Surge in Investment is Proof of Strong Law and Order in Punjab: CM Mann

Punjab: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann claimed on Saturday that there are no issues regarding law and order in the state, citing new industrial investments as evidence. To substantiate his assertion, he highlighted the dismantling of 1,105 gangs, the arrest of 2,858 gangsters, the elimination of 35 criminals in encounters, and the seizure of thousands of kilograms of narcotics. Addressing a press conference here on Saturday—accompanied by Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav—Mann stated that the Punjab Police intercepted 806 drones and detected the movement of 1,472 drones along the border with Pakistan. He noted that all this was accomplished while the force was awaiting funds from the Centre—assistance that never materialized. Following the withholding of aid by the Centre, the state deployed its own indigenous anti-drone system. From these drones, authorities recovered 341 illicit weapons. Mann remarked that the Punjab Police deserves to be bestowed with the title of “India Police” for its role in safeguarding the country’s unity, integrity, and sovereignty. On the issue of police reforms, Mann contrasted his government’s continuous recruitment drive with the practice of previous administrations, which typically conducted recruitment only during election periods. Over the past four years, 12,197 vacancies have been filled. The recruitment process for 1,746 constables (2025 batch) is currently underway, while advertisements for an additional 3,298 posts (2026 batch) were issued on March 10, and applications for these positions have already started pouring in.
Regarding organized crime, Mann reported that the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF)—within just four years of its inception—has arrested 2,858 gangsters and criminals, and dismantled 1,105 gangs and modules; this translates to an average of approximately 715 arrests and 276 dismantled gangs per year. This force also recovered 2,267 weapons and 655 vehicles used in crimes, and solved 38 sensational cases, including murder cases, extortion rackets, bank robberies, and conspiracies linked to terrorism. On the issue of narcotics, the Chief Minister stated that since March 2022, 95,881 smugglers and suppliers have been arrested, and 71,228 FIRs have been registered under the NDPS Act—meaning that, on average, approximately 65 arrests were made and 49 FIRs were registered every day. The seizures included 5,625 kilograms of heroin, 3,461 kilograms of opium, 1,628 quintals of poppy husk, and approximately five crore narcotic pills, injections, and syrups. Assets worth ₹772 crore have been seized from 1,556 smugglers, averaging out to approximately ₹50 lakh per smuggler.
To demonstrate the security situation in Punjab, Mann cited investment as the true benchmark. A steel plant worth ₹3,200 crore has already commenced operations, and global companies are lining up to invest here. He remarked, “Major companies are flocking here to invest.” Modernization efforts include the acquisition of 2,904 vehicles purchased at a cost of ₹327.69 crore (comprising 2,258 four-wheelers and 646 two-wheelers). The ‘Sadak Surakhya Force’ (Road Safety Force)—India’s first highway safety unit, launched in January 2024—patrols an area spanning over 5,500 kilometers and has contributed to a 48% reduction in fatalities. From February 2024 to January 2026, it assisted 47,386 victims across 43,983 accidents; Assistance was provided on the spot to 19,973 people, and 27,413 injured individuals were immediately transported to hospitals. He further stated, “For the modernization of the police force, 2,904 vehicles have been procured at a cost of ₹327.69 crore, comprising 2,258 four-wheelers and 646 two-wheelers. The ‘Road Safety Force’ covers over 5,500 kilometers of highways and is contributing to a 48% reduction in the number of fatalities.” He added, “From February 2024 to January 2026, it assisted 47,386 victims across 43,983 accidents; providing on-the-spot aid to 19,973 people and immediately transporting 27,413 injured individuals to hospitals.”