Varanasi Range Police have removed 554 objectionable social media profiles linked to alleged criminals under “Operation Vajrapaat,” a coordinated digital crackdown across Jaunpur, Ghazipur and Chandauli districts. The action targets the online presence of organised crime groups accused of using social media platforms to spread fear, glorify violence, display weapons and expand influence among potential recruits.
Officials said the operation was carried out jointly by cyber teams and district police units after detailed intelligence mapping of active gangs in the region. Police identified 1,080 criminals linked to 165 gangs and prepared dossiers covering criminal history, gang affiliations and online activity.
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Criminal Profiles Taken Down
In the first phase, police examined social media accounts allegedly used by gang members and their associates. Profiles promoting violence, displaying weapons or circulating threatening content were flagged for verification.
After technical validation, law enforcement agencies coordinated with platforms including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X to remove 554 accounts. Officials said the action has reduced the online visibility and influence of criminal elements operating in the region.
Ghazipur recorded the highest number of removals, with 250 profiles taken down. Jaunpur followed with 192 removals, while Chandauli accounted for 112 deleted profiles. Police said monitoring will continue to prevent such accounts from being reactivated or recreated.
Gang Network Mapped Across Three Districts
According to police, the operation has been structured in three phases. The first phase involved mapping criminal records and gang networks, while the second focused on identifying and removing objectionable social media profiles.
The digital crackdown was aimed at disrupting the online ecosystem used by offenders to issue threats, project influence and attract new members. Officials said such online activity can strengthen criminal networks by creating fear and normalising violence among followers.
Cases have been registered against identified criminals and associates under relevant provisions, including gangster laws and other applicable legal frameworks. Special monitoring teams have been deployed across the districts for sustained surveillance.
Financial Networks Now Under Probe
The operation is now moving into its third phase, which will focus on the financial networks of the identified criminals. Investigators will examine proceeds of crime, bank accounts, assets and possible funding sources linked to the gangs.
Police said asset tracing and financial investigation will help identify the broader ecosystem supporting organised criminal activity. Legal action, including asset seizure, may follow depending on the findings.
Cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said criminals are increasingly building digital ecosystems on social media platforms. He said combining digital evidence with financial trail analysis is essential to weakening recruitment channels, disrupting funding structures and dismantling organised crime networks effectively.
