Did Punjab Police Capture Two Infamous Bishnoi Gang Members?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Major arrests made by Punjab Police's Anti-Gangster Task Force.
- Criminal history includes 15 serious cases across multiple states.
- Police recovered a Glock 9mm pistol during the operation.
- Increased security measures ahead of Independence Day.
- Ongoing operations against drug smuggling.
Chandigarh, Aug 14 (NationPress) In a significant development, the Anti-Gangster Task Force of the Punjab Police has successfully apprehended two notorious operatives of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang along the Patiala-Ambala national highway, close to Shambhu village, as confirmed by Punjab's Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav, on Thursday.
Both individuals have extensive criminal backgrounds with over 15 serious crime cases linked to them across Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
Initial investigations indicate that they had escaped to Nepal following a murder but returned under the instructions of handlers based overseas to execute a major crime in the state.
The suspects are also implicated in the recent murder of Bharat Ratan in Fazilka.
Authorities recovered a Glock 9mm pistol and six cartridges from their possession.
A first information report (FIR) has been lodged in Mohali, located nearby.
In light of upcoming Independence Day celebrations, the Punjab Police have intensified security measures throughout the state, instructing all field units to maintain a heightened state of vigilance.
Police units are conducting flag marches in sensitive areas across all 28 police districts, followed by targeted cordon and search operations in identified vulnerable locations, as stated by Special DGP (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla.
This initiative aims to strengthen public confidence while preparing police forces to effectively manage any potential disruptions.
The Special DGP noted that the special cordon and search operations are being carried out under the supervision of an officer of SP rank at crowded venues such as railway stations, bus terminals, shopping malls, and public parks throughout the state.
“We have instructed our police personnel to interact with the public in a friendly and respectful manner during these operations,” he emphasized.
Approximately 250 police units, comprising over 1,500 personnel, have been deployed statewide to identify suspicious individuals while ensuring minimal disruption to the public.
Additionally, police have continued their anti-drug operations, conducting raids at 374 locations on Wednesday, resulting in the arrest of 73 drug smugglers and the filing of 53 FIRs across the state.
This brings the total number of drug smugglers arrested to 25,719 in just 165 days.