Chandigarh: The Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government has intensified its crackdown on gangsters and organised crime, with Punjab Police bringing back 17 gangsters from foreign countries in just six months. Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that criminals would be tracked down and brought to justice, no matter where they hide in the world.
Addressing a press conference, Cheema said the government is determined to make Punjab a gangster-free state. He also highlighted the achievements of the ongoing ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign, under which police have conducted more than 1.61 lakh raids and arrested 2,162 proclaimed offenders.
Punjab Police Conducts Over 1.61 Lakh Raids
Cheema said that between January 20 and November 7, 2026, Punjab Police conducted 1,61,266 raids and arrested approximately 2,162 proclaimed offenders. He added that the anti-gangster campaign was launched soon after the AAP government came to power in Punjab.
According to the minister, the police have been given clear instructions to take strict action against every gangster and criminal, irrespective of where they operate from.
17 Gangsters Brought Back from Different Countries
The AAP leader said Punjab Police has successfully brought several wanted gangsters back to India from different countries. These include Ramanjit Singh Romi from Hong Kong, Amrit Singh from the Maldives, Prabhpreet Singh from Germany and Parminder Singh Pindi from the UAE.
Others brought back include Sajjan Mahesh and Sukhdev Kumar Manish Baidi from Indonesia, Ajay Singh, Pawandeep Singh and Jaspreet Singh from Malaysia, and Karmbir Singh Deol from Canada.
Cheema said these operations reflect the determination of Punjab Police to pursue criminals beyond geographical boundaries.
Gurwinder Singh Alias Afridi Deported from Ethiopia
Highlighting the latest breakthrough, Cheema said Punjab Police brought Gurwinder Singh alias Afridi back to India from Ethiopia on November 7, 2026. Afridi carried a reward of ₹5 lakh and is facing more than 30 criminal cases.
According to the minister, Afridi had allegedly obtained a fake passport in Uttar Pradesh before travelling to the UAE and later moving to Ethiopia. Punjab Police secured his deportation and brought him back to face legal proceedings.
Cheema further alleged that Afridi was involved in several serious criminal cases in Punjab, including the murders of Sarpanch Rajwinder Singh, 12-year-old Gursewak Singh, Vicky Chugh, Jaswant Singh and Congress block president Gurmail Singh.
Cheema Questions BJP Over Fake Passport
The cabinet minister questioned how a gangster like Afridi managed to obtain a fake passport in Uttar Pradesh, which is governed by the BJP. He asked the BJP to explain how criminals were able to operate from states under its rule.
