Punjab Police search 141 railway stations, 219 bus stands, 926 hotels; 141 arrested

Over 7m500 personnel were involved in the operation, which was conducted from 7am to 3pm. All CPs/SSPs were asked to mobilise a maximum number of officers and manpower for this operation to lay strong ‘nakas’ at district/city sealing points. The operation was conducted under the supervision of Range Inspector Generals of Police (IGsP).

Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla said that SP-level officers were deputed to conduct a search of the railway stations and bus stands, while, DSP-level officers were deputed at all the Nakas. “We had strictly instructed all police personnel to deal with every person in a friendly and polite manner while frisking them or checking their vehicle during the course of this operation,” he added.

He said that police teams have carried out CASO at 141 railway stations and 219 bus stands, besides conducting checks at 926 hotels, 172 Sarais and 166 dharamshalas. Police teams also checked 9,521 two-wheelers and 7122 four-wheelers, he added.

Sharing outcomes of the operation, the Special DGP said that the 116 FIRs were registered and 141 people were arrested after recovering 1.15 kg heroin, 37 kg poppy husk, 243-litre illicit liquor, six pistols/revolvers and Rs 7.02 lakh from them. Police have also arrested three Proclaimed Offenders (POs), he said, adding that 1,826 suspicious people were also rounded up for questioning during the operation.

He said that such operations would continue till the menace of drugs and gangsters wiped out from the state.