The Ghaziabad Police and district administration have launched a large-scale enforcement campaign named Operation Clean Sweep, focusing on criminals, repeat offenders, illegal encroachments and unregistered institutions across the district.

The operation comes in the wake of heightened law enforcement activity following the murder of teenager Surya Pratap Chauhan in the Khoda area. Authorities have increased surveillance and verification drives while deploying additional security personnel in sensitive locations.

Security intensified across Khoda

Officials have deployed police teams, drone cameras, sniffer dogs and other surveillance equipment to monitor vulnerable pockets of Khoda. Rooftops and key locations are being watched closely as authorities seek to prevent any law-and-order issues.

According to police officials, repeat offenders have been identified and action is being initiated against them. Multiple teams are also carrying out searches and verification exercises in the locality.

Hundreds of offenders under verification

District authorities said a large number of individuals with criminal backgrounds have been identified across Ghaziabad as part of the campaign. Officials are reviewing records, conducting field verification and examining cases involving illegal occupation of land or other violations.

The administration stated that notices would be issued wherever illegal encroachments are found, following due legal procedures.

Three unregistered madrasas identified

As part of the drive, authorities identified three madrasas that were allegedly operating without recognition from the Madrasa Board. One of them, Madarsa Rehmaniya, was sealed after officials found that it was not registered with the relevant authorities, according to the district administration.

Officials have issued notices and provided time for the management to submit responses before further action is taken. Authorities said the verification of educational and other institutions will continue in the coming days.

Drive to continue

The administration has indicated that Operation Clean Sweep will continue as part of a broader effort to curb criminal activity, strengthen law enforcement and verify properties, tenants and institutions across the district.

Officials said the campaign is aimed at ensuring compliance with legal requirements while enhancing public safety and maintaining order.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has sparked a fresh debate over the singing of Vande Mataram at official functions, arguing that requiring the full rendition of the national song at every public event is unnecessary.

Speaking on the issue, Tharoor said respect for Vande Mataram should not be confused with making its complete version compulsory at all official gatherings. He described such a requirement as an unnecessary burden and suggested that patriotism should remain a matter of voluntary expression rather than enforcement.

The remarks come months after the Centre introduced detailed guidelines governing the performance of Vande Mataram at official functions. According to reports, the revised protocol standardised how and when the national song should be sung or played during government events.

Tharoor’s comments add to an ongoing national discussion about the balance between respect for national symbols and individual choice. He has previously argued that patriotism gains meaning when expressed willingly rather than through compulsion.

The issue has generated political and constitutional debate in several states in recent months, with differing views emerging over whether the full version of the song should be rendered at official ceremonies and public events.

While supporters of stricter guidelines say the move promotes uniform respect for a national symbol, critics contend that making the full rendition mandatory could be seen as an imposition. The debate is expected to continue as political leaders and constitutional experts weigh in on the matter.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing renewed signs of internal unrest, with political speculation mounting over the possibility of a breakaway group emerging in West Bengal after the party’s recent electoral setback. Reports of disgruntled legislators distancing themselves from the party leadership have fuelled discussions about a potential new political formation led by rebel leaders rather than by veteran leader Mamata Banerjee.

The buzz comes shortly after the expulsion of two TMC MLAs over alleged anti-party activities. According to reports, concerns within the party have intensified amid claims that several legislators are unhappy with the current leadership structure and the role of the party’s top decision-makers.

Adding to the speculation, a large number of TMC legislators reportedly skipped a scheduled meeting at Mamata Banerjee’s residence, a development that has been interpreted by political observers as a sign of growing discontent within the organisation.

Split rumours gain momentum after election defeat

The developments come in the aftermath of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election, in which the BJP secured a decisive victory while the Trinamool Congress suffered a major setback after 15 years in power. The defeat triggered debates within the party over its future direction and leadership.

Reports suggest that discussions are taking place among some legislators regarding the possibility of forming a separate political platform. The situation has drawn comparisons with Maharashtra’s political realignments in recent years, though no formal announcement regarding a split has been made.

Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee has publicly dismissed rebel voices, stating that the party is stronger without those working against its interests. She has also alleged that there are organised efforts to weaken the Trinamool Congress following its electoral defeat.

While speculation continues, there has been no official confirmation of a new party being launched. Political observers say the coming weeks could determine whether the current tensions remain internal disagreements or evolve into a larger organisational challenge for the Trinamool Congress.