Operation Aaghat 3.0

Operation Aaghat 3.0

Why in News? 

Recently, ahead of 2025 New Year celebrations Delhi Police executed Operation Aaghat 3.0, a massive crackdown resulting in 285 arrests for violations of the Excise, NDPS, and Gambling Acts. This proactive enforcement aimed to ensure public safety and order during high-profile holiday festivities across the national capital.

What is Operation Aaghat 3.0?

• • About: Operation Aaghat 3.0 was a large-scale law enforcement initiative carried out by the Delhi Police on the night of December 26–27, 2025. The drive was conducted mainly in the South-East District of Delhi just before the New Year celebrations of 2026 as a preventive measure to curb crime and protect public safety. 
    • This was part of a continuing series of operations conducted in 2025 under the Aaghat banner. Earlier drives such as Operation Aaghat and Operation Aaghat 2.0 also focused on organised crime and habitual offenders. 

• Purpose: The primary purpose of Operation Aaghat 3.0 was to strengthen law and order ahead of a high-risk festival period. New Year festivities often see increased public movement, gatherings, and potential for illegal activity. By acting before the celebrations began, the police aimed to reduce the risk of crime, violence, and disruptions.

• • Focus Areas: The operation involved coordinated searches, raids, vehicle checks, and detentions across multiple locations in the city. 

• Legal Framework: Operation Aaghat 3.0 targeted violations under multiple Indian laws to cover diverse criminal conduct:

• • • Excise Act for violations related to unlawful production and sale of liquor.
    • Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act for drug-related offences.
    • Gambling Act for illegal betting and gambling activities.
    • Officials also acted under provisions of the Arms Act where illegal weapons were found.

• Arrests and Detentions: Police arrested a total of 285 persons specifically in cases registered under the Excise Act, NDPS Act and Gambling Act during the operation. The police detained over 500 persons under preventive action to avoid possible disturbances during the New Year. About 116 people listed as “bad characters” were also taken into custody. Overall police actions included rounding up more than 1,300 individuals to maintain public safety and deter crime. 

• Seizures and Recoveries: The operation led to the seizure of illegal weapons and contraband items. Police recovered 21 country-made pistols, 20 live cartridges, and 27 knives from various locations. A significant quantity of illicit liquor was also confiscated. Reports state that over 12,000 quarters of illegally possessed liquor were seized. In addition, officers recovered about 6 kg of ganja (cannabis), indicating a focus on narcotics trafficking and distribution. Cash amounting to around ₹2.3 lakh was recovered from gambling suspects. Police also retrieved 310 mobile phones that were reported stolen or lost. Vehicles seized included 231 two-wheelers and one four-wheeler.

Indian Laws Focused Under Operation Aaghat 3.0

• Delhi Excise Act 2009: The Delhi Excise Act, 2009 regulates alcohol in the National Capital Territory. It makes it illegal to produce, transport, sell or possess liquor without a proper licence. If a person breaks the Act by making, selling, or holding liquor unlawfully, they can face imprisonment up to three years and fines up to ₹1 lakh. The law also punishes drinking alcohol in public places or selling it to underage persons with fines or short jail terms. If someone adds harmful substances to liquor that causes injury or death, the penalties rise sharply. 

• Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985: The NDPS Act, 1985 is India’s primary law against illegal drugs and psychotropic substances. It prohibits cultivation, production, sale, transport, and possession of controlled substances such as heroin, cocaine, cannabis and others. For small quantities, punishment may be up to six months in jail or a fine up to ₹10,000. For larger quantities, the law provides imprisonment up to 10 to 20 years and fines up to ₹2 lakh. The Act also allows strict penalties for drug trafficking, abetment, and repeat offences.

• Gambling Laws (Public Gambling Act and Online Gaming Regulation): The Public Gambling Act, 1867, bans running or visiting public gambling houses in states where it applies. Under this Act, maintaining a gaming house can lead to imprisonment for up to three months or a fine. Visiting a gambling place may also attract a small fine or short jail term. Many states have their own gambling rules and penalties. In 2025, the Parliament passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which came into force on 1 October 2025. It bans real-money games and illegal online gambling activities. The law establishes a regulatory authority and sets penalties for offering, promoting, or facilitating unlicensed real-money gaming services.

• Arms Act, 1959: The Arms Act, 1959 governs the possession, manufacture, sale and transfer of weapons and ammunition across India. It applies to all individuals and requires a valid licence to own or carry most firearms. The Act makes it an offence to possess a firearm without a licence, and this offence can attract imprisonment ranging from three to seven years along with fines. More serious violations, such as using firearms in committing a crime, can lead to longer imprisonment up to life in prison or even harsher sentences under related laws. The Act also sets out penalties for illegally trafficking or selling arms.