Chandigarh, Jan 20: Against organized crime, Punjab Police will begin attaching properties linked to gangsters, mirroring the strict measures currently used against drug traffickers. This move is part of the newly launched ‘Operation Prahar’, which seeks to neutralize the financial influence of criminal syndicates operating within the state and from foreign soil.
DGP Gaurav Yadav explained that the police are closely scrutinizing proceeds from criminal activities to ensure that the economic foundations of these gangs are permanently destroyed. He accompanied the announcement with an offer for lower-level associates to surrender and reintegrate into society.
“The complete ecosystem of gangsters will be dismantled, their financial trails exposed, and there will be zero tolerance for aiding or abetting them,” DGP Yadav said.
The state is also investing $Rs$ 500 crore to modernize the prison system, focusing on the installation of advanced jammers and surveillance equipment to prevent illicit communication. While security is being tightened, the government is also revamping jail factories to provide inmates with legitimate employment opportunities.
During the press briefing, the DGP was joined by Special DGP Arpit Shukla and Anti-Gangster Task Force Chief Promod Ban. When asked about potential ties between criminal groups and the political sphere, the DGP stated that no such links have been established during current investigations.
“So far, no connection between politicians and gangsters has been found,” he said.
Beyond domestic raids, the police are utilizing the newly formed Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell to pursue fugitives globally. This specialized unit is tasked with streamlining the deportation process for gangsters who have fled India.
