Delhi Police launched a major crackdown on organized crime ahead of Republic Day celebrations. The force conducted a 48-hour operation codenamed Operation Gang Bust 2026. This intensive drive resulted in the arrest of 854 individuals across Delhi and the National Capital Region.
Massive Police Mobilization
Police authorities mobilized more than 9,000 personnel for this coordinated effort. Officers from district police units, the Crime Branch, and the Special Cell participated in the operation. The crackdown spanned multiple states including Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
Targeting Criminal Networks
The operation specifically targeted organized crime syndicates operating in the region. Police teams raided over 4,000 hideouts linked to criminal networks. During these raids, authorities rounded up more than 6,500 suspected individuals for questioning.
Operation Gang Bust 2026 ran from 8 pm on January 9 to 8 pm on January 11. Police designed the operation to dismantle criminal networks operating in the capital region. Authorities also aimed to deter any subversive or terror elements from disrupting Republic Day celebrations on January 26.
Extensive Recoveries and Seizures
The operation yielded significant recoveries of illegal items. Police confiscated 122 firearms during the crackdown. Authorities also seized 189 knives and 129 rounds of ammunition from the arrested individuals.
Police recovered substantial quantities of narcotic substances during the operation. Officers seized over 117 kilograms of drugs including ganja, heroin, cocaine, and charas. Authorities also confiscated psychotropic tablets, cough syrup bottles, and buprenorphine injections.
The operation led to the recovery of 28,364 quarters of illicit liquor. Police also seized cash amounting to Rs 25.75 lakh during the raids. Authorities recovered 117 mobile phones, one car, two motorcycles, and two scooters from the arrested individuals.
Legal Actions and Gang Arrests
Police registered 690 First Information Reports (FIRs) during the operation. Authorities made arrests under various legal provisions including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Arms Act, and NDPS Act. Officers also invoked the Delhi Excise Act and Gambling Act against the arrested persons.
The operation targeted members of several notorious criminal gangs operating in the region. Police apprehended 14 individuals associated with gang leader Kapil Sangwan alias Nandu. Authorities arrested 13 members linked to Jitendra Mann alias Gogi's gang.
Police captured 9 individuals connected to the Kala Jathedi-Anil Chhippi gang. Officers arrested 5 members each from Neeraj Bawana and Hashim Baba's criminal networks. Authorities also detained 7 individuals associated with the Tillu gang and 7 members linked to Saddam Gauri-Salman Tyagi's network.
Police made 207 additional arrests targeting members of minor criminal gangs. This brought the total gang-related arrests during the operation to 280 individuals.
Ongoing Strategy Against Organized Crime
Delhi Police conducted Operation Gang Bust 2026 under the supervision of senior officers. Special Commissioners of Police, Joint and Additional Commissioners, and Deputy Commissioners from various districts oversaw the operation. Officers from the Crime Branch and Special Cell provided additional supervision.
This latest operation builds upon sustained police action against organized crime in recent months. Between September and December last year, police arrested 183 gangsters in separate operations. Authorities seized arms and cash worth over Rs 1.01 crore during that period. Police also attached properties including gold, silver, and vehicles from criminal elements.
Officers emphasized that aggressive enforcement measures will continue as part of Delhi Police's strategy. The force plans to continue property seizures and invocation of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). Authorities will pursue trial in absentia and deportation of foreign-based gang members as part of their comprehensive approach to curb organized crime.
