Bhagwant Mann: The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) from Punjab has secured another significant success in the ongoing fight against organised crime spearheaded by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Two alleged associates of the Ashish Chopra gang were apprehended during a well-planned operation carried out in Ferozepur district, police officials confirmed here on Monday.
The arrests came as part of the much-needed process that the Punjab government initiated in dismantling criminal networks working within the state. The AGTF, a team characterised by precision operations utilising intelligence, was actively pursuing leads into multiple gang-related activities in the area.
Suspects Associated with Gang Network
According to Punjab Police, the suspects are believed to have provided illegal arms and extorted on behalf of the Ashish Chopra gang, which has overlaps between several organised crime groups across North India.
Initial investigations have demonstrated that the two men were conducting extortion-related duties while also making connections for the gang’s weapons. Various items of evidence—documents and cellphones—were obtained in the course of the police operation.
“The arrests are another significant piece of Punjab’s battle against organised crime,” said DGP Gaurav Yadav, praising the AGTF team for their expeditious action.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann Commends AGTF’s Unfaltering Efforts
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has commended the AGTF and Punjab Police for their unwavering dedication to ridding the state of crime. “Our government is clear—no matter how powerful, no criminal will escape justice. Our youth in Punjab need safety, peace and opportunity—not fear.” Over the last year, Mann’s government has rolled out a series of initiatives designed to eliminate organised crime, drug trafficking and gang violence. The AGTF has arrested or neutralised many of the most highly sought-after Valencia gangsters and has succeeded in disrupting the hold of criminal syndicates operating both intra- and extra-state.
A strong message of zero tolerance
The arrests made in Ferozepur offer a clear and strong message to criminal organisations that the Government of Punjab is assuming a strong stance on violence and will not relent in its pursuit of justice. Police sources report that further inquiry is currently underway to locate additional associates of the Ashish Chopra gang and to analyse their financial scheme.
As Punjab takes an increasingly strong position against crime, citizens are becoming increasingly confident in the government taking a strong stance on organised gang violence, and Bhagwant Mann’s envisioned safer, stronger Punjab becomes increasingly visible.
