Daijiworld Media Network - Chandigarh
Chandigarh, Apr 12: In a fresh push to strengthen law and order, the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government has introduced a new reward policy to incentivise informants sharing credible information on wanted criminals and gangster networks across the state. The government has also released a list of 28 most-wanted criminals as part of the initiative.
Under the ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign, the state has authorised police officials to grant rewards based on actionable intelligence. Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) can approve rewards up to Rs 1 lakh, Commissioners of Police, Range IGs and DIGs up to Rs 1.5 lakh, Heads of Wings up to Rs 2 lakh, while amounts exceeding Rs 2 lakh will require approval from the Director General of Police (DGP).
The government has also operationalised an ‘Anti-Gangster Helpline’ (9394693946) for citizens to share information. Officials assured that only verified and credible inputs will be rewarded and the identity of informants will remain strictly confidential.
Additional Director General of Police, Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), Pramod Ban said the move aims to dismantle criminal networks and eliminate gangster activities in the state. “The information will be verified before any reward is granted. The identity of informants will not be disclosed at any level,” he stated, adding that the government is committed to going to any extent to curb crime.
He further said informants whose inputs lead to the arrest of wanted criminals, proclaimed offenders and habitual offenders will be rewarded. The intelligence gathered will also strengthen ongoing operations under ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ and Operation Prahaar.
Encouraging public participation, Ban emphasised that ensuring safety of residents is the state’s responsibility and called on citizens to assist law enforcement in curbing criminal activities.
Since the launch of the campaign, Punjab Police has conducted 56,487 raids at identified locations linked to gangster associates. The coordinated operations with AGTF have resulted in 19,894 arrests so far. Preventive action has been taken against 9,353 individuals, while 15,284 persons were verified and released after questioning. Additionally, 851 proclaimed offenders have been arrested.