New Delhi: In a major crackdown on the supporting infrastructure of organised gangs in Delhi’s outskirts, police have dismantled a significant logistical and financial nerve centre of the crime syndicates functioning around Tajpur Kalan, Alipur and other neighbouring areas.The week-long operation, carried out between March 14 and March 21, was conducted in two phases under the supervision of special commissioner (Law & Order) Ravindra Singh Yadav. Seven alleged operatives were arrested, and cash worth several lakhs, illegal arms and ammunition, a bulletproof vehicle and mobile phones were seized. Police also attached properties valued at several crores of rupees.The most significant breakthrough occurred in Tajpur Kalan, the ancestral stronghold of the late Sunil Tajpuria, where a raiding team from Alipur police station intercepted a history-sheeter and active Tillu gang member, Pardeep alias Sehwag.The seizure from Pardeep’s premises reveals a criminal enterprise that has evolved far beyond simple street violence. Recovered from the site was a black Mahindra Scorpio (DL8CAY93xx) modified with sophisticated bulletproof shielding — a clear indication that gang members are bracing for the high-intensity “tit-for-tat” retaliations typical of the Gogi-Tillu rivalry.Beyond physical armour, the gang’s financial machinery was laid bare. Police seized nearly Rs 20 lakh in cash, nearly two kilograms of gold and silver, 13 expensive wristwatches, and two laptops used specifically for managing large-scale betting operations. With 27 mobile phones recovered, investigators believe this cell acted as a clearing house for “protection money” and gambling debts, which are the primary funding sources for the gang’s procurement of high-end weaponry.The seizure of seven keypad phones during the crackdown was an indication that, to dodge police surveillance, “low-tech” remained a preferred tool for gangs. Unlike smartphones, these devices lack GPS tracking, complex operating systems, and integrated cloud accounts, making them harder for authorities to monitor.The profile of the arrested individuals confirms a strategic recruitment pattern. Pardeep, the mastermind with seven previous criminal involvements, including robbery and rioting, utilised “muscle” from outside Delhi to insulate local operations. Associates Vikash Sindhu and Sahil, both from Karnal, Haryana, served as the primary enforcers. Their role was to utilise the seized firearms to threaten and recover betting proceeds from debtors.The second phase of the crackdown targeted the supply chain. Teams intercepted an illegal arms transaction on the UER-2 Road near Bawana. Despite an attempted escape on motorcycles, police apprehended Ravi Singh, Mohammed Sahil, and Mohammed Akram. This wing of the syndicate was responsible for the mobility and procurement of “desi kattas” and revolvers, ensuring the gang remained armed for both offensive strikes and territorial defence.According to Joint Commissioner Vijay Singh, 10 firearms, including a 12-bore shotgun, country-made revolvers, and semi-automatic pistols, were seized besides 45 live rounds of varying calibres (9 mm, .32 bore, .315 bore) and multiple magazines.DCP Hareshwar Swami said that the crackdown not only aimed at stripping the gang of its tactical protection but also choked the financial pipeline required to pay for contract shooters and safe havens.Police are now probing the source of the bulletproof modifications and analysing data from the seized laptops to trace the gang’s wider network of financiers and associates.
