Operation Aaghat 3.0

Operation Aaghat 3.0

Operation Aaghat 3.0 was a large-scale preventive law enforcement drive conducted by the Delhi Police on the night of 26–27 December 2025, just ahead of the New Year celebrations. The operation was primarily carried out in the South-East District of Delhi and formed part of a continuing series of intensive crackdowns under the “Aaghat” banner during 2025. The core objective was to strengthen law and order during a high-risk festive period marked by large public gatherings, increased mobility, and heightened chances of crime.

The operation focused on pre-emptive policing, combining raids, vehicle checks, searches, and detentions across multiple locations. Its legal framework covered violations under the Delhi Excise Act, 2009, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, the Gambling Act, and relevant provisions of the Arms Act, 1959. These laws collectively address illicit liquor trade, drug trafficking, illegal betting, and unlawful possession of weapons.

In terms of outcomes, the Delhi Police arrested 285 persons in cases registered under the Excise, NDPS, and Gambling Acts. Additionally, over 500 individuals were detained preventively, including 116 identified “bad characters”, to avert potential disturbances. Overall, more than 1,300 persons were rounded up as part of preventive and deterrent action.

The operation led to significant recoveries: 21 country-made pistols, 20 live cartridges, and 27 knives were seized under the Arms Act. Police confiscated over 12,000 quarters of illicit liquor, recovered around 6 kg of ganja, seized ₹2.3 lakh in cash from gambling-related cases, and traced 310 stolen or lost mobile phones. Vehicles seized included 231 two-wheelers and one four-wheeler.