Delhi Police Arrest 285, Seize Weapons and Drugs in Major Pre-New Year Crackdown Under Operation Aaghat

New Delhi, December 27: As the national capital prepares to welcome the New Year, Delhi Police carried out a massive overnight crackdown across several vulnerable areas, arresting hundreds of people and seizing illegal weapons, drugs, liquor and stolen property. The large-scale operation was aimed at preventing crime during the festive season, when public movement and celebrations increase sharply. The intensified drive, named Operation Aaghat 3.0, was conducted by the South East Delhi Police late Thursday night into Friday. Police teams carried out coordinated raids, road checks and surprise inspections across identified crime-prone pockets of the district, targeting organised crime networks, repeat offenders and street-level criminals. According to senior police officials, the operation was launched to ensure public safety and maintain law and order ahead of New Year celebrations. “This is a preventive exercise meant to deter criminal activity and create a sense of security among citizens during the festive rush,” an officer said. During the overnight action, police arrested 285 accused under various laws, including the Arms Act, Excise Act, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Gambling Act. In addition to these arrests, 504 people were taken into preventive custody to stop potential offences before they could occur during New Year gatherings. Police also focused on habitual offenders who are often linked to repeated criminal activities. As part of this effort, 116 listed “bad characters” were apprehended. These individuals are known to police for their past involvement in crimes. The operation also led to the arrest of 10 property offenders and five auto-lifters, dealing a blow to local theft networks. The crackdown resulted in significant recoveries of illegal weapons and ammunition. Police teams seized 21 country-made pistols, 20 live cartridges and 27 knives during searches conducted at various locations. Officials said these recoveries indicate attempts by criminal elements to stock weapons ahead of the festive season. Apart from weapons, police also recovered consignments of drugs and illegal liquor. Officials said these seizures suggest efforts to push contraband into the market during New Year celebrations, when demand for alcohol and narcotics often rises. The exact quantity of drugs and liquor seized is being assessed, police added. Large amounts of stolen property were also recovered during the operation. Police said they recovered 310 mobile phones that had been reported as stolen, snatched or lost by residents. Efforts are now underway to return these phones to their rightful owners after verification. The operation also targeted vehicle theft rings operating in the area. During intensive searches and road checks, police seized or recovered 231 two-wheelers and one four-wheeler. Officials said the recovery of such a large number of vehicles reflects the scale of theft networks active in parts of the district. In total, 1,306 people were rounded up under various preventive measures during the overnight drive. Police teams remained deployed through the night, carrying out identity checks, vehicle inspections and targeted raids based on specific intelligence inputs. Senior officers said the operation involved close coordination among multiple police units, including local police stations, special teams and crime branch personnel. Checkpoints were set up at key locations, and patrols were intensified in residential areas, markets and public spaces. Police said Operation Aaghat 3.0 is part of a larger strategy to prevent crime and reassure the public during the year-end period. New Year celebrations traditionally see an increase in crowd movement, parties and late-night activities, which can also lead to a spike in offences if not closely monitored. Officials added that similar preventive measures and increased police presence will continue across the city in the coming days. “Our aim is to ensure that people can celebrate safely and without fear. Strict action will be taken against anyone found violating the law,” a senior officer said. Delhi Police have urged citizens to cooperate with security checks and report any suspicious activity. With heightened vigilance and sustained enforcement, the police hope to keep crime under control and ensure a safe and peaceful New Year for residents of the capital. Delhi Police Arrest 285, Seize Weapons and Drugs in Major Pre-New Year Crackdown Under Operation Aaghat As Delhi gets ready to welcome the New Year, police stepped up security with a massive overnight crackdown to keep the city safe. Under Operation Aaghat 3.0, South East Delhi Police carried out coordinated raids, checks and searches across several vulnerable areas late Thursday night and into Friday. The aim was clear: stop crime before it happens during the festive rush. During the operation, police arrested 285 people under different laws, including the Arms Act, Excise Act, NDPS Act and Gambling Act. Along with these arrests, 504 individuals were taken into preventive custody to avoid any possible trouble during New Year celebrations. Police also picked up 116 listed bad characters, who are known for repeated criminal activities. In addition, 10 property offenders and five auto-lifters were arrested, dealing a strong blow to theft networks. The crackdown led to major recoveries as well. Police seized 21 country-made pistols, 20 live cartridges and 27 knives, highlighting how criminals were preparing ahead of the festive season. Drugs and illegal liquor were also recovered, suggesting attempts to push contraband into the market during celebrations. Stolen property recovery was another big outcome of the drive. Police recovered 310 mobile phones that were earlier reported stolen, snatched or lost. Several stolen vehicles were also found, including 231 two-wheelers and one four-wheeler. In total, 1,306 people were rounded up under preventive measures as police teams worked through the night based on local intelligence. Senior officers said the operation was meant to act as both a warning and a safety shield for the public. With increased police presence and strict action, authorities aim to ensure that people can celebrate the New Year safely and without fear.