NEW DELHI: Delhi Police launched a two-day special drive, “Operation Aaghat 4.0”, on March 1 and 2 ahead of Holi, detaining nearly 4,000 people in a crackdown on bootleggers, drug peddlers and repeat offenders to prevent crime during the festival, according news agency ANI.Speaking to media, Joint Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Jain said the crackdown yielded major results. Nearly 4,000 people were detained during the operation, of whom more than 975 were placed in preventive custody and charged. “Operation Aaghat 4.0 was launched and conducted on March 1 and 2 to crack down on criminal elements, especially bootleggers, drug peddlers, and habitual criminals, ahead of the Holi festival, to prevent them from committing any illegal activities under the guise of Holi… The operation was a major success, with approximately 4,000 people rounded up, over 975 taken into preventive custody, and charges filed against them,” said Joint Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Jain. Police said over 220 individuals were arrested under the Substances Act. Cases were also registered under the Arms Act, the Delhi Excise Act, the BNS Act and the Gambling Act. More than 550 people faced action for drinking in public, while over 475 vehicles were seized under the DP Act. Six property offenders were also caught, leading to the recovery of nine motorcycles and 20 stolen mobile phones. “We arrested more than 220 people under the Substances Act, including legal action under the Arms Act, the Delhi Excise Act, the BNS Act, and the Gambling Act. Over 550 people were prosecuted for public drinking, and more than 475 vehicles were seized under the DP Act. We also apprehended six property offenders, recovering nine motorcycles and 20 stolen mobile phones,” said Jain. According to the police, 33 cases were registered under the Arms Act, resulting in the seizure of 35 firearms and 23 knives. Around 60 cases of bootlegging were also filed, including five under the Delhi Act. Officials said more than 19,000 quarters of illicit liquor were confiscated as part of efforts to stop illegal sales before Holi. “We have registered 33 cases under the Arms Act, recovering 35 firearms and 23 knives… We have filed approximately 60 cases of bootlegging, including five under the Delhi Act… Approximately 60 bootlegging cases were filed, with over 19,000 quarters seized to prevent illegal liquor sales during Holi,” Jain said. Describing the drive as a preventive step, Jain said the aim was to send a clear warning to criminals ahead of the festival. “This major action had only one objective: to send a strong message to criminals before Holi. The police are alert and well-prepared, ensuring that no major incidents occur in Delhi during Holi,” said Jain.
