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The year 2023 saw Punjab Police engaged in a high-stakes battle against the criminals, resulting in the neutralization of nine notorious gangsters and the apprehension of 127 others. However, the pursuit of justice came at a cost, with one brave officer paying the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, while six others sustained injuries during the perilous exchanges of gunfire.
 
As revealed by the state’s Inspector General of Police (IGP), Headquarters, Dr Sukhchain Singh Gill in a gripping year-end press conference on Wednesday, a tumultuous year for law enforcement in Punjab unfolded with a barrage of bullets. “At least 60 encounters (exchange of fires) took place between the police parties and criminals this year, during which nine gangsters or criminals were neutralized and 127 gangsters or criminals were arrested, of which, 32 had sustained injuries… Unfortunately, one of our colleagues attained martyrdom, while, six police personnel had sustained injuries during the exchange of fires,” he said.
 
In a jaw-dropping blitz against the narcotics trade, organized crime, and terrorism in the border state, the Punjab Police has concluded 2023 with a series of astonishing victories. IGP Gill unveiled unprecedented successes that included the momentous seizure of 1161 kilograms of heroin, the audacious forfeiture of properties worth Rs 127 crores, and a relentless crackdown on gangster activities.
 
Gill revealed that the Punjab Police's unyielding strategy against drugs, focusing on Enforcement, Prevention, and Rehabilitation, has notched up substantial results. The State Government's three-pronged approach aims to obliterate the drug menace, with a sharp focus on creating awareness about Section 64-A of the NDPS Act, providing a lifeline for drug consumers caught with small quantities.
 
The IGP announced that 65 drug consumers had embraced rehabilitation under Section 64-A of the NDPS Act — marking an unprecedented step towards addressing the root cause of the issue, aiming to rehabilitate individuals ensnared in the grip of drug abuse.
 
Throughout the year, Punjab Police recorded a staggering 14,951 arrests of drug smugglers and suppliers, including 2,424 major players, following the registration of 10,786 FIRs. The police force also seized 795 kilograms of opium, 403 quintals of poppy husk, and a mind-boggling 83.17 lakh tablets, capsules, injections, and vials of Pharma opioids. Notably, Rs 13.67 crores in drug money were recovered, and 294 properties worth Rs 127 crores were ruthlessly confiscated from major smugglers.
 
The IGP emphasized the state’s commitment to tackle proclaimed offenders and absconders in NDPS cases, with 673 individuals arrested in this category. Additionally, a list of 55 drug smugglers has been submitted to invoke the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotics Drugs Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act against them.
 
On the front of gangster activities, the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) played a pivotal role in arresting 482 gangsters and criminals. The force busted 188 gangster modules, recovering 519 weapons, 102 vehicles, 4.5 kilograms of heroin, and a staggering Rs 71.08 lakhs in drug money.
 
Notably, immediately after coming to power, the AAP-led State Government on April 6, 2022, formed a special Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) headed by ADGP Promod Ban to wipe out gangsters from the state.
 
In the realm of counter-terrorism, Punjab Police's Internal Security arrested 67 terrorists in 2023. The year witnessed the dismantling of 13 terror modules, with the recovery of rifles, pistols, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), explosives, hand grenades, and an astounding 111 drones. A total of 303 drone sightings were recorded, reflecting the growing challenges in maintaining security.
 
Gill said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had already sanctioned Rs 19.25 crores for the installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in the border areas to further strengthen the second line of defence and keep vigil against drug smugglers and anti-social elements, while, two committees were formed to counter rogue drones effectively.
 
The first committee, headed by ADGP (Security) SS Srivastava, will prepare a future road map for bolstering the capabilities in drone detection, neutralization, lawful use of drones for effective policing, disaster management, drones training, and drones forensics, he said, adding that the second committee headed by ADGP (Counter Intelligence) to assess the requirements of drones, training for use of drones, countering rogue drones and procurement of equipment.
 
“Acting tough against extortion calls, Punjab Police have registered 201 first information reports (FIRs) and arrested 99 persons involved in making threatening calls to extort money from influential persons,” he added.
 
The achievements extended to solving high-profile cases, including three low-grade explosive blasts at Heritage Street in Amritsar; a murderous attack at Batala-based Hindu Shiv Sena (Samajwadi) leader and his brother and his son; Kulcha shop owner murdered in Bathinda; Dacoity in Ludhiana; former Sarpanch murdered in Khosa Kotla village in Moga; Ludhiana-based industrialist was kidnapped and shot at by miscreants to extort money. All these cases were effectively solved by Punjab Police, added IGP Gill.
 
Looking ahead, the Punjab Police is gearing up to implement Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's visionary project — the Sadak Surkhya Force (SSF). This specialized force will focus on road safety and combating criminal activities, contributing to the overarching goal of making Punjab's roads safer.
 
The Punjab Road Safety and Traffic Research Centre, a subsidiary of the traffic wing of Punjab Police, introduced Solar Powered Smart barricades equipped with advanced AI capabilities. These barricades, operating 24x7, can read license plates, identify blacklisted vehicles, and promptly alert authorities to any suspicious activities.
 
In terms of employment generation, the Punjab Government's decision to recruit 1,800 constables and 300 sub-inspectors annually for the next four years was highlighted. Recruitment for various positions is already in progress, with appointments made and underway.
 
The year 2023 also witnessed the government's commitment to the welfare of police personnel and their families, as six cheques of Rs two crores each were handed over to the families of five Punjab Police officials and one Home Guard who lost their lives in the line of duty.
 
As a fitting conclusion to the year-end press conference, IGP Gill underscored the proactive approach of the Punjab Police in maintaining law and order, combating drug-related challenges, and enhancing overall security measures.