Crackdown in Ambala: 75 Arrested in Haryana–Punjab Operation Targeting Heinous Crimes and Gang Affiliations

Ambala, August 3, 2025 — In a sweeping law enforcement operation, police in the Haryana–Punjab Ambala Range have arrested 75 individuals involved in heinous crimes over the last three months. According to officials, several of those detained have direct connections to organized gangs operating across the northern region of India. The development marks a significant move in tackling rising criminal activity that has plagued border districts in recent years.

The arrests were confirmed by Inspector General (IG) of Ambala Range, Sibash Kabiraj, who stated that the action was part of a broader campaign to dismantle violent criminal networks and bring repeat offenders to justice.

A Coordinated Multi-District Operation

The Ambala Range includes key districts in both Haryana and Punjab, regions that have seen an uptick in organized crime, including contract killings, extortion, and illegal arms trafficking. The special drive involved coordination between multiple district-level police teams, backed by technical surveillance and intelligence units.

Among those arrested were individuals with pending cases under:

• Murder and attempted murder (IPC Section 302, 307)

• Kidnapping for ransom (IPC Section 364A)

• Arms Act violations

• Gangster Act charges in Haryana and Punjab

According to a detailed report by The Tribune, several of the accused were also linked to interstate gangs that had extended their operations into rural and semi-urban zones, often evading law enforcement due to jurisdictional complexities.

Gang Affiliations and Repeat Offenders

Among the 75 arrested, at least 30 individuals were identified as repeat offenders or habitual criminals with ties to known gang leaders. These suspects were found to be actively involved in recruiting youth into criminal enterprises and were allegedly coordinating illegal activities through digital means.

IG Kabiraj emphasized the need for community vigilance, noting, “Most of these criminals were operating with the belief that they could outrun the system. With our improved coordination, data tracking, and public cooperation, that myth is breaking.”

As part of the investigation, over a dozen illegal firearms and substantial quantities of illicit liquor were also seized. The police are now preparing to file chargesheets in fast-track courts for expedited legal action.

Technology-Driven Policing

Officials attributed the success of the crackdown to enhanced use of crime analytics tools, mobile surveillance, and public tip-offs. New AI-enabled surveillance software was reportedly used to trace the digital footprint of gang members, especially those coordinating operations from outside the region.

In an interview with India TV News, law enforcement officials revealed that call record analysis, WhatsApp group monitoring, and license plate recognition played a crucial role in linking suspects to crime scenes.

This aligns with Haryana’s broader mission to become a technology-first policing state. The state’s cyber units have been instrumental in providing actionable intelligence during the multi-phase operation.

Public Response and Future Plans

Residents in affected areas have welcomed the crackdown, expressing relief that known gang operatives are finally being taken off the streets. “We’ve lived in fear for years—some of these men were known for open intimidation,” said a shopkeeper in Ambala Cantt, requesting anonymity.

Officials have confirmed that more arrests are expected in the coming weeks as surveillance continues and more digital trails are analyzed. The Ambala Range police have also initiated community engagement programs aimed at deterring youth from gang recruitment.

Conclusion

The arrests in the Haryana–Punjab Ambala Range represent a turning point in the fight against organized crime in the region. With law enforcement agencies deploying advanced technology and collaborating across districts, the message is clear: impunity for gang violence and heinous crime will no longer be tolerated. As investigations continue, the spotlight is now on ensuring swift prosecutions and long-term policy changes to dismantle criminal ecosystems.