Delhi Police Launch Major Offensive Against Organized Crime Networks

New strategy targets gangster operations with coordinated multi-agency approach

Delhi Police has rolled out an aggressive action plan to dismantle the city's organized crime networks, marking a significant shift in how law enforcement tackles the rising menace of gang-related activities. Under the direction of Police Commissioner Satish Golcha, the force has introduced a comprehensive standard operating procedure that brings together district units, crime branch, and special cell under one coordinated strategy.

The message from the top is unambiguous: every unit must contribute to bringing organized crime perpetrators to justice. At the heart of this initiative is a monthly updated list of gangsters maintained by the special cell, supported by a dedicated email system for seamless data sharing across departments.

What makes this approach particularly noteworthy is its three-tiered classification system. Authorities will track gangs operating within Delhi, those based in other states but active in the capital, and syndicates from neighboring regions that could potentially threaten the city's security.

The plan doesn't just focus on high-profile kingpins. In a strategic move, district officers have been instructed to invoke sections 111 and 112 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against smaller gangs and aspiring criminals. The objective is clear: crush the foot soldiers before they can climb the criminal ladder.

A newly established MCOCA cell will oversee the invocation of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act against gang members within 72 hours of arrest. Meanwhile, a financial data cell will track and disrupt the money networks that keep these syndicates operational a crucial element that experts have long advocated for in combating organized crime.

The initiative also addresses modern challenges like voice-based extortion threats. Districts must now share threatening audio or video messages with central units, and voice samples will be collected from arrested individuals for matching purposes.

Perhaps most significantly, the plan extends beyond India's borders. Police will pursue trials of gangsters operating from foreign soil, even if they remain physically outside the country. This provision directly targets crime bosses who coordinate operations remotely while evading arrest.

Delhi has witnessed a troubling surge in gang activity over recent years. Just last September, three separate firing incidents occurred across the city—at a luxury car showroom in Naraina, a hotel in Mahipalpur, and a sweet shop in Nangloi. The Lawrence Bishnoi-Goldie Brar gang and Himanshu Bhau gang have been linked to numerous extortion attempts, with demands reaching up to one crore rupees.

Retired senior police officials have welcomed the initiative, noting that such decisive action was long overdue given how emboldened criminal networks had become. The police chief has also reinstated fortnightly crime review meetings, ensuring regular monitoring and accountability.

With all stakeholders now required to present action-taken reports from their jurisdictions, Delhi Police appears determined to turn the tide against organized crime. Whether this multipronged strategy will succeed in dismantling entrenched criminal networks remains to be seen, but the intent to act decisively is unmistakable.