Operation Shashtra has once again demonstrated Delhi Police’s firm resolve to curb illegal firearms and dismantle criminal networks operating in the national capital. In a major 24-hour enforcement drive, the Najafgarh Police of Dwarka District arrested six accused, including a murder case suspect wanted in Haryana, and recovered multiple firearms, live cartridges, magazines, and a vehicle during separate operations.
The action was carried out under the “No Guns, No Gangs” campaign, an initiative aimed at preventing violent crimes by targeting the illegal possession of weapons and cracking down on habitual offenders before they can execute criminal plans. The success of Operation Shashtra reflects Delhi Police’s proactive policing strategy, where intelligence gathering, regular patrolling, and swift field action work together to make the city safer.
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Operation Shashtra Targets Illegal Gun Culture
Illegal firearms continue to remain one of the biggest challenges for law enforcement agencies across India. Country-made pistols are frequently used in cases involving murder, robbery, extortion, gang rivalry, and other violent crimes. Recognising this threat, Delhi Police has intensified its anti-arms campaign through Operation Shashtra, focusing on removing illegal weapons from circulation and preventing organised crime.
The latest drive was conducted under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) Kushal Pal Singh, IPS, with Additional DCP-I Vikas Meena overseeing the district campaign. The operation was closely supervised by ACP Najafgarh Raj Kumar Bajaria, while the field teams worked under SHO Najafgarh Inspector Sahi Ram Meena and Investigation In-charge Inspector Omprakash Vishnoi.
According to police officials, dedicated teams carried out intelligence-based surveillance, preventive checks, vehicle inspections, and targeted raids throughout the day and night. These coordinated efforts resulted in multiple arrests and significant recoveries within just 24 hours.
Suspicious Vehicle Intercepted During Late-Night Patrol
The first major breakthrough under Operation Shashtra came shortly after midnight when Inspector Omprakash Vishnoi and Constable Bijender were conducting routine patrolling near Nangli Sakrawati Bus Stand on UER-II Road.
During the patrol, the officers noticed a black Hyundai Creta approaching from the Dwarka side. When the vehicle was signalled to stop for checking, the driver allegedly attempted to flee, immediately raising suspicion. The police team acted swiftly and intercepted the vehicle before it could escape.
A detailed search of the vehicle led to the recovery of one licensed pistol, one illegal pistol, two magazines, and eleven live cartridges from the possession of the driver, Naveen, aged 27. Another occupant, Kunal, aged 20, was found carrying three live cartridges.
The Hyundai Creta used by the accused was also seized. Both individuals were arrested, and an FIR under the Arms Act was registered at Police Station Najafgarh. Police are now examining whether the recovered illegal firearm had been used in previous criminal activities or was intended for future offences.
Another Accused Arrested With Loaded Country-Made Pistol
In another successful action under Operation Shashtra, Head Constable Jitendra Singh and Constable Durga Prasad were patrolling near Ganda Nala Road in Jai Vihar Phase-I when they noticed a suspicious individual walking through the area.
As the officers approached him for questioning, the suspect allegedly tried to escape. After a brief chase, he was successfully apprehended.
The accused was identified as Ravi Sharma, aged 28. During his personal search, police recovered one loaded country-made pistol, one magazine, and ten live cartridges of 7.63 mm calibre.
An FIR under the Arms Act was immediately registered. Investigators are now trying to establish the source of the weapon and determine whether the accused had links to any organised criminal gang operating in Delhi or neighbouring states.
Wanted Murder Accused Captured During Intelligence-Based Raid
One of the biggest achievements of Operation Shashtra was the arrest of a murder case accused who had been evading law enforcement agencies.
Police received secret information that a wanted criminal was hiding in Prem Vihar Colony, Najafgarh, while carrying an illegal firearm. Acting quickly on the intelligence input, a raiding team led by Head Constable Parminder reached the location.
On seeing the police, the suspect allegedly attempted to flee but was chased and overpowered by the team.
The accused was identified as Pankaj alias Rakesh alias Kaliya, aged 21. During the search, police recovered one loaded country-made pistol of .30 bore along with one magazine containing two live cartridges.
Police confirmed that Pankaj was wanted in a murder case registered in Jhajjar district of Haryana under FIR No. 65/2026, involving charges of murder and illegal possession of firearms. His arrest is expected to strengthen the ongoing investigation and highlights the importance of coordination between police forces across state borders.
Significant Recoveries During the 24-Hour Operation
The overall recovery made during Operation Shashtra reflects the scale and effectiveness of the enforcement drive.
During the operation, police seized:
- Five pistols, including four illegal country-made firearms and one licensed pistol
- Six magazines
- Thirty-two live cartridges
- One black Hyundai Creta
- Six accused arrested in separate operations
Officials believe that removing these weapons from circulation has significantly reduced the possibility of future violent crimes.
Intelligence-Led Policing Proves Effective
One of the defining features of Operation Shashtra was its emphasis on intelligence-led policing rather than reactive enforcement. Every successful action during the drive was based either on routine surveillance, suspicious movement detected during patrols, or credible intelligence received by police teams.
Experts have long maintained that preventing access to illegal firearms is among the most effective ways to reduce violent crime. By intercepting armed suspects before they can commit offences, police not only recover weapons but also disrupt criminal plans and weaken organised gangs.
The arrest of a wanted murder accused further demonstrates how local intelligence networks and coordinated policing can help trace criminals who attempt to evade arrest by moving across state boundaries.
Why Operation Shashtra Matters
The importance of Operation Shashtra extends beyond the number of arrests and recoveries. Illegal firearms have become a serious concern in many urban areas, often fuelling gang rivalries, extortion, contract killings, robberies, and violent assaults.
Campaigns like Operation Shashtra focus on preventive policing by targeting illegal weapons before they are used in crimes. Every firearm recovered represents a potential crime that may have been prevented, while every arrest weakens the networks responsible for circulating illegal weapons.
The operation also reflects the evolving policing model adopted by Delhi Police, where intelligence gathering, community surveillance, strategic patrolling, and rapid response are integrated to improve public safety.
Delhi Police Deserves Appreciation
The success of Operation Shashtra is a testament to the professionalism, vigilance, and dedication of the Najafgarh police team. From intercepting a fleeing vehicle during midnight patrols to acting swiftly on secret intelligence and apprehending a wanted murder accused, the officers displayed exceptional coordination and commitment throughout the operation.
Such sustained enforcement not only removes dangerous weapons from the streets but also reinforces public confidence in law enforcement. The determination shown by Delhi Police in conducting Operation Shashtra sends a strong message that illegal firearms, organised crime, and gang culture will continue to face strict and relentless action.
With intelligence-based operations becoming increasingly effective, Operation Shashtra stands as another example of proactive policing aimed at ensuring safer neighbourhoods and strengthening law and order across the capital.
