Punjab DGP Orders Crackdown on Gangsters and Drug Trafficking Ahead of Festive Season

To make Punjab a safe state, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav today chaired a law and order meeting of senior officers via video conference to review the ongoing action against organised crime, drug trafficking and terrorism, and to devise a comprehensive action plan to ensure peaceful festive season.

Addressing all Range DIGs, CPs, SSPs, SPs, DSPs, and SHOs across the state, the DGP directed them to remain fully alert and committed to ensuring peace, harmony, and the safety of all citizens.

Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Promod Ban and ADGP Counter Intelligence Amit Prasad were among the other senior level officers, who attended the meeting.

DGP Gaurav Yadav gave a free hand to the officers to fearlessly deal with gangsters and anti-social elements. “Accountability of every officer from the rank of constable to SSP will be fixed and no laxity will be tolerated on the gangster and drug fronts,” he warned.

On the drug front, the DGP praised the force for the appreciable work done under the “Yudh Nashian Virudh” anti-drugs campaign, which has resulted in an impressive 87 per cent conviction rate in NDPS cases.

He further stressed the need for professional investigation to establish backward and forward linkages to identify the source of consignments and reach the "big fish."

He directed that seized mobile phones of notorious suppliers should be sent for forensic analysis to expose the chain and make further arrests.

He also asked officials to make maximum use of section 64A of the NDPS Act, which provides opportunity to a drug consumer caught with a few grams of heroin or narcotic powder for rehabilitation.

He also appreciated the work on the Safe Punjab anti-drugs Chatbot, which has witnessed a 33-35% FIR conversion rate, and exhorted officers to take public inputs received on it seriously and develop them.

To tackle the critical issue of staff shortage, the DGP said the state government has created 1,600 posts including 150 inspectors, 450 sub-inspectors, and 1000 assistant sub-inspectors to be filled through promotions.

Besides, 3400 posts of Constables will be filled through direct recruitment next year, and an additional 4,500 district cadre posts have been created to be filled in a phased manner, he said, while directing CPs and SSPs to conduct a resource audit and depute regular head constables in police stations to reduce workload, especially in NDPS cases.

“Over the period of time, adequate manpower will be available,” he said.

Reviewing the organised crime scenario, the DGP asked police officials to identify associates of gangsters and put them behind bars. “You have full protection and support from the department. Deal with the gangsters fearlessly,” he said.

The DGP also reiterated the Punjab government’s commitment of zero tolerance towards corruption, stating that anyone, irrespective of their rank, found involved in corruption would be dealt strictly and exemplary action would be taken.

Emphasising citizen-centric policing, DGP Gaurav Yadav said the main aim of Punjab Police is to deliver justice to the people. He directed officers to sit in their offices, meet people, and pick up their calls to listen to their grievances.