New Delhi: In a major crackdown on foreign nationals residing illegally, the Delhi Police apprehended or arrested 260 African nationals during an extensive enforcement operation code-named “Operation Clean Sweep” conducted across the Dwarka, West, and Outer districts of the national capital. The massive drive, executed under the direct supervision of senior officers of the Western Range, primarily targeted overstaying foreigners as well as landlords who were found violating immigration and tenancy regulations.
According to police officials, the action followed numerous complaints and intelligence inputs suggesting that several foreign nationals were staying without valid documents and that many landlords had failed to provide the mandatory tenant details as required by law. The campaign forms part of the Delhi Police’s broader and ongoing efforts to curb illegal migration, drug trafficking, and other unlawful activities being carried out in different parts of the city.
The operation was launched under the leadership of senior officers of the Western Range as part of the department’s “zero tolerance” policy towards foreign nationals overstaying illegally in India. A total of 31 police teams were constituted for this mission, comprising 4 ACPs, 20 Inspectors, and more than 600 police personnel, who coordinated raids and verification exercises across seven police station jurisdictions — Bindapur, Dabri, Uttam Nagar, Mohan Garden, Vikas Puri, Tilak Nagar, and Nihal Vihar.
The teams carried out surprise raids and a detailed house-to-house verification drive, inspecting documents and verifying identities of residents. During the course of the operation, 183 African nationals belonging to 10 different countries, including 48 women, were found to be staying illegally, many with expired or overstayed visas. District-wise, 160 foreigners were apprehended in Dwarka, 14 in West District, and 9 in Outer District. In one case, narcotic substances were recovered from a foreign national’s possession, leading to the registration of a criminal case under the relevant laws. Additionally, another individual, against whom a Non-Bailable Warrant (NBW) had already been issued, was also arrested.
Altogether, 26 cases have been registered against the offenders, while over 25 landlords are facing legal action for violating provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act by failing to submit Form-II, which is mandatory for landlords accommodating foreign nationals. Officials said that document verification and case registration procedures are still in progress to ensure thorough legal follow-up.
Police further stated that 183 foreign nationals are currently under deportation proceedings and will be handed over to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for further action. Moreover, 75 foreigners were identified as having previous criminal cases or FIRs registered against them and are presently on bail. Authorities have emphasized that these individuals will remain under strict surveillance to ensure they comply with bail conditions and continue to appear before the courts as required.
In this large-scale crackdown, the Delhi Police’s coordinated efforts led to the apprehension or arrest of 260 African nationals, out of which 183 were residing illegally, including 48 women. As part of the enforcement, 26 FIRs were lodged against offenders, and over 25 property owners were booked or placed under investigation for renting out premises without conducting due verification or submitting the mandatory Form-II. The massive operation was carried out by 31 dedicated police teams, supported by over 600 personnel, ensuring extensive coverage of the Western Range districts of the capital.
The Delhi Police emphasized that “Operation Clean Sweep” is not a one-time exercise but a regular and sustained campaign that will continue periodically to identify, detain, and deport illegal foreign nationals. The force also appealed to landlords and property owners to comply strictly with the provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, which requires them to submit Form-II for every foreign national residing or even visiting their premises, regardless of the duration of stay.
“Landlords must verify the credentials of tenants and fulfill all legal obligations. Any negligence or failure to do so will attract strict penal action,” a senior Delhi Police officer cautioned.
The Delhi Police reiterated that such operations reflect its ongoing commitment to upholding law and order, preventing drug trafficking, and ensuring adherence to immigration laws in the National Capital Territory. These actions, officials said, are vital to maintaining public safety and preserving the integrity of legal and immigration systems in Delhi.
