Punjab expands anti‑drug drive with Safe Punjab tip line and Sanjha Suneha civil‑society conclave

Punjab’s government has intensified its anti‑drug campaign by launching the ‘Safe Punjab’ WhatsApp helpline, which has received 43,520 anonymous tip‑offs. The tips have resulted in 17,120 cases and the arrest of 21,962 suspects. The helpline is complemented by e‑rickshaws that allow anonymous complaints in 3,440 villages, covering roughly one‑third of the state’s villages.

On 1 July, the state held the Sanjha Suneha – Ik Jutt Punjab conclave, bringing together more than 80 delegates from over 40 NGOs, civil‑society groups and social‑media influencers. The event, organized by the Data Intelligence and Technical Support Unit, aimed to strengthen community ownership of the Yudh Nashean Virudh anti‑drug campaign. Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh emphasized that the effort must become a “people’s movement”. Punjab Police DGP Gaurav Yadav said the response shows “people want to live in a drug‑free environment and are willing to support law enforcement when their identity is protected.”