Major Crackdown on Gangs: Delhi Police Raid 25 Locations, Arrest Six
Introduction
On September 15, 2025, Delhi Police, in a massive coordinated operation, raided 25 locations across Delhi and Haryana, targeting notorious criminal networks. This large-scale crackdown, one of the most significant in recent times, led to the arrest of six key gang members linked to the Kapil Sangwan (alias Nandu) and Vicky Takkar gangs. The operation, executed by 380 personnel across 25 teams, aimed to dismantle organized crime syndicates involved in extortion, shootings, and other criminal activities in the National Capital Region (NCR). The raids resulted in the seizure of arms, cash, jewelry, and luxury items, shedding light on the deep financial networks fueling these gangs.
Details of the Operation
The operation, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) Ankit Singh, was meticulously planned to ensure an element of surprise, preventing tip-offs or escapes. The raids targeted 19 locations in Delhi and six in Haryana, focusing on hideouts and strongholds of the Kapil Sangwan and Vicky Takkar gangs. These syndicates have been linked to high-profile crimes, including extortion, murder, and arms trafficking in Dwarka and its adjoining areas.
Key Recoveries
The police recovered an extensive haul during the raids, underscoring the gangs’ financial and operational reach:
- Cash and Valuables: ₹34.75 lakh in cash and gold jewelry worth approximately ₹50 lakh were seized from the residence of an alleged financier of the Kapil Sangwan gang.
- Weapons: Eight pistols (including sophisticated and country-made firearms), 29 live cartridges, and three magazines.
- Vehicles: A bulletproof Toyota Fortuner SUV and an Audi car (registered as PB 13 BN 0004).
- Luxury Items and Electronics: 14 high-end watches, laptops, iPads, a cash-counting machine, walkie-talkie sets, and mobile handsets.
- Other Evidence: Electronic devices are under analysis to uncover potential links with gangsters operating from abroad.
A total of 26 individuals were detained during the operation, with six formally arrested based on recoveries and their suspected roles in extortion and firing cases.
Arrested Individuals
The six arrested criminals, all linked to either the Kapil Sangwan or Vicky Takkar gangs, have extensive criminal records. They are:
- Pawan alias Prince (18): A sharpshooter for the Nandu gang, involved in a firing-extortion case at Raj Mandir Store in Paschim Vihar and a workshop in Chhawla. Recovered items include a sophisticated pistol and two live cartridges.
- Himanshu alias Machhi (24): An associate of the Vicky Takkar gang, linked to seven cases of attempted murder and Arms Act violations. Found with a country-made pistol and live cartridges.
- Prashant (32): A sharpshooter for the Nandu gang, facing 11 criminal cases.
- Rahul Diwakar alias Manpreet (25): A Vicky Takkar gang member, named in 20 FIRs, including carjacking cases.
- Ankit Dhingra alias Noni (34): Associated with the Nandu gang, with 10 prior cases of robbery and Arms Act violations.
- Parveen alias Doctor (35): A notorious criminal from Najafgarh with over 25 criminal cases.
These arrests highlight the police’s focus on targeting both active gang members and their logistical and financial supporters.
Strategic Importance
The operation was spurred by directives from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who, during a high-level security review meeting, emphasized a “ruthless approach” to dismantling interstate gang networks. Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha and Special Commissioner Ravindra Yadav coordinated the effort, leveraging intelligence and technical inputs to execute simultaneous raids. The operation aimed to:
- Disrupt Gang Networks: By targeting overground workers, sharpshooters, and financiers, the police sought to break the backbone of organized crime in the NCR.
- Enhance Public Safety: The crackdown addressed the growing menace of gang-related violence, particularly extortion targeting businesses, which has rattled Delhi’s commercial community.
- Trace International Links: Recovered electronic devices are being analyzed to investigate potential connections with gangsters operating from foreign countries, a growing concern in modern organized crime.
Deputy Commissioner Ankit Singh described the operation as “one of the largest coordinated efforts by Dwarka police in recent times,” signaling sustained efforts to curb gang activities. The police are also exploring the invocation of stringent provisions under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against the arrested individuals.
Broader Context
This crackdown is part of a larger effort by Delhi Police to combat organized crime. Earlier in 2025, the Southern Range’s “Crackdown-2025” campaign arrested over 4,300 criminals, seizing firearms, drugs, and stolen goods. More recently, “Operation Kavach” (November 2024) detained over 1,000 suspects linked to gangs like Lawrence Bishnoi and Kala Jathedi, reflecting a sustained push against criminal syndicates. The Income Tax Department has been alerted to trace the origins of the seized cash and jewelry, pointing to a deeper investigation into money laundering and crime financing.
Impact and Future Outlook
The September 15 operation marks a significant blow to the Kapil Sangwan and Vicky Takkar gangs, disrupting their operational and financial networks. However, the absconding status of some gang members and the possibility of international connections suggest that challenges remain. The police’s focus on electronic evidence could yield critical insights into the gangs’ cross-border operations, potentially leading to further arrests.
For Delhi and Haryana residents, this crackdown offers reassurance of proactive law enforcement amid rising concerns over gang violence. The success of such operations depends on sustained intelligence-gathering, inter-agency coordination, and public cooperation. As investigations continue, the Delhi Police’s efforts signal a robust commitment to making the NCR safer.
Conclusion
The Delhi Police’s raid on 25 locations across Delhi and Haryana on September 15, 2025, represents a bold step in combating organized crime. With six key arrests, significant recoveries, and ongoing investigations, the operation underscores the authorities’ determination to dismantle gang networks. As the police analyze seized evidence and pursue absconding criminals, the crackdown sets a precedent for future efforts to ensure public safety and curb the influence of organized crime in the region.
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