Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Punjab safe under Mann Govt, criminals will face strict action: Baltej Pannu
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, January 12, 2026: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab State Media In-charge Baltej Pannu on Monday affirmed that Punjab is completely safe and law and order remains firmly under control. He warned that anyone attempting to take the law into their own hands will face strict action.
Addressing a press conference at the AAP office, Pannu refuted opposition claims about law and order, emphasizing that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s government follows a zero-tolerance policy. “Any person who fires bullets or commits violence will not be dealt with softly; they will be answered in the same language,” he asserted.
Citing recent cases, Pannu highlighted the arrest of the sarpanch murder suspects. He said Punjab Police tracked CCTV footage across nearly 110 kilometres, pursued the accused across states, and, with assistance from Chhattisgarh Police, arrested both shooters along with the individual who provided them shelter. The suspects are being brought back to Punjab.
Pannu also referred to other high-profile arrests: two gangsters from Ludhiana’s Haibowal area linked to the Godara gang were apprehended after firing on police, while the shooters involved in the Mohali firing case against sports promoter Rana Balachoria were arrested from Kolkata, West Bengal.
Issuing a stern warning to criminals, Pannu said, “Those who believe they can commit crimes in Punjab and hide in other states are living in a serious misconception. Punjab Police will chase them to any state and arrest them.”
He also defended the Anti-Gangster Task Force, which has conducted multi-state arrests, stating that the police have been empowered under CM Mann with a clear directive that no criminal will be spared. Pannu pointed out that Punjab Police now operates with modern vehicles, advanced surveillance, and the latest technology, enabling swift resolution of cases within 24 hours.
Highlighting Punjab’s sensitive border position, Pannu warned those trying to destabilize the state that their attempts will fail. Drawing parallels with the government’s ongoing war against drugs, he stated that the fight against gangsters is systematic and relentless.
He firmly rejected allegations linking the Mann government to criminal elements, saying, “No matter who the person is, which family they belong to, or what influence they claim, no one will be spared.”