1,617 Criminals Arrested in Massive Anti-Gangster Drive Across Rajasthan
Jaipur: In one of the largest anti-crime operations ever conducted in Rajasthan, the state police have launched a sweeping crackdown against organized crime, gangster networks, illegal arms syndicates, and criminal glorification on social media. Under the strategic direction of Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar Sharma and Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) ADG Dinesh M.N., Rajasthan Police carried out an intensive statewide operation between May 9 and May 11, 2026, resulting in the arrest of 1,617 accused and suspected criminals within just 72 hours.
The large-scale offensive, dubbed “Operation Clean-Up,” targeted hardcore offenders, absconding criminals, illegal arms suppliers, gang associates, and individuals allegedly promoting gangster culture online. Police officials described the campaign as a decisive strike aimed at dismantling the ecosystem supporting organised crime in the state.
Statewide Offensive Against Organised Crime
The Anti-Gangster Task Force coordinated with district police units across Rajasthan to execute simultaneous raids and enforcement actions in multiple districts. Police teams conducted searches at hundreds of suspected hideouts linked to notorious criminals and gang operatives.
According to ADG Dinesh M.N., the operation was designed not only to arrest criminals but also to weaken the financial, logistical, and digital networks that enable organised crime to flourish.
Officials stated that the campaign focused on habitual offenders, wanted criminals carrying rewards, arms traffickers, and those using social media platforms to glamorise criminal activities among youth.
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Massive Arrest Figures Highlight Scale of Operation
Rajasthan Police released detailed figures showcasing the scale of the operation:
Hardcore and Wanted Criminals Targeted
Police launched searches against nearly 608 wanted and reward-carrying criminals during the campaign. Out of these, 270 reward-carrying accused were successfully arrested. Additionally, 163 hardcore criminals with serious criminal backgrounds were taken into custody.
Top-10 Criminal Lists Cleared
Authorities also intensified action against criminals listed in district and police station-level “Top-10” categories. Out of 1,250 listed offenders, police succeeded in arresting 712 individuals during the operation.
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Illegal Arms Network Hit
In a parallel crackdown under the Arms Act, Rajasthan Police arrested 417 accused involved in illegal weapons possession and trafficking. Police also registered 121 fresh cases related to illegal firearms and weapon supply chains.
Officials believe the operation has significantly disrupted local arms distribution networks linked to organised gangs.
Social Media Glorification of Gangsters Under Scanner
One of the most notable aspects of the operation was police action against individuals allegedly promoting gangster culture on social media platforms.
According to officials, 55 individuals were arrested for allegedly sharing, endorsing, or circulating gangster-related posts and content online. Investigators say many social media accounts were being used to project criminals as “heroes” and influence vulnerable youth.
ADG Dinesh M.N. issued a stern warning, stating that glorifying criminal activities online would no longer be tolerated.
“Rajasthan Police will not compromise with the security of the state. Every activity of gangsters, their associates, and those promoting them on social media is under strict surveillance. This operation is only the beginning, and our action against organised crime will continue aggressively,” said Dinesh M.N., ADG, Anti-Gangster Task Force.
Pending Criminal Cases Also Resolved
Police Headquarters stated that apart from arrests and raids, the special drive also helped authorities dispose of 294 long-pending criminal cases during the three-day campaign.
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Senior officials believe the operation has sent a strong message to criminal syndicates operating across Rajasthan and has boosted public confidence regarding law enforcement and state security.
Police Appeal Public Cooperation
Rajasthan Police has appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious activities or criminal movements to local authorities. Officials emphasized that public cooperation remains critical in preventing organised crime from regaining ground.
The police department has indicated that similar intelligence-based operations will continue in the coming months as part of a long-term strategy to eliminate gangster networks, illegal arms trade, and digital crime propaganda across the state.
Growing Focus on Digital Surveillance
Security agencies are increasingly focusing on the role of digital platforms in criminal networking and recruitment. Officials revealed that gangsters and their supporters are using social media not only to spread fear and influence but also to attract new recruits by portraying criminal lifestyles as glamorous.
The latest operation reflects Rajasthan Police’s evolving strategy that combines traditional policing with cyber monitoring and intelligence-led enforcement.
With hundreds of arrests and extensive raids completed in just three days, Operation Clean-Up is being viewed as one of the most aggressive anti-organised crime drives conducted in Rajasthan in recent years.
