Nagpur: With Ganeshotsav celebrations underway, the Nagpur Crime Branch intensified its vigil against antisocial elements and launched a series of raids and checks across the city and highway stretches. As many as 10 Crime Branch teams were deployed at different locations to prevent illegal activities and maintain law and order during the festival.

During the drive, the teams carried out multiple actions under various laws, including the Arms Act, Maharashtra Prohibition Act, NDPS Act, Gambling Act and Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).

One case was registered under Section 3/25 of the Arms Act, while four actions were taken under Section 65 of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act.

The Crime Branch also conducted four actions under Sections 68 and 83 of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act against establishments allegedly serving liquor illegally, particularly at dhabas. Officials also registered one case under Section 27 of the NDPS Act.

In another action, the teams targeted satta and gambling activities, registering one case under the Gambling Act.

Four separate actions were also taken under COTPA against violations related to tobacco products.

As part of the preventive exercise, Crime Branch teams checked a total of 15 hotels and dhabas located along highways. The checks were aimed at identifying illegal activities and keeping a close watch on establishments that could become hotspots for antisocial activities during the festival.

Police officials said the intensified checking and raids were part of the security measures being undertaken during Ganeshotsav to prevent criminal activities and ensure peaceful celebrations across Nagpur.