Haryana Police sets 2026 crime roadmap; STF to track 100 violent offenders, focus on cyber, drugs and hotspot domination: DGP O P Singh

Madhuban (Haryana), Dec 28(Sanjay Rai): Haryana Police has drawn up an expanded crime and security strategy for 2026 with a sharper focus on violent offenders, narcotics, cybercrime, terror-linked activities and emerging geopolitical risks, following a high-level review meeting at the Haryana Police Academy (HPA), Madhuban.

Chaired by the Director General of Police (DGP), the meeting reviewed key trends from 2025 and firmed up an action plan built around last-mile domination, stronger police station functioning and closer supervision of major crime and security cases.

The DGP directed the Special Task Force (STF) to maintain a live watchlist of 100 violent offenders across the state, while each district has been asked to keep at least 20 such high-risk offenders under continuous surveillance and preventive action. The move is aimed at pre-empting contract killings, extortion rackets and gang violence by disrupting planning and logistics at an early stage.

On narcotics, the DGP underlined that focus would remain on “commercial quantity” cases with an explicit push to improve conviction rates and expand attachment of drug proceeds. He said that financial action against traffickers and kingpins was essential to dismantle organised drug networks, along with sustained work against local peddlers.

The meeting also took note of the government’s decision to shift de-addiction from the Social Justice Department to the Health Department, terming it an opportunity to significantly expand and upgrade the treatment and rehabilitation ecosystem. Officers were asked to work in closer coordination with health authorities to ensure that strong enforcement against drugs is matched by accessible de-addiction services for users, particularly youth.

Reviewing cybercrime, the DGP called for further strengthening of cyber helplines and district-level response systems, noting that cyber offenders are increasingly resourceful and often backed by expensive legal teams. He directed officers to closely follow court proceedings in major cybercrime cases, tighten evidence collection and standard operating procedures, and ensure better coordination with prosecutors.

On the security front, the meeting stressed the need to maintain a close watch to identify and neutralise terrorist sleeper cells. Officers were cautioned against any attempts by local lumpen elements to align with Pakistan-origin criminals to execute sensational crimes. The DGP also flagged the need to keep an eye on illegal or suspicious movements, including those involving Bangladeshi nationals, in the backdrop of changing geopolitical circumstances, while acting strictly within the framework of law and due process.

Placing Haryana’s security priorities in the context of the Centre’s “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision, the DGP said all officers must factor in the long-term security needs of the state as it seeks to consolidate its position as a key investment and talent destination. He said that a clear hegemony of law over criminals was Haryana’s “USP” and this reputation must be guarded “vehemently” so that no criminal group feels emboldened to challenge the authority of the state.

Reiterating the centrality of police stations in this strategy, the DGP exhorted officers to use their training to the fullest and to strengthen station-level leadership. He said SHOs must translate the idea of last-mile domination into practice by disrupting criminal preparations at every stage and maintaining visible presence in crime hotspots.

The DGP expressed confidence that with focused action against violent offenders, stronger legal follow-through in cyber and narcotics cases, and sustained vigilance against terror and cross-border crime linkages, Haryana Police will be able to keep the state safe and aligned with national developmental goals.