Latest news with #OperationThunder
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Time of India
Cops Crack Down on Late-Night Bars Under 'Operation Thunder'
1 2 Nagpur: Bars and cafés found flouting closure timing norms have come under the scanner of city cops, with multiple places raided on early Sunday. Acting under 'Operation Thunder', teams from the Crime Branch, Anti-Narcotics Squad, and local police stations carried out surprise inspections across the city, targeting establishments suspected of staying open beyond the allowed hours. The crackdown, led under the directives of commissioner of police Ravinder Singal, revealed multiple violations. A cafe in Dharampeth's Mangalam Complex under Ambazari police station, a famous bar-cum-restaurant at Coffee House Chowk, and a lounge in the same spot under Sitabuldi police were found operating as late as 4 am, serving food and liquor well past the permissible 1:30 am deadline. The excise department has taken action against the Ambazari cafe, whereas the other two have been booked under the Maharashtra Police Act for violations. A senior officer told TOI that while no arrests were made, the raids also aimed to identify spots potentially engaged in the sale of fake or substandard liquor, a rising concern in late-night venues. Though no fake liquor was found, officials confirmed that such checks will continue regularly. Commissioner Singal has made it clear that violations threatening public order will not be tolerated. He warned all hospitality operators to strictly adhere to timing regulations and added that surprise inspections will be conducted year-round as part of Operation Thunder.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Time of India
107kg Ganja Hidden Under Veggie Crates Seized
Nagpur: In a major drug bust, unit 5 of the crime branch uncovered a large consignment of ganja intended for distribution in the city. Acting under Operation Thunder, the sleuths seized 106.85 kg of the narcotic drug, which had been concealed beneath crates of vegetables. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The interception occurred late Wednesday evening along the Bhandara-Hyderabad highway near Umiya Colony, exposing a trafficking network attempting to smuggle the contraband into the city. According to inspector Sandip Bua, the contraband, sourced from Odisha, was being ferried in a tempo. The said vehicle was intercepted by the team following a tip-off received by constable Rajendra Taklikar. On checking, the ganja — worth ₹26.71 lakh — was found stashed under 203 vegetable crates. Visuals shared by the police revealed that the smugglers had fabricated a makeshift elevated platform inside the vehicle's carriage. Vegetable crates were arranged atop the platform, while the ganja was hidden in boxes underneath. The compartment was securely fastened with two screws, suggesting a deliberate and organized effort to conceal the narcotics. The tempo, valued around ₹14 lakh, along with mobile phones and concealment tools, brings the total value of the seizure to ₹41.58 lakh. Two individuals — Taj Habib Sheikh Mohammed (27), a resident of Waki, Saoner, and Shailendra Ramlakhan Gupta (28) of Yadav Nagar, Nagpur — have been arrested in connection with the case. The vehicle had originated from Odisha, where the ganja was loaded, and was headed toward local distributors in Nagpur. "During interrogation, it was revealed that the consignment was ordered by one Mohsin alias Firoz Isam, a resident of Yashodhara Nagar in Nagpur," said Bua. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "The crime branch traced several calls made by Isam to the accused, even after their arrest, confirming his role as the handler," he said. Two more individuals, identified only as Chhotu and Wangu, have been named as wanted suspects in the case. All five have been booked under sections 8(a), 20(b)(ii)(C), and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The operation was carried out under the supervision of police commissioner Ravindra Kumar Singal, joint CP Navinchandra Reddy, additional CP (crime) Vasant Pardeshi, and DCP Rahul Maknikar. A manhunt is underway for the absconding trio, and further investigation is in progress to dismantle the entire supply chain.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Time of India
North Nagpur turning narco hub, cases surge 181% in 1st half of 2025
1 2 Nagpur: City police launched a focused offensive in north Nagpur against drug trafficking, recording a staggering 181% surge in narcotics cases in the first half of 2025. From January to June, police stations in Koradi, Jaripatka, Kapilnagar, Yashodhara Nagar, Pardi, Kalamna, Juni Kamthi, and Navi Kamthi registered 118 cases under narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (NDPS) Act. The number of cases increased from 42 in 2024 to 118 till June this year —an unprecedented rise of 76 cases. This spike reflects Nagpur city police's aggressive drive, guided by commissioner Ravinder Singal and joint commissioner Navinchandra Reddy, to dismantle drug networks through 'Operation Thunder'. North Nagpur has emerged as a significant narcotics hub, with substances like opium (afeem) and MD (mephedrone) infiltrating elite circles, while ganja dominates lower socio-economic groups. This has contributed to a rise in crime, including a notable increase in murders compared to other city zones. Reports indicate a section of transporters is doubling as narco-smugglers, trafficking 'afeem' to northern states like Punjab, amplifying the region's drug crisis. Zonal DCP Niketan Kadam stated that the police station teams under him targeted a sizeable chunk of such cases in which the culprits were found with large possession of narcotics. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 息を呑むようなファンタジーの世界に足を踏み入れ、かつてないほどゲームを制覇しましょう レイドシャドウレジェンド 今すぐインストール Undo "We have maximum arrests in forward and backward linkages. At least two were arrested in forward and backward linkages," said Kadam. The police's multi-pronged strategy combines stringent enforcement with community engagement. Stretching policing beyond narcotics, the cops in north Nagpur ensured other criminal activities were also reined in. Beyond narcotics, the north Nagpur police stations under DCP Kadam also reduced overall crime. The cases of thefts dropped to 251 (down 45), with 136 of 196 vehicle theft cases solved. The cases of kidnappings fell to 84 (down 12), and rape cases declined to 36 (down 12), all resolved. The robberies plummeted to four, and chain snatching was eliminated due to robust patrolling. However, the murders rose to 16, largely linked to domestic disputes. Implementation of city police's 'Garud Drishti' initiative curbed 305 objectionable social media videos, and bond violation actions in 117 cases yielded Rs4.5 lakh in fines. DCP Kadam emphasized, "The rise in NDPS cases reflects our resolve to crush drug syndicates." Assistant commissioners Vishal Sagar and Satyaveer Bandiwar have been pivotal, setting a benchmark for policing that balances enforcement with community engagement.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Time of India
Odisha's Ganja Syndicate Now Sets Sight on Akola
Nagpur: The tentacles of Odisha's marijuana mafia seem to have penetrated deep into Akola, crossing almost 1,000km inside Vidarbha. After Nagpur Police's fight against narcotics syndicates through 'Operation Thunder', Akola cops have started thwarting the advances of the marijuana mafia from the eastern coast. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Between May 25 and June 28, Akola police have seized marijuana (ganja) worth around Rs13 lakh, undertaking their flagship dedicated programme under 'Mission Prahaar'. This marijuana originated from Odisha, said a source in Akola police. Akola SP Archit Chandak said there was a focused drive against drug peddlers who mostly deal with the narcotics suppliers from Odisha. "Though MD's prevalence is much lower, there is a considerable challenge now to make the district drug-free," said Chandak, whose team also cracked down on illegal arms. "We are focusing on the backward and forward linkages to break the narcotics syndicate and especially break the supply chains from Odisha," said the SP. "Apart from our drives to break supply line and their local nexuses, we have also undertaken a dedicated awareness campaign to create a drug-resistance psychology," said Chandak, adding 143 gambling dens were busted while 121 liquor raids were also conducted. Chandak said Akola police got signatures from 15,000 persons in just a couple of weeks who pledged against narcotics and substance abuse. "We are engaging student community through a drawing competition and 50 of the best anti-narcotics and anti-drug paintings by children will be displayed at the SP office," he said. Apart from narcotics, Akola police, in 35 days, have registered 30 cases against bovine smugglers and illegal slaughterhouses, rescuing animals and seizing materials worth Rs2.65 crore.
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Time of India
Anti-Addiction Awareness Meet Held In Besa Under Operation Thunder
1 2 3 Nagpur: Marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse (June 26), the Nagpur city police commissionerate organised an anti-addiction awareness programme under the ongoing 'Operation Thunder' initiative. The event was spearheaded by Mukesh Kale, member of the peace committee, with the objective of sensitising citizens — especially the youth — about the alarming rise in substance abuse. Key dignitaries present were retired DGP Bhushankumar Upadhyay, ACP Narendra Hivare, PI Mukund Kawade, Bharat Nandanwar (administrator, Besa-Pipla Nagar Panchayat), and senior psychiatrist Dr Mosam Phirke. The speakers delivered powerful messages highlighting the grave dangers of drug and alcohol addiction on individual health, families, and society at large. Citizens were urged to stay vigilant and report any illegal activities related to the sale and distribution of narcotics and alcohol. The event concluded with a collective anti-addiction pledge followed by the national anthem. The awareness meet, held at Shubharambh Hall, Besa Road, witnessed the participation of around 650-700 people, including police officials and the police band, reflecting strong community involvement in the fight against addiction.
