OPS Vigil-II: Punjab Police search 141 railway stations, 219 bus stands, 141 arrested

Chandigarh, July 3: The Punjab Police launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) on Sunday under the name 'OPS Vigil-II' at vulnerable locations such as railway stations, bus stands, and hotels. 

The operation was carried out on the orders of Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav.

"Apart from carrying out checking at Bus Stands and Railway Stations, over 550 well-coordinated Strong Inter-State and Inter-District Nakas, were also set up under the supervision of Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) in the state for a thorough search of suspected vehicles/persons, while ensuring minimum inconvenience to the general public," an official statement stated.

Over 7,500 cops were involved

"Over 7500 Police Personnel were involved to carry out this operation, which was conducted in a synchronised manner from 7 am to 3 pm across the state. All the CPs/SSPs were asked to mobilise a maximum number of officers and manpower for this operation to lay strong 'nakas' at district/city sealing points," it said.

The operation was supervised by Range Inspector Generals of Police (IGsP).

Arpit Shukla, Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order, stated that SP-level personnel were assigned to search the Railway Stations and Bus Stands, while DSP-level officials were sent to all Nakas.

"We had strictly instructed all Police Personnel to deal with everyone in a friendly and polite manner while frisking them or checking their vehicles during the course of this operation," he stated.

Searches were also conducted at Sarais and Dharamshalas

During the operation, police teams carried out CASO at 141 railway stations and 219 bus stands, as well as 926 hotels, 172 Sarais, and 166 Dharamshalas.

"Police teams have also checked 9521 two-wheelers and 7122 four-wheelers," he explained.

Over 100 arrested

The Special DGP stated that the police teams lodged 116 FIRs and arrested 141 people after recovering 1.15 kg heroin, 37 kg poppy husk, 243 litres of illicit liquor, six pistols/revolvers and Rs 7.02 lakhs in drug money from their possession.

He stated that the police arrested three Proclaimed Offenders (POs) and that 1826 suspected people were also rounded up for interrogation during the operation.

Also Read | Maharashtra politics: NCP files disqualification petition against Ajit Pawar, other 8 MLAs