Punjab Government Authorizes Cash Rewards for Informants on Wanted Criminals
The Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government has taken a decisive step in its fight against organized crime by authorizing Punjab Police personnel to reward genuine informants under a newly introduced reward policy. This initiative is designed to encourage residents to share critical information regarding wanted criminals, gangsters, or their networks operating within the state.
Hierarchical Sanction Powers and Reward Structure
As part of the 'Gangstran Te Vaar' campaign, the government has approved specific sanction powers for various police ranks to disburse rewards. The senior superintendent of police (SSP) can sanction up to Rs 1 lakh, while the commissioner of police, range inspector general of police, or deputy inspector general of police can approve amounts up to Rs 1.5 lakh. Heads of wings, such as the special director general of police or additional director general of police, have the authority to sanction rewards of up to Rs 2 lakh. For amounts exceeding Rs 2 lakh, the director general of police (DGP) holds the sanctioning power.
The sanctioned funds will be awarded to informants only upon providing correct and verified information, with the primary goal of increasing public involvement in assisting the government and Punjab Police to enhance state security.
Government and Police Statements on the Policy
Pramod Ban, ADGP of the Anti-Gangster Task Force, emphasized the government's commitment to this initiative. "The Punjab government has approved the above-mentioned sanction powers for the designated police personnel. The information will be verified first, and the informants will be awarded as per the criteria. The identity of the informants will not be disclosed or made public at any level of police, public, or government," he stated.
Ban further explained, "The aim is to close all doors for the criminals and gangsters operating in the state. The Punjab government aims to go to any extent for achieving this aim." He highlighted that informants who provide credible information leading to the arrest of wanted, proclaimed, and habitual offenders will be eligible for rewards.
Implementation and Confidentiality Measures
The reward policy includes robust confidentiality measures to protect informants. "It would be a high-quality reward programme where the identity of the tipsters would be protected," Ban assured. He added, "We want more and more people to come forward to help the government and the police in denting the criminal activity in the state. Safeguarding every resident of the state is our duty and responsibility. We will trust the information only after proper vetting, and there's no question of any danger to the informant."
The reward amount will be determined on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as the gravity of the offence, the risk involved, and the quality of the information provided. This policy is an integral component of the ongoing 'Gangstran Te Vaar' campaign, which seeks to make Punjab free from gangster activities.
Reporting Mechanisms and Helpline Details
To facilitate information sharing, the government has established the 'Anti-Gangster Helpline' at 9394693946. People can anonymously report details on wanted criminals and gangsters, as well as share tips on crime and criminal activities through this dedicated channel.
Ban elaborated on the operational aspects, stating, "The Punjab Police will follow the leads provided by the informants. This project will also give extra wings to the Punjab Police network in stopping the troublemakers. The information gathered through this project will be further used for enhancing 'Gangstran Te Vaar' under operation Prahaar."
In conjunction with this policy, the government has released a list of 28 most wanted criminals, underscoring its proactive approach to targeting high-priority offenders and strengthening law enforcement efforts across the state.
