Nagpur: During the period of over two-and-a-half months when the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) was enforced for the Lok Sabha elections, Nagpur police were actively engaged in ensuring law and order. From March 16 onwards, the police undertook significant operations to curb illegal activities as per the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Seizure of weapons and arrests:
The police seized a total of 140 weapons, including 10 pistols and 17 cartridges. In connection with these seizures, 169 individuals were arrested for possessing illegal arms. These measures were critical in preventing potential election-related violence and maintaining public safety.
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Saturday18 Jan. 2025
Narcotics seizures:
During the same period, narcotics worth around Rs 1 crore were confiscated. The police arrested 62 narcotics peddlers, addressing a major concern in the crime-prone areas of the city. The crackdown on the narcotics supply chain was essential to mitigate multiple challenges posed by drug-related crimes.
The police also focused on illegal liquor activities, arresting 509 bootleggers in 476 cases related to the sale, transportation, and possession of illicit liquor. The Crime Branch, under DCP Nimit Goyal, played a pivotal role alongside the static surveillance teams of police and revenue in these operations. This effort was crucial in maintaining order during the polling phase.
Organized crime:
In efforts to dismantle organized crime, the police successfully imprisoned 22 criminals under the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA) in four cases. Additionally, 13 individuals were booked under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) Act, reflecting the department’s commitment to tackling serious criminal activities.
Nagpur police ensured that the polling phase remained peaceful, despite a lower voter turnout that disappointed the administration. The preventive measures implemented during this period are expected to provide the police with an advantage over criminal elements during the counting phase of the election.
Nagpur Commissioner of Police Ravinder Singal chaired a 10-hour-long meeting last week to strategize for the upcoming counting day. He emphasized the department’s plans to maintain peace and reiterated his stance on clamping down on illegal activities and incarcerating goons to prevent any disruptions.
The proactive and rigorous actions by Nagpur police during the MCC period underscore their dedication to maintaining law and order, ensuring a peaceful electoral process, and preparing for any future political tensions.
