Nagpur: The Second Capital of the State witnessed a surge in crime during the week-long Winter Session of the Maharashtra Legislature, held from December 16 to December 21. While police were occupied ensuring security for VIPs, including MLAs and cabinet ministers, criminals exploited the situation, leading to losses worth approximately Rs 50 lakh from burglaries and dacoities. The city also reported five fatal road accidents and a double murder, casting a shadow over the high-profile event.
Daring Heists Amid Heightened Security
In a brazen act, a gang of dacoits targeted the residence of a transport company’s general manager in Kapilnagar between Tuesday and Wednesday night. Armed with weapons, the gang looted over Rs 11 lakh in cash and valuables before abducting the homeowner. He was later released on a deserted road.
A separate incident in Nandanvan saw a studio owner robbed at gunpoint, causing an uproar in the Legislative Council. Congress MLC Adv. Abhijit Wanjari raised the issue, alleging negligence by Nandanvan police inspector Vinayak Koli, who is now under scrutiny.
On Wednesday night, thieves broke into the residence of a cable businessman in Itwari’s Juna Motor Stand area, stealing jewellery worth lakhs and Rs 9 lakh in cash. The incident, discovered on Thursday morning, left residents in the bustling locality alarmed.
The session’s first day also witnessed Rs 9.5 lakh stolen from the storage compartment of a betel nut businessman’s scooter in Ganeshpeth. The spike in robberies, roadside thefts, and housebreakings across areas like Kalamna, Gittikhadan, and Wathoda has raised concerns about the police’s ability to control crime during high-security periods.
In Pardi, a criminal attempted to rob a family at knifepoint in broad daylight. However, vigilant locals apprehended him and handed him over to the police, showcasing the growing brazenness of criminals in Nagpur.
Double Murder Shocks Ajni Locality
On December 20, a father and son were brutally murdered in Ramtekenagar Toli under Ajni police station limits. The attack, involving repeated knife stabbings, stemmed from an old dispute that escalated into violence. The double murder highlighted lapses in local police vigilance despite heightened security.
Traffic Woes and Fatal Road Accidents
Traffic diversions and security arrangements caused severe congestion in several parts of the city during the session. Compounding the chaos, five fatal road accidents were reported in MIDC, Pardi, Mankapur, and Wadi police station areas, underscoring the risks faced by commuters amidst the disruptions.
The surge in crime and public safety concerns during the high-profile Winter Session has left Nagpur residents questioning the efficiency of law enforcement and the city’s readiness to handle such significant events.
