Chandigarh: Haryana Police arrested 4,771 notorious criminals and registered 3,915 cases during its 15-day ‘Operation Trackdown’, launched ahead of Independence Day to tighten the noose around habitual offenders and criminal networks.The special drive, conducted from Aug 1 to 15, focused on murder, attempt to murder, robbery, dacoity, extortion, snatching, kidnapping, illegal arms and organised crime. District police, crime branches, the Special Task Force (STF) and other specialised units coordinated operations across the state.The drive led to the arrest of 865 accused involved in 621 serious crimes. During this period, police updated 1,406 history sheets and opened fresh history sheets against 241 habitual offenders.DGP Ajay Singhal said on Monday the exercise was aimed not merely at making arrests but at dismantling criminal networks through sustained, intelligence- and technology-driven policing.Police cracked 258 major cases and arrested 28 wanted and rewarded criminals, including four carrying cash rewards. Teams from several districts and the STF took part in the operation.The drive also yielded a major haul of illegal arms and narcotics. Police seized 135 country-made pistols, 76 pistols, three revolvers, two guns, 15 magazines and 287 cartridges. The drug haul included 3.7 kg heroin, 204 gm cocaine, 173.8 kg ganja, 10.6 kg opium, 59.7 kg poppy straw and 92.4 kg poppy husk, besides intoxicant tablets, capsules, injections and MD/MDMA.Police also seized 336 vehicles allegedly used in criminal activities.“Support the police in the fight against crime,” the DGP said, urging people not to shelter criminals and instead help bring them within the ambit of law, assuring that informants’ identities would be kept confidential.
