Chandigarh: Punjab Police has reported a sharp decline of up to 69% in gangster-related murders and firing incidents over the past three months, following the launch of its anti-gangster drive ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ on January 20.
The crackdown marks one of the most aggressive recent efforts to curb organised crime in Punjab, with authorities attributing the success to enhanced enforcement and growing public cooperation.
Key Highlights of the Crackdown
- 69% decline in gangster-related murders and firing incidents
- 100% drop in gangster-linked murder cases since January
- Operation launched: January 20, 2026
- Strong public participation through helpline reporting
Public Participation Driving Results
A critical factor behind the decline has been citizen engagement.
- Toll-free Anti-Gangster Helpline: 93946-93946
- ~175 calls per month reporting gangster activity
- Anonymous reporting has enabled faster intelligence gathering
Residents across Punjab have actively reported:
- Extortion threats
- Suspicious activities
- Gangster movement and firing incidents
Extortion Cases Still a Concern
Despite overall improvement, extortion remains a persistent challenge:
- January: 110 cases
- March: 98 cases
- Decline: ~11%
While the reduction is notable, such cases continue to create fear among targeted individuals and businesses.
