Delhi Police Launches Intensive 'Operation Shastra' to Combat Public Weapon Carrying
In a decisive move to enhance public safety, the Delhi Police initiated a rigorous 24-hour crackdown named Operation Shastra on Wednesday. This targeted operation focused specifically on the carrying and use of weapons, with an emphasis on knives, in public spaces across the capital. The drive resulted in the arrest of 47 individuals, including 21 who are classified as notorious offenders with extensive criminal histories.
Coordinated Raids and Significant Seizures Across Three Districts
Police teams from three key districts—Rohini, Outer North, and North West—conducted intensive raids during the operation. These efforts led to the confiscation of a substantial cache of weapons and other illicit items. The seizures included 31 knives, 13 country-made pistols, 16 live cartridges, and 1 stolen motorcycle. According to Joint Commissioner of Police (Northern Range) Vijay Singh, the primary objective of Operation Shastra was to curb street crimes that frequently involve knives and firearms.
"The focus was squarely on offenders with repeated involvement in serious crimes such as robbery, extortion, snatching, Arms Act violations, and attempted murder," Singh stated. He emphasized that the operation aimed to dismantle networks that use weapons for intimidation and violence in public areas.
Notable Arrests and Social Media Flaunting of Weapons
Investigations revealed that several of the seized knives were not only used for assaults but also openly brandished in public to instill fear and assert dominance in local neighborhoods. In a concerning trend, some offenders were found flaunting stylized knives on social media platforms. These weapons often featured decorative elements such as dragon-shaped handles or ornate blades, which were used to project a menacing image online.
Among the arrested individuals were several history-sheeters with extensive criminal records:
- Dinesh, alias Doremon, was apprehended with firearms and a stolen motorcycle. He has 17 previous cases registered against him.
- Gaurav, who has two prior cases, was arrested after police discovered him showcasing firearms and knives on social media. His criminal history includes involvement in a murder case and an Arms Act violation.
- Mahesh, alias Chikna, another history-sheeter, was found to be involved in seven cases, including two murder cases and an Arms Act violation.
- Nasiruddin, who had seven previous cases against him, was also arrested. Despite frequently changing addresses to evade capture, he could not escape the police net during this operation.
Additional Seizures and Legal Actions Under Various Acts
Operation Shastra, which ran from 8 am on March 11 to 8 am on March 12, also led to significant seizures under other legal provisions. Police confiscated approximately 9.3 kg of ganja under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Furthermore, 25 cases were registered under the Excise Act, resulting in 24 arrests and the recovery of 723 liters of illicit liquor. Additionally, seven cases under the Gambling Act were filed, leading to 14 arrests.
District-Wise Breakdown of Arrests and Seizures
The operation's impact varied across the three districts, highlighting the widespread nature of weapon-related crimes:
- Outer North District: Accounted for 13 arrests, 13 cases, four pistols, six live cartridges, and nine knives.
- Rohini District: Recorded 18 arrests, 17 cases, eight pistols, nine live cartridges, and nine knives.
- North West District: Saw 16 arrests, 13 cases, and the seizure of 12 knives, one pistol, and two live cartridges.
This comprehensive crackdown underscores the Delhi Police's commitment to tackling weapon proliferation and associated street crimes, aiming to create a safer environment for residents in the national capital.
