Patiala:- The Punjab government has given the green signal to set up the first Anti-Gangster Task Force Police Station in Rajpura in Patiala district to step up action against crimes. According to a gazette notification, this new police station will function across Punjab. The step has been taken during the campaign launched by the Punjab Police under 'Operation Prahaar'. However, two phases of statewide raids and arrests targeting gangster networks and their support systems have already been completed.
Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav has declared 2026 as the "Year Against Gangsters". He stressed that the campaign aims to dismantle the entire ecosystem that enables organised crime, including financial managers, arms suppliers and safe haven providers. The police have set up an 'Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell' and have launched an anti-gangster helpline (93946-93946) for citizens' confidential information.
In the first phase, coordinated raids were carried out in various districts targeting active gangs and their local associates. Checking was intensified to stop the network of gang leaders lodged in jails, which resulted in several arrests and recovery of illegal arms and mobile phones.
In the second phase, the financial and logistical backbone of the gangs was targeted based on intelligence received from the initial operation. The police intensified the operation against shooters and handlers, traced the sources of ransom money and initiated action against properties built with criminal proceeds. Officials said the new statewide police station in Rajpura will act as a central hub for coordinating such operations, further strengthening Punjab's fight against organized crime at both the legal and operational levels.