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Back to the state after hectic Delhi Assembly election campaigning, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday held a high-level meeting in Chandigarh with the police top brass including the Commissioners of Police, and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) from all districts to review the state’s law and order situation. The meeting, lasting over two hours, focused on tackling drug trafficking, organized crime, and enhancing police responsiveness.
Reaffirming his government's zero-tolerance policy against organized crime and drug trafficking, the Chief Minister directed the CPs and the SSPs to take full accountability for major crimes occurring within their jurisdictions.
At the same time, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for police officers to be more active in the field, interact with the public, and strengthen intelligence networks. He directed the SSPs to personally inspect police stations, ensure citizen engagement, and take swift action against criminal elements.
As part of the law enforcement revamp, Mann reviewed the progress of a large-scale recruitment drive, aiming to induct 10,000 new personnel into Punjab Police. Additionally, the Government is rolling out an extensive surveillance system, installing 2,300 CCTV cameras across 704 locations to enhance public safety.
The Chief Minister also stressed the need for modernization in policing. Over 140 new vehicles will be provided to SHOs (Station House Officers) in February to improve mobility and crime response. This marks a significant upgrade for the force, with police fleets being modernized after nearly 35 years.
The state Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, who attended the meeting along with Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, took a tough stance on recent attacks on police stations. Reacting to incidents where miscreants threw objects at police establishments under the cover of darkness, he said: “If anyone has the courage, let them come forward and do it openly. Such cowardly acts will not be tolerated.”
DGP Yadav also warned against Pakistan’s ISI-backed efforts to disrupt Punjab’s stability, vowing that such attempts would be thwarted at all costs.
One of the meeting’s key takeaways was the zero-tolerance policy against drugs and organized crime. The government is determined to dismantle drug networks by cutting off supply chains, launching intelligence-based operations, and encouraging community participation in reporting drug peddling, said the DGP.
The Chief Minister maintained that the police officers will be held accountable for major crimes occurring in their jurisdiction, while ordering strict monitoring of drug hotspots. He emphasized proactive policing, urging officers to engage with village panchayats, school authorities, and local communities to curb drug abuse at its roots.
The Chief Minister announced a major crackdown on drug lords, ordering the immediate confiscation of properties belonging to notorious smugglers. The government is set to identify and seize assets linked to drug cartels, ensuring no leniency in punishing offenders. Mann declared, “We must act decisively to eradicate drugs and secure a safe future for our children.”
The Punjab Government is also intensifying its crackdown on gangsters, with the Chief Minister ordering police forces to dismantle criminal networks. Law enforcement agencies have been directed to adopt an aggressive strategy against organized crime, ensuring that gang leaders and their associates face severe legal consequences.
“Gangsters will not be allowed to operate freely in Punjab. They will be dealt with an iron hand,” said Mann, calling for exemplary punishment for criminals to deter future offenses.
The Punjab government is also investing in modernizing prisons, with Rs 500 crore allocated for upgrades. A state-of-the-art high-security jail in Ludhiana, built at a cost of Rs 100 crore, will house hardened criminals to ensure public safety.
Additionally, police stations across Punjab are undergoing a Rs 50 crore renovation, improving facilities for both officers and the public. A budget of Rs 25 crore has already been approved, with the remainder set to be released in the next fiscal cycle.
Punjab’s emergency helpline 112 is also undergoing reforms to enhance response efficiency. The government is working towards reducing the response time to eight to nine minutes, ensuring quicker police action in emergencies.
The Chief Minister also addressed corruption within law enforcement, instructing senior officials to identify and remove corrupt officers. He stressed that integrity in policing is crucial to maintaining public trust and ensuring effective crime control. “We will not allow a few corrupt officers to tarnish the reputation of Punjab Police. Those who misuse their positions will face strict action,” he warned.
At the same time, Mann encouraged police officials to foster stronger community ties and urged citizens to assist in crime prevention. He directed the SSPs to hold regular meetings with locals, seeking their input in identifying criminal activities and ensuring a safer Punjab.
Haryana CM flags off buses for media persons for Mahakumbh
Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday flagged off two buses for media persons heading to Mahakumbh in Prayagraj. Speaking to the media persons, he said that special buses are being operated by the Haryana Government to ensure the convenience of the public attending the Mahakumbh. He further said that through the Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana, the state government facilitates visits to significant pilgrimage sites across the country for devotees. To make it easier for senior citizens to visit the Mahakumbh fair and participate in the holy dip, the state government has expanded the scope of the Tirtha Darshan Yojana to include Mahakumbh.