WHAT?

Operation Prahar is a major anti-gangster crackdown launched by the Punjab Police on January 20, 2026 (Tuesday). It is a 72-hour intensive statewide operation aimed at dismantling the entire ecosystem of organised crime, particularly targeting gangsters operating from abroad (often with cross-border links) and their local networks in Punjab.
 

Key Details

1. Scale: Over 12,000 police personnel deployed in more than 2,000 teams conducting simultaneous raids across the state to prevent leaks.
2. Targets: Focused on associates of 60 foreign-based gangsters, including 1,200 mapped associates, 600 family members/houses, hideouts, financiers, logistics providers, weapon suppliers, safe houses, and communication networks.
3. Objective: Declare an "all-out war" on gangsters to make Punjab gangster-free, aligning with Punjab Police's Vision 2026 for zero tolerance against organised crime.
4. Outcomes : Over 2,500 associates and abetters arrested/rounded up (1,314 on Day 1, 1,186 on Day 2), with ongoing raids and investigations.
5. Additional Measures: Cash rewards up to ₹10 lakh for information leading to arrests.
6. Anti-gangster helpline (93946-93946) for anonymous tips.
7. Special cell formed to track overseas gangsters.

The operation is personally monitored by CM Bhagwant Mann and DGP Gaurav Yadav. This is described as one of Punjab's largest-ever anti-gangster drives, emphasizing professional, relentless action against criminal syndicates.