Pushed out of slumber by rival political parties in Punjab, the Punjab Police on Monday claimed major success in its war against drug menace this year.
The details of seizures made by the police, however, not only underscored its accomplishments in dealing with the deadly problem in the State, but also the extent of the threat.
The issue also gave the State police the much-needed opportunity to project its dented image in a positive light as the previous year had seen the force at the receiving end for its failure to save its own men, and for its alleged involvement in cases of police atrocities.
The heroin seizure has increased to 570 kg in 2014 against 100 kg seizure in 2011. Besides, the number of arrests under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act have also increased manifold.
During the special drive against drugs launched by the Punjab Police since May 2014, as many as 10,213 FIRs were registered and 11,755 persons have been arrested.
The police claimed to have completely smashed the distribution network in the State by ensuring nil availability of drugs to consumers.
Nabbed terrorists
2014 saw the police force succeeding in nabbing hard-core terrorists ensuring that there was no terrorist-related crime in the State.
Ensuring continued success on the terrorism front, the Punjab Police claimed of busting 10 terrorist modules in 2013 and 2014 and arresting 68 persons including terrorists like BTFK chief Rattandeep Singh in September, KlF Chief Harminder Singh alias Mintoo and top KlF operative Ramandeep alias Goldy in November. No terrorism related incident has taken place in the State for the second consecutive year.
Crime situation under control
The crime situation in the State also remained well under control. In major crime heads, 707 murder cases were registered in 2014 in comparison of 711 in 2013. As many as 1287 cases regarding kidnapping and abduction have been registered in 2014 in comparison to 1274 in 2013.
Number of theft cases has come down to 3371 in year 2014 against 3834 cases in 2013. The police have made large recovery of arms and ammunition including 226 pistols, 11 rifles, 38 revolvers, 11 guns and 15 kg RDX.
181 Service
Also bringing transparency in delivery of services this year, the State Government implemented 181 service and completed Saanjh project.
The 181 Punjab Police helpline initiated to make police department more accountable and responsible, is providing relief to women, senior citizen and children.
About 81 per cent women callers have reported their satisfaction with the working of the helpline after their issues were resolved amicably in a time bound manner. More than 1145 women have already availed of counselling services till now.
Over 3409 senior citizens were provided relief through active intervention of the police, as well as through counseling by clinical physiologists based at the helpline 24x7.
NRI wing disposes 85.61% complaints
The NRI Wing of Punjab Police has created a record by disposing off 85.61 per cent of complaints within stipulated time, despite number of complaints registered doubling during this period. Besides this, 75 Proclaimed Offenders (POs) have been arrested and look out Circulars (lOCs) for 94 accused NRIs have been issued.
NRI wing has received 7992 complaints, which were more than double of last year’s figure of 3852 complaints. After thorough investigation, 64 cases were registered and compromises were struck in 422 cases resulting in benefit to the tune of Rs100 crore to the aggrieved parties. While sorting out around 100 cases regarding fraudulent marriages, financial assistance to the tune of Rs11.50 crore was ensured for girls.
Comletion of SAANJH
The Community Policing Project — SAANJH is providing 27 basic police services to the citizens through 93 Sub-Divisional SAANJH Kendras and 156 Police Station SAANJH Kendras buildings. As many as 37 lakh services were delivered till October 31 this year and as many as 24,886 disputes were resolved through the Kendras by involving the community.