Dehradun, April 1 In an effort to curb rising crime in the Uttarakhand capital, 'Operation Prahar' has been launched in the state, a move that follows the recent killing of a retired brigadier on Mussoorie Road.
Mukesh Joshi, the retired Army officer, who was out for a morning walk on March 30, was allegedly caught in the middle of a gunfight between two groups and shot dead. The incident raised serious concerns about the safety and security of citizens in Dehradun.
The state has adopted a tough stance to curb illegal activities, especially late-night crimes, and to deal with unruly elements, officials said.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and state DGP Deepam Seth have launched this special drive to restore order in the city, they added.
The operation aims to address the recent spike in criminal incidents, including murders, shootings, and physical altercations, by enhancing police presence and accountability across the city.
The DGP issued a directive on Tuesday night, stating that a high-level meeting was convened at the police headquarters to review the law and order situation.
Senior officials, including Garhwal IG Rajiv Swaroop, Special Task Force (STF) IG Nilesh Anand Bharne, Dehradun SSP Pramendra Singh Dobal, and STF SSP Ajay Singh, were present to finalise the strategies for the operation, the DGP said.
During the meeting, Swaroop was tasked with daily monitoring of law and order in Dehradun, while Dobal was instructed to ensure effective policing and accountability within their jurisdictions.
Police circle officers and SHOs in Dehradun were directed to remain highly active, particularly during the morning hours, focusing on crime hotspots, and intensifying searches at checkpoints.
The STF, IG, and SSP have been directed to launch a special drive against active criminal elements, including measures to clamp down on bars and pubs operating beyond their stipulated closing hours, officials said.
Intensive verification of paying guests and tenants in the state capital and regular monitoring of homestays were also ordered, they added.
Dehradun has experienced a string of violent incidents in the past two to three months, including murders, shootings, and physical altercations.