Op Prahar: Extradition Proceedings Against 38 Foreign Gangsters

February 8, 2026

Punjab’s Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav, has announced that extradition and deportation proceedings are underway against 38 gangsters based abroad as part of the intensified anti‑crime campaign under Operation Prahar. The announcement came as officials prepared to launch Phase 2 of the crackdown from February 9, aimed at dismantling criminal networks that operate internationally and impact law and order within the state.

The gangsters in question are part of a larger list of 61 foreign‑based criminals identified as orchestrating crimes in Punjab from overseas locations. Documentation against the remaining gangsters is still being prepared, and authorities have already sought action through the Central Government under established legal procedures to bring these offenders to justice.

Phase 2 of Operation Prahar to Begin

Phase 2 of Operation Prahar, the state’s focused campaign against gangsters, narcotics syndicates and organized crime elements, is set to commence on February 9. During the first phase of the operation, which began on January 20, 5,290 associates of gangsters were arrested and nearly 3,000 others placed under preventive detention after verification of nearly 14,000 suspects.

Punjab Police clarified that action was taken only against those found to be directly involved in criminal activities, dismissing claims on social media about illegal detentions. The DGP stressed that enforcement measures strictly adhere to legal and procedural standards while targeting those who undermine peace in the state.

In addition to arrests and detentions, police have taken action against social media accounts and websites that spread fear and threats, targeting more than 10,000 URLs, with around 350 FIRs filed and 3,500 arms licences suspended.

Response to Ongoing Crime Challenges

Addressing criticism regarding recent high‑profile murders in Mohali and Jalandhar, the DGP said that main suspects have been identified and will be apprehended soon. He insisted that the law enforcement machinery is firmly tracking criminal elements and that no one will be allowed to evade justice.

Gaurav Yadav also provided context on the state’s crime rate, pointing out that Punjab’s crime figures are lower than the national average, with an average crime rate of 227 per lakh population compared to 450 nationally. He explained that some offences stem from personal motives, which cannot be completely prevented, but added that organized criminal activity remains a key focus of policing efforts.

The announcement underlines a continued push by Punjab authorities to not only act against criminals within the state but to bring back fugitives who have taken refuge abroad and pose a threat to public safety.

Ongoing Anti‑Crime Campaigns and Future Steps

In tandem with Operation Prahar, Punjab Police has also maintained pressure on drug networks through the ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’ (War Against Drugs) campaign, resulting in tens of thousands of arrests and large seizures of narcotics.

The robust strategy combines local enforcement with international cooperation, signalling a zero‑tolerance approach to transnational crime syndicates. Authorities continue to build legal cases and diplomatic channels to ensure that criminal handlers overseas are held accountable under Indian law.