Looking back 2025: Terror plots, turmoil, tough crackdowns define law & order

From terror modules linked to deadly blasts to sweeping statewide crackdowns on criminals, 2025 emerged as a defining year for law and order in Haryana.

Even as the police grappled with serious security threats and internal turmoil triggered by an IPS officer’s suicide, official data pointed to a notable decline in conventional crime alongside a worrying rise in cyber offences.

Among the most significant developments was the dismantling of a terror network involving doctors from Al Falah University, Faridabad, linked to the November 10 Red Fort blast in Delhi that killed at least 13 persons. Probe agencies investigated links with Kashmir-based elements, while nearly 2,900 kg of explosives were seized from two rooms in Faridabad ahead of the blasts. The episode led Haryana Police to set up a dedicated Anti-Terrorist Cell.

Terror-related incidents continued through the year. On November 25, a blast near the Women Police Station in Sirsa led to five arrests, after an Instagram video allegedly claimed responsibility in the name of the Khalistan Liberation Army. Two days later, the STF arrested a key Lawrence Bishnoi-Kala Rana gang operative and recovered two live hand grenades and 1.5 kg of an RDX-based IED from Karnal.

Several alleged Pakistani spies were also arrested, including YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra in May and Nuh-based advocate Rizwan in November. Mohammad Tarif of Kangarka village and Arman of Rajaka village, both from Nuh, were also nabbed.

IPS suicide and the new DGP

The force was shaken on October 7 when IPS officer Y Puran Kumar died by suicide, alleging caste discrimination and naming several IPS and IAS officers, including the then DGP. An abetment case was registered in Chandigarh. In a related twist, an ASI linked to a corruption probe involving Kumar’s aide also died by suicide on October 14, blaming the IPS officer’s wife, IAS officer Amneet P Kumar.

Following this, the state replaced DGP Shatrujeet Kapur with 1992-batch IPS officer OP Singh. Despite a short tenure, Singh left a visible imprint. He launched Operation Trackdown between November 5 and 27, leading to the arrest of 7,587 criminals.

This was followed by Operation Hotspot, under which police raided 17,285 criminal hideouts till December 22, registered 1,736 cases and arrested 3,915 accused, including 837 long-absconding criminals. Police said the operations also prevented a conspiracy to murder 17 citizens, with 31 violent criminals apprehended.

Singh also began personally hearing public grievances at the police headquarters, interacting with district SPs and CPs through video conferencing.

Dip in conventional crime

Haryana recorded a 5.7% decline in IPC/BNS and special law cases, with 1.28 lakh FIRs registered in 2025 (till December 28) against 1.36 lakh in 2024. Murders dropped from 958 to 904, while grievous hurt fell by nearly 9.5%. “Swift response and proactive patrolling helped foil over 100 planned murders,” the police claimed.

Robberies declined by about 24%, snatchings by over 12% and burglaries by over 13%. Rape FIRs fell by 25%, with 1,025 cases registered against 1,373 last year. Cases of molestation, sexual harassment and dowry deaths also declined.

Cybercrime, NDPS cases rise

Cybercrime, however, surged. Police blocked 1.5 lakh mobile numbers and 12,326 digital devices, arresting 62 bank officials for collusion. Registered cyber cases rose 12.7%, while arrests jumped 54%.

A total of 3,659 NDPS cases were registered and 6,654 people arrested, with Sirsa, Dabwali and Faridabad emerging as hotspots.

Way ahead

With a 29.3% manpower shortage, 2026 will test Haryana Police’s ability to push technology-driven policing, expand CCTV and AI-based crime mapping, strengthen cyber units, and build public trust amid evolving security challenges.