Ahead of the New Year celebrations, the South-East District of Delhi Police carried out a major special drive called Operation Aaghat to tighten security and maintain law and order in the area. The operation was conducted on a large scale and led to the arrest and detention of several individuals involved in criminal activities, along with the recovery of arms, illicit liquor, drugs, stolen vehicles and mobile phones. 

According to police officials, the drive was launched as a preventive measure to curb crime during the festive period, when incidents of theft, illegal trade and street-level offences usually increase. The focus of the operation was to create fear among criminals and ensure the safety of the public. 

During Operation Aaghat, multiple police teams were deployed across different locations in South-East Delhi. These teams carried out extensive checking, verification and questioning of people. As part of the drive, more than 1,000 individuals were questioned at various checkpoints and suspicious locations. 

Many of those questioned were taken in for verification under preventive provisions of the law. Police said this step was taken to stop possible criminal activities before they could take place. The aim was to prevent offences rather than only reacting after crimes were committed. 

The operation resulted in a significant number of arrests. A total of 285 accused were arrested under different laws, including the Arms Act, Excise Act, NDPS Act and Gambling Act. These arrests reflect the wide range of illegal activities that were targeted during the drive. 

In addition to this, 504 people were apprehended under preventive action to ensure peace and maintain public order. Police also detained 116 listed bad characters, who are individuals with known criminal records in the district. Officials said keeping a check on such known offenders is an important part of crime prevention. 

The drive also focused on crimes related to theft and vehicle lifting. During the operation, police arrested 10 property offenders and five auto-lifters, dealing a blow to theft-related crimes in the district. 

Delhi Police recovered a large quantity of illegal items during Operation Aaghat. These recoveries highlight the seriousness and effectiveness of the drive. 

Police seized 21 country-made pistols, 20 live cartridges, and 27 knives from different accused. These weapons were being possessed illegally and posed a serious threat to public safety. 

A major recovery was made under excise-related offences. Police seized 12,258 quarters of illicit liquor, which were being sold or transported illegally. Such illegal liquor trade often increases during festive seasons, prompting the police to take strict action. 

Under the NDPS Act, police recovered 6.01 kilograms of ganja. The seizure of drugs was an important part of the drive, as police aimed to curb drug trafficking and consumption in the district. 

The operation also targeted gambling activities. From gambling-related cases, police seized Rs 2,30,990 in cash. Officials said action against gambling is necessary to prevent associated crimes and illegal money circulation. 

Apart from arrests and seizures, Operation Aaghat led to the recovery of a large amount of stolen property. Police recovered 310 mobile phones that had been snatched, robbed or reported lost by citizens. These recoveries brought relief to many victims of phone snatching and theft. 

In terms of vehicles, police seized or recovered 231 two-wheelers and one four-wheeler during the drive. Many of these vehicles were stolen or were being used for criminal activities. 

As part of preventive policing, police rounded up 1,306 people to ensure peace in the district and prevent any possible offences during the New Year period. Officials said such actions help in identifying suspicious individuals and discouraging criminal behaviour. 

Deputy Commissioner of Police (South-East) Hemant Tiwari said the operation was carefully planned with the aim of improving public safety. He said the drive was meant to send a strong message to criminals. According to him, the operation was conducted to ensure that people can celebrate the New Year without fear, and he made it clear that crime will not be tolerated. 

Delhi Police said that Operation Aaghat is part of their ongoing efforts to maintain law and order, especially during festive and high-risk periods. Officials added that such special drives will continue in the coming weeks to keep a strict watch on criminal activities and ensure the safety of citizens. 

The police have urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and report any suspicious activities, assuring that strict action will be taken against those involved in crime. 

Operation Aaghat has been described by officials as a strong step towards safer streets and a more secure environment in South-East Delhi as the city prepares to welcome the New Year.