New Delhi: Delhi Police launched a massive enforcement operation under the banner of Operation Aaghat ahead of New Year celebrations, arresting over 150 individuals and seizing illegal firearms, sharp-edged weapons, ammunition, narcotics including ganja, illicit liquor, cash, vehicles and other contraband in one of the most extensive pre-festive crackdowns in recent years. The operation was described by authorities as a proactive measure to disrupt criminal networks, curb organized crime, and prevent potential offences during the upcoming celebrations, when public gatherings, nightlife activity, and festive travel typically increase across the national capital.
The operation was carried out across multiple locations in the South East district, with dozens of teams deployed simultaneously to ensure maximum coverage. Police carried out coordinated raids on known crime hotspots, areas frequented by habitual offenders, and premises suspected of storing or distributing illegal arms, liquor, and drugs. More than 1,000 individuals were questioned during the overnight drives, and several others were taken into preventive custody to pre-empt any potential law and order disruptions during New Year festivities.
Officials reported that the arrests were made on charges including illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, involvement in narcotics-related offences, illegal trade of liquor, and other unlawful activities. During the operation, authorities recovered significant quantities of ganja and other narcotic substances, firearms, sharp-edged weapons, and ammunition stored illegally across various locations. Large amounts of cash suspected to be linked to gambling, bootlegging, and other illicit trades were also seized. Several vehicles, including two-wheelers believed to have been used for criminal activities, were impounded during the raids.
Police emphasized that the operation was both preventive and punitive, focusing not only on punishing offenders but also on deterring potential criminal activity ahead of a period known for increased public gatherings, social events, and celebrations. In addition to the arrests and seizures, police recovered mobile phones suspected to be linked to thefts, snatching incidents, and other criminal activities. Additional contraband items discovered during the searches further underscored the extensive nature of the operation.
Senior police officials described Operation Aaghat as a highly coordinated, intelligence-driven exercise, which involved meticulous planning, collection of actionable intelligence, surveillance, and deployment of multiple teams to conduct simultaneous raids. The drive was aimed at dismantling organized crime networks, ensuring preventive action against habitual offenders, and maintaining law and order across the district during a period of heightened public activity.
Authorities stated that all arrests were made under relevant provisions of the Arms Act, the NDPS Act, excise laws, and other applicable statutes. Further investigations are ongoing to identify additional links between the arrested individuals and larger criminal networks. Legal proceedings will follow based on evidence collected during the raids. Police officials noted that the operation highlighted the need for sustained, intelligence-driven enforcement measures to safeguard citizens and deter criminal activity in densely populated urban areas.
Officials reiterated that similar enforcement drives would continue in the coming days across different districts of Delhi to ensure the safety and security of residents, businesses, and visitors during the New Year celebrations. The crackdown also aimed to prevent the sale and distribution of illegal arms, narcotics, and illicit liquor, which pose a threat to public safety, especially during periods of high social activity and festive gatherings.
The operation demonstrated Delhi Police’s commitment to proactive law enforcement and public safety. By targeting habitual offenders, illegal trade points, and crime-prone areas, authorities sought to create a safer environment for citizens celebrating the New Year. Officials stressed that Operation Aaghat is part of a broader strategy to maintain law and order, reduce crime, and pre-empt offences during peak festive periods.
The police stated that the operation also sent a strong deterrent message to organized crime groups operating within the national capital, emphasizing that illegal activities, including the possession of arms, narcotics, illicit liquor, and other contraband, would not be tolerated. Authorities confirmed that all evidence, including seized cash, weapons, drugs, and vehicles, would be used in ongoing investigations and prosecutions to ensure accountability.
As the city prepares for New Year events and celebrations, Delhi Police said they would continue to monitor crime-prone areas closely, carry out preventive measures, and conduct surprise raids to maintain public safety. The operation underscored the importance of intelligence-driven policing and comprehensive enforcement strategies to protect citizens, prevent crimes, and ensure peaceful celebrations during high-risk periods.
