Chandigarh, Feb 8, 2026 - Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav has announced that properties constructed with extortion money by gangsters, particularly those based abroad, are under increased scrutiny. This declaration comes as part of a broader effort to enhance the safety and security of Punjab by targeting the financial networks that enable criminal activities.
DGP Yadav made the announcement on Sunday, coinciding with the launch of "Operation Prahaar-2," a 72-hour statewide initiative aimed at apprehending wanted criminals. He stated that a process has begun to extradite 38 foreign-based gangsters out of 61.
The focus on properties acquired through extortion highlights a critical aspect of combating organized crime in Punjab. Gangs often use illicitly gained wealth to further their operations, exert influence, and create an atmosphere of fear within communities. By targeting these assets, authorities aim to disrupt the financial backbone of these criminal enterprises.
Extortion has become a significant problem in the region, with various incidents reported across Punjab. In one instance, associates of a US-based gangster, Gurdev Jassal, opened fire at a businessman's petrol pump in Kalanaur and demanded ₹1 crore, eventually receiving ₹50 lakh. In another case, two men were arrested after demanding ₹5 crore from a travel company proprietor in Nakodar, claiming to be members of the Goldy Brar and Rohit Godhra gang.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has also taken cognizance of the rising incidents of targeted killings, shootings, and extortion rackets in Punjab. The court has directed DGP Yadav to submit a detailed affidavit on shooting incidents reported since 2023, including those captured on CCTV cameras and mobile phones, along with information on arrests made and steps taken to apprehend those still at large. The court also seeks information on the money trail of extortion proceeds and measures taken to curb the glorification of crime on social media.
In response to the court's order, DGP Yadav stated that the Punjab Police have taken several steps to prevent and detect organized crime, including targeted killings and extortion. He added that several shooters involved in crimes have been identified and brought to book.
The crackdown extends beyond Punjab's borders, with authorities in Canada also grappling with extortion schemes targeting the Punjabi community. In Surrey, British Columbia, three young men of Punjabi origin were charged with firearm offenses following a shooting linked to extortion, prompting the declaration of a local state of emergency.
Punjab Police have also been targeting the financial networks used by criminals, including illegal hawala channels. In one instance, 64 hawala operators were arrested, and ₹14 crore in illicit cash was seized. The police have also arrested individuals involved in funneling drug money for Pakistan-based narco-terror networks.
DGP Yadav has also directed all Police Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) across the state to take strict and immediate action against extortion-related crimes, mandating that every extortion call be registered as an FIR and thoroughly investigated.