CHANDIGARH: Punjab launches first dedicated agtf police station to intensify crackdown on organised crime PATIALA: The Punjab govt established the state’s first dedicated Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Police Station in Rajpura, Patiala, to intensify action against organised crime networks operating across district lines. Punjab director general of police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav described 2026 as the “Year Against Gangsters,” signalling a sustained and coordinated campaign to dismantle the ecosystem supporting gang activity. Unlike conventional police stations limited by jurisdictional boundaries, the Rajpura AGTF station had authority across Punjab, enabling investigators to register cases, conduct coordinated raids, and pursue suspects without inter-district procedural delays.Established under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, the facility was structured to function independently with its own investigative chain, reducing reliance on local stations and minimising the risk of intelligence leaks. Key operational highlights included more than 150 specialised personnel supervised by DSP- and SSP-rank officers, Rajpura’s proximity to Chandigarh and Mohali for close oversight by senior leadership, a high-security strong room for case property and sensitive materials, and direct investigative authority to accelerate statewide action. The launch coincided with the culmination of Operation Prahaar 2, a 72-hour coordinated offensive targeting organised crime networks. According to the DGP, the operation mobilised around 2,000 police teams and 12,000 personnel who conducted raids at more than 8,200 locations statewide. Officials said the initiative demonstrated the govt’s intent to combine intelligence, manpower, and legal authority into rapid, high-impact enforcement. “The move is intended to enhance coordination, streamline investigations, and strengthen targeted action against organised criminal networks operating across district boundaries,” the officials said. Looking ahead, the state approved a Rs 426-crore police infrastructure programme to be rolled out over three years, including upgrading station connectivity to high-speed networks and modernising the Dial-112 emergency response ecosystem to improve real-time coordination and public safety delivery.
