Patiala: In a sweeping operation targeting organised crime, Patiala Police have arrested 103 individuals over two days as part of “Operation Prahar 2.0,” a district-wide drive aimed at dismantling gangster networks and apprehending fugitives.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Varun Sharma on Wednesday outlined the results of the intensified campaign, branded “Gangstran Te Vaar.” The initiative has seen continuous patrols, strategic checkpoints and coordinated raids across urban and rural pockets of the district.
According to officials, the first day of the operation, conducted on February 9, led to the arrest of 51 suspects. Among them were five proclaimed offenders who had been evading arrest in serious criminal cases. Police also recovered two weapons during the day’s action. Authorities said those detained are linked to grave offences, including murder, attempted murder and armed robbery.
The following day, February 10, saw 52 more arrests, again including five proclaimed offenders. During searches and raids, officers seized four daggers, approximately 40 grams of opium and 1,100 intoxicating tablets. Police stated that the accused were wanted in multiple serious cases and had been on the run prior to their arrest.
In a separate development connected to narcotics investigations, police apprehended Happy Singh, a resident of Tibba Road in Ludhiana. He is alleged to have links to a previous seizure of one kilogram of heroin in a case registered at Shambu police station. Officials confirmed that he had also been declared a proclaimed offender in another case lodged at Tibba police station in Ludhiana.
SSP Sharma said the crackdown would continue in the coming days, with law enforcement maintaining heightened vigilance to curb gang activity and drug trafficking in the region. He added that the department remains committed to restoring public confidence through sustained action against criminal elements.
