Delhi: With New Year festivities around the corner, police in South East Delhi carried out a sweeping late-night operation aimed at tightening security and curbing criminal activity during the holiday rush. The coordinated exercise, launched across sensitive pockets of the district, resulted in a large number of arrests and significant seizures.
Officials said the special operation, named Operation Aaghat 3.0, involved intensive checking, targeted raids and enhanced surveillance in areas identified as crime-prone. By the end of the drive, police had taken action against hundreds of individuals under multiple legal provisions.
A total of 285 people were formally arrested for offences linked to illegal arms, drugs, liquor and gambling. In addition, 504 others were placed under preventive detention to reduce the risk of disturbances during New Year gatherings and celebrations.
The operation also focused on repeat offenders. Police rounded up 116 individuals listed as habitual criminals, detained 10 suspects involved in property-related crimes and arrested five persons linked to vehicle thefts.
Large quantities of illegal items were recovered during the crackdown, including 21 improvised firearms, 20 live rounds and 27 knives. Police teams also seized consignments of illicit alcohol and narcotics, suggesting attempts to push contraband into circulation ahead of the festivities.
In a parallel recovery effort, officers traced and retrieved 310 mobile phones that had earlier been reported stolen or missing. Action against auto theft networks led to the recovery of 231 two-wheelers and one car.
Altogether, 1,306 people were brought in for questioning or preventive action during the night-long exercise. Senior officials said the operation was designed to act as both a deterrent and a precaution, ensuring that public celebrations remain safe and orderly as the city ushers in the New Year.
