197 OUT OF 353 PERSONS ARRESTED UNDER PREVENTIVE SECTIONS SINCE MARCH 18, 2023 HAVE BEEN RELEASED

CHANDIGARH:  Punjab Police has continued its ongoing drive to screen the cases of persons arrested since March 18, 2023 on account of apprehension of breach of peace and disturbance in law & order, and release persons in whose case the apprehension of breach of peace is over. 197 persons out of a total of 353 persons arrested under preventive sections of law have been released till today.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has issued clear directions that the Punjab Police should adopt a positive approach while screening persons arrested on account of apprehension of breach of peace or in substantive criminal offences.

Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav stated that directions have been issued to all SSPs and CPs in the state to ensure that no innocent person is harassed or arrested. The investigating officers and their supervisory officers should first examine the available evidence and satisfy themselves before undertaking any preventive arrest or arrest in substantive offences.

The DGP added that apart from the 353 persons arrested under preventive sections, 40 persons have been arrested under substantive criminal offences and seven persons have been detained under the National Security Act. In accordance with the directions of the Chief Minister, police authorities will review the status of persons arrested under substantive criminal offences by examining the available evidence and taking a positive approach.

DGP Gaurav Yadav appealed to all Punjabis to continue maintaining peace and harmony in the state and not to pay any heed to fake news and rumours. The DGP asserted that the law & order situation is completely under control and totally stable. He warned that strict action would be taken against persons spreading rumours and fake news.

Punjab Police today conducted flag marches, naka-bandis, patrollings and maintained presence in markets and other important locations in the state. Punjab Police is committed to maintain law & order in the state.