Major crackdown by Delhi police on electoral offences

NEW DELHI: As the Delhi Legislative Assembly elections are scheduled for February 5, 2025, the police have intensified efforts to ensure free, fair, and peaceful polling under the guidance of the Election Commission of India (ECI).

In light of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) enforced since January 7, significant actions have been taken by law enforcement authorities across the city, with a special focus on curbing organized crime and violations of electoral norms.

In Outer North Delhi, the police have launched a comprehensive crackdown on illegal activities, targeting offenses under various acts.

A total of 49 cases under the Excise Act led to the arrest of 52 individuals and the seizure of 16,939 quarters of illegal liquor, 17 beer bottles, and eight vehicles used for their transportation.

In addition, seven cases under the Arms Act resulted in eight arrests and the recovery of four country-made pistols, five live cartridges, and three knives.

Efforts under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act led to six arrests, with contraband recoveries including 4.235 kilograms of ganja, 8.59 grams of smack, 604 tablets, and 192 capsules.

Gambling-related offenses were also targeted, resulting in 13 cases, 55 arrests, and the confiscation of 1,57,550 rupees in cash along with gambling paraphernalia.

Five cases were registered under the Prevention of Defacement of Property Act to curb damage to public property.

Preventive measures have been a cornerstone of the police’s strategy to maintain law and order during the election period.

In the Outer North District alone, 228 individuals were penalized for consuming alcohol in public places under the Excise Act.

Additionally, 274 individuals were bound over under Sections 126 to 129 of the BNSS Act to prevent disturbances. The police also executed 75 non-bailable warrants and arrested three proclaimed offenders who had evaded justice. Enhanced security measures have included area domination patrols with a strong emphasis on foot patrolling to maintain visibility and deter criminal activities.

Coordination meetings with neighboring districts in Delhi have facilitated real-time information sharing, enabling the tracking of suspicious individuals, vehicles, and contraband.

Border checkposts have been fortified to intercept the movement of illegal arms, drugs, and cash.

In other parts of the city, particularly the Southern and South East Delhi, similar proactive enforcement has yielded notable results.

The police registered 46 cases under the Excise Act, leading to the arrest of 48 individuals and the seizure of over 11,500 bottles of liquor and 244 beer bottles.

Under the NDPS Act, 11 cases were registered, resulting in 12 arrests and the recovery of 22.8 kilograms of ganja and 769 grams of heroin.

Delhi Police have arrested 507 individuals under preventive measures and seized 1,076 vehicles as part of heightened security for the upcoming elections.

Specialised teams, including Flying Squad and Static Surveillance Units, are monitoring violations, while intensive checks at borders and on vehicles are underway.