PunjabCrime – Punjab Launches Reward Scheme to Track Wanted Gangsters

PunjabCrime –The Punjab government has introduced a new policy aimed at tightening its grip on organized crime by encouraging public participation. As part of this effort, authorities have released a list of 28 most wanted criminals and announced financial rewards for individuals who provide verified information about gangsters and their operations.

Reward Structure and Authority Levels

Under the initiative titled ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’, different levels of police अधिकारियों have been granted the authority to approve cash rewards for informants. Senior Superintendents of Police can sanction rewards up to Rs 1 lakh, while Commissioners of Police, Range Inspectors General, and Deputy Inspectors General can approve up to Rs 1.5 lakh. Higher-ranking officials, including Special DGPs and Additional DGPs heading specific wings, can sanction rewards up to Rs 2 lakh. Any amount exceeding this limit requires approval from the Director General of Police.

Officials clarified that rewards will only be given after verifying the accuracy and authenticity of the information. The initiative is designed to motivate citizens to assist law enforcement in identifying and apprehending criminals.

Confidentiality and Informant Protection

Authorities have emphasized that protecting the identity of informants is a top priority. According to senior officials, the information shared will remain strictly confidential at every level, including within police departments and government channels.

Additional Director General of Police, Anti-Gangster Task Force, Pramod Ban stated that all inputs received will undergo thorough verification before any action is taken. He assured that individuals providing credible information will face no risk, as their details will not be disclosed under any circumstances.

Strengthening Intelligence Network

The initiative also aims to improve the intelligence-gathering capabilities of the police. Officials believe that involving the public will help uncover hidden networks and provide valuable leads in ongoing investigations.

Citizens can share information through a dedicated Anti-Gangster Helpline at 9394693946. Authorities have encouraged people to report details about wanted criminals, their associates, or any suspicious activities linked to organized crime.

Ban noted that actionable information leading to arrests of proclaimed offenders or habitual criminals will be rewarded appropriately. He added that such efforts would significantly enhance ongoing operations under broader campaigns like Operation Prahaar.

Recent Crackdown and Enforcement Efforts

The announcement comes alongside intensified enforcement activities across the state. Police teams, working in coordination with the Anti-Gangster Task Force, have carried out large-scale raids targeting locations linked to criminal networks.

Recent data indicates that more than 56,000 raids have been conducted across Punjab. These operations have resulted in nearly 20,000 arrests since the campaign began. Preventive measures were also taken against over 9,000 individuals, while thousands more were questioned and later released after verification.

In addition, authorities confirmed the arrest of hundreds of proclaimed offenders during these operations, marking a significant step in curbing organized crime.

Encouraging Public Participation

Officials believe that community involvement is essential in sustaining long-term efforts against crime. By offering financial incentives and ensuring complete anonymity, the government hopes to build trust and encourage more people to come forward with useful information.

The reward amount for each case will be determined based on factors such as the seriousness of the offence, the level of risk involved, and the quality of the information provided.

The government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and maintaining law and order. With continued public cooperation, authorities expect to strengthen their crackdown on criminal networks operating within the state.