In the Delhi New Year crackdown known as Operation Aaghat 3.0, police arrested 285 accused under various acts. The drive targeted vulnerable areas across the capital on Friday, December 27, 2025. Officials aimed to prevent crimes during festive periods. This included detaining 504 persons preventively and apprehending 116 habitual offenders.
The Delhi New Year crackdown holds significance for South Asia. As India’s capital, Delhi sets precedents in urban security. Such operations influence neighbouring regions like Pakistan and Bangladesh where cross-border crime networks operate. Enhanced New Year security in Delhi reduces risks of illicit trade spilling over.
Operation Aaghat 3.0 Details
Delhi police conducted coordinated raids in districts including South East. Teams focused on excise violations, narcotics and gambling. They registered 317 cases against drug dealers. Recoveries included 7 kg of cannabis and 6 kg of ganja under the NDPS Act.
Authorities seized over 12,000 bottles of illicit liquor. This equated to about 4245 litres in total. Excise Act cases formed a major part of Delhi police arrests. Gamblers lost Rs 2.3 lakh in cash during busts. Police also recovered Rs 2.5 lakh overall from various sites.
Illegal weapons featured prominently in the Delhi New Year crackdown. Officers confiscated 21 country-made pistols and 20 live cartridges. They also took 27 knives from suspects. These seizures aimed to curb arms proliferation in urban areas.
Vehicle theft networks faced disruption. Five auto-lifters were among Delhi police arrests. Teams recovered 210 stolen or lost mobile phones. They seized 231 two-wheelers and one four-wheeler for violations. Another 27 vehicles linked to crimes were impounded.
Delhi Police Arrests Breakdown
The 285 arrests covered multiple categories. Under preventive measures, 504 individuals faced detention. This included checks on history sheets. Habitual offenders numbered 116 in apprehensions. Property offenders totalled 10 in custodies.
DCP South-East Hemant Tiwari stated Operation Aaghat 3.0 aims to curb crime and strengthen security among residents. Senior officials described the drive as a deterrent for New Year festivities. They emphasised public safety in high-risk zones.
New Year security in Delhi involved overnight operations. Teams scanned hotels, factories and chemical units. This led to additional recoveries. For instance, police busted counterfeit networks in related probes but details remain tied to the main effort.
New Year Security in Delhi Enhanced
The Delhi New Year crackdown extended to cyber threats. While not central, officials monitored online scams amid festivities. This aligns with broader police initiatives. Recent busts included fake call centres cheating victims of Rs 1 crore.
Authorities deported over 2200 Bangladeshi nationals in 2025. This record figure ties into border security. The operation reinforced such efforts by targeting illegal residents. One African citizen was apprehended in a separate but related drive.
Child labour rescues occurred alongside. Eighteen minors were saved from exploitative sites. This highlights social angles in New Year security in Delhi. Police coordinated with labour departments for follow-ups.
Background
Operation Aaghat series began in prior years to tackle seasonal crime spikes. Version 3.0 built on past successes like narcotics hauls worth Rs 13000 crore in 2024. It involved technical surveillance and government portals for tracing assets.
Delhi police have intensified such drives amid rising urban challenges. Counterfeit drugs worth Rs 2.3 crore were seized in recent months. These include ointments for skin conditions. The Delhi New Year crackdown integrated these ongoing campaigns.
Cross-border implications matter. South Asia faces shared issues like drug syndicates. Delhi’s actions impact routes through Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. Neighbouring countries monitor such operations for intelligence.
What’s Next
Police plan sustained patrols into January 2026. New Year security in Delhi will include vehicle checks without valid pollution certificates. Cyber awareness campaigns like Santa Ki Seekh continue. Officials expect reduced incidents due to the Delhi New Year crackdown.
The Delhi New Year crackdown sets a tone for safer celebrations.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 27th, 2025
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