Ashok Pradhan Gang, In a major success against organized crime, the Delhi Police’s Anti-Auto Theft Squad (AATS) of Dwarka District has prevented what officials described as an imminent escalation of gang violence by arresting four wanted members linked to the notorious Ashok Pradhan Gang after an extensive 800-kilometre inter-state operation. The arrests, which came after days of intelligence gathering and technical surveillance across Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, have also helped investigators solve multiple violent criminal cases involving knife attacks, abduction, and attempted murder in the Najafgarh area.
The operation culminated in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, where police apprehended history-sheeter Mohit Bhardwaj alias Monu, a Bad Character (BC) of Najafgarh Police Station, along with three juveniles in conflict with law (CCLs). Investigators also recovered a Swift Dzire car allegedly used in an abduction case registered earlier this year.
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Police officials believe the timely arrests have significantly reduced the possibility of fresh retaliatory attacks between rival factions of the Ashok Pradhan Gang and restored a sense of security in one of Delhi’s most sensitive crime-prone regions.
Major Crackdown on Organised Crime
The operation marks another significant achievement in Delhi Police’s ongoing campaign against organized criminal syndicates operating in the National Capital Region. Authorities have intensified action against gang networks involved in violent crimes, illegal weapons, extortion, robberies, and targeted attacks.
According to officials, the latest arrests were particularly important because the accused were allegedly involved in a series of violent incidents that had triggered tensions between two splinter groups of the Ashok Pradhan Gang.
The continuing rivalry had already resulted in multiple criminal incidents, prompting concerns that the conflict could escalate into a larger gang war if immediate preventive action was not taken.
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, senior officers of Dwarka District Police ordered an aggressive intelligence-based operation to locate and apprehend all key suspects before further violence could occur.
Leadership Behind the Operation
The operation was conducted under the guidance of Kushal Pal Singh, IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Dwarka District, and Vikas Meena, IPS, Additional DCP-I, Dwarka District.
The Anti-Auto Theft Squad (AATS), despite its specialized mandate, has increasingly played a critical role in tackling organized criminal gangs through intelligence-led investigations and coordinated field operations.
The team was led by Inspector Manish Yadav, In-Charge of AATS, under the supervision of ACP Operations Subhash Malik.
The operation was executed by:
- SI Pawan
- ASI Dev
- HC Sandeep
- HC Pradeep
- HC Hemchand
- HC Manoj
- W/HC Mamta
Officials praised the coordinated efforts of the entire team, noting that constant surveillance, strategic planning, and inter-state coordination were key to the operation’s success.
Rival Gang Feud Behind the Violence
Police investigations revealed that the arrested individuals were wanted in connection with multiple criminal cases arising from a violent rivalry between two factions associated with the Ashok Pradhan Gang.
The dispute reportedly led to several planned attacks targeting rival gang members, creating an atmosphere of fear in Najafgarh and surrounding areas.
The rivalry involved incidents such as:
- Targeted knife assaults
- Abduction
- Attempt to murder
- Grievous physical assault
Investigators said these attacks were not isolated incidents but appeared to be part of an ongoing cycle of retaliation between rival gang members.
The violence posed a significant threat to public safety, prompting Delhi Police to prioritize the investigation.
The Ashok Pradhan Gang arrests enabled Delhi Police to solve three major criminal cases
The arrests have enabled Delhi Police to solve three major criminal cases registered in connection with the gang rivalry.
The cases involved offences including:
- Knife attacks
- Kidnapping
- Attempt to murder
- Voluntarily causing grievous injuries
According to police, after committing the offences, the accused immediately fled Delhi and frequently changed their hideouts across multiple states to avoid arrest.
This constant movement made the investigation particularly challenging.
However, investigators continued tracking their movements using technical surveillance, human intelligence, and interstate coordination.
The Ashok Pradhan Gang suspects continuously shifted locations across three states
One of the most remarkable aspects of the investigation was the extensive interstate pursuit undertaken by the AATS team.
Police sources said the accused continuously shifted their locations across Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh in an effort to evade law enforcement agencies.
Rather than conducting hasty raids, investigators patiently monitored their movement patterns and collected intelligence before launching the final operation.
The pursuit reportedly covered nearly 800 kilometres.
Eventually, technical inputs confirmed the presence of the accused in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
The AATS team immediately organized a carefully planned raid to prevent any possibility of escape.
The raid resulted in the arrest of Ashok Pradhan Gang member Mohit Bhardwaj @ Monu
Following confirmation of the suspects’ location, Delhi Police officers launched a swift operation in Agra.
The raid resulted in the successful apprehension of:
- Mohit Bhardwaj alias Monu
- Three juveniles in conflict with law (CCLs)
Police said the operation was executed smoothly without any injuries to officers or civilians.
The arrests effectively dismantled a key operational group allegedly involved in recent violent activities connected with the gang rivalry.
Officials believe the operation has significantly weakened one faction of the gang and prevented further retaliatory attacks.
Vehicle Used in Abduction Recovered
During the operation, investigators also recovered a Swift Dzire allegedly used in an abduction case registered on June 15, 2026.
The recovery is expected to strengthen the prosecution’s case by providing important physical evidence linking the accused to the crime.
The vehicle has been seized for forensic examination.
Police experts will now conduct scientific analysis to collect fingerprints, biological evidence, digital data, and other forensic material that may assist the ongoing investigation.
Who is Mohit Bhardwaj alias Monu?
Police describe Mohit Bhardwaj alias Monu, aged 29, as a History Sheeter and officially listed Bad Character (BC) of Najafgarh Police Station.
He is a resident of Kamla Park, Dharampura, Najafgarh.
According to investigators, Mohit has been one of the active members of the Ashok Pradhan Gang for several years and has allegedly played a significant role in the gang’s criminal activities and has an extensive criminal background.
Police records indicate his alleged involvement in several serious offences, including:
- Arms Act violations
- Armed robbery
- Attempt to murder
- Murder
Officials believe the Ashok Pradhan Gang member played an active role in planning and executing violent retaliatory attacks carried out by the gang.
His arrest is considered a major breakthrough due to his influence within the criminal network.
Growing Focus on Organised Crime
Delhi Police have intensified their campaign against organized gangs operating in the capital over the past few years.
Law enforcement agencies have increasingly relied on:
- Technical surveillance
- Digital intelligence
- Interstate coordination
- Data analytics
- Human intelligence networks
instead of relying solely on conventional policing methods.
Officials believe such intelligence-led policing allows faster identification of criminal networks while preventing major crimes before they occur.
The latest operation reflects this evolving strategy.
Preventing Violence Before It Escalates
Unlike traditional investigations that begin after major crimes occur, police emphasized that this operation focused equally on crime prevention.
By arresting the accused before additional retaliatory attacks could be carried out, investigators believe they have successfully prevented further bloodshed.
Gang rivalries often trigger repeated cycles of revenge attacks that place innocent civilians at risk.
Officials noted that proactive policing plays a critical role in preventing such situations from escalating into prolonged gang conflicts.
Importance of Interstate Coordination
Modern criminal networks frequently move across state borders to evade arrest.
This makes cooperation between police agencies increasingly important.
In the present case, continuous movement across three different states complicated the investigation.
Despite these challenges, the coordinated efforts of intelligence units and field officers enabled Delhi Police to successfully track the suspects.
Officials described the operation as an example of effective interstate policing supported by modern surveillance techniques.
Investigation Continues
Police officials have indicated that further investigation remains underway.
Investigators are examining whether the accused have links to additional criminal cases beyond those already registered.
They are also attempting to identify:
- Other gang associates
- Financial supporters
- Weapons suppliers
- Logistics providers
- Communication channels used by the gang
Digital devices, call records, and forensic evidence are expected to provide further leads.
Authorities have not ruled out additional arrests as the investigation progresses.
Delhi Police said the Ashok Pradhan Gang and similar criminal syndicates will face strict action
The successful operation reflects Delhi Police’s continuing commitment to dismantling organized criminal syndicates and ensuring public safety.
Senior officers reiterated that criminal gangs involved in violent offences will face sustained legal action, regardless of where they attempt to hide.
The arrest of Mohit Bhardwaj alias Monu and his associates marks a significant blow to the Ashok Pradhan Gang and demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-driven policing, coordinated interstate operations, and proactive law enforcement, coordinated interstate operations, and determined investigative work.
By solving three serious criminal cases, recovering key evidence, and preventing an imminent gang confrontation, the Dwarka District Anti-Auto Theft Squad has delivered a significant blow to organized crime in the Najafgarh region.
As investigations continue, authorities remain focused on identifying remaining gang members and ensuring that criminal networks attempting to threaten public peace are dismantled through sustained enforcement, technological surveillance, and coordinated policing efforts.
