Punjab Police has launched the second phase of its anti-gangster drive, Operation Prahar-2, as part of the wider Gangstran Te Vaar campaign. The 72-hour operation aims to arrest wanted criminals, strengthen field-level policing, and improve public confidence through visible action in hotspot areas. Senior officers have been directed to personally supervise crime scenes and intensify checks across the state.
Operation Prahar-2 Begins
Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav announced that the operation will run from Monday to Wednesday. Senior officers from Police Headquarters have been deputed to oversee the drive. Commissioners of Police and Senior Superintendents of Police have been instructed to visit important crime scenes and ensure proper investigation. District chiefs have also been asked to conduct field visits in high-footfall and sensitive areas.
Action Against Gangsters and Crime Networks
The police have identified 61 gangsters operating from abroad, of whom extradition or deportation has been sought for 38 through the Centre. The force said the campaign is targeting organised crime syndicates linked to Punjab. Over the past 20 days of the drive, 5,290 persons, including gangsters and criminals, have been arrested and 128 weapons recovered after 17,603 raids.
Law and Order and Preventive Measures
Police have also intensified action against social media accounts and websites allegedly spreading fear, with 350 FIRs registered. Around 3,500 arms licences out of 7,000 identified for possible misuse have been suspended. Preventive action has been taken against 2,973 persons, while 344 proclaimed offenders have been arrested. The police have also issued standard operating procedures for better operational readiness and rapid response.
Drugs and Vehicle Checking Drive
The state police are also running the Yudh Nashian Virudh anti-drugs campaign. So far, 33,779 FIRs have been registered and 48,167 arrests made. To improve crime prevention, police have been asked to strengthen high-tech nakas, seal escape routes, and intensify checking of vehicles, especially two-wheelers without number plates.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026