This development follows "Operation Prahar", a massive crackdown led by DGP Gaurav Yadav, who has labelled 2026 the "Year Against Gangsters"

Year Against Gangsters: Punjab’s First Anti-Gangster Police Station in Rajpura with Statewide Powers

The Punjab Government has officially approved the state’s first specialised Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) police station in Rajpura, Patiala. Unlike standard stations, this facility will have statewide jurisdiction, allowing it to lead operations against organised crime across the state.

This development follows "Operation Prahar", a massive crackdown led by DGP Gaurav Yadav, who has labelled 2026 the "Year Against Gangsters". The initiative focuses on destroying the entire criminal ecosystem, including those providing money, weapons, and shelter to gangs. To support this, the police have also introduced an Anti-Gangster Helpline (93946-93946) for anonymous tips and a dedicated cell to track fugitives hiding abroad.

The crackdown has moved through two strategic phases. The first phase used synchronised raids to dismantle local extortion networks and cut off communication for gang leaders operating from inside jails. The second phase shifted focus to the financial roots of these groups, seizing vehicles, cash, and properties linked to criminal activities.

Officials state that the Rajpura station will serve as the central command hub for these efforts. By centralising intelligence and legal power, the government aims to move beyond simple arrests and systematically dismantle the logistics of organised crime. This move signals a significant escalation in the state's strategy to restore public safety and law and order.

Source: The Tribune