PunjabPolice – Rajpura to Host Statewide Anti-Gangster Task Force Unit
PunjabPolice – The Punjab government has moved to strengthen its fight against organised crime by approving a dedicated State Anti-Gangster Task Force Police Station in Rajpura, located in Patiala district. The newly sanctioned unit will operate with statewide jurisdiction, marking a significant step in expanding coordinated action against criminal networks across Punjab.
Statewide Jurisdiction for New Task Force
Officials said the Anti-Gangster Task Force Police Station in Rajpura will function as a specialised hub to monitor, investigate and act against gang-related activities anywhere in the state. Unlike regular police stations that are limited to specific areas, this unit will have authority across districts, enabling quicker coordination and intelligence-sharing.
The decision is part of the government’s broader effort to curb organised crime and dismantle gang networks that have been active in different parts of Punjab. Senior police officials indicated that the task force will focus on tracking financial channels, weapons supply routes and cross-border connections linked to criminal syndicates.
Major Drug Bust in Amritsar
In a separate development, the Amritsar Commissionerate Police dismantled a cross-border narcotics smuggling network and arrested two alleged operatives. According to police officials, authorities seized 7.63 kilograms of heroin and recovered Rs 21,800 believed to be drug proceeds.
Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav stated that the operation followed sustained intelligence gathering. Preliminary findings suggest the accused were allegedly in contact with a handler based in Dubai. Investigators believe the handler used virtual numbers to coordinate heroin consignments, specify drop locations and manage distribution channels within India.
Police sources further revealed that the same overseas handler is suspected to have links with multiple narcotics supply chains and has been associated with a major NDPS case involving the seizure of 43 kilograms of heroin in the past.
A First Information Report has been registered at Chheharta Police Station in Amritsar under provisions of the NDPS Act. Authorities said efforts are underway to identify additional individuals connected to the network and to trace both forward and backward linkages in the supply chain.
Operation Prahaar-2 Targets Criminal Networks
The state police also launched “Operation Prahaar-2,” a 72-hour intensive crackdown aimed at dismantling gangster networks. On the first day alone, more than 1,200 individuals were taken into custody, according to official figures.
Police teams carried out 2,760 raids across multiple districts at locations believed to be linked with wanted criminals. The operation forms part of the broader “Gangstran Te Vaar” campaign, which seeks to make Punjab free from organised gang activity.
Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav initiated the drive following directions from Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. Senior officers from Police Headquarters were deployed to supervise field operations, ensuring close monitoring and coordination at the district level.
Officials described the action as a preventive and enforcement-based approach designed to disrupt criminal logistics, gather actionable intelligence and deter future gang-related activities.
Shimla Police Arrest Alleged Inter-State Drug Kingpin
Meanwhile, in a related crackdown on drug trafficking, Shimla Police arrested an alleged inter-state narcotics kingpin from Zirakpur in Punjab. The accused, identified as Vijay alias David alias Bihari, was wanted in connection with multiple NDPS cases registered in the Shimla district.
Investigators believe the suspect played a key role in coordinating drug supply across state borders. His arrest is expected to help authorities uncover additional links in the wider trafficking network.
Law enforcement agencies in both Punjab and Himachal Pradesh have indicated that coordinated efforts will continue to target organised crime and narcotics operations operating across state lines.
With the establishment of the Anti-Gangster Task Force Police Station in Rajpura and ongoing enforcement drives, Punjab Police appears set to intensify its campaign against organised criminal groups and drug trafficking networks.