660 Arrests In 24 Hours: Big 'Op Aaghat' Crackdown In Delhi Before New Year

The coordinated action was held across vulnerable areas in Delhi to ensure crime-free celebrations during the New Year.

27 Dec 2025, 04:16 · www.ndtv.com

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Hundreds were arrested in Delhi during an overnight crackdown ahead of New Year celebrations
Police seized 21 illegal weapons, 27 vehicles, over 12,000 liquor bottles, and drugs
Operation Aaghat 3.0 also targeted habitual offenders and vehicle theft networks

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New Delhi:

Hundreds of accused have been arrested in an overnight crackdown in Delhi as the national capital gears up for New Year celebrations. The arrests stood at over 660 in the South and South East Delhi districts. Dozens of weapons, lakhs in cash, illicit liquor, drugs, and other stolen items were also seized in a preemptive action under Operation Aaghat 3.0.

The crackdown aimed at preventing crimes during the festive period. Coordinated searches were held across vulnerable areas within a span of 24 hours till this morning to take suspected troublemakers into custody. The joint operation was carried out by South and South East district police.

South East district alone accounted for 285 arrests during the intensified security drive, police said, adding that all the arrests were made under various laws, including provisions of the Arms Act, the Excise Act, the NDPS Act, and the Gambling Act.

Over 2,800 people were questioned as part of the drive, SK Jain, Joint Commissioner of Police (Security), Delhi Police, told NDTV, describing it as a "very successful operation." Besides, 850 persons were also detained in the two districts to ensure crime-free celebrations during New Year.

Under Op Aaghat 3.0, about 155 "bad characters," or habitual offenders, were taken into custody, police said. 10 property offenders were also arrested during the drive.

"The major focus of the entire drive was against organised crime, especially drug peddlers, bootleggers, gamblers, and habitual offenders. The message was loud and clear to the criminals and street crimes," the Joint CP told NDTV.

The police registered 66 cases and made 66 arrests under the Arms Act. The seizures included 24 country-made pistols and 44 knives. Over 22,500 quarters illicit liquor were also seized, and over 60 people arrested in this connection. Ten others were arrested over the seizure of 10 kg of ganja during raids.

Besides, over 350 people were arrested for consuming liquor in public places.

The drive also focused on dismantling vehicle theft networks. Five auto-lifters were arrested to ensure that revellers don't face any trouble during the festive period. Besides, 231 two-wheelers and a four-wheeler were also seized during the raids.

At least 30 cases were registered under anti-gambling laws, and 68 gamblers were arrested in the two districts. Rs 2.3 lakh in cash was also recovered from them. About 350 stolen or lost mobile phones have also been recovered and will be returned to their rightful owners, police said.

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