In a major pre-New Year security push, the South-East District of Delhi Police conducted an extensive special drive, codenamed Operation Aaghat, resulting in the arrest and detention of more than 600 individuals involved in various criminal activities.
The operation, launched to curb crime and maintain law and order during the festive period, involved intensive patrolling, checking, and verification exercises at multiple locations across the district.
According to police officials, teams fanned out across vulnerable areas and crime-prone pockets, questioning over 1,000 individuals during the operation. Many were taken in for verification and preventive action to deter potential offences during the year-end celebrations.
As part of the crackdown, police arrested 285 accused under various provisions of law, including the Arms Act, Excise Act, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, and the Gambling Act. In addition, 504 individuals were apprehended under preventive sections to pre-empt possible criminal activity.
The drive also saw the detention of 116 listed bad characters, individuals with known criminal histories who are routinely monitored by the police due to their past involvement in offences.
Police said Operation Aaghat specifically targeted street-level crime, organised illegal trade, and repeat offenders. During the drive, 10 property offenders and five auto-lifters were arrested, dealing a significant blow to theft and vehicle-lifting networks operating in the district.
Officials noted that such focused action is crucial during the festive season, when incidents of snatching, theft, and illegal activities tend to rise.
The operation led to substantial recoveries of illegal items. Police seized 21 country-made pistols, 20 live cartridges, and 27 knives, highlighting the presence of unlicensed weapons in the district.
A major haul of 12,258 quarters of illicit liquor was also recovered, along with 6.01 kilograms of ganja, as authorities cracked down on illegal alcohol and drug supply chains ahead of New Year festivities.
From gambling-related activities, police seized Rs 2,30,990 in cash, reflecting the scale of unlawful betting operations active in the area.
During the drive, police recovered 310 mobile phones that had been reported as snatched, robbed, or lost. In addition, 231 two-wheelers and one four-wheeler were seized or recovered, many of which were suspected to be stolen or used in criminal activities.
These recoveries, police said, will help in resolving pending cases and returning stolen property to rightful owners.
As part of preventive policing measures, a total of 1,306 people were rounded up to ensure peace and prevent any breach of law and order during the celebrations.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (South-East) Hemant Tiwari said the operation was carefully planned to enhance public safety and send a strong deterrent message. He emphasised that Delhi Police will not tolerate criminal activity and will continue to adopt proactive strategies to maintain order.
Delhi Police officials confirmed that similar special drives will continue in the coming weeks, particularly during the festive and holiday season, to ensure that residents can celebrate safely and without fear.
