Kota, October 2, 2026: Kota City Police has launched a special campaign, “Operation H.A.W.K. – Hunt Against Weapons & Knives,” to curb knife attacks and the possession and use of illegal sharp-edged weapons in the city.
The campaign is being conducted throughout October under the direction of Kota City Police Superintendent Tejaswini Gautam, who has been appointed as the nodal officer at the range level for preventing incidents of knife attacks. The primary objective is to take strict legal action against people involved in carrying or using illegal weapons and to keep young people away from crime and gang culture.
As part of the campaign, police will intensify checking, searches and vehicle inspections at sensitive and identified hotspots. Strict action will be taken against those found carrying knives, daggers and other sharp-edged or illegal weapons.
Police will also maintain continuous surveillance of history-sheeters, habitual offenders and individuals previously involved in knife-related incidents. Monitoring of suspicious activities will be carried out through drones, Abhay Command and social media monitoring. Night patrolling, foot patrols and surprise checking will also be increased.
Special monitoring and youth awareness programmes will be conducted around schools, colleges and coaching institutions. Hotels, lodges, rented accommodations and PGs will also be regularly verified. The police will work in coordination with the administration, educational institutions, business organisations and the public to strengthen community policing.
The campaign's message is clear: “Detect. Deter. Disarm.” The police said the focus is not only on taking action after a crime occurs, but also on preventing crime before it happens through continuous surveillance, preventive action, weapon control, rapid police response and public participation.
Under the campaign, the Kota City Police jurisdiction has been divided into nine zones. Surprise raids will be conducted at identified locations by HAWK and EAGLE teams, along with checking through HHMDs and metal detectors. Strict action will be taken against suspicious persons and those found possessing illegal items.
Kota City Police has given a clear message: “Trust among the public, fear among criminals.”
