Gurgaon: Haryana DGP Ajay Singhal on Monday said police have identified 15 to 20 gangsters operating from abroad and directing criminal activities in the state remotely. Underscoring the scale of remote-controlled activities of crime syndicates in Haryana, Singhal said these gangsters are using technology and overseas networks to threaten people, run extortion rackets and coordinate crimes without being physically present in the state.“We have just deported the 25th gangster in last two years,” Singhal said, adding that the gangster, a resident of Kurukshetra, was brought back from Malaysia two days ago.The DGP made the remarks in the city during the inauguration of new police station building at Sector 17/18.According to an officer, Gurgaon police has initiated extradition proceedings against gangster Deepak Nandal’s wife from Dubai. He said Nandal’s wife has been charged in multiple cases in the city for allegedly providing logistics and financial support to gang members to carry out criminal activities in Haryana.Nandal is wanted in several criminal cases in the state, including murder, extortion, Arms Act violations and attempt to murder. “A Red Corner Notice (RCN) was recently initiated against Nandal’s wife by city police and efforts are ongoing to nab her and gangster Nandal from abroad,” the officer said.DGP Singhal said Haryana Police has prepared a detailed standard operating procedure (SOP), created multiple apps and strengthened CCTV monitoring and other security arrangements to counter such threats. Asked whether extortion cases had declined, he said he did not have exact data, but estimated that there had been an increase of only two to four cases. He added that the situation had been controlled to a great extent.Singhal said an anti-terrorism squad (ATS) has been opened in the city and the state govt has created seven special operation groups too, which will deal with terrorism cases.On the growing challenge of cyber fraud, Singhal said such crime is “borderless” and has emerged as a major concern owing to rapid technological advancement. Police, according to him, has introduced technological measures, including Abhedya app and a dual-OTP system, besides using the 112 emergency response line and 1930 cybercrime helpline.Citing the recent case of a Karnal jeweller, who lost Rs 1 crore through WhatsApp hacking, Singhal said the victim realised what had happened and contacted 1930 within five minutes. Police were able to save the entire Rs 1 crore, he claimed.On recent road rage incidents in the city, Singhal said such cases have been occurring for several years as the city has developed and road networks expanded. He said youths are found driving at high speed in groups.The police had controlled such incidents to a great extent, he said, adding that one or two stray cases were reported recently and action was being taken.On narcotics in clubs and bars, Singhal said, “Narcotics have become a very big challenge.” He added that Haryana’s proximity to Punjab meant the state faced large-scale narcotics smuggling.He said the anti-narcotic task force, led by an ADGP, had been created to tackle the menace.The police chief also highlighted Haryana Police’s 33 women police stations, Durga Shakti Rapid Action Force, emergency assistance app and trip-monitoring services for women travelling alone. Police data showed that crime against women had fallen by at least 20% in the past year, he added.Singhal said the state police force currently has about 26% vacancies. After around 5,500 recruitments last year, appointment of another 5,500 is under way. Around 4,000 more recruitments are expected in Nov, followed by another 5,000 to 6,000 by next March.
