Punjab Police is intensifying the “second line of defence”, a technology-driven security network aimed at disrupting organised crime groups operating with cross-border connections, an official statement said on Wednesday.
While the Border Security Force (BSF) is guarding the international border, Punjab Police, under the ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ drive, is focusing on ensuring that any contraband that manages to cross the border is intercepted quickly and prevented from moving deeper into the state. Officials said the growing surveillance network reflects this strategy.
As part of the initiative, over 2,291 CCTV cameras have been installed at 585 sites across the border areas, creating an extensive surveillance grid covering sensitive villages and transit routes. Additionally, 41 police stations located in border districts have also been brought under CCTV monitoring.On the ground, police ‘nakas’ or checkpoints have become more strategic and less predictable, supported by real-time intelligence inputs. Vehicle checking is now targeted rather than routine. Anti-drone surveillance has also been strengthened, particularly in districts that have witnessed repeated drone drops involving arms and narcotics, according to the statement.
SSP Amritsar Rural Suhail Qasim Mir said the second line of defence plays a crucial role in breaking the supply chain. He explained that while border sealing remains the first layer of security, any breach is intercepted quickly within police jurisdiction. He added that checkpoints are now intelligence-based and positioned according to verified inputs.
He further said that village-level defence committees and local community networks have been integrated into the security system to ensure that suspicious movement at the grassroots level does not go unnoticed. Continuous efforts are also being made to strengthen surveillance infrastructure, mobility support, and rapid response systems so that the security layer acts both as a deterrent and an effective disruption mechanism.
Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said strengthening the second line of defence is a key part of Punjab’s anti-gangster strategy. He noted that the focus is on dismantling the entire criminal ecosystem — from cross-border supply networks to last-mile delivery — ensuring that any illegal activity is detected early and neutralised swiftly.
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