In one of the most extensive crime-control initiatives carried out in recent years, Haryana Police on Thursday executed a sweeping series of raids across the state, targeting criminal hideouts, drug trafficking networks, illicit liquor suppliers, and cyber-fraud rackets. The massive campaign, launched as part of a special effort to reinforce public safety and curb repeat offenders, resulted in over 160 arrests in a single day and the registration of 92 fresh criminal cases.

The operation, formally titled Operation Hotspot Domination, was initiated on Monday with the objective of striking at the roots of entrenched criminal activity in Haryana. By Thursday, police teams had mobilised simultaneously across districts, conducting coordinated raids at 707 identified hotspots—locations previously mapped as high-risk zones for illegal activity. The raids were executed with a combination of human intelligence, surveillance inputs, and updated crime-pattern analysis, allowing for real-time action across multiple cities and rural pockets.

According to an official statement released on Friday, the multi-layered drive succeeded in delivering immediate results. “A total of 165 accused involved in various offences were arrested and sent behind bars within just one day,” the statement said, highlighting the scale and speed of the crackdown. The swift execution reflected an extensive planning process that involved district-level coordination, data-sharing between police stations, and extended deployment of special units.

A key focus area of the operation was the ongoing battle against drug trafficking, which remains a persistent challenge in several regions of Haryana. Districts such as Sirsa and Fatehabad, long viewed by enforcement agencies as vulnerable due to their proximity to inter-state routes, saw some of the most significant seizures. The crackdown led to the recovery of 4.33 kilograms of cannabis, 218 grams of opium, more than 85 grams of heroin, and additional synthetic substances including 890 intoxicating tablets and 23.5 grams of smack.

The statement noted that these seizures disrupted active supply chains and dealt a substantial blow to criminal operations in the affected districts. Policing teams had acted on specific intelligence inputs identifying repeat offenders and suspected peddlers, enabling them to carry out targeted raids rather than broad, unfocused sweeps. The goal, senior officials said, was not merely to seize contraband but also to dismantle local distribution networks by arresting key operatives.

Illegal liquor and arms trafficking also came under the lens during the drive. Officers recovered 839 bottles of country-made liquor, along with various other forms of illegal alcohol, bringing the total seized quantity to over 1,000 bottles. The police emphasised that bootlegging continues to be a major contributor to petty crime, financial exploitation of the poor, and inter-gang conflicts in certain districts. By disrupting these operations, the authorities aim to reduce the collateral violence and localised criminal influence that often accompany illicit liquor trade.

Crackdowns on illegal arms yielded tangible results as well. During the raids, police recovered three pistols and five live cartridges. Five new cases were registered under the Arms Act, and the arrested individuals are being investigated for potential links to larger networks of weapon suppliers. A senior police officer stated that arms trafficking, though not always visible in everyday policing metrics, poses a long-term threat to law and order, and eliminating it remains a top priority.

In addition to these operational successes, police teams nabbed 22 notorious criminals identified through active intelligence channels. Many of these accused were wanted in multiple cases or involved in ongoing investigations. Their arrest, officials said, would significantly ease pressure on local policing units dealing with repeat offenders and habitual criminals.

Recognising that crime networks frequently operate across state borders, Haryana Police also strengthened inter-state coordination during the operation. Fifteen key intelligence reports were shared with neighbouring states to ensure that offenders could not exploit jurisdictional boundaries to evade capture. In one notable instance, a Look Out Circular was issued in Fatehabad, and a proposal was submitted to cancel the passport of a violent criminal believed to be attempting to flee abroad.

As crime shifts increasingly into digital spaces, combating cyber fraud formed an integral part of the crackdown. The state’s cyber policing teams acted on 309 complaints received through the national Cyber Helpline 1930 within a 24-hour window. The complaints collectively involved attempted fraud amounting to more than ₹88.36 lakh. By responding quickly and blocking suspicious fund movements, the cyber team succeeded in freezing ₹59.14 lakh before it could be siphoned off into accounts controlled by fraudsters.

Officials emphasised that cybercrime prevention requires a blend of active monitoring and public awareness. Many cases reported during the drive involved attempts at phishing, digital payment fraud, and impersonation scams, indicating that criminals continue to refine their methods. The police urged citizens to remain vigilant while transacting online and to report incidents without delay to maximise the chances of fund recovery.

The scale of Operation Hotspot Domination reflects Haryana’s broader attempt to reinforce public trust in policing amid rising demands for safer neighbourhoods and more responsive law enforcement. Through both physical raids and technology-assisted action, the state police aim to neutralise the networks that fuel recurring criminal activity.

While the campaign’s results in its first phase were significant, police officials said that operations of this nature are part of a longer-term strategy to maintain law and order. The effort will continue to evolve in alignment with crime patterns, intelligence sharing, and public feedback. Authorities added that visible enforcement activity provides not only immediate deterrence but also a psychological boost to communities affected by drugs, illicit trade, or fraud.

The success of the drive, as officials described, rested on coordinated teamwork among district police, specialised units, cyber experts, and intelligence officers across the state. With repeat offenders arrested, narcotics seized, cyber fraud blocked, and illegal weapons confiscated, Haryana Police declared the operation a strong step toward reclaiming public spaces and sending a firm signal to criminal networks.

As the state prepares for the next phase of the campaign, the emphasis, according to senior officers, will be on sustaining momentum. Crime syndicates are known to reorganise after major crackdowns, and long-term vigilance is necessary to ensure they do not regroup. For now, however, the immediate impact is evident: hundreds of hotspots raided, scores of criminals behind bars, and a renewed sense of security taking shape across Haryana.