Extortion and targeted killings brought renewed attention to gangsters in Punjab between late 2025 and early 2026. In January 2026, police conducted Operation Prahaar II, a 72-hour statewide crackdown. The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), formed in 2022, opened its first police station at Rajpura in March 2026. Police reported substantial enforcement results, while concerns about encounters and publicity have highlighted the need for effective investigations, accountability and protection of rights.
Timeline: from task force to crackdown
- April2022Task force
Punjab formed the Anti-Gangster Task Force to tackle gangster networks.
- Nov–Jan2025–26Extortion
Several targeted killings were linked to unpaid extortion.
- January2026Crackdown
Operation Prahaar II ran statewide for 72 hours.
- March2026Station
The state’s first AGTF police station opened at Rajpura.
- March2026Results
An overview reported over 1,100 gangs dismantled by the AGTF.
What is organised crime in Punjab?
Organised crime involves coordinated criminal activity by groups rather than isolated offences. Extortion can involve threats to obtain money; victims in Punjab have included businesspersons and village sarpanches.
More than 60 gangsters based abroad were identified as directing extortion and contract-killing networks. Such networks require cooperation across jurisdictions, alongside local investigation and protection for those threatened.
The two sides
Police action and public safety
- A dedicated task force and police station provide specialised capacity against gangs.
- Police claimed up to a 69% drop in gangster-related crime.
- An anti-gangster helpline offers a channel for reporting extortion calls.
Accountability and rights concerns
- The High Court criticised some operations for prioritising publicity.
- Encounters and leg-shot policing have raised concerns about the use of force.
- Arrests and reported reductions must be assessed alongside fair investigation and trial.
Key data
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Task force | AGTF formed in April 2022. |
| Reported enforcement | By March 2026, an overview reported over 1,100 gangs dismantled, 2,858 criminals arrested and 35 neutralised in encounters. |
| Earlier tally | An earlier tally reported 505 gang modules busted over about two and a half years. |
| Overseas links | More than 60 gangsters based abroad were identified as directing extortion and contract killings. |
| Operation Prahaar II | A 72-hour statewide crackdown in January 2026. |
| Constitutional safeguard | Article 21 protects life and personal liberty except according to procedure established by law. |
Way forward
- Protect complainants: Make reporting accessible and assess threats to victims and witnesses promptly.
- Strengthen investigations: Follow financial trails and preserve digital and other evidence for prosecution.
- Coordinate across borders: Work with central agencies and international counterparts through lawful channels.
- Ensure accountability: Apply lawful force and ensure independent scrutiny of encounter deaths.
- Measure outcomes: Track convictions, victim safety and repeat offending alongside arrests.
Likely interview questions
What is the Anti-Gangster Task Force and when was it formed?
Answer pointers:
- It is Punjab’s specialised police task force against gangster networks.
- It was formed in April 2022; its first police station opened at Rajpura in March 2026.
- Link specialised enforcement with evidence-led prosecution.
Do you think statewide crackdowns are an effective response to gang crime?
Answer pointers:
- Coordinated action can disrupt networks and reassure communities.
- Arrest figures alone do not show lasting reductions or successful prosecution.
- Combine operations with financial investigation and outcome monitoring.
Do you think strong policing and civil liberties can coexist in anti-gangster operations?
Answer pointers:
- Police must protect the public from serious threats.
- Unlawful force undermines rights and trust in policing.
- Insist on lawful action, documentation and independent scrutiny.
As Sub-Divisional Magistrate in Mohali, how would you respond to an extortion complaint from a businessperson?
Answer pointers:
- Ensure prompt referral to police and assess immediate safety needs.
- Coordinate with police while protecting confidentiality and preserving evidence.
- Follow up on protection and connect the complainant with lawful support.
How does Article 21 guide the state’s response to organised crime?
Answer pointers:
- It protects life and personal liberty according to law.
- The state must address threats to victims while respecting suspects’ rights.
- Use due process and accountability to support public safety.
Recognise the threat to victims without treating every arrest or encounter as proof of guilt. Balance firm enforcement with due process and measurable outcomes.
Prelims Practice Corner
Q1. When was Punjab’s Anti-Gangster Task Force formed?
(a) April 2022 (b) January 2024 (c) March 2025 (d) January 2026
Show answer
Answer: (a) because the task force was formed in April 2022.
Q2. Where did the state’s first AGTF police station open?
(a) Amritsar (b) Rajpura (c) Bathinda (d) Pathankot
Show answer
Answer: (b) because the station opened at Rajpura in March 2026.
Q3. Which constitutional article protects life and personal liberty?
(a) Article 14 (b) Article 19 (c) Article 21 (d) Article 32
Show answer
Answer: (c) because Article 21 protects life and personal liberty subject to procedure established by law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Operation Prahaar II in Punjab?
It was a 72-hour statewide crackdown in January 2026. It formed part of the police response to gangster activity.
How are overseas gangsters linked to extortion in Punjab?
More than 60 gangsters based abroad were identified as directing extortion and contract-killing networks. Deportations and extraditions followed.
What concerns have been raised about anti-gangster policing?
Concerns include encounters and leg-shot policing. The High Court also criticised some operations for prioritising publicity.
Sources: Tribune, ThePrint, AIR News, Punjab Outlook
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