Dehradun, April 2 -- Uttarakhand police have launched "Operation Prahar" to bolster law and order in the state capital, in response to a spate of criminal incidents, including the fatal shooting of retired brigadier MK Joshi, officers said on Wednesday. The decision came during a high-level meeting chaired by director general of police Deepam Seth at police headquarters on Tuesday evening. Senior officers present included inspector general Garhwal Rajiv Swarup, inspector general special task force Nilesh Anand Bharne, senior superintendent of police Dehradun Pramendra Dobhal, and senior superintendent of police special task force Ajai Singh. Seth issued directives to intensify policing and boost accountability. Inspector general Garhwal will monitor Dehradun's law and order daily, while the senior superintendent of police Dehradun must assign clear duties to subordinates and enforce effective policing in their areas. Circle officers and station house officers must stay active in the field, heighten visibility at hotspots, and intensify checks at barriers. Police presence will strengthen during early morning. A verification drive targets PG accommodations, tenants, and homestays for thorough checks and regular monitoring. Seth also ordered crackdowns on bars and pubs flouting closing hours. The 74-year-old Joshi, from the Corps of Military Intelligence, was on his routine morning walk near Johri village on Monday when caught in gunfire between occupants of two SUVs chasing each other after a late-night brawl at a Mussoorie Road club. Police arrested four people from both groups that day. "Following directions from the DGP, we have launched Operation Prahar to curb crime in the city. During the drive, strict action will be taken against hooliganism, criminal elements, and any unlawful activities. We will also take action against bars and pubs that operate permissible limits," Dobhal said, adding that intensified checking and enforcement measures will be carried out across the district to ensure public safety. Dobhal met owners and operators of pubs, bars, and restaurants, issuing directives and warnings of strict action for violations. No establishment may operate beyond prescribed timings, with cases registered and licences recommended for cancellation on breach. He mandated 100% police verification of staff, with full details submitted, and warned of action if employees with criminal backgrounds are found. On Tuesday night, teams raided hideouts linked to drug abuse and illicit liquor in areas such as the railway station, Madrasi Colony, and Tyagi Road. In Madrasi Colony, police arrested one man and seized 57 quarters of illicit country liquor plus Rs.2 lakh in cash. He could not explain the money satisfactorily, so it was confiscated. Police registered a case under the Excise Act at the city station. The accused had prior jail time for illicit liquor smuggling, with four cases against him and eight against his wife; both faced Goonda Act action previously....