminal activities and enhance public safety.
Simultaneously, the Punjab Police have maintained their relentless drive against drugs, known as "Yudh Nashian Virudh", which entered its 345th day on Monday. In this ongoing effort, 72 drug smugglers were arrested, with authorities seizing 26.4 kg of heroin, 772 intoxicant tablets/capsules, and Rs 12.17 lakhs in drug money. Cumulatively, this campaign has led to the arrest of 48,331 drug smugglers over the past 345 days, highlighting the police's multi-faceted approach to combating crime and substance abuse in the region.
The coordinated actions under Operation Prahar-2 and the anti-drug campaign reflect the Punjab Police's commitment to addressing both violent crime and drug-related issues, aiming to create a safer environment for residents through proactive law enforcement strategies.
