In a massive security sweep ahead of Republic Day, the Delhi Police launched Operation Kavach 12, a 24-hour citywide crackdown targeting drug smuggling, bootlegging, illegal arms, and organised crime. This coordinated effort resulted in the arrest of more than 1,000 individuals, with extensive raids conducted across all 15 districts of the capital.
Operation Kavach 12: A Detailed Overview of the Mega Crackdown
Between 6 pm on January 23 and 6 pm on January 24, over 1,059 police teams from district units, the Crime Branch, and the Special Cell executed raids at 2,348 locations. Senior officers described the operation as part of a "zero tolerance" approach aimed at dismantling drug supply chains and unsettling criminal networks, with intensified surveillance set to continue in the coming days.
Key Arrests and Seizures in the Operation
The crackdown led to significant outcomes across various criminal activities:
- Narcotics Offences: Police arrested 59 narco-offenders in 55 cases, recovering 31.21 grams of heroin and 30.75 kg of ganja.
- Bootlegging: In a parallel drive, 231 cases were registered under the Delhi Excise Act, resulting in the arrest or apprehension of 238 people. Over 50,000 quarters of illicit liquor, along with beer bottles and cartons, were seized.
- Public Order Violations: An additional 1,682 individuals were arrested for drinking in public places, while 2,276 vehicles were seized under the Delhi Police Act.
Action Against Organised Crime and Other Offences
Operation Kavach 12 also targeted broader criminal elements:
- Arms and Gambling: Police made 117 arrests in 115 Arms Act cases, recovering pistols, country-made firearms, live cartridges, and knives. In gambling-related offences, 261 people were arrested in 149 cases, with cash worth ₹3.51 lakh seized.
- Proclaimed Offenders and Auto-Lifting: The operation led to the arrest of 31 proclaimed offenders and 21 auto-lifters, with 33 stolen vehicles recovered.
- Preventive Measures: Under preventive actions, police arrested 703 people under BNSS provisions, took over 4,000 individuals into preventive custody, and detained more than 25,000 persons under the Delhi Police Act. Over 4,500 bad characters were checked, and 4,714 violators were prosecuted under COTPA.
This comprehensive crackdown underscores the Delhi Police's commitment to enhancing security and curbing criminal activities in the lead-up to Republic Day celebrations in the capital.
