CHANDIGARH, December 31: Under the leadership of DGP Gaurav Yadav, Punjab Police has successfully solved all major cases reported in the state in 2024. In a year-end press conference, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Headquarters Dr. Sukhchain Singh Gill shared the force’s achievements, including solving high-profile murder cases, gang violence, busting terrorist modules, and stepping up efforts in the fight against drugs.
Key Crimes Solved: Among the prominent cases resolved this year are the murders of Hindu leader Vikas Bagga in Nangal and ex-terrorist Rattandeep Singh from the Khalistan Commando Force-Panther (KCF-P). Other notable incidents include a grenade attack at a residence in Sector 10, Chandigarh, an attack on a petrol station in Mansa, and a triple murder in Ferozepur. The police also dealt with attacks on law enforcement establishments.
War on Drugs: The Punjab Police intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking, arresting 8,935 smugglers, including 210 major figures, and registering 12,255 FIRs—1,213 of which involved commercial drug quantities. Significant drug seizures include:
1,099 kg of heroin.
991 kg of opium.
414 quintals of poppy husk.
₹14.73 crore in drug money.
In addition, properties worth ₹335 crore were seized from smugglers, and two major traffickers were detained under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (PIT-NDPS).
Crackdown on Organized Crime: The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) and other units arrested 559 gangsters and dismantled 198 criminal modules. A total of 482 weapons, 102 vehicles, and ₹2.14 crore in criminal proceeds were seized. During this operation, 64 encounters led to the neutralization of three gangsters and the arrest of 63, though one police officer lost his life, and nine others were injured.
Counter-Terrorism Efforts: Punjab Police dismantled 12 terrorist modules, arresting 66 terrorists. Recoveries included:
Two rifles and 76 pistols.
Two IEDs.
Four hand grenades.
257 drones used for cross-border smuggling.
In total, 513 drone sightings were reported this year, with 185 kg of heroin dropped by drones recovered.
Modernization and Recruitment: To strengthen its workforce, Punjab Police recruited 4,657 personnel this year, including sub-inspectors, head constables, and constables. Modernization initiatives also included adding 426 high-end vehicles, launching 28 new cybercrime police stations, and upgrading surveillance systems with advanced CCTV technology.
Cybercrime Progress: The cybercrime division experienced an 82.7% increase in complaint registrations, showing improved public trust. The division reported over ₹467 crore in financial frauds, recovering ₹73.34 crore. It also blocked more than 7,500 harmful URLs and blacklisted 2,348 mobile IMEI numbers to prevent the use of illegal phones.
Prison Security Upgrades: The prisons department segregated 456 high-risk prisoners, including gangsters and drug traffickers, into high-security zones. Enhanced security measures, including AI-based cameras and X-ray scanners, were installed to further secure sensitive prison facilities.
Road Safety Focus: The Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF) led efforts to improve road safety, achieving a 15.7% decrease in accident fatalities within just four months, saving 147 lives. The SSF also provided immediate medical assistance in over 9,800 road incidents.
Punjab Police reaffirmed its commitment to Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision of a drug-free, crime-free state, while continually enhancing its capabilities to combat lawlessness and safeguard public safety.
