Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday asked the Commissioners of Police (CPs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) to play a frontal role in war against gangsters by personally conducting operations and interrogations.
In a letter addressed to all CPs and SSPs of the state, Bhagwant Mann said the best leaders lead by example adding that Punjab Police has a gallant tradition of professionalism and service to the nation.
Expressing confidence in the police force, Mann said it would rise to the occasion and launch concerted drive to eradicate the menace of gangsterism in the state and these valiant officers as leaders of the force would play important roles.
Referring to the law & order review meeting held on April 5, Bhagwant Mann outlined his government’s topmost focus to maintain law & order, apart from eradication of corruption and welfare measures for the police force. Besides, he also announced the constitution of the Anti Gangster Task Force (AGTF) to eradicate gangsterism from the state.
Elaborating further, Bhagwant Mann made it absolutely clear that the constitution of the AGTF in no way would reduce/lessen the responsibility and role of CPs and SSPs heading the Police Commissionerates and Districts, as both are responsible for control of crime and maintenance of law & order in their jurisdictions. “You will be personally held responsible for any breach of law & order in your jurisdiction as you are accountable under law”, asserted the Chief Minister.
While the AGTF would focus on intelligence-based operations and play a coordinating role, Bhagwant Mann expected the CPs and SSPS to launch major thrust against gangsters by briefing the police officers under them, conducting analysis of crime data, identifying absconding gangsters and conducting anti-gangster operations.
SEVERAL ADMINISTRATIVE, SHORT TERM AND PUNITIVE MEASURES INITIATED TO STRENGTHEN LAW & ORDER MACHINERY
Meanwhile, the Punjab government has also taken administrative measures towards strengthening law and order machinery across the state by posting ADGP Special Crimes & Economic Offences Wing Promod Ban as ADGP of Anti Gangster Task Force (AGTF), AIG Organised Crime Control Unit (OCCU) Gurmeet Singh Chauhan as AIG AGTF and CP Ludhiana Gurpreet Singh Bhullar as DIG AGTF besides DSP Kharar Bikramjit Singh Brar has been given additional charge of DSP AGTF.
Besides, Standing Order (SO) for functioning of AGTF laying down its role, functions and responsibilities as short term measures has already been taken. Towards punitive measures, the Police department has sought immediate analysis of 18/19 murders which have recently taken place. The task for identification and suspension of police officials who have been negligent in handling investigation of recent murders has been assigned to the AGTF team.