Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Escalating its offensive against organised crime, the Punjab Police has moved to the next stage of Operation Prahar, widening its focus to gangsters operating from foreign soil. Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav on Sunday said legal steps have been initiated to bring back 38 fugitives who are allegedly directing criminal networks in the state from abroad.
The second phase of the operation will formally roll out from February 9. According to the DGP, the list of 38 wanted criminals forms part of a broader group of 61 overseas-based gangsters identified by intelligence agencies. While formal extradition or deportation requests have already been sent for some, paperwork for the remaining individuals is still being finalised through the Union government.
Addressing a press conference after a strategy meeting with senior officers, Yadav asserted that the police would pursue offenders across jurisdictions. “No matter where they are hiding, those named in criminal cases will be brought to justice,” he said, adding that law enforcement actions would remain within the bounds of law.
The DGP also responded to public concern following recent murders in Mohali and Jalandhar, stating that investigators have identified the key suspects and arrests are expected soon. He rejected suggestions that police failures were responsible, stressing that targeted action against organised gangs was already yielding results.
Sharing details of Phase One of Operation Prahar, launched on January 20, Yadav said the drive had led to a sweeping verification exercise across the state. Over 13,700 individuals suspected of links with gang networks were checked, resulting in more than 5,200 arrests and nearly 3,000 preventive detentions. He clarified that only those found connected to criminal activity were proceeded against, countering claims of arbitrary police action circulating online.
Beyond physical operations, the police have intensified surveillance of digital platforms. Authorities have acted against thousands of online links accused of spreading fear or glorifying gangsters, registered hundreds of cases related to online threats, and suspended a large number of arms licences, with further reviews underway.
On threats issued by absconding gangster Goldy Brar, the DGP said intimidation would not weaken police resolve. He confirmed that those behind high-profile crimes, including the Jalandhar killing of businessman Lucky Oberoi, had been identified.
Highlighting crime statistics, Yadav said Punjab continues to record lower crime rates compared to national figures, including in cases classified as heinous. He also noted that while some crimes stem from personal disputes and cannot be entirely prevented, swift investigation and accountability remain priorities.
Since last year, 92 shooting incidents linked largely to gang rivalry have been reported in Punjab, with police solving the majority of these cases. On the parallel anti-drug initiative, ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh,’ Yadav said sustained enforcement has led to tens of thousands of arrests, including major traffickers and hawala operators, along with significant narcotics seizures.
“The fight against crime is being pursued on all fronts—local, national and international,” the DGP said, signalling that Operation Prahar will continue with greater intensity in the coming weeks.
