Punjab Police Intensifies Anti-Crime Drive with Operation Prahaar II
In a significant escalation of the ongoing 'Gangstran Te Vaar' anti-crime campaign, Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav announced the launch of the second phase of 'Operation Prahaar' on Sunday. The intensive 72-hour operation is set to commence on Monday, with a sharp focus on apprehending wanted criminals across the state.
Details of the New Phase
Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, DGP Yadav revealed that Operation Prahaar II will run from Monday until Wednesday. To ensure effective oversight, senior officers from the Punjab Police headquarters have been specially deputed to supervise the operation. This move underscores the administration's commitment to a tightly coordinated and accountable crackdown.
Results from the First Phase
The initial leg of Operation Prahaar, which aimed to tighten the noose around Punjab-based associates of foreign-based gangsters, yielded substantial results. Within 72 hours, police teams arrested 3,256 individuals and recovered 69 weapons from their possession. This aggressive approach is part of a broader strategy to dismantle criminal networks operating in the region.
Broader Campaign Achievements
Sharing outcomes from the first 20 days of the 'Gangstran Te Vaar' campaign, DGP Yadav reported that police have arrested 5,290 individuals, including gangsters and their associates, following 17,603 raids. Authorities recovered 128 weapons during these operations. Additionally, preventive action was initiated against 2,973 persons, while 5,413 individuals were verified and released after questioning. The campaign also led to the arrest of 344 proclaimed offenders (POs).
Legal and Supervisory Measures
Responding to criticism of the drive, DGP Yadav clarified, "This is a lawful operation and police will only arrest the person who is wanted in crime." To bolster supervision, special DGP, ADGP, IGP, and DIG-rank officers have been allocated specific police districts, with accountability fixed for any lapses. Commissioners of Police and Senior Superintendents of Police have been directed to personally visit crime scenes to supervise investigations and ensure the tracing of heinous offences.
Additional Initiatives and Recoveries
In related efforts, police have registered 328 FIRs in connection with songs glorifying guns and initiated the process to cancel 7,000 arms licences, with 3,500 already cancelled. On the murder of an AAP functionary in Jalandhar, the first arrest was made within 24 hours, and the main accused has been identified, with teams actively pursuing him.
DGP Yadav also highlighted the 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' campaign launched on March 1, 2025, which has resulted in 33,779 FIRs, 48,167 arrests, and the recovery of significant narcotics, including 2,149 kg of heroin, 29 kg of ICE, 649 kg of opium, 28,527 kg of poppy husk, 48.31 lakh intoxicant pills/capsules, and Rs 15.91 crores of drug money.
Operational Enhancements
To strengthen the police response, the force is being augmented by auditing and mobilising deployment from non-core duties to reinforce round-the-clock high-tech nakas and city sealing points. In response to reports of vehicles without number plates being used in crimes, directions have been issued to intensify vehicle checks, with a focus on challaning and impounding such vehicles, especially two-wheelers.
Emphasising the need for rapid communication, DGP Yadav stressed the maximum use of wireless sets and walkie-talkies, making it the responsibility of concerned officers to ensure proper police response immediately after incidents are reported. As part of confidence-building measures, district chiefs have been directed to personally conduct field visits in high-footfall and hotspot areas.
