NEW DELHI: Delhi Police launched a crackdown on the menace of individuals flaunting guns on social media, which promotes gun culture and poses a threat to the city.
Police apprehended 55 individuals, including juveniles, for flaunting weapons on social media. An investigation revealed that over 600 social media accounts were identified where users openly displayed weapons. As a result, the police seized 35 firearms and 11 dragon knives.
A senior police officer stated that this measure comes in response to a deeply concerning surge in videos and images circulating on social media platforms, where individuals brazenly display firearms. This trend, particularly prevalent among young adults and even juveniles, is alarming.
Police said these individuals exploit social media to gain notoriety, intimidate rivals, and emulate a destructive gangster culture.
To tackle the menace, cops launched “Operation Flush,” in which they aim to identify individuals misusing social media to display weapons, protect minors from criminal influence, and disrupt illegal networks linked to arms and drug trafficking.
Police said specialized social media monitoring teams analysed thousands of profiles, flagging over 600 accounts for objectionable content. Field teams then executed targeted operations, resulting in substantial arrests and seizures across the southern, western, and New Delhi ranges.
The southern range of Delhi Police reviewed 6,000 profiles, resulting in 37 apprehensions and the seizure of 29 country-made pistols, 6 knives, and 14 imitation firearms.
The western range flagged more than 200 accounts, leading to eight apprehensions, the recovery of four pistols and four knives, and counselling sessions for juveniles and their families. Nine people were apprehended in New Delhi, and two pistols and one knife were seized.
The majority of those apprehended are young men, including juveniles, from economically weaker backgrounds. Many are school dropouts lacking proper parental supervision and are influenced by gangster culture, which they seek to replicate online.
