Image Source: Agencies

Aug 14, 2025: The Punjab Police have beefed up security across the state and all field units have been directed to remain on high alert ahead of the Independence Day functions.

As directed by the Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, police teams conducted flag marches at all sensitive areas in all 28 police districts simultaneously, followed by cordon and search operations (CASOs) at all vulnerable spots.

Arpit Shukla, the Special DGP for Law and Order, stated that police teams led by CPs and SSPs held flag marches in sensitive and vulnerable districts. The exercise was aimed to boost the confidence of the general public, besides preparing police personnel to tackle any untoward situation, he said.

The Special DGP said the CPs/SSPs were also directed to conduct a special Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) under the supervision of SP-rank officer at all crowded places, including railway stations, bus stands, markets, shopping malls, public parks etc across the state. He went on to say, "We had strictly instructed all cops to treat every person in a friendly and polite manner while frisking them during the course of this operation." He stated that approximately 250 police teams with over 1,500 personnel were deployed throughout the state to search for suspicious individuals while minimizing public disturbance.

In addition, on Day 165, police teams continued the CASO campaign against drugs and carried out raids at 374 locations on Wednesday, resulting in the registration of 53 first information reports (FIRs) across the state and the arrest of 73 drug smugglers. Within 165 days, this brought the total number of drug smugglers arrested to 25,719. The Special DGP stated that the arrested drug smugglers had surrendered 2.4 kilograms of heroin and Rs 42,800 in cash. During the daylong operation, he stated, more than 120 police teams with over 1,100 police officers and 73 gazetted officers had conducted raids throughout the state and checked 406 suspicious individuals. The Special DGP said the state government had enforced a three-pronged strategy: Enforcement, De-addiction and Prevention (EDP) to eradicate drugs from the state.

The Punjab Police convinced 61 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.