Punjab police launch crackdown ahead of elections in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir

With Punjab on high alert ahead of assembly elections in neighbouring states of Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab Police has stepped up efforts to combat criminal activities through a robust special operation called ‘OPS Seal-VIII’. The state police teams on Monday sealed 92 critical entry and exit points in 10 border districts, carefully inspected vehicles and targeted suspects involved in drug trafficking, liquor smuggling and other illegal activities.

The massive operation was carried out from 6 am to 2 pm following the instructions of the state’s Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav. More than 1,000 police personnel were mobilised for the operation, with the Head Superintendents of Police of the border districts working closely with their counterparts in the neighbouring states and Union Territories.

Arpit Shukla, Special Director General (Law and Order), stressed the importance of this coordinated operation aimed at curbing the movement of anti-social elements and preventing criminal activities in the run-up to the elections. The operation is not only aimed at preventing crimes but also at providing a sense of security to the people, he said.

During the operation, law enforcement agencies conducted well-coordinated Nakas (Checkpoints) across the State borders at checkpoints under the supervision of Officials or SHOs, with emphasis on the districts of Pathankot, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Fazilka, Ropar, SAS Nagar, Patiala, Sangrur, Mansa, Hoshiarpur and Bathinda.

Vehicles entering or leaving the state were thoroughly checked. Police officials checked registration numbers using the VAHAN app. Despite the scale of the operation, police made efforts to minimize inconvenience to the public and instructed officials to display friendly and respectful behavior while dealing with commuters.

The results of the operation were significant. A total of 4,245 vehicles were checked, 293 tickets issued and 16 vehicles seized. The police registered 26 first-in-come-truce reports (FIRs) and arrested 27 persons involved in criminal activities. In addition, 401 suspected persons were detained for further questioning. The operation also resulted in the seizure of significant quantities, including 1.1 kg of opium, 29 kg of poppy husks, 42 kg of intoxicating powder, 1,070 intoxicating capsules and tablets, and large quantities of legal and illegal alcohol.

Special Director General Shukla pointed out that such operations serve a dual purpose: they increase police presence on the ground, deter criminal activities and instill a sense of security among law-abiding citizens. In future too, Punjab Police will continue to conduct similar operations to ensure the security of the state, especially during this crucial election period.