Amid rising concerns over gang wars in the Jammu-Samba-Kathua region, extortion rackets, and land mafias, Jammu police are intensifying their crackdown on such syndicates.
The action comes as Jammu witnessed a daylight shooting in Jewel Chowk, where gangster Sumit Jandial, also known as Gataru, was ambushed and shot dead by unidentified assailants while driving his Thar SUV. This incident, which occurred amid heightened security ahead of Republic Day, raised worries about public safety and the growing boldness of criminals.
On January 31, another criminal, Paramjit Singh, also known as Jungi, was injured in retaliatory fire by the police in the Kotli Mian Fateh area, along with his accomplice.
According to police officials, Singh’s associate, identified as Arjun Kumar, also known as Billa, a wanted criminal from Akhnoor, was arrested at the scene with five FIRs registered against him in various police stations.
The decision to tackle criminals threatening peace in Jammu was made during a high-level meeting led by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Shiv Kumar Sharma. The meeting included Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), Additional Superintendents of Police (Addl SPs), and Zonal Superintendents of Police.
The discussion focused on the increase in gang-related incidents across Ramgarh, Vijaypur, Bishnah, Bari Brahmana, and RS Pura. These areas have become hotspots for highway robberies, drug smuggling, and land disputes associated with mafia groups.
The growing connection between land mafias and drug syndicates poses a dual challenge for law enforcement, requiring a balance between counterterrorism efforts and maintaining law and order.
To dismantle organised gangs, Sharma outlined a series of measures, including disrupting financial networks by seizing properties acquired through illegal means such as extortion, land grabbing, and drug trafficking. Officers were instructed to closely monitor and take legal action against individuals or groups providing shelter, assistance, or financial support to gangsters.
It was decided that a campaign would be launched against vehicles with tinted windows, loud music systems, illegal modifications, and missing number plates. Strict legal actions will be taken against individuals found in possession of illegal weapons or involved in land grabbing.
The police also called on civil society, parents, and community leaders to discourage youth from becoming involved in criminal activities.