Nagpur: The communal violence that erupted in Nagpur on March 17 shattered decades of harmony, leaving multiple police personnel injured, vehicles torched, and streets strewn with stones in densely populated areas of Old Nagpur. Fear gripped the residents, making them hesitant to step outside.
However, despite the unrest, Kamptee—a suburb often viewed as a sensitive area—remained unaffected. This was largely due to the strategic policing approach implemented under the leadership of Zone V Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Niketan Kadam.
Proactive Policing and Community Engagement
Old Kamptee police inspector Prashant Jumade credited the peace in Kamptee to DCP Kadam’s proactive approach.
“The peace was maintained because of the policing model introduced in Zone V. DCP Kadam emphasized corner meetings, where police officers engaged with locals in every neighborhood. These interactions provided residents with a platform to express their grievances, concerns, and appreciation, fostering trust between the police and the community,” Jumade said.
Before heading to the Mahal riot site, DCP Kadam had also issued special directives to ensure law and order in Kamptee, further reinforcing stability in the area.
Religious Leaders Played a Key Role in Spreading Peace
New Kamptee police inspector Mahesh Aandhale highlighted the crucial role played by religious leaders in preventing misinformation and communal discord.
“We collaborated with Muslim religious leaders to spread messages of peace. Special video messages were recorded and circulated on social media, while imams were advised to discourage provocative activities online,” Aandhale explained.
Despite these efforts, an isolated incident occurred on March 19, when a 30-year-old man posted objectionable content on social media. “We took immediate action, apprehended him, and booked him under the IT Act. This swift response sent a strong message against any attempts to disturb peace,” he added.
DCP Kadam’s Vision: Building Trust Through Engagement
DCP Niketan Kadam emphasized that maintaining public trust is a long-term process.
“Trust is built over time. You cannot expect to control public anger simply by deploying force. That’s why I introduced the corner meetings initiative in Zone V. These interactions allow police personnel to connect with residents, listen to their concerns, and address issues before they escalate. This proactive engagement builds trust, which proves invaluable during crises,” said, DCP Kadam .
The success of this strategy in Kamptee has underscored the importance of continuous community engagement, effective communication, and proactive policing in maintaining peace, even in potentially volatile situations.
