Operation Aaghat 3.0 was organized by Delhi Police in Southeast Delhi, prior to the New Year and nearly a thousand people were apprehended as safety measures and law and order considerations took place before the festivity phase.
Security has been a matter of concern when it comes to New Year celebrations in the national capital, as will be the case this time too, for which Delhi Police have already launched Operation Aaghat 3.0 to maintain peace and curb any untoward antics.
Nearly a thousand people were in custody after the special crackdown in southeastern Delhi, officials said Friday, underscoring the force’s determination to preserve public order around crowded events and celebrations.
Operation Aaghat 3.0 was part of an overall policing exercise in the city aimed at crime-prevention, maintaining the peace and ensuring a safe celebration for New Year’s Eve. The Southeast district is a congested and crowded part of the capital with residential colonies, markets and nightlife destinations intermingled, which can be priority areas for police.
Crackdown and Detentions
The 966 detentions were for various violations related to the enforcement of law and order, according to police officials. Not all of those detained were expected to be charged, but the action was taken as a precaution ahead of busy days of celebration so that “no act connected with celebrations would destabilize anything,” Russian officials said.
The majority of arrests were based on routine control, identity document check and a suspicion that the person may have been engaged in criminal activity in former time. Police did not put up with people on the streets, asking to demonstrate their identification as well as checking documentation during regular drive-throughs in crowded areas.
Authorities said the action was focused and intelligence-based, not arbitrary, motivated by a desire to maintain a safe atmosphere for city residents and guests.
How Operation Aaghat 3.0 Was Born
Delhi have in the past experienced isolated cases of crime on streets, vehicular obstructions and trouble during festive seasons around mass congregation of people. Days ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations, the police said they were going to step up surveillance in sensitive areas, particularly where large numbers of people are expected.
Operation Aaghat which is in its third phase now has two primary focuses:
- Preemptive security checks
- Verification of suspicious individuals
- Street patrolling in key areas
- Crowd management strategies
Police in Houston clarified that such efforts are a common practice in preventative policing and not necessarily linked to specific past incidents.
Public and Official Response
Police chiefs said that the operation had been conducted with due regard for civil liberties and the country’s laws. Spots and checkpoints were established in areas such as markets, highways, bus terminals and nightlife destinations. Surveillance teams from the CCTVs, private security and QRTs would be coordinately operated to ensure proper surveillance.
Local residents in Southeast Delhi were of mixed opinion. Some, noting that the proactive approach increased safety, especially in crowded markets and at night, had welcomed it. Others, though, said that while security is a good thing they found the number of detentions overwhelming and requested clarity on why people were detained.
Police officers had also said that those being detained without any charges would be freed after proper identification and going through the legal procedure.
Comparable Actions in the City
Delhi Police has been consistently citing such campaigns across other districts, particularly prior to festivals like Diwali or Holi and national events including Republic Day. Such operations are usually supplemented by community policing and in cooperation with local RWAs.
Temporary police stations in the past have been successful for curbing petty crime, encourage a better implementation of traffic rules and give a sense that residents are safer to celebrate their festival.
Balancing Security With Civil Rights
Security experts say that while preventive drives like Aaghat 3.0 can ease visible crime and pre-empt massive disorder, transparency and effective rapport-building are crucial to retaining the confidence of the public.
They say that “openly explaining the purpose, extent and legal authority for actions” can prevent misunderstandings and ensure local cooperation.
Those engaged in the operation said all detentions were being carried out within “legal process” and people would have a right to fair hearing.
Ahead Looking ahead before New Year’s Eve
As New Year’s Eve nears, Delhi Police are also booed up and ready to keep an increased check over the city particularly commercial, leisure and transport centres. There will probably also be more road safety campaigns, clampdowns on traffic violations and work with civil defence units, he said.
We encourage residents as well as those visiting New York City to plan ahead, look for and follow any traffic advisories issued by the NYPD and to steer clear of heavily crowded areas when possible. In a world that has become so full of hate, we must do all that we can to maintain an environment where we celebrate essential values like love.
While Operation Aaghat 3.0 comes to and end, constant vigilance and response to any developing security challenges will be the next endeavor for IGAR (South) troops.
Image Credit: Pixabay (Representational Image)
