Delhi Police launched one of its largest pre-New Year crime-busting drives on Friday night. The aim was to stop crime before the celebrations began. Officers carried out Operation Aaghat 3.0 across many areas of the capital and arrested hundreds of suspects. Police also seized weapons, drugs, cash and other illegal items to keep public spaces safe during the festive rush.
What is Operation Aaghat 3.0?
Operation Aaghat 3.0 is a security and crime prevention sweep launched by the South-East District of Delhi Police ahead of the New Year. It targets organised offenders, drug peddlers, bootleggers and gamblers who could disturb law and order.
The special drive involved coordinated night-long raids, checkpoints and searches in known trouble spots across the city. Police said the goal was to deter crime before large crowds gather for festivities.
Operation Aaghat 3.0: Arrests & Detentions in the Sweep
More than 1,300 people were rounded up as part of preventive action, police said. Of these:
- 285 were formally arrested under the Excise Act, NDPS Act and Gambling Act.
- 504 were detained to check suspicious activity.
- 116 were identified as ‘bad characters’ with past crimes.
Officers also nabbed 10 property offenders and five auto-lifters during the operation.
Operation Aaghat 3.0: Weapons, Drugs & Liquor Seized
Police recovered a large cache of illegal items while enforcing the law:
- 21 country-made pistols and 20 live cartridges
- 27 knives and sharp weapons
- 12,258 quarters of illicit liquor
- 6.01 kg ganja (cannabis)
- ₹2,30,990 cash recovered from those involved in gambling
- 310 mobile phones, 231 two-wheelers and one four-wheeler seized or recovered
Law enforcement officials said removing these weapons and drugs was key to preventing violent incidents and crime during the celebrations.
Preventing Crime Before the New Year
Deputy Commissioner of Police (South-East), Hemant Tiwari, said the operation will help strengthen law and order as crowds increase for New Year’s Eve. Police teams focused on areas where criminal activity often spikes during large gatherings.
By taking habitual offenders off the streets and detaining suspicious individuals early, police want to reduce the risk of crimes such as theft, gambling, drug distribution and violence.
Shootout in Narela Highlights Risks
In a separate incident during the operation, police exchanged fire with two wanted men in the Narela area. The suspects fired at officers near a special picket, prompting police to return fire and injure both. The men were later admitted to hospital, and cases under the Arms Act and attempt to murder are being registered.
Why This Matters to Residents?
Festive seasons often see a rise in crime due to large gatherings, street parties and increased alcohol use. By acting early, the Delhi Police aim to give citizens a peaceful and safe New Year experience. The crackdown sends a strong message that crime will not be tolerated even during high-spirited occasions.
What Happens Next?
Police said that such intensive operations may continue in other districts and during major events. They have vowed to maintain public security and curb criminal networks in the lead up to 2026 celebrations.
