Chandigarh:  Projecting a strong narrative of governance, enforcement, and investor confidence, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday unveiled a detailed report card on law and order, asserting that the state is witnessing a visible turnaround driven by a zero-tolerance policy on drugs, sustained crackdown on organised crime, and police modernisation.

The presentation, part of the government’s outreach series “Shandaar Chaar Saal Bhagwant Mann De Naal,” sought to highlight measurable gains across crime control, border security, and public safety, while also taking sharp aim at previous regimes.

War on drugs: Scale, speed, and systemic crackdown

Underscoring the government’s flagship campaign “Yudh Nashean Virudh,” the Chief Minister said Punjab has moved beyond rhetoric to mission-mode enforcement, with 95,881 drug smugglers arrested, 71,228 FIRs registered under the NDPS Act, ₹772 crore worth of illegal assets seized from 1,556 smugglers, and ₹54.47 crore drug money recovered, alongside massive seizures including 5,625 kg heroin, 3,461 kg opium, 1,628 quintals poppy husk, and 4.96 crore pharmaceutical drugs, asserting that no leniency will be shown and exemplary punishment will act as a strong deterrent against the drug menace.

Organised crime dismantled: AGTF’s aggressive push

The Chief Minister credited the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) with systematically weakening organised crime networks, stating that 2,858 gangsters and criminals have been arrested, 1,105 gangs busted, 35 criminals neutralised, and 2,267 weapons along with 655 vehicles recovered, while adding that since April 2022 the AGTF has successfully solved 38 sensational cases, including major murders, extortion rackets, bank robberies, and terror-linked conspiracies, reflecting a coordinated and intelligence-driven crackdown across Punjab and adjoining regions.

Border security: Anti-drone system plugs a critical gap

Highlighting Punjab’s 560-km international border, Mann said the state has taken a pioneering step by deploying an anti-drone system using its own resources despite lack of central funding, which has produced concrete results in curbing cross-border smuggling, with 806 drones recovered, 1,472 drone movements detected, and 341 illegal weapons seized, thereby significantly disrupting the supply of drugs and arms being pushed into the state through advanced smuggling methods.

Police reforms and modernisation: From manpower to mobility

In a departure from past practices, the Chief Minister emphasised sustained institutional strengthening through 12,197 police recruitments over four years, including Sub-Inspectors, Head Constables, and Constables, while recruitment for 1,746 constables is underway and 3,298 new posts have been advertised for 2026, coupled with modernisation efforts such as procurement of 2,904 vehicles at a cost of ₹327.69 crore and expansion of Safe City projects in key urban centres, ensuring faster response, better surveillance, and improved policing efficiency.

Sadak Surakhya Force: A first in India

Describing it as a transformative initiative, Mann said the Sadak Surakhya Force, India’s first dedicated highway safety unit, has brought a measurable impact by covering over 5,500 km of highways, reducing fatalities by 48%, and assisting 47,386 victims across 43,983 accidents, including providing immediate on-site aid to 19,973 individuals and ensuring timely hospitalisation of 27,413 injured persons, reflecting a shift towards citizen-centric and preventive policing.

Investment as validation of law & order

Linking governance outcomes with economic indicators, the Chief Minister asserted that investment inflows serve as the most credible measure of improved law and order, citing the operationalisation of a ₹3,200 crore steel plant and increasing interest from global companies as clear evidence of Punjab’s growing stability and attractiveness, further reinforced by the state’s ability to host major international events like the upcoming Asia Cup Hockey, signalling renewed confidence in Punjab’s security environment.

Extradition push and national security role

Mann emphasised efforts to bring back foreign-based gangsters, noting that inputs are actively pursued for issuing Red Corner Notices and initiating extradition proceedings. He described Punjab Police as a “national force safeguarding unity and sovereignty,” particularly given the state’s sensitive border location.

Political counterattack: Mann targets Akali leadership

In a sharp political swipe, the Chief Minister accused previous regimes—particularly the Akali leadership—of patronising gangster culture and enabling drug networks.

“Those who gave tickets to gangsters and appointed them as halqa in-charges cannot now pretend to fix the damage,” he said, adding that such elements continue to receive “legal and other support.”

A narrative of control and confidence

Framing Punjab as “one of the safest and most peaceful states in the country,” Mann concluded that the combination of strict enforcement, technological adoption, and administrative reforms is restoring both public confidence and economic momentum.

With data-backed claims and visible institutional interventions, the AAP government is attempting to position its law-and-order record as a defining pillar of its governance model—one that it argues is now delivering results both on the ground and in the investment landscape.