Operation Aaghat: Massive Crackdown Ahead Of New Year In Delhi, 285 Arrested; Weapons And Drugs Seized

New Delhi: In a major crackdown ahead of new year celebrations, the Delhi Police on Friday launched an expanded overnight crackdown across the national capital, arresting hundreds of accused, seizing illegal weapons and recovering stolen property in a bid to keep a check on organised crime before the new year festivities begins, 

The exercise, Operation Aaghat 3.0, launched by South East Delhi Police, unfolded through the night with coordinated raids across multiple locations and checks across vulnerable pockets of the district, targeting organised crime, street offenders and repeat lawbreakers.

Massive arrests made

As per the cops, at least 285 accused were arrested under the Excise Act, NDPS Act, and Gambling Act during the operation. Furthermore, 504 persons were apprehended under preventive measures, and 116 individuals of bad character were arrested to avert offences during New Year gatherings.

In addition, 21 country-made pistols, 20 live cartridges, 27 knives, 12,258 quarters of illicit liquor, 6.01 kg ganja, and Rs. 2,30,990 were seized from their possesion, stated cops.

310 mobile phones, 231 two-wheelers, and one four-wheeler were also recovered during the drive and 1,306 persons were rounded up under preventive measures.

Overnight raids

Targeting known crime hotspots and suspects linked to organised gangs, the cops conducted massive search operation across various pockets of South East Delhi following which more than 1000 suspects  were questioned during the operation and eventually 150 were arrested on various charges.

The cops seized lakh of rupees during the searches and 40 vehicles, including illegal firearms and sharp-edged arms were also recovered from their possession. Furthermore, consignments of drugs and illegal liquor were also seized.

Operation Aaghaat

Senior police officials said Operation Aaghat- seen as one of the most extensive, coordinated crackdowns undertaken in the national capital ahead of the New Year this season- was carried out as a preventive measure aimed at strengthening public safety during the festive period, a time when incidents of crime usually increase.

The overnight operation saw several teams deployed at the same time, supported by ground intelligence and surveillance inputs. Officials said the extensive scale of the exercise was intended to act as a deterrent and convey a clear warning to criminal networks operating in the capital.

The initiative is being seen as one of the most extensive, coordinated crackdowns undertaken in the national capital ahead of the New Year this season.

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