Chandigarh, April 14: Women police officers in Punjab are increasingly leading high-stakes anti-gangster operations, signaling a progressive shift in the state’s law enforcement strategy under the Bhagwant Mann-led government. From tactical field raids to complex intelligence gathering, female officers now hold 79 senior positions, including roles as DGPs, SSPs, and DSPs, actively dismantling criminal networks across the region.
The state’s “Gangstran Te Vaar” campaign has seen significant participation from women in leadership, contributing to over 59,000 raids and the arrest of more than 21,000 gangster associates. Officials stated that these officers are not only executing arrests but are also specializing in technology-driven policing to counter the modern methods used by organized crime groups.
“I firmly believe policing is about competence, courage and commitment, not gender,” affirmed SSP Faridkot Pragya Jain. She noted that during coordinated crackdowns, women teams often secure vital human intelligence from local residents that might otherwise be difficult to access. Jain maintained that mainstreaming women into operational roles reflects the institutional maturity of the force.
The impact of this inclusive approach is evident in the success of “Operation Parhaar,” where structured tracking of criminal categories has strengthened preventive enforcement. Inspector General of Police, Faridkot Range, Nilambari Jagdale, asserted that victims and witnesses often show greater trust in female officers, which facilitates better information flow during sensitive investigations. She declared that leadership and courage are not defined by gender, and the current mix of personnel provides a healthy sign of a progressive state.
By integrating women into both field and administrative positions, Punjab Police aims to foster a “Safe Punjab, Happy Punjab.” SSP Khanna Dr. Darpan Ahluwalia declared that community engagement initiatives like “Ghar Ghar Sampark Muhim” are proving essential in gathering human intelligence within hotspots. Authorities affirmed that the collective effort of the force is focused on reaching the roots of criminal ecosystems to ensure long-term public security.
