Delhi Police launched a major crackdown detaining 260 African nationals for visa violations and unlawful activities under Operation Clean Sweep. This extensive drive targets illegal foreign residents and negligent landlords to restore law and order in the capital.
In a sweeping crackdown that sent shockwaves across several Delhi neighbourhoods, the city police detained 260 African nationals, many allegedly living without valid visas or engaged in unlawful activities, under “Operation Clean Sweep”.
Conducted simultaneously across Dwarka, West and Outer districts, the large-scale operation marks one of the most extensive drives in recent years against illegal foreign residents in the capital.
COORDINATED RAIDS ACROSS WESTERN RANGE
The meticulously coordinated raids were carried out by 31 police teams involving over 600 personnel, including four ACPs and 20 inspectors. Teams fanned out across targeted localities in the Western Range, rounding up individuals suspected of overstaying their visas or engaging in illegal trade and other unauthorised activity.
Preliminary verification revealed that 183 of those detained had overstayed their visas, while 48 of them were women. Among those caught, one foreign national was found in possession of drugs and another was wanted under a Non-Bailable Warrant (NBW). Both have been arrested separately and will face criminal charges.
DEPORTATION AND LEGAL ACTION UNDERWAY
Police said deportation proceedings have already begun for 175 of the detained people, in coordination with the Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO) and the concerned embassies. So far, 26 cases have been registered, and the process of document verification continues.
Authorities also identified 25 local landlords who had rented out properties to foreign nationals without proper verification or mandatory documentation. Legal action is being initiated against them, police confirmed.
WARNING TO LANDLORDS: VERIFY OR FACE ACTION
Following the operation, Delhi Police issued a stern advisory to landlords, instructing them to submit tenant verification details through Form-II as mandated under local laws. Officials warned that non-compliance would invite strict penal action.
A senior police officer involved in the operation said the crackdown is part of an ongoing effort to restore law and order and curb unauthorised residency. “This is not a one-off exercise. Operation Clean Sweep will continue regularly across Delhi’s districts to ensure compliance and public safety,” the officer added.
