1. Punjab Police Intensifies Anti-Gangster Drive: 159 Arrested During 431 Raids Across State
Preventive action taken against 116 individuals; six proclaimed offenders also arrested
CHANDIGARH, November 9, 2026: Punjab Police has intensified its campaign against organised crime, conducting 431 raids at identified locations linked to gangster associates across the state on the 293rd day of its special drive, ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’.
Launched on January 20, 2026, under the leadership of Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, the campaign aims to dismantle gangster networks and make Punjab free from organised criminal activities. Police teams from all districts are carrying out coordinated operations in collaboration with the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF).
During the latest round of action, police arrested 159 individuals and recovered one weapon. With these arrests, the total number of people held under the campaign has reached 83,442.
In addition, preventive action was initiated against 116 individuals, while six proclaimed offenders were also apprehended during the statewide operation.
To strengthen public participation in the fight against organised crime, Punjab Police has urged citizens to share information about wanted criminals, gangsters and suspicious criminal activities. People can provide information anonymously through the Anti-Gangster Helpline at 93946-93946.
Meanwhile, the state's anti-drug campaign, ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, also continued on its 618th day. Police arrested 27 alleged drug smugglers and seized 1.6 kg of heroin, 35 intoxicant pills and ₹1,500 in drug money.
With these latest arrests, the total number of drug smugglers apprehended during the campaign has reached 91,737.
As part of its rehabilitation initiative, Punjab Police also persuaded three individuals to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.
The twin campaigns reflect the state police's continued focus on tackling organised crime, curbing drug trafficking and encouraging community participation in making Punjab safer.
2. Major Breakthrough for Punjab Police: Fugitive Gangster Gurwinder Afridi Deported from Ethiopia
Ten-month international manhunt ends as Punjab Police brings wanted gangster back to India; accused faces over 30 criminal cases
CHANDIGARH, November 8, 2026: In a significant success against international organised crime, Punjab Police has secured the deportation of fugitive gangster Gurwinder Singh alias Afridi from Ethiopia after an extensive ten-month international manhunt spanning multiple countries.
The operation was carried out by the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) in coordination with the Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell (OFTEC) of Counter Intelligence, with assistance from central agencies and international law enforcement authorities.
Announcing the development, Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav said the operation was conducted under ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’, launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. He described it as the first-ever deportation of a fugitive secured by Punjab Police from an African country.
Gurwinder Afridi, identified by police as a key operative and alleged kingpin of the Doni Bal-Prabh Dassuwal gang, was carrying a government-announced reward of ₹5 lakh for information leading to his arrest. According to police, he was allegedly coordinating targeted killings, extortion-related firing incidents and other organised criminal activities in Punjab while operating from abroad.
He is wanted in more than 30 serious criminal cases, including five murder cases, attempted murder, extortion and offences under the Arms Act.
Addressing a press conference at Punjab Police Headquarters, DGP Gaurav Yadav was accompanied by Special DGP AGTF Promod Ban and Special DGP Counter Intelligence Amit Prasad.
The DGP said the successful operation, code-named ‘Operation SHAHID’, was the result of sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated tracking across several countries in Asia, South America and Africa.
Providing details of the investigation, the DGP revealed that Afridi allegedly left India through Mumbai Airport on March 31, 2025, and travelled to the UAE using a fake passport. The passport had reportedly been obtained fraudulently using the identity details of a resident of Gorakhpur and was issued from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on February 12, 2025.
According to the police, the accused subsequently attempted to evade law enforcement agencies by moving between different countries. After initially staying in the UAE, he reportedly tried to reach Mexico through Istanbul but was deported back to the UAE.
He later moved to Kenya in April 2026, travelled to Angola in June 2026 and eventually reached Ethiopia in November 2026.
Punjab Police continued tracking his movements through international intelligence-sharing mechanisms. A Red Notice was issued against him, while seven INTERPOL references were also generated during the investigation. Information regarding his alleged fake identity and international movements was shared with central agencies at crucial stages.
These coordinated efforts eventually led to his detention in Ethiopia on November 6, 2026. Following his deportation, Punjab Police took him into custody at New Delhi Airport. He is being brought to Punjab for further investigation and legal proceedings.
The DGP appreciated the efforts of AGTF and OFTEC personnel and acknowledged the support extended by the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs and central intelligence and enforcement agencies.
Afridi is allegedly involved in five high-profile murder cases in Punjab, including the killings of Sarpanch Rajwinder alias Raj Talwandi in October 2024, 12-year-old Gursewak Singh and Vicky Chugh in March 2025, Jaswant Singh in May 2025, and Congress Block President Gurmel Singh in September 2025.
The successful conclusion of Operation SHAHID marks an important development in Punjab Police's efforts to track fugitives operating from foreign countries and strengthen action against transnational organised crime.
3. Punjab Government Expands Digital Education: 56,183 Computers to Reach Government Schools by December 1
Another 16,180 desktop computers being installed under Punjab Sikhiya Kranti; 2,004 additional schools to get computer laboratories
CHANDIGARH, November 9, 2026: Punjab's government schools are set for a major digital transformation as the Bhagwant Mann-led government expands its technology-driven education initiative under the flagship Punjab Sikhiya Kranti programme.
The state government has announced the deployment of another 16,180 desktop computers in government schools, taking the total number of computers provided during the year to 56,183.
Earlier, 40,003 desktop computers had been installed across government schools at an investment of approximately ₹396 crore. The second phase of the programme began on November 2, 2026, with the delivery and installation of the additional computers scheduled to be completed by December 1.
Under this expansion, computer laboratories will be established in another 2,004 government schools. Earlier in the year, the facility had already been extended to 5,064 schools.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that every child, irrespective of economic or social background, should have access to quality education and modern technological resources.
He emphasised that the government's objective is to equip students with the knowledge, confidence and digital skills required to succeed in an increasingly technology-driven world.
The Chief Minister said the Punjab Sikhiya Kranti programme was bringing substantial changes to government school infrastructure while creating new opportunities for students across the state.
Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains also highlighted the importance of technology in improving the overall learning environment. He said the initiative was not limited to upgrading school infrastructure but was aimed at making education more engaging, meaningful and accessible.
According to the Education Minister, the introduction of modern digital tools would help teachers adopt innovative teaching methods and provide students with greater exposure to contemporary learning resources.
8,268 Interactive Flat Panels Already Delivered
Alongside the computer distribution programme, the state government has also taken steps to digitise classroom teaching.
A total of 8,268 Interactive Flat Panels (IFPs) have been delivered to 3,694 government schools under the first phase of the initiative.
These digital panels are expected to make classroom teaching more interactive through multimedia presentations, digital educational content and real-time demonstrations. Teachers will be able to use these tools to explain complex subjects more effectively and encourage greater student participation.
Focus on Equal Access to Digital Education
The expansion of digital infrastructure is part of the broader reforms being implemented under Punjab Sikhiya Kranti. The programme focuses on improving foundational learning, strengthening school infrastructure and enhancing educational standards across government institutions.
The government has also emphasised transparent monitoring, proper installation procedures and accountability to ensure that public funds are utilised effectively.
With thousands of computers, new laboratories and interactive classroom panels being introduced, the initiative aims to narrow the digital divide between government and private schools.
Access to computer education is increasingly important for students preparing for higher studies, competitive examinations and future employment opportunities. Providing modern technological facilities at the school level can help students develop essential digital skills at an early stage.
The latest expansion represents a significant step towards making Punjab's government schools more technology-enabled and preparing students for the demands of the modern world.