Gangster Crackdown Punjab: In one of the biggest operations against crime in recent years, Bhagwant Maan Government is running “War against gangsters” Through the campaign, we have intensified our action against organized crime. Under this initiative, Punjab Police is carrying out large-scale, coordinated operations across the state, aimed at dismantling gangster networks, narco-syndicates and their associates.
Official figures highlight the sheer scale of this operation, between January 20 and March 15, 2026, Punjab Police conducted 44,787 raids – a figure reflecting the sustained and aggressive efforts being made to break the back of organized crime.
Thousands of gangsters arrested
These operations have resulted in the arrest of 14,894 people, including 14,561 wanted criminals and 333 associates and relatives associated with gangster networks. The police have also arrested 714 declared criminals who were evading arrest for a long time, further strengthening the depth and reach of this operation.
In addition to law enforcement measures, a strong deterrent strategy has also been adopted to stop criminal activities before they occur. A total of 7,494 people have been placed in preventive detention – including 7,210 wanted people and 284 associates – ensuring that potential threats are proactively neutralized and planned criminal operations are thwarted.
Weapons and explosives recovered
The large amount of material seized during this period reflects both the scale of the threat and the effectiveness of the countermeasures used. Punjab Police has seized 301 arms and 125 sharp weapons, 921 rounds of ammunition and 81 magazines. In a significant development, 2.5 kg of explosives and six hand grenades have also been recovered, indicating the insidious capabilities of these networks.
Most importantly, this operation has exposed – and destroyed – the logistical and technological backbone of these criminal activities. Law enforcement teams have seized 4,070 mobile phones, 548 vehicles and 10 drones, along with Rs 45.6 lakh in cash and 262 grams of gold; All this indicates the sophisticated methods being used in the coordination and execution of these criminal activities.
major change of strategy
Senior officers say the operation marks a decisive shift away from reactive policing towards proactive and systematic disruption of organized crime gangs. Its objective is not limited to the arrest of gangsters but also to target their financial channels, communication networks and supply chains, thereby weakening the entire structure that perpetuates criminal activities.
The results highlight the main objective of the “Gangster Te War” campaign; Making Punjab safer by breaking the nexus between gangsters, their associates and cross-border or foreign operators. Under the clear zero-tolerance policy led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government is ensuring that no criminal network can operate with impunity.
The campaign will continue
Security experts say the consistency and intensity of these operations is effectively weakening gangsters and drug networks, sending a strong deterrent message across the state of Punjab.
This campaign is going on in full force, and Punjab Police is committed to continue this relentless campaign until the root of organized crime is completely eradicated from the state.