Delhi Police Launches Operation Shastra Against Online Threats

The Delhi Police has launched a large-scale crackdown under ‘Operation Shastra’ to curb the misuse of social media for creating fear and intimidation. The operation targets individuals who post photographs with weapons and use abusive or threatening language on online platforms, aiming to deter criminal signalling and restore public confidence.

Focus on fear-mongering through social media

The operation was announced by S K Jain, Joint Commissioner of the Delhi Police for the Southern Range. He said the drive specifically focused on individuals attempting to project criminal dominance or spread fear through social media posts. According to police officials, such online behaviour often contributes to law and order concerns on the ground.

Large-scale mobilisation and coordinated action

Operation Shastra involved an extensive deployment of resources, with more than 500 police teams and over 2,000 personnel participating simultaneously. The coordinated action enabled the police to monitor, verify and act against thousands of suspicious social media profiles across the city within a short time frame.

FIRs registered and accused apprehended

As part of the operation, Delhi Police scrutinised over 6,000 social media profiles. Based on this analysis, 61 First Information Reports were registered. Acting on these cases, the police apprehended 83 accused persons, marking a significant enforcement outcome against digital platforms being misused for intimidation.

Important Facts for Exams

• Social media monitoring is increasingly used in preventive policing.
• FIRs are registered under relevant sections of the IPC or Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
• Cyber and conventional policing are now closely integrated.
• Preventive operations aim to curb crime before physical offences occur.

Preventive policing and public safety strategy

Senior officers stated that Operation Shastra reflects a broader preventive policing strategy adopted by the Delhi Police to address emerging digital threats. By acting against online displays of weapons and abusive conduct, the police aim to deter criminal posturing, reduce fear among citizens and reinforce the message that misuse of social media will invite strict legal action.