Punjab police launches ‘Operation Prahar’ to dismantle gangster networks

In a decisive move against organised crime, the Punjab Police on Tuesday launched Operation Prahar , a statewide offensive aimed at dismantling the entire ecosystem of gangster networks including weapons supply, logistics, safe houses, and communication channels. The operation comes in the wake of a series of high-profile shootings, extortion incidents, and intelligence reports indicating the growing influence of gangs operating both within the state and from abroad.

Addressing the media, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the operation draws inspiration from the state’s earlier anti-drug campaign, Yudh Nashian Virudh, which led to tens of thousands of arrests and FIRs in recent years. “Just as we made significant progress in creating a drug-free Punjab, our goal now is to make Punjab gangster-free,” he said.

Over 12,000 police personnel , organized into nearly 2,000 teams , are conducting raids across all 28 districts. Hotspots such as Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, Bathinda, and Amritsar are seeing particularly intensive operations. Authorities have identified around 60 major gang leaders with overseas connections and mapped 1,200 accomplices and 600 properties linked to organised crime as priority targets.

On the first day alone, police reported over 1,200 arrests , multiple encounters with armed suspects, and seizures of weapons, communication devices, financial records, and other incriminating material. Officials confirmed that properties and assets linked to gangsters will be attached or frozen under legal provisions.

Operation Prahar is being conducted under various legal frameworks, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita , the Arms Act , and the NDPS Act , targeting both local and cross-border criminal networks. A newly formed Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell , led by IG (Counter-Intelligence) Ashish Chaudhary, will pursue gangsters abroad and coordinate extradition cases with central agencies and Interpol. Coordination with the NIA, CBI, and intelligence units is also underway to trace financing, communication, and weapons supply chains.

Punjab Police are leveraging advanced digital forensics, GPS tracking, network analysis tools, and real-time surveillance to monitor and dismantle criminal networks. Efforts also include tracking online propaganda and recruitment channels used by gangs.

While the operation is officially a 72-hour intensive drive , authorities have emphasized that the campaign against organised crime will continue until the objective of a gangster-free Punjab is achieved. The plan includes quarterly milestones for arrests, asset seizures, network disruption, and reduction in violent crime, with local police stations reporting progress to state headquarters.

A 24/7 Anti-Gangster Helpline (93946-93946) has been launched to allow citizens to share information confidentially. DGP Yadav emphasized zero tolerance for any individuals aiding or abetting gangsters, including within law enforcement ranks.

The operation represents a comprehensive push to eliminate the infrastructure supporting organised crime, sending a strong message that criminal networks will no longer find safe space in the state.