Surat: With nearly 50 murders in first five months of 2026, triggering concerns over law and order and emboldening anti-social elements, Surat police launched a sweeping crackdown that netted 1,794 people carrying weapons across the city.The police detained 1,794 persons found carrying knives, swords, firearms and other weapons and booked them under provisions of the Gujarat Police Act. Of them, around 1,000 were paraded before senior police officials at the Surat police parade ground on Thursday and warned against indulging in criminal activities.The operation was launched to prevent serious offences such as murder, attempt to murder, robbery, extortion and criminal intimidation, officials said.The crackdown also targeted other forms of illegal activity. During the drive, police booked 2,168 persons under the Prohibition Act for consuming alcohol and registered cases against 798 individuals involved in the sale of liquor. In addition, 40 cases were registered under the NDPS Act for drug consumption and trafficking.Police officials said the large-scale operation was aimed at dismantling the ecosystem that often fuels violent crime and maintaining law and order ahead of the festive season.“Such drives help curb the crime rate in the city. Following the operation, we have observed a noticeable decline in criminal incidents. A large number of weapons have been seized, and we expect serious crimes to further reduce in the coming months. The action has also helped strengthen the sense of security among citizens,” a senior police officer said.During the parade, senior officers counselled those detained and cautioned them against resorting to crime. They urged them to avoid violence and petty disputes, including altercations arising from minor road accidents, and warned that criminal behaviour would invite strict legal action and adversely affect their families and future prospects.
