Delhi Police rolls out ‘ruthless’ plan to take down underworld syndicates

The gangs have been categorised into three tiers for targeted action: those operating and residing within Delhi; those based in other states but active in the capital; and those operating externally but whose activities potentially affect the city.

MCOCA cell & financial takedown

The Crime Branch has activated two key units: a MCOCA cell and a financial data cell, the latter focused on tracking and disrupting the monetary networks that fuel these syndicates. As reported by TOI, district police must now share details of any arrested suspected gang member with the MCOCA cell within 72 hours of arrest, with the stringent act to be invoked against them.

Targeting foot soldiers and digital threats



A senior officer explained that the objective extends beyond targeting kingpins. The strategy aims to be "foolproof" by also crushing the aspirations of foot soldiers. District DCPs have been directed to invoke sections 111 and 112 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against petty organised crime, aiming to nip budding criminal alliances in the bud.

The SOP mandates a robust technical response as well. Districts must share threatening audio or video messages with central units for analysis and voice samples of accused individuals will be taken and matched after arrest. In serious and sensitive matters, cases will be transferred to the Special Cell or Crime Branch.

Focused assault on extortion rackets and foreign operations



Highlighting the force's determination, the plan includes pursuing trials of gangsters operating from foreign soil, even in their absence. The Special Cell will also establish a technical cell and coordinate with central intelligence agencies, while the Crime Branch will manage interstate coordination.

This concerted push comes in response to a significant surge in organised criminal activity that has plagued Delhi in recent years. The city has witnessed a rise in brazen extortion attempts and firing incidents, often targeting business owners in sectors like luxury cars and hospitality.

In a stark example from September 2024, three separate shootings were reported in a single day - at a Naraina car showroom, a Mahipalpur hotel and a Nangloi sweet shop. Notorious gangs such as those led by Lawrence Bishnoi-Goldie Brar and Himanshu Bhau are suspected to be behind many of these incidents, with extortion demands sometimes reaching up to Rs 1 crore.

Strict compliance and accountability



To ensure the new plan has teeth, Police Commissioner Golcha has reinstated fortnightly crime review meetings, which had lapsed for months. All stakeholders have been directed to present action-taken reports from their jurisdictions and ensure strict compliance with the new SOP, signalling that the force's leadership is demanding accountability and results in its declared war on the capital's underworld.