Nagpur: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Nagpur City Police has intensified its crackdown on human trafficking and sexual exploitation through the launch of ‘Operation Shakti’. Spearheaded by Commissioner of Police Dr. Ravinder Kumar Singal, the campaign aims to dismantle trafficking networks, rescue victims, and bring perpetrators to justice.
The initiative stems from the formation of the District Action Group (DAG) in October 2024 — the country’s first district-level multi-agency task force against trafficking. DAG includes representatives from the police department, DLSA, WCD, RPF, GRP, NMC, CWC, MTDC, civil society, and NGOs. Their coordinated efforts have led to 24 trafficking cases being registered, 42 women (including 8 minors) rescued, and 44 traffickers arrested in recent months.
Key actions under Operation Shakti include installation of 22 facial recognition cameras in high-risk zones, setting up 33 women help desks at police stations, enhanced vigilance at railway and bus stations, and launching rapid response units under Damini squads. The ‘Police Didi’ initiative has also been strengthened to support victims and raise awareness.
In the DAG’s third official meeting, two SOPs were launched: one for digital crime scene management, and another for regulating private/commercial properties involved in illegal sex trade. Help Desks at Cotton Market and Ganeshpeth bus stands were inaugurated by Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, functioning 24x7 in coordination with RPF, GRP, and Nagpur Police. Public awareness boards will also be installed in hotels, spas, and lodges.
Dr. Singal emphasized that Operation Shakti is not a one-off campaign but a sustained and intelligence-driven effort modeled after successful drives like ‘Operation Thunder’ (anti-drugs) and ‘Operation U-Turn’ (against drunk driving). “Traffickers will be traced even in the digital world. Our goal is a safe, dignified life for every woman and child,” he said.
The meeting saw emotional presentations from officials detailing personal experiences with trafficking victims. It was revealed that over 330 hotspots have been identified across Nagpur, and cases of minor girls being trafficked post-COVID from red-light areas to private flats and spas have sharply increased — especially in city outskirts and slum clusters.
Special guest Vinita Ved Singal, Principal Secretary, Food & Civil Supplies (Mumbai), stressed on the “4 Ps” approach: Prevention, Partnership, Protection, and Prosecution. She highlighted the importance of official identity for rescued children, student ID tracking, and transparency in adoption (SARA, CARA).
Anti-trafficking expert and ex-DGP Dr. P.M. Nair (Kerala), Central Railway’s Divisional Security Commissioner Sreekumar Kurup, DLSA Secretary Praveen Umale, NMC Additional Commissioner Vaishnavi B., DCPs Mahak Swami, Lohit Matani, Niketan Kadam, and Rashmita Rao, along with several senior officers including Dr. Shivaji Rathod, Rajendra Dabhade, Rishikesh Reddy, Rahul Madne, Rahul Maganikar, Ashwini Patil, Nityanand Jha, and others were present. The session was hosted by Dr. Nandini Thakkar and concluded with a vote of thanks by DCP Mahak Swami.
The operation also brought focus to issues like child begging, child labour, POCSO cases, and rehabilitation of homeless and trafficked children under ‘Mission Mukt’ and ‘Operation Shodh’.
Operation Shakti marks a historic step by Nagpur Police in transforming the city’s response to trafficking and exploitation, through tech-enabled vigilance, legal reform, and compassionate outreach.
