North News
Chandigarh, October 21
Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav revealed on Monday that more than 80% of extortion calls are made by local criminals posing as notorious gangsters, while less than 20% come from actual gangsters. Addressing media queries, Yadav urged citizens to promptly report such crimes, instructing Chief Police Officers (CPs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) to convert every extortion call and petty crime, including snatching, into FIRs for thorough investigations.
The DGP identified street crime and drug sales as key issues affecting citizens. “To combat street crime, the police are employing crime mapping to identify hotspots and intensifying patrols in those areas. Similarly, efforts to tackle drug issues involve community engagement, with CPs and SSPs organizing public meetings to gather information about drug sale points,” he said.
“Our topmost priority is common citizens. We are identifying what affects them the most and working to resolve those issues,” said DGP Yadav, emphasizing the Punjab Police’s commitment to friendly and effective policing.
“The Punjab Police has adopted a proactive approach against organized crime, allowing officers to retaliate in self-defense if fired upon. The department has also initiated a health insurance scheme for police personnel, partnering with 300 hospitals across the state to provide medical facilities at subsidized rates,” he further said.
DGP Gaurav Yadav also met the families of martyrs and listened to them sympathetically and assured fulsome support and cooperation from the Punjab Government and Punjab Police to the families of martyrs.
“We will not let the sacrifices of our Heroes go in vain. I assure you that the Punjab Police will continue to serve with full dedication and bravery to ensure peace and harmony in the border state,” he said.
Paying glowing tributes to the martyrs of the police, the Director General of Police said the Punjab Police is an exceptional force which served the country both in times of peace and disturbance. He said that the members of the force had laid down their lives to maintain the unity of the nation and give security to the citizens. He said the state Police had sacrificed its 1799 officials, including two police personnel in this year, since September 1981.
The 65th state-level Police Commemoration Day was observed at the Punjab Armed Police (PAP) headquarters here today to pay tributes to the brave Police personnel, who had sacrificed their lives, fighting militants and criminals for the unity and integrity of the nation.
While addressing the gathering after paying floral tributes to the bravehearts, who laid down their lives for the sake of the country, the Punjab Police Chief said it was because of these martyrs we all are enjoying freedom. He said that the Punjab Police is known for its bravery, courage, and successfully rooting out militancy. He said that the Punjab Police had always remained at the forefront to save the motherland from the enemies. He said that Punjab Police would continue to work harder towards maintaining peace and communal harmony in the border state.
Meanwhile, a well-organized commemoration parade was held at the Police Martyr’s Memorial constructed inside the PAP campus. After giving a general salute to the DGP Punjab, the names of all 213 police martyrs, including Constable Amritpal Singh and PHG Jaspal Singh of Punjab Police— who died during law and order duty, of this year were read out by Commandment 75th Battalion PAP Jalandhar Vivek Sheel Soni. A two-minute silence was observed, and later, senior officials laid wreaths at the martyr’s memorial.
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Special DGsP, several ADGsP and IGsP, and others senior police officers/officials.
