Latest news with #MPDA
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
‘One Day, One Gang' drive brings crime down by 28% in West Nagpur
Nagpur: The 'One Day, One Gang' drive launched by Zone 1 DCP Lohit Matani has resulted in a sharp decline in crime rate in West Nagpur. According to official stats, the crime rate dropped 28% in Zone 1, comprising Wadi, MIDC, Hingna, Pratap Nagar, Bajaj Nagar and Sonegaon police stations, from January to June 2025 as compared to the same period last year. In a crackdown against organised crime and gangs, police have externed 120 criminals and sent another five behind bars for a year under the stringent Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) Act. " We have disrupted the ecosystem of organised crime in West Nagpur. We encouraged registration of offences and, wherever possible, initiated coercive actions against habitual offenders," said Matani. The drive was launched under the guidance of CP Ravinder Singal. According to police sources, the largest-ever externment operation in Nagpur led to the banishment of 15 criminal gangs and several habitual offenders from the city and rural limits for two years. "We made it compulsory for the cops to target one gang each day and check on one of its gangsters daily," Matani said. The 'One Day, One Gang' initiative includes daily foot patrols, combing operations, and rigorous checks in crime-prone areas, increasing police presence and visibility across West Nagpur. According to official data, the total number of crimes in Zone 1 dropped from 480 (from January to June) in 2024 to 348 in the corresponding period of 2025. Crimes against people and property also saw a significant decline, with attempted murder cases falling from 8 to 3, robbery from 4 to none, chain snatching from 3 to none, and rape cases dropping from 30 to 18. Similarly, motorcycle thefts reduced from 134 to 92, while total thefts declined from 199 to 154. Matani's team also invoked Section 111 of the BNS against two criminals and charged 108 others under Section 163 of the BNS to ensure public safety during festivals and events. Beyond enforcement, the police team also targeted illegal activities such as gambling, illicit liquor sales, hookah parlours, and drug trafficking. Informants were deployed to monitor externed criminals, while searches of their residences and restrictions on movement helped dismantle criminal networks further. Complementing these efforts, Matani's 'Police Uncle, Police Sister' campaign worked to build community trust by educating students on safe touch, the risks of addiction, and civic responsibilities. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Goon kills man 10 days after jail release
Nagpur: Released from jail just 10 days ago, Sujal Mhaiskar, a notorious goon with nearly 10 criminal cases against him, killed a man on Monday night. Incidentally, the Jaripatka police were planning to invoke the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act (MPDA) against Mhaiskar before the goon committed the murder. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Mhaiskar and his accomplice killed Swapnil Gosavi, 32, a resident of Hudco Colony, at 10.45pm on Monday near a food kiosk on Nara Road, under the jurisdiction of Jaripatka Police Station. According to the police, the incident began when Gosavi was riding his motorcycle past the eatery. Gosavi also had two cases against him, including one for molestation and another for assault last year. Mhaiskar, along with his accomplices Ravi Banerjee, 27, Bhupesh Wanjari, and others, were drinking beside the road after the owner asked them to leave the eatery for creating a ruckus. Police said the owner has installed CCTVs outside the eatery. The confrontation was triggered after Gosavi drove his bike too close to Banerjee. An angered Banerjee stopped Gosavi and slapped him. Gosavi too attacked Banerjee. As Mhaiskar joined the brawl, Gosavi overpowered him as well as Banerjee and Wanjari. The three assailants then used stones to assault Gosavi. In a fit of rage, Mhaiskar and others struck Gosavi on the head and body with stones, causing fatal injuries. Gosavi was rushed to Mayo Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. The Jaripatka police have apprehended the assailants, including Mhaiskar, Banerjee, and Wanjari. Except for Banerjee, the rest of the assailants had previous case histories.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Notorious Gangster Detained Under MPDA in Nagpur
Nagpur: Commissioner of police Ravinder Singal issued a restraining order under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) Act, 1981, against Harsh alias Pinda Anandpawar, a 21-year-old notorious gangster from Maratha Chowk, Naik Talav. Known for a string of serious crimes, including murder, robbery with deadly weapons, criminal conspiracy, and extortion, Harsh has been terrorising the Pachpaoli and Sadar areas. Despite prior preventive actions under CrPC Sections 107 and 110 in 2022, his criminal activities escalated, disrupting public order. Following a proposal from the senior police inspector of Pachpaoli, and the Crime Branch's MPDA department, the commissioner ordered his detention. Harsh is currently lodged in Nagpur Central Jail, awaiting transfer to Dhule District Jail.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Time of India
Operation Thunder: A Mother's Tears And A Resolute City's Fight Against Drugs
When I took charge as Nagpur commissioner of police, I was not prepared for the heartbreak that walked into my office one afternoon. It was a mother — shaking, silent, and shattered. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now She eventually spoke, and her words have stayed with me ever since. "Sir," she said, "only you can help me. My son is just 16. He's addicted to drugs. He's become violent. He has raised his hand on me. He steals from home. He barely eats or sleeps. I don't know how to save him." It was the story of many families — a crisis spreading in our society, behind closed doors, consuming children, breaking families. That moment gave birth to Operation Thunder — a mission to not only stop supply of drugs but to confront the suffering. It was about awakening a city, protecting our youth. We began with city-wide strategy, and clear directives. Identify and dismantle the entire ecosystem: from manufacturers and transporters to suppliers, traffickers, and consumers who sustain it. Old case files were reopened. Surveillance and intelligence gathering intensified. Then, one night, in a single operation, over 800 habitual offenders were apprehended. The era of tolerance was over. The action was backed by legal steps, like cases under MCOCA, PIT NDPS, and MPDA, ensuring offenders faced real and lasting consequences. But Operation Thunder was never about numbers alone. It was about deep, systemic transformation. The NDPS Cell was restructured. Dedicated officers were trained further. We focused on backward and forward linkages — origin, distribution, and victims. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This led to the first successful use of the PIT NDPS Act in the city. Behind every seized packet, every report, and every arrest, there were heartbreaking stories. Drug peddlers preyed on vulnerable young boys and girls, luring with free samples. Once hooked, the exploitation began. Some young girls were pushed into prostitution. A few, unable to cope, took their own lives. These weren't just statistics — they were silent screams, in broken homes. Enforcement alone could not solve them. We knew we had to reach out — to educate, engage, and empower. Awareness became our strongest weapon. Through sustained outreach, over 87,000 students across Nagpur were sensitized about the dangers of drug abuse. In schools, colleges, and vulnerable areas, holding awareness sessions, discussions, and open dialogues. Over 17,000 students took the anti-drug pledge through the ministry of home affairs portal. We proposed the formation of Anti-Drug Clubs as peer-led spaces to encourage vigilance, early detection, and support. Nagpur is now witnessing a shift. Conversations have begun in homes and schools. Our officers are mentors, counsellors, and protectors. But our work is far from over. To every parent reading this, I urge you: be your child's safe space. Pay attention to moods, behaviour, silence. Your involvement can save them. To our teachers — you are the eyes and ears of our community. One concerned word, one phone call to the authorities can prevent a lifetime of regret. To the youth — you are stronger than temptation. You are not alone. You don't need drugs to escape — you need a purpose, a mission, and belief in your potential. As the world observes the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, let us not just participate in ceremonies. Let us act with conviction. Let us speak, intervene, and protect. Say NO to drugs. Say YES to courage. Say YES to a drug-free Nagpur. Together, let us thunder against this menace. Together, let us protect our future. (The writer is commissioner of police, Nagpur City)
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Time of India
Goon Spent Year in Jail, Builds Body in Barrack, Returns Posing Bigger Threat
1 2 3 Nagpur: Sunny Gaikwad, 23-year-old unobtrusive miscreant, defied his skinny and famished demeanour but with sharp criminal mind, was jailed under the stringent Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) Act two years ago. Nabbed by Nagpur police, the court had convicted him to undergo term at Nashik Central Jail. But things seemingly went haywire, and Gaikwad used the opportunity to focus on his body and gain strength. Back in Nagpur after his release a year ago took many, including the police, by surprise. Gaikwad was a different person altogether — not that he had reformed — but he returned with spitefulness with his chiseled bodybuilder's body, and his cold-viciousness only to go back to return where he had left his criminal past behind, albeit with more vengeance. With his new muscular avatar, he once again unleashed his reign of terror. Gaikwad returned augured a bigger threat to the police at Kaikade Nagar where he would brandish his muscular body and turn violent at the slightest provocation. He kept the cops on their toes with his criminal activities, which included assault, snatching cash at knifepoint, extorting traders, threatening those who crossed him, and other offences. Gaikwad would demand free goods from shopkeepers at knifepoint. Residents were left desperately seeking police intervention. He was slapped with MPDA once again and sent back to prison for the second time on Tuesday. He is currently lodged in Nagpur Central Jail. Gaikwad's physical transition happened gradually during his stint in Nashik Central Jail in 2023 where focused on diet and building muscles. "Gaikwad was uncontrollable. It seemed either he would murder someone or get murdered by rivals or even by the enraged public," senior inspector Mukund Kawade said. Gaikwad already had around 17 offences registered against him under various sections. "Earlier, though he had several offences, Gaikwad was meek before his first MPDA detention in 2023. Somehow, he built his body in prison and returned stronger and more desperate, posing a greater threat," said the senior PI. Kawade stated that a strategy was formulated under the supervision of Zonal DCP Rashmitha Rao to curb Gaikwad's activities. ACP Narendra Hiware assisted in the legal process. "We registered an offence of assault as soon as a complainant approached us. Gradually, we registered more cases, which unsettled his confidence. In the meantime, we prepared strong legal records and evidence to back yet another MPDA proposal," said Kawade. "Our proposal for a fresh MPDA action against him was finalized with the help of the modus operandi branch. CP Ravinder Singal approved the proposal, which paved the way for his swift arrest. He is currently lodged in Nagpur Central Jail but will be shifted to other prisons in the state," Kawade added. Nagpur: Sunny Gaikwad, 23-year-old unobtrusive miscreant, defied his skinny and famished demeanour but with sharp criminal mind, was jailed under the stringent Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) Act two years ago. Nabbed by Nagpur police, the court had convicted him to undergo term at Nashik Central Jail. But things seemingly went haywire, and Gaikwad used the opportunity to focus on his body and gain strength. Back in Nagpur after his release a year ago took many, including the police, by surprise. Gaikwad was a different person altogether — not that he had reformed — but he returned with spitefulness with his chiseled bodybuilder's body, and his cold-viciousness only to go back to return where he had left his criminal past behind, albeit with more vengeance. With his new muscular avatar, he once again unleashed his reign of terror. Gaikwad returned augured a bigger threat to the police at Kaikade Nagar where he would brandish his muscular body and turn violent at the slightest provocation. He kept the cops on their toes with his criminal activities, which included assault, snatching cash at knifepoint, extorting traders, threatening those who crossed him, and other offences. Gaikwad would demand free goods from shopkeepers at knifepoint. Residents were left desperately seeking police intervention. He was slapped with MPDA once again and sent back to prison for the second time on Tuesday. He is currently lodged in Nagpur Central Jail. Gaikwad's physical transition happened gradually during his stint in Nashik Central Jail in 2023 where focused on diet and building muscles. "Gaikwad was uncontrollable. It seemed either he would murder someone or get murdered by rivals or even by the enraged public," senior inspector Mukund Kawade said. Gaikwad already had around 17 offences registered against him under various sections. "Earlier, though he had several offences, Gaikwad was meek before his first MPDA detention in 2023. Somehow, he built his body in prison and returned stronger and more desperate, posing a greater threat," said the senior PI. Kawade stated that a strategy was formulated under the supervision of Zonal DCP Rashmitha Rao to curb Gaikwad's activities. ACP Narendra Hiware assisted in the legal process. "We registered an offence of assault as soon as a complainant approached us. Gradually, we registered more cases, which unsettled his confidence. In the meantime, we prepared strong legal records and evidence to back yet another MPDA proposal," said Kawade. "Our proposal for a fresh MPDA action against him was finalized with the help of the modus operandi branch. CP Ravinder Singal approved the proposal, which paved the way for his swift arrest. He is currently lodged in Nagpur Central Jail but will be shifted to other prisons in the state," Kawade added.
