Delhi Police arrest 260 African nationals under ‘Operation Clean Sweep’ across Western Range

In a major crackdown on illegal stays and related offences, Delhi Police’s Western Range got their hands on 260 African nationals during a coordinated operation codenamed “Operation Clean Sweep”, an official said on Monday.

The operation, carried out on Sunday across Dwarka, West, and Outer districts, targeted foreign nationals overstaying their visas and allegedly involved in unlawful activities. The exercise was conducted under the supervision of Special Commissioner of Police (Law & Order), Zone-II, Madhup Tewari, and Joint Commissioner of Police (Western Range) Jatin Narwal, who emphasised a policy of ‘zero tolerance’ towards illegal stay and criminal activities.

Advertisement

The operation undertaken on a large scale was led by DCPs Ankit Singh (Dwarka), Darade Sharad Bhaskar (West), and Sachin Sharma (Outer) with 31 teams comprising four ACPs, 20 inspectors, and over 600 police personnel. Key areas covered under the operation include Bindapur, Dabri, Uttam Nagar, Mohan Garden, Tilak Nagar, Nihal Vihar, and other parts of West Delhi.

“During the exercise, 183 foreign nationals from 10 African countries, including 48 women, were found living without valid visas or documents,” said Jatin Narwal, Joint Commissioner of Police (Western Range).

Adding to his statement further, he said of these, 160 were apprehended from the Dwarka district, 14 from the West district, and nine from the Outer district.

One individual was caught with narcotic substances, while another, against whom a non-bailable warrant was pending, was arrested. The police said that 75 of the detained individuals were already facing cases and are currently out on bail.

“Strict vigil will be maintained to ensure they comply with bail conditions and court proceedings,” the officer said.

Additionally, 26 FIRs have been registered against offenders, and over 25 landlords have been identified for renting premises to foreign nationals without mandatory police intimation. Legal proceedings are underway against them under relevant provisions of the Foreigners Act and immigration laws.

The officer also mentioned that deportation proceedings for 183 individuals are ongoing in coordination with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).