LUCKNOW: In a groundbreaking initiative to dismantle both the physical networks and digital influence of criminals, the Varanasi range police have launched a special campaign called 'Operation Vajrapat' across Jaunpur, Ghazipur, and Chandauli districts. Directed by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Varanasi Range, Vaibhav Krishna, the operation aims to curb the growing trend of criminals using social media and digital platforms to establish influence, glorify criminal activities, promote gang culture, and create a climate of fear in society.
Comprehensive Approach to Crime
Police officials stated that the campaign goes beyond conventional law enforcement by focusing on identifying and neutralizing the entire criminal ecosystem, including social, economic, and digital networks. The initiative targets dismantling organized criminal structures, preventing the glorification of crime, curbing social media misuse, and protecting youth from criminal influence.
Phase One: Identification of Criminal Networks
During the first phase, police conducted extensive surveys and intelligence-based analyses across the three districts. This led to the identification of 165 groups comprising 1,080 individuals allegedly attempting to establish criminal dominance locally. Detailed dossiers were prepared for each individual, documenting criminal history, gang affiliations, social media activities, and potential public safety impact. The profiling aims to create a comprehensive database for targeted enforcement and monitoring.
Graded Legal Action
Based on threat perception and criminal background, police adopted a graded legal action strategy. Measures include counseling and warnings for minor offenders, preventive legal action, registration of criminal cases, opening of history sheets, proceedings under the Goonda Control Act, and action under the Gangsters Act where warranted. Authorities also plan to pursue proceedings against illegally acquired properties linked to criminal activities.
Digital Surveillance and Social Media Removal
A major component of Operation Vajrapat involves digital surveillance and social media monitoring. Police teams tracked online accounts glorifying criminals, displaying illegal firearms, promoting gang activities, or spreading fear. After technical scrutiny and coordination with social media companies, 554 objectionable profiles were removed. The district-wise breakdown is: Jaunpur (192 profiles), Ghazipur (250 profiles), and Chandauli (112 profiles). Officials claim these accounts were used to cultivate a feared public image, expand gang influence, issue threats, and facilitate extortion. Their removal has significantly weakened the digital reach of such elements.
Proactive Legal Action Without Complaints
Police have been instructed to proactively initiate legal action even when victims are reluctant to come forward due to fear. Whenever credible evidence is available, police personnel may act as complainants to ensure effective prosecution.
Continuous Monitoring and Review
All identified individuals remain under regular surveillance. Officers at police station, circle, and district levels have been directed to carry out time-bound actions, with senior officers continuously reviewing progress.
Message to Criminals
Police officials describe Operation Vajrapat as an innovative and result-oriented initiative of Uttar Pradesh police to dismantle criminal influence mechanisms physically, socially, economically, and digitally. The campaign sends a clear message that individuals involved in unlawful activities will find no safe haven, either in the real world or on digital platforms. Uttar Pradesh police reaffirm their commitment to building a crime-free, fear-free society and plan similar operations in the future to curb organized crime and gang culture across the state.
