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Punjab: Over 22,000 individuals held during anti-gangster drive in last 3 months
Punjab Police's anti-gangster drive, 'Gangstran Te Vaar', has arrested over 22,000 people, including 461 associates, in the past three months. In the period up to April 19, authorities conducted 62,302 raids, detained 10,254 people under preventive measures, and recovered weapons, explosives, and narcotics across the state.
Why It Matters
The operation aims to dismantle organised crime networks and their funding and logistics. It also uses technology and an anti-gangster helpline to encourage information from citizens, potentially strengthening crime prevention.
Timeline
2 Events
Ongoing drive status as of April 19, 2026
April 19, 2026
As of April 19, 2026, the drive had arrested over 22,000 individuals (including 461 associates of gangsters) following 62,302 raids; 915 proclaimed offenders were arrested, and 10,254 persons were detained under preventive measures (including 444 associates and 9,810 wanted individuals). The operation yielded substantial recoveries: 408 firearms, 148 sharp-edged weapons, 1,197 rounds of ammunition, 122 magazines, 2.5 kg of explosives, six hand grenades; narcotics seizures included 378.45 kg of heroin, 301.947 kg of opium, 2,838.77 kg of poppy husk, 12,37,318 intoxicant tablets, 7373.82 grams of intoxicant powder, 101.459 kg of ganja, and 790 grams of 'ice'.
Launch of anti-gangster drive 'Gangstran Te Vaar'
January 20, 2026
Punjab Police launched the anti-gangster drive 'Gangstran Te Vaar' on January 20, 2026, designed to dismantle the ecosystem of organised crime by targeting not just gangsters but also their logistical, financial, and communication networks.