Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday presented a detailed report card on law and order in Punjab, highlighting the progress made under the AAP government over the past four years. The presentation was part of the ongoing outreach series ‘Shandaar Chaar Saal Bhagwant Mann De Naal’, aimed at placing a transparent, sector-wise account of governance before the people.
Addressing a press conference, the Chief Minister asserted that the state has witnessed visible improvement in law and order due to a zero-tolerance policy against drugs, a sustained crackdown on organized crime, and significant police reforms. He emphasized that the impact of these measures is now evident on the ground, with growing public confidence and increasing investor interest in Punjab.
Highlighting the government’s flagship anti-drug अभियान ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’, Mann said the campaign has led to decisive enforcement action across the state. Since March 2022, as many as 95,881 drug smugglers and suppliers have been arrested, while 71,228 FIRs have been registered under the NDPS Act. He added that authorities have seized 6,109 major commercial consignments of drugs and arrested 10,085 major traffickers.
Providing further details, the Chief Minister said enforcement agencies have recovered 5,625 kg of heroin, 3,461 kg of opium, and 1,628 quintals of poppy husk. In addition, around 4.96 crore injections, tablets, capsules, and syrups linked to drug abuse have been confiscated. Financial action has also been intensified, with ₹54.47 crore in drug money recovered and properties worth ₹772 crore seized from 1,556 smugglers. He added that 3,440 proclaimed offenders in NDPS-related cases have also been arrested.
On tackling organized crime, Mann said the formation of the Anti-Gangster Task Force has significantly strengthened enforcement. Since its inception, 2,858 gangsters and criminals have been arrested, 35 neutralized, and 1,105 gangs dismantled. The task force has also recovered 2,267 weapons and 655 vehicles used in criminal activities. He noted that since April 2022, the agency has solved 38 major cases, including high-profile murders, extortion rackets, bank robberies, and terror-linked conspiracies.
Addressing border security challenges, the Chief Minister pointed out that Punjab shares a 560-kilometre border with Pakistan, making it vulnerable to cross-border smuggling. To counter this, the state has deployed an anti-drone system, becoming the first in the country to adopt such technology. Mann said the system has yielded results, with 806 drones recovered, 1,472 drone movements detected, and 341 illegal weapons intercepted through drone activity. He also noted that the state implemented this system using its own resources after not receiving financial assistance from the Centre.
On police reforms, Mann emphasized that his government has moved away from the practice of election-driven recruitment and instead ensured consistent hiring. Over the past four years, 12,197 personnel have been recruited, including 1,062 Sub-Inspectors, 450 Head Constables, and 10,285 Constables. Recruitment for 1,746 constables is currently underway, while a fresh notification has been issued for 3,298 constables in 2026.
The Chief Minister also highlighted modernization efforts, stating that 2,904 vehicles have been added to the police fleet at a cost of ₹327.69 crore, strengthening mobility and response capabilities. He pointed to the launch of the Sadak Surakhya Force in January 2024 as a landmark initiative, describing it as India’s first dedicated highway safety force. Covering over 5,500 km of highways, the force has reportedly reduced fatalities by 48 percent and assisted nearly 47,386 victims in over 43,000 road accidents, providing immediate aid and ensuring timely medical support.
Mann further noted that technology-driven policing is being expanded through Safe City projects, already implemented in SAS Nagar and Jalandhar, with plans to extend them to Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Patiala in the near future.
On the issue of fugitives operating from abroad, the Chief Minister said the government is actively pursuing extradition efforts. He stated that intelligence inputs are being acted upon promptly, with steps taken to issue Red Corner Notices against wanted criminals.
Reinforcing confidence in the state’s security environment, Mann asserted that Punjab is emerging as one of the safest and most peaceful states in the country. He linked this to rising investment, citing the commencement of a ₹3,200 crore steel plant and growing interest from global companies. He also mentioned that Punjab continues to host major events and is set to organize the Asia Cup Hockey tournament later this year.
Taking a political swipe at previous regimes, Mann accused earlier governments of patronizing gangster culture and enabling the drug menace. He said those responsible for the rise of organized crime are now attempting to rewrite history but cannot evade accountability.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister reiterated that the Punjab Police remains committed to safeguarding the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of the nation, while the government continues to strengthen law enforcement through reforms, technology, and strict action against crime.
