Operation Langda: How Uttar Pradesh Police's Controversial Strategy of Crippling Criminals Is Redefining Crime Control Under CM Yogi Adityanath's Hardline Governance

The use of encounters, particularly those resulting in the deliberate crippling of criminals, is becoming a prominent part of law enforcement in Uttar Pradesh under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. This strategy, dubbed "Operation Langda," involves shooting criminals in the leg to incapacitate them, ensuring they survive but are permanently disabled. This report provides an extensive analysis of this controversial policing method, the rationale behind it, and its broader implications.

The Emergence of "Operation Langda

In the fight against crime, the Uttar Pradesh Police have adopted a unique approach that has been widely publicized and somewhat sensationalized. Rather than outrightly killing criminals in encounters, the police aim to cripple them by shooting them in the legs. This approach ensures that criminals are left with lifelong injuries, making it difficult for them to continue their illegal activities. The term “Operation Langda,” meaning “Operation Crippled,” encapsulates this entire strategy.

In recent weeks, this method has been on full display, with multiple criminals across different districts, including Ghaziabad, Meerut, Amethi, and Kushinagar, being shot in the legs during encounters. These criminals have then been paraded in public, often in wheelchairs, showcasing the state's success in controlling crime.

The Strategy Behind the Approach
The fundamental rationale for this approach is multifaceted:

Crime Control Without Lethal Force: By opting to injure rather than kill, the police can maintain a balance between law enforcement and reducing accusations of extrajudicial killings. While extrajudicial killings, or "encounter killings," have been criticized globally, Uttar Pradesh's "Operation Langda" provides a less lethal but equally impactful alternative.

Psychological Warfare: This strategy plays a significant psychological role in deterring future criminals. By leaving criminals disabled, the police instill a lasting fear of law enforcement. These criminals not only face the legal consequences of their actions but also physical limitations that serve as a constant reminder of their confrontation with the police.

Media Spectacle: The public parading of injured criminals on wheelchairs, with visible injuries, is a spectacle that reinforces the state's strict stance on crime. This media strategy amplifies the message that lawbreakers will not only face legal consequences but also physical repercussions.

Public Safety Assurance: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's stance is clear—criminals, especially those threatening the safety of women and businessmen, will face severe consequences. By rendering criminals physically incapable of further wrongdoing, the government aims to provide a sense of security to the public.

Human Rights Concerns and the Role of Law Enforcement

While the strategy is seen as effective in controlling crime, it raises significant concerns about human rights and the role of law enforcement. Critics argue that this tactic skirts the line of legality and morality. The question arises: Is it justified to deliberately disable individuals without due process?

Human Rights Violations: Critics argue that shooting criminals in the legs, even when they are not an immediate threat to life, constitutes a violation of human rights. While Uttar Pradesh Police ensures that criminals receive medical attention and are taken to hospitals after encounters, the fact remains that they are left with permanent disabilities without a court trial or sentencing. This could lead to potential human rights lawsuits and further scrutiny from national and international human rights organizations.

Due Process and Accountability: Another critical issue is whether these encounters are transparent and accountable. In a democratic society governed by the rule of law, criminals are entitled to a fair trial. The police's role is to apprehend, not punish. "Operation Langda" blurs these lines, as the punishment—disabling the criminal—occurs without a court verdict.

Public Perception of Policing: On one hand, this approach has been welcomed by a section of the public who view it as a powerful deterrent against crime. On the other hand, it has sparked concerns that law enforcement is taking on the role of judge, jury, and executioner. This could erode public trust in the legal system, where the police, instead of upholding justice, are seen as delivering punishment themselves.

The Role of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

Yogi Adityanath has positioned himself as a hardliner when it comes to crime control. His administration has seen a significant rise in encounters, many of which have followed the "Operation Langda" pattern. The Chief Minister has made it clear that his government will not tolerate threats to public safety, particularly those posed by hardened criminals. His statement—“Those who create threats for daughters and businessmen are disappearing, and those who remain are preparing for their last journey”—reflects his administration’s no-nonsense approach to crime control.

This hardline stance is reflective of a broader trend in Indian politics where tough-on-crime policies are used to appeal to public sentiment. The optics of criminals being disabled or paraded in public serve to reinforce the government's image as a protector of law and order. However, this also risks deepening the divide between law enforcement and human rights.

The Future of "Operation Langda

While the immediate success of "Operation Langda" in terms of reducing crime is being touted by the state government, its long-term implications remain uncertain. The ethical and legal ramifications of this strategy will likely face challenges in court and in public debate. The Uttar Pradesh Police will need to navigate these challenges carefully to ensure that their actions remain within the bounds of legality while still maintaining public safety.

Furthermore, there is a possibility that this strategy could lead to a backlash, either from human rights groups or from criminals themselves, who may resort to more violent means to evade police actions. The police will need to continuously adapt and refine their approach to ensure that the strategy does not lead to unintended consequences, such as increased violence or public unrest.