Delhi Police Crack Down Ahead of New Year, 285 Arrested in Operation Aaghat

Ahead of New Year celebrations, the Delhi Police carried out a large-scale overnight crackdown across the national capital, arresting hundreds of suspects and seizing weapons, drugs, vehicles and stolen property in an effort to prevent crime during the festive period.

The operation, dubbed Operation Aaghat 3.0, was led by South East Delhi Police and involved coordinated raids, intensive searches and road checks across identified crime-prone and vulnerable pockets of the district. The drive targeted organised crime syndicates, habitual offenders and individuals suspected of planning illegal activities ahead of the year-end rush.

Police officials said that 285 accused were arrested under various laws, including the Arms Act, Excise Act, NDPS Act and Gambling Act. In addition, 504 individuals were detained under preventive action to deter potential offences during large public gatherings expected over the New Year.

As part of focused action against repeat offenders, police apprehended 116 listed bad characters. The operation also led to the arrest of 10 property offenders and five auto-lifters, dealing a blow to local theft networks operating in the area.

Weapons, drugs and stolen property seized

Significant recoveries were made during the crackdown. Police seized 21 country-made pistols, 20 live cartridges and 27 knives from different locations. Consignments of narcotics and illegal liquor were also recovered, indicating attempts to circulate contraband ahead of celebrations.

The operation resulted in the recovery of 310 mobile phones reported stolen, snatched or lost, along with large quantities of other stolen property. Police also seized or recovered 231 two-wheelers and one four-wheeler during searches and vehicle checks.

In total, 1,306 people were rounded up under preventive measures as police teams conducted overnight verifications and intelligence-led raids.

Senior officers said the operation was a preventive and deterrent exercise aimed at ensuring public safety, noting that crime rates typically spike during year-end festivities due to increased movement and public gatherings.