Daijiworld Media Network - Bhopal

Bhopal, Feb 11: In a large-scale overnight operation, Bhopal Police carried out a coordinated raid at Irani Dera in Aman Colony under the Nishatpura police station limits, detaining more than 40 individuals, including women, in connection with various criminal cases.

The operation began around 2 a.m. on Tuesday and involved over 400 police personnel. Authorities kept the action strictly confidential to prevent suspects from fleeing. The area was sealed from all sides, triggering panic among residents as police teams conducted house-to-house searches and questioned several individuals.

According to officials, many of those detained are facing serious criminal charges in Madhya Pradesh and other states. Among those arrested is Shahadat, a wanted accused carrying a reward of Rs 1.38 lakh, who had been evading arrest for a considerable period.

In an official statement, Bhopal Police said the raid was led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Mayur Khandelwal, assisted by two Additional DCPs, nine ACPs, and 20 Station House Officers. The operation was conducted under the supervision of newly appointed Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar, who recently took charge from Harinarayanchari Mishra. Further details are expected to be shared at a press conference later on Wednesday.

The crackdown comes a month after police arrested Abid Ali alias Raju alias ‘Rahman Dakait’, alleged to be the mastermind of a multi-state crime syndicate operating from Irani Dera. Investigators claim he led gangs active in at least 14 states, involved in offences such as robbery, fraud, extortion, impersonation, arson, and attempted murder.

Police also said Raju Irani faces charges under Maharashtra’s stringent MCOCA law and was known to disguise himself as a fake CBI officer, a police official, or even a religious figure to deceive victims.