In an unprecedented law enforcement effort, Haryana Police carried out simultaneous raids at 707 identified crime hotspots across the state on Thursday, resulting in the arrest of 165 individuals and the registration of 92 new criminal cases. The operation, launched as part of ‘Operation Hotspot Domination’ earlier this week, aimed at disrupting organized crime networks, curbing the drug trade, and strengthening overall law and order in the state.

According to an official statement released by the Haryana Police, the drive, which began on Monday, involved coordinated action by multiple police teams targeting areas with a history of criminal activity. The scale and intensity of the campaign underscored the state police’s commitment to cracking down on illegal activities while sending a strong deterrent message to criminal elements.

Targeting Narcotics Networks

One of the key focuses of the operation was dismantling drug trafficking networks operating in the state. Ground-level raids led to the recovery of a substantial quantity of narcotics, dealing a severe blow to criminal enterprises. Across various districts, police seized 4.33 kilograms of cannabis, 218 grams of opium, and more than 85 grams of heroin. Additionally, 890 intoxicating tablets and 23.5 grams of smack were recovered, demonstrating the breadth of the illicit drug market that the police disrupted.

Particularly significant seizures took place in districts like Sirsa and Fatehabad, which have historically been vulnerable to narcotics-related crime. Officials noted that these operations struck at the heart of organized drug networks, disrupting supply chains and sending a warning to those engaged in illegal trade.

Combating Illegal Arms and Liquor

Operation Hotspot Domination also focused on controlling the circulation of illegal arms and liquor, which continue to be major challenges in crime prevention. The raids led to the seizure of three pistols and five live cartridges from suspects, and five new cases under the Arms Act were registered. In addition, five accused individuals were apprehended in connection with arms-related offences.

The police also recovered a substantial volume of illegal liquor, including 839 bottles of country-made liquor along with other illicit varieties, totaling over 1,000 bottles statewide. These seizures, officials said, would curb the availability of unlicensed and potentially dangerous liquor, which has often been linked to violent crime and public safety hazards.

Intelligence-Led Policing

The success of the operation was attributed to an active intelligence network, which allowed police to track and target notorious criminals effectively. Twenty-two high-profile offenders, known for their involvement in multiple criminal cases, were apprehended during the coordinated raids. In addition, the police strengthened inter-state coordination, sharing 15 crucial intelligence reports with neighbouring states to prevent criminals from exploiting borders to evade arrest.

Preventive measures were also taken against offenders attempting to flee the state. In Fatehabad, a Look Out Circularwas issued, and a proposal was sent to cancel the passport of a violent criminal, thereby ensuring that he could not escape justice by leaving the country.

Tackling Cybercrime

Operation Hotspot Domination was not limited to physical raids; it also addressed the growing challenge of cybercrime. Haryana Police acted on 309 complaints received through the Cyber Helpline 1930 over a 24-hour period, involving attempted frauds totaling around ₹88,36,208. Thanks to rapid and strategic intervention, the cyber team was able to freeze ₹59,14,533 of the amount before it could be transferred to the fraudsters’ accounts, preventing a significant loss to victims.

This dual focus on physical and digital crime underscores Haryana Police’s evolving approach to law enforcement, recognizing that criminal networks increasingly operate across both traditional and cyber channels. By combining on-the-ground raids with cyber monitoring, the force has demonstrated its ability to address crime holistically and adapt to emerging threats.

Overall Impact of the Operation

Within just one day, the coordinated effort across 707 locations resulted in the arrest of 165 individuals involved in various criminal activities and strengthened the police’s grip on organised crime networks. The recovery of drugs, illegal arms, and liquor, coupled with effective cybercrime interventions, highlights the comprehensive nature of the operation.

Officials emphasized that the drive was designed not only to make immediate arrests but also to send a strong deterrent signal to criminals operating across Haryana. By combining intelligence-led policing, strict enforcement of arms and narcotics laws, and cyber vigilance, the Haryana Police has set a precedent for large-scale, coordinated anti-crime operations.

The success of Operation Hotspot Domination also reflects the importance of statewide coordination in law enforcement. By mobilizing multiple teams simultaneously, the police were able to overwhelm criminal networks, leaving them little opportunity to escape or evade justice. The approach demonstrates that large-scale, planned interventions can have a meaningful impact on reducing crime and improving public safety in urban and rural areas alike.

Looking Ahead

The Haryana Police have stated that this operation is part of a continuing effort to maintain law and order across the state, particularly in areas with a history of criminal activity. Officials assured citizens that such intelligence-led, coordinated drives will continue and that the police will remain vigilant against both traditional and cybercriminal threats.

By combining physical raids, narcotics and arms seizures, cybercrime prevention, and inter-state intelligence sharing, Haryana Police is signaling a new, proactive approach to crime prevention. The success of this operation could serve as a model for other states looking to tackle organized crime effectively, particularly in regions where criminal networks exploit weak coordination and gaps in enforcement.

As the state moves forward, authorities have stressed the importance of community cooperation and public vigilance in complementing police efforts. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activities, engage with cyber helplines for fraud prevention, and support the police in creating safer neighbourhoods.

Operation Hotspot Domination, with its unprecedented scale and impact, underscores Haryana Police’s commitment to public safety and reinforces its resolve to dismantle criminal networks, protect citizens, and ensure that law and order prevails across the state.