9 February 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Punjab Police on Tuesday formally launched ‘Operation Prahar 2.0’, a large-scale, state-wide crackdown aimed at dismantling organised crime networks, gangs, and criminal syndicates operating across the state. Announcing the launch, Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) said that more than 5,000 gangsters and criminal elements have already been arrested in Phase 1 of the operation.
The renewed offensive is part of the state government’s aggressive strategy to restore law and order, curb gang violence, and eliminate the influence of organised crime in Punjab.
Massive Crackdown Across the State
According to senior police officials, Operation Prahar 2.0 was launched simultaneously across multiple districts, involving:
- District police units
- Special task forces
- Intelligence wings
- Armed reserve forces
Raids were conducted at known gang hideouts, criminal safe houses, and locations linked to extortion, illegal arms, drug trafficking, and contract killings.
The DGP said the operation is intelligence-driven and focuses on habitual offenders, gang leaders, associates, and their financial networks.
Phase 1 Results
Sharing details of Phase 1, the DGP revealed:
- Over 5,000 gangsters and criminal elements arrested
- Hundreds of illegal weapons and ammunition seized
- Vehicles, mobile phones, and cash recovered
- Several wanted criminals taken into custody
Many of those arrested were already facing multiple criminal cases, including murder, attempted murder, extortion, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling.
“This is one of the biggest coordinated police actions in recent years,” the DGP said, adding that the operation sends a clear message that crime will not be tolerated.
Focus on Gang Ecosystem
Officials explained that Operation Prahar 2.0 is not limited to arrests alone. The police are also targeting:
- Financiers and money handlers
- Jail-based gang operations
- Foreign-linked criminal networks
- Social media-based recruitment and threats
Special teams have been tasked with analysing digital evidence to track communication between gang members, including those operating from abroad.
Government’s Zero-Tolerance Message
The Punjab government reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards crime, stating that public safety remains its top priority. Senior officials said the operation would continue in multiple phases until criminal networks are completely dismantled.
“This is not a one-day drive. Operation Prahar 2.0 will continue relentlessly,” a senior police officer said.
Public Reassurance
The DGP urged citizens to cooperate with the police and share information about criminal activity without fear. Helplines and confidential reporting mechanisms have been strengthened to encourage public participation.
Residents in several districts reported an increased police presence, checkpoints, and night patrols, which authorities say will remain in place to maintain pressure on criminal elements.
What Lies Ahead
Police sources said Phase 2 and Phase 3 of Operation Prahar 2.0 will focus on:
- Property seizure of gangsters
- Fast-tracking cases in courts
- Preventive detention of repeat offenders
- Strengthening inter-state and international coordination
The operation is being closely monitored at the highest level of the police administration.
Conclusion
With Operation Prahar 2.0, Punjab Police aim to decisively break the backbone of organised crime in the state. The arrest of over 5,000 gangsters in the first phase underlines the scale of the crackdown and the government’s intent to ensure peace and security for citizens.
Summary
Punjab Police launched Operation Prahar 2.0 today, arresting over 5,000 gangsters in Phase 1 as part of a massive state-wide crackdown on organised crime and criminal networks.