Delhi Police have arrested 70 people and seized a significant cache of illegal firearms, narcotics, and illicit liquor. The crackdown, codenamed ‘Operation Aaghat,’ was conducted on Friday as a coordinated effort to dismantle criminal networks and restore a sense of safety for residents.
The operation, described as a “strike on organised crime” by police officials, was led by Joint Commissioner of Police (Southern Range) Sanjay Jain and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast District) Hemant Tiwari. It brought together multiple teams from various police stations, with close supervision from Additional DCPs Aishwarya Sharma and Ishan Bhardwaj.
DCP Hemant Tiwari detailed the operation’s key successes, highlighting the recovery of 14 country-made pistols, one sophisticated pistol, 24 cartridges, and 16 knives. These seizures led to the arrest of 28 individuals. In a separate bust, police seized 6,338 quarters of illegal liquor and apprehended 13 people.
The operation dealt a major blow to the drug trafficking industry in the area as well. Police recovered 5.9 kilogrammes of ganja, 51 grammes of heroin, and 54 grammes of MDMA, and nine people were arrested in connection with narcotics-related cases. In addition, a motorbike that was being used for illegal trading was seized.
In addition, 13 gamblers were arrested, and cash totalling `78,350 was recovered from them. Three stolen mobile phones and two motorcycles were recovered as a result of the arrest of five criminals who committed property crimes. Furthermore, law enforcement apprehended two criminals who had previously evaded arrest and who were being sought in separate cases pertaining to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Beyond the arrests, the police took 92 preventive actions under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS) and the Delhi Police Act. A total of 103 vehicles were also seized.
Police officials said the campaign was designed not only to curb existing criminal activities but also to act as a strong deterrent for aspiring offenders.
The operation included heightened patrolling, intelligence-led identification of suspects, and raids on identified crime hotspots. “We are committed to uprooting organised crime in all its forms and ensuring that citizens feel safe in their neighbourhoods,” a senior officer stated, calling the drive “an inevitable curse for criminals.”
The public is being asked by the Southeast Delhi Police to assist with the campaign that is currently underway by reporting any suspicious activities and cooperating with the police. According to the officials, the responsibility for building a safer community is shared by the citizens and the police. The police force has promised to keep up their efforts to keep a close eye on the district. ‘Operation Aaghat’ is a continuous initiative.
