Nagpur: In a massive crackdown on criminal elements, Nagpur City Police, under the direction of Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Kumar Singal, launched a 48-hour special combing operation from April 22 midnight to April 24 at 5 am, targeting repeat offenders, wanted criminals, and suspects involved in serious crimes.
The operation covered all 33 police stations across the city and was executed by detection branch (DB) teams, under the supervision of Deputy Commissioners of Police from Zones 1 to 5. As many as 305 accused persons were checked, including 103 externed criminals, 18 booked under MCOCA, 18 history-sheeters, 25 accused in serious bodily offences, and others involved in liquor offences, MPDA cases, and illegal possession of firearms.
Teams conducted surprise visits at the residences of targeted individuals. If suspects were found, immediate legal action was taken. If they were missing, police gathered intel from neighbors regarding their whereabouts. In several cases, suspects were found working in petty trades like street food vending, painting, or had moved out of the city for jobs or education. Some were undergoing medical treatment.
During the operation, the Wadi Police detected and apprehended Rishabh Vasudev Gawai (27) and Shyam Subhash Atram (23) from Nirmal Nagar Lava for serious offences. A released MCOCA accused, Mehfizul Kabir, was also checked in the Tehsil Police jurisdiction. He was found running a paan kiosk and reporting regularly to the police station.
Further, a liquor-related raid was conducted under Tehsil Police limits. Police also verified if the accused had updated SIMBA ID records. Preventive actions were taken against those found during checks, and their Dozer forms were updated.
In another case, Paradi Police identified Sabir alias Bunty Sheikh Rafiq Sheikh, wanted in a serious crime registered at Kalamna, and took appropriate action. Offenders were traced to areas including Chandrapur and Wardha. At Mankapur Police Station, Sheikh Salam alias Pappa Sheikh Karim, a suspect working in cooler repair, was also checked.
A gambling raid was conducted at Pratapnagar Police Station during the operation. Notably, DCP Mehek Swami herself participated in the drive and conducted checks on Mohammad Shakeel, booked under MPDA, and Abhay, recently released from prison after serving time for a Section 302 offence.
In yet another highlight, a history-sheeter from Beltarodi, Ram Swaroop Patel, was located via WhatsApp video call while working as a painter in Chandur Railway, Amravati.
The initiative was not just about numbers—it aimed at firm, ground-level enforcement. Officers were instructed to avoid merely filing reports, and instead physically visit suspects, verify records, and report outcomes with photographic evidence. The police commissioner’s strict instructions ensured no laxity in dealing with criminal elements.
The special drive reflects the Nagpur Police’s commitment to maintaining law and order through sustained and systematic crackdowns.
