Punjab Police’s ‘Sampark Abhiyan’ reaches 2,800 sessions, educates youth on gang traps
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, April 24, 2026: The Punjab Police’s community outreach initiative ‘Sampark Abhiyan’ is emerging as a key platform to educate youth about the risks of gang involvement, with more than 2,800 awareness programmes conducted across 28 districts in the past three months.
Launched to strengthen community policing and address issues such as drug abuse and crime, the initiative focuses on direct interaction between police personnel and citizens at the village, town, and city levels. These engagements have enabled open discussions, particularly with young people, about how gangs operate and recruit.
Drawing insights from the ongoing ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign, police officials have highlighted that gangs often lure youth with promises of quick money, luxurious lifestyles, or opportunities to settle abroad—offers that frequently lead to serious legal consequences.
Gaurav Yadav, Director General of Police, said the sessions are helping young people understand the long-term risks associated with such temptations.
He noted that while gang networks operate from behind the scenes, it is the recruited individuals who ultimately face the consequences.
Participants have described the sessions as impactful and eye-opening. Students attending these programmes said the interactions have helped them recognise the tactics used by gangs to target vulnerable youth and emphasised the need to spread awareness among peers.
The initiative has also strengthened public trust by encouraging residents to share concerns and participate in maintaining community safety.
Senior officers and field staff have been actively engaging with students, families, and local leaders, discussing not just crime but its broader social impact.
Recent sessions included a large outreach programme at Guru Nanak College in Budhlada, attended by around 1,500 participants and addressed by senior police officials. Similar awareness drives have also been held in border districts like Fazilka, where youth were specifically cautioned against attempts by smugglers and gangsters to exploit them.
Officials said the campaign also promotes the Anti-Gangster helpline (93946-93946) and informs citizens about government reward schemes for sharing credible information, ensuring confidentiality and incentives.