Latest news with #RahulMaknikar
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Time of India
City medical admission aspirants duped of lakhs
Nagpur: Case 1: From August 18 to October 10, 2024, a Sakkardara resident lost Rs 11 lakh to a Reshimbagh agency lured by a fake BAMS admission ad for his son. Case 2: Between January 4 and May 19, 2024, a woman was cheated of Rs 21.35 lakh by a Reshimbagh consultancy, enticed by a fraudulent MBBS programme ad for a USA university. The accused, operating in collusion, pocketed the money but failed to secure her admission, leaving her dreams shattered. A rising tide of fraudulent consultancy scams has left medical admission aspirants in the city reeling, with tricksters siphoning of lakhs of rupees under the guise of securing seats in prestigious medical courses. The city police have urged citizens to rely solely on official channels for admissions and to report any fraud immediately. DCP (crime) Rahul Maknikar emphasised the need for vigilance. "These tricksters, operating from private offices, are fake agents preying on vulnerable aspirants. Victims must approach the police immediately instead of waiting for promised benefits or returns from these fraudsters," Maknikar said. He urged citizens to follow official and legal admission procedures to avoid falling prey to such scams. The police have registered cases at Sakkardara, Beltarodi, and Lakadganj stations, highlighting a pattern of fraud involving fake consultancies. Nagpur city police appeal to citizens to verify the authenticity of any agency before parting with their money. "Do not waste your time, money, or your children's academic future," the police warned, urging victims to contact their local police station without fear to lodge complaints promptly.
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Time of India
Nagpur police's anti-narcotics drive also champions communal harmony
Nagpur: City police's 'Operation Thunder' — a week-long anti-narcotics campaign slated to culminate on June 26, the World Anti-Drug Day — is transcending law enforcement initiatives by weaving a message of communal harmony while fighting substance abuse. Uniting diverse communities in a shared fight for a drug-free future, city police now aim to make Nagpur free of addiction. With an innovative and inclusive slogan, 'Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Isai, Nashe Se Dur Raho Bhai', the campaign emphasises that the ill-effect of addiction spares no religion or caste. The rallying cry, 'Nasha Nako, Disha Havi' (no to drugs, yes to purpose), is resonating across Nagpur through vibrant rallies, street plays, and awareness events. CP Ravinder Singal's vision extends beyond law enforcement, emphasising prevention through education. "Our duty is to prevent crime at its roots, starting with young minds in schools and colleges," he said. This humane approach of running an anti-drug campaign positions the police as reformers, fostering a drug-free, harmonious city. You Can Also Check: Nagpur AQI | Weather in Nagpur | Bank Holidays in Nagpur | Public Holidays in Nagpur All 33 police stations, along with the crime branch, cyber cell, and traffic units, have joined hands to engage students, senior citizens, women's vigilance committees, doctors, and NGOs to spread awareness about ill effects of drug addiction, said a senior police official. The campaign's multifaceted approach includes school competitions like essay writing, poster-making, and reel contests to inspire youth to reject drugs and embrace ambition. Social media platforms are amplifying slogans like, 'Jo karega nasha, uski hogi durdasha' (Those who indulge in drugs face trouble). Police are aslo cracking down on drug dens, and smuggling networks, said DCP (crime) Rahul Maknikar. Singal is also hosting a national-level conference on anti-drug abuse on June 25, to be attended by diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, and community leaders. The platform aims to spark a dialogue on addiction and unity. 'Operation Thunder 2025' stands as a beacon of hope, urging citizens to join this people's movement to ensure the youth chase dreams, not drugs, in a united and harmonious society.
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Time of India
Nagpur cops go after origin, end users of drugs to bolster Operation Thunder
Nagpur: Deputy commissioner of police (crime) Rahul Maknikar announced that Nagpur police, following CP Ravinder Singal's vision of investigation, will rigorously pursue forward and backward linkages in narcotics cases to dismantle drug networks, marking a robust escalation in their anti-drug campaign, Operation Thunder. Launched by CP Singal during International Anti-Narcotics Week (June 20–26), this initiative aims to eradicate the drug menace through strategic enforcement, asset seizures, and community engagement, ensuring a drug-free Nagpur. "Our approach involves tracing the drug supply chain from its source to its distribution endpoints," Maknikar stated. "Backward linkages led us to Odisha's interiors, a primary source of ganja supplied to Nagpur, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Mumbai. Forward linkages help us track receivers of intercepted consignments." This strategy yielded significant results, including the recent arrest of notorious drug lord Bulbul Pradhan in Odisha by Kalamna police, highlighting their commitment to disrupting interstate drug rackets. Nagpur's geographic position as a nexus of north-south and east-west transit routes makes it a pivotal hub for narcotics trafficking. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 75% off installation for LeafFilter LeafFilter Gutter Protection Learn More Undo "We've seized ganja shipments destined for Delhi, Noida, and Punjab from Visakhapatnam and Odisha," Maknikar revealed. Beyond targeting major traffickers, the police are also addressing consumption. "Cases against addicts are less robust than those for peddling, but we're now applying anti-narcotics laws to deter usage," he added. Operation Thunder extends beyond enforcement, integrating community involvement to tackle the root causes of drug abuse. Maknikar pointed to societal pressures driving youth toward narcotics, such as peer influence, family neglect, and the glamorisation of hedonism in media. "The pub and bar culture, prevalent in Maharashtra's urban centres, is infiltrating rural areas and tribal settlements," he noted. "We're cracking down on hookah parlours, which often serve as entry points to drug use." The campaign underscores collective responsibility, calling on public servants, social reformers, and citizens to contribute. "Families, schools, and colleges must raise awareness formally and informally," Maknikar urged. Maknikar advised parents to monitor their children's time and finances while allowing reasonable freedom. "The autonomy of affluent youth and the independence of middle-class children can lead to addiction if unchecked," he warned. In alignment with Anti-Drug Day on June 26, Nagpur police are organising awareness drives alongside ongoing raids and property seizures targeting drug lords' assets. Maknikar emphasised that public participation is vital for sustained success. "Enforcement alone isn't enough; without community support, our efforts may falter," he said. "We need widespread awareness to safeguard our youth and society," said Maknikar. Commissioner Singal's vision for Operation Thunder combines legal action with societal reform, aiming to break the narcotics trade's backbone. As the campaign gains traction, Nagpur police remain steadfast in their mission, leveraging intelligence-driven operations and community collaboration to create a safer, drug-free city. Their relentless pursuit of traffickers, coupled with preventive measures, positions Nagpur as a model for combating drug abuse nationwide.
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Time of India
Drug mafia find new route to evade ‘Operation Thunder'
Nagpur: To counter 'Operation Thunder', the aggressive anti-narcotics campaign launched by Nagpur city police, the drug mafia has found a new route connecting Madhya Pradesh to Nagpur for smuggling large quantities of narcotics into the city. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Operating under the cover of darkness, drug traffickers are exploiting a less travelled, sparsely patrolled road to keep their illegal trade thriving, sources said. The 'new smuggling route', originating from Ujjain and Bhopal, passes through Saoner and winds through rural areas like Patansaongi, Bharatwada, Gorewada, and Ambazari before reaching the heart of the Nagpur city. The unmonitored stretch from Saoner to Nagpur is allowing the mafia to maintain their supply chain from states like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. This route, devoid of police vigilance, has become a lifeline for the narcotics trade, allowing consignments of Mephedrone (MD) powder, ganja, and cocaine to flood the city. According to sources, the drug mafia operates in the early hours when the chances of encountering law enforcement agencies are negligible. "The route from Saoner to Nagpur cuts through rural areas, while police focus their efforts on main roads and highways," a source disclosed. "Fleets of cars, including those operated by notorious mafia figures like Afsar Anda, transport huge quantities of ganja and MD through this route daily," he added. Nagpur police's 'Operation Thunder' has made significant strides in curbing the narcotics trade. However, the crackdown pushed traffickers to adapt. DCP (crime) Rahul Maknikar vowed to take swift action. "If this route is being exploited, we will target it. We are deploying watchers, gathering intelligence, and planning strategic hits to choke supply line," he said.
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Time of India
Nagpur Police Issue SOP to Address Rising Heinous Crimes by Juveniles, Allowing Treatment as Adults
Nagpur: In response to a surge in heinous crimes committed by minors, the Nagpur city police have introduced a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to streamline the process of treating juvenile offenders as adults in specific cases. Issued on April 22, 2025, by deputy commissioner of police (crime) Rahul Maknikar under the guidance of police commissioner Ravinder Singal, the SOP aligns with the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, aiming to balance juvenile rehabilitation with public safety. The SOP outlines a structured approach for handling juveniles aged 16 and above accused of heinous offences — crimes carrying a minimum punishment of seven years or more, such as murder, rape, or terrorism-related acts. According to the guidelines, within 10 days of a juvenile being presented before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), the investigating officer must coordinate with the JJB to determine whether the juvenile should be tried as an adult. This decision hinges on a preliminary assessment under Section 15 of the Act, evaluating the juvenile's mental and physical capacity, awareness of consequences, and the circumstances of the offense. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Encontre voos low-cost Voos | Anúncios de Pesquisa Saiba Mais Undo The SOP emphasizes thorough documentation, requiring officers to compile the juvenile's criminal history, evidence of premeditation, birth certificate, and supporting materials like CCTV footage or social media posts. Mental and physical assessments, conducted at govt medical hospitals, further inform whether the juvenile should face adult proceedings. If the JJB deems it appropriate, the case is transferred to a sessions court (special children's court) under Section 18(3), where the public prosecutor argues for adult trial proceedings, as outlined in section 19(1)(i). "The rising involvement of minors in heinous crimes demands a robust framework to ensure justice while adhering to legal provisions. This SOP ensures accountability without compromising the rehabilitative spirit of juvenile justice," said an official, adding that the goal is to expedite inquiries and maintain transparency, ensuring that serious offenders face appropriate consequences. The SOP also mandates monthly reporting, with police stations required to submit detailed tables to the commissioner's office by the first Monday of each month. This facilitates real-time monitoring of juvenile crime trends and compliance with the SOP. The guidelines reflect a proactive response to incidents like the March 2025 Nagpur violence, where seven minors were among 50 arrested, highlighting the growing challenge of juvenile delinquency. Legal experts have welcomed the SOP but caution against its misuse. "While the SOP strengthens the system, it must ensure that juveniles are not unfairly pushed into adult courts without comprehensive assessments, as rehabilitation remains the Act's core principle," said a legal expert. The Nagpur police's SOP marks a significant step in addressing the complex issue of juvenile crime, balancing stringent measures with the protective ethos of the Juvenile Justice Act. As the city grapples with evolving crime patterns, this framework aims to deter serious offenses while safeguarding the rights of young offenders.
