People Want to Live in Drug-Free Environment & Are Willing to Support Law Enforcement: DGP Gaurav Yadav
Lasting Success Against Drug Abuse Requires Sustained Cooperation From Public: Dr Balbir Singh
CHANDIGARH, July 4:
Punjab’s fight against substance abuse is becoming a people-led campaign, with citizens from both rural and urban areas coming forward in large numbers to anonymously share tip-offs against drug peddlers and suppliers through the ‘Safe Punjab’ WhatsApp helpline 97791-00200. The ‘Safe Punjab’ WhatsApp helpline is part of the Yudh Nashean Virudh campaign led by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
The growing response from the public is not only helping law enforcement crack down heavily on networks of drug traffickers but also reflects rising trust in the state’s commitment to protecting the identity of informants and acting on actionable intelligence. This initiative has emerged as one of the main pillars of the Yudh Nashean Virudh campaign spearheaded by CM Mann that seeks to combine public participation with subsequent enforcement measures.
According to official consolidated data, so far, 43,520 anonymous tip-offs have been received from across Punjab. Based on these tip-offs and subsequent investigations, 17,120 cases were registered and 21,962 accused were arrested.
The initiative was conceived to make citizens part of the movement so that they actively participate in Punjab’s anti-drug campaign without the fear of intimidation. By ensuring that the complainants remain anonymous and prompt follow-up action is taken, the ‘Safe Punjab’ WhatsApp helpline has encouraged people from all sections of society to report suspicious activities, drug sales and peddling.
Apart from the WhatsApp helpline, anonymous tip-offs are also encouraged through e-rickshaws operating across Punjab. The e-rickshaws, in which citizens can submit anonymous complaints, are already covering 3,440 villages across the state, roughly one-third of all villages in Punjab. The two platforms have become an additional source of intelligence to nab drug peddlers and traffickers.
Every complaint received through the initiative undergoes a verification process before the legal team initiates legal action. Inputs found to be credible are immediately shared with the concerned district police units for action, ensuring that intelligence generated by the public translates into effective enforcement on the ground.
On this, Punjab Police Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said, “The response to the ‘Safe Punjab’ initiative demonstrates that people want to live in a drug-free environment and are willing to support law enforcement when they are assured that their identity will remain protected. Public participation has been overwhelming, and so has our response.”
The steady rise in the number of complaints is being viewed as an indicator of growing public confidence in the police. Rather than remaining mute spectators, residents are increasingly reporting cases of drug trafficking, thereby helping authorities intervene at the right juncture.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said, “The initiative complements the Punjab government’s broader Yudh Nashean Virudh campaign under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann by bringing together enforcement, community participation, awareness and rehabilitation efforts. While police action remains critical, lasting success against substance abuse requires sustained cooperation from the public.”
All complaints received through this platform remain confidential. The identity of informants is not disclosed. Citizens are encouraged to share information regarding drug peddlers and traffickers without fear.
With over 17,000 arrests made based on anonymous tip-offs, this translates to a conversion rate of about 40 per cent from complaints to arrests. This clearly suggests that the ‘Safe Punjab’ WhatsApp helpline initiative is emerging as a significant force multiplier in the state’s battle against substance abuse. Officials expressed confidence that sustained participation by citizens, backed by immediate police action, will further strengthen the state’s resolve to eliminate the drug menace and build a safer environment for future generations of Punjab.
