The Delhi Police has launched a major law-enforcement initiative titled “Operation Shastra” to counter the misuse of social media platforms in creating fear, intimidation and weapon glorification among youth and the public. This city-wide operation is focused on tackling individuals who post images or videos with firearms, weapons, or use threatening language that encourages a culture of violence and criminal dominance online.
Under the operation, the police have conducted extensive digital monitoring and on-ground raids based on intelligence gathered from social media platforms. Police teams identified profiles and accounts involved in creating harmful content that can influence vulnerable sections of society or trigger real-world law-and-order issues. Authorities emphasize that such content not only spreads fear but can contribute to actual criminal behavior and recruitment into unlawful activities.
The campaign has led to numerous arrests, with reports indicating more than 80 individuals apprehended for displaying weapons in their posts or videos and for inciting fear via abusive online language. A significant number of First Information Reports (FIRs) have also been lodged, and firearms and weapons seized during the operation.
Joint Commissioner of Police for the Southern Range, S.K. Jain, explained that the operation focuses on behavior that goes beyond mere posting — it targets content that amounts to criminal signalling and digital intimidation. These actions can potentially encourage others to adopt weapons culture or be drawn into unlawful networks.
Operation Shastra aims to uphold public safety by reducing digital fear and discouraging posts that glorify weapons or violence. The Delhi Police believe that unchecked harmful social media content can undermine public peace and influence impressionable youth, leading to risky and criminal behavior.
Intelligence teams analyzed thousands of social media profiles, identifying accounts with content that could incite violence or fear. These leads formed the basis for field raids and arrests. The integrated approach with cyber units allowed for real-time responses to problematic content.
To date, over 80 arrests have been made across Delhi, including adults and minors. Police filed more than 60 FIRs under relevant sections of Indian law against those exhibiting weapons or using violent or abusive language on social platforms.
Firearms, live cartridges, and other weapons were seized during raids. The operation also seeks to dismantle networks of individuals who regularly post extremist or provocative content.
This news is critical for UPSC Civil Services, SSC, State PSC, Police recruitment, and other competitive exams because it covers key themes such as law enforcement strategies, digital policing practices, and cybercrime prevention — topics often featured in General Studies papers.
Operation Shastra highlights how police forces are adapting to the digital transformation of crime and social behaviour. With social media becoming a tool for intimidation and fear, exam aspirants must understand how modern law enforcement uses digital intelligence and proactive operations to maintain law and order.
The operation ties into broader discussions on cyber laws, digital safety, and the misuse of online platforms. Concepts like content regulation, cyber policing, and digital evidence form a part of strategic and legal awareness topics in exams.
Operation Shastra also reflects efforts to curb the influence of violent content on youth, aligning with social policy objectives related to crime prevention and youth engagement — important for social justice and ethics sections of competitive tests.
With the advent of smartphones and widespread adoption of social platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X, digital content has gained massive influence over public perception and behavior. Over the past decade, Indian police forces have increasingly integrated digital surveillance and cybercrime units to monitor and counteract harmful online activities.
The Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) units within police departments nationwide focus on cyber threats, misinformation and digital crimes ranging from fraud to hate speech. Previous initiatives, such as Operation CyHawk and targeted cybercrime awareness campaigns, reflect how law enforcement has evolved to tackle online crime proactively.
Operations similar to Operation Shastra show an ongoing evolution — where police not only respond to crimes after they occur but also preempt potential threats by analyzing digital behaviour patterns and intercepting harmful content. This shift aligns with global trends in digital law enforcement and cyber safety regulation.
Operation Shastra is a special crackdown initiative by the Delhi Police aimed at preventing the misuse of social media platforms to spread fear, intimidation, and glorification of weapons. It targets individuals posting photos or videos with firearms or threatening content.
The operation was launched by the Delhi Police, particularly involving cyber and intelligence wings working together to monitor digital platforms.
The main objective is to maintain public order by discouraging online weapon glorification, preventing digital intimidation, and reducing the influence of violent content on youth.
Delhi Police use digital surveillance, social media monitoring, and cyber intelligence tools to identify suspicious accounts and take legal action.
It is important because it relates to cybercrime prevention, internal security, law enforcement reforms, and digital governance, which are key topics in UPSC, SSC, State PSC, and police recruitment exams.
Police file FIRs, arrest offenders, and seize illegal firearms and digital evidence under relevant sections of Indian criminal and cyber laws.
It helps protect young people from being influenced by violent online trends and promotes responsible social media behavior.
The news is linked to General Studies (Internal Security), Cyber Law, Social Issues, and Governance.
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