90 days, 62,000 raids: Punjab’s war on gangs

Chandigarh: In three months of statewide operation ‘Gangstran Te Vaar', Punjab Police carried out 62,302 raids till April 19, leading to the arrest of 915 proclaimed offenders, DGP Gaurav Yadav said on Monday, describing the drive as a coordinated crackdown on gangster networks operating within India and abroad.Launched on January 20, the operation targets not just gangsters but also their logistical, financial and communication networks.The DGP said 22,605 persons have been arrested so far, including 461 gangster associates and 22,144 wanted individuals. Another 10,254 people were detained under preventive measures, while 16,439 were verified and released. Overall, police have accounted for 49,298 individuals during the drive.He said the crackdown has led to significant recoveries, including 408 firearms, 148 sharp-edged weapons, 1,197 rounds of ammunition, 122 magazines, 2.5 kg explosives and six hand grenades.Police also seized large quantities of drugs — 378.5 kg heroin, 301.9 kg opium, 2,838.8 kg poppy husk, over 12.4 lakh intoxicant tablets, 7,373.8gm powder, 101.5 kg ganja and 790gm ‘Ice'. Authorities confiscated Rs 1 crore in drug money, Rs 50.7 lakh in cash and 273 gm of gold.In addition, 24,520.2 litres of illicit liquor were seized. Police also recovered 4,229 mobile phones, 815 vehicles and 31 drones used by criminal networks.Key figures62,302 | Raids conducted22,605 | Total arrests378.45kg | Heroin seized4,229 | Mobile phones recovered