Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Punjab notifies reward policy to boost crackdown on wanted criminals, informers; Officers to get up to Rs 2 lakh and above
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, February 24, 2025: In a decisive step to intensify its anti-gangster drive, the Punjab Government on Tuesday notified the ‘Reward Policy of the State of Punjab for the Arrest of Wanted Criminals’, creating a structured and transparent system to incentivise public informers and recognise exceptional police operations.
The notification follows the recent approval of the policy by the state cabinet under the ongoing ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign aimed at making Punjab a gangster-free state.
Announcing the details, Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said the policy authorises senior field officers to sanction monetary rewards based on the scale and sensitivity of operations.
Under the framework:
- Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) can sanction rewards up to ₹1 lakh
- Commissioners of Police (CPs) and IGPs/DIGs Ranges up to ₹1.5 lakh
- Heads of Wings (SDGP/ADGP rank) up to ₹2 lakh
- The DGP Punjab can approve rewards exceeding ₹2 lakh
The policy covers a broad category of wanted individuals, including proclaimed offenders, absconders, habitual criminals, and accused persons deliberately evading arrest.
Officials said the initiative is designed to encourage credible and actionable intelligence that directly leads to the identification, tracking, and arrest of criminals. It also formally recognises police personnel who undertake high-risk and exceptional operations.
Clarifying the financial aspect, the DGP stated that rewards will be granted as ex-gratia payments and cannot be claimed as a matter of right. The amount will be determined on a case-by-case basis, factoring in the seriousness of the crime, the level of risk involved, and the quality of information provided.
To ensure accountability, the policy mandates a structured recommendation process. A supervisory Gazetted Officer involved in the operation must submit a detailed recommendation certifying the credibility of the intelligence and outlining the specific roles played by those involved.
The government has also assured that the identity of informers will remain strictly confidential at all stages of the process.
The move is being seen as an effort to institutionalise community participation in law enforcement while strengthening the state’s ongoing crackdown on organised crime networks.