Punjab Government Unveils Major Crackdown Plan Against Gangsters, Rewards Announced

The Punjab government has prepared a comprehensive plan to intensify action against gangsters operating within and outside the state. The crackdown includes individuals allegedly involved in high-profile crimes such as the murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala, RPG attack conspiracies, and the killing of politician Baba Siddiqui. According to official information, these gangsters have links across Punjab, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra. A list of 28 individuals has been released, which includes prominent names such as Goldy Brar and Rohit Godara. The government has also issued a public notice, announcing cash rewards for those who provide credible information about these criminals. The list includes nine major gangsters on whom a reward of ₹10 lakh each has been घोषित. These individuals are believed to be operating from abroad and have allegedly been collaborating with agencies like ISI over the past four to five years to disturb peace in Punjab. Authorities have also stated that these individuals use social media platforms to influence and recruit youth into illegal activities. Among those named are Satinderjit Singh alias Goldy Brar, Lakhbir Singh Landa, Harvinder Singh Sidhu, Sabir Singh, Balwinder Singh Doni, Prabhdeep Singh, Gaurav Patiala (Chandigarh), Swaran Singh, and Rohit Godara (Rajasthan). In addition, the police have announced rewards of ₹5 lakh each for 19 other gangsters. These include Harry Boxer Harichand (Rajasthan), Gurvinder Singh, Aditya Kapoor, Amarjit Singh, Manpreet Singh, Jobanjeet Singh, Barinder Singh, Supreet Singh, Naveen Kumar, Gurpreet Singh, Mohammad Yasir Arzar, Nishan Singh Jaurian, Gurdev Singh, Rajesh Kumar, Jaswinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Jaskaran Singh, Jaskaran Singh, and Jaskirat Singh, among others. Punjab Police has been in active mode against gangsters since the beginning of this year. On January 20, 2026, the force established the Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell (OFTEC). The primary objective of this unit is to track gangsters, terrorists, and other fugitives hiding in countries such as Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and Pakistan, and to expedite the issuance of Red Corner Notices and their extradition or deportation. The cell operates under the Internal Security Wing and is headed by DIG Counter Intelligence Ashish Chaudhary, a former officer of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). He has been appointed as the State Nodal Officer for international police cooperation. The unit works in coordination with central agencies including NIA, CBI, Interpol, and foreign law enforcement agencies. At the time of its formation, the cell had identified a network of around 60 gangsters hiding abroad. Of these, Red Corner Notices had already been issued or were under process against 23 individuals, while efforts were underway to complete the remaining cases within three months.