More than 280 people were arrested and hundreds detained during an overnight security crackdown in Delhi as police stepped up measures to prevent crime ahead of New Year celebrations. The coordinated operation, carried out under Operation Aaghat 3.0, focused on vulnerable pockets across the national capital, officials said on Friday.
According to Delhi Police, the drive was led by the South East district police and involved multiple teams conducting raids, checking suspicious movement, and targeting habitual offenders. The operation was aimed at ensuring public safety during the festive period, when crowd density and night-time activity typically increase.
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Police said 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 detained as a preventive measure to avoid any disruption during celebrations.
Weapons, drugs and stolen property recovered
During the operation, police recovered a significant quantity of illegal items. Officials said 21 illegal weapons, including country-made pistols, knives and live cartridges, were seized. Law enforcement teams also recovered over 12,000 bottles of illicit liquor, approximately 7 kilograms of cannabis, and ₹2.5 lakh in cash from different locations.
The crackdown also targeted known offenders. Police confirmed that 116 habitual criminals, referred to as “bad characters,” were taken into custody, along with 10 property offenders. Special attention was given to vehicle theft syndicates, leading to the arrest of five auto-lifters.
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As part of the action, police seized 231 two-wheelers and one four-wheeler, believed to be stolen or used in criminal activities. In addition, 210 lost or stolen mobile phones were recovered and will be returned to their owners after verification.
Officials said the operation also addressed illegal gambling activities, with police recovering ₹2.3 lakh during raids on suspected gambling dens. Overall, 1,306 individuals were rounded up under preventive sections to maintain law and order.
Senior officers stated that such coordinated drives will continue in the coming days as Delhi prepares for large gatherings and celebrations associated with the New Year.
