Punjab Police's Operation Prahaar Nets 3,526 Arrests in 72-Hour Gangster Crackdown
In a major law enforcement drive, the Punjab Police conducted a three-day intensive operation codenamed Operation Prahaar, as part of the first phase of the Gangstran Te Vaar (war on gangsters) initiative. The operation, which spanned 72 hours, saw police teams round up a total of 4,871 individuals across the state, with 3,526 of them being formally arrested.
Massive Police Mobilization and Strategic Raids
Under this high-intensity campaign, over 2,000 police teams, comprising approximately 12,000 personnel, were deployed statewide. These teams conducted targeted raids at identified and mapped locations linked to associates of 60 foreign-based gangsters operating in Punjab. The operation was designed as a surgical and intelligence-driven strike aimed at dismantling the logistics, financial, and communication networks that sustain gangster activities.
Significant Seizures and Arrests
Special DGP (Law & Order) Arpit Shukla, sharing the cumulative outcomes of the operation on Thursday evening, revealed impressive recoveries. Police teams seized:
- 69 weapons
- 6.5 kg of heroin
- 10.5 kg of opium
- 5,092 intoxicant pills
- 72 kg of poppy husk
- Rs 2.69 lakh in drug money
In addition to these seizures, the operation led to the arrest of 80 proclaimed offenders and 25 preventive arrests, further tightening the noose around criminal elements.
Leadership's Commitment and Public Appeal
Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav emphasized that Gangstran Te Vaar is a sustained campaign that will continue with full force until Punjab is completely cleansed of the gangster menace. Special DGP Shukla noted that the 72-hour-long operation achieved its objectives beyond expectations, highlighting its success in disrupting criminal networks.
To bolster public participation, Shukla urged citizens to actively support the campaign against organized crime. People can anonymously report information related to wanted criminals and gangsters, as well as share tips on crime and criminal activity, through the Anti Gangster Helpline number 93946-93946. As an incentive, a cash reward of up to ₹10 lakh will be given for information leading to the arrest of gangsters.
This operation marks a significant step in Punjab's ongoing efforts to combat gangsterism and drug trafficking, with authorities vowing to maintain momentum in the fight against organized crime.
