Punjab Police have launched Punjab Operation Prahar, a 72‑hour, state‑wide crackdown that saw over 2,000 officers raiding 60 locations linked to foreign‑based gangsters. The operation, announced on Tuesday, aims to dismantle the entire ecosystem of organised crime that has long plagued the state.
Background and Context
Punjab has struggled with gangsterism for decades, with local gangs often receiving support from overseas associates. In recent years, the state government has intensified its anti‑crime drive, but the transnational dimension of the problem has made it harder to track and prosecute offenders. The new operation follows a series of high‑profile arrests in 2025, when 925 gangsters were taken into custody, and a surge in drug‑related offences that the government has linked to the same network.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s administration has pledged a “war on crime” that extends beyond Punjab’s borders. By targeting foreign‑based gangsters, the police hope to cut off the financial and logistical lifelines that sustain local criminal syndicates.
Key Developments
During a press conference, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav outlined the operation’s scope:
- Scale of the raid: 2,000 police teams, 12,000 personnel, 60 raid sites across the state.
- Targets: 60 foreign‑based gangsters, 1,200 associates, and 600 family members involved in criminal activities.
Goldy Brar, Rohit Godara (Brar‑Rohit Godara‑Kala Jatheri gang), Arsh Dalla (Jaipal gang), Harry Chattha (Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang), Harvinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda (Rinda‑Landa gang). - Legal tools: Red Corner Notices issued for 23 gangsters; remaining 37 to be processed within three months.
Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell (OFTEC) established, headed by DIG Counter Intelligence Ashish Choudhary. Up to ₹10 lakh for tips leading to arrests; total sanctioned amount ₹10 crore.
Yadav emphasized that the operation is not limited to Punjab. “We will nab the miscreants from any nook, in or outside the country, and make them face the law,” he said, underscoring the zero‑tolerance stance of the state.
Impact Analysis
For residents, the crackdown signals a shift toward safer streets and reduced drug trafficking. The police estimate that dismantling the network could cut drug‑related crimes by up to 30% in the next year. For students and young professionals, the operation offers a clearer message: the state is serious about curbing the lure of quick money from gangsters.
Local businesses may also feel the ripple effect. With fewer gang‑linked extortion cases, commercial activity is expected to rebound, especially in the manufacturing and agriculture sectors that have been hit by intimidation.
However, the operation may also bring short‑term disruptions. Raids in residential areas can cause temporary traffic snarls and property damage. Police have pledged to minimize collateral impact by coordinating with local authorities and providing advance notice where possible.
Expert Insights and Practical Tips
Law enforcement analysts suggest that the success of Punjab Operation Prahar hinges on sustained intelligence sharing between state and central agencies. “The creation of OFTEC is a game‑changer,” notes Dr. Anil Kumar, a criminology professor at Punjab University. “It allows for real‑time tracking of fugitives abroad and speeds up extradition processes.”
For citizens, the police have launched an anti‑gangster helpline at 93946‑93946. The line is open 24/7 and offers anonymity for callers. The reward policy encourages community participation: “If you have information that leads to an arrest, you could earn up to ₹10 lakh,” Yadav said.
Practical advice for students:
- Stay informed: Follow official police updates on social media and local news outlets.
- Report suspicious activity: Use the helpline or local police stations to report any gang‑related threats.
- Secure your finances: Avoid quick‑cash schemes that promise high returns; they often involve criminal networks.
- Know your rights: If approached by gang members, do not comply with demands and seek police assistance immediately.
Looking Ahead
The Punjab government plans to extend the operation’s reach beyond the initial 60 sites. Future phases will focus on dismantling safe houses, weapon supply chains, and communication networks that gangsters use to coordinate activities. The state also intends to collaborate with international law‑enforcement agencies to track and extradite fugitives residing abroad.
In the long term, the government aims to replicate the success of its drug‑free Punjab campaign. “Just as we have made Punjab drug‑free, we will make it gangster‑free,” Yadav declared. The operation’s outcomes will be closely monitored through crime statistics, and adjustments will be made as necessary to ensure sustained progress.
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