Ahead of New Year, hundreds arrested, weapons, drugs seized in Delhi under Op Aaghat
Delhi Police launched Operation Aaghat 3.0 to crack down on crime across the capital, arresting hundreds of accused and seizing weapons, illicit liquor, cash, cannabis, stolen mobile phones, and vehicles as part of an intensified law-and-order drive.
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New Delhi: Delhi Police on Saturday arrested at least 150 people under Operation Aaghat, officials said. Police also added that more than 1,000 individuals, suspected to have possible links with criminal syndicates, were interrogated during the drive.
During the raids, police recovered 21 weapons, 27 vehicles, over 12,000 bottles of illicit liquor, approximately Rs2.5 lakh in cash, and 7 kg of cannabis.
Huge amount of cash and narcotics seized
A total of 285 accused were arrested under various laws, including the Arms Act, Excise Act, NDPS Act, and Gambling Act. In addition, 504 people were apprehended under preventive action. Police also detained 116 listed bad characters, known to have criminal records in the area.
Police further seized Rs 2,30,990 in cash from a gambling racket. Officers also recovered 310 mobile phones that had been snatched, robbed, or reported lost. Moreover, 231 two-wheelers and one four-wheeler were seized or recovered during the operation.
In October, police conducted a similar crackdown, arresting around 500 people and recovering weapons, liquor, and narcotic substances. At least 150 people were arrested under the Arms Act, Delhi Excise Act, NDPS Act, and Public Gambling Act, while 360 people were apprehended under preventive action drives. Additionally, 64 bad characters were detained in targeted operations, many of whom had a history of street crimes.
Police identify accused
In a statement, Delhi Police said they identified two accused—Afzal alias Imran and Chandan alias Kaku—both listed as bad characters of Narela police station and involved in multiple criminal cases. The accused were allegedly roaming the area with a firearm when police set up a special picket near NIT, Narela.
Upon spotting the police, the accused allegedly fired three rounds. In retaliation, police fired at their legs, injuring both suspects, officials said. The injured accused were admitted to RHC Hospital and later referred to BSA Hospital. Police recovered two pistols, mobile phones, and a motorcycle from the spot. Five empty cartridges were also seized.
Why was Operation Aaghat 3.0 initiated?
According to ANI, DCP South East Hemant Tiwari said the operation was a crucial step in maintaining law and order. Providing details, he said, "A total of 285 accused have been arrested under the Excise Act, NDPS Act, and Gambling Act. As many as 504 persons were apprehended under preventive action, while 116 bad characters were also detained.”
He further added, "Ten property offenders and five auto-lifters were arrested during the operation. Recoveries include 21 country-made pistols, 20 live cartridges, and 27 knives. A total of 12,258 quarters of illicit liquor and 6.01 kg of ganja were seized. We also recovered Rs 2,30,990 from gamblers, along with 310 mobile phones. As many as 231 two-wheelers and one four-wheeler were seized or recovered.”