States » NorthPosted at: Oct 24 2026 8:04PM


Punjab Police raids 527 locations, arrests 223 in anti-gangster drive

Chandigarh, Oct 24 (UNI) Punjab Police conducted 527 raids across the state on Saturday and arrested 223 people during its continuing campaign against gangsters and their associates, officials said.
The coordinated searches were carried out on the 277th day of the 'Gangstran Te Vaar' campaign at identified locations linked to suspected organised criminal networks.
Police teams from various districts participated in the operation in coordination with the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF).
According to an official statement, the latest arrests took the total number of people apprehended since the campaign began to 80,458.
The campaign was launched on January 20, 2026, under Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav as part of an intensified crackdown on organised crime.
However, the previously reported cumulative figure of 80,234 and Saturday's 223 arrests add up to 80,457. The police statement did not explain the difference.
Police also initiated preventive action against 175 individuals during Saturday's operation and arrested two proclaimed offenders.
The drive focuses on identifying criminal associates, suspected facilitators and individuals allegedly providing logistical support to organised gangs.
Police said intelligence-based operations were continuing across districts to locate wanted criminals and identify properties or establishments allegedly being used for criminal activities.
"People can anonymously report information related to wanted criminals and gangsters, and also share tips on crime and criminal activity," the police said.
Residents have been asked to share information through the anti-gangster helpline number 93946-93946.
Meanwhile, the police continued their separate statewide anti-drug campaign, 'Yudh Nashian Virudh', on its 602nd day.
During Saturday's operations, police arrested 113 suspected drug smugglers and recovered 358 grams of heroin, 1,920 intoxicant tablets and Rs 3,160 in suspected drug proceeds.
The official statement put the cumulative number of arrests under the anti-drug campaign at 87,600.
However, the previous day's reported total of 87,391 and Saturday's 113 arrests add up to 87,504, leaving a discrepancy in the published figures.
As part of its de-addiction programme, police said 13 individuals were persuaded to undergo treatment and rehabilitation.
Officials said both enforcement campaigns would continue with district-level operations, intelligence gathering and public cooperation.
The simultaneous drives form part of Punjab's broader strategy to curb organised crime, narcotics trafficking and related criminal activities.
Police arrest figures do not necessarily represent convictions, and the outcome of individual cases will depend on investigation and judicial proceedings.
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Tags: #Punjab Police raids 527 locations# arrests 223 in anti-gangster drive
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