204 held in pre-Holi crackdown in South Delhi

Ahead of the Holi celebrations, the southern range of the Delhi Police carried out a large-scale, intelligence-driven enforcement drive under Operation Aaghat 4.0, resulting in the arrest of more than 200 accused under various Sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Arms Act, NDPS Act, Delhi Excise Act and the Public Gambling Act.

According to the officials, the operation was launched on the eve of Holi across South and South-East districts with the objective of preventing crime. The strategy focused on proactive, preventive and pre-emptive policing to ensure that the festival of colours was celebrated in a peaceful, safe and dignified manner.

During the synchronised crackdown, over 3,980 persons were rounded up or apprehended during area checks and verification drives.

Of these, 204 accused were formally arrested under substantive criminal laws, while over 970 individuals were apprehended under preventive provisions. Cops also prosecuted more than 550 persons for drinking in public places and imponded 475 vehicles under Section 66 of the Delhi Police Act.

The operation led to significant seizures, including 36 weapons comprising illegal firearms, live cartridges and knives, resulting in 33 cases under the Arms Act.

Narcotics seizures included 7.2 kg of ganja and 12.7 gm of MDMA. The police also seized 16,000 quarters of illicit liquor, along with beer bottles and cans, registering 60 cases under the Delhi Excise Act. Cash worth Rs 84,740 was seized under the Public Gambling Act.

Property and street crime were also targeted, with six property offenders arrested and seizuresf nine stolen motorcycles and 20 stolen or lost mobile phones.

More than 2,500 police personnel were deployed across identified hotspots for area domination, warrant execution, surveillance of sensitive pockets and checks against illicit liquor and drug peddling. Senior officials said the operation reflected a clear shift towards prevention over reaction, with the aim of neutralising threats before these disrupt public order.

The police have also put in place elaborate security and traffic arrangements for Holi day, including intensive patrolling, strategic barricading, joint checks with traffic police, breath analyser tests for drunken driving and deployment of women police personnel at key locations. The authorities reiterated zero-tolerance towards hooliganism, harassment, drunken misconduct and traffic violations.