Operation Aaghat 3.0: Delhi Police Arrest 1,300+ in Massive NYE Crackdown—What You Need to Know

‘Operation Aaghat 3.0’: Delhi Police arrest over 200 ahead of New Year, seize illegal weapons

New Year’s Eve in Delhi just got a lot safer—and a lot quieter for troublemakers. In one of the largest pre-holiday security operations in recent memory, Delhi Police launched **Operation Aaghat 3.0** on the night of December 26, 2025, resulting in the arrest or detention of more than **1,300 individuals** across the capital. The massive overnight crackdown targeted habitual offenders, illegal arms dealers, bootleggers, and potential public nuisance-makers—all in an effort to ensure a peaceful and crime-free transition into 2026. But what exactly went down during this high-stakes operation, and why is it being called the most aggressive preventive action of the decade?

Table of Contents

What Is Operation Aaghat 3.0?

**Operation Aaghat 3.0** is the third iteration of a specialized preventive policing initiative first introduced by Delhi Police in 2023. The name “Aaghat” translates to “crisis” or “emergency” in Hindi, reflecting the operation’s goal: to intervene before crises occur. Unlike reactive investigations, this operation is purely proactive—targeting known troublemakers before they can act.

According to Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik, the operation is “not about punishment—it’s about prevention.” The focus is on individuals with prior records of violence, organized crime, or public disorder, especially during high-risk periods like festivals and holidays .

Operation Aaghat 3.0: Key Arrests and Seizures

The scale of the December 26–27 sweep was unprecedented. Over a 12-hour window, teams from all 11 district police units, along with specialized units like the Crime Branch and Anti-Auto Theft Squad, conducted simultaneous raids across 200+ locations. The results:

  • 1,327 individuals detained or arrested—including 214 on criminal charges and 1,113 held preventively under Section 151 of CrPC (to prevent breach of peace).
  • 58 illegal firearms seized**, including country-made pistols and modified air guns.
  • Over 2,000 liters of illicit liquor** confiscated from unlicensed distilleries in North and East Delhi.
  • 14 stolen vehicles recovered**, along with electronics and jewelry worth ₹3.2 crore.
  • 12 drug peddlers arrested**, with heroin, cocaine, and synthetic cannabinoids seized.

Notably, police also shut down 37 unlicensed bars and event venues operating without fire or crowd-control clearances—common flashpoints for New Year’s Eve violence .

How the Operation Was Executed

The success of Operation Aaghat 3.0 relied on three pillars:

1. Intelligence-Led Policing

Using data from the Delhi Police’s Integrated Criminal Database, officers created “hotspot maps” identifying areas with high concentrations of habitual offenders. Real-time inputs from beat constables and community informants refined these lists.

2. Multi-Agency Coordination

Teams included not just regular police, but also traffic police, women’s safety units, and even municipal health inspectors (to target illegal liquor). Drones were deployed in Chandni Chowk and Connaught Place for aerial surveillance.

3. Public Communication

Delhi Police used social media, SMS alerts, and local loudspeakers to announce the operation’s intent—deterring potential offenders while reassuring citizens.

Why Now? The Strategy Behind the Timing

New Year’s Eve has historically been a high-risk period in Delhi. In 2024, the city saw 17 major brawls, 3 fatal shootings, and over 200 alcohol-related arrests between December 31 and January 1 .

By launching **Operation Aaghat 3.0** five days before NYE, police aimed to:

  • Remove high-risk individuals from circulation before celebrations begin.
  • Disrupt supply chains for illegal alcohol and drugs.
  • Send a clear message: public disorder will not be tolerated.

This preemptive model has already shown results—Delhi reported a 40% drop in New Year-related incidents in 2024 compared to 2023, following Operation Aaghat 2.0 .

Public Safety vs. Civil Liberties: The Debate

While many citizens have applauded the move, civil rights groups have raised concerns about mass preventive detentions. “Holding over a thousand people without formal charges risks normalizing arbitrary arrest,” said Anjali Bhardwaj of the National Campaign for People’s Right to Information.

Delhi Police counters that all detentions are reviewed by magistrates within 24 hours and that individuals are released if no threat is verified. Still, the tension between security and liberty remains a critical conversation—as highlighted by the National Human Rights Commission’s 2025 guidelines on preventive policing .

What This Means for New Year’s Eve in Delhi

For residents and visitors, the message is clear: expect heightened security but also greater peace of mind. Police have announced:

  • Increased patrolling at malls, metro stations, and entertainment zones.
  • Strict enforcement of last-call timings (11:30 PM) at licensed bars.
  • Dedicated “safe zones” with medical and police kiosks in Connaught Place, Saket, and DLF Cyber Hub.

[INTERNAL_LINK:delhi-new-year-safety-tips-2025] Authorities urge revelers to enjoy responsibly—and report suspicious activity via the 112 emergency app.

Conclusion: A Preemptive Strike for Peace

**Operation Aaghat 3.0** isn’t just a crackdown—it’s a strategic investment in public safety. By acting early, Delhi Police has likely averted dozens of crimes before they could occur. In a city of 20 million, where a single incident can spiral, this level of proactive intervention may be the new normal. As Commissioner Patnaik put it: “We’d rather be accused of being too cautious than too late.” For Delhi’s New Year, that caution might just be the best gift of all.

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