National Times Bureau :- Punjab Police on Monday morning launched a large-scale security drive titled Operation Prahar 2.0, aimed at tightening the noose around criminal elements across the state. The operation began at 8 am and will continue for 72 hours, with a special focus on wanted and habitual offenders.
As part of the operation, senior police officers have been assigned to different districts to personally supervise field-level action. Around 12,000 police personnel have been deployed on the ground to carry out searches, checks and targeted operations in identified sensitive areas.
Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the state government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards crime and made it clear that there is no safe haven for criminals in Punjab. He added that youths who have strayed onto the wrong path would be given an opportunity to surrender and return to the mainstream, but strict action would be taken against those continuing criminal activities.
Police officials said a detailed strategy has been prepared for Operation Prahar 2.0. Lists of criminals, along with identified crime hotspots, have been compiled in every district, and action is being taken accordingly. The operation is intelligence-driven and focuses on preventive policing as well as enforcement.
It may be recalled that during the earlier phase of Operation Prahar, attempts were made by certain elements to spread misinformation on social media to undermine the drive. Despite this, the operation was considered largely successful by the police.
The renewed crackdown comes at a crucial time when the Punjab and Haryana High Court has sought responses from the state government over the law and order situation. High-profile cases, including incidents in Mohali and Chandigarh, have put the government under pressure, with opposition parties repeatedly targeting it over rising crime.
Officials said Operation Prahar 2.0 is a decisive step towards restoring public confidence and ensuring stricter control over criminal activities in the state.
