CHANDIGARH, MAY 7 — A first-of-its-kind national initiative, Punjab Police is proactively monitoring digital spaces to rescue at-risk youth from the influence of organized crime. Under the “Yuva Saanjh” program, authorities have identified over 2,300 individuals influenced by violence and gangster culture online, providing them with counseling and rehabilitation opportunities instead of criminal records.
Special DGP Gurpreet Kaur Deo affirmed that while enforcement operations target existing crime syndicates, this program prioritizes the prevention of future recruitment. She stated that the department has increased the frequency of its outreach, with five major interactions held in the last four months and nearly a dozen more scheduled for the remainder of the year. The program aims to offer stable alternatives to youth who might otherwise be lured by negative influences.
“The initiative has helped the Punjab Police to not only reduce the crime rate on ground, but also in preventing the state youth from supporting trouble makers,” affirmed Fazilka SSP Gurmeet Singh. He stated that the program allows young people to clear their doubts and face the reality of the criminal world before making life-altering mistakes. In his district alone, he noted that the initiative has helped build a strong base of law-abiding citizens.
The rehabilitation process is further strengthened by partnerships with the Punjab Skill Development Mission. Authorities declared that the government provides skill development, employment linkages, and financial assistance to those looking to pivot toward productive careers. Through these coordinated efforts between district intelligence units and civil society, the state aims to protect its social fabric by ensuring its youth are assets to the community rather than targets for gangs.
