Crackdown on crime: Govt brings reward policy, releases list of 28 most wanted criminals

Chandigarh: The Bhagwant Mann-led state govt has authorised Punjab Police personnel to reward genuine informants under the new reward policy for sharing information regarding wanted criminals/gangsters or their network in the state.The govt also released a list of 28 most wanted criminals.Under the ‘Gangstran Te Vaar' campaign, the govt has approved sanction powers of up to Rs 1 lakh to the senior superintendent of police (SSP); Rs 1.5 lakh to the commissioner of police/range inspector general of police/deputy inspector general of police; Rs 2 lakh to the heads of wings (special director general of police/additional director general of police); and above Rs 2 lakh to the director general of police (DGP).The sanctioned amount will be rewarded to the informants only on providing correct and genuine information. The reward policy has been introduced to increase the involvement of residents in helping the govt and the Punjab Police make the state safer."The Punjab govt has approved the above-mentioned sanction powers for the designated police personnel. The information will be verified first, and the informants will be awarded as per the criteria. The identity of the informants will not be disclosed or made public at any level of police, public or govt. The aim is to close all doors for the criminals and gangsters operating in the state. The Punjab govt aims to go to any extent for achieving this aim," said Pramod Ban, ADGP, Anti-Gangster Task Force.The information can be shared at ‘Anti-Gangster Helpline' 9394693946. "Informants who provide credible information leading to the arrest of wanted, proclaimed, and habitual offenders will receive an award," Ban said."The Punjab Police will follow the leads provided by the informants. This project will also give extra wings to the Punjab Police network in stopping the troublemakers. The information gathered through this project will be further used for enhancing ‘Gangstran Te Vaar' under operation Prahaar," he added.The ADGP further said it would be a high-quality reward programme where the identity of the tipsters would be protected. "We want more and more people to come forward to help the govt and the police in denting the criminal activity in the state. Safeguarding every resident of the state is our duty and responsibility. We will trust the information only after proper vetting, and there's no question of any danger to the informant," he said.The reward amount will be decided case-by-case, depending on the offence's gravity, the risk involved, and the quality of the information. The policy is part of the ongoing ‘Gangstran Te Vaar' campaign aimed at making Punjab gangster-free.Ban said people can anonymously report information on wanted criminals and gangsters, and share tips on crime and criminal activity, through the Anti-Gangster Helpline.MSID:: 130188145 413 |